Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Trending
    • The Freedman Group Acquires Lectrosonics, Expanding Global Pro Audio Powerhouse
    • 10 Brand-New Songs for Your May Wedding Playlist
    • Serato DJ 3.3.2 Update Expansion Unveiled
    • Booka Shade: Making ‘For Real’ [Interview]
    • It’s a Mirage: ADJ Releases Mirage Par H IP
    • DJ Annalyze [Mobile Monday Spotlight]
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    DJ Life Magazine DJ Life Magazine
    • Home

      The Freedman Group Acquires Lectrosonics, Expanding Global Pro Audio Powerhouse

      May 8, 2025

      10 Brand-New Songs for Your May Wedding Playlist

      May 8, 2025

      Serato DJ 3.3.2 Update Expansion Unveiled

      May 7, 2025

      Booka Shade: Making ‘For Real’ [Interview]

      May 7, 2025

      It’s a Mirage: ADJ Releases Mirage Par H IP

      May 6, 2025
    • Magazine
      1. Issues
      2. Buy Print Issue
      3. Subscribe
      Featured

      DJ Life Magazine Issue Vol.5 No.2

      By Mark MancinoApril 18, 2025
      Recent

      DJ Life Magazine Issue Vol.5 No.2

      April 18, 2025

      DJ Life Magazine Issue Vol.5 No.1

      February 26, 2025

      DJ Life Magazine Issue Vol.4 No.6

      December 23, 2024
    • Interviews
      1. Interviews
      2. Mobile DJ Profiles
      Featured

      Booka Shade: Making ‘For Real’ [Interview]

      By Jim TremayneMay 7, 2025
      Recent

      Booka Shade: Making ‘For Real’ [Interview]

      May 7, 2025

      Amsterdam’s The Other Side Goes 360 [Club Spotlight]

      April 1, 2025

      Trayze: Battle Champ to Studio Hound [Interview]

      March 21, 2025
    • Tech
      1. Tech News
      2. Tech Reviews
      Featured

      The Freedman Group Acquires Lectrosonics, Expanding Global Pro Audio Powerhouse

      By Mark MancinoMay 8, 2025
      Recent

      The Freedman Group Acquires Lectrosonics, Expanding Global Pro Audio Powerhouse

      May 8, 2025

      Serato DJ 3.3.2 Update Expansion Unveiled

      May 7, 2025

      It’s a Mirage: ADJ Releases Mirage Par H IP

      May 6, 2025
    • Music
      1. Music
      2. DJ Playlists
      3. Mixes
      4. DJ National Club Charts
      Featured

      10 Brand-New Songs for Your May Wedding Playlist

      By Matthew CampbellMay 8, 2025
      Recent

      10 Brand-New Songs for Your May Wedding Playlist

      May 8, 2025

      RÜFÜS DU SOL ‘Inhale / Exhale Remixed’ is Now Available

      May 2, 2025

      Martial Simon Reimagines Childhood Favorite With “Shake”

      May 2, 2025
    • Events

      Same Same But Different Festival 2025 Unveils Phase One Lineup

      April 29, 2025

      Cascade Equinox 2025: See the Stacked Lineup for Third Annual Edition

      April 25, 2025

      Groove Cruise to Set Sail in 2026, January Lineup Announced

      April 24, 2025

      Home Again Club Festival 2025 Reveals Lineup, Stage Takeovers

      April 23, 2025

      Above & Beyond Announces North American Summer Amphitheater Tour

      April 23, 2025
    • Tips
      1. DJ Tips
      2. Business Tips
      3. DJ Life Lessons
      Featured

      Email-Marketing Refresher: Drip Campaigns & More

      By Jordan St. JacquesApril 11, 2025
      Recent

      Email-Marketing Refresher: Drip Campaigns & More

      April 11, 2025

      Tech Tips with DJ JAS: Creating Wireless Speakers

      March 12, 2025

      DJ Idea Sharing: Really… Who Cares?

      February 27, 2025
    • Mobile DJ
      1. Mobile DJ Profiles
      2. Mobile Monday Spotlights
      3. Wedding DJ
      4. Business Tips
      5. DJX Subscribe
      Featured

      10 Brand-New Songs for Your May Wedding Playlist

      By Matthew CampbellMay 8, 2025
      Recent

      10 Brand-New Songs for Your May Wedding Playlist

      May 8, 2025

      DJ Annalyze [Mobile Monday Spotlight]

      May 5, 2025

      DJ LRocktheParty [Mobile Monday Spotlight]

      April 28, 2025
    • DJX Show
    DJ Life Magazine DJ Life Magazine
    Home»Latest»2023 In Review: 100 DJs of All Stripes Offer Up the Year’s Top Tracks & Best Musical Moments
    Latest

    2023 In Review: 100 DJs of All Stripes Offer Up the Year’s Top Tracks & Best Musical Moments

    By Jim TremayneDecember 21, 2023
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

    Here we are, finally, where 2023 meets 2024. For the most part, the past year eased further into relative normalcy – whether we’re talking clubs, festivals or the private-party scene. 

    So, as we wrapped up ’23, we conducted a quickie poll to DJs of all stripes and from all over the world, inquiring about the past year. We asked three simple questions: What’s your top tune of the year? What was your best accomplishment? What was the best DJ/musical moment you experienced?  

    Here are the first 100 responses we got. Off we go…   

     

    1 

    Wax Motif, Divided Souls Records, LA 

    Tune: Odd Mob & OMNOM’s “Losing Control.”  

