2021 was another challenging year. Across the music industry, artists, managers, agents, promoters and more faced the biggest challenge in a lifetime. The global pandemic fuelled emotion, drove innovation and, all in all, left us with a very different picture at the end of the year. Like many, we’re excited to close the book on 2021 and look to the future in what is now a true When We Dip tradition. We’re delighted to present The Annual 2021!
ARTISTS
HERNAN CATTANEO
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
You can’t plan too much ahead – LIFE IS NOW!!!
2021 Track of the year?
I can’t say only one! But Stephan Bodzin new album is huge
Your standout moment of 2021?
Back on tour after missing the world dance floors big time
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Federico Fioretti (IT) – We got some great stuff from him coming on Sudbeat
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
Have your own identity and music personality
EATS EVERYTHING
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
COVID is a c**t
2021 Track of the year?
DJ Hybrid – Raised In The Jungle (T>I Remix). I already know my track of 2022, ‘Shermanology – Lose My Mind’, coming on Edible Records next year!
Your standout moment of 2021?
9hr set in Room 2 at Fabric. Proper PROPER party.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Shermanology. These guys are next level.
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
Not take yourself too seriously, work your ass off, don’t be a c**t
ALAN FITZPATRICK
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
To try and not let stress and anxiety get the better of you. Also, to stop worrying about things you simply cannot change. Spend more time living in the moment.
2021 Track of the year?
From a DJ perspective… Truncate – First Phase (Planetary Assault Systems Remix)
Your standout moment of 2021?
The release of my new album Machine Therapy. Listen HERE
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Pagan, CRAVO, Theo Nasa and Dawn Razor have all been exciting me with their music recently and I think will have a strong 2022.
To make it in music in 2022, you must….
Nothing is a sure thing. But you must do it because you fucking love it. If you don’t love it to its core, then do something else.
JOSH WINK
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
Music and trends are changing faster than ever.
2021 Track of the year?
Been playing it for a year and a half but biggest record for me is Josh Wink & Truncate “Be Aware” Ovum Recordings
Your standout moment of 2021?
Getting to travel with family out of USA to our spot in Ibiza after a year of non-traveling due to pandemic rules.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Always keeping my eyes open! Still looking…
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
Hopefully do what you truly want & not feeling the pressure of what you “Must” do.
JOACHIM PASTOR
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
I’ve learned how to play air guitar.
2021 Track of the year?
Very hard question, there is so many tracks of the year to me, but I’d say : ‘Nora En Pure – Life on hold’
Your standout moment of 2021?
I’d say the birth of my second child, and also the release of my Album.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
I’ll be watching for Jones Meadow, really cool chill organic deep techno; but once again there are so many possible answers.
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
Do more social media networking than actual music! Just joking 🙂
MONIKA KRUSE
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
Until May I stayed unplaned for over half a year on Fuerteventura, living out of one bag for the whole time. It made me I realized that I own too many things which are not important and relevant to have. I sold much stuff when I came back to Berlin and decided not to focus on material things or follow a fashion hype anymore. The only thing I bought this year on clothes were new socks. Good friends, beeing healthy, beeing out in the nature, surfing and making music is for me the key of happiness. Getting lost in consuming things or buying not relevant stuff was always a lack of happiness, but if you are really balanced the dictation of consuming will not get you.
2021 Track of the year?
Bicep – Atlas and the whole album 🙂
Your standout moment of 2021?
Camping for 4 days with my friends on my favorite festival Nation of Gondwana. Dancing outside together with my loved ones after so much time just made me extremly happy. I also enjoyed a lot to work for the headspace mediation app and that I was asked to make a mix for them. To make music in this genre was always a dream for me.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
I love the unique sound of Patrik Berg. His rough grooves together with a soulful melodic vibe touches me .
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
have a good inspiration and be unique. There are too many tracks which sound at the moment the same or use the same production formular . We need more real tunes who are unique and outstanding!
ATISH
2021 Track of the year?
Padre Oe – Jacob’s Divine [Manjumasi]. A bit biased on this one since it’s released on my own label, but we signed this tune since we love it so much. Came out on vinyl in 2021, and the digital coming out in 2022
Your standout moment of 2021?
