Dance music has reached an apex of engagement and thrilling creative output in 2015, with the genre-rigid designations of the past opening up to involve a world of collaborations, crossovers and new artists adding an evolutionary current to the incredible momentum of EDM on the scene.
Below, we profile and celebrate six Movers and Shakers – new artists making an undeniable impact in the world of EDM. Some of them you know, others’ names you’re just beginning to hear from the tongues of those with their finger on the bass-driven pulse of music today. Whatever the case, the next generation of EDM superstars is upon us – it’s time to get up to speed.
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Movers and Shakers: New Artists Sending Shockwaves through EDM
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Madeon
Barely two decades into life, Hugo Pierre Leclercq - aka Madeon - already has a platform of international fame and acclaim to his name, with guest spots alongside Lady Gaga, Coldplay and Dan Smith (Bastille) leading to his own star-studded releases.
Better known by his electro-house DJ moniker Madeon, Hugo’s uniquely spirited disco-electronic stylings brought the French DJ immediate recognition through his debut EP The City, which was used in productions as far-reaching as’'Dancing With the Stars' and EA Sports game franchise FIFA ’13. The release of his debut album Adventure has found resounding success in 2015, with multiple tracks charting highly including “You’re On” featuring Kyan and “Pay No Mind” featuring Passion Pit.
Having toured with Lady Gaga as part of her Born This Way Ball Tour and collaborated with the weirdo superstar on three tracks on her album ARTPOP, Madeon is primed for superstar status of his own.
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Andrew Rayel
Mentorship provides a vital launchpad, but the king-potential must exist to succeed. Under the wing of Armin van Buuren, classically trained Moldovan producer Andrew Rayel is on a spiked trajectory to the forefront of EDM.
His debut EP Find Your Harmony hit the right notes with fans, propelling Rayel onto the main stages at some of the biggest music festivals in the world. He was featured as part of CNN’s Ones to Watch, putting him on a spotlight focus with nothing but promise in the road ahead.
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Martin Garrix
With cosigns from EDM’s top names, 19 year-old Martin Garrix is on track to lead the next generation of DJ superstars. Thanks to his omnipresent electro-dance single “Animals” (which has garnered over 500 million YouTube views since being released last June), as well as major mentoring support from Tiësto, the young Garrix is entrenched in the upper echelons of dance music’s most adored figures.
A guitar player from age four and producer from age eight, the international spotlight came in short order once he signed with electronic label Spinnin’ Records in 2012. Now with Tiësto-collaborative tracks and an international presence, the EDM crown is waiting for Garrix.
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Oliver Heldens
Dutch producer Oliver Heldens well on his way to establishing an impressive legacy among the electronic elite, thanks to a cosign from kingmaker Tiësto. The release of “Gecko” earned praise from Pete Tong, while “Koala” became one of Shazam’s most searched dance records of 2014.
While climbing the track-crusher ranks, Oliver’s Heldeep Radio Series was taking flight as well, establishing a solid artistic foundation for his own creations and beyond. He’s rapidly becoming a festival fixture, with appearances at Ultra Music Festival and Coachella - we can’t wait to see where he goes next.
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Odesza
Pretty Lights provided a launching point for Seattle duo Odesza, bringing them aboard for his 2013 Analog Future Tour, where they established themselves as atmospheric powerhouses through ambient vocals, otherworldly beats and ethereal, kaleidoscopic instrumentation.
Harrison Mills’ and Clayton Knight’s second album In Return and accompanying tour was a resounding success, setting them up for the stages of Ultra Music Festival, Buku, Bonnaroo, Coachella, and Hangout. The time for liftoff has come, and Odesza are certainly prepared.
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Mr Carmack
The Hawaiian producer has been a featured presence at Electric Daisy Carnival and beyond, releasing two albums over the past year and change as well as countless other projects in his bid to dominate the scene.
Mr. Carmack’s momentum is backed by supporters Insomniac Events and 7UP, which will undoubtedly continue his increasing control of the spotlight. Look for his long-awaited collaboration with RL Grime soon, and check out his remix of Kendrick Lamar’s “Swimming Pools” here.
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