With over 430 artists performing at over 80 showcases, The BPM Festival has positioned itself as where the world’s leading tastemaking DJs gather to showcase their newest and hottest tracks. Previewing a year’s worth of future anthems there were thousands of tracks – new and old alike – played at this year’s edition.
We spoke to 19 DJs and asked them to name one standout track from their BPM sets that’s sure to be the next stone-cold dancefloor classic. Let’s look back and remember how some of these cuts soundtracked an epic week of fun and music, and the one-of-a-kind experience that has made the BPM such a must-go destination for artists and fans alike.
Jump in and find out what tracks they name in our first of two part series.
Nicole Moudaber
Track: Audion – Mouth to Mouth (Scuba’s Orbital 93 Mix)
Played at: Last Night On Earth at Martina Beach
“I dropped it at Last Night On Earth at Martina Beach when I played with Sasha. It rocked Playa del Carmen.”
Josh Wink
Track: Josh Wink – “Denial (Tweak Dub)” – Ovum Records
Played at: Knee Deep in Mobilee at Blue Parrot
“I didn’t do an Ovum party this year, and decided to only be a part of one event, as I was in Mexico with my family. So, I was happy to be part of the Mobilee party, which got moved due to the rain. So, it then became a B2B night with Mobilee and Knee Deep at Blue Parrot. I played 45 minutes B2B with Heidi. In the end, I played 4 tracks. One of them was my Denial track on Ovum. The dub version. People knew it, yelled when the vocals came in, and screamed when it started jacking and tweaking. A good feeling.” Listen here!
Adrian Hour
Track: Beth Lydi – “Jump the Couch (Adrian Hour remix)” – Out now on SNOE
Played at: Toolroom Records showcase at Salsanera
“This track has a really good vibe, very fresh sounds, and it works perfectly for my sound nowadays. I played it at Toolroom at Salsanera, it was amazing!” Listen here!
Sharam
Track: Kings of Tomorrow – “I Want You for Myself (Sharam’s Playa Remix)” – coming out in March on Yoshitoshi
Played at: Yoshitoshi showcase at Wah Wah Beach Bar
“It’s a classic Yoshi release from 1998. It’s been one of my favorite Yoshi signings and i have always wanted to remix it. In fact, I did a version three years ago that I played at the first Yoshitoshi at BPM party at Kool Beach — and it’s on the live Wildcast. I always wanted to properly finish it. So I finally finished that version and did another one too. This is the new one, and it’s coming out as package #8 of our Yoshitoshi 20th anniversary project.” Listen here!
LEON
Track: Chris Tietjen – “Smoke Stack (Randall M remix)” – out now on Atrakt Recordings
Played at: Music On at Blue Parrot
“This is a very dark track. It’s perfect for the first few hours, and creates a special atmosphere.” Listen here!
Sian
Track: Weska – “The Ally of Lars” – out now on Octopus Recordings
Played at: Octopus Recordings showcase at La Santanera
“This track has big tough production, and synth melodies in the break that crush the dancefloor!” Listen here!
Eagles & Butterflies
Track: Eagle & Butterflies – “Shinto” – Exit Strategy
Played at: Bedrock showcase at Blue Parrot
“This is one of my favorite records.” Listen here!
Matthias Tanzmann
Track: Gemini – “Where Do I Go (Sebo K Edit)” – out now on Robsoul Records
Played at: 15 Years of Moon Harbour at La Santanera Roof
“This is an edit of an old Gemini track. Super funky tune. It is coming out soon as part of a package of edits by Sebo K on Robsoul. All of them are great.” Listen here!
Jean Pierre
Track: Marco Faraone – “Rotaryknobs (Radio Slave Remix)” – out now on Uncage
Played at: Transmit Recordings / MB Electronics Showcase at La Santanera
“The energy and vibe when I dropped it really got everybody in front of my face at La Santanera. They started yelling and clapping which really got me feeling this track even more.” Listen here!
Christian Smith
Track: Eric Sneo – “Out of Step” – out May 2016 on Tronic
Played at: Tronic showcase at Wah Wah Beach Bar
“It’s techno but with a very housey feel. Its very simple and never fails to rock the house. A weapon!” Listen here!
Words by Sleepy & Boo
