With this year almost in the rearview mirror, we asked our DJ and artist friends around the world to pick their 2023 highlights, and what they’d like to see more and less of in the global clubbing scene in 2024.
Avision
Home base: New Jersey, USA
Best tune of 2023: Tal Fussman ‘Wanna Hear Ya’ (Innervisions)
Standout artist of 2023: Mykol. His production stands out immensely, and I can’t wait to show you his next EP coming out on Matter+.
Best gig of 2023: Recently, I had the opportunity to play at Flash in Washington, DC. I haven’t played a small club in such a long time and this room was electric from start to finish. I really enjoyed being able to feel such a strong vibe from the crowd and appreciated the amazing sound system they had there.
Biggest achievement of 2023: In my personal life, my wife and I bought our first home in January and career-wise, I worked with some of my heroes this year musically. I put out my first EP with my mentor Victor Calderone, and I also had the absolute privilege to remix two of Laurent Garnier’s tracks on his latest album.
Career goal for 2024: To continue to work hard, if not harder. To also be seen more than just a techno artist and start breaking into the house world a bit more.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: Good music.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: Cell phones on the dancefloor.
La Fleur
Home base: Stockholm, Sweden
Best tune of 2023: Radioslave vs Audion ‘Mouth to Mouth’ (Rekids) is a recent fave. A classic that I love and still play just got treated into something even more suggestive and danceable. Love it.
Standout artist of 2023: Chloé Caillet. I’ve been a big fan of hers since she did a remix for me, released on my label Power Plant in 2019. She stands out as an artist for her innovative sound, versatility, and engaging DJ performances. Whether through unique musical approaches, collaborations, or a distinctive visual identity, she has made a notable impact in the music scene.
Best gig of 2023: Horse Park Festival, Zurich, and Printworks, London. At Horse Park I had a great time with friends and colleagues, the crowd was engaging and committed to my style from the get-go. The promoters behind this festival are really fun, caring, organised, professional and overall lovely people. Playing Printworks just weeks before its closing was also magic. The vibe was great and I had a really good time.
Biggest achievement of 2023: Releasing music after a three-year hiatus. It showcases part of me where I am now, offers a cathartic connection and highlights my whirlwind of feelings and inspirations through this time.
Career goal for 2024: To release my album ‘Väsen’. Releasing an album is a momentous occasion, marking the culmination of my efforts and creative expression throughout many years and sleepless nights. It stands as a highlight in my journey as an artist, showcasing my evolution, and providing listeners with a complete body of work to experience and enjoy. I hope.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: Of me! All joking aside, one aspect I often desire in the global club scene is increased diversity, both in terms of music genres and representation. Embracing a wider range of musical styles and ensuring inclusivity across genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds can enhance the overall experience and make the club scene more dynamic and welcoming.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: Overpriced drinks and entry charges. High costs can be a barrier to entry for many individuals, limiting inclusivity and accessibility. Maybe a bit more back to the basics – a basement, a red light, a feelin’.
Simon Shackleton (aka Elite Force)
Home base: Denver, Colorado, USA
Best tune of 2023: Alex Metric ‘Alive’ (Higher Ground). I love the kinetic energy of this, the push and the drive. It’s uptempo without being devoid of groove and just lifts the energy levels every time.
Standout artist of 2023: Max Cooper stands out for his fearless creativity, blending of audio and visuals, and the emotional connectivity of his music. He’s also the antithesis of mainstream EDM.
Best gig of 2023: Be Massive Boat Party in Budapest. Nine hundred people, on a boat, cruising down the Danube for a few hours in midsummer. Void sound system, and surrounded by friends, plus great sets from my old sparring partners DJ Metha and Meat Katie.
Biggest achievement of 2023: Creating my first Re:Constructed sets. These are hybrid DJ/live sets each based around a theme. I deconstruct hundreds of tracks from my library, using AI stem-splitting where needed, and piece together a mix that’s completely immersive. They’re a lot of work (around 150 hours each!), but they’re the best mixes I’ve made in 30 years of DJing and the most fun to put together.
