Hard to believe 2017 has come and gone! With 2018 closing in, the When We Dip crew are very excited to bring to you the latest edition of The Annual, where we look back on the previous 12 months and forward to the future with friends from both the artist and industry communities.
Happy New Year from everyone at When We Dip! Your support means the world to us. Music has the magic to bring us together. We’re excited to share more excellent moments with you in 2018.
PART 1 – ARTISTS’ CORNER
Art Department
Track of the year?
That’s tough. I’m gonna say Nitin’s “Sunday Grey” and not just because he’s my best friend or because releases are a bit of a rarity for him – even though he produces a ton. He just nailed it with that one.
The one memory from 2017 that you won’t forget?
Might sound obvious or cheesy but after being a Depeche Mode fan my whole life and never catching them live, I became a bit of a roadie on this latest album tour and made sure I saw a few of the shows. Those shows were definitely unforgettable.
Standout performer live or behind the decks?
Normally this would be Mathew Jonson live for me without even thinking, but I don’t think I caught him anywhere this year. I’ve got to say Mr.G at Paradise at DC10 this summer. Nobody’s more fun to watch perform live, and that sound …. forget about it!
One artist you’ll be watching in 2018?
That would no doubt be Billy Turner from the UK. I’ve been working with him nearly the entire year, preparing releases for 2018 on Social Experiment and it seems like more and more label heads have been championing his music in recent months. It’s just a matter of time for this guy..
Guy J
Track of the year?
John Talabot & Axel Boman – Loser’s Hymn
The one memory from 2017 that you won’t forget?
Playing 20 Hours B2B with Hernan Cattaneo at Stereo , Montreal.
Standout performer live or behind the decks?
Digweed & Sasha at Sun City music Festival
One artist you’ll be watching in 2018?
Budakid
Sébastien Léger
Track of the year?
“Mihai Popoviciu – Fiction” on Poker Flat recordings is the track I played in every set so I guess this is my favorite then.
The one memory from 2017 that you won’t forget?
There were so many, so there isn’t such thing for me in 2017. I’m looking forward to 2018!
Standout performer live or behind the decks?
Lee Burridge, love the smile and vibe behind the decks.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2018?
Roy Rosenfeld
Andhim
Track of the year?
2Raumwohnung – Somebody Lonely And Me (DJ Koze rmx)
The one memory from 2017 that you won’t forget?
For the first time, we have been a Halloween costume. We played a tour in the US during this time in October and met three different couples in different cities costumed as Tobias and Simon.
Standout performer live or behind the decks?
Stephan Bodzin is the sickest Live act in this scene! We’ve known him for over 10 years and his passion behind the machines is outstanding.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2018?
We try to concentrate on ourselves. I know it’s a lame answer but there is so much new music coming that we are already super excited for the new year to come.
Thomas Schumacher
Track of the year?
It has to be my current single Stella. I recorded this track for my daughter Stella and it has brought me and her so much happieness over the last couple of month. Amazing.
The one memory from 2017 that you won’t forget?
My daughter’s reaction when I told her that the track had made it to the top of the Beatport Techno chart. My first number one.
Standout performer live or behind the decks?
This one is easy. Depeche Mode’s live performance in Berlin this summer. I have been to many DM concerts but this was one for the books. Epic.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2018?
I’ll give you two: Kloves from Canada and Jacob B from Poland. Both of them are on fire and their music is so good.
Dennis Cruz
Track of the year?
&ME, Adam Port, Keinemusik, Rampa – Muyè (Original Mix)
The one memory from 2017 that you won’t forget?
My first time ever in New York
Standout performer live or behind the decks?
Stephan Bodzin like a live and Jamie J. like behind the desk 😀
One artist you’ll be watching in 2018?
Alexic Rod
Jon Rundell
Track of the year?
DJ Pierre & Carlo Lio – Destroy This Track. There are a few I could have picked so I basically went for the one I know I’ve played the most. It’s got a great funk and energy to it, and the vocal instantly hooks you in.
The one memory from 2017 that you won’t forget?
Striking out and doing my own thing with my releases, and essentially turning my back on the majority of the ‘industry’. It’s been great to find a way to make my music more accessible out there by giving it away as a free download along with the parts of them for people to play around with.
Standout performer live or behind the decks?
Chemical Brothers, both live and a DJ set I witnessed. Always next level and interesting to listen to. I like the way they are rooted in techno and electronica yet can make and play records in a way that make them appeal outside of that too.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2018?
