CeCe Peniston
Disco diva CeCe Peniston, born in Dayton, Ohio, and raised in Phoenix since the age of nine, emerged as a prominent figure in the dance genre. Her talent was recognized early on when she was crowned Miss Black Arizona in 1989. Signing with A&M in the early ’90s, Peniston’s debut album ‘Finally’ achieved gold status, reaching number 36 on the pop charts. The album produced notable hits like ‘Finally’ and ‘We Got a Love Thang,’ the former securing a Top Ten spot on the pop charts. Following the success of ‘Finally,’ Peniston released ‘Thought ‘Ya Knew’ in 1994 and ‘I’m Movin’ On’ in 1996, showcasing her versatile singing prowess. Transitioning into the new millennium, CeCe Peniston remains an active performer, captivating audiences in legendary entertainment hubs such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and San Francisco. Despite not aligning entirely with mainstream trends, Peniston’s music continues to be celebrated and frequently remixed, maintaining its popularity in dance clubs worldwide.
Read MoreThe Communards
The whirlwind success Bronski Beat experienced during its mid-’80s beginnings took a major toll on singer Jimmy Somerville, who surprised a lot of people with his decision to leave the group after only one full-length album. Thanks to the popularity of singles like “Smalltown Boy” and a cover of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love,” both of which showcased Somerville’s singular falsetto, Bronski Beat found itself at the forefront of several countries’ pop scenes. Though Somerville’s departure from the group left many wondering what would become of one of the gay community’s most prominent figures, the singer and songwriter didn’t take long to resurface with classically trained pianist and longtime friend Richard Coles.
Initially named the Committee, Somerville and Coles eventually changed names to avoid confusion with another similarly named outfit. They opted to become the Communards, in tribute to a sect of 19th century French Republicans. Stylistically, the duo balanced celebratory and sophisticated dance-pop with more subdued material that played to Coles’ strengths while allowing the versatility of Somerville’s voice to come to light. Covers of two disco classics, Thelma Houston’s “Don’t Leave Me This Way” and Gloria Gaynor’s “Never Can Say Goodbye,” hit the Top Five of the club chart in the U.S. At the other end of the spectrum, “Reprise” was one of the sharpest attacks on Margaret Thatcher; “For a Friend” was a powerful song written for a close friend of the duo whose life was taken by AIDS. Both 1987’s Communards and the following year’s Red performed well commercially, spawning a number of minor hits in addition to those mentioned above.
In 1988, Coles opted to leave music to be a religious commentator. Somerville responded by going solo; by 1989, he already had Read My Lips, his first album, out in the shops. He recorded sporadically throughout the following decade. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi
Read MoreAxwell /\ Ingrosso
Sweden’s Axwell & Ingrosso are an electronic dance production duo featuring former Swedish House Mafia members Axel Christofer Hedfors (aka Axwell) and Sébastian Ingrosso. Known for their infectious, club-ready sound, the duo emerged in June 2014 with the single “Something New.” Their debut album, More Than You Know, arrived in 2017. Formed in 2014 after the breakup of Swedish House Mafia, Axwell & Ingrosso signed with Def Jam Records and made their live debut in June at the Governors Ball Music Festival in New York City. An appearance at the V Festival in England followed, as did performances in India. By late 2014 they had debuted two songs, “Can’t Hold Us Down” and “Something New,” both included on their EP X4. The following year they delivered several more singles, including “On My Way,” featuring vocalist Salem al Fakir, and “Sun Is Shining,” the latter of which hit number one in Sweden. Following up on their success, Axwell & Ingrosso delivered three singles in 2016, though it was their 2017 Kid Ink collaboration “I Love You” that put them back in the Top Ten in their home country. The song was included on the More Than You Know EP, which debuted at number 11 on the Billboard Top Electronic Albums chart. The single “Dancing Alone” arrived in June 2018, and featured vocals by RØMANS. ~ Matt Collar, Rovi
Read MoreRêve
Rêve, which means ‘dream’ in French, is a Juno Award-winning artist from Canada. Born as Briannah Donolo, she is set to enter her Saturn Return phase, with her debut album scheduled for release on October 20, 2023, under Universal Music Canada / Astralwerks. Rêve is a trailblazer in the world of dance music, skillfully merging the genre’s past, present, and future in her music since her label debut in 2021. With a remarkable track record, Rêve has garnered over 140 million total streams worldwide, propelled by popular songs like ‘CTRL + ALT + DEL’ and the 2023 breakout track ‘Big Boom.’ In Rêve’s expansive sonic universe, the dance floor transforms into a space of profound honesty, emotional release, and pulsating energy that embraces all who step into it.