Career goal for 2024: To complete work on a multi-media A/V show that combines live instrumentation – keyboards, drums and strings – with some of the cutting-edge tech innovations emerging in the creative arts.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: Storytelling in DJ sets. If you’re not creating new contexts for the music you’re playing and you don’t understand how to create anticipation, tension and release, then you’re a jukebox, not a DJ.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: Cheesy vocals. So much music sounds like it’s been created by commercial committee. That and the endless regurgitated dirge of faceless hard house masquerading as modern-day techno.
Syd Gris
Home base: San Francisco, USA
Best tune of 2023: MauP ‘Gimme That Bounce’ (Insomniac Records). The lead is filthy and exists in a lovely place over the bouncy low-end. And this… “Day in day out, we’re working our asses off for this nine-to-five. But what we really wanna do is just vibe.”
Standout artist of 2023: Gorgon City for their consistently awesome releases, and their Burning Man performance at Opulent Temple was the stuff of legends.
Best gig of 2023: Wednesday night, Opulent Temple party at Playground, Burning Man, opening up for Carl Cox. A blue supermoon shining on a perfect night at Burning Man, with me, Carl Gorgon and Azzezza playing in succession at Opulent Temple’s annual white party. Hard to top that.
Biggest achievement of 2023: Staying alive as an independent promoter.
Career goal for 2024: To stay in the game and slay it at Burning Man ’24.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: DJs and agents who will support independent promoters and not just always go with the big boys in the US like Insomniac, Golden Voice and Another Planet.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: F’ing cell phones on the dancefloor.
ANII
Home base: Portugal
Best tune of 2023: Argy & Omnya ‘Aria’ (Afterlife). It’s groovy, uplifting and a fun style of music that’s a good way to pick up the mood of any crowd. Everyone loves it.
Standout artist of 2023: Massano. He’s a young, super talented producer and a very kind and humble guy.
Best gig of 2023: Savage OFF at Zurich Airport. I go to airports all the time, and have a different association with them; I never thought I would be playing in one. It was really cool and very different, which is something that doesn’t happen that often these days.
Biggest achievement of 2023: Starting my own record label, Too Good To Die. The name comes from the idea that some tracks are too good to be forgotten and lost, essentially seeming to die. Let’s keep them alive.
Career goal for 2024: Get the label properly off the ground and try to start planning label shows down the line. Having this label makes sure that I can give the opportunity to other artists to release their music with me too. That’s something meaningful.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: Of everyone being kinder to one another. Less politics and support your friends and colleagues more, especially other women.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: Egos.
Italo Bros
Home base: Scalea, Calabria, Italy
Best tune of 2023: &ME, Black Coffee ‘The Rapture Pt.III’ (Keinemusik). The melody of this piano accompanied by the afro groove makes this track one of a kind. It warms the dancefloor but above all the heart of those who listen to this magnificent song.
Standout artist of 2023: The trio of artists that make up Keinemusik – Rampa, &ME and Adam Port. They have an amazing magic formula for every track. Their style is unmistakable; they know how to pull everyone into their wave of energy, leaving something truly special and evocative inside.
Best gig of 2023: Il Muretto, Jesolo. It’s a historical Italian club and one of the world’s top venues. Being part of the events there this past summer, where we shared the decks with great artists like Loco Dice, was a real pleasure. Thanks to Samuele and Paolo from Il Muretto and our manager and brother Ricardo for making it possible.
Biggest achievement of 2023: Signing our release on Jamie Jones’ Hot Creations label. This brings us huge satisfaction and we’re really happy to deliver an EP onn the label next February.
Career goal for 2024: Our strength is that we don’t set ourselves goals. We’re determined to be different; we want to make the whole world dance; we are sure of our potential and our style; but most importantly, we love what we do.
In 2024 we’d like to see more: Of the new, emerging talents added to the biggest line-ups and festivals. We feel there is too much ‘politics’ going on these days, and it would be nice to have less of that.
In 2024 we’d like to see less: Telephones during our sets. Clubbers should focus more about enjoying the moment with friends and feeling the music.
Klaudia Gawlas
Home base: Passau, South Germany
Best tune of 2023: Rudaki ‘2 D Floor’ (DSR Digtial). I just love it how it hits me after the break. Wow!
Standout artist of 2023: Mhairi. She just played awesome sets at big events. I loved it. I’m impressed and will be keeping an eye on for what’s to come from her in 2024.
Best gig of 2023: Tomorrowland, Belgium. To play the biggest festival in the world is a big honor for me. I played the Atmosphere Stage this year, and honestly, I don’t think that anything can top that.
