VIBE Presents: 30 DJs to Watch in 2013
Reasons we love music: Emotions it creates, memories is stirs up, elation it evokes when we find something new, as well as when we here a classic and proclaim, “That My Song!!!”
Here, VIBE presents 30 more reasons to love music with 30 DJs to Watch in 2013. From the age of eight to 38, these artists are making sounds that will creates major waves in the New Year. – compiled by Sarah Polonsky & Angus Patterson
Here, VIBE presents 30 more reasons to love music with 30 DJs to Watch in 2013. From the age of eight to 38, these artists are making sounds that will creates major waves in the New Year. – compiled by Sarah Polonsky & Angus Patterson
30. Dzeko and Torres
A whirlwind of excitement has built up behind this Canadian duo, who have an insatiable appetite for high-octane mashups, as well as their own singles they’ve released on EDM cornerstones like Dim Mak and Mix Mash. Due to explode out of Ontario anyday now.
A whirlwind of excitement has built up behind this Canadian duo, who have an insatiable appetite for high-octane mashups, as well as their own singles they’ve released on EDM cornerstones like Dim Mak and Mix Mash. Due to explode out of Ontario anyday now.
29. DJ Sliink
We’ll be sliding into the New Year with loads of music from the Jersey bred, Philly jellied DJ who has a knack for droppin' club-trap bangers. Sliink has EPs coming out with with Flosstradamus, Brenmar and MikeQ, to name a few. Watch him... and listen to him.
We’ll be sliding into the New Year with loads of music from the Jersey bred, Philly jellied DJ who has a knack for droppin' club-trap bangers. Sliink has EPs coming out with with Flosstradamus, Brenmar and MikeQ, to name a few. Watch him... and listen to him.
28. Disclosure
South London brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence bring a sizzling fusion of garage, house and ‘post dubstep’. Supporting the likes of SBTRKT and Hot Chip this year, as well as scaling to #11 on the UK singles chart, all eyes are on their debut album that’s due next year.
South London brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence bring a sizzling fusion of garage, house and ‘post dubstep’. Supporting the likes of SBTRKT and Hot Chip this year, as well as scaling to #11 on the UK singles chart, all eyes are on their debut album that’s due next year.
27. CODES
From collabin' with A-Trak to Treasure Fingers, DJ CODES has been on lock down in his Brooklyn studio prepping to bust out and make a huge new splash after the NYE ball drops... his beats will follow.
From collabin' with A-Trak to Treasure Fingers, DJ CODES has been on lock down in his Brooklyn studio prepping to bust out and make a huge new splash after the NYE ball drops... his beats will follow.
26. DubVision
The Dutch duo made a name for themselves with their production versatility. Whether it be tech house or big-room progressive, they’re scoring plays of the radio shows of Pete Tong and Tiësto, and props from the likes of Axwell, so you can be assured their upward ascension will continue in 2013.
The Dutch duo made a name for themselves with their production versatility. Whether it be tech house or big-room progressive, they’re scoring plays of the radio shows of Pete Tong and Tiësto, and props from the likes of Axwell, so you can be assured their upward ascension will continue in 2013.
25. The Disco Fries
A couple of Boston College of Music graduates got off to a huge start remixing pop acts like Pitbull, Flo Rida and Katy Perry, before having their impressive talents recognized even further by EDM demi-god Tommie Sunshine. Already holding down residencies at both Palms in Vegas and Pacha in NYC, watch the Fries sizzle even more in 2013. .
A couple of Boston College of Music graduates got off to a huge start remixing pop acts like Pitbull, Flo Rida and Katy Perry, before having their impressive talents recognized even further by EDM demi-god Tommie Sunshine. Already holding down residencies at both Palms in Vegas and Pacha in NYC, watch the Fries sizzle even more in 2013. .
24. MANIK
Queens Boulevard-homegrown DJ-producer MANIK has already firmly entrenched himself as a deep house heavy, lined up singles with Steve Bug's Poker Flat and Jamie Jones’ Hot Creations, and a highly acclaimed debut album on Josh Wink's Ovum stable. Watch him become the new king of Queens in the years to come.
Queens Boulevard-homegrown DJ-producer MANIK has already firmly entrenched himself as a deep house heavy, lined up singles with Steve Bug's Poker Flat and Jamie Jones’ Hot Creations, and a highly acclaimed debut album on Josh Wink's Ovum stable. Watch him become the new king of Queens in the years to come.
23. Feature Cuts
While theHouston-based producer cut his teeth in hip-hop, he’s made a bass-heavy transition into the realm of dubstep. Combine this with a unique approach to his performances, ‘FC’ is set to offer up his bass lovin’ fans some frighteningly good music next year.
