Top 100 DJs of 2017
The highly anticipated event which capped out Amsterdam Dance Event just happened. DJ Mag just dropped the Top 100 DJs of 2017 and as always there were mixed reactions. The Top 100 DJs has a huge influence on booking fees and popularity, with some producers stating rumors of people paying to be on the list. However like always, fans from all around the world watched the world’s biggest poll release its results that held surprises and predictable outcomes. Here are some of the highlights from this year’s results.
Setting things off at 100 was Disclosure. This was odd because even though the duo is successful, they’re currently taking time off and haven’t produced anything this year. Falling in the nineties were a slew of names including Tchami (oddly low placement), Porter Robinson, Paul Kalkbrenner, and Ferry Corsten. Then came the 80s which had Alison Wonderland, Flume, and Dillon Francis. Black Coffee took 85 which was a low ranking for the Best Deep House DJ in the world. Steve Angello dropped a SHOCKING 52 places from 2016 (OUCH) and landed at 82. This a huge drop for Angello, however he just reemerged in middle of the year with new music.
The Top 70s DJs had Sam Feldt, Jauz, and Robin Schulz on its list. Psy Trance powerhouse talent Vini Vici was a new entry onto the poll and took the 72nd spot. Claptone was ranked as the highest house DJ on the list at 69. Falling next at 66 was Galantis, even though their Aviary Album and tour have been mega successful and warranted them a higher spot. Carl Cox, who twenty years ago was Number 1, landed at 62.
The 50s section saw a slew of well known names including Miss K8 who climbed 30 places this year. Deadmau5 entered the list at 49 and falling after him was Major Lazer at 45 and Nervo at 42. Eric Prydz jumped as well this year to 34 and right after him was Headhunterz at 33 who just made his return to hardstyle.
Now the 20s had a HUGE number of names that everyone knows. Zedd, Avicii, Diplo, and DJ Snake all found their home on this portion of the list. Newcomer to the scene, Lost Frequencies, made a incredible premier taking the 26th spot. The teens was an interesting section with Alan Walker (who hasn’t released a lot of music lately) taking 17. In this section of the poll Skrillex and R3hab also found their home. Future house held a presence at the top of the list with Oliver Heldens taking 13 and Don Diablo taking 11.
The Top Ten. This is the portion of the list that is the most desired and most sought out by DJs. Every year DJs will campaign to earn a spot on DJ Mag’s Top Ten. This part is also the MOST controversial.
Well deserved places went to Armin, Hardwell, Afrojack, and Marshmello. The other names were met with some mixed reactions. While names such as Dmitri Vegas & Like Mike, David Guetta, and Steve Aoki might have made us scratch our heads, the most interesting result was that of Martin Garrix returning to take the Number 1 spot. Its an impressive feat for the young DJ, and he has the resume to back it up. In 2017 he went on tour with Justin Bieber, made a debut with Armani Exchange, and worked under two aliases.
We’ll let you take a look at the complete list of Top 100 DJs and come up with your opinion.
Take a look at EDMtunes’s Top Ten DJs of 2017 here.