Biggest achievement of 2023: My own label, Illusion.
Career goal for 2024: I’m looking forward to inviting other artists to release on Illusion from 2024, as I started the label with the first few singles from myself.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: People bringing positive vibes and not hate. There’s too much of that in the world as it is.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: Complaining about everything!
LOR
Home base: Los Angeles, USA
Best tune of 2023: Skrillex ‘Inhale Exhale’ (OWSLA). It’s a testament to the art of minimalism in electronic music production. The clarity, creativity, and detail of the sound, programming, and arrangement, showcase an inspiring lesson of “less is more”. A perfect blend of being easy on the ears and yet energetically hard-hitting, it demonstrates Skrillex’s ability to create a soundscape that’s both immaculately produced and impactful.
Standout artist of 2023: Nitepunk has distinguished himself with his raw and emotionally charged tracks that feel like they’re directly blasting from the heart of a rave. His unique style, which expertly blends elements of bass and breaks, brings a refreshing and innovative sound to the scene. His technical production skills are matched by his ability to evoke intense emotions, creating tracks that are not just heard but felt.
Best gig of 2023: I’ve been concentrating on making music for my new LOR project so haven’t played any public gigs this year, but hosting a ‘sample gig’ for myself was an invaluable experience. It helped me fine tune my sound and gain a deeper understanding of how my music can resonate with an audience. This self-reflective exercise was crucial in shaping my production style and honing my skills as an artist, and it especially inspired me to infuse elements of breakbeat into my tracks.
Biggest achievement of 2023: I’ve had the incredible opportunity to release my music on renowned labels like Anjunadeep, Elektroshok Records, and Distorsion Records. Being recognized and supported by these influential labels marks an early milestone in my new LOR project.
Career goal for 2024: To create at least one standout track that resonates deeply with DJs and listeners alike, gaining traction in clubs and festivals around the world. I aspire to craft a tune that’s not just a hit but becomes a memorable part of the global electronic music narrative.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: Breakbeat elements in club music around the world.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: Monotonous, predictable DJ sets, and a surge in dynamic sets, weaving a journey between genres and vibes.
LUMI
Home base: Seattle, WA
Best tune of 2023: Paperclip People ‘Throw (Slam’s RTM Remix)’ (Planet E Communications). This is such a classic. It’s so simple yet so groovy and really gets a dancefloor moving every time I play it. I love opening with it!.
Standout artist of 2023: Peggy Gou. She never misses. The new record she recently put out with Lenny Kravitz [‘I Believe in Love Again’] is incredible.
Best gig of 2023: NYE with Tiga. Okay, it hasn’t happened yet, but it will be the best ending to my year, especially since he was my most listened to artist this year.
Biggest achievement of 2023: Getting signed to a few labels that I’ll be releasing on starting early next year. It’s very exciting for me to finally get my music out into the world and heard.
Career goal for 2024: To play larger venues and hopefully at some music festivals.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: Non-alcoholic drink options like kombucha, nootropic drinks with medicinal mushrooms, L-theanine, etc. I’m big on health and it’s okay to take it easy with a healthy hydrating beverage that tastes good too. And one more thing, I’d like to see better safety and security upon entrance to a club. Let’s keep the clubgoers and the artists safe please.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: Negative energy. We’re all there to have a good time and for me it’s all love.
Mark London
Home base: Los Angeles, USA
Best tune of 2023: Tim Green ‘The Night Is Blue’ (All Day I Dream). The wicked breakdown on this one makes you feel like you’re rolling.
Standout artist of 2023: Borak for his ability to keep the dancefloor lit for hours with deep tribal tunes.
Best gig of 2023: Station 1640 Hollywood. The sound is on-point and the size of the room makes me feel like I’m at home.
Biggest achievement of 2023: Getting back in the studio and remixing tracks like Rüfüs Du Sol’s ‘On My Knees Again’, Armin Van Buuren’s ‘On & On’, Raze ‘Break For Love’ and Paul Oakenfold’s ‘Someone Like You’. Also achieving my RaveMuseum footage and script.
Career goal for 2024: To launch the Nu Media Company 360 and my non-profit United Arts Foundation.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: Vinyl sessions in clubs so that people understand the origins.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: Phones and hipsters in clubs and more music lovers.
