Here is a top 10 that I did of the tracks that blew my mind during 2011. Hard to stick to one genre, some are more trance track and other stick more to the electro side. I’d say it fits more to a genre called trouse. Anyways no matter what the genre is, good music will always be good music! Let’s do this; here is my top ten of 2011.
Last year I was complaining about Sander saying that I miss his old style. However, in 2011 Sander went more into progressive stuff, but he put this track on his album, and it is a very good example of the term K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid). In this track you can rely on big bass and techy percussions. This is well produced and totally banging.
I've seen him opening his set with this track at Montreal Black and Blue 2011. This track is a nonstop rise of energy. The Heavy bass kicks in then acid leads arrive to the party and finally everything blends together for a perfect combination of madness. Marcus has done a lot of great stuff in 2011; you may also checkout Swedish Nights. An awesome track!!!
It’s been a great year for Dada Life. I would even say a major year for their career. They were able to reach a larger crowd. Many know them for Happy Violence, but my favourite song of 2011 from them is by far White Noise Red Meat. We’ll never know how they can make their productions sounds so fat. 2011 was Dada life’s year.
Markus fucking Schulz is probably the artist I respect the most on the EDM scene right now. He never changed his style trough time unlike some producer (um um* Tiesto), but I still got one of his track in the top 10. Yeah I know I have no soul. Whatever! Now back to Markus. It was Big year for him he threw so many great tracks under his Dakota alias (In a Green Valley, Sleepwalker) and he was awesome as usual at Bal en Blanc 17. If you haven’t listened to his show Global DJ Broadcast yet then it’s time to do it. For Sinners, it’s for sure a banging Trance track; remind me renegade from Sander Van Doorn. Still very… very… good.
Coming in at number six, two artists who had a big year. W&W that released their artist album called ‘’Impact’’, filled with great stuff and Ben Gold who literally blew up the Bal en Blanc 17 while he was closing. By the way, you can still have his live set on the internet. Arena alone is a sweet track but Ben Gold really takes it to a higher level. I love how Ben Gold is able to makes a track feeling fast paced but still banging like electro does. BASS Included.
Trance purist have been complaining a lot about Tiësto’s new sound and I did too when he did a song with three six mafia, but in 2011, he seemed to be back on the bright side with his remix of Marcel Woods and Maximal Crazy. Don’t underestimate that track. This track gets all its meaning in a big room sound system. Just grab it.
Afrojack & Rehab needs to keep producing together and they are actually working on a track that is an absolute banger. No surprise, there is a video of Afrojack giving people a little teaser on ustream you can find it on YouTube. So, someone (First State) had the brilliant idea to blend this track with Koko from SVD which is a cool track, but not that much. It is the way it’s blends with Prutataa it’s jut out of this world.
Micheal Woods is just on fire these days. First Aid is a perfect blend of trance and electro. Kaskade did will mash up these two tracks bringing back the lush vocals of Haley which I’m totally in love with. Lovely Banger.
This track could turn Les Résidences Soleil into Sensation America. It’s so badass. It is Original and really good even if I’m not a dubstep head but this remix is godly. This is the track if you want to turn up the heat in your set. Great intro track, great closing, great everything! Again, there is a little trancy touch with the vocals and the plucked lead and then BAM rapes the dance floor. Well, you’ll get it.
This track is a masterpiece. This guy always delivers great track, Trinity dominted the scene in 2010. Then he strikes with Reboot, in my opinion this is a very fresh sound. For those who like bass music give this track a try you won’t be disappointed. There is a sad melody in the breakdown that will blow you away and then bass stikes with some really sick percussion. Masterpiece.
First of all, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. 2011 as been a great year but 2012 will be better and bigger. It was very hard for me to do that top 10 so I had to choose some criteria. First, I asked myself which tracks I listened to the most during the year. I then asked myself, which track I used the most in my sets and finally, I took in consideration how big the artist did it in 2011. Obviously a lot of tracks deserves to be in that top 10 which is why I'll have a «they were so close» section at the end of the post. Oh yeah, you'll notice that I love good vocals on tracks lol.
