EDC Orlando 2022 has officially come and gone. This year over 200,000 festival-goers reunited “Under the Electric Sky” for Insomniac’s flagship East Coast event. The threat of Hurricane Nicole, which passed through the Orlando area the day before the festival, left many with flight cancellations. However, the festival grounds remained unscathed, and those who could arrange other travel plans experienced an unforgettable weekend.






Each EDC Orlando stage encompassed a unique vibe and genre. With more than five to choose from, there was a little something for every dance music fanatic. But for the house heads and techno tourists, all feet were glued to the dancefloor at the neonGARDEN with acts like Charlotte de Witte and CamelPhat throwing down.




On Friday, in-house underground house and techno brand, Factory 93 partnered with Patrick Topping to bring his legendary Trick brand to the United States for the first time. And on Saturday Green Velvet presented his La La Land party brand and stage takeover where attendees were lucky enough to witness a rare triple b2b as Green Velvet, Dom Dolla, and John Summit closed out the stage.

As we predicted, Insomniac repurposed the neonGARDEN stage from this year’s EDC Las Vegas. Out with the old hangar-style tent and in with the new open-air warehouse setting. Shipping containers splattered with graffiti surrounded the stage in a one-of-a-kind 360-degree fashion, offering an exclusive urban jungle experience.









The success of neonGARDEN wouldn’t have been possible without the help of stage-curators Factory 93. In fact, it was one of their most memorable stages yet. Each year they explore the depths of creativity and innovation while preserving the authenticity of the underground. Since they began curating the neonGARDEN stage in 2018, their love and appreciation for house music has ignited a country-wide movement and mass admiration for its distinctive culture. Outside of EDC Orlando, they have hosted stages at other Insomniac festivals like EDC Mexico and one-off events at their warehouse in Los Angeles.



Factory 93 has risen to be one of the reigning brands for all things house music. Last year, Insomniac announced another addition to their evolving catalog of record labels, Factory 93 Records. Honing in on the worldly sounds of underground house, techno, tech house, and even disco, listeners can discover established and rising artists from across the globe. Factory 93 Records is the next big step in achieving its goal to grow its platform and the culture within it. Insomniac founder, Pasquale Rotella, released the following statement in a press release:




“Factory 93 represents the beginning of Insomniac. Underground dance music will always be the roots of everything we do. Factory 93 is a very passionate part of the Insomniac portfolio worldwide, which makes this new record label even more exciting for us. With the addition of Factory 93 Records, our team will be able to carry over its vision from the live events side into a carefully curated catalog we can’t wait for you to hear.”




Factory 93’s involvement with Insomniac doesn’t stop there. Last May, they teamed up to premiere a brand new two-day festival dedicated to underground house music called Skyline. Taking place at Lot 54 at The Vanguard, festival-goers experienced a mesmerizing display of digital & street art exhibits, graffiti murals, and of course, non-stop heart-pumping house and techno beats.

Inspired by EDC’s neonGARDEN concept for its second edition this year, Skyline did not feature a single LED wall. Instead, they enclosed the main stage with their graffiti-laden shipping containers. By focusing on the basics and providing an intimate environment for attendees, they cultivated the ultimate underground experience. Skyline even expanded to the West Coast in Los Angeles, so no matter where you’re from, Insomniac and Factory 93 have got you covered.




Since Factory 93 was founded, they have shown no signs of slowing down. As our underground community continues to grow increasingly popular across the country, we are excited to see what the future holds for Factory 93’s impact on the neonGARDEN stage and the festival community.



Factory 93 Continues to Bring House & Techno Heat to EDC Orlando

2021 was yet another tumultuous year. A year that constantly highlighted the fragility of the everyday. As lock-downs eased, a late-stage festival season emerged like nothing we've seen before. And as new variants surged, our plans with family and friends were once again thrown into the blender. We learned to understand that the only constant is change. 

We experienced euphoric dance floor reunions and the hope of a reunited house and techno community. The clubs, festivals, and playlists exploded new talent, the dancefloor bustled with new fans, and veterans observed a rediscovered spirit that reflects the storied days of the 90s.


And as artists shared their quarantine anthems, we learned that dance music could be many things. It's always fun, always danceable, but it can also be deeply personal, emotionally transcendent, and a revelation and reflection of our deepest desires. 


It was an unprecedented year of growth for house and techno worldwide. And the Gray Area team took the time to dig through the crates and pull out the songs that exemplified the year best. So here are our best house and techno tracks of 2021.

