2020 was a year that no one could have expected. Across the music industry, artists, managers, agents, promoters and more faced the biggest challenge in a lifetime. The global pandemic fuelled emotion, drove innovation and, all in all, left us with a very different picture at the end of the year. Like many, we’re excited to close the book on 2020 and look to the future in what is now a true When We Dip tradition. We’re delighted to present The Annual 2020!
ARTIST
REBŪKE
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
To never take things for granted man. I used to moan about being on the road, working all the time and that I needed a break, but this year has put things back into perspective for me and everyone else in some way or another.
2020 Track of the year?
James Solace – Keep On
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
I hope it turns out to be like the ’80s second summer of love that I didn’t get to experience.. more glowsticks, less ego!
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
Luciid from Ireland is my tip for next year.
GUY J
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
I’ve learned a lot of stuff this year as it took us all by surprise , but I think the most valuable thing I’ve learned is that there is no replacement to time at home with the family.
2020 Track of the year?
Volen Sentir – The Great Escape
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
I hope the people who deserve attention for the music & talent will get it , I think the music and nightlife industry got a bit carried away in last year which also gave opportunity to a lot of us , but at the same time it lost its magic and passion to music and art. And I hope it will come back.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
I’ve discovered this year Sam Goku and love a lot his stuff.
YOKOO
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
Now is the only time, and here the only space; and then suddenly the whole sky drops into you.
2020 Track of the year?
Ebende – Broken Boy (Original Mix)
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
The fact that DJs/Producers have had time away from the touring circuit indubitably will have led to an outburst of creativity. I personally enjoyed not seeing other artists perform their music during this period and seized the opportunity to dive a little deeper into my own creative self.
Several of the labels that drive our side of the industry sound very similar to me. They seem to influence up and coming as well as more established artists by the “type” of music they choose to put out. They somewhat dictate what should be heard by the masses and probably constrict these artists’ creative output.
10 years ago, these labels had a lot more character and offered true diversity. Nowadays, releasing on label X or Y doesn’t make much of a difference.
All that being said, I am deeply hoping for some of these leading labels to own their distinctive personalities, for more unique music to be released, and for people to learn how to appreciate diversity again.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
No one in particular. I prefer not to create expectations. I’ll let myself be surprised.
GUY MANTZUR
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
Back to basics
2020 Track of the year?
There are so many good tracks and its always hard to pick one – To name few i loved:
Eli Nissan – Karnaval , Segg – Like A Man, Khen – Out Of A Dream
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
2020 was tough in terms of shows and events, but our industry has a giant heart in it, lots of great people who do this from big love to music and everything related to Events. Everyone is waiting for the moment it will come back so hopefully it will be soon . I believe that this love of music will make the scene shine on. It will probably start from smaller events , more underground before it goes back to what we knew in the past.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
Tamir Regev has made such a beautiful music lately , we will be able to hear it real soon on Plattenbank , Moments and more.
SEBASTIEN LEGER
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
I can live with a much lower budget lol
2020 Track of the year?
I’m not going to put any of mine because it will sound very arrogant, so I’m saying “Ashes in the wind” by…… me ahah – Jokes appart, it will be out next year but Chicola – La Nina Del Mar comes as my favorite.
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
How about those f*cking lame fakers and posers that can’t make a track themselves to vanish ? That’d be a good starting point.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
Greg Ochman
KEVIN DE VRIES
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
That nothing lasts forever. You just never can predict tomorrow no matter what. Our Family and health are the most valuable things we have!
2020 Track of the year?
Bicep – Aprictos
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
I hope to see a healthy comeback for our industry. Less phones in clubs, more ‘closed-eyes’ moments and even more collaborations on all levels. We should stand as one big community and also act like one while promoting diversity of all kinds.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
VNTM and The Advocate.
SIMINA GRIGIORIU
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
Patience is really a virtue. Gratitude (and practice thereof) is imperative to one’s happiness. Not everything is what it seems.
Perhaps I’m also feeling this way because I’ve been pregnant most of 2020 and have a clearer perspective of what I want for the future, but perhaps it’s just my mind growing up and letting me know there is more to life than wanting to be the best at everything—even motherhood. I’ve been doing a lot of “staying in the moment” which has always been hard for me unless I’m on stage or playing with our daughter. My mind loves to wander to ridiculous places so I’ve been taming her and training her to be more present. That is a BIG achievement for me.
