12 for '15

With 2014 coming to an end, we are taking a look back at some of our favorite artists who we are expecting to have a huge 2015. Ranging from teenage remix masters, to a local Denver native who is stretching the boundaries of what EDM has been so traditionally defined as. Take a look through our 12 to watch for '15 below, and click each image to hear what the artist has been up to in 2014.

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BIGGEST GENRE INFLUENCE OF 2014

This year we saw the rise of diversifying genres, though some may argue they all fall under the same umbrella, there are clear distinctions in how different genres have emerged. If 2013 was the year of progressive house, then 2014 was by far the year of the Bounce Generation. The bounce track, originating down in Melbourne, Australia, is a progression of the up-tempo horn-infused dutch stylings, with incorporation of their own raucous horns.

 If you need any example, check out one of the OGs of the genre, Will Sparks. 

A close second in this category goes to Big Room. Particularly here in the states, the rising popularity of electronic clubs and festivals has given rise to the genre - taking the melody progression from house and combining it with the energy of electro-house and trance to create emotional build-ups, followed by an energetic, melodic drop (i.e. any Spinnin' Records release). 

We expect next year to be the year of Deep House - get your vocal chords ready.

 

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR

From 15 - 16 you could find KYGO sitting in his room up in Norway listening to Avicii on repeat. This inspired KYGO to remix and produce tracks of his own, and after gathering over 80 million views on Youtube and Soundcloud, he received a life changing phone call from Avicii and Chris Martin of Coldplay to create official remixes of their songs. We knew he was going to be special when we featured him in an Artist Highlight in early May, and since then, KYGO has not looked back.  He started his year opening for Avicii, and ended by performing on the Mainstage at Tomorrowland and beginning his own world tour. He also inked an exclusive worldwide record deal with Sony Music and Ultra. And between all of that, he has had opportunities to continue pumping out remixes and releasing his first very own original track Firestone.

BIGGEST TRACK OF 2014

When we say biggest track, we mean the one that you cannot get away from - remember the #SELFIE song? We're talking about the song that your parents are dancing along to in the kitchen, and the same one you hear on your drive to the club, where you will be sure to hear the track at least once. 

According to the Chinese calendar, it is the year of the snake, and thus it is only fitting that one of the biggest artists to slither on to the scene is DJ Snake himself. He first made waves in 2013 with what was, maybe, the biggest track of the year. It has transcended 2013 and has become the electronic anthem of 2014.  "Turn Down For What" is now featured in everything from your local frat party to ATT commercials. The track and music video have been nominated for a total of 5 awards, winning one for Best Direction from the MTV Video Music Awards. DJ Snake managed to prevent himself from becoming a one-hit-wonder by collaborating with Dillon Francis on Get Low and hopping on-board The Mothership Tour with Skrillex this past year. He is currently on an international tour, playing alongside the likes of Diplo, Dillon Francis, Tiesto, and Carl Cox.