Top Dance Songs of 2014 Vol. 3 - a podcast by Keith a.k.a. K j A M

Probably the single most important aspect of EDM in 2014 is the DJ.  In general, DJs are more than what their title implies.  They are also, producers and artists in their own right.  While many get their satisfaction by spinning in local clubs, a good many more regenerate and/or reinvigorate other musicians music by adding their own stamp on the original production.  Thank the EDM gods for bootlegs because, without them, the whole scene would be one giant cookie cutter factory and frankly, I wouldn’t be wasting my breath here and now.



Then there are the actual EDM masters who not only re-work others music but produce their own original dance works and embark on these massive tours that resemble a rock concert complete with pyrotechnics and imagery that rivals even Madonna’s tour spectacles.  While most manage to etch out a decent living, it’s these masters at their craft that have gone on to become mega-million generating entities in and of themselves.  Tiesto (which these days is all about branding and ghost producers), Angello + Ingrosso (formerly Swedish House Mafia less one), Avicii, Calvin Harris and even a douche like Deadmau5 (whose gimmicky glowing mouse-head is still a money-factory) are part of a growing elite whose influence in the industry has the almighty major labels courting them.



In some instances, the major labels have sought out young promising talent and turned them into superstars.  Zedd is a perfect example of this.  Busting out strong in 2013, he continued his influence this year with his signature sound that even he is trying to break away from.  Based on some early tweets, look for something fresh and new from him in 2015.  I for one am looking forward to seeing what he has up his sleeves.



Newcomer Martin Garrix exploded this year with his EDM blockbuster Animals.  Duke Dumont lead the 90s house music revival with I Got U.  The Chainsmokers exploded with #Selfie and are now the in-demand producers for a lot of commercial artists not to mention producing their own originals like Kanye (another hit from the year). 



Then you’ve got Norwegian producer Cosmic Dawn whose sanitized EDM-pop remixes appeal to a broader audience.  There’s no doubt this guy (much like Calvin Harris) manufactures ear-candy for the masses and have carved out their own niche of this ever-growing pie.  Despite a recent critique of mine about a song Bjorn (CD) remixed, it was really aimed more at the actual song by a self-entitled princess than it was at him.  He weighed in and defended his choice but did it with class.  I just want to reciprocate by saying I have nothing but respect for him and his work and look forward to hearing more from him in 2015.



Last year’s DJ Laszlo and Danny Verde came charging into 2014, but by the second half, their output has been considerably more restrained.  I can only assume their mass popularity has them busy hopping around the globe limiting their time for new productions.  No sweat there, I’m certain they know where the money’s at and what pays the bills LOL.  Still, I look forward to some new tunes from them this coming year as well.



I’ve also been pouring over my list of DJs to look out for in 2015 and this year I’m gonna prop up Guy Scheiman.  Guy has already landed three of the top Billboard mixes this year and is likely on to bigger and better things this next year.  Straddling the line between Circuit House and a more progressive EDM tone, he’s managed to revive (whether intentional or not) the classic Stock Aitken Waterman sound from the 80s by infusing it with today’s modern tribal-electric soundscape and introducing it to a whole new audience.  His mix of Azealea Banks  Chasing Time is masterful and simply mind-blowing.  He is crafting a sound that draws from today’s scene while staking out his own territor...

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