Here’s a list of dance music acts you simply cannot hate!
Everyone’s complaining about all EDM sounding the same, and rightly so. Most of the latest tracks seem to have the same beats and bass these days. Even Shazam is probably having a tough time identifying a track for you. But there are plenty of artists out there consistently creating their own unique sound, and you just ought to love them for that. The Sherp picks 10 artists you just have to adore:
1. Eric Prydz
The Swede is also known as Pryda, Cirez D, Sheridan and six other names! Perhaps no dance music producer is as shape-shifting as Eric Prydz. The LA-based producer runs three record labels whose releases are anxiously awaited – Pryda, Pryda Friends and Mouseville. On Pryda, he releases his tracks under the alias ‘Pryda’ and on Mouseville Records his techno tracks are released under ‘Cirez D’. As his albums continue to deliver dancefloor hits, you can be assured that techno and house are in safe hands! His remix of Depeche Mode’s ‘Personal Jesus’ is one track you will not get tired of hearing.
Must-hear tracks: Allein, Call On Me, 2night, Layers, Mirage, Power Drive
Pryda – Mirage
2. Andrew Bayer
You cannot be an Anjunabeats devotee and not an admirer of Bayer’s music! His two phenomenal albums ‘It’s Artificial’ and ‘If It Were You, We’d Never Leave’ have been career-defining with singles that reach out to you with incredible emotion. Not all his tracks are what you play to set fire to a dance floor. Most of them are fairly mellow with that breath of fresh air that will warm your soul.
Must-hear tracks: Keep Your Secrets, Lose Sight, In & Out Of Phase, England
Andrew Bayer feat. Molly Bancroft – Keep Your Secrets
3. Daft Punk
This French electronic house duo really needs to introduction. But what you probably don’t know is it took more than five years to record their latest album ‘Random Access Memories’ and over a million dollars to produce and promote it! The guys behind the ornate helmets did, in fact, get lucky with their fourth studio album, as critics praised the album. The duo rarely makes a public appearance, and when they do, they’re usually disguised in their helmets. They achieved significant popularity in the late ‘90s and only seem to get more famous by the day!
Must-hear tracks: One More Time, Instant Crush, Around The World, Harder Better Faster Stronger, Digital Love
Daft Punk feat. Julian Casablancas – Instant Crush
4. Fatboy Slim
It’s hard to believe this British DJ, rapper and record producer has turned 50! Official World Cup DJ, celebrated beach artist, MTV & Brit Award winner and a dance music legend, Norman Quentin Cook toured India for the first time last year. The Kent-born musician, who headlined Bestival this month, knows exactly how to get a party started.
Must-hear tracks: Praise You, Eat Sleep Rave Repeat, The Journey, Right Here Right Now
Fatboy Slim – Praise You (Maribou State Remix)
5. Richie Hawtin
Best known for his minimal works under the stage name ‘Plastikman’, Richie was an influential part of Detroit techno in the early ‘90s and minimal techno in the mid ‘90s. The producer and record label owner started his career DJing at underground parties in clubs. Although his sets are ambient and very minimal, you can dance to them. Today, he has gained the respect of global dance music fans.
Must-hear tracks: The Tunnel, Call It What You Want, Radiation
Richie Hawtin – Call It What You Want
6. Skream
Another Brit on our list, Skream is one of the first and prominent producers of dubstep. Born Oliver Dene Jones, Skream is one part of the dubstep trio ‘Magnetic Mag’ consisting of Benga and Artwork. In 2010, the group released their debut album titled ‘Magnetic Mag’. Skream & Benga who toured India this May, played to a packed house in Mumbai. Relive the night here with The Sherp.
Must-hear tracks: Getting Nowhere, Perfect Stranger, Emotionally Mute, Summer Dreams
Magnetic Mag – Getting Nowhere (Skream Remix)
7. Above & Beyond
This London-based trio has some of the most loyal fans. The impact they have on their fans is unfathomable! Tony McGuiness, Paavo Siljamaki and Jono Grant have remained down-to-earth and determined as ever to focus on what’s their next goal. Their label ‘Anjunabeats’ churns out some of the most enticingly soulful tracks. The trance legends will be touring India this November.
Must-hear tracks: Good For Me, You Got To Go, Walter White, Alchemy, On A Good Day, Satellite, On My Way To Heaven
Above & Beyond – Good For Me
8. Flying Lotus
Going by the pseudonym Flying Lotus, LA-based producer Steven Ellison is often referred to as the Hendrix of electronica. Sometimes abbreviated as FlyLo, the experimental multi-genre producer and rapper is known for his abstract and jazz-tinted style. This year, his track ‘Tiny Tortures’ was nominated for a VMA (Video Music Award). FlyLo will also have his own radio station in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto V!
Must-hear tracks: Tiny Tortures, Until The Quiet Comes, MmmHmm, Electric Candyman, Putty Boy Strut
Flying Lotus – Tiny Tortures
9. Deadmau5
He might be part of several controversies at once, but you have to admire this producer’s audacity. He has picked fights with everyone from David Guetta to Madonna. He even walked the red carpet at the Grammys with Skrillex’s phone number printed on his t-shirt with the question ‘U Mad Bro?’ Deadmau5 is not merely a DJ but a performer constructing music to the extreme.
Must-hear tracks: Strobe, Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff, Raise Your Weapon, I Remember, The Veldt, Professional Griefers, Telemiscommunications
Deadmau5 – Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff
10. Moby
One of the world’s most popular vegans, the American singer-songwriter is also a DJ and photographer. His concerts attract audiences of all age groups. The slightly older fans come for his early dance oriented audience while the younger ones enjoy his experimental techno and ambient style that incorporates alternative rock elements.
Must-hear tracks: A Case For Shame, The Last Day, Lie Down In Darkness, Be The One
Moby – A Case For Shame