Behind The Beat: Staff Picks 2022

Behind The Beat: Staff Picks 2022

With Behind the Beat, we get to know Beatport’s expert curation team, who highlight their best musical memories this year and their favorite tracks, artists, and labels of 2022.

Check out our curators’ favorite picks in every genre with our Staff Picks 2022 playlists on Beatport.

Raphael Pujol

Curating: House, Tech House, Home Page

Tell us what you love most about curating your genre(s) Beatport page.

The best part of curating the genre is being able to connect with the community at large, artists, labels and fans. It’s really nice that I am trusted with the sound and have a direct impact on influencing taste by featuring what I believe will appeal to our customers. I love being able to come across amazing music every week and getting inspired by the amount of quality out there.

Who are some of the artists and labels we should be keeping an eye out for in 2023?

Some artists of my favourite artists this year have been Earl Jeffers, Cinthie, St. David, Star B, Kristin Velvet, Amy Dabbs, Lis Sarroca, Jansons, DJ Merci, and Elisa Elisa to name a few. 

Some incredible labels that have had killer releases this year that I’ve really enjoyed are: Snatch!, Rekids, No Art, Toy Tonics, Heist Recordings, Cecille, Shall Not Fade, Classic Music Company, and Homo-Centric.

What was the best show you attended this year?

I think the best show I’ve been to this year must have been KX9000 at Sisyphos in Berlin. He absolutely destroyed the place and I couldn’t and didn’t leave the dancefloor the entire time he was playing. Really amazing music and perfect storytelling, in my opinion. Another one was March Schneider at Wilde Renate, a true masterclass. 

Hit us with three of your top tracks this year!

This is absolutely insanely hard to pick three tracks amongst the number of weapons I’ve heard this year. These are probably my most-played tracks of the year, so here they are:

Star B – I’ve Got Joy [Rekids]

StarB (Riva Starr and Mark Broom) are, for me, the best of the year. They are pushing the boundaries and absolutely taking over. I just love how they keep the true essence of house while giving you a high and raw energy that will blow up any dance floor. 

Session Victim – Trying to make it home [Rhythm Section International]

This song has been one of my favourite go-to tracks since it came out. It can played at any time in the set and while capturing the entire dance floor. The drop is so monstrous, and the reactions have always been so good. True house music classic. 

Tom Jay – Tell Me [Edible]

We don’t see much of Tom Jay on Beatport, but I can tell you he is one of the best producers out there and every song I have from him, including his other aliases, are a force to be reckoned with. I love this one, the sample, the simplicity, and the effectiveness.

As I said, it’s impossible to do a top 10, let alone a top three, so I just want to mention the other artists that made my top 100: Anotr, Dam Swindle, Confidential Recipe, Kerri Chandler and Amy Dabbs — to name a few. 

Ross Jackson

Curating: Techno, Electronica

Tell us what you love most about curating your genre(s) Beatport page.

Being able to search through all of the amazing new releases that come out gives me a constant supply of things to listen to, that’s pretty great!

Who are some of the artists and labels we should be keeping an eye out for in 2023?

I have two top tips, keep an eye out for the labels Balmat, Sungate, and all the artists that will release on them. Amazing ambient and techno, respectively. 

What was the best show you attended this year?

Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood and Tom Skinners’ new band ‘The Smile’ played in Berlin, that was pretty special.

Hit us with three of your favorite tracks this year!

Other Lands  – Homeworlds [Athens Of The North]

Released on the ever-amazing Athens of The North, this guitar loop-based drifter really did it for me. With a lovely, joyful feel all of the way though, this really lit up the end of summer for me.

J. Albert  – three [J. Albert Productions]

Next up is J. Albert with ‘three’, a melancholy drifter for the ages. Littered with metallic percussion and abrasive sounds, it’s surprising the softness and tenderness that comes from the track. Sparking keys loop in the background while wind-like synths come in and out of focus. 