    Accomplishment: Selling out the Shrine Expo Hall in LA, along with 13 other dates on my House Of Wax Tour.   

    Musical Moment: Performing at mainstage EDC Las Vegas. 

     

    2 

    Paul van Dyk, VANDIT Records, Berlin 

    Tune: Vakabular’s “Proper Time.” 

    Accomplishment: Bringing my new project, VENTURE X, successfully on the road with amazing shows in NYC, Montreal, Amsterdam, London, & many other cities. 

    Musical Moment: Having 20,000 people at Dreamstate SoCal sing at the top of their lungs alongside my SOLIKIEN live band to “Home” – a goosebumps moment!  

      

    3 

    ZHU, Astralwerks, LA  

    Tune: Peggy Gou’s “(It Goes Like) Nanana.” 

    Accomplishment: Crushing the GRACE Tour without having dropped an album. 

    Musical Moment: Seeing Lauryn Hill with The Fugees at Denver’s Ball Arena was a proper history lesson. 

     

    4 

    ACRAZE, Capitol Records/Thrive Music, Orlando 

    Tune: Fisher & Aatig’s “Take It Off.”  

    Accomplishment: Sleeping at least seven hours every day. 

    Musical Moment: Selling out my own show at the Hollywood Palladium in LA this year – it was life-changing.  

     

     

    5 

    Dave Audé, Audacious Records, Nashville  

    Tune: John Summit & Hayla’s “Where You Are.” 

    Accomplishment: In ’23, I found myself writing & producing almost as many records as I remixed. 

    Musical Moment: I had an amazing time playing & connecting with other DJs at the DJX opening party at HQ2 in Atlantic City. 

     

    6 

    Ferry Corsten, Flashover Recordings, Rotterdam, Netherlands 

    Tune: Kevin de Vries & Mau P’s “Metro.” 

    Accomplishment: Committing myself to working on my next “Ferry Corsten” album – my first since Blueprint, which was released five years ago. 

    Musical Moment: All of my “What The F” shows this year – playing open until close, often eight hours, of my own music feels like an accomplishment in itself.  

     

    7 

    Todd Terry, InHouse Records, Atlanta 

    Tune: Piero Pirupa’s “To The Sky.” 

    Accomplishment: Not missing a flight all year… hahaha! 

    Musical Moment: Hamilton The Musical… The Bootleg. 

     

    8 

    Jauz, Bite This, LA 

    Tune: Dom Dolla’s “Miracle Maker” dominated every set all year in a bunch of different versions.  

    Accomplishment: Raising my daughter & watching her turn one. Nothing else even comes close.  

    Musical Moment: Getting to remix deadmau5’s “Ghosts N Stuff” & then seeing the reaction to it was pretty unreal. And it was such a nerve-wracking song to remix. 

     

    9 

    Markus Schulz, Coldharbour Recordings, Miami 

    Tune: Kevin de Vries & Mau P’s “Metro.” 

    Accomplishment: The Rabbit Hole Circus, my album & tour, which featured singers and aerialists.  

    Musical Moment: In October, during the last few hours of my 12-hour open-to-close set at Stereo in Montreal, I had been down mentally from a rough summer. But, at that moment, I realized that I still love what I do to the core of my being.  

     

    10 

    Booka Shade, Blaufield Music, Berlin 

    Tune: Oliver Koletzki & Andhim’s track “Branka.”  

    Accomplishment: Celebrating 20 years of Booka Shade this summer with a selection of special European shows. We also had a remix package featuring wonderful artists such as 8Kays, Joachim Pastor, Nils Hoffmann, & Qrion. 

    Musical Moment: Watching our girl JOPLYN making her way up & up. We’ve supported her since she was 14, & now she’s playing the biggest festivals.  

     

    11 

    Joy (Anonymous), Astralwerks/Island, London 

    Tune: Jungle’s “Back on 74.”  

    Accomplishment: Releasing our album, Cult Classics. 

    Musical Moment: We put on our own show at ADE & played B2B with Todd Edwards.  

     

    12 

    Mike Walter, Elite Entertainment, Tinton Falls, N.J. 

    Tune: Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night.” Also, “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers turned 20-years old this year, & it’s never been as popular as it is now. 

    Accomplishment: Focusing on my health & fitness more than ever this year.  

    Musical Moment: Sting at Jones Beach – a perfect night. 

     

     

    13 

    DJ Track Star Staci, Scratch Event DJs, Redlands, Calif. 

    Tune: It’s “Last Night,” based on requests. Morgan Wallen seems to be the new Bad Bunny. 

    Accomplishment: Earning a standing ovation at an industry event for a seminar I gave about inclusivity in music.  

    Musical Moment: Getting a rave review from Nike.  

     

    14 

    Joe Bermudez, Mass Movement Radio, Boston 

    Tune: Mau P’s “Drugs from Amsterdam.” 

    Accomplishment: I’m really proud of the music video for my song, “Love In Code.”  

    Musical Moment: Seeing Chris Lake & Fisher’s Hollywood Boulevard takeover in LA. 

     

    15 

    Nutritious, Liquid Culture, LA/NYC 

    Tune: Peggy Gou’s “(It Goes Like) Nanana.” 

    Accomplishment: My EP, Blurs, with artwork designed by John Van Hamersveld. 

    Musical Moment: Playing Art Basel Miami with Miguel Migs & Jay-J, plus a night dancing to Inkswel & Cosmo Baker at Dante’s HiFi. 