2020 Track of the year?
Paul Kalkbrenner – Parachute
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
I am hopeful we’ll even have a industry when this nightmare is over. But I’d love to see a re-build of the entire booking structure. For years, festivals and larger clubs—based on sheer financial necessity—have booked more prominent artists in an effort to bring in more bodies in the club. It makes financial sense and it makes for great parties but leaves little hope for smaller artists to showcase their music on a big stage. If that could somehow be restructured, it would provide a lot of necessary opportunities for unknown names to shine. This is what I try to do with Kuukou and it’s what I’d like to see happening once we’re allowed to open up and play again.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
So many to mention here but one woman who is doing BIG things is DESNA. Not only does she exemplify raw talent but is also a sweetheart. I would love to see her playing those aformentioned big stages around EU next summer.
CATZ ‘N DOGZ
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
Patience and commitment – Honestly we’ve been working in this business for around 15 years
and this is the first time we’ve had this much downtime. A lot of studio, a lot of gym and time with partners & familly.
2020 Track of the year?
In terms of club music we were both really big fans of Malin Genie’s self released stuff. Both of his last eps are just amazing. Really brings us back to what we like about the afterhour moody vibes. MALIN GENIE – A1 Troglodyte Party
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
We’re not even hoping for more diversity in lineups, we know it HAS to happen. And it’s not like we blame anybody,
we are part of the problem as well.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
Young UK artists, JEIGO. He has just released his ‘We Are Nothing’ EP on our Pets Recordings label, and is about to release a fantastic new album on his own Air Miles label.
LE YOUTH
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
I’m not invincible. Taking care of my mental health was something I always avoided and this year I paid the price for that. Don’t wait until it’s too late. There can be a healthy work/life balance, you just need to find it. Some strategies that work for me are mediation, breathwork, exercise, cold showers, and a healthy diet.
2020 Track of the year?
Franky Wah & Olive – You’re Not Alone
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
I’d like to see a bigger focus on mental health in the music industry. Having lost a friend to suicide this year was heartbreaking and eye-opening. Money and success have no correlation to mental well-being, in fact, it’s possible that it has the opposite effect. I’d like to see the new music industry take better care of its artists and get better at recognizing symptoms of suicidal behavior.
One artist, you’ll be watching in 2021?
I just signed a new artist to my label called Jason McMullen. He’s really talented. He also rose up during the pandemic this year, which would have been really difficult. I have a lot of respect for that. We just released his EP called Afterlife and you need to hear it.
RIVA STARR
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
How much I had lost touch with reality and normality because of the relentless touring and work routine. Also how important is to take a step back and enjoy the simple, everyday things without feeling the stress of ‘missing out’ on work things.
2020 Track of the year?
My ‘Step It Up’ tune with the legend ARMAND VAN HELDEN of course! 😛
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
More attention being paid to music rather than social network activity, and also more empathy and sense of community within the sene. It will be a tough ride when we start again and helping each other will be a main factor to get us all through this.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
DJ COVID-19, hope he doesn’t do well tho!
JOHN SUMMIT
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
How to make tracks that are memorable without a dance floor. I used to mainly focus on creating club ready tracks but now my aim has been different with the absence of dancefloors, and it’s really opened my mind creatively.
2020 Track of the year?
Maur ft. Faber – Set You Free
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
Hopefully less people thinking they’re entitled to guest list, as well as less music/genre snobbery overall. Everyone is struggling right now obviously but the music and entertainment industry may have been hit the worst, so hopefully this brings us all together to fully support a struggling industry.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
James Solace
WILL CLARKE
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
To take time out and reflect.
2020 Track of the year?
For Those I Love – I Have A Love (Overmono Remix)
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
New exciting venues. Lower door prices for punters. Special experiences for the club goers rather than just a DJ booth in a room. Promoters, artists and agents working together so new artists can come through which brings fresh artists to the industry instead of just seeing the same line ups.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
Too hard to just say one so il say a few… Ammara, Dubesque, Tommy Farrow, Daddy Dino
MAGDALENA
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
In 2020 I learned to let go and to focus more on myself and my well being. The time not being on the road was good for me to reflect after the last few busy years. Also I had some time to do my paperwork better and now am perfecting my book keeping.