WEISS, Sharlene Hector - Lift Me Up

Now that house music has wriggled its way into the mainstream, we’ve seen a surplus of house bangers filling up the charts. An old-school house-styled cut like "Lift Me Up" stands out among the rest not only for its nostalgic sounds and production but because  Sharlene’s fervent vocals captivate and inspire. Her resounding, soulful vocals combined with Weiss’ masterful house production form one of this year’s most compelling piano house tracks—one that could easily be heard in a set by Marshall Jefferson or Paul Johnson back in the day. -Melissa Yuriar

KREAM, Dan Caplen - Roads (feat. Dan Caplen)[VIP Remix]

Norwegian electronic dance music duo KREAM has a penchant for producing deep house cuts with emphatically heartfelt lyrics. "Roads," released earlier this year, is a saccharine dance track driven by poignant vocals from classically trained musician Dan Caplen. He cites Bill Withers and John Legend as vocal inspirations. Though Caplen’s heart-rending vocals remain at the forefront of the reworked deep-house tune, they appear to have a more pronounced sultry finish. The VIP remix is a bouncy, enthralling remix of the original that feels timeless.  -Melissa Yuriar


Gorgon City, DRAMA - You've Done Enough

Gorgon City’s distinct bass-driven house music is immediately recognizable, having amassed over 1.5 billion streams to date on all their records combined. Their latest album Olympia, released in June, features incredible collaborations with Sofi Tukker, Hayley May, and Jem Cooke. The self-deprecating love ballad “You’ve Done Enough,” features vocals from Rosa of the Chicago-based duo DRAMA. Powered by an infectious, oscillating bassline and sweetly sung lyrics that form a compelling story many resonate with. 

“It’s been said that if you become the best version of yourself that it’s easier to find someone to love you for who you truly are, as opposed to someone who loves you for who they think you are or will become,” said Rosa about the song’s meaning to Genius. “Know that you deserve nice things, like people loving you.”  -Melisa Yuriar

Shaolin Cowboy, manon - Réveiller (feat. manon)

Rising London producer Shaolin Cowboy is one to watch. Last year he released several singles on Bandcamp and his acclaimed debut EP, Catch Feels Get High. While his production features plenty of lofi-grooves, textures, and breaks, he’s demonstrated his fearlessness in experimenting with various tempos and elements from multiple genres. His latest EP, 21 Hours, amalgamates several elements plucked from sound system genres–UK garage, breakbeat, acid, and house–and contains the stunning breakout single, "Réveiller." The tune is an upbeat lofi-house club track that features alluring vocals by upcoming French songstress, manon. Shaolin Cowboy’s production on the tune is one of the most interesting we’ve heard this year. Don’t sleep on this unbelievably underrated house tune.  -Melisa Yuriar

Sofia Kourtesis - Nicolas

Peruvian tastemaker-producer Sofia Kourtesis' brand of house music is distinct. Much of it centers around distorted or looped vocals and splintered film samples that she expertly weaves into emotive and buoyant beats. "Nicolas," off her latest EP, Fresia Magdalena delivers house-realness with its driving bassline, lofi textures, and shimmery fills—the enchanting song is a potent cut with infectious energy. Sofia’s adeptness in sound design and mixing is nothing short of sensational. - Melisa Yuriar








Dom Dolla, Mansionair - Strangers

Australian house producer Dom Dolla collaborated with electronic-indie artists Mansionair on one of the most stirring house tracks of the year. Mansionair’s Jack Froggatt lent his impassioned vocals while Dom showed off his production prowess with driving basslines and atmospheric melodies that ebb and flow throughout. 

The song’s narrative deals with themes of longing and impulsivity with sweeping strings and a heart-rending delivery from Froggatt. Catch this and many more house hitters from Dom this year as he tours across the United States and the United Kingdom, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Australia next year. Mansionair recently announced the forthcoming release of their sophomore album; they'll be touring the US early next year.   -Melisa Yuriar


TSHA - Power

Awarded BBC Radio 1’s “Future Artist” title, UK-producer TSHA is having an incredible year. Her latest EP OnlyL, which contains the stand-out single “Power,” received broad support from Annie Mac, Zane Lowe, Bonobo, and publications like Fader, Resident Advisor, Mixmag, XLR8R, This Song is Sick, and Dancing Astronaut. 

