When we talk about dance music, it is essential to honor its Black forefathers in Detroit, Chicago, and New York. It is also vitally important to celebrate and uplift the next generation of Black talent keeping dance music alive and moving it forward. While there are more artists than we can count on both hands, Gray Area has chosen 10 rising Black dance artists you should be watching and grooving to.


TSHA 

You probably already know and love London-based DJ/producer TSHA. In 2021, she released her vibey, sunny OnlyL EP, was named BBC Radio 1's "Future Artist," and made her Essential Mix debut. TSHA's productions are versatile, warm, and inviting, drawing on house and R&B and adorned with gorgeous layers of sound (her eye-catching album art is an excellent visual compliment).

The self-taught producer signed with legendary UK label Ninja Tune in 2020, who released her last two EPs. TSHA self-released her debut EP, Dawn, in 2018, which she followed up with the Moonlight EP on Counter Records.




DJ Holographic

DJ Holographic is the new generation of Detroit-bred artists keeping the city's rich legacy of experimental and cutting-edge techno and house alive and thriving, along with its funk, soul, and R&B roots. She dropped her debut EP, Parallel Shifting, three banging tracks with Alex Wilcox, in 2020 on her Hitchhiker imprint. Last year, Detroit forefather Carl Craig tapped her to deliver the Detroit Love Vol. 5 mix album on Planet E, to which she brought a groovy blend of house, R&B, and techno to, along with her powerful original track "Faith in My Cup."

DJ Holographic has found fans around the globe with her funky, joyful, and energetic DJ sets, which she's brought to Movement, Smart Bar, Panorama Bar, Output, and many more legendary dance spaces.




Ash Lauryn

Detroit-born, Atlanta-based DJ, producer, and music journalist Ash Lauryn has made it her mission to support and uplift Black artists in dance music. Seeing a lack of representation for younger Black producers in electronic music, she launched her Underground & Black blog, which she's evolved into a full-on platform including an annual Movement party, a monthly NTS Radio show, a podcast, and more.

Lauryn's sound is rooted in the rhythms and creativity of her hometown and her deep love for house music. She dropped her debut EP, Expressions, with Stefan Ringer in 2020 on Ringer's DIY Atlanta dance label, FWM Entertainment. She followed that with 2021's Truth EP, also on FWM.




HoneyLuv

Cleveland-born, Los Angeles-based DJ/producer HoneyLuv knows how to get the party going. Starting as an R&B and hip-hop (one of the hardest genres to mix) DJ in LA and across the US, she revisited her love of house music and began to make waves in the dance community with her banging house, tech house, and techno sets. She also had a past life as an NCAA basketball player and a sailor in the Navy.

As a producer, she put out her powerhouse debut single "F R E E" in 2021, which sounds like an artist's statement of sorts: "Free the people, free us all, free your mind, just let go." She followed it with a string of remixes, collabs, and another banging solo track, "PAIN."




Life on Planets

Baltimore-bred Life on Planets is the lively, soulful house project of singer, guitarist, DJ/producer, and astrology lover Phill Celeste. His music is a sweet blend of house, funk, R&B, and soul, bolstered by his rich voice, specially crafted to make you move and feel. His joyful music is made not just to get the dance floor going off but also to help revelers envision a brighter future, with lyrics that celebrate love, friendship, hope, and other-worldly dimensions.

He's been putting out groovy tunes as Life on Planets since 2014, always adding more vibes to his prolific catalog. In 2020, he dropped the Only You EP on Soul Clap Records, led by a captivating cover of Steve Monite's Afro-disco classic of the same name. His latest release, "Nomad Lyfe," is a pure groover driven by a thick, funky bassline.




