The Best Electronic Dance Music of 2016
A look at the best Electronic Dance Music of 2016. These are the tracks that got us moving and shaking on the dance floor.
Best Overall
It’s been an amazing year for electronic dance music. We’ve seen both veteran producers and newcomers alike release some amazing tracks. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best electronic dance music of 2016. This list is based on our personal opinions, so feel free to disagree.
Flume – Skin
Flume’s sophomore album, Skin, was nothing short of a masterpiece. The Australian producer took cues from his previous work and delivered an emotionally charged record that was full of beautiful soundscapes and innovative production. From the gorgeous opener, “Helix”, to the hard-hitting “Never Be Like You”, Skin was an electronic dance music album for the ages.
Bonobo – Migration
This is one of those albums that’s hard to pigeonhole – it’s atmospheric and contemplative, but also has some decidedly upbeat and danceable moments. It’s the perfect album to put on when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but still want something that will keep you moving.
Mura Masa – Mura Masa
Mura Masa’s self-titled debut album is one of the most innovative and exciting electronic records in recent memory. Combining elements of house, hip-hop, R&B, and pop, Mura Masa creates a unique sound that is both accessible and experimental. The result is an album that is both danceable and thought-provoking, with something to offer for everyone.
Best Debut
2016 was a big year for Electronic Dance Music. We saw a lot of new artists make their debut this year and they did not disappoint. In this article, we will be discussing the best electronic dance music of 2016. This list is based on my personal opinion and is in no particular order.
Kaytranada – 99.9%
Kaytranada’s debut album 99.9% is one of the best electronic dance music albums of 2016. The album features a mix of soul, hip-hop, and electronic music, and has something for everyone. Kaytranada is a skilled producer and his use of samples is impeccable. The album features guest appearances from Anderson .Paak, GoldLink, Vic Mensa, BadBadNotGood, and many more. If you’re looking for a fun and funky album to dance to, look no further than Kaytranada’s 99.9%.
Louis the Child – Love Is Alive
Louis the Child is an American electronic music duo from Chicago, Illinois, consisting of Robby Hauldren and Freddy Kennett. Their debut single, “Love Is Alive”, was released on March 4, 2016.
The song featured Wafia on vocals and was met with positive reviews from music critics. Billboard named the song one of the best dance/electronic songs of 2016, and The Fader included it in their list of the 100 best songs of 2016.
Illenium – Awake
Awake is the debut studio album by American electronic music producer Illenium, released on September 23, 2016 through Seeking Blue Records and Kasaya Recordings. The album features guest appearances from Joni Fatora, Echos, Dabin, Siegrance, and Kerli.
Critical reception for Awake was positive. Album of the Year gave the album a 80 out of 100, based on their assessment of the critical consensus. DJ Mag gave it 8 out of 10 and remarked “this is a record crafted with skilful precision and no small amount of emotion.” In his Substack newsletter “All Hands On Deck”, critic Phil Witmer praised the “maturity” of Illenium’s songwriting and production. giving it a score of 9.2 out of 10.
Best Collab
Dance music is better when its collaborative. When two or more producers or DJs get together to make a track, the result is often something completely unique and special. This was certainly the case for the best collaborative track of 2016.
Skrillex & Rick Ross – Purple Lamborghini
This song was released as a single on Skrillex’s album, “Recess.” “Purple Lamborghini” is a trap-influenced dubstep song featuring rapper Rick Ross. The song was nominated for Best Dance Recording at the 2017 Grammy Awards.
Zeds Dead x Diplo – Blame
“Blame” is a song by Canadian electronic music duo Zeds Dead and American DJ and record producer Diplo. It was released on July 29, 2016, through Mad Decent and titled after the 2014 song of the same name by Calvin Harris. The song samples Harris’ original composition.
Flume & Kai – Never Be Like You
Since its release in late January, Flume’s “Never Be Like You” has inched its way to the top of the charts, becoming one of the most streamed songs on Spotify and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording. The track, which features singer Kai on vocals, is a moving ballad with a catchy hook that’s at once both danceable and poignant.