Read MoreBT
Brian Wayne Transeau (born October 4, 1971), known by his initials as BT, is an American musician, DJ, singer, songwriter, record producer, composer, and audio engineer. An artist in the electronic music genre, he is credited as a pioneer of the trance and intelligent dance music styles that paved the way for EDM, and for “stretching electronic music to its technical breaking point.” In 2010, he was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Electronic/Dance Album for These Hopeful Machines. He creates music within myriad styles, such as classical, film composition, and bass music.
BT holds multiple patents for pioneering the technique he calls stutter editing. This production technique consists of taking a small fragment of sound and repeating it rhythmically, often at audio rate values while processing the resultant stream using advanced digital processing techniques. BT was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for his song “Somnambulist (Simply Being Loved)”, recognized as using the largest number of vocal edits in a song (6,178 edits). BT’s work with stutter edit techniques led to the formation of software development company Sonik Architects, developer of the sound-processing software plug-ins Stutter Edit and BreakTweaker, and Phobos with Spitfire Audio. BT has produced, collaborated, and written with a variety of artists, including Death Cab for Cutie, Howard Jones, Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Madonna, Markus Schulz, Armin van Buuren, Sting, Depeche Mode, Tori Amos, NSYNC, Blake Lewis, The Roots, Guru, Britney Spears, Paul van Dyk, and Tiësto. He has composed original scores for films such as Go, The Fast and the Furious, and Monster, and his scores and compositions have appeared on television series such as Smallville, Six Feet Under, and Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams. He was commissioned to compose a four-hour, 256 channel installation composition for the Tomorrowland-themed area at Shanghai Disneyland, which opened in 2016.
Tom Novy
Although better known by many as a place of oompah bands and lederhosen, Munich also has plenty to brag about when it comes to house music. One of its best-known DJs and producers is Tom Novy, who first started working the city’s club circuit as a teenager in the late ’80s. He has since strutted his stuff at some of Europe’s most celebrated venues and festivals and made a telling impact on dance charts worldwide. Starting off as a hip-hop DJ, Novy gradually switched his focus to house — his first single, “I House U,” a hit in the clubs, was released in 1995 and carried a sample by hip-hop legends the Jungle Brothers. Novy then served up the singles “The Odyssey” (1996) and “Creator” (1997), both released as the official anthems of the popular Rave + Cruise dance music event. His fortunes, however, skyrocketed after he met talented Kosmo Records producer Eniac, a migrant to Munich from the former East Germany. Working under the moniker Novy Vs. Eniac, the duo became stars after springing the catchy house track “Superstar” onto the world in 1997. The song made it to the number one spot on dance charts all over Europe, and appeared in the Top Ten on dance charts in many other countries, including the U.S. and Canada. Though not as big, the follow-up single “Someday Somehow,” with Munich DJ Virginia on the vocals, proved a fair success in clubs around the world, including on the famous Spanish party island of Ibiza. In 1999, Novy and Virginia struck another winner with the vocal house number “I Rock”; in some countries, the song sat in the Top Ten for well over two months. Novy then collaborated with vocalist Lima on two successful club singles, “Now or Never” (2000) and “Welcome to the Race” (2001). ~ David Peter Wesolowski, Rovi
Read MoreAmtrac
Amtrac (Caleb Cornett) is a Kentucky-born, Los Angeles-based artist, DJ, producer and founder of the record label Openers – Never content to settle, his musical mood and influences change with each passing season. Ambition and curiosity keep him locked on the edge, always happy to experiment with new techniques and sounds. His music is what he feels in the moment. Simply put, his constant evolution comes from a hatred of boredom and a love of labor.
