So, I hope you all had a lovely Christmas! In light of the approaching New Year, I have put a lot of time and effort in to compiling a list for all you to enjoy: The Top 10 EDM Artists to Watch in 2012. In my opinion, these artists will have the biggest chance of blowing up in 2012, for a variety of reasons. For example, they may possess sheer talent, an underground buzz and following, or the backing of major DJs that is sure to propel them into the spotlight this coming year. Much like Alesso was tipped by Avicii to burst on to the scene this year, hot on the heels of his Dynamite/Nillionaire EP at the end of last year, and then how he confirmed that tip in May with his massive remix of Pressure, I anticipate that many, if not all of these artists will do big things in 2012. I will release the final 5 on New Year’s Day, but for now, enjoy 10-6!
10. Flux Pavilion
Ok, I know what you’re thinking. Joshua Steele, AKA Flux Pavilion, co-founder of Circus Records and a major British exponent of Dubstep, has been around for a while. His first widely received remix appeared in 2010, titled Cracks (register & login to view link), from which he went on to remix Gold Dust (register & login to view link), by DJ Fresh later on that year. Both songs had a distinct sound to them that brought him credibility and and attention within the Dubstep community. This year has seen the release of his first, independent single Bass Cannon (register & login to view link), followed by Superbad (register & login to view link) with fellow Englishman and label co-founder Doctor P. Furthermore, a sample of his song I Can’t Stop was used by Hip-Hop head honchos Jay-Z and Kanye West on their recent collaboration Watch The Throne. 2012 is guaranteed to be the year Flux Pavilion becomes a household name.
9. Pretty Lights
Again, Derek Vincent Smith, AKA Pretty Lights has been around for a while, grinding on the underground scene trying to make a name for himself. He blends Hip-Hop, Dubstep and EDM to devastating effects. A super talented man, he has all the ingredients for a breakthrough star in 2012: a fresh, original sound; an alternative image; and tons of raw, musical talent that appeals to all. Check out the video below for an idea of what he’s all about.
8. Nari & Milani
Nari & Milani are a progressive-trance duo from Italy, signed to Steve Angello‘s record label Size Records. They have done big things this year, most impressively perhaps is their massive track Atom, premiered at Madison Square Garden by Swedish House Mafia, which goes a little something like this:
I really like these two, and with years of experience under their belts, a little help from their label boss Angello (check out this massive edit of Kendo (register & login to view link) he did), and some banging songs to boot, they are sure to blow up in 2012. You will be hearing a lot more from these two in the very near future.
Check their SoundCloud (register & login to view link) out too, to get an idea of their sound.
7. Koan Sound
This British duo hailing from Bristol, England, got their first big break with the massive, swaggering track Trouble In The West (register & login to view link). The synthetic guitar riffs and gargantuan drums gave the track a goosebump-inspiring atmosphere. Koan Sound went on to be signed to OWSLA, and tour with the label’s head, Skrillex. This stamp of approval instantly sky-rocketed the groups recognition, and gave them their well earned shot at the big time. Their EP, titled Funk Blaster (register & login to view link), was released November 2011, and truly revolutionised and reinvigorated the Dubstep genre. Koan Sound’s Jim Bastow explains the sound of the EP, “The idea for the EP was to make a Seventies funky beat fast forward into the future. Instead of the slap bass carrying all the groove, it’s the synths, so a lot of time went into making the basslines as tight and punchy as possible.” With such a fresh sound injecting life into a genre being beaten into submission by copycats, cheap pre-programmed basslines and Britney Spears mimic attempts, these guys truly are THE most exciting Dubstep artists to watch out for in 2012.
The EP is a must download, as is this amazingly beautiful track, illustrating their ability to craft a completely different sound to the track they made before:
6. Albin Myers
This Swedish maestro has been smashing tunes recently like there’s no tomorrow. With Alive by Adrian Lux (register & login to view link), he turned what was an average tune into a barn-storming, hell-raising electro-house banger. He did the same to Avicii’s Fade Into Darkness (register & login to view link), again arguably improving on the original. Now, the so called King Of Wobble, named after his trademark low-end synth wobbles that always destroy dancefloors right after the drop, has a new track on the way, set to be released under Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak records, titled Hells Bells and premiered by none other than Tiesto himself. Given his ability to craft the wobbles and deep bass of Dubstep with the more upbeat tempo of electro-house, he looks set to capture the hearts of heavier and lighter listening fans alike, making him a force to be reckoned with in 2012, for sure.
OK guys, I hope you enjoyed the first part of my list, let me know who would be in your 10-6, best entry will get posted along with my full list on New Year’s Day! Please please please check out these guys, and get on to their stuff, because I can guarantee you, even if they all aren’t, 7 or 8 out of these 10 will make it huge in 2012, and at From DJs For DJs, we like you to have everything before anyone else!
Ed