I am not the biggest Skrillex fan but Maaaan what a year it's been for him. On top of the release of «More Monsters And Sprites» in June and of course the «Bangarang EP» at the end of the year, Skrillex worked on plenty of remixes. Top that with «The Mothership Tour» which had 66 different shows and, according to me, you can call that a big year haha. A lot of people discovered Skrillex because of his remix of Cinema. This song as been played by so many DJ's from so many different genre that I wouldn't be surprise to learn that it is THE track that got the most spin during 2011 (I even saw Tiesto close one of his set with it). In the end, whatever people say about Skrillex, he still got one of the biggest banger of the year.
2011 is the year I felt in love with Ellie Goulding. She is beautiful, has a beautiful voice but on top of it she did that amazing song which got remixed by at least 10 different major producer. From Electro to Drum & Bass passing by Dubstep of course, this song exist in many different genre. Of all those remixes, Fytch's remix is my favourite but believe me it was not easy to choose only one. At a very young age, Fytch did not release much this year but what he did release was massive. «The Raindrops EP» was his first EP on beatport and with support from such artist as Borgore, Cookie Monsta and Skism, you can believe me when I say : We haven't heard the last of him.
Another new comer in the Dubstep scene and man he got big fast. At only 22 years old and after only one year at producing Dubstep, Zomboy already have support from such artists as Foreign beggars (who is right there at #7) who said during an interview that Zomboy was one of the biggest new comer in the industry. He released his debut EP entitled «Game Time EP» through Never Say Die Records. It quickly climbed the charts and is still in the top 30 releases on Beatport as I right this. I personally loved the hole EP and suggest it to anybody who loves Bass Music. Oh by the way, keep an eye on this guy cause he will bring it big in 2012.
Man where do I start. Foreign Beggars are always bringing it hard and there game is fucking tight. In 2011 they release «The Harder they fall EP» which includes this amazing track who made #7 in my top 10. Also noticeable, they worked with Flux Pavilion and Skism to drop that massive track called «jump Back» and with Vato Gonzalez to make «Badman Riddim (Jump)». «Still Getting It» is a perfect combination of filthy bass, well placed wobbles and sick MC'ing. I played that track so many times and I heard it in so many mixes from different DJ's that it definitely had to be in my top 10 tracks of the year. Skrillex did a great job on the beat which as one of my favourite drop of the year. One sure thing, if you don't know about them, you need to find out cause to me they are on top of this genre with guys such as P Money and Dizzee Rascal.
First of all, WOW. Second of all, Hot Dam. Seriously this as been my intro track for so many sets for so many reasons. Noisia always brings it big and this track makes no exception. The build up to the first drop gives me goosebumps and the first drop well, I simply have no words to describe it. It is not one of those super filthy track but it is so beautifully built that no one can argue that it is a sick track. I personally knew Noisia for there excellent Drum & bass but I'm extremely happy that they produced that amazing Dubstep track. Another very noticeable track from them this year is that sick Drum & Bass track called «Could this be» which also as an epic intro. Noisia have not been extremely busy this year but what they released was always top quality. I have never seen them live but I hope so bad that they will come to Montreal soon.
Arkasia is in my top 5 Dubstep producer ever. A lot of you might not know this but Arkasia began playing violin at age 5. By age 10 he play with an orhestra and by 12 was collaborating on the creation of mini-operas. A self-taught drummer in a metal band by 2000 he began to compose electronic music founding the ADAPTEK's collective with two friends. This collab led to the creation of the band ANTROPOD and the live performance infoumasly known as Polakatek (which is not Dubstep). He left the collective in 2008 to pursue his own projects. Arkasia dropped 5, yes you read properly, 5 major EP's this year so no need to say that he was extremely productive this year. The way he compose so elegantly his tracks and his implication on the scene makes him one of the best Dubstep producer in the game right now, at least that's my humble opinion. New World Disorder made my top 10 because with his crazy melody and sick drops, it is simply a magic track that I'll never get tired of.
