Name: Amnesia Presents - Opening Party 2023
Start: 2023-06-19T23:00:00.000+02:00
End: 2023-06-20T06:00:00.000+02:00

The most anticipated weekend in the Ibiza clubbing calendar awaits - BBC Radio 1 has announced the return of its acclaimed Dance Weekend to the white isle for 2023.

For those unfamiliar, BBC Radio 1 is the largest, most popular and most listened to radio station in the UK, airing an around-the-clock program of fresh new dance music from the most exciting upcoming and established artists.

Every year during peak summer, BBC R1 takes to Ibiza for an extended weekend of live broadcasts and explosive sets from the best artists and DJs in the scene right now.

Friday, July 28   is the start date you are looking for, with the program continuing through to Sunday, July 30  (which, from experience, typically means a Monday morning finish), don't worry you've got plenty of time to plan your trip accordingly.

Announced by the long-reigning host of BBC R1's Friday night Dance Party, tastemaker and DJ Danny Howard proudly confirmed the unexpected change of venue for this year's weekender live on air during his weekly slot.

Formerly broadcasted from the island's most famous sunset spot Cafè Mambo as well as from live takeovers at some the island's best venues, this year the BBC are taking it up a notch to give us a weekend like we’ve never seen. 

The eccentric 528 Ibiza (former home of the island’s infamous Zoo Project party) will be taking the lead for 2023. The first time hosting an event of this caliber, the quirky venue will lay on four epic stages including Radio 1 Dance, Radio 1’s Dance Anthems, Radio 1 Relax, and BBC Music Introducing.

Keeping us firmly on our toes, they have revealed the first five names on the line-up and as always, they have not disappointed. Eats Everything, Hannah Wants, Fisher, Patrick Topping, and LP Giobbi are set for San Antonio at the end of July, with many more names still to be announced. Keep your eyes peeled.

With international flights currently at the cheapest they’re likely to be, now is the time to act and get booking your once in-a-lifetime vacation to the White Isle.

For now, we’ll leave you with a knockout set from Diplo recorded live at Café Mambo, for Radio 1’s Dance Weekend 2022.

You can buy tickets from 02.24.23. 


The Most Anticipated Weekend in Ibiza: BBC Radio 1 Dance Weekend 

United Arab Emirates

Jenn Getz & Alfie

Leaving your hometown and starting a new chapter in life can be daunting, but the rewards can be worth it. It can open new opportunities, expand cultural competency, and encourage personal growth. You’ll need courage and determination to succeed, but the benefits can be life-changing. UK-born Jenn Getz and Alfie’s adaptability and flexibility, coupled with their hard work and purpose, helped them to make a significant impact since 2020. Building a reputation quickly is an impressive achievement in a male-dominated emirate like Dubai, especially since they are the only female DJ duo to do so.





Dance played a significant role in their separate upbringings. The ability to use their bodies as instruments to express the rhythms and beats of music has formed that innate connection and tool for creativity. Moreover, spending hours practicing how to move to sound develops a deeper appreciation of various styles and genres of music. Enhancing the music with their movement required a strong sense of timing and a depth of knowledge, both critical skills for DJs to read a crowd. Their formative years, disposition towards seeking self-improvement, and circumstances are similar, but their reasons for moving to Dubai were not.






“I lived in Bali since I was 19, and learned how to DJ there in 2014, and six years ago I moved to Dubai for a change of scenery and a different opportunity,” Jenn tells us.






“I started DJing six years ago in the UK - initially training to be a dancer - but I chose to DJ - and I got offered a DJing residency in Dubai three years ago, so I packed up and left,” Alfie adds. Although they were strangers before the move, their friendship arose from a fortuitous coincidence - where fate brought them together. 



Jenn and Alfie say the underground music scene in Dubai has grown significantly in recent years, influencing the formation of their partnership as a female DJ duo and leading to an influx of other artists vying to play there. Dubai is renowned for its luxury lifestyle, iconic architecture, and world-class shopping and dining. They’re also known for paying DJs top dollar to spin at their opulent venues.



“When I moved here three years ago, everything was based on glam - now people are there to listen to good music and there’s movement,” Alfie explains.




“From an artist’s point of view, DJs didn’t care about where they played, they knew they were getting paid to be there. Now, they want to be in Dubai because the scene is getting bigger,” Jenn adds.





As exciting as it is to hear the dance music culture expanding in parts of the Middle East, traditional cultural attitudes and societal expectations are magnified when working in a male-dominated field like the music industry. Men have more access to resources, networks, and opportunities than women. However, it’s worth noting that this is changing as more women break through these barriers and make their presence known in the Emirate music industry—Jenn and Alfie being prime examples.




