Hard to believe 2019 has come and gone! With 2020 fast underway, the When We Dip crew are very excited to bring to you the latest edition of The Annual. As with tradition, we look back on the previous 12 months and forward to the future with friends from both the artist and industry communities.

PART 1 – ARTISTS’ CORNER

ARTBAT

1) Track of the year?
Monolink – Return To Oz (ARTBAT Remix) 😉 Listen Here

2) The one memory from 2019 that you won’t forget?
Our Cercle live performance in March at the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro   

3) Standout performer behind the decks or live?
Maceo Plex

4) One artist you’ll be watching in 2020?
Woo York

NICK CURLY

Track of the year?  
Harry Romero – ‘Mood Vision’. Harry sent me this track in early 2019, as the first track of his EP on Cécille when I was planning the comeback. I remember the first time I played it at a club, it took me straight back to the old Ibiza Space Terrace. That’s special for me, and I love this tune. Very happy and proud to have this on the label in October. Listen here

The one memory from 2019 that you won’t forget?
More of a highlight than a memory, but it was the relaunch of Cécille for me. My label partner Marc and I were really excited and nervous about the launch and the reaction we would have from fans. However, we felt the first two releases were really strong, and the feedback we got was amazing. It has made this all a highlight of the year for us both. Cécille was such a big part of what we did, so its great to have it back. Next release comes in early 2020!

Standout performer behind the decks or live?
Matthew Johnson. I have only seen him perform live once but his videos and projects are always forward thinking in terms of sound and music. He is a real genius I think.

One artist you’ll be watching in 2020?
Chris Stussy is one I’ll definitely be watching more next year. He did great tunes this year and I’m looking forward to hearing more of him.

DARIUS SYROSSIAN

Track of the year?
Ray Mono – ‘Initiated’. To be honest there have been numerous great tracks from many genre’s, East End Dubs ‘B Rave’ is an obvious one, Seb Zito’s remix of ANOTR ‘Keep Breathing’ is another one, even some more obscure ones for me personally could easily win this for me, Point G ‘Nebula’ the Leo Pol remix is a sublime Deep House cut that sounds like it was made during the early acid house years, a slush piece of electronic music. But for me this track ‘Initiated’ takes the title, a peak time deep dance floor bomb, all the obvious tracks seem to become huge because they have some gimmick factor, and you can still play it in ten years, it’s just a solid deep minimal track that is perfect for the dance floor at peak time in your set. Listen Here

The one memory from 2019 that you won’t forget?
Going b2b with Stacey Pullen! This happened kind of last minute in Ibiza on the Amnesia Terrace, and it was great! Stacey is such a legend and a true gent. It flowed so well, the atmosphere was amazing and we just vibed. Another highlight for me was seeing Detroit master Derrick May spinning the vinyl of my Moxy Muzik release ‘Dance Of The Shaman’ on his Boiler Room set. Sets wise, there is no bigger endorsement that seeing one of the original pioneers of the scene spinning your record.

Standout performer behind the decks or live?
I’m gonna give this one to Rich NXT, a perfect example of a DJ knowing how to read a crowd, seen him a few times and he is always super enthusiastic plays with a smile on his face but always knows when to change gear and switch it up. I played with him in Ibiza but also at a b2b at Mint Warehouse and he has the skills. It also proves that in this current period when (in my opinion) too many DJs are making a career because of a personality and image over the music they make, you can still make a difference when you work hard.

One artist you’ll be watching in 2020?
Both Chris Stussy and PRUNK have been doing amazing things with their label PIV, and its utterly refreshing, I honestly think the term ‘Tech House’ has been hijacked by the EDM scene and Tech House doesn’t seem to mean tech house anymore, it’s become music made for Instagram videos with no soul. Who wants that? These guys are the opposite, they have bought back proper house music with depth, soul and tons of groove. It’s such a breath of fresh air, and great to see.

ANOTR

1) Track of the year?
Baba Ali – Cog In The Wheel. Listen Here

2) The one memory from 2019 that you won’t forget?
No Art at the Loft Amsterdam – 1st of December – with an 8 hours b2b with Toman  

3) Standout performer behind the decks or live?
Kink

4) One artist you’ll be watching in 2020?
Litmus 

ATISH

1) Track of the year?
Marino Canal – White Atlas or Love Over Entropy – As If. Listen Here

2) The one memory from 2019 that you won’t forget?
Sunrise at Elements festival, closing the Air Stage. What a special moment.