"Power," released on Ninja Tune, is one of her best releases this year. The song features oscillating instrumentals, uplifting vocal samples, and a delicate piano loop that exudes warm, jubilant energy. Her hip-shaking club bangers and production style are inimitable. We can't wait to hear what this rising talent has in store for us next year.  -Melisa Yuriar










J Worra feat. Little Boots - Wasteland 

This tune is a straight banger with signature bass heavy-hitting beats by J. Worra. The vocals by Little Boots add the right element to the track to make this tune straight up sassy and sexy.  -Alicia Baron

Alinka- Glimmer 

This full-throttle-house track has no shortage of texture and soundscapes that keep you energized. With a fun nod to 90's Eurodance in the hook. The pumping bass mixed with euphoric glimmering synth packs so much multidimensional punch.  -Alicia Baron

Nala- Psychic Attack

This track has taken dancefloors by storm. An ecstatic blend of indie electro and house, wonky beats, and a fat groovy bassline. Nala's voice adds an element of ethereal with her signature lyrics as she dives into the topic of mass media manipulation of the mind.   -Alicia Baron







Disclosure- Observer Effect 

Disclosure mixes their signature house shuffle adds heavier synths than we're used to from the boys. It's gritty analog sounds are fundamentaly face-melting.  -Alicia Baron

Joshwa, Lee Foss - My Humps

"My Humps" combines a blissfully nostalgic throwback with the thumping speaker-freaker sound. It easily viral even before its release combining rampant energy and a new take on Fergie's 2005 smash hit of the same name.   -Alicia Baron

Maceo Plex, Liberty City - You Know What I Got

Maceo Plex's swirling melodies and Liberty City’s infectious vocal are a match made in heaven. This track is a fresh take on the 1995 classic featuring soaring leads, fluctuating synths, and warped vocals, which is nothing short of epic.   -Alicia Baron

Kevin Knapp - Dancing with the Devil 

This track kicks off in Kevin Knapp's usual fashion - with big fat beats, heavy drums, and powerful synths. This track has a hard edge with echoing vocal samples to deliver a fast-paced drive throughout.   -Alicia Baron

Sacha Robotti - Fuck the Pain Away

A remake of Peaches’ iconic track Robotti delivers punching bass throughout. The infectious percussion arrangement offers a fierce dance floor groove under the infamous vocals redone by BabyGirl. This is a true Robotti classic.     -Alicia Baron

Jayda G - All I Need 

GRAMMY-nominated Jayda G has beautifully emerged from the underground onto the stages of Boiler Room, Dekmantel Festival, and Aluna’s upcoming all-Black Noir Fever New Orleans. Her track “All I Need” premiered on the coveted DJ-Kicks series and garnered rave reviews by the likes of Rolling Stone, NYLON, as well as being placed on Pitchfork’s electronic and regular top songs of 2021. Jayda G brings back vintage house feels in this ultra groovy tune, even including clips of an old rave in the accompanying music video.  -Arielle Lana LeJarde


TOKiMONSTA - Say Yes (feat. VanJess)

Los Angeles producer, DJ, and record label owner TOKiMONSTA first received a GRAMMY nod in 2019 after her personal Lune Rouge album. "Say Yes” is a rework of Floetry’s 2002 track by the same name. R&B duo VanJess and TOKiMONSTA reimagined it into a sexy, soulful house tune that you can’t help but groove to. When venues started opening up again, it was rare to find a house set this wasn’t rinsed in. -Arielle Lana LeJarde

Gemi - Talk

Gemi is one of London’s hidden gems who describe their music as “nukg shithousery.” And precisely as advertised, “Talk” is a UK garage track that showcases playful percussion, dreamy vocals, and shimmering synths that make you feel like you’re floating. 
-Arielle Lana LeJarde

Rome In Silver - Fill Up My Soul 

Multi-faced Rome In Silver never sticks to one genre, and that’s why he can be found on esteemed labels ranging from Monstercat to bitbird to Quality Goods Records, as well as supporting a wide range of names from CloZee to Dabin. In a turn of events, Zeds Dead's label Deadbeats released Rome In Silver’s latest track of the year, “Fill Up My Soul.” The song is a funky disco tune that seamlessly blends in bass elements and stays true to the label's sound. The soulful adlibs and vocal chops throughout the track truly take you back in time.  -Arielle Lana LeJarde


