Today, THUMP continues its month-long retrospective of the year in electronic and dance music, this time from the perspective of a hand-picked selection of DJs and producers, including A-Trak, Laidback Luke, The Black Madonna, and MikeQ. From future house to deep house, BPM to Bestival, and Buenos Aires to Glasgow, we talked about the cities, festivals, and trends that made a difference in 2015.Don't miss our favorite tracks, mixes, and albums that we rolled out last week.
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1) A-TRAK
2) MikeQ
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Glasgow! Hands down, they were so into it. Runner up: London. Pretty much, the U.K. Cares….What genre were you happy to see make a comeback this year?I can't really say that I even noticed a genre comeback this year but in the terms of Hiphop, Missy Elliott came back and that's exciting enough for that genre alone, in my opinion.What was your favourite Non-musical activity?Taking photos of all the lovely places I get to travel to because of music or just as an escape in general while still being a creative artist.What was the most challenging thing you overcame in 2015?I have a few: 1. I sat on a panel and did a little bit of public speaking. 2. I am finally debuting my record label to the world the way I've wanted to for some years now.What didn't you do in 2015 that you'll do in 2016?Go to Africa and or South America to DJ finally and get closer to my world domination as a DJ.
3) Sydney Blu
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Finishing my album. Lots of pressure on that, but I got it done. I wrote it for two years. Was a relief when I finally finished it.What didn't you do in 2015 that you'll do in 2016?Go back to Ibiza! I toured North America this past summer instead. Next year I'll be spending my summer in Europe.
4) Laidback Luke
5) The Black Madonna
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Probably an interview I gave somewhere.What about in real life?Straight people figuring out poppers. Well, except for that idiot that drank a bottle and almost died.What genre were you happy to see make a comeback this year?I am happy to see people making really solid techno that boarders on trance. By that I mean the original use of the word trance, not the Tiesto stuff.What is a trend you're ready to see go away?Deep house which is neither deep nor house. These words have meaning, kids.What was the most challenging thing you overcame in 2015?I have lifelong terrible anxiety, which was really highlighted when I started touring. This year I had to see a doctor for it. It changed my life finally getting help. I'm mostly over a lot of the worst of it now, but it still flares up. I have a very special relationship with the kids that come to the shows. They hug me and tell what's going on in their lives and what they care about. I always listen and make time. It means a lot that they come, sometimes very long distances, and that they feel a connection with me. They're very precious to me. But sometimes I have to go take a talking timeout in the bathroom. I do what I have to do to manage this stupid anxiety on the job.What didn't you do in 2015 that you'll do in 2016?Dead serious: I'm going to Disneyland.
6) Lupe Fuentes
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My dog sitting on the kitchen step-stool asking me for Haagen Dazs vanilla ice cream.What is a trend you're ready to see go away?While I am definitely a fan of men being manly and I don't mind beards, some of you guys are out of control.What was your favorite non-musical activity?Hiking with my dogs in Malibu, I love nature and I love the ocean.What was the most challenging thing you overcame in 2015?Starting my label In The Loop and turning it into a brand!What didn't you do in 2015 that you'll do in 2016?Tour all around the world.
7) Savant/Blanco
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