Top Artists of 2023
Out of nearly 700,000 artists who brought their A-game to Traxsource this year, we've meticulously curated the cream of the crop. A massive shout-out to all the artists whose tracks have become the heartbeat of dance floors worldwide – your talent has truly defined our year.
Our Top 500 Artists of 2023 isn't just a list; it's a musical journey. Crafted from sales data, chart performances, DJ favorites, and a deep dive into our Essentials selections, this list celebrates the artists who've resonated most with our community. From underground gems to chart-topping hits, these artists have left an indelible mark on the house music scene.
We've scoured every genre and style to bring you a definitive list that showcases the best of the best. Get ready to explore, enjoy, and be inspired by the artists who've made 2023 an unforgettable year in music.
Our Top 500 Artists of 2023 isn't just a list; it's a musical journey. Crafted from sales data, chart performances, DJ favorites, and a deep dive into our Essentials selections, this list celebrates the artists who've resonated most with our community. From underground gems to chart-topping hits, these artists have left an indelible mark on the house music scene.
We've scoured every genre and style to bring you a definitive list that showcases the best of the best. Get ready to explore, enjoy, and be inspired by the artists who've made 2023 an unforgettable year in music.
1. Dave Lee ZR
A remarkable year for veteran UK producer and universally-respected remixer, Dave Lee ZR - showcasing his signature versatility and ongoing influence. Having racked up over a thousand production credits since starting out in ‘88, hundreds of singles under pseudonyms including Joey Negro and three UK top 40 hits as Jakatta, the ZR boss didn’t disappoint this year, serving up a number of five-star deluxe cuts. Standout moments include his major remix of ‘Come on Dance, Dance’ released on UniDisc Music, treating us to the original soul, funk and disco flavors that we’ve come to love from the main main himself. This was also the year of the ‘Metamorphosis LP’ under his AC Soul Symphony monniker - one of Lee’s finest bodies of work to date. ‘Metamorphosis’ saw Dave lay down his ideas digitally, before reshaping the MIDI strings into full arrangements, recording them live with a 20-piece orchestra resulting in fifteen beautifully arranged timeless disco tracks. Now if that’s not true to the craft, then we don’t know what is. Congratulations Dave Lee, our number one artist of the year!
Constant chart-topper and Jackin House trailblazer (who has already clinched the top spot for five years!) Angelo Ferreri came through yet again for the groove enthusiasts climbing up from 10th place last year. Remaining a consistent name on our top music lists, the Sicilian sound guru delivered big releases on labels such as Soulfuric Trax, Moon Rocket Music, and his own hub for quality cuts, Mood Funk. 2023 saw some of his finest works to date, from his loop-based 90’s sound on the dancefloor stomper ‘A Chance’, serving up classic house flavors, to his wondrous take on Stevie Wonder’s ‘Superstition’ alongside Blanco K, and his signature take on Téodoro’s ‘La Guitarra’. If it’s a groove you want, then it's a groove that you’re gonna get - because when the world demands rhythm, Ferreri delivers the beat!
3. Michael Gray
Yet another storming year for Michael Gray, delivering an unseemingly unstoppable and downright impressive run of releases, further solidifying his status as a truly top-tier artist. With nine tracks in the top 200, Gray showcased his talent and versatility - more so as one of the most prolific producers and remixers around, with cuts served on a slew of prestigious labels including his own Sultra Records, High Fashion, Glitterbox, Paharas Musica, Big Love, and Neon Records. Standout releases include Gray’s vibrant take on ‘Missing You’, an irresistibly feel-good, piano-drenched spin on Donna Allen’s ‘Serious’, and teaming up with NYC’s crème de la crème, Kelli Sae, on ‘You’re Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else’. Fire. Not forgetting the future classic ‘Never Give You Up’ alongside Sharon Redd. One thing that we know for certain is that Michael Gray always comes with the goods!
4. Louie Vega
Louie Vega's contributions and ongoing influence continued to shape the house music landscape yet again for another year. Leading the path for others to follow, and racking up more achievements and notches to his legacy, the Grammy award winner and originator didn't disappoint - simultaneously cranking up the temperature and his output. One major highlight is the successful relaunch of MAW classics through the 'Lost Tape' series, delighting the old skool and inspiring the next generations who might have missed it the first time around. Vega's collaboration with Honey Dijon, 'Feel So Right,' received remix treatment from Tedd Patterson, Nicole Moudaber, Seth Troxler, and DJ Deep, a big moment for Nervous this year. 'The Star of a Story EP' provided the perfect signature soulful cut feat. Lisa Fischer, with Janine Sugah Lyrics Lyons gracing the 9-minute wonder 'A Place Where We Can All Be Free'. Two Soul Fusion and Joe Claussell helped shape the brilliant 'Joy Universal EP', equipping selectors with a perfect blend of Afro, Soulful beats, and dubs for any occasion. Another lap around the sun with endless cuts in his orbit - thank you Louie Vega!