3) Standout performer behind the decks or live?
I’m paralyzed by too many great options here, I’m sorry but too tough to choose!

4) One artist you’ll be watching in 2020?
Up-and-coming producer from India, Vridian

KORA

1) Track of the year?
Birds Of Mind – E‘na Pasione. Listen Here

2) The one memory from 2019 that you won’t forget?
Performing my very first hybrid set with live instruments alongside Adrien (Wuachuma) for the closing of the nomad structure PY1, at home in Montreal. Our families & loved ones were all there, it was a turning point in our creative journey & friendship.

3) Standout performer behind the decks or live?
Doubletouch from Sydney, Australia. Awesome duo consisting of an incredible pianist & a top drummer/percussionist. Best live instrumentation I’ve seen in a long time in the electronic music scene.

4) One artist you’ll be watching in 2020?
Evren Furtuna, super music composer from Turkey. I feel lucky that he will release on Saisons again in 2020. 

KHEN

1) Track of the year?
Roy Rosenfeld – The Biggest Heart. Listen here

2) The one memory from 2019 that you won’t forget?
The moment I finished my debut set in Warung. It was a very special one.

3) Standout performer behind the decks or live?
Satori. Very hypnotic, oriental and with very smooth build ups.

4) One artist you’ll be watching in 2020?
There are a few I really like. Keep your eyes on Kasper Koman. He always delivers a groovy and melodic sound.

GROOVE ARMADA

1) Track of the year?
On the house tip it has to be ‘We need Love’ by Seb Zito. Listen Here

2) The one memory from 2019 that you won’t forget?
Playing with the band in Manchester at the WHP Store Street. Felt really great to be back on stage, and to be playing in front of such a beautiful crowd.

3) Standout performer behind the decks or live?
Floating Points is always great as a DJ, and Live. 

4) One artist you’ll be watching in 2020?
James Alexander Bright

SQUIRE

1) Track of the year?
Eagles & Butterflies Ft. Coloray – Can’t Stop. Listen Here

2) The one memory from 2019 that you won’t forget?
Well, it is always amazing to play at a daylight festival, especially by the sea, and of course to play on Amnesia’s terrace is something unique; the vibe and the energy from the crowd is very special. It was the first ever club I went to and it was quite emotional to play there for the first time. 

3) Standout performer behind the decks or live?
David August

4) One artist you’ll be watching in 2020?
Dead Tones is a great producer, I’m actually finalizing an EP with him and I’m really enjoying making music with him, I feel very connected on how he sees and understands music and thats why I’m really looking forward to see what’s coming next from him, definetly a man to follow!! 😉

JIMI JULES

1) Track of the year?
Man Tear – Kill Me. Listen Here

2) The one memory from 2019 that you won’t forget?
Innervisions 24h event at Fold in London.

3) Standout performer behind the decks or live?
Jaimie Branch (a jazz trumpeter). He’s an outstanding musician with an outstanding messages in his music and an outstanding band!

4) One artist you’ll be watching in 2020?
Schacke99

GIGEE

1) Track of the year?
I guess this could be just my opinion – but definitely most played by me – Eating Concrete – Reiner Zonneveld 🙂 Listen Here

2) The one memory from 2019 that you won’t forget?
Many of them but it will be definitely the people, amazing crowd in many many places, jumping around and rocking the dance floor. Katerblau (Berlin) and Korsair (Singapore) just stole my heart.

3) Standout performer behind the decks or live?
So maaaany! But…Charlotte de Witte, such a legend, so young (my age exactly), so talented, I’m amazed every time.

4) One artist you’ll be watching in 2020?
Stereo Express & Lunar Plane has been doing some fantastic stuff lately. I’m looking forward for the new tracks from them both.

MOLØ

1) Track of the year?
Jeremy Olander – Docks. Listen Here

2) The one memory from 2019 that you won’t forget?
There has been a lot of ‘firsts’ this year for me, and therefore a lot of memories. One that stands out must be my first time playing at ADE. The energy and crowd was incredible.

3) Standout performer behind the decks or live?
La Fleur. I love her selection and transitions. 

4) One artist you’ll be watching in 2020?
Colyn has been doing some really good stuff lately. Looking forward to his music in 2020.