DJ Fresh as been a sick Drum & Bass producer for a long time. He did what I like to call a rebirth this year releasing this huge track which instantly topped every charts in EDM music and still is in the top 100 Dubstep chart on Beatport (even though it got release beginning of July). Combine with a sick video, Louder became an anthem and got spin by every major DJ/Producer in 2011. It is one of those track that everybody, even people that don't know or don't love Dubstep that much, can appreciate. I for myself know that I listened to that track so often that I know it by heart. Even though it is not a hardcore Dubstep track, it is according to me, a perfect track to introduce anybody to the scene. I wont lie though, I hope that DJ Fresh will continue making that sick Drum & Bass he use to make that made me fall in love with his music. For sure most of you already have that track but if you don't, make sure you get it. Also know that he will be releasing another very hot single in February called «Hot Right Now» which I will share with you guys very soon.
Man for those of you who are not familiar with Terravita, know that they are definitely one of the best and most talented Drumstep/Drum & Bass producers in the game right now. The first time I heard this track, I could not believe my ears. it is simply THE best Drumstep track of 2011. They also were extremely productive this year releasing 3 amazing EP. This track was on the «Dirty Rottun Scoundrels EP» which also includes another sick track called «Gangsta Don't Dance». Lords And Ladies as a little 8 bit sounds touch and is simply there best track of 2011 and this is why it made number 3 in my top 10. To me, no one can argue the fact that they are one of the best in the game right now and I sure hope I'll be able to catch them live in 2012. As my description of the track, two words : Hot Daaaam.
I know a lot of you might argue with my #2 pick but I personaly think that this track is fucking amzing. It got released in the begining of the year on the «4X4=12 EP» which includes all kinds of bangers. I mean I'm still listening to it once in a while. As if the original was not good enough, it got remixed by so many talented producers that I can't name them all but here are some of the best remixes according to me : Madeon, Noisia, Stimming, Fytch and even one of Montreal's very good Dubstep producer, The SoniXx. Deadmau5 did not only released a sick EP in 2011, he also established Mau5trap records as one of the best label in the EDM music with artist such as himself, Feed Me, Noisia, Moguai and SoFi. Top that with a humongous tour called «Deadmau5 Meowingtons Hax Tour» which had 50 shows and a sick, I repeat, sick visuals, Corporate events such as the VGA award shows and electronics product launches such as the Nokia lumia, i think it is safe to say that Deadmau5 had a pretty amazing year. i know there's a lot of hate towards him right now but I think no one can argue the fact that he is one of the biggest name in the industry right now.
Yes it is now time for #1 and there was no doubt in my mind about this one. To me, Nero are THE best Dubstep producer in the game right now. They release The best album of the year called «Welcome Reality» which includes so many sick track that my top ten could have been composed of at least 5 tracks from it. They also did some of the best remixes of 2011 such as there remix of the Calvin Harris original, feel so close (which also could have been in my top 10 lol). The first time I heard Guilt, my mouth dropped to the floor. I simply thought it was magic, genius, freaking amazing. It was on repeat for so long in my car and still is. Nero got a unique way of building tracks which puts them in a class of there own. if you give me they opportunity to see only one last show for the rest of my life, hands up my choice would be Nero. I never had the chance of seeing them and I sure hope I will before I die (Let's just say that it's definitely on my bucket list). Not only the track is amazing but the video, which I will share here, is just as amazing. I don't recall the time that Nero released something I did not like and I doubt that will ever happen. To show you guys just how different and special they are, they had a BBC one special on which they performed Symphony with a full orchestra.
So you got it, this was my top 10 EDM tracks for 2011. I hope you liked it and of course I would like to know what you think of it. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy new year and also to thank you all for following us on the site, Facebook and Twitter. Our mission is to bring you the best of EDM music and we'll keep doing it in 2012.
I was supposed to do a top 5 but after I uploaded the tracks I realized there was 6 :p So one extra choon for you guys! I've been a trance fan since day 1 (just like Dave), I know it's not the most popular style of EDM on the blog but I know a few people that will be really happy to hear those tracks. I used to hate vocal trance, I find it just too cheesy but the vocals on some of those tracks is pure fire! I heard most of those tracks live and let me tell you that you can't get more hands up in tha air than that ^^ You might be surprised to see Tiesto in my Top 6, I used to like his old classic bangers (before 2005-2006) and then I just constantly hate on everything he does, except that one, he went back to his roots this year and dropped one of the best trance song of the year, if not the best imo. Big respect for that! Comments are welcome! The team and me spend a lot of time to bring these Top tracks of the year posts, I hope you enjoy them!
