RaverRafting’s Standout Artists of 2016

2016 was a year of everything, Amazing new festivals, cancelled festivals, the explosion of tech house, the shrinking of big room, and so much more. Now that we’ve finally recovered from our NYE shows and festivals, it’s now time to see who really impressed us in 2016. So in no particular order, from the RaverRafting writing family to yours, our standout artists of 2016 are:

Niles Wilson
Of The Trees
Explanation: 2016 has seen Of The Trees at the top of his game.  On top of a new tracks and an album on Gravitas Recordings, he also joined Liquid Stranger’s new label Wakaan, releasing some extremely experimental singles and remixes on there.  His rhythmic, yet melodic stylings of heavy bass music have been turning a lot heads, including Bassnectar’s, who played his remix of Essek’s “Mr. Got Game & Watch” at Electric Zoo.  I was lucky enough to catch three sets his this year, including a special second set at Great North Festival, where he showed his diversity by playing some chiller, but equally adventurous music.

Brie French-Sorgini
Big Gigantic
Explanation: This year has been an incredible year for Big Gigantic, and one that fans have long been waiting for. Their feel-good shows made for some of the most memorable moments of 2016 at massive festivals, like Electric Zoo, and blew the roof off of small theatre venues, like their November show at The Capitol Theatre. Released this past summer, the live-electronic duos long-anticipated new album, “Brighter Future,” was said to be their most ambitious one yet. Exploding with a mix of their notorious future funk, dirty sax, and featuring a range of vocalists on almost every single track, it’s safe to say that Big Gigantic not only exceeded fan expectations, but absolutely killed it. While the entirety of “Brighter Future” is mint from beginning to end, some favorites include “Brighter Future” feat. Naaz, “I Gotta Know” feat. Jennifer Hartswick, and “C’mon.”

Philip Mortillo
Myon
Explanation: Trance fans were stunned to hear the splitting up of popular trance duo, Myon & Shane 54. Both producers decided to go their separate ways and begin releasing music under their solo projects. Hungarian producer Myon has been more than busy in his releases. So far he’s released three singles varying from progressive house to the uplifting trance we all crave. His highly acclaimed track Omen In The Rain was released on Anjunabeats a couple of months ago and was featured at Above & Beyond’s ABGT200 performance. The track’s vocals are provided by Alissa Feudo is accompanied by your classic upbeat and uplifting trance drop. Get out your tissues and prepare to cry as Myon begins touring in 2017.

Chad Downs
Streex
Tapping into nostalgia and modern electronic music at the same time, Streex killed it this year with their pop-punk meets bass cover songs. Every piece of their musical strategy made Streex an outstanding act: the vocals, the solid production, the sound choice, the fun, animated branding – Streex created a series of covers this year that you can absolutely lose it to, just like one could with a pop-punk/post-hardcore song 10 years ago. Simply put, Streex, was one of the most fun and unique acts in the commercial dance music arena this year.

Kasey Lee
Ganja White Night
Explanation: The Belgium duo Ganja White Night brought over the roots of dubstep to America this year as the wobble masters. From secret warehouse parties in Chicago to a sold-out North American Tour, Ganja White Night kicked off their live US debut after the release of their LP, “Mr. Wobble.” Taking a unique direction of experimental dub, their raw yet melodic bassline left memorable sets at festivals like Infrasound, Mysteryland and Suwannee Hulaween. Along with releasing “Wobble Master (VIP)” with All Good Records and music videos like “LFO Requiem” with Belgium street artist Ebo, there’s no doubt that the two friends made 2016 their year to surprise us with fresh explorations of underground dubstep.

Maggie Forbes
Flume
Flume has been on the scene for awhile, but 2016 was definitely Flume’s year. He released his second studio album Skin that really put him on the map.  The Australian DJ was boosted from national to international stardom. “Never Be Like You”  not only made several charts, was his first platinum song, and also helped define electronic music for 2016. Flume is one of two artists representing the EDM genre at the 2017 Grammy. At 24 years old he is breaking barriers with his trippy hooks and clean solid beats. My personal favorite Flume track for 2016 has to be “My Boo Feat. Vince Staples, Kucka, Ngaiire, & Vera Blue.” The remix  is the last single release of the year, and with Vince Staples vocals combined with the familiar yet unique spin on the song that created such a sensation at the beginning of the year it holds a special place on my 2016 playlist.

Brian Schultz
REZZ
Hailing from Niagara Falls, Rezz caught the attention of one of the biggest and baddest in the electronic music scene, Deadmau5, and the rest was history. Though it was clear the only help she needed from him was a label to be released on, with her masterful and experienced sound pushing her through to stardom. A darker experimental and progressive house sound, almost techno at times. Also having releases on Skrillex’ label, Nest, and playing huge events like Holy Ship! and Shambala. Rezz also had a huge tour with the masked man Malaa, the Lunatic tour, and is gearing up for another massive tour of her own, from London, to Canada, from east coast to west coast USA called Something Wrong Here Tour. Rezz is a huge up-and-comer in 2016 and is absolutely one to watch in 2017.

Bianca Benjamin
Lane 8
The talented Anjunadeep producer, Daniel Goldstein (better known as Lane 8), has had an outstanding 2016.  From his countless releases, appearances at all the major music festivals, and embarking on a North American tour, I am not sure when he found the time to sleep.  He began the year strong with the release of his 3-track EP, Midnight, on Coyu’s record label, Suara. His EP was an instant success, reaching the top spot on Beatport’s Deep House chart. In between original releases, he put out some of our favorite mixes and remixes of the year, particularly his “seasonal mixes” (check out his winter mix below). Lane 8’s “standout moment” has to be the introduction of his new label and events concept called, “This Never Happened”. His concept was to provide a whole new experience for his attendees by eliminating the use of phones at his show, allowing fans to escape the world of social media and just embrace the moment. His tour had a successful run, kicking off in September and coming to a end this month. His first label release was his melodic groove filled track, “Fingerprint”. This set the precedent for what was to come on TNH, as he began releasing beautiful tracks every month or so, his most recent being “In My Arms”.

Rebecca Victory
Levitation Jones
Levitation had a huge 2016. He began the Spring touring with The Widdler, traveling from North to South, serenading crowds at each stop of the tour. Levitation Jones then began his Summer extravaganza by performing many festivals such as F.A.R.M. Fest, Pass The Good, UpNorth Festival, Dreamscape, and Imagine. These festival performances brought out a darker, deeper side of Levitation Jones and put him on a new level. To top off the year, he released two EPs, Transgentleman and Fuzzy Muffler. The music on these EPs is a bit experimental and deep, but it will definitely keep you on your feet. Levitation Jones had a great 2016 and will be ending it at a New Years Eve pre-party in Birmingham playing alongside G Jones and The Widdler. If you haven’t heard any Levitation Jones, you should give him a listen.

Joshua Schellhammer
RÜFÜS / RÜFÜS DU SOL
Currently in the middle of a 50 stop tour, RÜFÜS had nothing short of a year going straight to the top. With one of the the most emotionally charged songs to have been written this past year, “Innerbloom” is just the tip of the iceberg showcasing the talent of RÜFÜS. Their album Bloom was a chart topping hit that gathered respect from some of the biggest artists, and propelled them from a group of gents from Australia, to one of the most sought after live acts to see in 2016. Check out their live performance of “Innerbloom” in their hometown of Sydney, with beautiful vocals and intimate live performances like these, if you didn’t know them before, you’ll be planning to attend their next live show now.

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