We take a look back at 2024, a year full of ubiquitous hits in several genres that served the club, festival and mobile-party scenes.
So, as we wrapped up ’24, 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
David Morales, DIRIDIM Records, Bologna, Italy
Tune: LF System’s “All I’ve Got.”
Accomplishment: Songwriting & producing new music.
Musical Moment: My best experience this year was my summer residency at Freddies at Pikes in Ibiza.
2
Dave Audé, Audacious Records, Nashville
Tune: Mau P’s “Merther.”
Accomplishment: Wrote & produced an album for my favorite singer of all time, Andy Bell of Erasure.
Musical Moment: Traveling to San Juan was a first, what an amazing place & vibe!
3
Dimitri Vegas, Smash the House, Willebroek, Belgium
Tune: Adam Port, Stryv & Malachiii’s “Move” feat. Camila Cabello.
Accomplishment: Non-music related, but seeing my first lead role in the feature film, “H4Z4RD,” get its official release in theatres & also on Tubi in North America – this year was a surreal moment for me.
Musical Moment: In addition to working on a track together, bringing the legendary Vin Diesel out during our mainstage set at Tomorrowland was a moment I’ll never forget, along with the release of my vinyl-only album.
4
Jauz, Bite This!, Newport Beach, Calif.
Tune: Chase & Status’ “Backbone.” D-n-B has had such an amazing moment this year, it’s great to see it continue with hit records like this.
Accomplishment: Relaunching Bite This! definitely feels like a milestone for me. I’ve always loved providing an outlet for up-&-coming producers that I admire to release their music through.
Musical Moment: The record I did for the Golden State Warriors – “Don’t Lose Your Head” – that I did with P-Lo is still so surreal. Being able to say that my music is playing in that arena every game is truly so special to me.
5
DJs From Mars, Mashup DJ/Producers, Turin, Italy
Tunes: All the new singles by David Guetta – “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” “Forever Young” & “Never Going Home Tonight.” They’re bringing back the melodic EDM vibes –& that’s probably going to be a trend in 2025, after a year of no-melody, hard techno.
Accomplishment: Being able to release more original music after years of mashups & bootlegs – that’s our main goal for 2025, too.
Musical Moment: Our set at Tomorrowland this year was unreal. We played in a Boiler Room stage, surrounded by people at 360-degree. The energy was unbeatable & we will remember this moment forever!
6
LIKE MIKE, Smash the House, Ibiza
Tune: Notre Dame’s “Citizen 99.”
Accomplishment: Releasing my second artist album was a major highlight, marking my eponymous debut under my HEREON alias.
Musical Moments: The best musical moments of 2024 was performing solo at intimate & private parties across various locations, from Monaco F1 to Ibiza, exploring new sounds away from the big festival stages.
7
Myd, Ed Banger/Because Music, Paris
Tune: Antoine Bourachot’s “Traveling.”
Accomplishment: Slow down the touring machine & digest all my gigs, so that I get back in studio inspired.
Musical Moment: Playing my favorite French music for the Paris 2024 Paralympics’ opening ceremony.
8
Two Friends, Helix Records, LA
Tune: Chase & Status & Bou’s “Baddadan” feat. IRAH, Flowdan, Trigga & Takura – especially all the remixes. Big year for drum-n-bass.
Accomplishment: Headlining Madison Square Garden in August was an absolute dream come true. It still feels like it wasn’t real.
Musical Moment: Releasing our song “Wrong Way” with Alexander Stewart & getting to perform it for the first time together at Red Rocks was a big highlight for us.
9
Hardwell, Revealed Recordings, Breda, Netherlands
Tune: Ryos’ “Disguise,” a track that has had an amazing reaction in sets this year.
Accomplishment: My collaboration with Apple on my first official Producer Pack was a real special one for me.
Musical Moment: Reuniting with Armin van Buuren after nearly a decade on our track, “Follow The Light,” was a special one from this year. We first teased it in February during a B2B at his A State of Trance Rotterdam festival, and it was a huge feature in both mine & his sets all summer.
10
DJ Razor, New York Mets/Islanders DJ, NYC
Tune: Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go!” was probably one of the biggest crowd-response/participation song for the stadiums in 2024. It’s like the new type of “Ch-Cha Slide” song that you can do in your seat.
Accomplishment: Creating all the custom music & sound effects at Citi Field for the pitching changes that were synced with the lights to keep the fans entertained.
Musical Moment: The entire 2024 Mets playoff run was an amazin’ experience to have the 45,000-plus fans clapping & stomping to my beats.
11
Mike Walter, Elite Entertainment, Tinton, N.J.
Tune: Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” a danceable country song with a sing-alongable chorus! Was a huge song for me this year.
Accomplishment: I’ve DJed 70 weddings so far this year & 61 of my couples have given me a 5-star review.
Musical Moment: Michael Franti at Red Rock Ampitheatre on my wife Kelly’s birthday – incredible concert & experience!