I have 3, even maybe 4 Top 5 of the year for you! I will start with Tech-House/Minimal/Techno because it was the easiest one to do ;) I started djing Minimal/Techno this year and I kinda like it. Since I live in a small town in Thailand six months a year, I needed to find a style of music that "almost" everyone could appreciate and dance to in bars here. I don't like djing top 40 so Minimal and Tech/House was a good alternative and people like it :) Here's 5 tracks that you might not have heard if you are not into this type of music but I encourage you to give it a listen anyways, you might be surprised! (Order is not relevant)
I bring to you my top tracks of last year, and it covers a wide spectrum of sounds and genres under the EDM umbrella. Elecktrokill all day! Give me your feed back in the comments and let me know what you agree with and disagree with.
10. TC – Tap Ho I am not usually too big on drum and bass, I don’t know what it is, but it’s just not my thing typically. However this song is straight murder from the second it begins. TAP TAP TAP TAP HO…dunna dunna. It constantly gets stuck in my head and I don’t mind that one bit.
9. SBTRKT – Wildfire What’s not to like about this song? It’s one of those odd songs that could either get you amped up a bit at a show, or is good in a chill setting. The production is stellar and although the rest of SBTRKT’s debut cd was great, this song is still the best track on there, hands down.
8. Dillon Francis – I.D.G.A.F.O.S. Dillon Francis takes Skrillex’s melodies and one ups them. Have you ever heard anything so catchy? The drop is beautifully hectic; this is a great introductory track to get someone into the moombahton tempo and would work well in most any dj’s set.
7. Example – Midnight Run (Flux Pavilion Remix) My oh my how big of a year have Flux Pavilion and his partner in crime Doctor P have had! I caught them both twice this year and was impressed with their sets both times. There were plenty of tracks I could have picked by them this year, but I just loved Example’s vocals in this song and how Flux played with them.
6. Silver Medalion – All I Ask (Codes Remix) This is my jam. This song is instant happiness for me. Everything about it is spot on. I love the dubstep like buildup into the final drop, and there is just a great overall progression as the song plays out.
5. Deadmau5 – Aural Psynapse (Myndset Remix) We all know Joel is a douche, but would you have him any other way. Even though he is a jerk to many, it’s quite clear just by visiting his facebook that he loves his fans, and that’s all that really matters. This track has everything you could want in a remix. It does justice to the original while adding great elements that really makes it a stand out track. It has a bit of “old school rave” feeling to it also which is nice.
4. Rusko – Everyday (Netsky Remix) Rusko hasn’t released much this year, though a new cd will be coming out by the crazy man soon. If someone asked me to recommend one dubstep dj to go see live for a newcomer I would pick him easily. His energy on stage is just wild and his song selection is always great. Netsky destroyed this remix, it’s an absolute banger.
3. Feed Me – Pink Lady I think Feed Me is my favorite new artist of the year. Here’s a fact not to many people know, he used to (or may one day again) produce drum and bass under the name Spor. This song is so awesome I don’t even know where to begin. The sounds are all so awesome, and that intro, has there been a better intro on any song all year? I am dying to see the man live again with his new stage setup, he plays the perfect mix of dubstep and electro house and his music selection is in perfect harmony with my own musical taste.
2. Zed’s Dead – 1975 The truth of the matter is I had the hardest time picking which Zed’s Dead song I wanted to put on this list. Every single song they have released this year has been perfect. In my eyes they can do no harm, and their brothers in battle: The Killabits are doing well too. I picked this song because I figured maybe not everyone caught it when it came out, and the vocals are a great clash with the dirty drop. Their sound is just so unique! I can’t wait to see what they do in 2012.
1. Steve Aoki and Afrojack – No Beef Yup I said it; this is my number one song of the year. Steve Aoki has a lot of haters; he is kind of like the Skrillex of electro, except the dude doesn’t just make electro! When you see him live it feels like a party. Well it is a party! The man has really stepped up his production game this year along with Afrojack too. The vocals are top notch, and I just have three more words…EFFED UP CAMEL!
