2011 proved to be an enormous break out year for electronic music in America. EDM not only took over the radio waves and everyone's Spotify playlists, but parties such as Electric Daisy Carnival and Monster Massive were, well, massive news. It's a genre whose biggest players are also fresh meat. As proof, here are our top five DJs under 25 to watch out for in 2012.
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5. Skream
Age: 25
Who he is: This British powerhouse is best known for being one of the forefathers of Dubstep. When not working on his solo career, he is one half of the mega-group, Magnetic Man (along with Benga). In 2005 Skream released the track, “Midnight Request Line.” This crossover hit is considered to be one of the first dubstep tracks ever. His debut album Skream!, released in 2006, was followed by 2010's Out of the Box. Although he is labeled a dubstep artist, Skream says he prefers his sound to be called “UK Bass.”
Signature sound: Melodic dubstep with an influence of UK drum & bass.
How he got started: At the age of 15, Skream began to use Fuityloops.
Breakout hit: When Skream came out with his remix of La Roux's “In For the Kill”, it launched his tracks from underground clubs into living rooms. His tracks have been on various TV shows, such as Entourage and Misfits. Check out Skream's newest single, “Anticipate.”
Where he'll be in five years: Skream will be producing mind-blowing music that cannot be imagined at this time.
[4.TyDi
Age: 24
Who he is: TyDi, born Tyson Illingworth, is Australia's No. 2 DJ. In 2011, he released the chart-topping album Shooting Stars, which spawned hits “Why Do I Care,” “Never Go Back,” “Acting Crazy” and “Greater Heights.” He is currently signed to the Dutch super label Armada Music, co-founded by EDM's megastar, Armin Van Buuren.
Signature sound: A blend of progressive trance with a hint of house.
How he got started: At 15, Tydi exchanged his drum set for a Technics 1200s. The next year he entered the Brisbane DJ Wars and won.
Breakout hit: After graduating high school, Tydi entered in the Sony inthemix Top 50 Poll in Australia , where he finished 12th. It took him only two more years to reach the top spot. Armada took notice, and quickly signed him.
Where he'll be in five years: Producing soundtracks blockbuster movies and Next-Gen video games.
[3.
Skrillex
Age: 23
Who he is: Hailing from Los Angeles, Grammy-nominated Skrillex, also known as Sonny Moore of the screamo/post hardcore band From First to Last, is the new face of dubstep. MTV recently named him “EDM Artist of the Year,” catapulting Skrillex ahead of more established DJs such as David Guetta and Deadmau5.
Signature sound: Check out his brutal break downs and bass drops in “First of the Year”, “Cinema (Remix)”, “Levels (Remix)” and “Ruffneck.”
How he got started deejaying: Skrillex started producing and performing at local Los Angeles clubs in 2008. He also contributed to UK post-hardcore band, Bring Me the Horizon's album There Is a Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let's Keep It a Secret.
Breakout hit: “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites”
Where he'll be in five years: Joining forces with local DJs and producers Flinch and 12th Planet to create an American Dubstep Mega squad, battling the likes of Nero and Magnetic Man.
Oh, and: Don't miss out on Skrillex's mini LA tour in late January.
[2. Avicii
Age: 22
Who he is: The Grammy-nominated Swedish producer and DJ, born Tim Bergling, is also known as Tim Berg, Tom Hangs and Ashwin. Apparently, he's on a mission to dethrone Tiesto as the top DJ in the world. In 2011, Avicii released mega club hits like, “Seek Bromance,” “Levels,” “Blessed,” “Fade Into Darkness,” “Drowning (Remix),” “Sunshine,” “Sweet Dreams (Remix)” and “Drezzed (Remix).”
Signature sound: Melodic house
How he got started: Avicii started out doing a remixed to the theme song to the Commodore 64 video game Lazy Jones, which inpired him to write “Lazy Lace,” his first release on Strike Recordings, In April 2008, Avicii released “Manman”
on Pete Tong's Bedroom Bedlam label after winning the Pete Tong Fast
Trax. After winning (with 70 percent of the votes), Avicii was wanted by numerous labels, promoters and booking agencies
from all over the world.
Breakout hit: In 2010, Avicii dropped what is now the anthem of EDC, “Seek Bromance”
Where he'll be in five years: Pumping out more rave anthems, with even more American Top 40 artists sampling his work. (Flo Rida and Leona Lewis have already sampled his work.)
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1. Porter Robinson
Age: 19
Who he is: This recent North Carolina high school graduate has already toured among the best in EDM including, Tiesto, Deadmau5, David Guetta, Above & beyond, Etc. Porter Robinson is currently signed to Skrillex's label OWSLA. In 2011, he released his debut EP, Spitfire, which reached No. 1 on iTunes and No. 1 overall on Beatport.
Signature sound: Heart-pounding electrohouse, with devastating dubstep bass drops.
How he got started: Robinson began experimenting with music at the age of 13. He would model beats and sounds heard from video games with Sony ACID Pro.
Breakout hit: Robinson's single, “Say My Name” (not to be confused with the Destiny's Child version), had an incredible response as it rose to No. 1 on Beatport's Electro-House Chart.
Where he'll be in five years: At 19, Robinson supported Tiesto for his College Invasion tour. In five years, he will become the face of American EDM, creating a whole new genre based on his style of fusing electrohouse and dubstep.
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