The Best of 2012
The Tunes
Mike Hawkins & Pablo Oliveros – This is How We Roll. First release I did with Pablo Oliveros on our new imprint, yet it’s still been getting amazing support from all over the scene. Pablo is incredibly talented, and one of the best live DJs I know. Keep an eye out!
Congorock – Monolith
Digitalism vs. Tommy Trash – Falling (Digitalism Original Version)
A hidden fourth, if I may sneak it in there, is me and Pablo’s “Slump” which helped launch us onto the scene
The Festival
ADE
While I’ve already been to Miami WMC, I can just identify way more with Amsterdam Dance Event – I have strong ties to the Netherlands, and some of my best friends in the business are from there. You know you had a great time when you wake up on your A&R guy’s couch to the smell of pancakes! Was also lucky to do some amazing gigs there with a lot of people I respect, so all in all, to me, ADE was more than “just a festival”. I think Mysteryland takes a 2nd, had a great time in the mud there!
The Club
It’s hard to say, theres so many amazing venues all over the globe. My own biggest club-experience, however, has to be Green Valley in Brazil, played there during my tour this spring, and it was amazing. No wonder why DJ Mag’s calling it #2 of the world
The Producer
Tommy Trash / Deadmau5
I’ve been extremely positively surprised with Tommy Trash, especially his late productions are amazing, but also Deadmau5 new album has been mindblowing. I have to admit I’ve started to miss albums. Lastly I’m also surprised how well things have gone for myself this year – signing with EMI / Virgin doesn’t make 2013 look any less exciting either
The Hero
I think my own personal heroes have to be my family as I’m lucky enough to have them supporting and loving me all the way as a family should, but not always does. Musically, my biggest heroes at the moment are Bingo Players – I’ve had so much support this year its insane, and while people like Tiesto and Sander van Doorn has picked up my tunes, Bingo Players went that extra mile and has been showing so much love and support, so I’m incredibly thankful for that!
The Breakthrough Artist
Zedd
I think Zedd’s worthy of that title. Then of course theres Pablo and myself, we’ve had an amazing year both of us in terms of our careers!
The Prediction For 2013
I thought the end of the world was this December? Joking aside, I predict more artistry, more albums, less glamour and more sweat, less novelty artists and more acts. Everyone talks about this EDM-bubble bursting soon, and I do believe it holds some sort of truth. IF it bursts, it WILL mean quality over quantity, so it’s not a bad thing per say. I don’t think theres an end to electronic music though, its like saying theres an end to acoustic music. Just doesn’t make sense. Hopefully this bubble-burst could mean more “concerts, acts and talents” and less rinse-and-repeat producers, static noise in the business, and colorful confetti. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t dislike confetti, but I’ve always been a rock-kid by heart; I’d take a 2 hour concert over a 45 minute glitter-show any day
