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With 2014's BPM now becoming a sweet yet ever-fainter memory, the year in music has finally drawn to a close. And with it comes dance music's annual start to the New Year in Miami. But before every label, brand, and club begin showcasing their fresh talent for 2014, we thought we would drop a list of artists that we'll be keeping a close eye on this year, a few of which may not be making it to Florida this time around. It's never easy nailing down just a few artists to watch for with a list like this, and some incredibly qualified musicians inevitably had to be cut, but we feel this selection accurately represent the overall tastes, trends, styles and regions out of our initial choices. We've also gone ahead and selected one of our favourite tracks for each artist, compiling them into an easy to listen to playlist for your enjoyment. So sit back, relax, press play, and see how our list matches up to yours.
Patrick Topping:
Patrick Topping is the rising star that has been on our radar for a while now. Hailing from northern England (Newcastle, to be exact), Patrick began making a name for himself playing club Motion in his hometown. A favourite among the Hot Creations crew, his debut EP, “Walk On,” was released on Hot Trax, and made it to the number five spot on the Beatport Deep House chart. His “Any Amounts” EP was released on Hot Creations and was a celebrated success, being one of the biggest releases of the year for the label. Patrick made his Ibiza debut last July at the legendary DC-10 for Jamie Jones’ Paradise, and his most recent EP, “Get Beasty,” made it to the number two spot on Beatport’s Tech House releases in just four days (it was released February 3rd). We assure you won’t have to search too hard to keep tabs on what this guy is up to – he is soon to be everywhere. [Sonali Sen Sharma]
With smash EPs on Hot Creations and Radio 1 air time, 2013 seemed to be your big introduction to the world. What do you have in store for 2014? Bigger and better? I’ve got another EP coming out on Hot Creations, which Jamie said is my best yet, so really excited about that! I'm going to be featured on Pete Tong’s Future Stars section on his Radio 1 show too, so buzzing about that. Then I’ve got a track coming out on Defected soon and a remix of Steve Lawer on Viva.
If you could play one venue this year, what would it be and why? DC-10, as its one of my favorite clubs in the world, and I loved playing there so much last summer when I played once for Paradise.
La Fleur:
Her releases have been firm favourites of selectors like Claude VonStroke, Carl Craig and Kerri Chandler, and she was recently signed to Watergate bookings, the agency behind the Berlin club she also holds a residency for, though that's not just why La Fleur made the cut. This former pharmacist is part of a newer generation of talent who refuse to be boxed in by any one genre, instead adopting an attitude of "if it sounds good, play it," a rare quality in the era of "press play" DJs. It's of little wonder, then, she was recently chosen by Munich club Harry Klein to be a part of the club's Marry Klein March along side the likes of Dinky and Honey Dijon, which shines light on the issues female DJs face. Gender aside, La Fleur has the skills both behind the decks and in the studio to forge her own path for years to come, and we can't wait to see what it brings. [Chandler Shortlidge]
I understand you were a pharmacist before you became a musician. Do you think your previous career path plays any role in your current one? Absolutely. My studies taught me work ethic and problem solving skills, which can play a role in any career. I may not be in a lab coat anymore, but I still apply these principles in my music career. Studying to my Master and working full time has more than helped me to appreciate being my own boss and my current lifestyle.
Now that you're with Watergate bookings, do you see your reach expanding in 2014? If so, can you tell us any new places we might be able to see you in the coming year? Previously in my career, I was a bit of a loner, but by creating my label Power Plant, I started to work more closely with other artists and appreciated having a crew. Then when 2013 joined the Watergate agency, became a resident at the club and released an EP on the label it took the family thing to a new level! And since I have more things in the pipe line with Watergate, I'm sure 2014 will reach new highs and will be full of exciting gigs.
Andrew Ashong:
Hailing from Forest Hill by way of Ghana, Andrew Ashong scored his first solo release on Theo Parrish’s label, Sound Signature. The title track, "Flowers" won Track of the Year at Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards 2013, and Theo himself said of Ashong's release, “The Funk. Right under my nose were all the essential elements: simplicity, drive, and honesty gained from heartfelt experience in Andrew Ashong’s music. It’s more than just that. It’s human.” If that's not enough, just listen to "Special." You'll get it. [Chandler Shortlidge]
Movement:
One of Modular Recordings' latest signings, Movement, are three Sydney natives crafting patient, atmospheric pop. Their latest single, ”Us,” turned heads in all the right places, including cooler than thou indie rag Pitchfork. If you live in North America and are heading to Austin for SXSW, be sure to make time for this band. New material is dropping very soon - keep your eyes glued to Pulse. [Henry Johnstone]
Max Graef:
With a background as a jazz musician and a flair for funk and hip hop, this young Berliner is known for not only effortlessly (or so it feels) churning out tightly knit jams on par with many of his elders, but for his seemingly obsessive ability to dig up the rarest samples. Already having been featured on labels like K7, Heist and Death Proof, the future is about as bright as it gets for Max right now. [Chandler Shortlidge]
Max, what motivates you as a musician, and who have been major influences over the past year? I’m not sure about my motivation! It’s definitely more fun to make music then anything else. It’s therapy and satisfaction. My major influences are: Glenn Astro, Siriusmo, Imyrmind, Eddie Gomez, Dave Pike, Hubert Daviz, Dopegems, Will Sessions, Cro Magnon, Herbie Hancock, Doom, Cortex, Breakout
Where would you like to be come the end of 2014? I’m not sure. I’m quite happy right now! I would love to be working on a bigger live project by the end of this year!