     

    16 

    Christiano Jordano, Termenl Records, Miami 

    Tune: Fred again.. x Swedish House Mafia’s “Turn On The Lights again” feat. Future. 

    Accomplishment: I learned how to market my music correctly. 

    Musical Moment: During Miami Music Week, ARTBAT b2b Argy at Strawberry Moon.  

     

    17 

    DI SUN, mau5trap/Drumcode, LA 

    Tune: Teenage Mutants’ “Dark Clouds” feat. Heerhorst & Peter Pahn. 

    Accomplishment: I signed tracks with my two dream labels – Drumcode and mau5trap. 

    Musical Moment: Supporting deadmau5 at the mau5trap x Sound Nightclub residency showcase in LA. 

     

    18 

    H.B. Monte, Universal Music Group, NYC 

    Tune: Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night.” It was played everywhere & remixed in almost every genre.  

    Accomplishment: Being featured in the NBC TV series, America’s Got Talent. 

    Musical Moment: Seeing DJ Craze and his Tablism routine. 

     

    19 

    Murdock, Rampage, Antwerp Belgium 

    Tune: Basstripper’s “In The City.” 

    Accomplishment: Wrapping up my second album, ready for ’24 release.  

    Musical Moment: Subtronics doing a master class in bass-music DJing on the Rampage Open Air mainstage, blending dubstep, d-n-b, basshouse & more.  

     

    20 

    Surf Mesa, Astralwerks, LA 

    Tune: Swedish House Mafia’s “See The Light” feat. Fridayy. The way this song feels so progressive and euphoric moves me so much.  

    Accomplishment: Releasing my debut EP, Come True, followed by a headline tour.  

    Musical Moment: I had a stomach flu in July, but flew from LA to NYC in a middle seat to play my first headline show in Brooklyn. That was awesome. I survived.  

       

    21 

    Victoria Engel, 444 SERIES, Buenos Aires, Argentina 

    Tune: Skelesys’ “Kill Me With Love.” 

    Accomplishment: Launching my own label, 444 SERIES, organizing its showcases & my seven-hour sets in Buenos Aires. 

    Musical Moment: Representing Argentina at the iconic Rock in Rio festival. 

     

    22 

    Emporer, Sommoned Records, Philadelphia 

    Tune: Frankie Bones’ “Call It Techno (Carlo Lio Remix).” 

    Accomplishment: Finally getting my label project off the ground – excited for 2024.  

    Musical Moment: Definitely our label-launch event. It was super-personal and intimate.  

     

    23 

    Howard “HK” Kessler, In The Mix With HK, Minneapolis 

    Tune: David Guetta & Bebe Rexha’s “I’m Good (Blue).” Perfect blend of current dance-pop production and nostalgia.  

    Accomplishment: Growing the size of our audience on our No.-1 rated radio mix show & our brand. 

    Musical Moment: Breaking the Top 15 on Mixcloud & going to No. 14 on both The Global Remix Chart & Global Open Format Chart. 

      

    24 

    OTR, Astralwerks, Seattle 

    Tune: John Summit & Hayla’s “Where You Are.” It came out of nowhere and took everyone by storm. 

    Accomplishment: Going on tour for the first time for my album, Be Quiet, They’re Listening. 

    Musical Moment: Seeing Lane 8 in Denver was a memorable experience. 

     

    25 

    Serafin, Pitch The Tempo, St. Petersburg, Fla. 

    Tune: Peggy Gou’s “(It Goes Like) Nanana.” 

    Accomplishment: Becoming a home owner. 

    Musical Moment: Headlining with Two Friends at Armature Works & opening up for Flo-Rida at Hard Rock. 

      

     

    26 

    Ascendant Vierge, 12 Stars, Paris/Brussels 

    Tune: Mathilde Fernandez: Christine & The Queens’ “Tears Can Be So Soft.” Paul Orzoni: Lil Uzi Vert’s “Just Wanna Rock.” 

    Accomplishment: Releasing an album and being on tour for nine months, which included playing at Berghain.  

    Musical Moment: Performing at Solidays in Paris – the crowd was wild.   

     

    27 

    Boris Brejcha, Fckng Serious, Gelnhausen, Germany 

    Tune: Moritz Hofbauer’s “In A Blurry World.” 

    Achievement: Shooting a music video with my friends in Iceland. It was one of the most beautiful places in the world. 

    Musical Moment: “What Else (Espresso)” is a song I produced during Covid in 2020, but I played it for the first time in 2023.  

     

    28 

    Innellea, Distorted Youth, Munich, Germany  

    Tune: Skrillex & Nai Barghouti” “XENA.” 

    Accomplishment: Setting a date – Feb. 9 – for my debut album, The Belonging. It features some incredible artists, including Flowdan, Juan Hansen, CamelPhat & more.  

    Musical Moment: Erykah Badu at Forwards Bristol. 

      

    29 

    Black Legend, Defected/Fool’s Paradise/Positiva, Rome 

    Tune: Cajmere feat. Dajae’s “Brighter Days (Marco Lys Remix).” 

    Accomplishment: Getting to work with Todd Terry on a collab release, “Move Every Muscle” on InHouse Records. 

    Musical Moment: Mochakk at Plaza de España, in Sevilla, Spain. 

     

    30 

    Ridney, Paharas Musica, Southhampton, U.K. 

