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

United States

SOHMI

Cityfox Transcend Festival

Avant Gardner

Skyline Orlando 2022

Orlando Amphitheater

OCHO Episode 4

“My dad had a big influence in shaping what some of my tastes would become. He was into a lot of R&B and soul, but also American rock. There would be some random Korean radio stations on and so I was listening to a lot of early 90’s and late 80’s Kpop. It was influenced by European dance music and pop at the time. He also loved Elton John and I think that was a reason for my early love and appreciation of melody."

When listening to the music of SOHMI, only one thing is clear. The rising Korean American producer does not conform to any one genre. Her compositions are unique without being too leftfield, melodic while remaining club-ready, and she consistently is pushing boundaries. A plethora of influences and skills allows SOHMI to straddle these gray areas and has pushed her into the spotlight only two years since her first release. 

“The idea of music as a place to escape started pretty young. I studied classical piano my whole life growing up. I didn’t love it until I was actually really good at it. That helped me find an escape. I would just be overwhelmed by school, life, parents, I would get upset and sit down at the piano and just play melancholy music and bathe in the emotion of it all. It wasn’t until getting into dance music and production that I felt like I could express myself. Being able to tell my personal story through music production was what helped me most.”

SOHMI Liveset

SOHMI has spoken often about her own mental health, and how music was and is a way to express herself and to release emotions when there are no other outlets. Despite music playing a big role in her life, her introduction to modern house and techno, the music that inspires her now, did not happen until quite recently. She first underground sounds five years ago when she attended her first-ever festival, the legendary Coachella. Seeing a combination of underground artists like Mano Le Tough, and more mainstream melodic like Rufus Du Sol helped SOHMI decide to turn her musical talents into a pursuit of electronic music.

Her first release came in the form of a remix, and she quickly followed with ‘Somebody Like You’ and a breakout EP titled, ‘Again.’ “Pop and R&B were some of my early and major influences. As well as classical piano. Very different ends of the spectrum but each had a big impact on me. A track like ‘Runaway’ was the very first production I ever did. I really didn’t use a ton of the production stems that I was given. I was feeling ambitious since it was my first track. I mostly programmed it from scratch. The ‘Again EP’ was very influenced by R&B. I had ‘Me and You’ by Cassie in my mind when I made it.”

As if a wide range of musical influences, and having classical training in piano wasn’t enough SOHMI is also a talented vocalist. Her parents told her she was singing as early as one year old. “There was something in me that was inclined to express myself vocally. I always loved singing, it came even before I played piano. I grew up in musical theater and singing choir. It feels like a natural way for me to tell a story. I try to bring some of my experience from acting/being in musicals into my vocal performances. I try to create a character who’s singing a story for the song.”

These abilities have led SOHMI to approach music production from a different angle than most electronic music producers would. She starts a track as a vocal concept in her head and then builds the melodies around that. Whether it’s a more club-ready four on the floor track, or a melodic vocal-heavy track, her own ability to sing gives her a unique approach to creation.  

After putting out the ‘Again EP,’ SOHMI began receiving high-level recognition. Her next releases came on iconic labels such as Astralwerks, Nothing Else Matters (Danny Howard's label), Odd One Out by Yotto, and most recently, a single with Booka Shade. For SOHMI this recognition was surreal. “I hope that feeling never goes away. I want to stay on my toes and stay appreciative of everything that’s happening for me. There are not too many people like me, Korean women, in this space. You can practically list them off on one hand so for me to be able to join the path of those that have done it and have the opportunity to make the music I make is amazing. I operate within the framework of familiar dance music but I’m trying to put my own stamp on it, vocally driven with R&B and Kpop influences.”

The future is bright for SOHMI. She has a clear vision of a beautiful live performance once it makes sense for her career-wise. She has plenty of music coming out this year and will be playing all over the country for a wide range of audiences. “As someone who appreciates that minimal sound in dance music, I’ve always wanted something stagewise that reflects that as well. Dreamy, inviting, inclusive. Lights that play against space and shadow and create a three-dimensional effect. I still feel like I need to master the decks but I definitely have interest in crafting a version of a live performance at some point.”