DJ Jock. He’s a really talented producer and DJ, and one of the nicest, most humble and deserving people I’ve ever met.
SHADED
Track of the year?
Hmm thats the hardest question. Currently sitting at my desk, I would have to go with “Aisling” by John Tejada on Kompakt. Its a masterpiece, and it is the definition of a dance floor ‘moment’.
The one memory from 2017 that you won’t forget?
I guess it would have to be getting some recognition on BBC Radio 1 for the first time. I have always made weird and odd techno, so I never really broke into that radio play sector. But this year I got featured on most of the shows, and to top it off Pete Tong’s made it his “Essential New Tune” so that was cool. Granted, I might have gone more playful this year musically, but it just felt right for the stage in my life.
Standout performer live or behind the decks?
Has to be Jeff Mills at DGTL in Barcelona this summer. It was insane. I have seen him a few times and he never ceases to deliver something special. He is untouchable, still.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2018?
Terr… She has to blow up. Her music is fire.
Stephan Hinz
Track of the year?
Burial – “Indoors”
The one memory from 2017 that you won’t forget?
When my wife said “yes“ and I’ve put THAT ring of all rings on her finger.
Standout performer live or behind the decks?
Moderat, ´nough said 😀
One artist you’ll be watching in 2018?
Definitely Setaoc Mass, became a big fan of him in 2017 and can’t wait to hear more from him
Weska
Track of the year?
So tough… hmmm, Ilario Alicante – ‘Times’. Since the first time I heard it in one of Adam [Beyer]’s sets, I was mesmerized by the main hook’s simplicity and powerful structure. And the drums are fire. I knew it was going to be a big one.
The one memory from 2017 that you won’t forget?
Walking in and setting up for the first time at Hï Ibiza this past summer. This was a big moment for me, my first gig in the infamous Ibiza and to be sharing the stage with Eric [Prydz] for the second time only. Won’t ever forget pressing play on the CDJ for the first track.
Standout performer live or behind the decks?
Eric Prydz, and in particular his set on Aug 8th at Hï Ibiza – what an eclectic mix of techno, some house, and some classic Prydz tracks. He even played ‘Iron Man’. It was one of my favourite sets of the year for sure!
One artist you’ll be watching in 2018?
Spektre, definitely. These guys are techno machines, and every track that comes out is mega. They keep the groove but they also bring the feels with those beautiful melodies.
VONDA7
Track of the year?
Too hard to choose! I am really not so good with rankings because there’s just so much good music out there and I’d have to choose 100 tracks that were my track of the year.
The one memory from 2017 that you won’t forget?
My debut gig in Jordan. I am all for tolerance and acceptance regardless of religion, skin colour or any other factor that we cannot choose or are born with. I wasn’t sure what to expect from that gig but it was amazing to see people of different backgrounds all united on the dancefloor where the only religion that matters is music. Truly great vibes and it made me feel like this is the reason why I do what I do.
Standout performer live or behind the decks?
Laurent Garnier and Denis Sulta… both spread amazing energy, great authentic vibes and true passion. They are also not afraid to experiment with different styles of music.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2018?
Raito and FJAAK – super energetic quality music that I play in each set of mine.
Tim Green
Track of the year?
Bufi – El House es tu idioma (Dave DK remix) [Sincopat 51 Remixed]
The one memory from 2017 that you won’t forget?
Finishing my album for Cocoon, to be released 2018!
Standout performer live or behind the decks?
Kiasmos
One artist you’ll be watching in 2018?
Traumer – he keeps getting better and better!
Layton Giordani
Track of the year?
SHDW, Obscure Shape – Die weisse Rose (Tale Of Us & Mind Against rmx)
For me this is by far the best track i’ve listened to this year. It has an amazing vibe and whenever you drop it people automatically get put into that special place on the dance floor. Im still not even close tired of it!
The one memory from 2017 that you won’t forget?
Finishing my set at WHP in the UK. Pan Pot were on after me and when I slowly transitioned out, everyone started to cheer and clap for me. The part that really got me was when a lot of people were chanting “USA”. I would of never expected that in a million years and its great to see everyone together no matter where we are in the world 🙂
Standout performer live or behind the decks?
Stephan Bodzin. I met him in Buenos Aires when we had a show together and I was absolutely blown away by his life performance with the Moog set up.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2018?
Really tough answer but id have to say perhaps my close friend Weska. He’s a hidden gem and is starting to get recognised coming 2018.
Jeremy Olander
Track of the year?
I think it was released in 2016, but BOgs remix of Dee Montero’s Solace has been played frequently this year.