    Tune: Ten Ven’s “What About You.” Nu-disco gem with a pulsating bassline and rising pianos straight from the Future Disco crew. Bit of a secret weapon this summer, everyone’s been asking what it is. 

    Accomplishment: Making music without pressure and working alongside fellow producers and DJs I love & respect. 

    Musical Moment: The 10-year anniversary mixes of “Missing You” for Record Store Day. I was so pleased Michael Gray remixed the track and joined a stella package with Eric Kupper, Opolopo & my original mix on vinyl. 

     

    31 

    Ceri, Find Your Own Records, Ibiza/London 

    Tune: Joe Smooth’s “Promised Land.” It’s a timeless classic from 1987, something which I played a few times recently. The words are very poignant at the moment.  

    Accomplishment: Re-launching my label, Find Your Own Records. 

    Musical Moment: Playing Panorama Bar/Berghain in Berlin, one of my favourite clubs in the world to play & party at. I cried & the dancers cried – it was very special and emotional.   

     

    32 

    DJ Shakey, Producer Dojo, NYC 

    Tune: WBBL’s “Whole Lotta Wob,” a Led Zep d-n-b remix.  

    Accomplishment: Grateful to be included in the “Fractal Forest Funk Jam” at the Shambhala Festival in B. C., where I got to play rare funk 45s with the likes of Z-Trip, Skratch Bastid, Krafty Kuts – so fun! 

    Musical Moment: Jinx in Dub spun a set at the Boomtown Fair festival in the U.K. that not only melted my brain, but gave me a real vision for the kind of music I want to produce next. 

     

    33 

    Chris D’Amico, D’Amico Entertainment, Succasunna, N.J. 

    Tune: Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer.” 

    Accomplishment: Surviving for a whopping 25 years in business. 

    Musical Moment: My new project/band opening the Rutgers home football games. 

     

    34 

    A.M.R, Monstercat, Doha, Qatar 

    Tune: Bonobo’s “Rosewood.” 

    Accomplishment: Releasing my second album, Familiar Faces. 

    Musical Moment: Getting back into DJing & playing my music live after a long hiatus. 

     

    35 

    Ray Volpe, Monstercat, LA 

    Tune: Subtronics & HOL!’s “Mind Pluck.” 

    Accomplishment: Winning “Best New Artist” at the Electronic Dance Music Awards was absolutely unexpected & amazing! 

    Musical Moment: Playing Tomorrowland – one of the coolest moments of my career ever. 

     

    36 

    Riot Ten, Create Music Group/Dim Mak, El Paso 

    Tune: Infekt’s “Boundless” made a massive splash. The crowd reaction for that song is always top-tier. 

    Accomplishment: I bought my first home this year! I’m so beyond grateful.  

    Musical Moment: Launching Dog Eat Dog, my side project with Crankdat, at Bass Canyon.  

     

     

    37 

    Shingo Nakamura, Monstercat, Tokyo 

    Tune: Estiva & Jess Ball’s “Carnal Emotion.” 

    Accomplishment: My first time DJing in the U.S. in about 10 years.  

    Musical Moment: Performing in Tomorrowland. I’ll never forget the sight I saw from the stage. 

     

    38 

    Love,Shaun, Astralwerks, Glasgow, Scotland  

    Tune: I loved Cloonee’s “Fine Night” or Skrillex & Boys Noize’s “Fine Day Anthem” equally. Both have a certain magic about the way they use that sample.  

    Accomplishment: Signing to Astralwerks and getting the chance to work with a label who’ve worked with some of the biggest electronic acts still feels surreal.  

    Musical Moment: Playing my first set at a Coachella opening party with Anderson .Paak and Kaytranada. 

     

    39 

    Miss Melera, Coulouizon, Amsterdam 

    Tune: Paradoks’“Always.”
    Accomplishment: A great festival season, my first Colourizon Beach edition last summer, and the release of my track, “Jade.”
    Musical Moment: Sven Väth at Akasha Ibiza, a very intimate club with the best sound system ever & trippy visuals. The musical journey Sven created was very inspiring.

     

    40

    Sinca, Anjunadeep, Montreal 

    Tune: Amtrac & Reva DeVito’s “Contrast (Durante Remix).” A great balance of rhythm & melodies.
    Accomplishment: Transitioning into a full-time music career in music & parting ways with my conventional 9-to-5 job.
    Musical moment: Headlining at Stereo Montreal, one of the world’s best clubs, right in my hometown.

     

    41

    Olivier Weiter, Einmusika, Amsterdam 

    Tune: Eelke Kleijn’s “Transmission (Joris Voorn Remix).”
    Accomplishment: Getting back on track after a very intense & difficult period in my career because of the pandemic.
    Musical Moment: Sven Väth at Akasha Ibiza for the Cocoon closing party in September. Pure craftsmanship.

     

    42 

    MicFreak, QU3/Quantize Recordings, Baltimore 

    Tune: Makèz & Life On Planets’ “Downstream.” 

    Accomplishment: Helping other artists grow on our label, QU3. 

    Musical Moment: I got to tour & play for people in different parts of the world. 

     

    43 

    Chris Washburn, Washburn Entertainment, Ithaca, N.Y. 

    Tune: Most Taylor Swift songs. Huge resurgence and major impact on so many dancefloors.  

    Accomplishment: Earning the opportunity to DJ New Years Eve at Disney World. 

    Musical Moment: Being the onstage DJ for Hayden Christensen and the “Back to the Future” cast at a ComicCon.  

