If you haven’t already caught on at this point, I have a small affinity towards British musicians. A couple of years ago, my little brother turned me on to BBC Radio 6 (undiscovered/emerging/unsigned artists, all genres) and Radio 1 (big names in modern dance/rock/pop/hip hop), and I’ve been unable to tear myself away ever since. So, where has that resource led me?

Hours upon hours spent finding new bands and songs that might not be household names in America (yet) but are very deserving of our attention. My past several posts have been dominated by indie, singer-songwriters, rock, and pop. So this time, I’d like to show you some dance and electronic acts that I’ve adored this year. I hope you like them, too.

“Pop Culture” by Madeon
Hometown: Paris
Label: Popcultur

What’s so special: I once heard Chapel Hill-born producer Porter Robinson classify Madeon’s music as “smile era” house; it is euphoric, characterized by soaring synths and sounds as if it were created with a child’s imagination.

“Feel the Love” by Rudimental
Hometown: London
Label: Black Butter

What’s so special: Black Butter is one of the labels that I’m always watching closely. It’s brave and progressive, and despite many of their young ages, its artists are incredibly influential in their genres.

“Love in Motion” by Sebastian
Hometown: Paris
Label: Ed Banger

What’s so special: I love Sebastian (his 2011 track “Embody” had one of my favorite videos of the year). His music sounds similar to that of his label mates, Justice: glitchy, funky, ’70s-inspired, French nuevo disco.

“New Lands” by Justice
Hometown: Paris
Label: Ed Banger

What’s so special: A violent futuristic American football game. A video that matches the song’s grandeur in terms of production quality, intricacy of composition, and epic feel.

“Around (Solomun Vox Mix)” by Noir & Haze
Hometown: Denmark
Label: Noir

What’s so special: Chosen as BBC Radio 1’s Essential New Tune on 11/11/11 by Pete Tong (the station’s most iconic and influential longterm DJ)

“The Veldt” by Deadmau5 feat. Chris James
Hometown: Toronto
Label: Ultra

“Housecall” by Boston Bun
Hometown: Paris
Label: Ed Banger

What’s so special: This is the title track from this 25-year-old’s debut EP, which was released less than a month ago. Sounds like it’s from the early ‘90s. Pretty good for a first timer.

“I Love It” by Icona Pop
Hometown: Stockholm
Label: Big Beat / Atlantic

What’s so special: Straight from Sweden, the world’s leading exporter of anthemic pop music.

“The Edge” by Yuksek
Hometown: Paris
Label: Ultra

What’s so special: Pop-inspired French disco house anthems. He also performs alongside Belgian DJ The Magician under the alias of Peter (together, they are Peter and The Magician).

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WRITTEN BY Emmy – our Ad Sales Account Manager and Music Aficionado