A Mountain Of One – Black Apple Pink Apple (Ricardo Villalobos Version) [Amore]

Finishing with my track of the year we have the inimitable Ricardo Villalobos remixing A Mountain Of One. The original track is a disco-come-indie banger which is a hit in its own right, but what Villalobos does with it is nothing short of spectacular. As we know, the devil is in the details, and by god, does Ricardo get into detail. From the painfully tasteful call-and-response vocoded vocals to the intricate drum programming, every bar is a feast for the ears. In true Villalobos fashion, the track takes all of 10 minutes to unfold and reveal it’s beautiful corners. A guitar pluck higher here, a hat in the left channel there. Take your time and enjoy this expertly guided tour of what a roller can be.

Lis Sarroca

Curating: Deep House, Nu Disco / Disco

Tell us what you love most about curating your genre(s) Beatport page.

 First thing would be discovering new music, which always keeps me in the loop, simple as the good feeling of finding the music! And then comes the sharing and curating on the store. Working along with my teammates, who are always passionate about any discussion related to music like talking about tracks, genres, labels and artists, never-ending.

Who are some of the artists and labels we should be keeping an eye out for in 2023?

Some artists I’ve truly loved this year areMarina Trench, Aldonna, Cosmonection, Baldo, Retromigration, and Jex Opolis. Also, be sure to check out my On Our Radar: Deep House chart on Beatport!

What was the best show you attended this year?

This year I had the chance to go to Love International Festival in Tisno Croatia in July. I was curious about it for the past two years as the lineups and performances always looked incredible!

I decided to go and check it out, and the most fun part was that some colleagues were there too, so I loved getting to share these times with such lovely people. The best show for me was Sairose b2b Peach b2b Moxie b2b Shanti Celeste. They played for 8 hours, the best vibe was definitely there.

Hit us with three of your top tracks this year!

Big Zen – Prayer Bass [Mood Hut]

Big Zen makes his entrance on Mood Hut records with “Prayer Bass.” This track is a freely focused collection of euphoric funk-splashed club cuts from the Vancouver underground legend. After many sessions and years of friendship both on and off the dance floor, we are pleased to finally work with Prayer Bass. It just has all the outstanding elements fitting together, and it’s quite fast!

Tape hiss – Fever Dream (I Thought I Saw You) [Echocentric Records]

This record sounds like it just came flying straight out of the ’90s. “Fever Dream” reminds of those sweet Italian dream house tracks, just a prime example of how good deep house can sound. These days, it is hard to find dance music this emotional, warm, deep, and beautiful.

Jex Opolis – Instant Motion [Good Timin’]

This time the Canadian/DJ/producer aims straight for your USB with four steamers engineered for the club. “Instant Motion” morphs a tune from the producer’s sizable back catalog into an uptempo screamer. Nighties rhythm all the way, progressive vibes and great evolving sounding. 

Adriane Jackson

Curating: Minimal / Deep Tech

Tell us what you love most about curating your genre(s) Beatport page.

Having recently joined the curation team at Beatport, it’s been a real pleasure being able to now utilize my own unique taste to curate the genre on a platform that is vital to the scene. I have always had a wide taste for all different styles and niches of dance music (especially when it comes to House), so I feel I am able to approach this role with an unbiased and balanced viewpoint, which I feel is crucial as a curator. I have watched the Minimal / Deep Tech scene grow and evolve over my 14 years in the music industry. I want to ensure that the core fundamentals and roots of the genre are preserved and championed equally with its modern iterations, both co-existing in absolute harmony. Having the ability to do this is what I love most about the role. 

Who are some of the artists and labels we should be keeping an eye out for in 2023?

There have been so many artists/labels who have emerged this year that are really doing their thing and making a mark on the scene. For me, I want to highlight a few that I feel are producing a very high-quality standard of music and also extremely unique in what they do. 