12
Sacha Robotti, Sloth Acid/Dirtybird, San Francisco
Tune: Maceo Plex & Tyler Hill’s “Nasty.” The sound design & groove are so sick. I loved dropping this track in my sets.
Accomplishments: Taking my music business 360, relaunching my label, releasing “Roll With Me” feat. Pershard Owens on Dirtybird, and remembering who TF I am.
Musical Moment: I played a daytime set in San Francisco for Dirtybird at The Embarcadero – about 10,000 people showed up. Beautiful!
13
Wax Motif, Divided Souls, LA
Tune: Adam Port, Stryv & Malachiii’s “Move” feat. Camila Cabello.
Accomplishment: Traveling to several countries like Brazil, Spain, Australia & also selling out Brooklyn Mirage as WAXTRODA.
Musical Moment: Having my name in credits alongside Ty Dolla $ign, Freddie Gibbs, YG & Kanye West.
14
1788-L, HypnoVizion, Denver
Tune: Chase & Status & Bou’s “Baddadan” feat. IRAH, Flowdan, Trigga & Takura. It was easily the most influential tune for me.
Accomplishment: The release of my EP, “NU-TYPE, vol. 1” on Rezz’s imprint, HypnoVizion.
Musical Moment: This year, Chet Porter’s “Eyes Tour” really hit home for me, feeling like a truly honest & cohesive achievement.
15
DJ Anarchy, SiriusXM/Pitbull’s Globalization, Houston
Tune: Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Accomplishment: Finally realizing my dream of releasing an original catalogue of music with artists I work with.
Musical Moment: Opening for Gunna at his sold-out concert in Houston.
16
DJ Cova, Tweak Music Tips, Orlando, Fla.
Tune: Dom Dolla’s “Saving Up.”
Accomplishment: Focusing on organic growth by serving the DJ community.
Musical Moment: The DJX Sunset Sessions’ meet-and-greet was amazing. I met DJs from Texas, New Jersey, Maryland & New York that I never met before. It was a lot of fun.
17
Joe Bunn, Bunn DJ Company, Raleigh, N.C.
Tune: Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go!” could not be denied this year. Also, I think her “Pink Pony Club” did the best for me at my private events – a huge sing-a-long song.
Accomplishment: Having DJs still support my businesses – Bunn Gear, The DJ’s Vault and Crate Hackers.
Musical Moment: Being on stage with Thirty Seconds to Mars, one of my favorite bands, during their concert this summer – unforgettable.
18
Michael Gray, Sultra/Glitterbox/Full Intention, London
Tune: Melvo Baptiste’s “Did You Pray Today?”
Accomplishment: Releasing my album, Optimism.
Musical Moment: Celebrating my birthday at Glitterbox & DJing in The Wild Corner at Hï Ibiza.
19
MANTi, Zamna, LA
Tune: Trikk’s “Rigor.”
Accomplishment: Âme supporting & playing my tracks.
Musical Moment: Seeing Charlotte de Witt’s “Overdrive” show at Coachella
20
Serafin, Pitch The Tempo/Blended Records, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Tune: John Summit & Hayla’s “Shiver.”
Accomplishment: I got to release seven official tracks in 2024 & three went viral.
Musical Moment: In opening up for the legend Tiësto at Hard Rock Pool, I actually had my first Tiësto experience – that was my best moment in 2024.
21
The Stickmen Project, Nitron Music, Parts Unknown
Tune: Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike & Tiësto & Dido & W&W – “Thank You (Not So Bad).”
Accomplishment: Two of our original songs (“Rain In Ibiza” and “No Fun”) hitting 100 million streams on Spotify.
Musical Moment: Playing World Club Dome main stage in Deutsche Bank Park Stadium Frankfurt.
22
WHIPPED CREAM, Monstercat, Vancouver
Tune: FKA Twigs’ “Perfect Stranger.”
Accomplishment: Finding peace within myself.
Musical Moment: Selling out my L.A. headline show to close out my tour.
23
Mark Brenneisen, AllWeDoIsEpic.Com, Lake George, N.Y.
Tune: Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” We live/work in a very heavy rural area, where county hits work well. Even in the nightclubs around here, we’re dropping country & rock. Have to go with this one!
Accomplishment: Producing the second year of the Lake George DJ Takeover Music & Arts Festival.
Musical Moment: DJ Slim McGraw at Barefoot Country Music Festival in Wildwood, N.J.
24
DJ Tony F, Soundwave Productions, Richmond, Va.
Tune: Dua Lipa’s “Levitating (Country Club Martini Crew Remix).”
Accomplishment: My investment in Martin Audio for my sound rig.
Musical Moment: Seeing Chromeo live.
25
Zakes Bantwini, Mayonie Productions, Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa
Tune: Keinemusik feat. Chuala’s “Say What.”
Achievement: My album being nominated for the Best Dance Album at the South African Music Awards.
Musical Moment: Seeing Shimza’s Cercle show.