While theHouston-based producer cut his teeth in hip-hop, he’s made a bass-heavy transition into the realm of dubstep. Combine this with a unique approach to his performances, ‘FC’ is set to offer up his bass lovin’ fans some frighteningly good music next year.
22. Danny Avila
Amazingly, at the tender age of 17, high-flying Spaniard Danny Avila is already scoring residencies across London and the party heaven that is Ibiza. He’s also playing alongside DJ heroes across the world; all he’ll have left to achieve next year is to overcome those Justin Bieber comparisons.
Amazingly, at the tender age of 17, high-flying Spaniard Danny Avila is already scoring residencies across London and the party heaven that is Ibiza. He’s also playing alongside DJ heroes across the world; all he’ll have left to achieve next year is to overcome those Justin Bieber comparisons.
21. dBerrie
An NYC boy to the core, dBerrie has some absolutely massive remix credits to his name, his resume sporting "Somebody That I Used to Know," "Titanium" and "Rolling In The Deep" amongst other A-list smashes. He’s just as known though for his own cuts on the tech house and progressive end of the spectrum, making him a versatile talent to watch. Just ask Fedde Le Grand.
An NYC boy to the core, dBerrie has some absolutely massive remix credits to his name, his resume sporting "Somebody That I Used to Know," "Titanium" and "Rolling In The Deep" amongst other A-list smashes. He’s just as known though for his own cuts on the tech house and progressive end of the spectrum, making him a versatile talent to watch. Just ask Fedde Le Grand.
20. Baauer
Infusing hip-hop with heavy bass, Brooklyn youngster Baauer rattled the pavement this year with his massive ‘Harlem Shake’. Similarly heavy remixes for the likes of No Doubt along with his recently announced tour with the renowned Just Blaze prove he’s got a lot of big things lined up for the year.
Infusing hip-hop with heavy bass, Brooklyn youngster Baauer rattled the pavement this year with his massive ‘Harlem Shake’. Similarly heavy remixes for the likes of No Doubt along with his recently announced tour with the renowned Just Blaze prove he’s got a lot of big things lined up for the year.
19. Black Boots
Bucking the trend of the Facebook-obsessed EDM generation, Vegas producers Black boots have eschewed all the trappings of social networking, making their blossoming fan base all the more impressive. Fusing a rock-n-roll attitude with a dance floor focus, their signing with Ultra Records this year means they’ll be making even more noise next year.
Bucking the trend of the Facebook-obsessed EDM generation, Vegas producers Black boots have eschewed all the trappings of social networking, making their blossoming fan base all the more impressive. Fusing a rock-n-roll attitude with a dance floor focus, their signing with Ultra Records this year means they’ll be making even more noise next year.
18. DJ Kai Song
At the age of eight, DJ Kai Song is not only set to have a big 2013, but a massive rock star future for years to come. By four, Kai was learning how to work the turntables using his father, Lars' (a DJ and his son's teacher), top notch equipment. He's hung with Skrillex, spun at Ultra Record's holiday party and always makes bedtime. What were you doing at his age?
At the age of eight, DJ Kai Song is not only set to have a big 2013, but a massive rock star future for years to come. By four, Kai was learning how to work the turntables using his father, Lars' (a DJ and his son's teacher), top notch equipment. He's hung with Skrillex, spun at Ultra Record's holiday party and always makes bedtime. What were you doing at his age?
17. Robert DeLong
Set to rocket to fame as one the most technically advanced musicians working in electronica, Robert DeLong doesn't have just one tool in his arsenal. Whether it’s keyboards, drum machines, multiple laptops, or even gaming controllers… DeLong can do just about anything with anything. This Seattle born DJ/producer can do a hell lot more than beat match.
Set to rocket to fame as one the most technically advanced musicians working in electronica, Robert DeLong doesn't have just one tool in his arsenal. Whether it’s keyboards, drum machines, multiple laptops, or even gaming controllers… DeLong can do just about anything with anything. This Seattle born DJ/producer can do a hell lot more than beat match.
16. Borgore
Israeli dubstep powerhouse Borgore is one of the masters of gut-wrenching wobbles, and not unlike Skrillex has his own history in the heavier side of rock music. His recruitment of Miley Cyrus as a backing singer this year showed he’s not afraid to flirt with the big time.
Israeli dubstep powerhouse Borgore is one of the masters of gut-wrenching wobbles, and not unlike Skrillex has his own history in the heavier side of rock music. His recruitment of Miley Cyrus as a backing singer this year showed he’s not afraid to flirt with the big time.
