If You Like Axwell / Ingrosso, Paul van Dyk, and Technoboy, You’ll Love…
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We may be experiencing a cold spell Stateside, but the thought of partying in Mexico City next month is warming us up. Our blood is also pumping while listening to some of the artists featured on this year’s EDC Mexico lineup in preparation. But if you’re familiar with only the big names, do yourself a favor and keep reading. We’ve perused the lineup for some additional artists you may like for those needing more big-room house, trance and hardstyle in their lives.
If you like Axwell / Ingrosso, check out Alesso, Firebeatz and Lost Frequencies
Axwell / Ingrosso
Fans of Swedish House Mafia didn’t have to mourn too long after they called it quits, when two-thirds of the group—Axwell and Sebastian Ingrosso—continued working together as Axwell / Ingrosso. Though Axwell and Ingrosso were solo artists in their own rights long before teaming up with Steve Angello for SHM, something about their superpowers combined, now as a duo, has the right formula to make the masses move. With their big-room brand of progressive house, they kept the momentum going with “Sun Is Shining.”
Alesso
From: Sweden
Releases on: Def Jam, Refune Music, Columbia Records
Why we like him: There’s progressive house in the water in Sweden. With early support from Ingrosso, who became his mentor, Alesso is the latest Swede to win over the electronic world. MTV called it in 2012 when they named him one of the EDM Rookies to Watch, and Madonna later tapped him to open for her on tour. He’s risen up the ranks in popularity and was voted lucky #13 on the most recent DJ Mag Top 100 DJs poll.
Listen to this: Alesso teamed up with Sirena for the track “Sweet Escape” from his debut album Forever, released last year.
Follow Alesso on Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
Firebeatz
From: Netherlands
Releases on: Spinnin’ Records, DOORN Records, Musical Freedom
Why we like them: Tim Benjamin Smulders and Jurre van Doeselaar were a couple of art school students when they met and bonded over a shared love of music. Firebeatz was born in 2008 and a slew of releases followed, many making their way onto the Beatport charts, such as “Dear New York” with Schella, “Just One More Time Baby” with Chocolate Puma, “Gangster” and more. Other collaborations have found the duo working with Martin Garrix on the chart-topping “Helicopter”; Sander van Doorn on “Guitar Track”; Tiësto on “Last Train”; and Calvin Harris on “It Was You.”
Listen to this: The latest offering from Firebeatz is a collaboration with Jay Hardway for the Spinnin’ Records release “Home.”
Follow Firebeatz on Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
Lost Frequencies
From: Belgium
Releases on: Armada Deep, Armada Trice, The Bearded Man
Why we like him: Felix Safran De Laet, aka Lost Frequencies, successfully capitalized on the EDM-goes-country trend when he won folks over with his remix of Easton Corbin’s “Are You With Me.” That foray went on to earn the #1 spot on charts in the UK, Australia, Germany, Switzerland and more, gaining platinum and gold statuses around the world. With only a few tracks under his belt, Lost Frequencies is about to embark on his first gigs in the US, including New York City, Los Angeles and even Coachella.
Listen to this: Lost Frequencies isn’t just a one-hit wonder. His song “Reality,” featuring Janieck Davey, made it to #1 in more than 10 countries and reached platinum status in the Netherlands, Italy and Spain.
Follow Lost Frequencies on Facebook | Twitter
If you like Paul van Dyk, check out Giuseppe Ottaviani, Solarstone and Will Atkinson
Paul van Dyk
If you ever get the opportunity to stand behind Paul van Dyk while he DJs and performs live on the keyboards, you’re in for a master class. On top of that, his productions encompass you in the live environment. We dare you not to be overwhelmed with feels when he plays “Home.” The #TranceFamily will sure have a communal cry if he dusts off “For an Angel.” For those unconvinced, remember one thing: Give trance a chance.
Giuseppe Ottaviani
From: Italy
Releases on: Subculture, Ultra, Black Hole Recordings, GO on Air Recordings, Future Sound of Egypt
Why we like him: You’re in for a treat, EDC Mexico. Giuseppe Ottaviani wowed us with his passion at Dreamstate, living by the creed of “I’m not a DJ, but I’m a music lover.” But wait, there’s more. The veteran Italian trance DJ/producer is unveiling his new Live 2.0 show at the festival. The talented musician will be recreating his own productions using live instruments onstage, so it’s definitely worth checking out. Plus, if you already like Paul van Dyk, you’ll recognize Ottaviani from PvD’s Politics of Dancing 3.
