Best Remix
Henry Saiz feat. Cora Novoa, “Golden Dawn (Brynjolfur Dream Mix)”Â
Spanish producer Henry Saiz produces quality house and nu-disco with a dark edge. This Brynjolfur remix takes his sound to a new level with synths that swirl like a tornado and an atmosphere that builds up to an intensity like no other. And the drop. Listen to it. This is what a drop is, people!
Best LP/EP
Honey Dijon, The Best of Both Worlds
Honey Dijon has been making quite a name for herself on the DJ circuit with sets that pay homage to the inimitable house scene of her native Chicago. Her debut album harkens back to this sound while looking forward as well. Her choice of collaborators, ranging from Sam Sparro to Nomi Ruiz (Hercules & Love Affair, Jessica 6) to Seven Davis Jr., is top notch.
Best New Artist
One of my favorite cities in the world — Melbourne, Australia — has an incredible synth-funk/boogie revival scene, and Silver Linings is one of the standout acts. Their tracks just make me want to go back there and walk around the city at night, go out for a cocktail and take in the warm weather (at least during the summer), city lights, and incredible music scene.
Track of the Year
Aeroplane feat. Tawatha Agee, “Love On Hold”
The talented Belgian nu-disco producer and DJ teams up with vocalist Tawatha Agee (the voice of Mtume’s 1983 classic “Juicy Fruit”, later sampled by The Notorious B.I.G. for “Juicy” and by countless others) for this instant floor-filler that combines all the elements of classic disco and boogie.
Artist of the Year
Hans-Peter Lindstrom is one of those producers who can do no wrong. One of the original Nordic disco pioneers, he continues to release outstanding tracks and albums. Just unstoppable.
Favorite Show of the Year
The War on Drugs at The Anthem
I didn’t get a chance to go to many shows this year, but this one was out of this world. The synth-rock meets Bruce Springsteen sound of Adam Granduciel’s band was a perfect fit for DC’s colossal new venue in The Wharf development and they did not disappoint one bit.
Label of the Year
An extension of the Glitterbox parties held in Ibiza and London founded by Defected Records head Simon Dunmore, Glitterbox is paving the way in contemporary disco with releases from luminaries such as The Shapeshifters and Ralphi Rosario. I highly recommend checking out their radio shows featuring different guest DJ’s such as Greg Wilson, Ultra Nate and Dimitri From Paris.
DC Artist to Watch
I saw Enamour deliver a killer opening DJ set at Giorgio Moroder’s show at the 9:30 Club and was astonished with his track selection and skills. His original tracks are state-of-the-art and show that DC’s electronic music scene is not one to be overlooked.