The one memory from 2017 that you won’t forget?
Playing an 8 hour set in my hometown Stockholm under the sun in front of about 2000 people was definitely a highlight.
Standout performer live or behind the decks?
Checking out Stephan Bodzin during one of those rare Friday nights at home was my favourite live show. Job Jobse playing with Dixon in front of a panoramic view over the Amsterdam sunrise was the perfect set to end ADE this year.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2018?
Tim Engelhardt.
Part 2 – INDUSTRY INSIDERS
Lydia Laws – Founder at Lydia Laws PR
Trend of the year?
I love seeing more artists challenging themselves and reinterpreting their music into a live format. This has been brewing for a while now but has really reached new heights this year. Sasha’s REFRACTED:LIVE show was incredible and left me lost for words, and Bonobo’s newest live show blew me away, two absolute highlights of 2017. I’m happy to see George Fitzgerald exploring this style too now as his music is perfect for it. It’s so inspiring to see the magic these musicians can create when they push themselves outside of their comfort zone.
Your Breakout artist in 2018?
Patrice Baumel – he’s been a legend for years but his incredible run of achievements this year has raised him to a whole new level. He’s constantly being raved about, his releases have been strong and his Essential Mix is sublime, possibly my favourite mix of the year. An exceptional talent who has worked so hard and really deserves his success. I can’t wait to see what’s next for him.
One change you hope to see in 2018?
I loved RA’s decision to scrap the Top 100, because it had become such a distraction for artists, their great achievements dwarfed by where they sit on a list at the end of the year. I’m hoping we’ll see more of this shift in focus, so we can get back to what matters; talented producers and mindblowing DJ sets.
Fill in the blank: To make it in music in 2018, you must…
Have a plan and stick with it. Have your short and long term goals planned, whether it’s labels you want to release on, or gigs you want to play. With so much emerging talent, it’s crucial to have a clear idea of ultimately where you’d like your sound to fit into the market, and how you plan on getting there. The initial perception that the public/listener has of you will be hard to shake off, so work hard for exactly what you want: and don’t panic if it doesn’t happen overnight. Some of music’s greats took years to find their niche.
Alex Drewniak – Founder at Beatcave Digital
Trend of the year?
Musically I think we’ve seen the late 90s progressive sound permeate deep house and techno even more than in 2016. I think that will continue in 2018. As far as technology trends, going into 2017 I thought we’d see slightly more of a consumer adoption of VR than we have.
We saw artists leveraging VR for cool, exclusive content to bundle with releases and that will spread into electronic I think. Maybe more so than a putting shows out for rent for watch from your house rather than being there in person. Further down the line that will of course happen and it’ll drive growth of live attendance rather than cannibalising on it
We’ve seen more live performances this year, which I think is great and something that will continue. On the opposite side of that spectrum I feel there are more and more DJs coming through that don’t produce. I think that’s a very healthy sign that they’re not forced into making music just to be able to make a name for themselves. The appreciation for the art of DJ:ing lives on and promoters and fans recognise it.
Your Breakout artist in 2018?
I think there are lots of talent simmering ready to take that next big leap. Fideles, DAVI and Applescal are a few that come to mind. I feel obligated to mention Tim Engelhardt as someone that stood out in 2017 though. What a year and what a rare talent.
One change you hope to see in 2018?
It’s not as prominent in electronic music, but release exclusivity, or not putting out music in Spotify or Apple Music at all, is a bad thing. It’s a consumers market and no one is ever going to force people into a certain purchasing behaviour in a sustainable way. I think it breeds piracy too.
This is especially true in electronic music where the average level of technological savviness is higher than with a Top 40 fan. If the music isn’t available on preferred platforms, it’ll be pirated. Availability is key. For the new middle class of artists, releasing music is a fan acquisition play, not a monetization play.
I also hope the fee hiking of talent will subside. I think too many agents aren’t doing what they’re paid to do and employ some sort of a one fee fits all markets-strategy.
The global market is complex, there are multiple variables that come into play and the goal should always be for agents and managers to work towards making an artist a globally touring act, which will mean taking concessions on fees in certain cases in order to optimise for longevity.
Electronic acts tour a lot more than any given band and as competition goes up, markets saturate and the demand for underground subsides, you want to be in a place where can hypothetically be on the road 12 months of the year and hit all key markets once or twice.
Fill in the blank: To make it in music in 2018, you must…
Understand the foundation of electronic music culture. Who started it, what it’s built on, what the dynamics are and what you can do to contribute to what’s already there with what you do.