They explain that since the duo shares similar physical and ethnic qualities, promoters pitted them against one another.




“The event company wanted a [in air quotes] ‘female DJ,’ they didn’t care about anything else - and we thought ‘why are we competing when we can be strong together,’ “Jenn says about a time when they were in line for the same gig.



“It was hard for people to take us seriously as a female duo, and it is still a challenge we face now,” Alfie adds. “There are still some people here who will tell girls what to wear and what to play. We’re artists. It was hard to stick to our guns and not take that, “Jenn tells Gray Area.




Jenn & Alfie simply wanted to do their job: create a lively atmosphere and give their audience an authentic and memorable experience. So, they chose a lionhearted approach in a society that had never witnessed anything like it before.







Challenging the status quo and breaking down barriers requires the responsibility to work hard to prove oneself constantly. Their funky tech house sound and relentless efforts have landed them record signings on prominent house music like Sonny Fodera and Mark Knight. Furthermore, earning a residency at Dubai’s #1 nightlife destination, Soho Garden DXB, and a weekly show on the notorious Ibiza Global Radio UAE was also a milestone for the pair. 




Seeing that they are not held back by uncertainty to pursue their aspirations, Jenn and Alfie’s main priority now is to move forward and headline an event. Organically branching out and continuing to evolve as artists under unique circumstances makes the dynamic duo fearless and resilient.



Franky Wah’s career has allowed him to flex his versatility through not only his solo music but also collaborations with some of the biggest names in dance music. We would argue that some of the former footballer and bodybuilder’s most interesting releases are his official remixes, however.




They often follow similar themes: lush atmospheres and extended breakdowns that differentiate them from Franky’s typical, dancefloor-friendly fare. He doesn’t shy away from incorporating broken beat rhythms into a lot of his music, but they feature especially heavily in these remixes.




Franky’s versions of the following tracks highlight an unexpected facet of his music output. Read on to hear what we mean and experience this side of the British DJ and producer for yourself.




1. Duke Dumont - Therapy (Franky Wah Remix)

The original “Therapy” by Duke Dumont features drum samples and diva vocals reminiscent of early rave. Franky ignited a modern warmth around these elements in his take on the track, which leans heavily on cinematic bass lines and heavenly chords on the high end.




2. MJ Cole and Freya Ridings - Waking Up (Franky Wah Remix)

UK garage pioneer MJ Cole teamed up with vocalist Freya Ridings to deliver the melancholic “Waking Up” in February 2019. The following year, Franky delivered a version of his own. Appearing on his album The Revival, Vol. 1, it features progressive house synths and a change-up in beat structure that makes it a massive DJ tool.




3. Moby - In This World (Franky Wah Remix)

Also appearing on The Revival, Vol. 1, was Franky’s remix of “In This World” by Moby. The original — which appeared on Moby’s 2002 album 18 — paired a spine-tingling vocal with simple piano chords and a slow-burning rhythm. Frankie kept much of the concept intact, albeit with a higher tempo and updated production value.




4. Gorgon City - Oxygen ft. Aura James (Franky Wah Remix)

Danceable yet somewhat dark and introspective, “Oxygen” featuring Aura James is a standout of Gorgon City’s discography. Franky brought the intensity down in his remix while doubling down on the original’s suspense.




5. SHOUSE - Love Tonight (Franky Wah Remix)

Not long after SHOUSE delivered “Love Tonight,” it became a 2021 summer dance anthem. Franky reimagined the instant classic with effervescent synth work complementing its unforgettable vocal, leaving enough room for its instrumental samples to shine during the breakdown.



5 Remixes that Show a Different Side of Franky Wah

United Kingdom

Versus 

Versus, aka Dave and Scott, have forged a unique path over the years to pursue their dreams. Specializing in all things house and techno, their Rinse FM radio show has allowed them to connect with the greater dance music community and break new artists. At the same time, they've kept up a release schedule that's earned them the praises of Marco Carola, Jamie Jones, Carl Cox, and Skream. Their growing catalog of upfront bangers have landed them sought-after releases on venerated labels like Armada, DFTD, Gorgon City's Realm, Solardo's Sola, and Ultra. The latter being a rave-tech remix of Kathy Brown's iconic "Turn Me Out."




They came up in the UK, hustling and doing anything they could to get a foot in the door of the world of electronic music. After meeting at a local radio station, the two developed a friendship and moved through the industry on parallel paths.




