2018 has seen electronic dance music continue its increased global popularity- new artists, and festivals, popping up on a daily basis it seemed! As the year comes to a close, we remember the past and look ahead to the future. What DJ/producers will make it BIG in 2019? Here are some names you should know if you don’t already:
Dimibo
Our hometown heroes, this Seattle-based psy-trance duo had a breakout 2018- emerging as one of the top trance musicians in our region. Tag teaming with good friend Seven Lions, Filip and Loch hit the road early, and often this year- performing at various Seven Lions Journey 2 events across the country. They showed Washington State plenty of love as well, performing in our neck of the woods at Bliss Presents: Paul Van Dyk, a headlining show at The Underground, the raucous Chronicles: Chapter One afterparty, and let’s not forget their last-minute, surprise back-to-back set with DJ Sven (Seven Lion’s psy-trance alter ego) at Paradiso! If you don’t know these guys names by now, you will soon!
1788-L
Not much is known about one of dance music’s rising talents. After rising to fame early this year with remixes of Virtual Self’s Particle Arts, and Illenium x Said The Sky Where’d U Go, 1788-L would take his talents from SoundCloud to the road- making his festival debut this Summer at Das Energi Salt Lake City. Spending the latter half of 2018 touring with REZZ, and working on his debut EP, SENTIENCE, this flowy locked wonder is poised to have a busy 2019. Judging by L’s continual release of new music this year, we don’t see the momentum train slowing down any time soon!
Fisher
After landing on the radar of the dance music world last year, Australian DJ/Producer Paul Fisher EXPLODED in 2018- thanks, in big part, to Losing It. The breakthrough single was one of the most-played tracks during peak festival season, receiving plenty of accolades- even to this day. The latest? A Grammy nomination! Fisher also became a must-follow on social media. You never know what Fisher will do next, but we hope this ride doesn’t slow any time soon! Will you “Follow the Fish” in 2019?
DNMO
17-year-old Aiden Morgan burst onto the scene this year with We Could Be Kings, a collaborative effort with Zeds Dead. With Zeds Dead, DNMO (pronounced Den-Mo) would go on to make his on-stage debut at Dead Rocks in July, at the iconic Red Rocks Amphiteather. Not a bad stage for your first set! Currently, on tour with Ookay and Bonnie and Clyde, you can catch this young dynamo in Portland December 21st. Could DNMO be dance music’s future?
Jeffrey Sutorious (Formerly Dash Berlin)
Dash Berlin’s sudden split shocked the dance music world this year- some people not knowing the legendary Dutch trance act was actually a trio! With legal issues still playing out, the visual face of the Dash Berlin brand, frontman Jeffrey Sutorious, is out to make a name for himself. Performing under his real name, Sutorious is finally back in action- currently closing the year with a USA tour, landing a Las Vegas residency in the process. Jeff will always be Dash Berlin to us, and Dashers worldwide; We are excited to see him return to music! You can catch his big Pacific Northwest return on February 23rd, in Vancouver, B.C., in what will be the biggest Jeffrey Sutorious show yet!
Nitti Gritti
After his set at the Tacoma Dome for Nghtmre b4 Xmas, we think it’s safe to say that Nitti Gritti has a lot to offer in the next year- and many more to follow. Playing heavy bass, and possessing B.S.E. (big stage energy), Nitti has performed alongside Ghastly, Dillon Francis, the aforementioned NGHTMRE, and more! 2019 could be the year we see the Miami-based DJ/Producer/Remix Extraordinare carve a name for himself, and become as popular as the big name he tours with.
Wavedash
The pride and joy of NGHTMRE and Slander’s new Gud Vibrations record label, the trio from Austin, Texas turned heads this year with Move Back, their collaborative effort with Slander. Since its’ release, the track has received support from bass music heavyweights, and was one of the anthems of festival season 2018. The best is yet to come from these guys, and if Gud Vibrations believes in them- so do we!
DROELOE
No strangers to the PNW, Droeloe has performed at Paradiso, and Seattle’s Q Nightclub for their headlining tour. From Sunburn to Kintsugi, Droeloe has churned out some big hits in a short amount of time. They are appearing more and more on festival lineups, and we cannot wait to hear what is next for the Dutch future bass duo. Catch them in Portland, and Seattle, in March to find out!
GRAVEDGR
Dance music’s latest masked performers, GRAVEDGR came out of nowhere this year following the release of his debut single, Rampage. Under the tutelage of Carnage, this all-black-wearing, bucket hat-sporting, the mystery of an individual quickly emerged as one of the best in hardtrap/hardstyle- his sets featuring aggressive music, and equally aggressive crowds. With sold out headlining shows in California, and a festival debut (EDC) under his belt, this guy is here to fuck shit up. As his latest single suggests, “be wary”: GRAVEDGR music is NOT for the faint of heart.
Other Staff Picks
ATLiens
Evan GIIA
HVDES
Ternion Sound
HALIENE
Woofax
LSDream
Saint Punk
Holy Waters
Whipped Cream
Who should we keep an eye on in 2019? Let us know who your favorites are in our comments section on Twitter or Facebook!
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