Definitely Atish All Night: Los Angeles. This was the first nightlife event for many of us since the pandemic started, and the energy everyone brought to the event night is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. It’s also the longest Atish All Night set I played, clocking in at 8 hours, and I wish I has more time!
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Baalti, a South Asian duo based in San Francisco/India. They are a new live set act blending house music and classic Indian elements, done in a tasteful way. Definitely interested to see where they go!
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
Produce and release music, as opposed to being a pure DJ. This statement stayed true for 2021, but I feel the exodus from Soundcloud to Spotify continues to grow stronger year over year, so building one’s production chops becomes increasingly important.
ROY ROSENFELD
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
Traveling around the world is a great thing, but our mental and physical health is way more important. Playing gigs when you’re tired / out of focus or in some sort of physical pain, make the whole thing unenjoyably, and then comes the question- what’s the point of it? I learned that I should be taking more care of my body by getting a proper sleep every night, by eating healthy food as much as possible and by doing exercise to keep my body strong enough to deal with every situation. Non-stop touring is absolutely not a simple task for our body and our head!
2021 Track of the year?
Chicola – La Ninã Del Mãr [Lost Miracle]
Your standout moment of 2021?
I had a few of them, but the most memorable one is playing at Warm Up festival (UK) for an incredible crowd and production. Everything was simply on point!
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Eli Nissan
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
You must keep following your guts, your beliefs and your heart. I think it’s relevant in every year 🙂
MATTHIAS MEYER
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
Don’t plan anything. Be spontaneous. Everything can change from one moment to another.
2021 Track of the year?
I know it sounds a bit odd to name a track of myself but I do it anyways;) ‘The Choir’ is an upcoming track of mine on my label Strangely Enough. It’s a really special one cause the whole track is based on a sample from a choir record at a Church in Poland. This one is really let’s say quiet and intimate. The vibe is really special every time I play this.
Your standout moment of 2021?
Getting to know my friend Budakid. We finally manage to meet in person and make music together. We are totally in sync and we always have a good vibe when we start making music. We will definitely do more stuff together very soon.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Definitely my good friend Jimi Jules. We both joined Watergate maybe 6-7 years ago and we spent lots of time together. For me Jimi was always the most underrated and talented DJ and Producer in the whole world. He just joined Innervisions and their agency and now he finally gets the attention he deserves.
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
Be nice. Be passionate. Be creative and unique. That will make you stand out in the long run.
BEC
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
It’s always good to have a plan B! As we never know what’s going to happen or how long difficult moments will last. And that staying truly present in the current moment is the most powerful tool we can have – which is much easier said than done when put to the test. But this year I learnt to introduce more breathwork and meditation to enable me to do this.
2021 Track of the year?
‘Daniel Avery – Hazel and Gold’. This is one track I listened to at home a lot this past year, it helped me reflect, accept what is and have peace of mind to trust the future 🙂
Your standout moment of 2021?
Playing on the opening night of Amnesia in Ibiza, after the club had been shut for 18 months. I was playing the opening set which was even more special as it was literally the first-moment people had been able to dance properly for so long!
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Lucas Aguilera. He caught my eye this year with his extremely well-produced music. I’m sure he’s got a lot more to come for 2022.
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
Be patient, strong, don’t get swayed too much by ups and downs. Most of all – never stop believing in yourself!
SEB ZITO
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
To not to take things for granted, live in the now and be grateful for every blessing because we cant predict whats round the corner and i think weve learned that the hard way in 2020.
2021 Track of the year?
Shermanology – Lose My Mind [Edible]
Your standout moment of 2021?
I’ve had quite a few this year but it’s probably the Amnesia Festival in Croatia, the whole festival was class and I topped it off with
one of my best sets to date.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Fleur Shore is killing it for me right now, I play at least one track of hers in every set plus she’s a great DJ.
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
Work hard, put in more hours than you physically can, network with like-minded people, and most importantly love what you do.
HUXLEY
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
To do what I feel and to fuck everyone else opinions. It always gets the best results.
2021 Track of the year?
Rufus Du Sol – On My Knees
Your standout moment of 2021?