PART 2 – INDUSTRY INSIDERS

YANIV TAL – Alienews Label Group (Lost & Found / Plattenbank / Guy Mantzur)

1) Trend of the year?
I heard Tribal, Oriental , Retro and Acid lines elements everywhere in 2019

2) Your Breakout artist next year?
Volen Sentir

3) One change you hope to see in 2020?
More original, individual tracks with moving dusted groove and some melodies hints (a Little bit of funk..Please)

4) To make it in music in 2020, you must…
Be determine, original, innovative, humble, heart broken with big daring balls.

ALEX DREWNIAK – Founder at BC DGTL ​(Jeremy Olander, Khen, Marino Canal, MØLO) and Co-founder at Vivrant

1) Trend of the year?
The increased discussion about mental health. Hopefully it will keep up in 2020 and beyond. 

2) Your breakout artist next year?
Have to name three. Colyn, VNTM and MOLØ. 

3) One change you hope to see in 2020? 
More professionalism and responsibility from managers and agents to ensure a healthy eco-system within the scene. We can’t have clubs and venues close down at the same rate as we have these last 12 months. 

4) To make it in music in 2020, you must…
This is the same every year. Be humble, be original, work smart and hard, and don’t take anything for granted. Prove why people should invest their time and effort in you. 

CLARE DICKINS – Founder at ClaredickinsPR

1) Trend of the year?
Tech house artists pivoting towards techno.

2) Your Breakout artist next year?
Sally C. – Joyous and inspiring Belfast-born artist with a deep love of hip house who lays it down right across the house and techno spectrum. Watch out for her maiden productions in 2020. Check her wicked Boiler Room from AVA Festival if you’re unfamiliar here.

3) One change you hope to see in 2020?
Free water in Ibiza.

4) To make it in music in 2020, you must… 
(aside from talent) have a USP, be prepared to work you damn arse off, be connected, own your story, look after your body and mind and be mentally resilient  …and like it or not, be prepared to werk it on social media.

LUCAS JACQUES – Booker at Piknic Electronik Montreal & Igloofest

1) Trend of the year?
Hard dance music (techno, hardcore, trance etc.)

2) Your Breakout artist next year?
Rooting for a bunch!! If I have to say one specifically, Krystal Klear; he pretty much already blew up but I think he’ll reach the stars.

3) One change you hope to see in 2020?
More openness towards alternatives genres of music, especially from the North American techno community — there’s more to life than afterlife.  

4) To make it in music in 2020, you must…
be an airplane aficionado. 

JORDANA ZAKARIA – Agent at We Are E

1) Trend of the year?
In my opinion, the trend of the year was live + hybrid shows.   Personally, it gets me excited and really drives me both as an events producer and agent.  I get so pumped to walk through the dancefloor and see the expressions on our guests’ faces when they realize that the incredible music they are hearing is being performed live. I also am thrilled to let promoters know of new live show opportunities as I know they’ll get the same reaction.  Live (+ hybrid) shows really amplify the event experience overall and I think the masses are appreciating this even more now.  The live shows of 2019 that I’ve experienced this year have stood out as some of my best experiences by far. 

2) Your Breakout artist next year?
Well, I don’t want to sound biased but I work with a lot of incredibly talented artists right now that are doing some amazing things and I couldn’t be more proud of them! Based on some fantastic productions and rave feedback from shows, I have some individuals on my roster that will be doing some amazing things in 2020.  Funny enough, they are all based in Canada so its quite fitting that I have selected them – Gab Rhome, Niki Sadeki, Jenner, and Hauy.  Not only do they impress me in their performances but they are also pleasures to know.  In light of my love for all things ‘live’, two brothers who have also impressed me time and time again – Parallells. They are insanely talented. 

3) One change you hope to see in 2020? 
Speaking from someone that produces events in Toronto, one change I would love to see in 2020 is for more advanced support of shows.  We live in a city that tends to be very last minute with their decision-making and I think for all producers, this definitely impacts the production tremendously.  I think we’d feel more comfortable investing in the decor and infrastructure more if people would support earlier.  Part of this has to do with my hope that in 2020, event producers start thinking more outside of the box to offer more production value for their events (but this won’t happen without guests purchasing in advance).   We constantly receive feedback about how the production is integral to the overall experience yet no one seems to commit early to the project, which could jeopardize the event overall.  I think it’s time for patrons to really realize how much energy goes into events and kudos to all our peers who really put their blood, sweat, and tears into the industry.  Its not easy but we love it so much!   Another important change that I hope to see in 2020, are plastic free events.  I do agree that it’s easier said than done but this change can make a massive impact.  We started in 2019 to allow our guests to bring reusable cups and started a self serve spring water area – thus beginning the implementation of eliminating cups and plastic water bottles.  #byebyeplastic