26
Random Soul, Random Soul, Sydney, Australia
Tune: Hard to pin one down to be honest, as there’s been so many. Disclosure’s track, “She’s Gone, Dance On,” certainly had a great run.
Accomplishment: Finishing our second artist album – it’s dropping in 2025!
Musical Moment: Hearing the masters of our new album!
27
JAEL, Mena Muria Records, Amsterdam
Tune: Joy Orbison’s “Flex FM (Freddit).” This one is literally a cheat code in my DJ sets. Every time I play this the crowd reaction is crazy!
Accomplishment: Being invited over to DJ Jazzy Jeff’s “Playlist Retreat” writing camp & make music with my musical heroes.
Musical Moment: Seeing DJ EZ crushing his set at ADE in Amsterdam made me feel so motivated to be a great DJ – hands down, the best set I’ve experienced in 2024.
28
Chris Washburn, Washburn Entertainment, Ithaca N.Y.
Tune: Chappell Roan’s “Hot To Go!” The crowd reactions were as if it was an all-time generational banger.
Accomplishment: DJing for Tom Hiddleston, Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor & the “Back to the Future” cast in front of 3,000 fans at Megacon.
Musical Moment: Experiencing the 2024 movie version of “Defying Gravity” in “Wicked,” and seeing the guest reactions of playing it at gigs.
29
Chuck Zerambo, Sir Charles Distinctive Entertainment & DJ Services, Philadelphia
Tune: Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Accomplishment: Being awarded the Department of Defense “Legacy of Hope Award” at The Pentagon, a recognition inspired by Bob Hope’s unwavering support for the military, was my greatest honor & a testament to my dedication to service members, veterans, & their families through resilience, mentorship & community service.
Musical Moment: We had a wedding client request all metal-band music during dinner; we set it up appropriately with an announcement at the start of the dinner hour & played the songs at low level. It worked & it was one of the best weddings of ’24!
30
H.B. Monte, JAMZ 96.3 FM, Albany, N.Y.
Tune: Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” It continues to play everywhere & I’m sure will play through ’25 with his Super Bowl halftime performance.
Accomplishment: Performing on Got Talent Spain live on the Telecinco TV network.
Musical Moment: Seeing Nas perform a tribute to Prodigy of Mobb Deep at his concert in Albany’s Palace Theatre.
31
Chris D’Amico, D’Amico Entertainment,
Roxbury, N.J.
Tune: Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Accomplishment: Making my new band, Suit & Mai Tai, one of the top bands in all of New Jersey this year.
Musical Moment: My band playing the Lobby Bar at Hard Rock during DJX for all of my DJ colleagues.
32
Sara Simms, Simmetry Sounds, Toronto
Tune: Loofy’s “Last Night (Anyma x Layton Giordani Remix)”
Accomplishment: Performing at Electric Island in Toronto.
Musical Moment: Performing in a castle for DJ Workshop Germany at Schloss Romrod.
33
Marty Guilfoyle, 95 Records, Dublin, Ireland
Tune: Sonny Fodera, Jazzy & DOD’s “Somedays.” Biggest dance record of the year, in my opinion.
Accomplishment: Having my dance-music radio show syndicated across multiple stations on the Bauer Media network, & then going on to win a bronze award at the IMRO Radio Awards.
Musical Moment: Seeing Becky Hill in Dublin perform “Gecko (Overdrive)” live for the first time – it sounded incredible.
34
Maxim Lany, Armada Music, Ghent, Belgium
Tune: Dyzen’s “Try.”
Accomplishment: Releasing my four-track EP, “Hoogeloon” & showing that timeless instrumental electronic music can transcend in time.
Musical Moment: I got to finally see Kruder & Dorfmeister in concert this year – brought back so many memories & inspired me so much.
35
Topic, Astralwerks, Dubai, UAE
Tune: Adam Port, Stryv & Malachiii’s “Move” feat. Camila Cabello.
Accomplishment: The milestones we reached with “I Adore You.”
Musical Moment: Playing Pacha. I love playing shows in Ibiza, in general – always such a special vibe!
36
Tromino, Tromino Records, Coventry, U.K.
Tune: Radio Slave’s “The Lunatics (Club Mix)”
Accomplishment: Releasing music on my own label that has been five years in the making
Musical Moment: Getting global support from the best DJs & producers in the business.
37
Barbara Nicole, Good Crazy, Berlin
Tune: Illangelo’s “Petals in the Breeze.” I listen to this track almost every day. I am really inspired by Illangelo, the way he carves these incredible soundscapes & pushes the boundaries of what makes a song. This track is so ethereal & dreamy with the harp and vocal, but also dark & melancholy with the driving kick & bass. It’s a beautiful contradiction, like me.
Accomplishment: Opening for Anderson .Paak & Kings of Leon at Allegiant Stadium Las Vegas, host of Super Bowl LVIII.
Musical Moment: A young girl came to meet me after my set in Times Square with her mom and younger sister. She shared that I inspired her to DJ & I gave her a big hug & asked her name. She said, “Luz,” in Spanish, which means light, & I said, “Continue to spread your light & joy in this world because we need it.” There’s no greater feeling in the world than connecting with real fans & kind souls.