Best Remix
DJ Snakes’ “Turn Down for What” was one of the most popular songs of 2014, and it’s no surprise that it has been remixed multiple times. The most popular remix of the song is by Lil Jon, and it was released in December of 2013.
Seven Lions & Echos – Cold Skin (Seven Lions Remix)
The original track “Cold Skin” is a beautiful, emotional journey reminiscent of early Seven Lions with its piano-driven intro and powerful vocal chords from Echos. The remix takes the original and puts a modern, progressive trance twist on it. Seven Lions’chnical production skills are on full display here, with the added bonus of his signature melodies weaved throughout the track.
Illenium – It’s All On U (feat. Liam O’Donnell) [Naderi Remix]
Electronic dance music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and 2016 was no exception. From the mainstream success of artists like The Chainsmokers to the continued popularity of EDM festivals like Tomorrowland, it’s safe to say that the genre is here to stay.
One of the stand-out tracks of 2016 was Illenium’s “It’s All On U”, featuring vocals from Liam O’Donnell. The original version of the track was a melodic bass anthem, but it was Naderi’s remix that took things to the next level.
Naderi’s remix is a driving, bass-heavy track that perfectly combines the best elements of trap and dubstep. It’s an energetic and addicting track that will get your heart racing and your feet moving. If you’re looking for a track to get you pumped up for a night out or a workout, this is it.
The Chainsmokers – Paris (The Him Remix)
The Chainsmokers – Paris (The Him Remix) is one of the best electronic dance songs of 2016. The remix takes the original song and adds a new level of energy and excitement. The Him is a Dutch electronic music duo that has taken the world by storm with their unique sound. This remix is sure to get you out of your seat and onto the dance floor.
Best Label
The Best Electronic Dance Music of 2016 has been a great year for music. A lot of new artists have emerged and there have been some great comebacks from some veteran artists. One label that has been putting out some great music this year is Monstercat.
Monstercat
Monstercat is a Canadian independent electronic dance music record label based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The label was founded in July 2011 by Mike Darlington and Ari Paunonen, and focuses on releasing electronic music, especially in the dubstep, electro house, and drum & bass genres. Notable artists signed to Monstercat include Pegboard Nerds, Grant Bowtie, Slushii, and Marshmello. In 2016, Monstercat began releasing songs on a variety of video games such as Rocket League and Crossy Road.
OWSLA
Founded in 2012, OWSLA is a record label and creative collective specializing in electronic dance music. Based in Los Angeles, the label is home to some of the biggest names in the EDM scene, including Skrillex, A-Trak, and Dillon Francis.
OWSLA’s releases are often characterized by their high energy and bass-heavy sound, making them perfect for both club play and festival sets. The label has also been praised for its eclectic taste, signing artists from a variety of genres including dubstep, trap, house, and techno.
Over the past few years, OWSLA has hosted a number of successful events and festivals, including their annual boat party at Miami Music Week and their flagship festival OWSLA After Dark. The label also has its own radio show on Beats 1, which features new music from OWSLA’s artists as well as exclusive DJ sets.
If you’re looking for the best in bass-driven electronic dance music, then you need to check out OWSLA. With a roster of world-renowned DJs and producers, plus a reputation for putting on killer parties and festivals, OWSLA is the go-to label for anyone who loves to move.
mau5trap
Mau5trap is an electronic dance music record label founded by Canadian electronic music producer deadmau5. It is based in Toronto, Canada and was founded in 2007. The label has released music by deadmau5, Feed Me, KOAN Sound, Noisia, The Glitch Mob, and Chris Lake.
Mau5trap’s releases are primarily distributed by Beatport. In 2012, Mau5trap launched “We Are Friends”, a subscription-based online music video channel featuring previews of upcoming Mau5trap releases and other exclusive content.