DJ Dribbler/For Mankind
Home base: Ibiza, Spain
Best tune of 2023: 77:78 ‘Love Said (Let’s Go) Wallace & Morris North Street Rework and Instrumental’ (Ramrock Red Records). I love mixing up dubs and instrumentals with originals. This track has given me goosebumps every time I’ve played it. It causes wonderful reactions everywhere, from poolside at Pike’s Hotel in Ibiza to a rain-soaked King’s Cross in London. It’s also part of the Americana shift. I drift off into this beautiful piece of work.
Standout artist of 2023: I have two. JIM, aka Ron Basejam of Crazy P, stood out a mile this year with his Americana sound. I’ve been hounding black underground music since the start (be it house, Detroit techno or hip-hop) but JIM flipped the script and opened my eyes to the soul in white girls from Massachussets in 1973 and the beautiful song writing. The other is Simon Sheldon from Belfast’s Freebooter Lounge, who has consistently and humbly provided music that’s formulated my sets on many occasions this year. Simon is grounded and firmly set to excel in 2024.
Best gig of 2023: Pike’s Bathtub Halloween and Pike’s Poolside E Soul Cultura. I’m a resident at Pike’s and the Bathtub Club is the new room complete with Freddie Mercury’s old bathtub. It’s a sweat-soaked rave in there and Halloween was nothing short of mental. Then playing a full set of Athens of The North 7”s while Luke Una sat behind me repeating “beautiful” for an hour and a half or so. Luke telling the world I played “amazing music” the following day on social media did my ego no harm whatsoever. But the moment of the year was Ruff Dug playing ‘Never Gonna Give You Up (Jura Sound System version) at the closing of Sundays at Pike’s Pool. I looked around my knowledgeable colleagues and friends and saw the sense of achievement at finishing another Ibiza season, the pride and love of proper, good music as they lost themselves in the ether of this remarkable production. I’ll never forget that moment.
Biggest achievement of 2023: Starting my new project For Mankind with my pal Linkwood.
Career goal for 2024: To start my new night in London with Leo Zero and further my producing career as For Mankind. Also, to maintain and improve my standards, travel more and continue as a Pike’s resident, my favorite place in the world.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: Dancing with no drinks on the dancefloor and not facing the DJ. I’d like to see more dancers getting hype and paying less attention to the DJs.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: Phones on the dancefloor. Ban them please. Also DJs with their hands in the air like rock stars, playing generic, crescendo to drop tracks. You’re stopping the music, killing the dance and missing the fundamental point of DJing, which is dancefloor momentum and constant groove, not self-adulation. It’s about the dancers, not you.
Idriss D
Home base: Berlin, Germany
Best tune of 2023: Fabio Monesi ‘Moonriver’ (Lies Records). This record is already a masterpiece. Not only a dancefloor killer but the way Fabio brought back that old Chicago sound with his own Monesi key vibe…
Standout artist of 2023: Monile, who is a great digger, great DJ selector, mixer and she has such charisma. She knows exactly what goals she wants to reach and is working hard to get there. She’s a star in the making so I’m keen to see what happens for her in 2024.
Best gig of 2023: Circoloco at DC-10 Ibiza. It was my first time playing at the legendary club, and I was really looking forward to it, so much that I prepared my set for a few weeks! That Monday is the gig bucket list show for everyone I think, so to be able to say you’ve played for Circoloco at DC-10 is a big achievement.
Biggest achievement of 2023: Seeing my profile get bigger in the US. This is also thanks to the team at Space Miami who put their trust in me and have always made me feel welcome. The constant support of Detroit Love and MJ who promotes my profile a lot has been a huge help and given me the opportunity to deliver. Without this, my success and growth could have taken a lot longer.
Career goal for 2024: To release my double vinyl album on my new label Nedjma Records in March and hopefully get some nice feedback on such an important and personal project and piece of music.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: Humanity, more record digging, more quality magazines, more money to the ravers so they can go out more often and it doesn’t cost them a fortune. Simple things, but effective ones.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: Drinks being spiked at parties. This is something that happens all the time and it scares me a lot. We all need to be careful and create a safe space for men and women in the dance community. People who do things like this create danger for us all.