15. Clockwork - Italy
This Italian duo enjoyed a healthy start last year with the release of their debut EP on Hot Creations, their productions spanning from the darker side of disco over to the tougher sounds of techno. Their debut album will be one to look out for in 2013.
This Italian duo enjoyed a healthy start last year with the release of their debut EP on Hot Creations, their productions spanning from the darker side of disco over to the tougher sounds of techno. Their debut album will be one to look out for in 2013.
14. Jimmy Carris
At the age of five, Carris picked up his first set of headphones and started spinning; he's never looked back. The now-22 year old caught our attention last year and his since been signed worldwide to powerhouse label Ultra Records, so you can expect a big presence in 2013.
At the age of five, Carris picked up his first set of headphones and started spinning; he's never looked back. The now-22 year old caught our attention last year and his since been signed worldwide to powerhouse label Ultra Records, so you can expect a big presence in 2013.
13. Feed Me
Originally earning respect as a drum n’ bass producer know as Spor, the UK’s Jon Gooch has enjoyed even more success as Feed Me, recruited by none other than deadmau5 to release his absolutely huge dubstep-electro fusions on his mau5trap. His Feed Me's 'Escape From Electric Mountain' EP from this year suggests he’s got even bigger beats up his sleeve.
Originally earning respect as a drum n’ bass producer know as Spor, the UK’s Jon Gooch has enjoyed even more success as Feed Me, recruited by none other than deadmau5 to release his absolutely huge dubstep-electro fusions on his mau5trap. His Feed Me's 'Escape From Electric Mountain' EP from this year suggests he’s got even bigger beats up his sleeve.
12. Seven Lions
He’s brought the worlds of trance and dubstep together on his highly touted, and extremely bassy remixes of Above & Beyond, and his Polarize EP showed he’s got the skillz to win the attention of Skrillex’s record stable, tastemakers at BBC's Radio1 and the Beatport charts. No big deal.
He’s brought the worlds of trance and dubstep together on his highly touted, and extremely bassy remixes of Above & Beyond, and his Polarize EP showed he’s got the skillz to win the attention of Skrillex’s record stable, tastemakers at BBC's Radio1 and the Beatport charts. No big deal.
11. Lea Luna
She’s a vocalist, songwriter and DJ who’s got all the necessary qualities for hitting the big time, and some of the primo underground talent who she’s attracted to collaborate on tracks with, such as progressive icon Quivver, suggest there’s plenty more out there who think the same. Lea mashes pop with "EDM" in a fashion that certifies she’ll rise to the top.
She’s a vocalist, songwriter and DJ who’s got all the necessary qualities for hitting the big time, and some of the primo underground talent who she’s attracted to collaborate on tracks with, such as progressive icon Quivver, suggest there’s plenty more out there who think the same. Lea mashes pop with "EDM" in a fashion that certifies she’ll rise to the top.
10. Project 46
These two feisty Canadians went from playing local pubs, to closing the main room of Pacha in the space of a year; not to mention knocking Tiësto off the Beatport #1 with their smash ‘Reasons’, and even squeezing into the DJ Mag ‘Top 100’. But these two are just getting started.
These two feisty Canadians went from playing local pubs, to closing the main room of Pacha in the space of a year; not to mention knocking Tiësto off the Beatport #1 with their smash ‘Reasons’, and even squeezing into the DJ Mag ‘Top 100’. But these two are just getting started.
9. LA Riots
Daniel Linton’s passion project was one of the original acts to explode out of Los Angeles’ famous electro scene several years ago. The years since have seen the rest of America gripped in an EDM haze, with Linton in the meanwhile evolving his sound to take in elements of techno, house and drum n’ bass. Expect some new outpourings from LA Riots in 2013 that will assure his year will be something to pay attention to.
Daniel Linton’s passion project was one of the original acts to explode out of Los Angeles’ famous electro scene several years ago. The years since have seen the rest of America gripped in an EDM haze, with Linton in the meanwhile evolving his sound to take in elements of techno, house and drum n’ bass. Expect some new outpourings from LA Riots in 2013 that will assure his year will be something to pay attention to.
8. Audrey Napoleon
Inhabiting the realm of what she describes as ‘underground pop’, Audrey Napoleon packs some seriously dramatic stage presence; a DJ-producer with a healthy dose of goth glamor, and black eyeliner to burn. Check her debut EP "Ornamental Egos" to sample her huge presence.
Inhabiting the realm of what she describes as ‘underground pop’, Audrey Napoleon packs some seriously dramatic stage presence; a DJ-producer with a healthy dose of goth glamor, and black eyeliner to burn. Check her debut EP "Ornamental Egos" to sample her huge presence.