Over the years, they each secured residencies at local clubs, and as they began to network and discovered more genres of electronic music, their paths diverged. The two friends eventually decided to team up and produce music. Their unmatched creativity has led them to boundless sound that eschews genre boundaries. Drum n' Bass, hard house, and UK garage are just a small sampling of some genres that influence their music.




When they brought their combined knowledge together, it accelerated the growth of their project exponentially, and as Versus, they've established a growing footprint on the live stage. Their infectious stage presence has put them on stage for some of dance music's most reputable brands, including elrow, The Warehouse Project, Sankeys, and Ministry of Sound.




You guys had a chance introduction at a local radio station in South Manchester. Can you tell us this story and how you knew immediately that the two of you wanted to work together?




Dave: We both managed to get shows on Wythenshawe FM, a community-based radio station in the center of the biggest council estate in Europe. God knows how we even got on there! I did the 9-11 pm show playing UK garage, and Scott did the 11-1 am show playing club land and hard house. We knew each other back then from having some mutual friends. We didn't know we would work together as we were both on our musical journeys.




For each of you, what's the background on your discovery of electronic music? The UK, of course, has a vibrant scene, but how did you both find this passion?




Scott: I grew up listening to D&B. I would always buy tape packs listening to Mampi Swift, Ray Keith, Kenny Kenn, Randall, and Brian Gee. I started going to the Hysteria raves, following these DJs up and down the country. I liked the harder sound. It led me down the path to discovering speed garage going to raves in Sheffield, and then into the dance world and club land, hard house in Wigan Pier. So yeah, I've been about electric music alright!




Dave: I was a resident DJ at a few bars in Manchester, playing Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. I played R&B, hip hop, and bar music (not house).




After my set finished one Saturday night, a friend and my cousin said to me, "Wanna come to Sankeys with us?" I didn't even know what Sankeys was. I remember getting out of the taxi and seeing a HUGE queue down the road. Bare in mind I was DJing in small bars on Deansgate Locks, so I didn't see queues like this. I remember the rumble of the bass shaking the building outside. We walked in during Solomun's set (at the time, I didn't have a clue who he was. Oops!). The whole place was electric, with whistles, cheers, smoke machines, strobe lights, and that famous sweat drip from the ceiling in the basement. Everybody was absolutely having it. I was hooked, and every Saturday after my set in the small bars, I would go there partying all night, learning about this new music I'd discovered, listening to DJs mixes, and getting my ear around this new electronic sound.









Scott, you ran a record shop which Dave joined you at after your connection. What was that time in your lives like? Was this the beginning of your DJ career, or was it simply a phase of pure musical discovery?




Scott: It was definitely a phase of musical discovery. I'd been DJing and producing for a few years when we opened the record shop. We used the money from the first vinyl record we put out to open the shop. I look back at that time of my life as a big learning curve. I learned a hell of a lot about what to do in the music industry. And a whole lot of what not to do. It was fun, and it was great to get all the latest vinyl first. Plus, I also got to see what tracks other DJs would buy and become huge hits which I suppose influenced me in so much as learning what elements make a banger.




Your influences range from artists like Chris Lake to Boris Brejcha, and your music reflects it. Certain tracks are acid based. Some are piano-heavy. Some are pure uplifting. Although this question may seem generic, I have to ask you guys how you would define your sound?




Scott: We're influenced by a lot of artists. Who doesn't love Chris Lake and Boris Brejcha? They're dons, but both have different styles and sounds. You really can hear both our musical journeys in the tracks we make. You will hear elements from D&B to speed garage to hard house to UK garage. We like to bring elements from the past into the future. We love big dirty synths. The kind that Bad Company would make a few years ago in their D&B productions, we like to mix it up.




Coming up in the UK, did you feel it was hard to break through because of how much competition there is, or is there simply enough going on in the nightlife scene that there's space for everyone to get gigs?




Dave: it's not hard to break through if you go out networking and put yourself out there meeting the right people at the labels. There are endless interviews with label managers on YouTube from ADE, IMS, and Ultra Music. Watch them, see who the person is managing the label, and search their name on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Add them, message them, and chat with them. They won't come knocking on your front door if they don't know where you live! There's enough space for everybody.




How do you feel the nightlife/electronic music scene has changed in the UK throughout your lifetime? Are there any cities or clubs that you think fly under the radar?




Scott: I feel the smaller clubs go under the radar. We've had some incredible nights playing at smaller clubs around the UK. Sadly some have closed now. Everybody wants to attend the big supers, the Printworks and Tobacco Docks.