38
Mike Garrett, DJ Mike Production/2 DJs 1 Mic, Dallas
Tune: Jack Harlow’s “Lovin’ on Me” & Nicki Minaj’s “Everybody” feat. Lil Uzi Vert. These songs embody the essence of timeless party anthems, effortlessly energizing & endlessly enjoyable.
Accomplishment: Attending DJX 2024 was not just an opportunity, but a deeply inspiring experience, as it allowed me to connect with incredible talents like DJ Mell Starr & Disco Fries. Engaging with their stories, passion, & unique journeys in the music industry reminded me of the power of creativity & collaboration.
Musical Moment: Standing on the DJX showroom floor, surrounded by the incredible energy of 20 to 30 DJs, each in their element, pouring their passion into the music. Unforgettable.
39
Demayä, Calamar Records, Dubai, UAE
Tune: MoBlack’s “Yamore.” MoBlack has elegantly reimagined an iconic song originally performed by Salif Keita & Cesária Évora. He masterfully blends tradition & modernity, creating a universal connection on the dancefloor. This track has had a huge impact this year.
Accomplishment: Playing three times in Ibiza this summer.
Musical Moment: Colyn’s performance in Beirut was filled with magic until sunset & I got hit really hard when he ended his set with Deadmau5’s “Strobe,” then Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky.”
40
Boogie Lights, Boogie Bunch Records, Denver
Tune: Barry Can’t Swim’s “Deadbeat Gospel” ft. somedeadbeat.
Accomplishment: Releasing my album, DISCO DANCE THERAPY & getting it pressed to vinyl is truly a dream come true. Biggest accomplishment of my life, so far.
Musical Moment: Seeing Fred again.. at Ball Arena in Denver. The energy & inspiration he created that night was something I’ll never forget.
41
CADZOW, NowNow Records, Glasgow, Scotland
Tune: Ikkhi’s “Push the Ignition.”
Accomplishment: Getting to play Terminal V, a festival that’s close to home.
Musical Moment: Selling out my All Night Long show in my hometown.
42
Don Woezik, Innergated, Malmö, Sweden
Tune: Sunbeam’s “Outside World (SPDY Hard Edit).” I played this track many times & I’ve listened to the original track a lot it in my childhood, so it has a special place for me.
Accomplishment: I worked hard on my own clothing brand that will release in the beginning of 2025.
Musical Moment: The closing of By The Creek Festival this year was by far the highlight.
43
Wehbba, HIFN/Drumcode, Lisbon, Portugal
Tune: Ignacio Arfeli’s “Prana.”
Accomplishment: Starting HIFN, my record label & multi-art platform – its releases & events.
Musical Moment: I’ve walked into a concert by Tivon Pennicott in Paris by chance and didn’t know who he was, and actually cried of joy. It hasn’t happened to me in years.
44
Kitty Amor, Mahaba/Defected, London
Tune: Keinemusik & Alan Dixon’s “Thandaza” feat. Arabic Piano.
Accomplishment: Tour across five continents bridging African electronic music in mainstream spaces with recognition from artists/producers I respect.
Musical Moment: Remixing for London Grammar, the feeling of seeing it come to life is indescribable.
45
Alex Mills, Defected/D4 D4NCE, London
Tune: Duck Sauce’s “Falling In Love.”
Accomplishment: Playing at Glastonbury.
Musical Moment: Having Todd Terry pull me aside while I was on the decks to tell me how impressed he was.
46
Martin Jensen, Seven Music, Copenhagen
Tune: Alok, The Chainsmokers & Mae Stephens’ “Jungle.”
Accomplishment: Spending more time with my daughter & my family.
Musical Moment: My songwriting camps over the year – can’t wait to reveal what we’ve been working on.
47
Gabry Ponte, GEKAI Music, Turin, Italy
Tune: Artemas’ “I Like the Way You Kiss Me.”
Accomplishment: My arenas tour completely selling out in less than two months.
Musical Moment: Sharing the news that I’ll be the first DJ to headline San Siro Stadium in Milan next summer at San Siro Dance.
48
Macon, Spinnin’, Berlin
Tune: Marlon Hoffstadt aka DJ Daddy Trance’s “It’s That Time.”
Accomplishment: Putting music & its expression first.
Musical Moment: Performing at Parookaville 2024 – had been a longtime dream to play there.
49
AVAION, RCA, Berlin
Tune: Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know (Sante Sansone Remix).” This is the song that I played on my tour where I went into the crowd mosh pit & the video blew up online.
Accomplishment: Releasing my debut album, Selfreflection, & selling out my first headline tour across Europe.
Musical Moment: The Boiler-style DJ set I did at the Open Beatz festival with 5,000 people, full energy & me in the middle.
50
The Criminal Sounds, Future Feelings, Mexico City
Tune: BUNT.’s “Clouds.”
