These 10 Djs Performing At Escapade Are Guaranteed To Open Your Eyes To New Music
Music festivals are truly unique events that every music lover should attend once in their life. With bookings spanning several different genres, they allow people to broaden their musical horizons and open their minds to new styles that they otherwise would have never been exposed to.
However, I’ve recently noticed that a lot of the big music festivals are becoming more and more saturated with ”EDM” acts who have the same 20 tracks on constant repeat. You end up hearing the same songs at every stage, and it takes away from the whole discovery process.
With that in mind, I decided to make a list of 10 must see acts that will be performing at this year’s Escapade Music Festival.
In my humble opinion, these are all DJs that have true musical talent and that know how to keep the crowd dancing without spoon-feeding people the current, most popular tracks on the scene.
I have either had the chance of seeing these DJs perform live, or have been listening to their music for quite some time. Their sets are always fresh and filled with new material that makes them exciting to watch, time and time again.
10. Pleasurekraft
American duo Pleasurekraft have been on a steady rise to fame in the last few years. Their label Kraftek has been home to releases by renowned artists such as Green Velvet and Umek. Their remix of Josh Butler‘s ”Got A Feeling” was one of the biggest deep house anthems of the year! Their sound is characterized by deep, groovey, underground techno with a signature sound that can get any dance floor rocking. They performed at Circus Afterhours’ 2013 Halloween event to a packed house, and they are sure to bring the same kind of high energy house music to Escapade.
Pleasurekraft performing at Circus Afterhours on November 2nd, 2013.
9. Prince Club
I had to show some love to two young Montreal-based DJs and producers who have been making a lot of noise on the house scene lately. Prince Club have been putting out EPs on some of the biggest record labels including Toolroom Records and Snatch! to name a few. They had the opportunity to play their aggressive style of deep and tech house at Igloofest 2014, and they have graced the decks of clubs all over Europe. Be sure to check them out.
Prince Club performing on the Main Stage at Igloofest 2014
8. Catz ‘n Dogz
Polish duo Catz ‘n Dogz blew up on the scene in 2008, catching the attention of heavy weights such as Claude VonStroke and Pete Tong with their signature style of deep house infused with elements of disco, R&B and hip-hop. They now hold a residencies at Watergate Club, Berlin, as well as Sankeys in Ibiza. They recently performed at Velvet Speakeasy, and what a party it was!
Catz ‘N Dogz performing at Love On The Beat at Velvet Speakeasy in May 2014.
7. Ben Gold
Although my trance days are far behind me, I have to show respect to one of the most exciting and dynamic acts in the electronic music scene. Ben Gold is one of the DJs I have seen perform the most, and every time, the level of energy he brings to the table is unparalleled. This young man really knows how to throw a party. He has performed countless times in Montreal, at New City Gas, Circus Afterhours and Stereo Afterhours, as well as headlining parties across the world, from Miami to Ibiza. He recently had the chance to perform at Armin Van Buuren’s A State of Trance 600 & 650 parties, which are the biggest parties in the trance scene. If you’re looking for a raging party, be sure to check out Ben Gold. He also spent a day in Montreal with the canadanightlife team recently exploring the city.
Ben Gold spending the day at Piknic Electronik
6. Justin Martin
Justin Martin is the co-founder of the dirtybird crew alongside Claude VonStroke. His aggressive style of deep, bass-ey house has put him on the map as a must-see act in the scene, as his sets are full of groove and energy. He has played at major festivals such as EDC Las Vegas and Movement Detroit, and will be playing Ibiza’s famous We Love event at Space Ibiza. Make sure not to miss him.
Justin Martin performing at Verboten New York in May 2014.
5. The Martinez Brothers
The Martinez Brothers are currently the two coolest kids on the scene. Hailing straight from the Bronx, these brothers have made their mark as one of the most exciting acts in the underground house and techno scene. You can hear the heavy influence of New York hip-hop layered over their style of house music in their live sets. Their swag, charisma and talent behind the decks have landed them a residency at the infamous Circo Loco at DC10 in Ibiza, and they are constantly touring the world, throwing some of the most amazing parties.
The Martinez Brothers performing at the Circo Loco event at DC10 in Ibiza.
4. Guy J
Guy J is a veteran in the progressive house genre, and over the years he has established one of the most loyal fan-followings in the whole industry. His use of Ableton in his live performances allows him to create unique and interesting sets full of beautiful grooves and melodies. I recently had the chance to see him live at Stereo Montreal, and it was one of the most amazing sets I have ever heard in my life. This man knows how to work a crowd, and I guarantee you he will not disappoint.
Guy J performing a live set in Buenos Aires in February 2014.
3. Lee Foss w/ Anabel Englund
Lee Foss is at the head of Hot Creations, one of the biggest labels in house music today. Hot Creations is all about good music, good vibes, and good times, and Lee Foss’ sets embody that perfectly. He plays feel-good music that will keep you dancing the entire time. Add to the mix the beautiful and sexy vocals of Anabel Englund, vocalist of Hot Natured , and you have an unbeatable combo that will provide you with the grooviest sounds of the entire festival.
Lee Foss & Anabel Englund at Lost Beachclub Montanita
2. Danny Tenaglia
The most veteran name on this list, Danny Tenaglia needs no introduction. His DJ career stretches over the better part of the last 30 years. With a catalog of over 200 original tracks and productions, Tenaglia has established himself as a legend and role-model in the electronic music scene. His style of music spans house, techno, disco and everything in between. His sets are versatile and exciting, and his charisma on stage makes him one of my favorite DJs to watch perform.
Danny Tenaglia performing an open-to-close set at Stereo Montreal in 2013.
1. Nicole Moudaber
Nicole Moudaber is one of the very few DJs that I choose to go see every time she’s in Montreal – and she’s here very often, constantly stating that Montreal is one of her favorite cities to play in. Her effortless blend of various genres of techno, her high-octane sets and her humble persona on stage make of her my top act to see at Escapade this year. She is constantly headlining slots at some of the biggest parties around the world, whether it be on the Carl Cox & Friends stage at Ultra Music Festival, or her 10-hour marathon sets at clubs such as Fabric in London and, of course, Stereo in Montreal. She has earned the respect of some of the biggest names in the techno game, including Carl Cox, Adam Beyer and Danny Tenaglia, who have taken her under their wings to turn her into the uncontested ”Queen of Techno”.
Nicole Moudaber performing at the 20th edition of Montreal’s Bal en Blanc in April 2014.
So there you have it, my list of the top 10 acts you should see at Escapade Music Festival.
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