New Year

     Since this is dawn of a new year, I figured I'd let you guys in on what went on in my head for most of this year. Although 2011 had a rocky start, an incredible build up to a crescendo this summer, a rocky breakdown and is building to a wonderfully sweet finish, I had to document my year with my top ten track from this incredible year.

     Not only did this year mark the start of my DJ career, this year was a legendary year for Electronic Dance Music as a whole. Starting with a record attendance at Ultra this year and ending with the Swedish House Mafia selling out Madison Square Garden in under ten minutes, we made major moves as a group this year. In my opinion, and hoping with all my might, 2012 is the year we all finally step into the spotlight.

    My top ten tracks are tracks I have played at most of my shows this year. With most of them having a whole boatload of energy, I searched far and wide to find tracks that had the power to completely electrify a dance floor. With an effect heavy, hard hitting style, I know my fans expect nothing less of me to build up the energy in a room and drop them on their heads with an unexpected dance floor bomb. Not only do I strive to do this every time, I keep working on different things to make my fans lose their minds.

Dotty's Top Ten tracks of 2011

10. Feel So Close - Calvin Harris

     One of the songs I usually play later in my sets as the energy winds down, Calvin Harris really nailed the energy in this song. A completely happy track that makes people feel good about coming out to the show. Watching people jump around with me to this track makes it an easy pick for my number ten song. 

9. Ressurection - Michael Calfan (Axwell's Recut Club version)

     A simple synth that lets the beat build is really all I ask for from my favorite producers. Axwell definitely nailed this super high energy track. If I add this into a set, I know I'll be able to inject lost energy after some tracks with bigger breakdowns. Since the track is so open ended, it's pretty easy to lay some vocals in and throw off the crowd a little. The drop in this song hits so hard when done right too.

8. Around the World - Arty

      The youngster from Sweden first got my attention when I heard this gem on ElectricArea. Another track that is incredibly simple but extremely effective.

7. Maximal Crazy - Tiesto

     It goes without saying that Tiesto is a living legend in the world of Electronic music. The world's #3 DJ has always had a knack for making crazy trance songs that completely own a crowd. Without a release since Kaleidoscope, I was worried he had fallen off a little. Nope. Maximal Crazy assured me Tiesto is still here to stay after all these year.

6. Drink to Get Drunk - Sander Van Doorn

     If someone engages with me in a conversation about EDM, they will quickly find out that Sander Van Doorn is a absolute legend in my mind. I've been listening to him for several years now and Eleve11 was one of my favorite DJ albums this year. Drink to Get Drunk is a track to kinda let the crowd know that I'm dead serious about the set I'm playing. With a super groovy opening, I can set up the crowd pretty easily. After the big drop hits, they know their in for it. You can almost see the electricity hit the dance floor when Sander loads up that first big synth hit.

5. Encoded - Hardwell

     Not many DJs impressed me this year as much as Hardwell did. Coming out of the shadow of one of the world's biggest DJs, being from the same town as Tiesto, Hardwell has done a great job of making a name for himself. Yes, I did steal most of my DJ moves in the booth from Hardwell but putting both hands in the air as the beat drops is like being the puppet master in a puppet show, except you have complete control over 200 kids..

4. One Last Ride - John Dahlback (Tommy Trash Remix)

     One word, astounding. Tommy Trash came out of no where this year and produced some of today's biggest tracks that the world's best DJs are dropping left and right. This gem is my own person favorite. I can't help but freak out when I drop the beat at the perfect time. Whether I'm in my bedroom or in from of two hundred kids, this drop is utterly perfect and Tommy has never failed to disappoint me or my audience.

3. Eyes - Kaskade

     One of the happiest songs to ever grace my mixer is this wonderful tune by my all time favorite, Kaskade. Those of you who are regulars here at Electric Dreams Inc., know the special relationship I share with Kaskade and this has quickly become my favorite track. I have formed connections with so many crowds to this song and I only hope it gets better in the future.

2. Antidote - Swedish House Mafia

     A late entry into the scene, but definitely necessary. The energy played through this song destroys any crowd around the world. The drop is one of the more interesting drops I've heard this year and watching the Three Musketeers of house music drop this at the legendary Madison Square Garden was incredible. A staple in my future sets. Look out kids, I'm probably going to ruin your face with this one.

1. Fade Into Darkness - Avicii

     Was it really that hard to see what my favorite track of 2011 was going to be? I have some incredible memories made to this song. Playing it in my first live set ever and hearing the crowd scream the lyrics over my speakers was probably one of the most magical experiences ever. Screaming along with my hand up in the air was instantly hooked me into this movement and let me know that I was in the right place at the right time. It's those moments I strive for in my life. With a big thank you, the top honors go to one of my favorite DJs ever, Avicii.