7. Guti
The Argentinian born virtuoso made an impressive transition from classically-trained jazz to the world of underground techno, and now finds his home with Loco Dice and Martin Buttrich at their revered Desolat record label. His soulful musicianship means his artistic endurance isn’t in question.
The Argentinian born virtuoso made an impressive transition from classically-trained jazz to the world of underground techno, and now finds his home with Loco Dice and Martin Buttrich at their revered Desolat record label. His soulful musicianship means his artistic endurance isn’t in question.
6. Dyro
Hot on the heels of Nicky Romero’s popularity explosion in 2012, fellow Dutchman Dyro has himself been making a splash with a slew of hot tracks and remixes, following Hardwell recognizing his supreme talents. Widely tipped as one to watch in 2013.
Hot on the heels of Nicky Romero’s popularity explosion in 2012, fellow Dutchman Dyro has himself been making a splash with a slew of hot tracks and remixes, following Hardwell recognizing his supreme talents. Widely tipped as one to watch in 2013.
5. Trent Cantrelle
A very well-oiled DJ-producer-machine, who was toiling away in the US since long before the "EDM" craze broke, Trent Cantrelle is just about due for a second coming. The LA regular got his first big break back in 2005 when Pete Tong named him as as “one of the hottest dance talents from the US”; with an EP in the works rumored to be dropping on a massively popular label, Trent is destined to reach ‘household name’ status in 2013.
A very well-oiled DJ-producer-machine, who was toiling away in the US since long before the "EDM" craze broke, Trent Cantrelle is just about due for a second coming. The LA regular got his first big break back in 2005 when Pete Tong named him as as “one of the hottest dance talents from the US”; with an EP in the works rumored to be dropping on a massively popular label, Trent is destined to reach ‘household name’ status in 2013.
4. Monsta
A sub-bass indie trio who effortlessly fuse heavy bass rumbles with the infectious, soulful vocals of charismatic frontman Skaar, with an edge that suggests they’ve got more mileage in them than your stock-standard EDM act. ‘Holdin’ On’ was good enough to catch Skrillex’s attention, and ours.
A sub-bass indie trio who effortlessly fuse heavy bass rumbles with the infectious, soulful vocals of charismatic frontman Skaar, with an edge that suggests they’ve got more mileage in them than your stock-standard EDM act. ‘Holdin’ On’ was good enough to catch Skrillex’s attention, and ours.
3. The Knocks
Rolling out of Chinatown in NYC, Ben ‘B-Roc’ Ruttner and James ‘JPatt’ Patterson have racked up the industry kudos for singles like ‘Dancing With The DJ’ and ‘Brightside’, supporting the likes of Jay-Z and Deadmau5. Keep an eye out for their new EP in the upcoming months and their MTV performance on national TV this New Year's Eve, alongside musical heavyweights such as Ke$ha and Ne-Yo.
Rolling out of Chinatown in NYC, Ben ‘B-Roc’ Ruttner and James ‘JPatt’ Patterson have racked up the industry kudos for singles like ‘Dancing With The DJ’ and ‘Brightside’, supporting the likes of Jay-Z and Deadmau5. Keep an eye out for their new EP in the upcoming months and their MTV performance on national TV this New Year's Eve, alongside musical heavyweights such as Ke$ha and Ne-Yo.
2. Mat Zo
One of the star producers on Above & Beyomd’s Anjunabeats stable, the mighty Zo is not only taking trance in exciting new directions, he’s also one of the most innovative producers working in EDM full stop. After a tour with compatriot Porter Robinson in 2011, and their massive collaboration ‘Easy’ due out shortly, Zo is set to explode stateside in 2013.
One of the star producers on Above & Beyomd’s Anjunabeats stable, the mighty Zo is not only taking trance in exciting new directions, he’s also one of the most innovative producers working in EDM full stop. After a tour with compatriot Porter Robinson in 2011, and their massive collaboration ‘Easy’ due out shortly, Zo is set to explode stateside in 2013.
1. The Martinez Brothers
The just-old-enough-to buy-a-drink, Chris and his almost-old-enough-to-rent a car brother, Steve have become smokin' hot lords of the dancefloor over the past year. The popularity of the DJ duo is rising faster than the BPMs of a frenetic club anthem - and you don't want to hit the snooze on something this fresh in the new year.
The just-old-enough-to buy-a-drink, Chris and his almost-old-enough-to-rent a car brother, Steve have become smokin' hot lords of the dancefloor over the past year. The popularity of the DJ duo is rising faster than the BPMs of a frenetic club anthem - and you don't want to hit the snooze on something this fresh in the new year.