Accomplishment: Ticked Italy off our bucket list.
Musical Moment: Seeing Fred again.. at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
51
Kenn Colt, Feels Like Home, Valencia, Spain
Tune: Adam Port, Stryv & Malachiii’s “Move” feat. Camila Cabello.
Accomplishment: Been playing all over the world this year. I’m so blessed I can do the thing I love the most, making music & making waves across the globe & seeing all those happy faces.
Musical Moment: Playing Tomorrowland for the ninth time – full house at the Freedom Stage.
52
liquidfive, 5L-Records, Düsseldorf, Germany
Tune: Calvin Harris & Sam Smith’s “Desire.” It really captured the dance scene with its strong presence on the charts.
Accomplishment: Releasing “Lean On My Love,” which not only showcased my musical evolution, but also resonated deeply with fans worldwide.
53
KELTEK, SCANTRAXX, Enschede, Netherlands
Tune: Ran-D, D-Block & S-te-Fan’s “Behind Enemy Lines.” True hardstyle, some raw influences & a trance- gate kind of melody that really hits the spot.
Accomplishment: Creating my first album ever – with a pro career of 16 years – while also building a studio & having so much stuff going on in my private life (newborn twins) all at the same time.
Musical Moment: The final goodbye moment I had for myself at the last Qlimax, the party I have most memories with, while standing in the middle of the crowd instead of the DJ booth.
54
LUMI, SKADI, Seattle
Tune: Justice’s “The Party.” Not a new tune by any means, but I’ve had it on repeat – I love it.
Accomplishment: I started releasing music this year & I spanned releases on five different labels, including my own label, SKADI, which I also started this year. I played my first music festival & stadium & hit 150k streams on one of my first tracks I ever put out.
Musical Moment: I saw Charlie XCX at Climate Pledge Arena & it changed my life.
55
Jack Kelly, Perfect Havoc, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Tune: Sammy Virji “If U Need It.” Although it was released in late ’23, it took over the dance world earlier this year. You couldn’t go to a club in the country without hearing this track.
Accomplishment: Having a list DJs, including David Guetta, Martin Garrix & Armin Van Burren, play my single, “Minus Degrees.”
Musical Moment: I did a chill deep-house sunrise DJ set on a remote island on an Irish lough. Four friends & I sailed out to capture the footage & it was magical.
56
DJ Trayze, Remixer/Touring DJ, Washington, D.C.
Tune: Tyla, Gunna & Skillibeng’s “Jump.”
Accomplishment: I got to play a few DJ sets that featured all my own original music, remixes, and edits – a long-time goal of mine.
Musical Moment: Playing for three hours on DJ Jazzy Jeff’s live-stream from SXSW 2024.
57
Mha Iri, Drumcode/Filth on Acid, Edinburgh, Scotland
Tune: T78 & Roberto Molinaro’s “Bombacid.” It’s an absolute banger! I love the fact that the acid line is super-unique-sounding & it always goes absolutely off when I play it.
Accomplishment: Playing at Tomorrowland.
Musical Moment: Releasing my latest EP, “Leader of the Pack,” which is an extremely special representation of my creative versatility.
58
Howard “HK” Kessler, In the Mix With HK, Minneapolis
Tune: Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Accomplishment: Doing more live performances & growing our event business.
Musical Moment: Sitting down & interviewing some of the best new artists & producers of the year on my syndicated radio show.
59
Tim Clark, Coldharbour Recordings, Las Vegas
Tune: RÜFÜS DU SOL’s “Innerbloom (TAZI Edit).”
Accomplishment: Winning two awards at the EDMAs in Miami during Miami Music Week: Breakthrough Artist of the Year (Trance) & Best New Artist on Tour (for Markus Schulz’s Rabbit Hole Circus Tour).
Musical Moment: Recently finishing a songwriting camp & realizing we have a hit collab on our hands. Very exciting. Stay tuned.
60
JADED, 4000Hz Records, London
Tune: Tripolism, Nandu & Radeckt’s “Dope Dance.”
Accomplishment: Starting our own label, 4000Hz Records.
Musical Moment: We played at Brooklyn Mirage with Diplo & Adam Ten – Adam Ten’s set was unbelievable & his production on his releases this year has been a highlight for sure.
61
Surf Mesa, Astralwerks, LA
Tune: Fred again.., Duskus, Four Tet, Skrillex & Joy Anonymous’ “Glow.” I’ve been following Duskus since 2017 & this track is a masterpiece – an incredible, long, progressive journey brought to life by five insanely talented artists. It’s the kind of song that stays with you.
Accomplishment: Finding complete creative freedom this year, capped off by “Without You,” an incredible collaboration with Petit Biscuit and JP Saxe, an artist I’ve admired for years.
Musical Moment: Selling out Superior Ingredients in NYC was unforgettable. Not only was it an amazing crowd, but it was also the first time I had a singer join me live on stage & sharing that experience with my high-school friends who now live in NYC made it even more special.