Artists: Kepler, Locklead, Julian Anthony, Mehlor, Nolga, Wodda, Azaad, Oward, Jentzen

Labels: BeeYou, Berg Audio, Salty Nuts, One Records, Futura, Rutilance, Outright Records, Key Records

This selection only scratches the surface, but to me, they are strong representatives of this sound, and I feel they deserve a spotlight in 2023. Also, be sure to check out the On Our Radar 2023 chart for more artists to keep an eye out for next year!

What was the best show you attended this year?

Kamaal Williams at Koko in Camden. I’m a big fan of jazz music and Kamaal is at the top of my list of inspirational artists in that field. Being able to finally see him live for the first time alongside Joe Armon-Jones (another jazz musician I’m a massive fan of) was a bucket list tick for me. Joe opened up the night with a smooth Dub-Reggae DJ set which wasn’t what I was expecting, but it was a pleasant surprise. This eventually transitioned into a full Kamaal Willams/ live performance utilizing live keys (supplemented by his band) as well as intermittent DJ’ing for his Henry Wu moniker. It was definitely a night to remember!

Hit us with three of your top tracks this year!

Nolga – Ace of Space [Locus]

I was playing this track out in my sets for quite some time before it dropped, and I must say, it is one of those tracks that would really warm up any dancefloor without a fail. It’s that sort of track you play when you have been easing into your set and you’re ready to start picking up the pace. An endless groove that never gets boring… this is something that Nolga executes in his music consistently. 

Julien Fuentes, Borren – Seabert [Bondru]

Another track that I have rinsed this year in DJ sets. I love how it blends various styles together in one cohesive track. Not often I hear African flavors blended with house in this manner. Its raw but also pays attention to detail. Julien and Borren are two favorites of mine right now coming from The Netherlands. 

American Dance Ghosts – Freak Machine (Garrett David Dub) [American Dance Ghosts]

The final banger comes from Chicago’s Garret David. He is a part of the new generation of Chicago producers keeping that raw classic house sound alive (granted he has produced under various aliases since the late 2000’s). His sound design is immaculate, and really has an ear for groove. This remix is just one example of that. When those chords hit on the breakdown, I get goosebumps! 

Tom Peters

Curating: Melodic House & Techno, Indie Dance/ Dark Disco, Organic House/Downtempo, Progressive House

Tell us what you love most about curating your genre(s) Beatport page.

I most love finding new talent or seeing the development progress of younger producers.

Who are some of the artists and labels we should be keeping an eye out for in 2023?

Artists: Final Request, Abuk, Mila Journeé

Labels: Border Of Light from Toto Chiavetta

Mila Journeé‘s progress, particularly throughout the last three years, has been phenomenal, and I am so proud of her. She is a steady growth in production labels and gigs. I am so here for it and will be supporting her every step of the way.

What was the best show you attended this year?

My favorite gig I played this year was probably in Guadalajara, Mexico, for the DMT Festival. It was pure love and care to detail, the sound, the venues, the visuals, the atmosphere, and the beautiful energy from the crowd. 

Hit us with three of your top tracks this year!

Final Request – Closed Doors [Black Rose Records]

High energy tune and Final Request’s development this year has been through the roof.

Soel – Fission [Borders Of Light]

This one is on repeat when we are driving through berlin and has always found itself in my latest sets. Banging but with an oriental touch!

Mala Ika – Es Regnet Ueberall (Musumeci Remix) [DESSERT]

The powerhouse remix from Musumeci for Mala Ika was our pride anthem. It’s still being played, and the crowd goes wild every time.

Yann Bonnet

Curating: 140 / Deep Dubstep / Grime, Bass House, Bass / Club, Breaks / Breakbeat / UK Bass, Drum & Bass, UK Garage / Bassline

Tell us what you love most about curating your genre(s) Beatport page.

As a curator, I love to anticipate and identify the best content and build a relationship of trust and confidence between the labels, artists, and Beatport.

Who are some of the artists and labels we should be keeping an eye out for in 2023?

There are so many… but I would say that I really like Y U QT, Interplanetary Criminal, Bakongo, Jurango, Scratcha DVA, Magugu, Logan, Rockwell, DJ Hybrid, gyrofield, and InsideInfo.

