The premier techno festival of Europe is back where it originally started. Yes, the 2016 edition of Awakenings Netherlands is coming closer and closer!

Since its debut in 1997, Awakenings has been the top festival for techno lovers and people who wanted to listen and groove to goodย dance music. It has grown into a global entity, hosting events, showcases and mini-festivals all around the world. The very name has become synonymous with quality dance music, and a bad edition of Awakenings is almost unheard of.

The artists that Awakenings brings in every year are top-notch, with some having performed atย numerous editions of Awakenings in the past. Here are the top 10 acts you must check out at Awakenings, at any cost.

1. Adam Beyer

One of Sweden’s finest techno DJs just got married last month, to his longtime girlfriend (and a phenomenal DJ herself), Ida Engberg. The Drumcode bossย has had a busy schedule this year, travelling across Europe and the USA, and delivering some amazing sets, most of which land up as Drumcode Radio episodes. He has also been a mainstay at Awakenings, and he’s going to smash it this year too, on his own Drumcode stage.

2. Stephan Bodzin

About a year ago, this stalwart released his much-acclaimed LP Powers of Ten, and its remix package followed up this year, featuring edits from Pan-Pot, Fur Coat, Edu Imbernon, Coyu and many more. He also made his BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix debut this year. Stephan’s live sets and productions take you on a melodic journey, a testament to his unique, synth-heavy style he has developed over the years. It’s hard to miss a Stephan Bodzin set.

3. Joseph Capriati

The Italian DJ has come a long, long way. He has released two full-length albums and several singles, he has performed on the main stage at several of the world’s best techno festivals, and just recently, he became a record label owner by launching his imprint, REDIMENSION. The first track off the imprint is a collaboration with Adam Beyer. This one’s not to miss.

4. Richie Hawtin

Richie Hawtin doesn’t really need an introduction. He’s a legend in the world of techno, and in spite of so many years of touring the world, the Canadian DJ/producer still maintains a packed schedule. His label Minus is known for its top-quality productions from a lot of great producers. As of 2016, Hawtin has been heavily promoting his brand-new mixer Model 1 from his new technological venture with Allen & Heath and Audiotronix, PLAYDifferently. You already know his set is going to be on fire, so why miss it? Richie will have a stage for himself on Day 2.

5. Joris Voorn

The Dutch DJ/producer is known for his silky productions and calming sets. He owns not one, but two record labels, namely Rejected and Green. Joris has been a part of Awakenings for a long time, and he has a stage of his own too. He’s performing on both days, and you shouldn’t miss both sets. His music has subtle influences of Detroit techno, mashed with his own unique style. Joris has also made forays in film directing, having uploaded a music video for under_score this month.

6. Loco Dice

One of Germany’s finest exports, it’s hard to believe that Loco Dice started off as a hip hop DJ and opened for rappers like Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube. Loco Dice has gone all across Europe and other continents with his music. His latest full-length release Underground Sound Suicide covers a variety of sounds, and is a must-listen.

7. Maceo Plex

Maceo Plex has produced several originals and remixes in his lifetime, both as Maceo Plex and his other alter ego, Maetrik. He was born in the USA but moved to Spain, where he now resides. He has an ongoing residency with Pacha Ibiza called Mosaic By Maceo, where he performs every Tuesday, and notable other DJs will perform along with him. He runs a label called Ellum, which has featured releases from Shall Ocin, Oliver Huntemann and Pan-Pot in the past.

8. Nina Kraviz

The Russian DJ has been kicking ass ever since she became a Red Bull Music Academy alumnus in 2006. She runs a label called Trip, which features some of the most mind-bending techno ever, from herself and many other artists. Nina Kraviz has a busy schedule ahead of her this year, as she tours the length and breadth of Europe with her music. It’ll be a foolish decision to miss a Nina Kraviz set.

9. Sven Vath

Sven Vath has been in the industry for more than thirty years. His Cocoon showcases at various festivals have the best of lineups, sometimes vinyl-only. Sven himself is a vinyl enthusiast, insisting on using only two decks to perform. Sven Vath is a techno purists, and with several studio albums and singles in his kitty, he has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the techno scene.

10. Sam Paganini

Sam Paganini is a very creative producer, and his tracks cover a wide range of sounds. Sam’s infectious style has landed him several releases on Adam Beyer’s Drumcode imprint. Sam Paganini is currently on his European tour this month, and Awakenings happens to be a stopover. Sam’s sets are infectious and groovy, and you ideally shouldn’t miss out on this.

Here’s the lineup this year.