Greco-Roman:
If you've not heard of them before, Greco-Roman is a collective of musicians, DJs and artists on the Berlin-London axis who "throw speakeasy parties, run an eclectic record label and DJ together as a soundsystem," and are basically all around nice people who make great music. Leave your pretenses at the door, put your most colourful jacket on and get ready for the biggest year yet from the GR camp, as they've just released their first ever label compilation, which features original tracks and remixes by TEED, Roman Flügel, Lone, Roosevelt, Disclosure, Joe Goddard & more. Take a listen to the fantastically lovely "Over" from TCTS below. [Chandler Shortlidge]
Fango:
Described by Michael Mayer as "the most insane Italian since Berlusconi," his name means 'mud' in Italian, and so far, this elusive Italian producer's personality and persona have remained just as clear as his name suggests. We do know that he rarely grants interviews, and that he's a drummer by trade, which makes his percussively mind-altering tracks like make much more sense. Though luckily for us, Fango was nice enough to shed some light on his mysterious ways to Pulse, and let us in on where he'll be in the next few weeks. [Chandler Shortlidge]
Why have you been so secretive about your identity so far? I think my image would influence a lot the way people would listen to my music, it happens to me all the time with other artists. I try to limit as much as possible the tangible aspects and build a fiction world made of sounds and imagination. The characters of the books I read are always more fascinating than the actors used to make the movies.
Do you have any tour plans for 2014? And if so, do you play live, or a DJ set? I know quite a few people that would climb the rafters for the chance to see a Fango set! I’m currently only doing DJ sets. I will play February 14th at Tunnel in Milano, February 26th at Crocodiles in Venice at the Venice’s Carnival, March 23rd at Cosa Nostra in Malta, May 10th at Bob Beaman in Munich and then June 8th at Gewölbe in Koln.
Elizabeth Rose:
Elizabeth Rose has been on the rise in Australia the past couple of years, though 2014 looks set to be the year that the electronic pop songstress breaks overseas. Her latest self-titled EP marked a slight change in sound towards a more R&B inflected flavour, which is bound to sit well with eardrums in the UK. Couple that with a recently signed exclusive worldwide deal with Universal Music Publishing and you've got a star in the making. [Henry Johnstone]
Baba Stiltz:
We'll let the Stockholm based musician introduce himself...
Skwee, beards, ballet and techno. For those not lucky enough to be aware of Baba Stiltz just yet, can you explain how you join the dots? My name is Baba Stiltz! I have danced but quit cause I hated it after a long time. I have also made music for a long time but music I still seem to like very much. Skweee schooled me in hip hop funk, electro, techno, R n’ B, and other vibrations and moods. I made some pop albums with a project that included beard in project name! I was 13 when I started with that project, so it’s strange for me to think about it now, maybe in a couple years, or months it will be easier. Now I produce different kinds of stuff! I like it I think, most of the time! Techno and other linear atmospheres are super interesting, but I like sad and joyous non-linear stuff also.
What musical magic can we expect to hear from you in 2014? In 2013 I worked hard at my craft, and now I realised I’m still at square one! Which is quite strange and uplifting. So I guess my output this year will be a string of confused notions of musical evolution!
Lauren Lane:
Currently based in Los Angeles, Lauren Lane cut her teeth as a DJ on the New York house scene. She is a resident at Sound nightclub in Hollywood, where she has played since its opening in January 2013. Her debut release, “Lazer Eyes” featuring Jaw (from dOP), was a celebrated success, as was her “Cool Kids” EP, which was released last August on Nic Fancuilli’s Saved Records. She’s also played a number of prime events and festivals such as Coachella, Wavefront and The BPM Festival, and is currently on tour with Nic and the Saved family on the Saved 100 Tour, which kicked off on January 3rd and lasts well into March. [Sonali Sen Sharma]
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