And the labels I would suggest following are: Time is Now Records, 1Forty, Hyperdub, Critical Music, Onyx Recordings, Overview Music, Moveltraxx, Tra Tra Trax, More Time Records, Roska Kicks & Snares, Hardcore Energy, ec2a, and 83!

What was the best show you attended this year?

I was at Gretchen for the last tour of Noisia, and it was sick!

Hit us with three of your top tracks this year!

Ratpack – Searching For My Rizzla (Pete Cannon Remix) [Dope Ammo]

What a remix from Pete Cannon of the original track “Searching For My Rizzla” on Dope Ammo! The acid arpeggios, the old school beat, bassline, and a surprising vocal sample from Susanne Vega (lifted from the track Tom’s Diner”) make this track one of my favorite songs this year.

Enei – Greatest Trick [Cricial Music]

One of the biggest D&B tracks of the year! Kicking off proceedings for Critical Music’s 20th anniversary year is label mainstay Enei with “The Greatest Trick,” featuring a signature rise, vocal sample and heavyweight bass that we’ve come to love from Enei. 

Levela, Eksman – Zone Out [LVL Music]

Released on his own label LVL Music, Levela teams up with Eksman for one of our favourite D&B tracks of this year, combining an intense siren, a deep bassline, and a skippy, jungle-inspired beat.

Jamie Ige

Curating: Afro House, Amapiano

Tell us what you love most about curating your genre(s) Beatport page.

First of all, my love for electronic music. I am blessed to be able to combine my interest and passion for music with my profession. Already as a child, I loved to create mixtapes for my friends. As a curator, I get to hear the newest tunes from established and up-and-coming artists before they are released, which is super exciting. I also love discovering new labels and artists and being able to push them and to give them the opportunity to be more visible and grow in their careers, especially artists from Africa and its diaspora. This is what fuels my passion for the job

Who are some of the artists and labels we should be keeping an eye out for in 2023?

There are some outstanding artists and new fresh talent emerging. You should definitely keep an ear out for Cincity, Masšh, Kgzoo, AMEME, Fiona Kraft, Nitefreak, Desiree (RSA), DBN Gogo, and Miss Pammie.

On the label side, watch out for some hot releases from smaller labels like Ulu, Calamar Recordings, RISE Music, Sondela Recordings, Piano Hub, and 2021 founded Hurry Up Slowly for fans of Afro/Latin House.

What was the best show you attended this year?

I really enjoyed Black Coffee at SantAnna on Mykonos and Whomadewho at Tomorrowland. 

Hit us with three of your top tracks this year!

Enoo Napa, DJ Merlon – Two Zulu Men In Ibiza [Rise Music]

This track was a secret weapon all over summer! It was making the rounds in a selected circle of Djs before RISE Music signed this massive tune. Not shazamable, people wondered whose track it was and wanted to have it so badly, especially after Keinemusik and Black Coffee were blasting it in their sets. Enoo Napa and DJ Merlon, both from South Africa, created a truly magical dance floor moment with this tune!

Fiona Kraft – Azibi [Aluku Records]

I am always super happy when I discover female producers who get the hands-on gear, as they are, frankly, still not too many. Fiona’s track “Azibi” is super deep, and I am really vibing with the synth. 

Enzo Siffredi, MoBlack – Shikiria feat. Mariam Zawose (Day Mix) [MoBlack Records]

I love this collab between Enzo Siffredi and MoBlack. Mariam Zawose’s beautiful vocals paired with the percussion exude such a positive vibe. The ‘Day Mix’ was one of my festival favorites this year. Simply good vibes only.

Demuir

Curating: Jackin House

Tell us what you love most about curating your genre(s) Beatport page.

I like the cultural contribution and impact of curating Jackin House that DJs / Producers recognize as being on point and complimentary to the labels that supply it.

Who are some of the artists and labels we should be keeping an eye out for in 2023?