62
Mojave Grey, Breakaway, Joshua Tree, Calif.
Tune: WhoMadeWho & Adriatique’s “Miracle” was our favorite – really cool balance of dance & rock.
Accomplishment: Releasing our debut album, MONUMENT, bringing our subgenre “desert dance” to life.
Musical Moment: Performing in front of 40,000 Romanians in Bucharest for our first headlining festival performance.
63
Night Tales, Breakaway, LA
Tune: Chris Lake, Sammy Virji & Nathan Nicholson’s “Summertime Blues” – an amazing blend of beautiful, jazzy chords with beautiful vocals and seamless production.
Accomplishment: Our debut European winter tour & the Breakthrough Artist of the Year nomination from the EDM Awards was a special way to start the year!
Musical Moment: At Coachella, coming out to perform our collaboration track with BLOND:ISH called “Shout It Out” on the new Quasar stage.
64
Dark Heart, AETERNA, LA
Tune: Kaz James’ “Sun Is Shining.” This song is absolutely timeless & defined the year for me. I will be playing it when I’m 80.
Accomplishment: Getting support on my next single – “Analog” feat. Amarha – from Solomun.
Musical Moment: Headlining Sound in Los Angeles with Anakim & putting the whole thing on YouTube.
65
Holly, Ilex Records, Caldas da Rainha, Portugal
Tune: Sébastien Tellier’s “La Ritournelle.”
Accomplishment: Understanding & realizing how to be happier.
Musical Moment: Burning Man.
66
Sinego, Higher Ground, Colombia/Mexico
Tune: Wakyn’s “Beso (Fruta Fresca)” feat. Carlos Vives
Accomplishment: Playing Historia De Un Amor at Voodoo Village, Belgium.
Musical Moment: Nina Kraviz at Tomorrowland Winter playing Guaracha, a traditional genre from Colombia.
67
RayRay, DIM MAK, LA
Tune: Fred again.. & Baby Keem’s “leavemealone.”
Accomplishment: I played Wasteland, Escape & EDC Orlando – & started releasing music on DIM MAK.
Musical Moment: EDC Orlando, for sure. I got to play at main stage with the amazing crowd & experienced the whole festival.
68
Lolo Mayhew, Summer Club NYC, Miami
Tune: SOFI TUKKER’s “Summer in New York.”
Accomplishment: Playing multiple shows this year during Amsterdam Dance Event.
Musical Moment: Closing for Tiësto twice – at Hard Rock Casino & Marquee New York.
69
HAPA, The DJ Coach, LA
Tune: Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.”
Accomplishment: Bringing DJ education into K-12 Schools in over 20 states.
Musical Moment: DJs at the Summer Olympics playing breakbeats for the breakdancing competition.
70
Fejká, Coexist, Stuttgart, Germany
Tune: Jamie xx’s “Treat Each Other Right.” The last time I felt such an appreciation for a bassline was “Bad Kingdom” by Moderat in 2013.
Accomplishment: I established my new Label, Coexist, and finally became independent. This was a lot of work, but it feels great to be back on track with cool partners & a lot of music upcoming.
Musical Moment: I felt very honored to play live on the second-biggest stage of the Fusion Festival during sunrise – there was a thunderstorm right after my set & the vibe was magic!
71
FOVOS, Revealed Records, Auckland/Melbourne
Tune: Sikoti’s “Fallin’ In Love.”
Accomplishment: North American tour, baby!
Musical Moment: Seeing Carl Cox for the first time was a monumental moment for us.
72
Alfred Heinrichs, IAM Melodic Techno, Berlin
Tune: I’ve thought about it for a long time, but I can’t name a specific track for 2024.
Accomplishment: I found my love & you can hear that story in my IAM YOU album.
Musical Moment: Being with 5,000 in a techno tent at the Airbeat One Festival.
73
Alexa Perl, Rhythm Avenue, LA
Tune: Revival House Project & Phebe Edwards’ “Ain’t No Mountain.”
Accomplishment: Finally releasing my own songs publicly on all music platforms!
Musical Moment: Playing at Carpe Diem in Hvar, Croatia, where most people dream to play. Everyone has to get there by boat, so the people who come are ready to dance & connect to the music – & it’s a completely magical place.
74
Nutritious, Liquid Culture, NYC
Tune: This year, I found a refreshing diversity of sounds, with no single tune dominating the scene.
Accomplishment: I have several new tracks forthcoming on the iconic Paper Recordings UK, providing a fantastic opportunity to work with Phil Moffa on the mixdown.
Musical Moment: I experienced many magical moments performing at Eighteenth Street Lounge in D.C. this year, a legendary global dance and electronic institution that has shaped the scene since 1995.
75
Kito, Mad Decent, LA
Tune: Chloé Robinson & DJ ADHD’s “Last Night” feat. Dumbblonde.
Accomplishment: Releasing my EP, “BIMYOU.” I am super-proud of this project.