Make Me Feel - John Summit

John Summit announced himself on a global scale with 2020’s song of the year, "Deep End." Although many artists would be satisfied with that accomplishment, John did not take a day off. "Make Me Feel" is just one of many hit songs John Summit dropped in 2021 to continue his ascension. The track majors in John Summit’s signature low-end bassline, with a satisfying female vocal loop to keep feet moving on the dancefloor. It maintains hype without sounding too radio-friendly, a lane that John seems to manage regularly. -Jonah Flint

Do It - Sohmi

A classically trained pianist, and vocalist, Sohmi refuses to be defined. One of the breakout stars of 2021, the Korean-American has turned heads with her unique blend of dark minimal house, techno, left field, breaks, and funk. "Do It" encapsulates her work, a stunning release on Yotto’s label Odd One Out. Utilizing her sultry vocals, the track takes listeners on a journey through her unique take on techno with a monster synth line and punchy bass. -Jonah Flint



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Alter Ego - Duke Dumont

Duke Dumont is no stranger to big hits. He has been a headliner for years now, although the last few have regularly seen him raise the bar. Returning to his club sound, "Alter Ego" is infectious. Calling upon the budding star Channel Tres for his iconic vocals, the track is a club-ready banger that can put a groove in your step walking down the street or at 4 am in a dark room during a night out on the town. -Jonah Flint


Ahora Todo Va - Josh Butler & Dennis Cruz

When two veterans get together, you can expect brilliant results. "Ahora Todo Va" is a track that Josh Butler was sitting on for months until he enlisted the assistance of Dennis Cruz. Together, the two crafted a Latin-influenced tech house track that is relentless. Spanish vocals, lively drum patterns, and a lengthy build-up give this track the energy to fit any size of the room. Coupled with a monster remix by Gorgon City, ‘Ahora Todo Va’ is one of the year’s best tracks.  - Jonah Flint

The Best House and Techno Tracks of 2021

After three reschedules, revelers will once again be able to gather under the Electric Sky for west coast festival juggernaut Insomniac’s 25th Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) October 22nd-24th. 

One of the greatest things about EDC is that there's something for everyone. Spread out over eight genre-rich stages, countless art cars, and side stages, the EDC line-up stratifies dance music representing artists from every possible corner of the culture. We've broken down some of the house acts that should be on your must-see list.




Claptone

Claptone has been active since 2012 and steadily gaining popularity since. I use the pronoun “they” not to be politically correct, but because until a couple of years ago, Claptone was believed to be one man. It turns out its two people. Both enigmatic artists don the iconic golden beak of the medieval plague doctor, black shirt, and white gloves. Which has often led me to think: What happens when they get picked up from the hotel or airport? Do they wear the getup the whole time? Looks aside, Claptone has consistently pumped out funky, chunky house and tech house for nearly a decade and has landed on the top 10's of some of the largest acts in the industry. 

Follow Claptone on Instagram | Spotify


Dom Dolla

Dominic Matheson—aka Australian DJ and producer Dom Dolla—has been busy over the last couple of years earning nominations and awards for his releases. His trademark sound can be heard on dance floor hits like "Take It," "Pump the Brakes," and 2019's Justin Martin sampling "San Frandisco." EDC is just one of the stops on his cross-country tour of the US, but his set at EDC on one of the largest stages CircuitGROUNDS is sure to be packed full of IDs. 


Follow Dom Dolla on Instagram | Spotify




J. Worra

J. Worra is the new kid on the block, but already making huge waves. Hailed as DJ Mag’s 2019 Breakthrough Music Producer of the Year she’s released on tastemaker labels such as Dirtybird, Club Sweat, Techne, Realm Records, and more. She's also become a sought-after remixer putting her spin on tracks by GRiZ, Gryffin, Gorgon City, Aluna George, Kaskade, and Deadmau5. She's a previously hidden treasure and you'll want to see this young master at work.

Follow J. Worra on Instagram | Spotify


Bijou

Bijou is recognized as one of the leaders of the G-house movement in America. By infusing the timeless styles of hip hop and classic house, BIJOU satisfies the craving for the thumping funk of house and the club-ready swag of hip hop. His production style is live enough for the underground and mean enough to hold down any main stage.

Follow Bijou on Instagram | Spotify


Oliver Heldens

Oliver Heldens is one of the very few performers who use their actual name. At the ripe old age of 26, he is regarded as a pioneer of future house, and one of the first to push it mainstream. Oliver Heldens burst onto the scene in 2013 (at age 18) with “Gecko.” It was picked up by none other than Tiësto, who later released it to Warner Brothers, and it peaked at #1 on the UK Top 40 charts. While most 18-year-olds are skipping school and drinking 40’s, Helden's was jet-setting and pumping out chart-topping hits. He has consistently released award-winning tracks and done remixes for Dua Lipa, The Chainsmokers, Katy Perry, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and more.