Brandon Lucas

Inglewood-bred singer, producer and DJ Brandon Lucas brings his gospel and R&B roots (he grew up in the church and was once in an R&B group) with captivating house beats. In 2020, he gave a taste with his inspiring debut single, "Got That Hope," featuring words from none other than Dr. Cornell West. (He first connected with Dr. West in 2008 to help him build an online presence). Along with the single, he launched his Purple Label Sound imprint, for which his vision is to uplift fellow rising house music producers of color. He's since dropped a handful of vibey, energetic house tracks, all bolstered with his warm, deep vocals. The most recent bop is "Trippin (Vocal Mix)," featuring Life on Planets.




AMÉMÉ 

AMÉMÉ is a self-taught DJ/producer from Benin living in Berlin and Brooklyn. His music and DJ sets incorporate African rhythms with house, which is really the genre's foundation. He runs One Tribe, a global music, party, and fashion brand centered on creating community and good vibes.

The powerhouse West African artist has DJed at hotspots worldwide, including his home cities, Ibiza, Miami, Paris, and Black Rock City, and will be making his Coachella debut this year. He dropped his debut single, "Talk To Me," in 2020 and has delivered a solid, always-lively string of originals, remixes, and collabs, including his Gaou EP in 2021 and "PATCHIDO" with Don Bello Ni in 2020. Of the latter, he explains, "the main vocal of the song comes from my culture. It's a traditional chant that people sing everywhere."




Marytn Bootyspoon

In addition to having one of the best names in dance music, Montreal's Jason Voltaire, a.k.a. Martyn Bootyspoon, brings a playful sense of humor and up-front sexuality to industrial techno beats. He credits his sense of humor to his hometown: "There's a lot of slapstick and tacky things that happen in Montreal," and ghettotech producers DJ Assault and DJ Funk as early inspirations.

He served up his first dose of dance floor sexiness with the Silk Eternity EP in 2018, dropping an EP and more singles every year. His most recent are the self-released acid housey Incognito Tabs i EP and the bright, upbeat house jam "As Clear As Day" on LuckyMe.




NEZ

NEZ has already made a name for himself in hip-hop as half of the production duo Nez & Rio, whose credits include regular collaborator ScHoolboy Q's 2014 hit "Man of the Year" and A$AP Rocky's "Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2." In 2020, Nez stepped out on his own as a solo artist, dropping the swagalicious bop "Wild Youngster" featuring ScHoolboy Q. He made his live performance and festival debut with an energetic set at Lollapalooza 2021. He then unleashed a series of bouncing DJ sets across the country, including opening for Seth Troxler at Circoloco's LA party.

As a solo artist, Nez sings, raps, and produces his infectious beats, tapping collaborators from hip-hop and house to bring all that vivacious energy to dance music. In 2021, NEZ dropped the Midnight Music EP, featuring Felix Da Housecat on "Lift Off" and Flo Milli and 8AE on "To The Money."




Tony H 

Panama-born, Seattle-based Tony H makes bouncing tech house, melodic house and techno gems released on Desert Hearts, Dirtybird, Observatory Music, Space Yacht, and more. He founded his own Late Night Munchies imprint in 2015, adding the techno-focused arm Munchies After Dark more recently, and is the label manager for LA's Space Yacht. He also hosts The Drive-Thru mix series on SoundCloud, highlighting other rising dance acts. He balances all this with a busy DJ schedule, sharing his energy regularly at shows in his home city, San Francisco, Chicago, and other dance locales.

He's an effortless multi-tasker, and his complimentary sonic dexterity is evident across his productions, which date back to 2014. His most recent single, "Shoulder Pop," for Late Night Munchies, is a driving eight-minute tech house burner. His groovy three-track 2021 Desert Hearts EP, She Moves The World, proves his diversity in sound. Featuring the disco-tinged title track, tech house heater "Get Physical" with swaggy lyrics from Icausetreble, and '90s house nodding "Little Pieces" elevated by Ingrid Hakanson's captivating vocals.                 

10 Rising Black Artists You Should Know

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

TSHA

Ana Monroy Yglesias

Gray Area Editorial Team