4) To make it in music in 2020, you must…
Network! But, remember to be authentic.  Support your peers, support your local events, participate in the scene, find your niche.  If you have the opportunity to travel outside of your city to attend festivals, GO!  When you are booked for a show, support the event fully – promote with passion, go to see the opener, and stay for the closer (if possible).  Your fellow artists need to feel the love as well.  It’s also important to practice balance from the onset – know your limits and stay within it 😉 Maintain rituals of self care as the industry can be taxing.  Remember, its a marathon, not a race.  …That’s enough mom quotes for me today 😉 

PETE DOWNES – Head of Artists & Labels at Jukebox PR

1) Trend of the year?
How dance music can help bring awareness around environmental issues (Carbon Off Setting, Beach Cleans etc) to bring it up to speed with other industries solutions. 

2) Your Breakout artist next year?
Ray Mono – I’ve been loving everything I’ve been hearing from him the last 12 months, and think 2020 will be a huge year for him for sure.

3) One change you hope to see in 2020?
More focus on small venues, smaller lineups, all night long sets etc etc to try and break away in some way from the focus on big festivals and boring same same lineups.

4) To make it in music in 2020, you must…
Have a real passion every day for doing what you’re choosing to do. Any setbacks or mountains to climb you might occur along the way, will seem innocuous if you’re really passionate about what it is you set out to do. 

JACOB MALMO – Touring Agent at Thick As Thieves

1) Trend of the year?
Genre Fusion. A big movement i have noticed this year is producers not shying away from blending genre’s in their tracks. From Indie Dance blending with Melodic sounds to Progressive House with Afro influences. I think its definitely a way forward in keeping sounds fresh and i’m hoping this trend continues. 

2) Your Breakout artist next year?
I’m going to name 3. 

– Whitesquare with his forward thinking Indie Sounds.  I think he will continue to gain a lot of support from big artists which will in turn will result in rapid profile expansion.

– Sam Shure has really impressed me of late with his production and releases on Stil Vor Talent. His debut album in 2019 was a highlight for me with some really mature production. I believe there are also some exciting projects on the horizon for him so watch this space.

– Tunnelvisons – I have been watching these guys for a couple of years now and think 2020 could be their year to break through.

3) One change you hope to see in 2020?
This is not so much a change, but i would like to see even more focus on Mental Health in the music industry. Whether it be more support groups or talks encouraging people to speak up when they are struggling. I think there needs to be a constant reminder that it is OK to not be OK.

4) To make it in music in 2020, you must…
Stay true to yourself and stay in your lane. Support those who support you and don’t be a dick.

RICHIE ARMSTRONG – Digital Account Manager at Circulate

1) Trend of the year?
Dance music activism, for better and for worse. 

2) Your Breakout artist next year?
A year in which the lines between underground and ‘broken-through’ have become increasingly blurry, one artist that springs to mind is Dublin native, New Jackson. With his decade-defining track ‘The Night Mail’ getting a much anticipated reissue on Maeve, serious co-signs from all angles, and a strong run of European dates off the back, I’m pretty giddy to see what 2020 has in store for this artist.

3) One change you hope to see in 2020?
That smaller scale promoters/ labels/ artists can have a viable, organic platform on which they can flourish, that the mid-tier can resist the squeeze, and the top-line are constantly being kept in check. Basically, I hope that our industry can bounce back from the byproducts of wider social and economic circumstance. One can dream…

4) To make it in music in 2020, you must…
Look after number one and ensure that the system feeds the goal and not the other way around.

ALEX ESSER – Co-founder of House Music With Love and Backyard Sessions Festival

 

1) Trend of the year?
Slower Burning man sound with hypnotizing vocal samples. 

2) Your Breakout artist next year?
Pandhora 

3) One change you hope to see in 2020? 
More women DJs / live acts being booked. There is enough talent.

4) To make it in music in 2020, you must…
Play live or hybrid. Bring a guitar, a drum and a microphone to the show. Regular DJ sets are so 2018 and so boring.