Exactly one year ago, I wrote an article titled “13 Canadian Producers You Need to Familiarize Yourself With”. Along with being a relatively new writer at EDMTunes, I was also the first and only Canuck. That being said, I felt the need to show my fellow colleagues that we have some serious talent north of the border. Rather than just rattling off a list of superstars like deadmau5, A-Trak, Zeds Dead, Richie Hawtin, Adventure Club, DVBBS, Art Department (okay I’ll stop), I decided to show some of my country’s rising stars some love and publish the final product on Canada Day.
2014’s list featured 13 (to represent Canada’s provinces and territories) amazing artists including Hunter Siegel, SNAILS, Kayliox, Sleepy Tom and Pomo. Did my list help get them to where they are today? Probably not, but there is no denying that those dudes have come a long way over the last 12 months. Even though I’m no longer an EDMTunes newbie or even the only Canadian team member, I still truly looked forward to compiling this list. Hopefully, this new batch of producers will also have career-changing years.
Loud Luxury
Don’t let the fact that Loud Luxury only has three SoundCloud uploads fool you, as it’s not a reflection of the relatively new duo’s talent. The guys have been quietly making a name for themselves in the Toronto scene thanks to some quality performances at one of the city’s newest hot spots, Tattoo, as well as their latest original, “All For You”.
Zanski
For those of you that think funk is dead, it’s actually alive and currently residing way up in Thunder Bay, Ontario. If Daft Punk and Madeon had a baby, his name would be Zanski. The 21-year-old phenom has churned out some stellar remixes of The 1975, Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino and more, but his latest EP is something that you absolutely need to hear.
Shemce
Successfully remixing deadmau5 is hard enough, but crafting a killer “Strobe” rework is almost unheard of. Shemce pulled off the feat earlier in the year thanks to his summery, deep house take on the classic. The Toronto producer solidified his spot on the list by pulling a complete 180 and dropping a smooth A$AP Rocky remix just days ago.
Ekali
When you’re Canada’s sole participant at the Red Bull Music Academy 2014, you must be doing something right. The Vancouver native has already accumulated quite the following and after dropping his larger-than-life remix of What So Not’s “Gemini”, it seems like the sky is the limit for Ekali.
Shaun FrankÂ
Shaun Frank is probably ‘biggest’ name on the list, but that doesn’t mean he’s peaked just yet. The Toronto producer has teamed up with the likes of Borgeous and Oliver Heldens and his tune with the latter artist, “Shades Of Grey”, is currently occupying the #1 spot on Beatport. At the rate he’s going, we don’t think Frank will need help from any other artists for his next chart-topper.
Eekkoo
When it comes to discovering hidden gems, there’s not many that do it better than team mau5trap. The label has found a keeper in Eekkoo and it doesn’t seem like they plan on letting him go any time soon. The Montreal native’s ‘Techno Is Not What It Seems‘ mix series is definitely worth checking out, but for now, be sure to give “B61” a listen.
KTRON
Trying to make it big in the music industry and being a full-time university student are two tough tasks. Somehow, KTRON manages to do both at the same time. The Torontonian recently decided to switch up his style and to say the move paid off would be an understatement, as his chill remix of ODESZA’s “White Lies” has become his most successful tune.
Stint
We’re heading back out to the west coast for our next artist, which is fitting due to the fact that Stint put out a fire remix of the Lana Del Ray song of the same name. The Vancouver native’s technical skills are through the roof and should take him far in his career. Check out his “Body” remix below.
Vanrip
It’s no secret that this list is full of Toronto acts, but it would be wrong to leave this rising duo out of the list. The guys have already released two tracks on Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak Records and if they keep grinding it out, that number will keep increasing. Listen to their latest below, which is a collab with fellow list member Shaun Frank.
REZZ
She’s been dubbed the ‘Female Gesaffelstein’, but to me, she’s just REZZ. Thanks to her unique style, this 20-year-old budding superstar has received support from the likes of deadmau5 and Skrillex. The Niagara Falls native has developed a cult following and if you’re a member of the Toronto Rave Community, you know she loves every one of her fans.
XVII
Even though he jetted off to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams, XVII still calls Winnipeg, Manitoba home. Whether he’s churning out an emotional future bass production or a heavy trap banger, XVII’s talent is never questioned. He’s got some killer remixes of Flume and Alison Wonderland under his belt, but his latest original tune, “Anax”, is one that deserves a play.
Chet Porter
Before we get started, it’s important to note that Chet Porter IS NOT a Porter Robinson and Chet Faker side project. Now that that’s out of the way, we can focus on what matters: the music. The Toronto native, who is a member of Moving Castle, has some of the most beautiful productions in the game. We’ll let his take on “Where Are Ü Now” speak for itself.
DeBoer
Last but not least, we have DeBoer, who is quietly making a name for himself in what is arguably the hottest genre at the moment, future house. The Torontonian has a knack for taking new and old hits and turing them into dance floor-ready tunes. His remix of Justin Timberlake’s “My Love” serves as a perfect example of this valuable skill.