     

     

    44 

    Two Friends, SALXCO, LA 

    Tune: Matt Halper: BUNT.’s “Clouds” feat. Nate Traveller. Eli Sones: Knock2’s “dashstar*.”  

    Accomplishment: Debuting our Planet Two Friends tour at Coachella in April & then bringing it all around North America over the next few months was an absolute dream come true. 

    Musical Moment: Laszewo put on an epic show in LA recently. We brought them on our tour last year & it’s been amazing watching them grow so much. 

     

    45 

    Cosmic Boys, Legend, Montpellier, France 

    Tune: Teenage Mutants’ “Dark Clouds” feat. Heerhorst & Peter Pahn. 

    Accomplishment: We are very honored to have made an official remix of the legendary track “Café Del Mar” by Energy 52 – an incredible experience.  

    Musical Moment: Seeing Hanz Zimmer in concert. We took a real emotional hit. Seeing him play live with his orchestra was an extraordinary moment. 

     

    46 

    Samstone, RCA, Loughborough, U.K. 

    Tune: Songer & K Motionz’s “Vino Bandit.” 

    Accomplishment: Signing with RCA Records U.K.  

    Musical Moment: Collaborating with Aktive & The Cardigans on “My Favourite Game” was something I thoroughly enjoyed this year. The track will be released in early ’24.  

     

    47 

    Re-Tide, Re-Tide Music, Rome 

    Tune: Donna Allen’s “Serious (Michael Gray’s Remix).” We played it a lot on our radio show. 

    Accomplishment: Our song with Lukas Setto, “Me & You,” is currently being played on Radio Deejay, one of the best radio stations in Italy with about 5 million listeners daily.  

    Musical Moment: We played B2B in Amsterdam with Brian Tappert, one of our favorite DJs & most of all, a dear friend.  

     

    48 

    DJ Flex, 88 Productions, Newark, N.J. 

    Tune: Rema’s “Calm Down” because it is the first Afrobeat song to hit 1 billion streams in ’23. 

    Accomplishment: Releasing my single “Odo,” which is short for odoyewu, meaning “love of life in all its various forms” in West African Twi. 

    Musical Moment: Seeing crowds at all kinds of different events being captivated by my song, “Meliza.” 

     

    49 

    Mija, Never B Alone, LA 

    Tune: Brutalismus 3000’s “Romantika.” 

    Accomplishment: Entering my producer era, dropping more music in one year than I ever have before & getting to perform it all on tour. 

    Musical Moment: Watching James Blake perform his latest EDM album at the Hollywood Cemetery, being inspired as hell & dancing my ass off. 

     

    50 

    Juheun, Tronic Records, Phoenix 

    Tune: Len Faki’s “Sexuality (My Reality)” always sets the dancefloor on fire.  

    Accomplishment: Putting more focus on our local scene with our event company, Circuit, and throwing over 25 events this year in Phoenix. 

    Musical Moment: My Central America debut and performing live for the first time in Panama City, Panama. 

     

    51 

    Enamour, Various, LA 

    Tune: &ME’s “L.I.F.E.” 

    Accomplishment: My official remix of RY X’s “A Thousand Knives” as the lead single for his remix album. 

    Musical Moment: DJing at EDC Vegas.  

     

    52 

    Tim Engelhardt, Lifeforms/Scenarios, Cologne, Germany 

    Tune: Rex The Dog’s “Change This Pain For Ecstasy.” 

    Accomplishment: I doubled the output that I had in ’22 & finished even more amazing music for next year, in between doing shows. 

    Musical Moment: Playing in Buenos Aires – the crowd & energy is always unmatched in Argentina.  

     

     

    53 

    SIPPY, Monstercat, LA 

    Tune: Skrillex, Fred again.. & Flowdan’s “Rumble.”  

    Accomplishment: Hosting a sold-out Ableton/music production workshop in Denver. It’s the first one I have done in America and helping/teaching others was one of my favorite things to do.  

    Musical Moment: Playing Hard Summer & seeing how much my crowd had grown since I first played there when I first moved to the U.S. in ’21.  

     

     

    54 

    HNTR, mau5trap, Toronto 

    Tune: Hard to think of a bigger one than Kx5’s “Escape” feat. Hayla.
    Accomplishment: Going B2B with Testpilot – that’s bucket-list stuff right there.  

    Musical Moment: While on tour with Eli Brown in Vancouver, we hit up one of my favorite afterhours to play, Gorgomish. But we just went as fans & got to really experience what it’s like on the other side of the decks. 

     

     

    55 

    RayRay, mau5trap, Taipei, Taiwan
    Tune: Skrillex’s Quest For Fire album. 

    Accomplishment: I finished my Unearthly World deluxe album, signed with US-based Spin Artists Agency & started touring in the USA working with mau5trap.
    Musical Moment: ADE week this year because I got to play eight shows in four days & hang out & enjoy other artists’ sets. 

     

    56 

    Nikki Nair, Future Classic/Warp, Atlanta 

    Tune: DJ Swisha’s “Club Megamixxx.” 

    Accomplishment: I beat Hudson Mohawke at Chess – I also lost a bunch of times. 

    Musical Moment: My set at Horst Arts & Music Festival in Belgium. 

     

    57 

    Adam Griffin, Perfect Havoc, London 

    Tune: Jazzy’s “NRG.” Just a divine slice of musical pie. 

    Accomplishment: Hosting the 103 at Ministry of Sound with our Perfect Havoc night & DJing to a packed crowd.  

