The Top Canadian Electronic Dance Music Artists
The Top Canadian Electronic Dance Music Artists You Need to Know About
Introduction
The electronic dance music scene in Canada has been growing rapidly in recent years, and there are now a number of talented artists making a name for themselves on the international stage. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top Canadian electronic dance music artists who are making waves in the EDM world.
Excision
Excision is the stage name of Jeff Abel, a Canadian dubstep producer and DJ. His first release was in 2007 and since then he has released two full-length albums, X Rated and Virus, as well as four EPs. His latest album, Apex, was released in 2018. Excision frequently collaborates with other dubstep producers such as Datsik and Flux Pavilion. He is also the founder of the record label Rottun Recordings.
Datsik
Datsik is a Canadian dubstep and bass music producer and DJ from Kelowna, British Columbia. His first release, “Down 4 My Niggas” / “Get Back”, was released in 2009 on Excision’s Rottun Recordings label. He has since released several singles and extended plays on Rottun, as well as other labels including Dim Mak Records, Ultra Music, Firepower Records, and OWSLA. In 2012, he founded his own label, Firepower Records.
Zeds Dead
Zeds Dead is a Canadian electronic music duo from Toronto, Ontario. The duo consists of producers Dylan Mamid (a.k.a. DC) and Zachary Rapp-Rovan (a.k.a. Hooks). They are most known for their collaboration with Omar Linx on the track “Out for Blood”, which was included on the dubstep compilation album Bassrush 1.0, and their remix of Blue Foundation’s “Eyes on Fire”, which was included on the dubstep compilation album Ministry of Sound: Dubstep 2010.
The duo’s first EP, Adrenaline, was released in 2010 on the labelstenBANG Recordings, and their second EP, Rude Boyz, was released in 2011 on Inspected Records. Their debut album, Hot Soulfood, was released in 2012 on Mad Decent. The album peaked at number 35 on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and features guest vocal appearances from Omar Linx, Javid Sinatra, Critter Trumpet and B Real of Cypress Hill fame.
In 2014, Zeds Dead released their highly acclaimed second albumWhere the Wild Things Are through Dim Mak Records to critical acclaim; it reached number 1 on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and number 15 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album featured collaborations with Pusha T, Perry Farrell, Twin Shadow and A$AP Ferg among others.
Adventure Club
Adventure Club is a Canadian electronic dance music duo composed of Christian Srigley and Leighton James, both from Montreal, Quebec. The duo is best known for their 2013 single “Wonder”, which received Gold certification in the United States and Platinum certification in Canada.
Adventure Club’s first taste of success came with the release of their remix of “Yuna’s Lullabies” which quickly became a mainstay on Hype Machine and led to the opportunity to remix for other well-known artists like Krewella, Ellie Goulding and Passion Pit. In 2012,they released the Superheroes Anonymous mixtape, which featured a collaboration with Krewella as well as original tracks “Do I See Color” and “Gold”.
After signing with BMG Chrysalis for North America and Ultra Records for the rest of the world, Adventure Club released their debut extended play Calling All Heroes Pt. 1 on October 28, 2013, followed by Calling All Heroes Pt. 2 on November 4, 2013. Part 1 features singles “Crash 2.0” and “Gold”, while Part 2 features singles “Wonder” and “Fade”. On August 12, 2014, they released their debut album Red // Blue through BMG/Ultra Records.
Seven Lions
Seven Lions is a Canadian DJ and record producer. He has released five studio albums, four compilation albums, one extended play, thirty-two singles and forty-three remixes. His 2013 song “Strangers” featuring Danish singer Tove Lo peaked at number five on Billboard’s Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His 2014 track “Don’t Leave” featuring British singer Ellie Goulding peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and was certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
Snails
Snails is the stage name of Montreal-based producer and DJ Frédéric Vervloesem. His music incorporates hip hop, rock, and heavy bass with occasional vocals. He has released several singles and EPs, and his 2016 single “Dirty Raxxx” reached number one on the US Dance Chart.
Rezz
Rezz is a Canadian electronic dance music producer, DJ, and singer from Niagara Falls, Ontario. Her music has been described as “dark and hypnotic”, with heavy basslines and percussive elements. Rezz has released two EPs on mau5trap, Insurrection in 2015 and Something Wrong Here in 2016, as well as three singles on the label. In 2017, she released her debut album, Mass Manipulation, which peaked at number one on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart. She has toured with Deadmau5, who signed her to his mau5trap label, and has performed at major music festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Tomorrowland.
Illenium
Illenium is a Canadian electronic dance music producer and DJ. His music focuses on the melodic elements of trance and bass music, and has featured in films, television shows, and video games. He has released three studio albums and numerous singles, including the Grammy-nominated song “Don’t Let Me Go”.
Ghastly
Ghastly, real name David Crow, is a 26 year old Los Angeles based producer who is known for his unique brand of bass music. Drawing influence from a wide range of genres including house, dubstep, and trap, Ghastly’s music has been described as “a mix of heavy basslines, wonky synths, and ethereal vocals”.
Ghastly has been active in the electronic dance music scene since 2012, and has released a number of well-received singles and EPs. In 2015, he released his debut album The Mystifying Oracle to critical acclaim. The album featured a number of well-known guest artists such as Skrillex and Knife Party.
Ghastly has performed at some of the biggest music festivals in the world including Coachella, EDC Las Vegas, and Tomorrowland. He is widely considered to be one of the top Canadian electronic dance music artists.