Follow Oliver Heldens on Instagram | Spotify


Black V Neck

After making music together for years, Miami natives Ian and Julian decided to form Black V Neck in 2017. These titans of weird and wonky house hit the ground running after being signed to Shiba San’s label Basement Leak and subsequently to Dirtybird. This duo keeps their schedule fully booked throughout the year dropping bouncy tech house around the way. You will want to see why they are so in demand right now.

Follow Black V Neck on Instagram | Spotify




Cut Snake

Cut Snake has an interesting story. They started as two surfers from Australia who traveled the globe and became fixated on tech house. After working together for a while, they parted ways to go solo. Leigh Sedly kept the Cut Snake moniker, and Paul Fisher continued producing as Fisher (yes, THAT Fisher). Cut Snake is known for a massive stage presence at shows and destroying dancefloors.

Follow Cut Snake on Instagram | Spotify

	

Duke Dumont

Okay, so Duke Dumont may be a household name with multiple Grammy Award nominations, but that doesn't mean he should be overlooked. He was mentored by former Major Lazer member Switch and came up writing remixes for pop stars. However the release of mammoth house stompers like "Need U(100%)" and "Won't Look Back" solidified his place as a bonafide star. His sets are a solid mix of big room beats, heart-stopping vocals, and bouncy basslines for a perfect combination fitting for one of the world’s largest stages.

Follow Duke Dumont on Instagram | Spotify


Lee Foss

Lee Foss brings a special blend of tech house, synth-heavy techno, and deep house. He has an astute ability to transition seamlessly between sub-genres raising and lowering the energy of the dancefloor as needed. He's proved his curation skills are expert level as well, the incredible catalog he's built at his label Repopulate Mars includes work from John Summit, Shiba San, CID, Martin Ikin, Dillon Nathaniel, and Cloonee. Lee Foss is a true tastemaker. 

Follow Lee Foss on Instagram | Spotify


VNSSA

VNSSA is another Dirtybird standout who has steadily carved a name for herself over the last couple of years. Her live sets cover all genres of house and techno, although don’t be surprised to hear some classic disco or booty breaks. VNSSA is a dynamic and wide-ranging producer who's unafraid to experiment and get a little weird. All in the service of rocking dancefloors. 

Follow VNSSA on Instagram | Spotify

















Add These 10 House Artists to your EDC Vegas Schedule

When reviewing the lineups of some of today’s biggest festivals, you’d be hard pressed to find one that doesn’t feature Dom Dolla. Indeed, the Melbourne, Australia-based artist (real name Dominic Matheson) has proven himself to be a star not just down under, but across the globe.

Though Matheson began DJing at age 15—and first tried his hand at producing several years later, at age 21—he received what many in the industry consider his “big break” in 2019, at age 27. That year, Dom Dolla released his runaway hit single “Take It,” which not only became a platinum record, but went on to top countless charts, the most notable including the Global Spotify chart, the Global Shazam chart, and Billboard’s Dance chart. “Take It” also earned Matheson a coveted Beatport #1, in addition to support from industry heavyweights like BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong and global house music superstar Chris Lake.

Now, Dom Dolla is behind a slew of highly notable tracks, including 2019’s “San Frandisco,” released in 2019 on Spinnin’ Records, 2022’s Miracle Maker, featuring Clementine Douglas, and an earlier track, 2015’s “Define,'' a collaboration with Go Freek. Through these tracks and more, Dom Dolla has become known for his highly energetic take on house music, which perfectly encapsulates club culture in its fusion of expert production and sing-able vocals.

Across the festival circuit, Dom Dolla has graced the stages at events as large as Creamfields, Detroit’s Movement Music Festival, Coachella, and EDC Las Vegas. The DJ and producer has also headlined shows at smaller, yet very popular dance music venues including the Brooklyn Mirage, Club Space Miami, and Berlin’s Ritter Butske. He’s appeared alongside the likes of Claptone, Gorgon City, Sonny Fodera, and more, and has collaborated with artists including Mansionair and Torren Foot, and has even provided his take on the inimitable Rüfüs du Sol’s “Make It Happen” through an official remix, in addition to also remixing for the likes of Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa, and more.

Dom Dolla

Articles

Kennedy Cymerman

Gray Area Editorial Team

Derek Southworth