Hey, 2020! In the grand scheme of things you sucked. No sweaty dancefloors, no moshpits, no festivals – it’s been a grim year worldwide for the entertainment and nightlife industry. Thankfully, the music didn’t stop. DJs and promoters pivoted and brought us heaps of live streams and virtual festivals. Producers busied themselves in their studios and the music that’s helped pull us through kept coming.
As we say goodbye to 2020, we asked some of our DJ pals in Dubai to reveal their Outstanding Track of the Year. This is their top picks…
Sara Gojer’s Outstanding Track of the Year
Artist: Young T & Bugsey
Track: Don’t Rush
Label: Black Butter
Why it’s so good: I had this on loop throughout lockdown. It reminded me to slow down and take things easy – life’s going to be just fine. Good vibes all the way!
Jason Pinto’s Outstanding Track of the Year
Artist: MJ Cole
Track: Strings For Jodie (MJ Cole Remix)
Label: Decca
Why it’s so good: This really stands out. UK garage legend MJ Cole remixes Strings For Jodie from his Madrugada album – his first album in 17 years. It’s ambient set with neo-classical intentions and a garage groove.
Jixo & Danz’ Outstanding Track of the Year
Artist: Maceo Plex
Track: Cinemax
Label: Ministry of Sound Recordings
Why it’s so good: This tune has it all. It’s a mix of indie and dance. It’s funky, sexy and a slightly dark dance track with a touch of a nice vocal.
Lobito Brigante’s Outstanding Track of the Year
Artist: Sault
Track: Everything they’ve released in 2020.
Label: Forever Living Originals
Why it’s so good: Because Sault. (Check out Wildfires below)
Rohan Nunes’s Outstanding Track of the Year
Artist: Chris Stussy
Track: Seeing & Believing (Djoko Remix)
Label: PIV Records
Why it’s so good: This will put a smile on anyone’s face. It has a micro techy house vibe, with cool vocals and fluffy stabs. The bouncy groove and trippy synth riffs blend together perfectly. Chris Stussy and Djoko are down as my favourite artists of the year and PIV Recordings as my favourite label of the year too.
Clint Maximus’s Outstanding Track of the Year
Artist: Christian Burns
Track: The Magic
Label: Black Hole Recordings
Why it’s so good: This song was on my playlist at the right time. I was going through a very tough time leaving Beirut, losing almost everything because of the political situation there. The lyrics and vibe of this kept me going. As my flight out of Beirut took off, this song was playing in my earphones.
Salah Sadiq’s Outstanding Track of the Year
Artist: Stain
Track: Don’t Die
Label: BeatChain
Why it’s so good: This was very tough as I had three contenders between Stain, Kelly Lee Owens and Dukes of Chutney. All three were praised on The Crate radio show but I’m going with Stain for coming out of nowhere and being a reborn Fourtet while owning his own with unique unpredictability.
Si Forestiero’s (DJ Salv Pepp’s) Outstanding Track of the Year
Artist: Mike Dunn
Track: If I Can’t Get Down (Mousse T.’s Funky Shizzle Extended Mix)
Label: Classic Music Company
Why it’s so good: Mousse T’s remixes have been perfectly on-point this year – just my cup of tea. My radio show on The Buzz MCR is called ‘Got2BeFunky’ (Saturdays, 8pm GMT) and this track embodies everything it’s about. Mike Dunn’s cool, deep, almost rapped vocals over a funky, funky bassline deliver an infectious house track that’s been a mainstay of my playlists since its release.
Milko Moustache’s Outstanding Track of the Year
Artist: Koraal
Track: Vuurduin
Label: Nous’klaerAudio
Why it’s so good: It’s one of those tunes that will put a huge smile on your face and make it stay there.