Hands down, Raffaele Ciavolino, MMH, and 3Kelves have been doing great things and taking us away from boring, overdone disco loops that plagued the genre for a while.  These guys have brought back swing, punchy drums, and creative sampling back in the mix.

What was the best show you attended this year?

I recently enjoyed Kai Alce at Sub Division, which is an underground venue here in Toronto, Canada with “No Cell Phone” policy. Sophisticated deep house with a splash of Jackin worked well in the space.

Hit us with three of your top tracks this year!

Carrado Alunni, Raffaele Ciavolino – The Last House Tango [More Than House!]

​​​​

No other track, in 2022 Jackin House, captured a seamless translation of funky/soulful jazz to Jackin than this brilliant track.  The sophisticated sampling and authentic grooves here had me playing this everywhere this year.  Raffaele has put in substantial work this year and shown a range of diversity and creativity long needed in Jackin House.  Definitely one to continue watching out for.

MMH – There’s No Many Grooves Like This [La Casa Recordings]

MMH, an acronym for “Mike Mad House”, continued stacking his proper Jackin House chips with this one.  I enjoyed this cut because he a brilliant loop by the Jazz Crusaders and added a human feel to the drums with a punch.

Olive F – Enter The Olive (Jason Hodges Remix)

Although released late this year, I’ve been jamming this one and know it’s a timeless one.  There’s NOTHING you can find wrong with this one.  Drums, proper filtered bassline, vocal stabs, crispy snares, and sizzling ride cymbals all perfectly timed and arranged to bring the FONK!

Will Gulseven

Curating: Electro (Modern / Classic / Detroit)

Tell us what you love most about curating your genre(s) Beatport page.

What’s not to like! I get to listen to great new music and pick which artists and labels get some love on Beatport. Electro is a relatively new genre page on Beatport too so it’s been great seeing things grow and getting new artists and labels on board over the course of the year. 

Who are some of the artists and labels we should be keeping an eye out for in 2023?

GRRL is an artist I’ve been aware of for a while through their long-running show on NTS but the last couple of releases from the North Carolina DJ/producer have really stood out to me – “Inertia” was a super cool collab release with Made of Oak on Psychic Hotline, and then towards the end of the year GRRL dropped “Operator,” an unbelievably hype single through Jubilee’s Magic City label. 

Sister Zo is another super exciting artist who I think will have a great year in 2023. She started the year with her debut EP on Scuffed, and followed up a few months later with her amazing Freak Shift EP on Martyn’s legendary 3024. One for fans of moody, bassy, hard-to-categorise dancefloor heat! 

Label-wise, I’ve loved everything from Nice & Deadly this year – they’re a label from Brazil releasing some killer electro but also some wicked breaks, jungle and dubstep. Big tip!

What was the best show you attended this year?

I’m going pretty wildly out of my genre bracket here but the best set I saw this year was Mdou Moctar in Portugal over the summer. I loved his last couple of releases – his album Ilana (The Creator) was one of the releases that got me through the first lockdown – but the live set was on another level. All of his band are on top of their game as musicians and Mdou himself is a seriously underrated guitarist. 

Hit us with three of your top tracks this year!

Nikki Nair, Nala – Escape [DIRTYBIRD]

It’s been another killer year for Nikki Nair (who was also one of our Beatport Next artists this year) and his collab release with Nala on Dirtybird was one of the highlights of the year for me. ‘Escape’ is the B-side of the release and builds on that magic Nikki Nair recipe of weighty bass, breaks and electro influences. Nala’s vocal is the icing on the cake and ties everything together into being way more than just a DJ-friendly club track.

Fracture, Sam Binga – Folds [Astrophonica]

I don’t think an electro album was what anyone was expecting when Fracture and Sam Binga announced they were releasing an album together on Astrophonica. Released in April this year, ‘Omura’ saw the two artists, best known for the D&B productions, exploring a range of electro sounds, and their love and appreciation for the genre truly shines all the way through the release.