Read MoreMathame
The artist, キ, known for their unique and captivating style, has been making waves in the music industry. With a distinctive sound that blends traditional and modern influences, キ captures the essence of creativity and innovation. Their music resonates with audiences around the world, taking listeners on a journey of emotions and experiences. キ’s talent and passion shine through in every note, making them a standout artist in the industry. With each new release, キ continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to create music that transcends genres and borders.
Read MoreAfro Medusa
Afro Medusa is a dynamic musical duo recognized for their unique fusion of house music and world influences. Comprising two talented members, Afro Medusa has captivated audiences worldwide with their eclectic sound and energetic performances. The group’s name itself, Afro Medusa, reflects their multicultural identity and musical diversity. With a career spanning several decades, Afro Medusa has established a solid reputation in the music industry, earning accolades for their innovative approach to blending different genres and creating captivating tunes that resonate with listeners of all backgrounds.
Afro Medusa’s music transcends traditional boundaries, combining elements of soulful vocals, infectious rhythms, and vibrant melodies. Their songs often carry powerful messages of unity, love, and empowerment, making them both enjoyable to listen to and thought-provoking. The duo’s passion for music is evident in every track they produce, showcasing their dedication to creating music that not only entertains but also inspires and uplifts. Afro Medusa’s influence extends beyond just the music scene, as they actively engage with their fans through social media and live performances, fostering a strong and supportive community of music enthusiasts.
R. Carrasco
ArtistName is a brilliant and talented artist known for their captivating artwork that transcends boundaries and sparks a deep connection with viewers. With a unique style characterized by vibrant colors and intricate details, ArtistName’s pieces have garnered international acclaim and recognition in the art world. Each work tells a story, inviting the audience to explore different emotions and perspectives, making ArtistName’s creations truly unforgettable.
Drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as nature, culture, and personal experiences, ArtistName brings a fresh and innovative approach to their artistry. Through meticulous craftsmanship and a keen eye for detail, ArtistName creates masterpieces that evoke wonder and contemplation. The dedication and passion evident in every brushstroke reflect ArtistName’s commitment to artistic excellence and the relentless pursuit of creative expression.
Flume
Flume, whose real name is Harley Edward Streten, is a prominent electronic musician and producer known for his atmospheric dance music influenced by house and U.K. garage. The Australian artist gained recognition with his debut album in 2012 and further rose to fame with his Grammy-winning sophomore album, Skin, in 2016. Both albums topped the charts in Australia, his home country. Flume’s music collaborations span across genres, and he has had chart-topping hits with artists like London Grammar, Vera Blue, and Toro y Moi.
Born in Australia, Streten began his music production journey in his early teens. After winning a competition hosted by Future Classic, he signed with the label and released an EP in 2011 featuring the track ‘Sleepless.’ Flume’s self-titled debut album, released in 2012, showcased guest appearances from prominent artists like Chet Faker, Jezzabell Doran, and Moon Holiday. The album achieved great success in Australia, topping the ARIA album chart and receiving double platinum certification. Flume continued to impress with his music releases, winning several awards including ARIA Awards and a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album for his album Skin.
Throughout the years, Flume embarked on tours and continued to release captivating music. His 2016 album, Skin, included collaborations with renowned artists such as AlunaGeorge, Little Dragon, Vic Mensa, and Beck. Hits like ‘Never Be Like You’ and ‘Say It’ featuring Tove Lo propelled him to international stardom. Flume’s return in 2019 with the mixtape Hi This Is Flume showcased his versatility and earned him a Grammy nomination. His impactful music journey includes chart-topping singles, successful collaborations, and acclaimed releases like Palaces, which featured collaborations with artists like Damon Albarn and Caroline Polachek.
Jaxomy
Berlin-based DJ and producer JAXOMY combines the liveliness of future house music with various influences, which can range from vibrant house beats to catchy vocals, creating a unique but recognizable sound of its own.
With his current songs he proved that his music is suitable for both live and radio. Through releases on well-known labels such as Selected, Hexagon, Warner Music, Mentalo, Spinnin Records, Soave etc. he got the support of numerous DJs and Radio Shows like Don Diablo, Robin Schulz, Tiesto, Timmy Trumpet, Martin Garrix, Sam Feldt, Fedde le Grand, NRJ Germany, Slam! and many more. From several remixes to carving his own songs he is now ready to conquer the stages of the world and look forward to an exciting adventure.