As the year draws to a close, it's natural to reflect, especially when it's been as interesting as 2013 has. Underground has become mainstream, mainstream has become pop, and while many fight over the meaning of terms like EDM and deep house, others push stoically forward, undeterred by major trends, continuing to do what they do best. So we've called upon a few of those in the later category to tell us what's kept them excited through these last 12 months, including the trends they noticed, their best night out, and who has kept them buzzing. This time, Lower East co-founder Lee Brinx, who's headed to Last Night On Earth at Brixton Academy with Sasha and many more this New Year's Eve.
After co-founding his 2010 techno and house label with Cozzy D, their imprint has seen regular praise from artists like Darius Syrossian, DJ T., Miss Kittin, Audiojack, Blond:ish, Sasse, The Revenge, and Laura Jones, and seen releases and remixes by artists ranging from Timo Mass to Waifs & Strays to Pezzner, exhibiting the young imprint's flexibility, as well as it's quality. Lee himself has seen his tour schedule grow by leaps and bounds in the last few years, playing clubs like Sankyes Ibiza for Carnival Cities, Egg London for the We Are FSTVL after party with Kerry Chandler, and of course, the Ushuaia Towers with Sasha For Never Say Never - and that's just in the last 6 months. Though it would be of little wonder if the year didn't fly right by with a schedule like Lee's, we decided to check in anyway to find out what made 2013 special for one of music's most promising talents.
-Favourite DJ/Artist/Person Of The Year
My favourite DJ this year would have to be Richie Hawtin. I saw him play twice for his night Enter at Space in Ibiza and he tore the roof off. This then lead to me making a special trip to Barcelona with my girlfriend in October to see him close the final ever ElRow party at Row 14, and he certainly didn't fail to deliver - we were still dancing at 8am Monday morning!
- Trend Of The Year or Saying Of The Year
Beards. Beards seem to have spread far and wide the year, with exceptional growth in and around the East London area. I have attempted to groom my own face garden, however after week two I can't stand the itch!
- Event Of The Year
It would have to be Glastonbury! I went this summer for the very first time and it blew my mind! The weather was great, I was with wicked people and the shear level of the attention to detail was next level. I walked away from that weekend somewhat enlightened.
- Overall Highlight
It would have to be warming up for Sasha's Never Say Never Party on the roof of Ushuaia Towers in Ibiza on my birthday back in July!