My first run of shows back in the states. I think I did Salt Lake City/San Diego and LA in the weekend., but the feeling of being back in a room playing music was surreal. I was bricking it to start with, but it was like riding a bike.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Ango Tamarin. His Trick and Circus releases are both sick.
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
Like every year, follow your own path. Everyone has their own journey and if you try to follow someone else then it’s likely to fall short.
JUST HER
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
That things can turn around in a heartbeat. This time last year was a seriously low point for me and I genuinely wasn’t sure where my life or career were heading. Then 2021 delivered in so many ways – I signed up for a masters degree, started a family, bought my dream home and saw my career start to explode with some bucket list press features, label signings & gigs ticked off. Just keep pushing and know that there is always hope even when things seem impossible.
2021 Track of the year?
‘LevyM – Panga ft Idd Aziz’. This track was a staple in all my sets over the summer season and became a bit of an anthem for me. An undiscovered gem that works on any dance floor.
Your standout moment of 2021?
I’ve had the most epic year that it’s really tough to pick one moment. Dropping my track ‘All We Have Is Now’ at Warm Up Festival, playing to thousands of Anjunadeep fans at Drumsheds and making my debut at incredible venues like Motion Bristol and Printworks London are all standout memories. But I suppose the icing on the cake was handing over the decks to Sasha & Digweed in front of a packed tent at Renaissance by the sea in my home town on my very first gig back after the restrictions ended. What a vibe that was!
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Cortese – a duo that I’ve just signed to my label Constant Circles with a killer EP coming early 2022. They have a really cool sound that spans deep house, breaks & garage with an emotive edge.
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
Be consistent, dedicated, professional, multi skilled and most importantly a good human.
KORA
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
Love is an action.
2021 Track of the year?
Teom – ShuShi. It’s a song released last year but I discovered it in 2021 and played it in almost every set. Powerful yet emotive.
Your standout moment of 2021?
Sharing music between the mountains and the sea in Gaspésie, Québec, on a suspended glass platform with amazing humans! It was so energizing and we felt humbled by mother nature.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Omeria and his duo project Départ
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
be patient, respect the music and create something that resonates deep inside of you. Gravity will do the rest!
AMONITA
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
In 2021, I toured less often and I had more time to work in the studio, due to this I wrote more than 10 tracks that were released on the labels All Day I Dream, Anjunadeep, Rubicunda, Peace Symphonies, For A Memory. I also learned new plugins for mixing and mastering.
2021 Track of the year?
Of the unreleased ones, this is the track ‘Michael Kiwanuka – Cold Little Heart (Makebo Remix)’, and of the released ones ‘Makebo & Amonita – Two Hearts (Volen Sentir Remix)’
Your standout moment of 2021?
Opening of our label “Rubicunda” with Makebo
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Tim Green – in my opinion, an original musician who is a significant creative unit for me, I will continue to follow him in 2022 and very soon he will come to Moscow for a party from our Rubicunda showcase.
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
Be obsessed with music and have your own unique style, not copy others and work a lot on your sound.
RINZEN
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
Hobbies outside of music are important!
2021 Track of the year?
Maybe a bit of recency bias, but Jimi Jules “My City’s On Fire.” Just anthemic!
Your standout moment of 2021?
Playing my first Cityfox party at the Brooklyn Mirage. It was right as parties were coming back in New York and the energy in the room was electric.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Massano. There’s a couple unreleased ones from him that Tale Of Us are playing right now and I can tell he’s primed for big things.
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
Be remarkable. Be so good that people are inspired to remark on it.
ELI NISSAN
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
This year I mostly learned a lot of things about myself. I learned to deal with my weaknesses and understand that they are part of me and my work And in fact, they strengthen me and make me a better person and artist. I also learned that I must not compromise on the music I hear and create & continue to be true to myself and my way.
2021 Track of the year?
Sebastien Leger – Stevie
Your standout moment of 2021?
My live stream from Zanzibar was a standout moment for me. It was my first trip to play music after 16 months off being grounded because of the Covid I found myself at one of the most beautiful places I had ever been. I reunited with my daughter after four months and spent two weeks of pure freedom love & amazing parties. I’ve been playing there.
One artist, you’ll be watching in 2022?