    Musical Moment: Playing a vinyl set at the reimagined new Cross nightclub for a Perfect Havoc party with 300 industry friends & fans. The shots-for-all was quite a moment. 

     

    58 

    Sara Simms, Simmetry Sounds, Toronto 

    Tune: Eli Brown’ s “Be The One.” 

    Accomplishment: My release, “Regenerate,” a collab with Adam James on my label.  

    Musical Moment: When Simina Grigoriu invited me to perform with her at Ushuaïa during her set at the ANTS party.  

      

    59 

    Jack Kelly, Perfect Havoc, Belfast 

    Tune: Sammy Virji’s “If U Need It.” A must-play banger. 

    Accomplishment: Getting a record signed to Selected, for sure. 

    Musical Moment: Playing at Ministry Of Sound with my Perfect Havoc Family was a night I’ll never forget.  

     

    60 

    Mistier, Mistier Music, NYC 

    Tune: Tinlicker’s “All That I Lost.”  

    Acomplishment: After a while of hibernation to raise young kids, my first releases in a few years.  

    Musical Moment: Black Coffee at Madison Square Garden. 

     

    61 

    Noana, Youth Control, Helsinki 

    Tune: deadmau5 & Kaskade’s “I Remember (John Summit Remix).” 

    Accomplishment: I finally got to do my debut releases for my solo artist project Noana. 

    Musical Moment: Arranging this amazing private “festival” named Hästfest – Swedish for “horse party” – where I played a set with some of my favorite tunes. The response was heartwarming. 

     

    62 

    Rony Rex, Youth Control, Helsinki 

    Tune: Hudson Mohawke & Nikki Nair’s “Set The Roof” feat. Tayla Parx. Works like a charm on a festival stage & in the club. 

    Accomplishment of 2023: I celebrated my 10-year anniversary as Rony Rex – to be a decade in as an independent artist feels special. 

    Musical Moment: The 10-year party we threw in Helsinki. 

     

    63 

    Rony Seikaly, Stride Records, Miami 

    Tune: SIS’ “Chan Chan,” a record I’ve played all summer long to dancefloors around the world and the 50th Stride release.  

    Accomplishment: Playing for Circoloco on the DC10 terrace. 

    Musical Moment: Hearing PAWSA play. I had never heard him play before, and he really surprised me. Very talented selector. 

     

    64 

    Smok, Youth Control, Oulu, Finland 

    Tune: Netsky’s“Everybody Loves the Sunshine” feat. Chantal Kashala & Daddy Waku.  

    Accomplishment: My latest, “Desire,” with Sophie Marie. 

    Musical Moment: The ADE parties from Hospital Records and Toytonic – pure awesomeness. 

     

    65 

    Cristoph, Anjunadeep, Chicago 

    Tune: &ME & Black Coffee’s “Rapture Part III.”
    Accomplishment: My six-week “Open To Close” tour of North America.
    Musical Moment: Selling out Coda Toronto in under 30 minutes & my support sets for HOLO NYC Shows.  

     

    66 

    Lauren “Lolo” Mayhew, Next Level Brands, Tampa 

    Tune: David Guetta & Bebe Rexha’s “I’m Good (Blue)” made a huge impact. 

    Accomplishment: Touring as the celebrity DJ for Virgin Voyages. 

    Musical Moment: Headlining a sold-out Halloween show for INVY Nightclub in Indianapolis. 

     

    67 

    Lost Prince, Axtone/Palace Records, Athens, Greece 

    Tune: Argy & Goom Gum’s “Pantheon.”  

    Accomplishment: Being able to play out my new singles at dark & dirty clubs. 

    Musical Moment: I have a feeling it might be coming right before the new year. 

     

    68 

    Blanke, Monstercat, Denver 

    Tune: Chase & Status & Bou’s “Baddadan” feat. IRAH, Flowdan, Trigga & Takura. 

    Accomplishment: Starting the full separation of my d-n-b side project ÆON:MODE by releasing a collab with Metrik. 

    Musical Moment: My first sold-out headline show in LAs where I played both Blanke & ÆON:MODE sets in one night. 

     

    69 

    Seth N’ Sound, Mind of a Genius/Atlantic, Austin 

    Tune: Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding’s “Miracle.” This song shifted the landscape for producers to explore. 

    Accomplishment: Receiving videos of people enjoying my songs from all over the world is definitely my favorite thing. 

    Musical Moment: Skrillex, Fred again.. & Four Tet subbing for Frank Ocean at Coachella was 100-percent the greatest EDM moment of the year. 

     

     

    70 

    Shogun, Neo Tokyo Records, Tokyo 

    Tune: Gorillaz’s “Fools Gold (Dom Dolla Remix)” feat. Tame Impala & Bootie Brown. 

    Accomplishment: Achieving 572 million Spotify streams. 

    Musical Moment: DJing in Taipei again. 

     

    71 

    DC Salas, Live At Robert Johnson, Brussels 

    Tune: Midnight’s “Match Box” feat. Elif Murat.  

    Accomplishment: Traveling & meeting new people, thanks to my music.  

    Musical Moment: Every gig of my Fuse residency & Rosalia’s performance at Werchter Festival this summer.  

     

    72 

    Jennifer Loveless, Butter Sessions, Berlin  

    Tune: BASHKKA’s “Act Bad.” 

    Accomplishment: Relocating Australia to Berlin & releasing my most vocal track to date, “Pleasure.”  