2019 felt like a breakout year for the project. With releases on Sola, Solotoko, Armada, and Realm, you guys were starting to get some recognition. What does this feel like as artists who have been working for years to get heard? Do you have any advice for upcoming DJs?




Dave: Thanks! To get any recognition is the best feeling in the world. You spend hours and weeks working on a track, questioning if it will be any good, will people like it? Then when people play it, it gets signed, release day… it's the best feeling ever!! Advice? Don't watch others. Focus on your musical journey. Don't be too precious with your music. Learn to deal with no's from record labels and the big one network, network, and network!












Do you have any software plug-ins or pieces of hardware you like to use regularly in the studio?




Scott: Our Ableton Push has been a game-changer in the studio. If you haven't got one, we highly recommend checking it out. It will increase your workflow by ten. Moog Minitaur, Serum, Diva, Fab Filter, and UAD are pretty much what we use.








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

Overnight success takes about ten years. By that measure, your favorite DJ or producer was grinding long before you even knew they existed. And they probably tried countless times to find their groove. 

Dance music is a vast web of genres and subgenres. Its diversity makes it easy for artists to stay in the scene while they test out new sounds. DJ aliases also allow artists to exist in relative anonymity, at least until they blow up and their cover is blown.

Take, for example, Marshmello. The masked dance music phenom turned pop star scored a Billboard dance top 10 and a gold record and it was a mystery who was beneath that shiny lampshade.  It was a running joke in EDM that even Dutch dance legend Tiesto got in on in 2016 with a fake reveal at EDC Vegas. The truth was before he donned the iconic dayglo white helmet, he was dubstep producer Dotcom. 

We uncovered five more surprising former DJ aliases.

GORGON CITY

Before Kye Gibbon and Matt Robson-Scott released chart-topping hits like “Ready For Your Love” and “You’ve Done Enough” they were solo acts. Gibbon was Foamo and his wobble-heavy house - known as fidget  - was an obvious forerunner for bass house.

Previously known as RackNRuin, Robson-Scott was also locked on heavy bassline business. He produced breaks, fidget, and early electro house.  What’s more surprising is he was producing dubstep when it was still dubby and hadn't become the head-banging brofest it is today.

TREASURE FINGERS

Treasure Fingers 2008 “Cross the Dancefloor” established the Atlanta producer as a leader in a new wave of disco house. He’s since harnessed that thumping retro funk on remixes for Foster The People, Chromeo, and Katy Perry. 

Before that, he was a member of Drum & Bass trio Evol Intent. He went by The Enemy alongside partners Knick (Nick Weiller), and Gigantor (Mike Diasio). All three members of Evol Intent reimagined their careers. Diasio produced house as Computer Club. Weiller became lauded dubstep producer Bro Safari.

CAMELPHAT

When Camelphat released “Cola” in 2017, their star rose quickly. They have continued to dominate the charts with “Panic Room,” “Be Someone,” and “Rabbit Hole.” That was no overnight success. The duo has been on the grind for nearly 20 years. 

Before Mike Di Scala teamed up with Dave Whelan, he already had a career as a vocalist and producer for the British trance trio Ultrabeat and was a member of Rezonance Q an early aughts happy hardcore influenced project.



Just two years before Camelphat’s breakthrough hit, Di Scala was still producing Happy Hardcore as Re-Con.

LOW STEPPA

Low Steppa, aka Will Bailey, is an influential figure in house music. When his bootleg of “My Love” by Route 94 first appeared on Soundcloud in 2013, it amassed over 2 million plays. His releases on Defected, Toolroom, and his own Simma Black imprint have tens of millions of streams. 

The Birmingham, England native has lived a lifetime in dance music. Like Gorgon City, he was an early adopter of fidget house and electro under the name Twoker (with Alex Calver). Thier remix of CJ Boland's "Sugar Is Sweeter" is a fidget house classic. After their split, he produced dutch house and Moombathon under his given name and even has an early remix of Steve Aoki and Armand Van Helden from 2010.

KSHMR

Born Niles Hollowell-Dhar in Berekely, California, KSHMR's unique blend of main-stage dance and sonics that beautifully highlight his Kashmiri roots captivates audiences worldwide. 

Before becoming a big room superstar, he produced hip hop with his childhood friend David Singer-Vine as The Cataracs. “Like A G6” with Far East Movement and “Bass Down Low” with DEV are club classics. And they produced “Slow Down” on Selena Gomez’s debut album Stars Dance.

























Amnesia Presents - Opening Party 2023

Lissy Lübeck

Michela Iosipov

John Cameron

Jonah Flint

Gray Area Editorial Team

Alexander Dias