60 Seconds With SOHMI

Classically trained pianist, stellar vocalist, genre bending productions, SOHMI is one to watch! The Korean-American is a rising star with early support from Booka Shade, Yotto and Danny Howard. 

Read the full Spotlight: https://entergrayarea.com/artists/sohmi

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“My dad had a big influence in shaping what some of my tastes would become. He was into a lot of R&B and soul, but also American rock. There would be some random Korean radio stations on and so I was listening to a lot of early 90’s and late 80’s Kpop. It was influenced by European dance music and pop at the time. He also loved Elton John and I think that was a reason for my early love and appreciation of melody."





When listening to the music of SOHMI, only one thing is clear. The rising Korean American producer does not conform to any one genre. Her compositions are unique without being too leftfield, melodic while remaining club-ready, and she consistently is pushing boundaries. A plethora of influences and skills allows SOHMI to straddle these gray areas and has pushed her into the spotlight only two years since her first release. 

“The idea of music as a place to escape started pretty young. I studied classical piano my whole life growing up. I didn’t love it until I was actually really good at it. That helped me find an escape. I would just be overwhelmed by school, life, parents, I would get upset and sit down at the piano and just play melancholy music and bathe in the emotion of it all. It wasn’t until getting into dance music and production that I felt like I could express myself. Being able to tell my personal story through music production was what helped me most.”

SOHMI has spoken often about her own mental health, and how music was and is a way to express herself and to release emotions when there are no other outlets. Despite music playing a big role in her life, her introduction to modern house and techno, the music that inspires her now, did not happen until quite recently. She first underground sounds five years ago when she attended her first-ever festival, the legendary Coachella. Seeing a combination of underground artists like Mano Le Tough, and more mainstream melodic like Rufus Du Sol helped SOHMI decide to turn her musical talents into a pursuit of electronic music.

Her first release came in the form of a remix, and she quickly followed with ‘Somebody Like You’ and a breakout EP titled, ‘Again.’ “Pop and R&B were some of my early and major influences. As well as classical piano. Very different ends of the spectrum but each had a big impact on me. A track like ‘Runaway’ was the very first production I ever did. I really didn’t use a ton of the production stems that I was given. I was feeling ambitious since it was my first track. I mostly programmed it from scratch. The ‘Again EP’ was very influenced by R&B. I had ‘Me and You’ by Cassie in my mind when I made it.”

As if a wide range of musical influences, and having classical training in piano wasn’t enough SOHMI is also a talented vocalist. Her parents told her she was singing as early as one year old. “There was something in me that was inclined to express myself vocally. I always loved singing, it came even before I played piano. I grew up in musical theater and singing choir. It feels like a natural way for me to tell a story. I try to bring some of my experience from acting/being in musicals into my vocal performances. I try to create a character who’s singing a story for the song.”

These abilities have led SOHMI to approach music production from a different angle than most electronic music producers would. She starts a track as a vocal concept in her head and then builds the melodies around that. Whether it’s a more club-ready four on the floor track, or a melodic vocal-heavy track, her own ability to sing gives her a unique approach to creation.  

After putting out the ‘Again EP,’ SOHMI began receiving high-level recognition. Her next releases came on iconic labels such as Astralwerks, Nothing Else Matters (Danny Howard's label), Odd One Out by Yotto, and most recently, a single with Booka Shade. For SOHMI this recognition was surreal. “I hope that feeling never goes away. I want to stay on my toes and stay appreciative of everything that’s happening for me. There are not too many people like me, Korean women, in this space. You can practically list them off on one hand so for me to be able to join the path of those that have done it and have the opportunity to make the music I make is amazing. I operate within the framework of familiar dance music but I’m trying to put my own stamp on it, vocally driven with R&B and Kpop influences.”

The future is bright for SOHMI. She has a clear vision of a beautiful live performance once it makes sense for her career-wise. She has plenty of music coming out this year and will be playing all over the country for a wide range of audiences. “As someone who appreciates that minimal sound in dance music, I’ve always wanted something stagewise that reflects that as well. Dreamy, inviting, inclusive. Lights that play against space and shadow and create a three-dimensional effect. I still feel like I need to master the decks but I definitely have interest in crafting a version of a live performance at some point.”

SOHMI

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Gray Area Editorial Team