Top Melodic Techno DJ's of 2023
Melodic Techno; where the deep depths of techno meet the mystical magic behind an infectious melody. Melodic techno captures a different vibe and feel compared to regular techno. This genre is all about taking us on a sonic adventure. Artists who fall under the subgenre of melodic techno take a different route compared to other genres. Melodic techno tends to evoke emotion within the music creating more than just an audio experience for fans.
This year has been an immaculate year of growth and experimentation for the melodic techno lovers. We have seen the hype around shows like’ ‘Afterlife’, by duo Tale of Us, and ‘X’, by duo Adriatique. These two events on their own have made their way around the world - combining the intense experiences and sounds of visual aesthetics and captivating melodic sounds.
There are numerous artists who have meandered into the melodic techno scene, but some notable mentions for this year are as follows.
Tale of Us (Anyma and Mrak)
Tale of Us is an Italian duo, consisting of Carmine Conte (Mrak) and Matteo Milleri (Anyma). Though the two as individuals produce their own music, they are more widely recognized as a dynamic duo. The duo has created their own record label and cultivated an entire event, ‘Afterlife’.
Tale of Us has become a significant and successful force in the melodic techno scene, especially for their combined performances, at their show ‘Afterlife’. These shows have traveled to the cracks and crevices of the world. If you’re a true electronic music lover, you have either witnessed the show for yourselves or are desperately yearning to.
‘Afterlife’ shows contain mesmerizing computer generated visuals that are known for hooking the crowd in. But beyond the visual aesthetics, we have the incredible foundation of Tale of Us’ musical soundscape. The music they play at their shows often features a blend of atmospheric and melodic elements with a techno foundation.
Together, the duo that is Tale of Us truly captures what the sound and essence of melodic techno music is.
Camelphat
Next, we have Camelphat. Yet another enigmatic duo that has traveled deep into the abyss of melodic techno music. But hold on, this duo was not always into melodic techno. Just recently this has been where their musical journey has taken them.
Camelphat is a British electronic music duo consisting of Dave Whelan and Mike Di Scala. They gained wild recognition in the electronic dance music scene with their breakthrough hit "Cola" in 2017, a collaboration with vocalist Elderbrook. "Cola" became a massive success and earned them critical acclaim, including a Grammy nomination. The track featured sensual lyrics with a hypnotizing beat, and for this reason all we wanted was more of Camelphat’s Cola.
From there, Camelphat has experimented with all sorts of subgenres underneath the house music umbrella. Their sound has been able to evolve, and arguably, only get better. The duo has made their way around the world and has gained a significant loyal fanbase.
Throughout the past couple years, the duo has transversed their sound into the melodic techno realm. From their track with Cristoph and Jem Cooke, “Breathe”, to “Believe” with Mathame, to their newest album “Spiritual Milk”, and everything in between…. Camelphat has been on an absolute bender.
This duo has done nothing less than wow the hell out of us and we cannot wait to see where else their musical soundscape will tread.
Adriatique
Say hello to Adriatique, the Swiss dynamic DJ duo, starring Adrian Shala and Adrian Schweizer. These guys aren't just turning knobs; they're turning heads in the electronic music world, dominating the realms of house and techno like musical superheroes.
This duo has taken the world by storm with their infectious music and curated event, “X”. The two have put together a live production that heavily relies on the emotive energy of melodic techno music, paired with engaging visuals for the audience to enjoy. Their events have typically been described as “out of body”, “surreal”, and “must experience”.
The duo has released tracks with GORDO, WhoMadeWho, and Rufus Du Sol - other legends in the house music world. Their music truly captures what the sound behind melodic techno is and we are so here for it.
Argy
Up next, we have Argy. Argyris Theofilis, is a Greek DJ and producer in the electronic music scene. He has made a name for himself with his contributions to the house and techno genres. Argy has been active in the music industry for several years and has garnered attention for his versatile style, often blending elements of house, techno, and other electronic music subgenres.
He has released music on various well-known labels and gained recognition for his skillful DJ performances. Argy is known for his ability to infuse his sets and productions with a mix of energy, creativity, and a deep understanding of electronic music.
Argy has skillfully and tastefully combined the energy of melodic techno music with some middle eastern, afro, and european flare to it - What a combination! Some of his tracks that infuse the different sounds are his track “Tibet”, “Tataki”, “Pantheon”, and “Aria”.
Argy’s music is moving and emotive. Simply listening to his tracks makes you feel a certain way, and we want to feel more of it. Keep it coming Argy, we are ready for the other talent you have hidden up your sleeve.
ARTBAT
Last but not least, we have ARTBAT. ARTBAT is a Ukrainian electronic music duo consisting of Artur Shkurin and Batish. They gained international fame for their productions in the techno and house music genres. ARTBAT has become known for their melodic and atmospheric sound, incorporating elements of progressive and deep house.
The duo's rise to prominence includes successful releases on prominent electronic music labels, and they have played at major music festivals and events around the world. Some of their notable tracks are "Tabu," which contributed to their growing reputation in the electronic music scene, “Return to Oz” (ARTBAT Remix), “Tibet” with Argy, “Horizon”, and “For a Feeling” with Camelphat and RHODES.
This duo truly understands what we mean when we say we want a track that will blow us away.. Literally. Try blasting one of ARTBAT’s songs in your car. Actually, maybe don’t - unless you want to blow the speakers out of your car. Just listen with caution, just some fellow friendly advice.
Their music is truly distinct and we cannot wait to see the other magic ARTBAT has for us.
What a year it's been for the melodic techno scene!