We look into our crystal ball to try and predict 10 of the electronic music artists you will be hearing a lot of in 2016.
(Artists listed alphabetically)
April Towers
Who’s that?
April Towers are a Nottingham based duo that make catchy electronic pop songs.
Record Label(s)?
Unsigned
Reason for making the list?
The band just sold out a headline gig in one of the biggest venues in their hometown of Nottingham (Rescue Rooms) and have recently played a string of high profiles dates around the UK; It’s clear to see people are loving what these boys are doing. The live performances have been backed by some great independently released music that has had high profile support including lots of love from Radio 1. These boys are well on their way to making it big next year.
Recommended listening:
Blinkie
Who’s that?
Blinkie is a producer from London
Record Label(s)?
Love & Other
Reason for making the list?
Blinkie has been making music behind the scenes for years but his debut single, ‘Don’t Give Up (On Love)’ has brought him to the forefront. It’s got a ton of remixes and has been heavily supported on the radio with spins on Radio 1, 1Xtra, Kiss, Capital and more. We look forward to hearing the follow up single soon and expect big things next year.
Recommended listening:
Cat Carpenters
Who’s that?
The Cat Carpenters (Tess van Zwol & Claire Slootheer) are a DJ / Production duo from Amsterdam.
Record Label(s)?
Soundplate Records.
Reason for making the list?
Cat Carpenters are blowing up in Amsterdam, playing at some of the biggest clubs and festivals the city has to offer. In early 2016 we will be bringing their sound to the world with their debut single on Soundplate Records. Their music has already been supported by several top DJ’s and radio stations and the debut track has already been played more than 100k times on Youtube & Soundcloud!
Recommended listening:
FunkBias
Who’s that?
Funk Butcher and Zed Bias’ Collaborative project
Record Label(s)?
Southern Fried, Swamp81
Reason for making the list?
London based Funk Butcher and Zed Bias from Manchester are both popular DJ’s / producers in their own right but together they are a force to be reckoned with. The project originally kicked off back in 2010 on the Swamp81 label but it seems that in the past few months it has really taken shape. Their recent release on Southern Fried has been a favourite of ours for a while. We are hoping for many more releases (and DJ sets) from this duo in 2016.
Recommended listening:
Just Her
Who’s that?
Just Her is the solo project from Claire of Him_Self_Her.
Record Label(s)?
Suara, Stil Vor Talent, Constant Circles.
Reason for making the list?
Just_Her has burst on to the scene this year with releases on some of the best labels in dance music and a seriously busy touring schedule. While she’s not on the road or in the studio you can find Claire hosting her own radio show and running her label, Constant Circles. Provided she keeps up the work rate in 2016 we can see her shooting to the top of line-ups everywhere!
Recommended listening:
Mella Dee
Who’s that?
Mella Dee is a DJ / Producer originally from Doncaster, currently living in London.
Record Label(s)?
Lobster Boy / Digital Soundboy
Reason for making the list?
It seems strange putting Mella Dee in this list as we have already been writing about him for a good few years now but it seems like now really is his time to break through. He’s recently released some music on Shy FX’s Digital Soundboy and Redlight’s Lobster Boy Recordings and we are starting to see his name crop up on more and more event flyer. He’s off on tour with Lobster Boy in early 2016 which will no doubt help him build his profile further, we think this might just been his year.
Recommended listening:
Nicolas Haelg
Who’s that?
Nicolas Haelg is DJ / Producer from Switzerland.
Record Label(s)?
Armada / Ultra / Soundplate / Crosswalk
Reason for making the list?
We have been a huge fan of Nicolas Haelg since we first discovered his Soundcloud a couple of years back. Since then we have been lucky enough to release one of his brilliant tracks on our own label and have seen him go from strength to strength. His current single ‘Something Good’ (ULTRA/ARMADA) has already been a Pete Tong ‘Essential New Tune’ and he has tons of new music on the way for 2016. We think Nicolas Haelg has everything it takes to make it to as a worldwide dance music star.
Recommended listening:
Roman Kouder
Who’s that?
Roman is a Pairs based disco producer.
Record Label(s)?
Splendens Music / NDYD Records
Reason for making the list?
Roman Kouder has been impressing us all year. He bring a unique disco vibe to his tracks and remixes that we can’t get enough of. He has been a big part of the soundtrack to our office over the past few weeks and we think it’s only a matter of time before everyone realises just how talented this guy is! Kouder has been playing lots of gigs this year in his hometown (paris), we hope to see him spread his wings a bit further in 2016 and get the love his sound deserves.
Recommended listening:
Wayward
Who’s that?
Lawrence Gale Hayes & Louis Greenwood are an electronic music duo from Leeds.
Record Label(s)?
Black Butter
Reason for making the list?
Wayward have had a big year in 2015 we think they will carry that momentum straight into next year. Having already been signed to one of the UK’s most prolific electronic music labels, Black Butter the future is bright for this duo. Wayward also play a love show which recently saw them supporting Flight Facilities for The Sound You need at the O2 Academy in Brixton! We think these guys will be a festival favourite in 2016 and we look forward to hearing more new music from them!
Recommended listening:
19Hundred
Who’s that?
Mysterious London based production duo.
Record Label(s)?
Soundplate Records
Reason for making the list?
Working with 19Hundred has been a great pleasure this year. They are truly bringing something special to the music industry. Not much is known about these guys but they are already generating a huge buzz in the industry with their debut single ‘Oh Boy’. 2016 could be the year of 19Hundred.. but will we ever find out who they are?!
Recommended listening:
Over To You…
Who do you think will blow up in 2016? Send us a tweet @Soundplate or leave a Facebook or Instagram comment to let us know!