One of the world's best-loved electronic music tours Future Music Festivalreturns to Australia and Malaysia in March, bringing with it a slew of world renowned DJ and live talent. But with a lineup overflowing with quality music, the conundrum is always the same; who should you devote your precious time towards? Well we've done the hard work for you and recommended ten acts on the roster who are definitely worthy of some dancefloor time.
#10 Bauuer
There is a good chance you’re aware of Baauer, if only for the hundreds upon hundreds of Youtube clips that were spawned from his breakthrough hit ‘Harlem Shake’. The producer has since gone on to co-produce track ‘Higher’ with hip-hop legend Just Blaze (recently here for the inaugural Listen Out parties) and has relentlessly traversed the globe since ‘Harlem Shake’. Don’t pretend you're not hanging to witness an inevitably packed crowd launch into all sorts of crazy moves when Harlem Shake drops.
#9 Helena
This globe-trotting prodigy has not only found herself on bills such as Ultra Music Festival and Stereosonic, not to mention a string of well-received singles under her belt. Her most recent cut ‘Legend’ has been getting praise from the likes of Nicky Romero and Hardwell, so get down to see one of our finest dames of dance lay it down at Future Music. Listen to her mix for Ivy Radio here.
#8 Luciano
The Cadenza label head has come a long way from having cigarettes stubbed out on his vinyl. His Vagabundos night that took Pacha Ibiza by storm has since gone on to host stages at some of the world’s biggest festivals including Serbia’s EXIT Festival and New York City’s Electric Zoo, not to mention going on tour to Brazil, Japan and beyond.
#7 Sven Vath
Papa Sven returns to the Future Music stomping grounds to once again host his own Cocoon Heroes stage and as anyone who has ever seen the human whirlwind that is Sven Vath can attest, highlight this one in yellow because it will be a set not be missed.
#6 Gesaffelstein
It’s been a big year for Frenchman Gesaffelstein. Between the release of his well-received debut record ‘ALEPH’ in October, plus helming production duties on ‘Black Skinhead’ and ‘Send It Up’ on Kanye West’s opus ‘Yeezus’, Gesaffelstein has been keeping himself plenty busy. The impeccably suited producer has caused mayhem on each dance floor he’s presided over lately and his set at Future Music is looking to be no different. Mind the cigarette ash if you happen to be in the front row.
#5 Eric Prydz
The internet explosion that occurred when Prydz ever-so innocuously posted a picture of the Australian flag on his Facebook was truly magnificent. The Swedish DJ has a notoriously well-documented fear of flying, a fear that had foiled an appearance at Field Day 2009. Well, Pryda fans, the wait is on for the tour that has been a LONG time coming.
#4 Dubfire
The loose-lipped producer may have leaked his spot on the good ship Future Music via Twitter back in June this year but there’s little wonder why the techno don and former half of Deep Dish is frequently on the touring wish lists of music fans world over. The SCI+TEC head honcho has been in the game for over 20 years, and given the extensive back catalogue of production credits, some of which made it out of the underground, this will be a set to make it front and centre for. Listen to his recent Pulse podcast here.
#3 Brodinski
“Baptised by Tiga as ‘the DJ’s DJ' is an accolade that appears on this constantly burgeoning DJ/producer’s biography and we think that’s one worth adding to the list. Having been championed by the likes of 2manyDJ’s, Annie Mac and Erol Alkan to name just a few, the Parisian launched his own label, Bromance in 2011 with his manager Manu Barron and the rest, as they say, is history. For big beats and even bigger vibes, get yourself over to Brodinski.
#2 Maya Jane Coles
The leading lady of house music in 2013, Maya Jane Coles' ascent has been a triumphant one. The release of her pop friendly debut album ‘Comfort’ has soared to the top of many a ‘Best Of’ list and the accolades only keep piling up. Throw in landing herself on the cover of Mixmag, plus a successful run of shows in Ibiza this season, MJ Coles makes a welcome return to our shores after a brief blitz last year with Field Day.
#1 Guy Gerber
The Israeli DJ with a penchant for including live instruments in his sets landed himself the #4 spot on Resident Advisor’s Top Live Acts this year– but that should come as no surprise to anyone who has had the privilege of seeing Guy Gerber in live mode. The Supplement Facts label owner unveiled his ‘Wisdom of the Glove’ night at Pacha Ibiza this season, which featured the likes of dOP, Cajmere and Matthew Dear to name a few, plus, inexplicably, a $150,000 glove. We won’t ask. But we will see you there when Guy Gerber weaves his magic across Future Music.
Future Music Festival Australia 2014 Dates
01.03.13 – Brisbane
02.03.13 – Perth
08.03.13 – Sydney
09.03.13 – Melbourne
10.03.13 – Adelaide
Future Music Festival Kuala Lumpur Dates
13.03.13 – Day 1
14.03.13 – Day 2
15.03.13 – Day 3
Good Life Music Festival 2014 Dates
28.02.13 – Brisbane
03.03.13 – Perth
07.03.13 – Melbourne
09.03.13 – Sydney
Tickets for the national Future Music Festival are on sale now. Buy here.