Nacho Varela & Cruz Vittor. I found these Argentinian couples are connected to the right vibes now. I love their groove & productions from the past year and hope they will keep on being surprised with more fresh music.
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
Believe in yourself & create a piece of fabulous music
HICKY & KALO
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
2021 has taught us that there are some things that you CAN’T control (like a pandemic) and some other things that you CAN control and you must focus your time and effort on these. 2021 also taught us that consistency in music production brings results. The more we put in hours in the studio, the more great results we obtain. It is something obvious, of course, but we really saw the effect of it with the pandemic.
2021 track of the year?
Dmitry Molosh – Distant Land (Supacooks Remix)
Your standout moment of 2021?
By far, it was our All Night Long set at Stereo in Montreal this December. It was our first night there as a new resident DJ and it surpassed our expectations. We played for 9 hours and we could have kept going forever. The sound system of this club is the best in the world and it’s a blessing to be able to play there.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Hicky: He is not new to the game, but Dmitry Molosh has been on fire recently. Every piece of music he releases is awesome and so well written. I’m looking forward to hear more from him in 2022.
Kalo: Tyler W is an upcoming producer based in Montreal, he released his first track on our imprint Plaisirs Sonores Records and has shown me some very interesting upcoming tracks he’s been producing. Very rich on the melodic side. Definitly someone to keep an eye on.
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
You need to enjoy the process but also take it seriously. You must put as much time, passion, and effort possible into your music project and surround yourself with good people.
SINCA
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
2021 has taught me resilience and the importance of enjoying the present. I’m someone who likes to look ahead and set goals and I’ve had to learn to operate differently. On a more concrete lesson, 2021 marked the beginning of my collaboration with my management agency DIP. This new partnership taught me to incorporate teamwork in my music project and juggle different perspectives that have helped shape the artist that I am today.
2021 track of the year?
‘Inquiz’ by Enamour. I really enjoy Enamour’s versatility and think he’s a very talented DJ and producer. His track ‘Inquiz’ was for me a great balance of all the elements I enjoy in songs: a deep and groovy bass, some unique atmospheric effects and adlibs, and an engaging melody.
Your standout moment of 2021?
By far, the release of my song ‘Mancora’ on the Anjunadeep label. This news gave me the boost I needed following the pandemic breakout. It has brought my music to the four corners of the world and I am always so happy to read the many messages of people who appreciate the song.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
This year, I discovered the very talented Rashid Ajami in an XYZ mix on SoundCloud. I really enjoy his track selection and the journey he presents in his mixes. Wish him all the best in 2022!
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
Be resilient and continue to develop your entrepreneurial skills. I actually had the chance to do some research on this topic in 2020 for my master’s thesis and I came to the conclusion that there are a lot of similarities between a DJ/Producer and an Entrepreneur. Your music career is your project and you need to equip yourself with the right resources to succeed.–
DEER JADE
One thing you’ve learned in 2021?
Patience! Still learning though aha! Everything comes with perfect timing. We just have to trust the universe.
2021 Track of the year?
‘Tocci Touch’ (Musumeci Remix) by Enzo Elia – A delicious blend of Indie House Nu Disco Techno sounds that could fit anywhere, always lifting up the crowd and creating a magic atmosphere! 🙂
Your standout moment of 2021?
Playing during ADE in Amsterdam in October for The Gardens of Babylon, it was one of the only moments since the first lockdown that parties were allowed in the Netherlands, thousands of people finally got to gather and dance again, the energy was absolutely insane!!
One artist you’ll be watching in 2022?
Coloray – A fantastic producer who was the half of Tunnelvisions and now started his own solo project and label. After some insane first releases (You’ve probably heard his hits “Can’t Stop” on Art Imitating Life and “Gazing Eyes” on Innervisions already) he is now preparing some epic music and will be setting dancefloors on fire around the world very soon.
To make it in music in 2022, you must…
Work on yourself as much as you work on my music, music is a reflection of our inner state so it is up to us to find our true balance, happiness and peace from inside first, to be able to transmit it with the audience in the most authentic way we can. To be fully dedicated to the craft, to cultivate positivity, to inspire hope and faith that a better future for us all is on its way, and act for it! It’s a ReLOVEution!