Perhaps more than a majority of years in the 2010s, 2013 brought huge names into the EDM scene and celebrated the return of others.
The year was defined by big room house and techno. “Animals” by a 17-year old Martin Garrix found itself at number one on the UK charts before finding incredible success in the United States.
“Tsunami” by Dvbbs and Borgeous was the most-played song at Tomorrowland in 2013. Around the same time, Hardwell continued on the big room wave with the soundtrack accompanying his documentary, I Am Hardwell, and singles Apollo
Avicii’s debut album was released on the first of the year, featuring songs “Wake Me Up” and “Hey Brother.” True furthered progressive house with its massive radio play. “Wake Me Up” with Aloe Blacc has garnered 1.7 billion streams since it was first released.
Daft Punk returned in 2013 with Random Access Memories. The album blended real instruments with modern technology and a funk sound. “Get Lucky,” a collaboration with Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers, rocketed to the top of the charts that year and maintained its position in the top fifteen for a majority of 2013.
“Get Lucky” was Daft Punk’s first song to make it to top-ten on the United States charts. Both the single and album won the dup three Grammys – Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical).
Settle by Disclosure also dropped in mid-2013, giving fans “White Noise” and their remix of Flume’s “You and Me.” “Atmosphere” by Kaskade peaked at twenty-four on the U.S. charts and was nominated for a Grammy the next year. Calvin Harris’ single, “I Need Your Love” with Ellie Goudling, ended 2013 at number fifty-six on Billboard’s Year-End Hot 100 chart.
The electronic music released a decade ago helped bring out emerging and established producers. Most of all, the sounds are nostalgic and the songs make you want to dance.