2020 Track of the year?
My personal track actually are all three tracks of my Outlines EP, which i released on Bedrock a few weeks ago.
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
I hope that new and creative artists and promoters will get a chance after 2020, who might not have gotten the opportunity this year due to the mess we’re in right now.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
I don’t want to pick out one specific artist, because there are so many, that send me music to my promo inbox. Keep sending me awesome music, everyone 🙂
ANFISA LETYAGO
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
2020 has been the year of changes, our daily life, our social relationships, our way of working has changed.
It was definitely a difficult year but like all big changes there are positive sides. I dedicated my time to creativity, understanding more and more that it is essential to do what makes us feel good. I’ve had the time to focus my energies into productions, which is difficult when you’re busy with other things. All this has strengthened me and made me ready to face the New Year with great awareness and determination, knowing my limits. I finally learned to listen to myself and I’m really happy about it.
2020 Track of the year?
Æmpty- The Last Dance (Original Mix)
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
Surely this ‘forced stop’ will create big changes in the music industry both by those who make music and by the public. I hope that this big reset can give the opportunity to many young talents to be able to show off. Unfortunately, not everyone will have the strength to resist, it is important to know how to renew and tell their stories artistically. But I am convinced that music will always be the main element of the union.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
Theo Nasa
CHRIS STUSSY
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
To have patience… even more than before. Try to look at the positive side of things, invest time in everything that gives you good energy. Surround yourself with positive minded people.
2020 Track of the year?
Fabe – One Take In The Booth
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
No use of plastic. It sounds simple, but it could change the world in a significant and really positive way.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
Oden & Fatzo
STEPHAN JOLK
One thing you’ve learned in 2020?
Even the impossibile can happen, so be ready.
2020 Track of the year?
I’ll have to say Analogy, sorry!
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
More self awareness, in every and any sense of it, as nothing is granted anymore. Just to get going again though, would be great.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
Jos & Eli. They are an amazing duo from Israel.
INDUSTRY INSIDERS
FRANCIS DI STASIO – Label Manager @ Turbo Recordings
2020 Track of the year?
If we’re talking club music, I’d have to say ‘Spooka Troopa’ by Adam Pits. It’s flowy, funky and pumping in all the right ways.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
I’m excited to continue working with Cora Novoa and keep growing her profile outside of Spain. She knows exactly what she’s doing and deserves to be heard. It’s about connecting her with the right fans and I think we have the right tools at Turbo to do so.
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
The birth of an entirely new scene with new players, new music and modern values. You’d be amazed at how much seemingly “big” headline artists have just been riding an inflated hype wave to stay on the circuit and rake in all the money over the last few years. There’s no better time than now to shake the rotten apples out of the tree and let it grow some fresh ones. I’m ready for a new generation of hard-working, dedicated new artists and industry folks to play on a more level field next year. Excited to see what comes out of it!
To make it in music in 2021, you must…
Be original, and be in it for the right reasons! The market is super-saturated and it’s not an easy game to play anymore.
PETE DOWNES – Head Of Artist & Labels @ Jukebox PR
2020 Track of the year?
Voightmann – Business In The Front, Party In The Back
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
One artist to watch out for this year no doubt is a London based artist called zAr zAr. Really digging his sound right now on his new label Quite Nice Actually, and looking forward to hopefully getting to see him live at some point this year too (fingers, toes, knees, ankles crossed) 🙂
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
I think we’re all waiting anxiously to see how things will be different this year, if that is, shows do in fact start back up again. I’m looking forward to there being lots more smaller type events that focus on young, fresh, talented artists – as opposed to the big festivals using the same standout names to be booked all the time. My hope for the rebuild of the industry is that the small and middle tier DJs start having more events to showcase their abilities, that opportunity was diminishing the last couple of years pre-covid.