Other than the obvious like talent, willingness to work hard, make sacrifices and being yourself, I this is key and it applies to 2018 and beyond.
Stephen Flynn – Director at Eureka Artists
Trend of the year?
whenwedip.com. Thanks for all the support as ever, lads!
Your breakout artist of the year?
Christopher Ledger. Looking forward to see what 2018 has in store for him also.
One change you hope to see in 2018?
I’d like to see more DJs and producers get booked off the back of their talent rather than their social media presence. Also, a bit of diversity when it comes to festival/club line-ups wouldn’t go amiss, either.
To make it in music, you must…
I guess different people have different ideas about what ‘making it’ in music entails. I just know I’m very lucky to earn a living doing a job I love and to work with an a genuinely great bunch of people and artists.
Michael Sundius – Writer at Dancing Astronaut and Billboard
Trend of the year?
My favorite trend this year was the intersection of tribal and progressive. While certainly not a new phenomenon, we saw it flourish in 2017 on labels like Diynamic, Innervisions and Keinemusik to an unprecedented degree.
Your Breakout artist in 2018?
Fideles. They’ve had a massive run this year, starting with that amazing EP on Exit Strategy and ending with their new one on Afterlife. They’ve proven to be quite prolific and inventive in the studio, and I foresee them releasing some really big tracks next year.
One change you hope to see in 2018?
I want to see streaming platforms, particularly Spotify, more optimized for underground dance music. I think, with the increasing marginalization of SoundCloud, we’ve been left with a void of where to discover new artists and tracks. Spotify is a wonderful tool for discovery, but thus far, it’s primary emphasis in the electronic world has been mainstream and EDM acts. I’d like to see a greater spotlight on underground dance music in their curation.
To make it in music in 2018, you must…
Create something extraordinary. The scene is more crowded than ever. There are more competing voices, and shorter attention spans. I truly believe you have be remarkable to stand out from the noise. And by that I mean being so good, or creating something so exceptional, that people want to remark on it and it spreads organically.
James O’Donohue – Artist Manger at Redlight Management
Trend of the year?
Rave revival – great to see a counter culture to the massively oversaturated house and techno club programming.
Your Breakout artist in 2018?
Mafalda – such a great selector, sets full of amazing jazz, funk, soul, rare groove etc.. can see her having a big year in 2018!
One change you hope to see in 2018?
More homegrown clubnights, less big names and more focus on the party and the vibe. Body Hammer parties in London are a great example of how to do it right!
Fill in the blank: To make it in music in 2018, you must…
Work endlessly, plan ahead and make sure you’re carving your own path.
Emma Chambers – Founder of So Dark Its Light PR
Trend of the year?
Electronica
Your Breakout artist in 2018?
Terr. I really love her stuff, she’s different and edgy. Can only go places after a really good start in 2017.
One change you hope to see in 2018?
Less snobbery about music genres…..
Fill in the blank: To make it in music in 2018, you must…
Well that all depends on which area of the “music” industry you are talking about. You need to be a people person, who can party all night long, and still get up and go straight to your laptop to get on with the workload that day. I am a firm believer in hard work, and determination – if you want something bad enough it will eventually happen. There will always be someone to say “you can’t” – don’t listen and continue to work harder than anyone else.
Kal Jhugroo – Founder at Underground Artists Agency
Trend of the year?
Aftermovies! I’m not complaining in the slightest, but everyone is doing them now, it’s more and more common to take a videographer to a gig with you when you play now.
Your Breakout artist in 2018?
This one is really hard for me to answer as we look after so many artists and I would probably try and pick outside the agency, but it’s hard not to notice what PAX and Mason Maynard have done this year, both acts have done very well in the charts and have a lot of bookings for next year. Outside of the agency if I am looking at new talent then C.O.Z is making some wicked music, he has some bits coming up on Mau5trap, he is defo one to watch for me
One change you hope to see in 2018?
stay true to yourself! So many are making music they think they should make rather than what they actually like to makeI hope to see less clubs being closed down, it’s really hurting the industry. However it is encouraging to see everyone coming together when it does happen
To make it in music in 2018, you must…
stay true to yourself! So many are making music they think they should make rather than what they actually like to make
Ralf Kollmann – Founder & Director at Mobilee Records
Trend of the year?
Binge watching!
Your Breakout artist in 2018?
Rodriguez Jr. & Liset Alea performing live
One change you hope to see in 2018?
Some new dance moves
Fill in the blank: To make it in music in 2018, you must…
not try too hard – just do