    Musical Moment: Closing Golden Plains Fest in Australia & playing Horst Music & Arts Fest in Belgium.  

     

    73 

    John Newman, Tomorrowland Music, London 

    Tune: Swedish House Mafia’s “Ray of Solar.”   

    Accomplishment: I’ve honed my hybrid-DJ-&-live-vocals set into an experience that I’m really proud of. 

    Musical Moment: Making my Tomorrowland mainstage debut was a bucket-list moment for me. 

      

    74 

    AVAION, Sony Music, Berlin 

    Tune: Fred again..’s “adore u.” 

    Accomplishment: I’m super-proud of how my sound & style has continued to develop. 

    Musical Moment: When I started my own Boiler Room-style “For The Vibes” party/livestream set in my hometown & it went crazy!  

     

    75 

    Axel Haube, Zamna Records, Malines, Belgium 

    Tune: Kevin de Vries & Mau P’s “Metro.” 

    Accomplishment: Playing in 16 countries over three continents & having seven releases in ’23.   

    Musical Moment: Playing at Afterlife on Tomorrowland. 

     

    76 

    Dr. Fresch, House Call Records, LA 

    Tune: Space Laces’ “Dominate” helped lead the charge to bring bass house more into focus. 

    Accomplishment: I had my biggest tour this year, working with some of my favorite artists in bass house & some of the most talented individuals behind the scenes to produce these shows, too. 

    Musical Moment: DJing an immersive set at Shrine LA was insane. 

      

    77 

    Tinlicker, PIAS, Utrecht, Netherlands 

    Tune: The Smile’s “Wall of Eyes.” I’m just a sucker for Tom Yorke & Jonny Greenwood & how they keep reinventing themselves. 

    Accomplishment: Opening ADE with the Metropole Orchestra & being able to see it afterward on national television, while sitting on my couch wearing a bathrobe was a beautiful moment. 

    Musical Moment: Saw Bruce Springsteen live for the first time. This was a nice nostalgic moment & seeing them play for three hours, giving it their all, after all those years was inspirational. 

     

    78 

    DJ Godfather, Databass Records, Detroit 

    Tune: The Exaltics & Paris The Black Fu’s “Wea Poni Zadin Form Ation.” 

    Accomplishment: Releasing more tracks than anyone I know. 

    Musical Moment: Me, Aux 88 & Egyptian Lover on one line-up, back-to-back – magical night! 

     

    79 

    Sam Skilz, GaGa Records, Luxembourg  

    Tune: Anyma & Chris Avantgarde’s “Eternity” was truly engaging. 

    Accomplishment: It was an exciting year at Skilz DJ Academy. I got to help the music world grow by teaching new artists & having a say in how electronic music is evolving.  

    Musical Moment: The eruption of cheers at the Mysteryland festival this summer profoundly moved me.  

     

    80 

    CHLOÉ, Lumière Noire Records, Paris 

    Tune: Tirzah’s “No Limit.” 

    Accomplishment: Being part of a unique, immersive installation called ANIMA.  

    Musical Moment: Joining the beautiful Queer Ranch Festival on the Greek island of Lesbos.  

     

    81 

    Bass Physics, Independent, Denver 

    Tune: MPORT’s “The Jiggler.”  

    Accomplishment: Opening for Illenium at Mission Ballroom.  

    Musical Moment: Playing my new album at Ember Shores in Mexico.  

     

    82 

    Tara Brooks, Bedrock Records, LA 

    Tune: DJ Seinfeld & Confidence Man’s “Now U Do.” 

    Accomplishment: Remixing Motorcyle’s legendary hit, “As The Rush Comes.” 

    Musical Moment: Playing my new tune “Kaisers” at OK Cool, the Movement Detroit afterparty. 

     

    83 

    Disco Fries, Liftoff Recordings, New Jersey/Virginia 

    Tune: Skrillex, Fred again.. & Flowdan’s “Rumble.” 

    Accomplishment: Had our first radio No. 1 on our label with Lena Leon’s “Spiral” & hit the Billboard Year End Chart with both “Spiral” & our single “Pieces” w/ VASSY & Bingo Players. 

    Musical Moment: Oscar G during Miami Music Week & releasing “Love You Loud,” a collab with Ferry Corsten.  

     

    84 

    Illexxandra, Producer Dojo, NYC 

    Tune: Karma Kid’s “CrushDancing” or Sam Smith & Kim Petras’ “Unholy.”
    Accomplishment: Being in charge of recording all the emergency announcements for the radio station at Burning Man, during the famous floods this year. 

    Musical Moment: Cypress Hill at Boomtown fest in the U.K. 

     

    85 

    DJ Eyecon, Direct Music Service, Myrtle Beach, S.C. 

    Tune: Coi Leray’s “Players.” Super-popular song that’s fun to play & brings generations together. 

    Accomplishment: Expanding my brand by producing exclusively for DMS. 

    Musical Moment: A 600-guest show we did – the entire crowd singing to my edits. Felt amazing. 

     

    86 

    DJ HAPA, TheDJCoach.com, LA 

    Tune: JVKE’s “Golden Hour.” For the kids. 

    Accomplishment: Getting our classroom method, Start to DJ, off the ground & empowering students throughout the country.   

    Musical Moment: Being a part of an initiative with one of my students, Kazami, & Pioneer DJ to help get DJs in Maui replacement gear for what they lost in the fires. 