To make it in music in 2021, you must…
Have stayed sane throughout 2020! 🙂 No I think to be honest, it will be important to have a strong release schedule for the first half of the year, and really making sure your name is on the periphery of people’s thoughts for the next 3-4 months, as these of course are still going to be tough for everyone. Then as we all hope, when things hopefully do relax slightly at first, your name will be perfectly placed at the top of promoters minds when we do get the this show back on the road!! Positive vibes only for 2021 🙂
GEORGINA FENNESSY – Artist Manager @ Palm Artists (representing Gorgon City, Sonny Fodera, Biscits, PAX)
2020 Track of the year?
Matteo Bruscagin, Angelmoon, Visnadi – Rain (feat. Danny Losito)
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
Meg Ward
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
The pandemic has made us all realise how much we miss being out and about, as well as having quality time with friends and family. I hope that this translates into a 2021 where we see clubbers head out and not use their phones as much on the dance floor. It’s all about being in the moment, and feeling the music – and I think that got a little lost before we were unable to dance together for nearly a year. Also, whilst is not a change but more of an observation, we have all had to adapt when it comes to the way DJs tour, so with the success of so many live streams, I think this will continue to be a new revenue stream alongside touring, as the reach is global.
To make it in music in 2021, you must… ?
Be kind. Work hard. Stay motivated. Do it for the music.
MARCUS O’SULLIVAN – Director @ Circulate and Co-Founder @ Spike Management
2020 Track of the year?
Ian O’Donovan – Sentient City (Karim Sahraoui Eternal Life Mix) – A beautiful record that I can’t help but feel would have had a much bigger impact if it had some dance floors to excel on. A track that grows on you every time you listen.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
Eagles & Butterflies
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
A more humble approach by all involved. The egos have been well and truly deflated this year in what has been a very tough year from every perspective in music. Hopefully that will help us get back to the basics of what’s important.
To make it in music in 2021, you must… ?
Have an insatiable drive to continue improving your craft whether that’s as an artist or another role in this crazy industry.
VICTOR RODRIGUEZ – Senior Account Executive & Global Music Marketing @ Wavo.me
Track of the year
A hard one to chose considering all of the many incredible releases. But my favorite sits with Los Suruba – En Los Dialas (Santiago Garcia Interpretation Mix). Incredible ambiance, takes you into a majestic, cinematic and trippy journey. Someone tell the guys this track needs a music video!
One artist you’ll be watching 2021
Yulia Niko! Came across her through a remix that YokoO had done for her Manifesto EP. Curiosity (and also the classic tale of the music digging rabbit hole) led me to discover her entire catalog. She’s got a Detroit / Chicago influence over her deep-tech vibe, matches my taste perfectly. Really looking forward to her upcoming releases. I’ve become a big supporter of her sonic style and selection. Highly suggest you out her label too (Libe Vibe Records)! Lots of dance floor house heaters.
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows.
Would love that the trends that we began to see in 2019-2020 are maintained, but also further developed as our industry bounces back. These essential changes include; normalizing mental health issues (now more than ever), level out the playing field by booking more female artists/djs, reduce the use of plastic and finally, keep supporting the smaller venues that put up a larger risk and continue to encourage + support your local artists. Everyone starts somewhere so show love to your hometown artists!
To make it in 2021, you must…
if you’re an artist: Look beyond the song you are releasing and continue to build an authentic brand if you haven’t. Use each social media platform to your advantage and sell your product. Remember – you are running a business and there will alway be an audience ready to convert! Invest in paid advertising, understand who your fan base is and make data-driven decision to support fan acquisition & record sales. Our industry is competitive, so you have to understand that it requires more than a single / EP release to make it. It requires a team. Surround yourself with genuine people that can carry you forward, be humble with your art but relentless with your drive. Everything else will come with time. Can’t remember where I read this but ‘a fan a day’ is a good measure to live by.
If you work in the industry: Always be on, always be there and always give it your best. Other people’s successes rely on you, so be passionate and don’t fuck it up 😉
ROLAND LEESKER – Managing Director @ Get Physical Music
Track of the year?
Blanka Mazimela, Korus, Sobantwana – Gcwanini
One artist you’ll be watching in 2021?
Nu Azeite from Rio de Janeiro with their debut album ‘Nu Azeite’ on our sister label from Brazil: Cocada Music
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
More overall quality in the music production as well as it´s performance, more openness and chances for newcomers from new places.
To make it in music in 2021, you must…
…love making music !