Musical Moment: I’ve loved building out my party Club Kito in LA & this year we’ve had so many amazing guests come play – A-Trak, Uffie, Tei Shi, Chrome Sparks, etc. The most recent one with Parris Goebel was particularly special – crazy energy in the room.
76
Jay Brannan, Brannan Entertainment, Temecula, Calif.
Tune: Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.”
Accomplishment: Flying 55,000 miles to go to 16 states, all for different DJ events!
Musical Moment: Deadmau5 performing at Escape Halloween.
77
XIE, Lady Of The House UK, LA
Tune: Mochakk & Tommy Genesis’ “No Boys Allowed (OG House Mix).”
Accomplishments: Played & attended my first Miami Music Week & now I’ll be going back every year.
Musical Moment: Opening for the legend Bob Sinclair at club E11EVEN this summer. He’s such an amazing DJ and great person. That night was pure magic, a one-of-a-kind experience!
78
Tactics, Aftaparty Records, Bradford, U.K.
Tune: BL3SS x CamrinWatsin’s “Kisses” feat. bbyclose.
Accomplishment: Finalizing & releasing my debut album, Swift & Bold.
Musical Moment: Watching Sammy Virji’s Boiler Room set in Denver on YouTube was unreal. It left me very inspired
79
Edison Cole, Bite This!, LA
Tune: Space Laces’ “In The Place.”
Accomplishment: The big highlight for me this year has been this Jauz co-sign & being able to release on his label “Bite This!”
Musical Moment: The insane energy at my set at Time nightclub as direct support for Jauz, where I dropped my newly released EP, and was brought up during his set to drop it again later on.
80
Illexxandra, Independent Artist, NYC
Tune: Chase & Status & Bou’s “Baddadan” feat. IRAH, Flowdan, Trigga & Takura. In my world, it made the most impact. Rarely do I see a song get so ubiquitously celebrated that it gets thoroughly played out nearly as fast as it came on the scene. The parody festival totems were choice.
Accomplishment: I love that I branched out to several festivals I hadn’t played before, including Electric Forest, Dub Stuy’s Soundscape Festival, Future Forest in Canada, & the brand-new Applecross Festival.
Musical Moment: Easily, it was the Missy Elliott tour – Top 5 shows I’ve ever seen.
81
VALENTINØ, ARTCORE, Genoa, Italy
Tune: The song that characterized my 2024 & also the music scene is Marlon Hoffstadt aka Daddy Trance’s “It’s That Time.” At a time when music was very similar, this track brought a different vision on what the music industry was until now.
Accomplishment: The Halloween I just spent in Lima. My first time in South America was certainly a big surprise, as I didn’t think the public had such a vast knowledge of me.
Musical Moment: Definitely meeting with Armin van Buuren, that came from a personal invitation from Indira Paganotto, Before he played with Indira, he showed me his studio, talked about his label & introduced us to his team, his whole world! An experience that still gives me the shivers – it was really amazing.
82
Aaron Hibell, London, All Time High Records
Tune: Billie Eilish’s “CHIHIRO.”
Accomplishment: The release of my sophomore EP “Astral Projection” & playing Tomorrowland for the first time.
Musical Moment: When it started raining during my London show in May of this year at The Cause. I decided it was the perfect time to play some harder tracks & it was incredible energy seeing everyone embrace the weather & go with it.
83
DJ Mystro, Colts/Pacers/Fever DJ, Indianapolis
Tune: Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Accomplishment: Performing at the Indy 500 Snake Pit inside front of over 35,000 people, sharing the stage with artists like Dom Dolla, Timmy Trumpet, Excision, Gryffin & Sullivan King.
Musical Moment: DJing an R&B cruise in the Bahamas on Valentine’s weekend – creating the perfect vibe of love & positive energy was something special.
84
Mark Reeve, Drumcode/Afterlife/SubVision, Frankfurt, Germany
Tune: Raxon’s edit of Run-DMC’s “It’s Like That” – I love it.
Accomplishment: Just too many to mention.
Musical Moment: R2 Festival Amsterdam.
85
Nadine Vinzens, You Are Loved, Zurich
Tune: James Hype’s “Wild.” The name alone says it all.
Accomplishment: Surpirise B2B with Mark Reeve at the R2 Festival from Reinier Zonnefeld.
Musical Moment: Performing at Bass Mountain Festival where crowds unexpectedly grew from hundreds to thousands!
86
Olive F, Defected/Elrow, Manchester, U.K.
Tune: Audiowhores & Groove Assassin’s “Music.” I played this track in almost all of my sets. I get this overwhelming feeling of happiness I get when I hear or play this track.
Accomplishment: Bagging my first Paradise gig in Amnesia, the party which I used to work for during my Ibiza seasons – a very special, full-circle moment.
Musical Moment: My first Australasia tour with Defected with one of my idols, Harry Romero. Having the opportunity to connect with a house pioneer was absolutely priceless. I finished the tour feeling more inspired than I ever had
87
DJ Shakey, Independent Artist, NYC
Tune: Heatwave’s “Eyeballin’.” From 1979, it’s an older one, written by Rod Temperton, who also wrote “Thriller.”
