Top DJ Pioneers of the 21st Century
Dance music is not what it used to be. The repetitive drops and lack of originality are characteristics of the current state of EDM. Throughout the 00s however, some artists have been pioneers for the dance music industry. For the new EDM fanboys that are only delighted by the hopes of going to Tomorrowland, you should go through this list to understand the DJs who have brought the scene where it is right now. Many artists are not mentioned here (many Trance artists especially), but this list only includes the biggest game-changers of the genre.Although he is not what he used to be, Tiësto has revolutionized the dance world in the 2000s with his massive Trance hits and his impressive arena shows. He was the first DJ to actually fill a whole arena as a main event. Tiësto will forever be a legend and we hope he goes back to his old style one day.
Top 3 songs:
1) Traffic
2) Adagio for Strings
3) Dance4Life
Tiesto has worked with and inspired some of the best producers on the planet right now for example Martin Garrix, KSHMR and Oliver Heldens
Many people have criticized Guetta for moving towards mainstream pop, but what he has done in terms of popularization of the house and dance culture is huge. Let's also not forget that he has produced bangers before turning mainstream. He marked the history of house music.
Top 3 songs:
1) When Love Takes Over
2) The World is Mine
3) Sexy Bitch
The third position belongs to SHM as a group but also to Axwell, Ingrosso and Angello as individuals. They have always been able to bring new sounds to the table and thus raising the bar year after year. It's sad they have split, but they are also massive as solo artists!
Top 3 songs:
1) One (Your Name)
2) Leave The World Behind (with Laidback Luke)
3) Greyhound
This young swedish prodigee has been stepping the game up for a few years now with his outstanding melodies and production quality. More recently, he did a transition to 'country-house' which was a big bet that he has been able to pull off brilliantly. For the unitiated, I highly recommend listening to some of his older material, it is mind-blowing.
Top 3 songs:
1) Levels
2) Bromance (and Seek Bromance)
3) Wake Me Up
He's been considered the top DJ in the world for many years in a row and he fully deserved it. The Dutch sensation has been the king of his genre (Trance) and troughout the year he even explored sub-genres while still staying true to its roots. Trance wouldn't be the same without AvB.
Top 3 songs:
1) In And Out of Love
2) Not Giving Up on Love
3) Mirage
This duo does not need any presentation. Their electro/robot sound has transcended the world for years and they are acclaimed everywhere in the world as superstars. They have been huge innovators in the 90s and the 00s which is the main reason why they are on this list.
Top 3 songs:
1) One More Time
2) Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
3) Get Lucky
It may be surprising for some, but there was no way this list could not include Benny Benassi. The Italian DJ has been a pioneer in electro, known for his buzzing electro bass. He is not as active as he used to be, but his work has been outstanding.
Top 3 songs:
1) Satisfaction
2) Bring the Noise
3) Cinema
This superstar dutch sensation has been on a roll for the past few years. His older work is absolutely amazing, but he is on this list because of the immense recognition he brought to EDM recently. He is currently the number one DJ and he fully deserves it.
Top 3 songs:
1) Spaceman
2) Encoded
3) Zero 76
This hilarious DJ is someone who does not care about being politically correct. His production have supported him over the years. Initially known for his delirious progressive house pluck sound, he has explored numerous sub-genres with a continuous high level of quality. Cheers to the mau5!
Top 3 songs:
1) Strobe
2) Ghosts N Stuff
3) Faxing Berlin
Greatest pioneer of the 21 century his songs can bring you to tears
Amazing songs
Yes, Bob Sinclar. He is not the most famous DJ at the moment but his work in the 2000s have brought joy and light to a harder and darker electronic music scene. His hit «Love Generation» is still remembered by everyone that's for sure.
Top 3 songs:
1) Love Generation
2) World, Hold On
3) Far L'Amore
Nick van de Wall, professionally known as Afrojack, is a Dutch DJ, record producer and remixer. In 2014, he released his debut album Forget the World. Afrojack regularly features in the top 10 of DJ Mag Top 100 DJs