Listen to this: Got tech trance? Get your heart pumping with Ottaviani’s new, driving force on “Crossing Lights.”
Follow Giuseppe Ottaviani on Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
Solarstone
From: UK
Releases on: Black Hole Recordings, Future Sound of Egypt, Pure Trance
Why we like him: Trance. Pure Trance. A champion at unifying people with the movement of keeping it real and true in the genre, Solarstone now flies solo—the project originally formed as a trio—but is still a defining force on the scene. He’s released countless successful originals, like classics “Seven Cities” and “Naked Angel” with Scott Bond, and remixes for the likes of Matt Darey, Energy 52, Paul Oakenfold and Ferry Corsten. If you want OG trance, Solarstone’s got it.
Listen to this: Solarstone partnered with Gai Barone on “Fata Morgana,” a deeper, slower offering with melodic layers and movements.
Follow Solarstone on Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud
Will Atkinson
From: UK
Releases on: Subculture, Future Sound of Egypt, Kearnage Recordings
Why we like him: He’s got more than 80 Radio 1 airplays, and he’s engineered more than 90 records. He started producing at age 14, mixing records even earlier, at age 7. With early support from Judge Jules, he’s also found fans in Pete Tong, Simon Patterson, Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk and many more supporters.
Listen to this: Grab the fire extinguisher, because the long-awaited “Game Over 2015” is gonna fire you up with its techy energy.
Follow Will Atkinson on Facebook | Twitter
If you like Technoboy, check out Audiotricz, Da Tweekaz and LNY TNZ
Technoboy
Bow down to a legend in hardstyle. Italian producer Cristiano Giusberti, aka Technoboy, has been working the decks since 1992. With a laundry list of 12-inch releases and through his work via various production aliases and his role as A&R manager for multiple labels, Giusberti keeps busy. Lately, he’s been teaming up with Tuneboy for TNT, a destructive hardstyle duo.
Audiotricz
From: Netherlands
Releases on: Mainstage Music, Scantraxx Recordz, Q-dance
Why we like them: Kenneth Kroes and Leon Benschop were childhood friends in their native Netherlands. With both producers boasting backgrounds in sound design, they focused on hardstyle starting in 2013. They’ve earned respect from the aforementioned TNT and have played at top events like Defqon.1 and the Hard Dance Event: Live at the Heineken Music Hall during the Amsterdam Dance Event.
Listen to this: Not gonna lie, you should probably invest in a sweet stereo system before listening to their latest, “Alchemy of Hardstyle.” It’s the kind of bass you need to blow your hair back.
Follow Audiotricz on Facebook | Twitter
Da Tweekaz
From: Norway
Releases on: Dirty Workz, Q-dance, Futureworld Records
Why we like them: Kenth Kvien and Marcus Nordli are not only producers of hardstyle and hard dance, but fans as well, who are more than happy to party with the crowd. Their debut album, Time 2 Shine, nabbed spots on the Hard Dance charts around the world. Plus, they’re holding steady in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs poll, coming in at #79 in 2015. To stay in the center of all things hardstyle, the pair relocated from Norway to Belgium to play up surrounding countries’ love for the sound.
Listen to this: Get your DDR moves ready for the “Twerkout Revolution” the duo is offering up for free download on their SoundCloud.
Follow Da Tweekaz on Facebook | Twitter
LNY TNZ
From: Netherlands
Releases on: Mainstage Music, Mad Decent, Barong Family
Why we like them: Mitchell Vreeswijk and Jan Stadhouders have been in the game since 2004, and they don’t give a fuck about genres. But if they had to be pigeonholed for new listeners, it’d be an amalgam of hardstyle, trap and EDM. That sound has found them working with the likes of Diplo, Yellow Claw and Waka Flocka Flame.
Listen to this: Going out to all the ravers out there, LNY TNZ paired with Boaz for “Ravelord” featuring Mr. Polska & Kalibwoy.
Follow LNY TNZ on Facebook | Twitter
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