Roza Terenzi, D.Tiffany – Paparazzi [Delicate Records]

Another incredible collaborative release from earlier in the year featuring two of my favourite producers, Roza Terenzi and D.Tiffany’s ‘Edge of Innocence’ explores everything from spacey electronica to drum & bass via deep house and electro. ‘Paparazzi’ is a turbo-charged electro-meets-breaks track that exemplifies the genre-blending approach of both artists. 

Andrew Ortiz (aka DJ Drew)

Curating: Mainstage, Dance / Electro Pop

Tell us what you love most about curating your genre(s) Beatport page.

I love finding a track, amongst all the big names, from an up-and-coming artist that is an absolute banger! 

Who are some of the artists and labels we should be keeping an eye out for in 2023?

Artists: Near x Far, RayBurger, Morgin Madison

Labels: Group Chat

What was the best show you attended this year?

The Kx5 show at the LA Coliseum!

Hit us with three of your top tracks this year! 

Felix Da Housecat, Miss Kittin – Silver Screen (David Guetta Remix) [Spinnin Records]

2022 turned out to be a huge year for David Guetta! It started with this great remix of a classic. He kept elements of the original and added a killer bass line! This was a must play in all my sets!

Hugel, BADDIES ONLY – Florianopolis [Cr2 Records]

Hugel brought the heat in 2022. He really has focused on infusing latin vibes with house music. “Florianopolis” has a great vocal and the drums just make you move!

Chris Lake – In The Yuma (feat. AATIG) [Black Book Records]

This track was worth the wait!! Chris Lake, enough said!

Valerick Lantin-Beaulieu

Curating: Hard Dance / Hardcore, Hard Techno

Tell us what you love most about curating your genre(s) Beatport page.

I started curating at Beatport a week ago, so what could be more exciting than the beginning of a new journey?! As a DJ and music lover, it’s super cool to discover new artists, and highlight their work and the work of the artists you already follow and support.

Who are some of the artists and labels we should be keeping an eye out for in 2023?

Somniac One is, for me, one of the top hardcore techno artists right now, and I think she will blow our minds in 2023. Her music is strong, coming from the industrial hardcore, combined with the groove of techno and her high skills in sound design, creating absolute bangers that turn the crowd crazy.

What was the best show you attended this year?

This year I haven’t attended to a lot of shows, but the one that totally amazed me was the Paris Techno Parade. I played as Balagan, my musical project with Tommy Vaudecrane. It was awesome to DJ on a truck full of speakers, surrounded by thousands of people dancing in the middle of the city. I felt like I was dreaming for the whole day. Can’t wait for the next year’s edition. We’ll be celebrating 25 years of the parade!

Hit us with three of your top tracks this year!

Somniac One – Junkyard Shift [Perc Trax]

As mentioned above, Junkyard Shift is one of the latest bangers of Somniac One, signing her debut on one of my favourites labels, Perc Trax. When the second drop comes just after the breakdown and the “faux départ” has the effect of a bonfire on any dancefloor.

Manni Dee – Pillow Princess (feat. Angel BBY) [Silk + Steel]

One of the freshest I’ve recently heard. In this featuring with the singer Angel BBY, Manni Dee brings hip hop and hyper pop into warehouse techno. I hope this will inspire more artists to take risks and mix different genres together, creating new kinds of universes.

Balagan – Your House Is Mine [Balagan Records]

Earlier this year, we launched our own label with our first EP, called Perpetual Motion. Here is one of my favourite tracks we produced as Balagan (well, for now)!

Christine Greco

Curating: Dubstep, Trap / Wave

Tell us what you love most about curating your genre(s) Beatport page.

To be able to curate and scope out ear candy for dubstep, trap, and wave, as well as help others discover unique tracks/rising genres, is so gratifying. Because what better feeling than to be able to extend the same happiness you feel with music with an amazing community? In this case, taking care of our dubstep, trap, and wave family is my utmost priority.

 Who are some of the artists and labels we should be keeping an eye out for in 2023?