     

     

    87 

    Samantha Michelle, The Kagency, NYC 

    Tune: Matt Anderson’s remix of “Courage, My Soul.” It’s a call for resilience, a reminder to keep the faith. 

    Accomplishment: I got invited back onto Duran Duran/Nile Rodgers’ tour to open for them in my hometown, Toronto.  

    Musical Moment: I played the closing party for Berlin Science Week on this incredible stage, with epic installation art & a whole cast of dancers & burlesque performers – a wild, immersive experience. 

     

    88 

    Dirtyphonics, Monstercat, LA 

    Tune: Chase & Status & Bou’s “Baddadan” feat. IRAH, Flowdan, Trigga & Takura. 

    Accomplishment: Writing & announcing the release of our sophomore album, 10 years after the first one.
    Musical Moment: Closing the mainstage at Rampage Open Air. 

     

    89 

    Keys N Krates, Last Gang/MNRK, Toronto 

    Tune: Barry Can’t Swim’s “Deadbeat Gospel.” 

    Tune: Releasing our In:Tension album – definitely our most thoughtful & fun work. 

    Musical Moment: Playing “Higher” in front of 5,000 people in Calgary for the first time ever & watching them go insane. 

     

    90 

    Nitefreak, Deep Root, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe  

    Tune: Alex Wann’s “Milkshake.” 

    Accomplishment: I had my first tour in four different continents. 

    Musical Moment: Hearing people sing along to “Ode Ireti (Nitefreak Remix).” 

     

    91 

    Tim Clark, Coldharbour Recordings, Las Vegas 

    Tune: FOVOS’ “Lollipop.”  

    Accomplishment: Being nominated Best New Artist at the EDMAs ’24.  

    Musical Moment: Playing EDC Orlando.    

     

    92 

    Wolfgang Gartner, Dim Mak, LA 

    Tune: Tony Romera’s “MS69.” 

    Accomplishment: Finishing an album without throwing my computer off the Santa Monica Pier.
    Musical Moment: The meteoric rise of Knock2. 

     

    93 

    JSTJR, Dim Mak, LA 

    Tune: Aphøtic’s “Thalassophobia.”
    Accomplishment: Throwing my party “Group Chat” in LA every month bringing out some of the biggest names in dance music.  

    Musical Moment: Will Clark’s late-night set on EDSea.  

      

    94 

    Nostalgix, Monstercat, LA 

    Tune: Knock2’s “dashstar*,” really unique. 

    Accomplishment: Building out my “Star City” EP, out in ’24. 

    Musical Moment: Performing at EDC Las Vegas Opening Ceremony.  

     

    95 

    Showtek, Skink Records, LA/NYC 

    Tune: Swedish House Mafia’s “Ray Of Solar (Tiësto Remix)”  

    Accomplishment: Launching our album, 360 Yellow.
    Musical Moment: Our hardstyle show return at Qlimax in Holland.
     

     

    96 

    Maddy O’Neal, Mammoth Music Group, Denver 

    Tune: Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo’s “Ratata.”  

    Accomplishment: Played two of my dream festivals, Coachella and Bonnaroo. 

    Musical Moment: The return of Pretty Lights band. 

     

    97 

    Sam Divine, Defected Records, London  

    Tune: Butch & Nic Fanciulli’s “I Want You.”  

    Accomplishment: Getting back in the studio & making music I love again with no pressure or agenda.  

    Musical Moment: Fat Tony for Glitterbox at Glastonbury’s Greenpeace Field – very special. 

     

    98 

    Walker & Royce, Dirtybird Records, LA 

    Tune: DJ Glen & Luke Andy’s “2 Tha Moon.” 

    Accomplishment: Our “Just What the World Needs” tour. 

    Musical Moment: Dropping “Stop Time,” our collab with Glass Petals & Elohim, at Shrine LA.  

     

    99 

    BEC, Trip/Filth On Acid/Factory 93, Berlin
    Tune: Dispar Vulgo’s “Daydreams of a Megalomaniac.”
    Accomplishment: Finding a new direction in my sound & touring to new territories. 

    Musical Moment: Seeing the dancefloor fill up for my set at Awakenings Summer festival. 

     

    100 

    Borne, Nightmode, Montreal 

    Tune: Skrillex’s Quest for Fire album… such creativity. 

    Accomplishment: Hitting my goals about releases, etc. 

    Musical Moment: Experiencing ADE – strongly recommended. 

     

    2023 2023 Year in Review featured Top Tracks of 2023

    Related Posts

    The Freedman Group Acquires Lectrosonics, Expanding Global Pro Audio Powerhouse

    10 Brand-New Songs for Your May Wedding Playlist

    Booka Shade: Making ‘For Real’ [Interview]

    DJ Annalyze [Mobile Monday Spotlight]

    RÜFÜS DU SOL ‘Inhale / Exhale Remixed’ is Now Available

    DJ LIFE’s 2025 Annual DJ Survey: Your DJ Journey Matters

    Comments are closed.

    Latest Posts

    The Freedman Group Acquires Lectrosonics, Expanding Global Pro Audio Powerhouse

    May 8, 2025

    10 Brand-New Songs for Your May Wedding Playlist

    May 8, 2025

    Serato DJ 3.3.2 Update Expansion Unveiled

    May 7, 2025

    Booka Shade: Making ‘For Real’ [Interview]

    May 7, 2025
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    • About
    • Digital Editions
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    © 2025 DJ Life Magazine

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.