Accomplishment: I finally got to play Electric Forest Festival. I didn’t realize how massive & creative that fest was. I was very impressed & they treated us like gold.
Musical Moment: Playing bass music poolside in a casino on a monster Danley Sound System to a bunch of mermaids & clowns.
88
Alexis Knox, Perfect Havoc, London
Tune: Baauer’s “All My Ladies.”
Accomplishment: Consistency. Showing up day & night, juggling DJing with an artist project is a lot, but I feel I’ve found my rhythm & my people.
Musical Moment: Enjoying Fisher live at Gunnersbury Park & seeing such a crowd of fun-loving, happy people!
89
Joe Bermudez, Mass Movement Radio, Boston
Tune: The Blessed Madonna feat. Clementine Douglas’ “Happier.”
Accomplishment: I somehow convinced someone to marry me.
Musical Moment: Hearing the Mass Digital Remix of my song “Stop” in regular rotation on one of my favorite radio stations, SXM Chill.
90
FRANCO BA, Diynamic, Buenos Aires
Tune: Notre Dame’s “Yumi.”
Accomplishment: Releasing my music in Solomun’s Diynamic label.
Musical Moment: Have performed the warm-up & closing sets for John Summit in Argentina.
91
WELKER, Groove Society Records, LA
Tune: Camelphat & Max Milner’s “Hope (Spiritual Milk Edit).”
Accomplishment: I found myself artistically in a way I never had before.
Musical Moment: Solomun’s long set in Los Angeles.
92
Silver Panda, Panda Lab Records, San Francisco
Tune: Landau & Ben Beckman’s “Ta Ka Tum.”
Accomplishment: Playing for Afterlife main room at the No. 1 club in the world, Hï Ibiza.
Musical Moment: The collaboration of the “Sweet Disposition” remix with John Summit has brought our project to another level.
93
Camden Cox, RCA, London
Tune: Nora En Pure’s “Pretoria.”
Accomplishment: Being nominated for a Grammy for co-writing “Escape” by Kx5 – such a pinch-me moment!
Musical Moment: Watching John Summit headline EDC Vegas while the sun was coming up – hearing all the tunes I’ve written with him in a moment like that!
94
Azzecca, DGTL, Chicago
Tune: Really been obsessed with Chloe Caillet’s remix of Demi Riquisimo’s “Windows 95 Anthem.” I played that in nearly every set over the first half of the year.
Accomplishment: Touring heavily for a full year, for the first time, without totally falling apart. Taking my mental health seriously and staying sound while on the road has been a massive challenge & accomplishment for me.
Musical Moment: Playing in Poland at Audioriver Festival. It was one of the first shows I got to play outside of the U.S. & I felt like I could really lean into a lot of the European sounds that I love.
95
Scott Forshaw, Perfect Havoc, Dubai, U.A.E.
Tune: Adam Port, Stryv & Malachiii’s “Move” feat. Camila Cabello.
Accomplishment: Signing my Universal Music Publishing Group deal.
Musical Moment: Playing my version of “Castles In The Sky” on the MainStage at Untold Festival as my last song with fireworks going off behind me.
96
Lawrence Hart, Domino/Double Six, London
Tune: Leon Vynehall’s “SHELLAC.”
Accomplishment: Mixing my debut album, Come In Out Of The Rain, which will be out Spring 2025 on Double Six.
Musical Moment: Seeing Floating Points live at End Of The Road Festival.
97
Jen Payne, 95 Records, Kildare, Ireland
Tune: Chloé Calliet & SG Lewis’ “B Somebody.”
Accomplishment: Making my debut in Ibiza Rocks.
Musical Moment: Playing on the same line up as Dom Dolla.
98
Michael Alevras, Hudson Valley Event Group, Monroe, N.Y.
Tune: Easily, Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go!” Got tons of requests for it – crowds & guests do the dance. You might call it the “Y.M.C.A.” of 2024.
Accomplishment: Our company saw an increase in our average wedding and mitzvah contract price point over 2023. And personally, adding additional industry speaking opportunities & being named the official “in-arena” DJs for Marist College men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Music Moment: Getting to see Unforgettable Fire, one of the best U2 tribute bands around.
99
STUCA, Bite This!, Salt Lake City
Tune: Hydraulix & Oski’s “HAWT.”
Accomplishment: Working with a bunch of new artists who pushed me to make new styles of music.
Musical Moment: Getting to see Fred again.. play! He’s one of the most talented live performers in EDM right now.
100
Eli Fola, Mobilee Records, NYC
Tune: Flex Orlando’s “More Than Ever.”
Accomplishment: Getting my record label, Tech Afrique, certified as a B-Corporation to further empower & uplift marginalized voices in the electronic-music industry.
Musical Moment: Performing at Burning Man & sharing the stage with acts such as Diplo, Super Flu, Francis Mercier & Carl Cox.