Artists: ATLiens, Zingara, lsoxo, Nitepunk, Sublab, barnacle boi 

Labels: Sable Valley Records, HARD Recs, Bassrush Records, GRL GANG, vibe.digital, The Wave Stage

What was the best show you attended this year?

The best show I attended this year was Odyssey Music Festival! It is based in Saint Petersburg, Florida located right beside the Florida coast. I felt it was truly amazing because of the vibrant, diverse, and lively community supporting all genres of music, from underground house heaters to grimey bass and melodic wave music. It featured underground house artists such as Hannah Wants, Rafa Barrios, Kyle Walker, Deeper Purpose and St. Pete/Tampa local heroes. On the bass side of things, there was satisfying, wonky headliner Yheti alongside Barnacle Boi, Deadcrow, Pauline Herr, BACKWHEN, and awesome bass/wave locals!

Hit us with three of your favorite tracks this year!

Kompany, Wooli – Fight Milk [Ophelia]

A mind-blowing collab from two powerhouses that constantly keeps you on your feet. It features an intense, orchestral intro that marches full throttle. Yet, it does not fail to enchant you with a complete immersion into the core of this grimey battlefield.

ISOxo – REDloop [Sable Valley Records]

ISOxo has been killing the game bringing all his high energy into every intentional note. From the insanely catchy leads to energetic vocals that instantly fire you up, this track took it up another level by surprising us with that heavy, four-to-the-floor stomper midway into this heater. The amount of detail throughout this track is next level as he continuously adds more flame until the end!

Juche – Call For Liberty [Lowly (CMG)]

Juche is unmatched and unexplainably eclectic when it comes down to his magical melodies and leads that sway you from beginning to end. The perfect blend of weaving, soothing vocals, and a gentle yet crispy bassline that flows alongside the ethereal harmonies working effortlessly together in unison. What also made this track particularly stand out was the extended variation of rhythmic play to close off his lovely story. Truly magical and playful.

Tommy Vaudecrane

Curating: Hard Dance / Hardcore, Hard Techno

Tell us what you love most about curating your genre(s) Beatport page.

I always have been a digger and a strong supporter and activist of the hard dance / hardcore scene for the past 30 years as a DJ, producer and event promoter. I am always trying to find ways to give more visibility to these harder musical genres. Curating hard dance / hardcore at Beatport gives me the opportunity to discover new music and keep up with the evolving trends of hard electronic music. It’s really great to be connected with all this new stuff and also, at my humble level, to influence what will be the next big thing in these musical genres.

Who are some of the artists and labels we should be keeping an eye out for in 2023?

Hysta is clearly an artist to follow. In 2022 she has been playing in the biggest hardcore events all over Europe and releasing music on some of the big hardcore labels. She’s only in her early 20s, so we can count on her to become one of the next hardcore icons.

The hardstyle duo Rebelion has been around for a while and is now among the top artists of this genre. Their productions are at a top level at the moment and I am pretty sure they will be on top of the list in 2023.

The French crew La Darude, just launched their label Tekno Kawaii combining Eurodance, Happy Hardcore, and other hard dance music genres. Their parties are among the coolest and most fun events in France, and we can bet their label will soon be one of the best for all these happier hard dance genres. 

What was the best show you attended this year?

 Tricky question! I would say that the series of events produced in Paris on the Périohérique at La Villette were among the best shows I went to this year. With many different musical genres in a massive open-air venue under the Parisian ring called Périphérique, the experience and the artists were amazing. 

 Hit us with three of your top tracks this year! 

Mad Dog – Time [Dogfight Records]

The Italian boss of hardcore brought down the tempo with this amazing industrial rave track. A must have for DJs.  

Fraw – Techno Music [Gearbox Digital]

This extra raw hardstyle track is just nuts.  

Dr. Peacock, Ascendant Vierge – Influencer [Frenchcore Worldwide]

Well, this is what we call a banger. When the master of Frenchcore joins forces with hyperpop group Ascendant Vierge to remix one of their best tracks… people go nuts on the dancefloor. 



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