Axel Haube
Home base: Malines, Belgium
Best tune of 2023: Alegra ‘Iris’ (Recovery Collective). It’s produced really well and went totally under the radar this year unfortunately. I played it in a lot of sets, and it definitely works on the dancefloor!
Standout artist of 2023: Kevin de Vries is killing it with hit after hit and multiple sold-out shows.
Best gig of 2023: Tomorrowland presents Terra Solis in Dubai for its beautiful stage design, amazing light show and great atmosphere on a packed dancefloor.
Biggest achievement of 2023: Releasing on the latest various artists of Zamna Records’ ‘Road To Tulum’.
Career goal for 2024: I have many and don’t want to jinx them.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: People paying attention to the smaller and upcoming artists and not only the big guns on line-ups.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: Phones on the dancefloor. We’re at a point now where every artist/event is posting the highlights after the show anyway – in the best possible quality – so just dance and enjoy the moment with friends.
Victoria Engel
Home base: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Best tune of 2023: Skelesys ‘Kill Me With Love’ Oraculo Records. Damian’s music conveys the most internal of emotions. I have seen him play live with guitar and different instruments several times. I love his music.
Standout artist of 2023: Local DJ Eme Kulhnek, the latest artist to join my 444 Series label. His ‘Continuous’ EP is super sick.
Best gig of 2023: My seven-hour set at Crobar. It was a boundary-pushing long set that I never thought I’d be able to do. It was super special because the energy and the vibe were unique, and the crowd went with me for each part of the set. It was one of the moments where you really feel that special connection with the crowd. I cannot wait to do more of these and even longer sets to see what I can do.
Biggest achievement of 2023: Starting my own label showcase. Seeing the concept through from the very beginning to fruition is truly satisfying. All the blood, sweat, and tears are worth it when you see the final result.
Career goal for 2024: Let’s just say some of the biggest clubs and festivals in Europe are the target. I’ll leave it up to your imagination which ones you might see me at.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: Female live acts.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: Sole importance placed on social networks alone. Yes, it’s important but it cannot be the only thing that’s the most important for an artist in today’s scene.
Nico Cabeza
Home base: Berlin, Germany.
Best tune of 2023: Mattia Saviolo ‘Distant Memories’ (Ninetozero Records). It’s a true harmonic journey, marked by enchanting melodies and an irresistibly engaging groove. I believe this track has somewhat gone unnoticed, though it deserves more attention. Mattia, who is a great friend of mine and a music producer I deeply admire, has created a piece that conveys genuine emotions and captures the listener in a unique sonic experience.
Standout artist of 2023: Victor Ruiz. He’s released some big tunes on Volta and also on other labels.
Best gig of 2023: My show at Sisyphos in October. It was a Sunday and the vibe was massive.
Biggest achievement of 2023: Taking a little break from the studio to collect more ideas. This was important because now I’ve created some of my best tracks.
Career goal for 2024: It’s coming up.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: Space for music.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: Space for social media numbers.
Victor Ruiz
Home base: Lisbon, Portugal
Best tune of 2023: Underworld ‘Denver Luna’
Standout artist of 2023: Lutgens
Best gig of 2023: Boom Festival in Portugal.
Biggest achievement of 2023: Releasing amazing artists on my label Volta and making it the third best-selling label on Beatport in a year.
Career goal for 2024: To release amazing music, throw Volta events around the globe, do great collaborations, travel to new countries, play in great venues and meet lots of new people.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: Empathy, authenticity, and great music.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: Bullshit.
Bruce Zalcer
Home base: Panama City, Panama
Best tune of 2023: Shlomi Aber ‘Chasing’ (CLR). A straightforward groove and simplicity that speaks for itself.
Standout artist of 2023: Confidential Recipe for his constant, solid releases and remixes on well-respected labels [Rekids and it sub-label RSPX]. Overall great productions.
Best gig of 2023: Arrivals Medellin, Sonorama.
Biggest achievement of 2023: Releasing my track ‘Basic Instinct’ on Second State’s ‘SUM 13’ compilation and playing in Crobar, Argentina.
Career goal for 2024: To tour Europe and the USA.
In 2024 I’d like to see more: Diverse line-ups. Opportunities for more artists to play and display their talents. More underground parties. Also, producers being remunerated properly for their work.
In 2024 I’d like to see less: Focus on social media, more on music.