5. Dr Packer
Dr Packer, the alias of West Australian DJ/Producer Greg Packer, known for his natural ability in remixing and editing classic cuts, had yet another big year for output. Following his #7 artist ranking last year, he showed no sign of letting up in 2023. Notable achievements include three releases in the top 200, with big releases on labels such as High Fashion, M2MR, Easy Street and Tinted. His standout releases include Atlantic Ocean’s certified goosebump-inducing classic ‘Waterful 2023’, British Soul & Funk group Freeez’s mighty ‘Southern Freeez’, Ron Carroll feat. Swaylo’s piano-driven ‘Something Beautiful’ and ‘I’ll Be Around - the inaugural release on DJ International Classic’s imprint. His versatility in blending soul, disco, funk and hip hop continues to contribute to his ongoing and much-deserved success!
6. DJ Spen
International house music royalty DJ Spen showed us yet again why he remains one of the most respected and authentic beacons within dance music culture today. The Quantize and Unquantize label boss continued to release his signature sound steadily throughout the year. Standout cuts include the brilliant rendition of Sade’s classic ‘Pearls’ featuring Cleveland P. Jones' vocals and Jihad Muhammad's Afro-infused drums. His rework of Wez Whynt & Rona Ray’s ‘Different’ alongside Micfreak gave us that classic upbeat soulful house energy - not forgetting Larry Espinosa & Tasha LaRae’s smash cut ‘Something Special’ where Spen and Reelsoul went to town on a smooth groove-laden rework. Special mention goes to the re-up of Sub-Urban Records’ ‘Praise Him (Lift Your Hands Up)’ where Spen finessed Matthias Heilbronn and Mike Delgado’s cut alongside the inimitable Ceybil Jefferies, reminding us all why he’s one of the most qualified remixers on the planet.
7. Kevin Yost
Welcoming Kevin Yost to the top 30 this year, moving up an impressive 31 places from 2022 thanks to an excellent year of output that sees a number of cuts finding their rightful home amongst our Top 200 charts. Key release ‘There It Is’ held the #1 spot for quite some time thanks to its crisp production and tight groove. Other standout releases included ‘Ready For Me’ on TSOY, a beautifully deep, silk-like roller that hypnotized dancefloors whilst it ebbed and flowed throughout its seven minute duration. ‘All Get Together’ served up flavors reminiscent of the old skool fused perfectly with Yost’s tight drums and driving bassline. i! Records was also responsible for a number of other successful cuts including ‘Wanna Dance’ - a perfectly stripped back and balanced deep house cut designed for the early morning state of mind. Funk-fuelled ‘Luv U Soo’ stood out as an irresistibly major shoulder-shaking and foot-tapping cut. Special mentions also to ‘It’s A Jazz Joint’, ‘Trust’ with Peter Funk and ‘Love Found’ all perfectly demonstrating his scope as a producer and breadth of sonics.
8. Terry Hunter
You’d think that following on from Hunter’s incredible successes last year (Grammy nomination, anyone?!) that 2023 would serve as a tough act to follow, but we know better from Chicago’s luminary figurehead, who only looks forward - and it shows. Delivering one of the biggest cuts of the year alongside actor/comedian Dean Cole and the immensely talented Terisa Griffin, ‘Where The Freaks At’ lit up the Mirror Ball, beautifully mastered by Joey ‘808’ Fernandez for a deep, sultry slice of soulful goodness. More soulful pressure arrived courtesy of his remix of Avant’s ‘Nothing Without You’ - a perfectly balanced example of soulful perfection. Other standout releases included ‘Self Love’ flying the flag for vocalists thanks to Estelle, Chantay Savage and J. Ivy, showing us how beautiful house music not only is, but also can be, by embodying the roots of the culture and delivering it in such a way that reminds us of the importance of the role these voices play. ‘Real Good Time’ upped the tempo for exactly that as Terry Hunter and James Poyser’s ‘Julias Jordan’ alias received the remix treatment thanks to Shannon Chambers feat. Eric Roberson. The list goes on, and that’s testament to how Hunter does - non stop. How lucky are we to be alive at the same time to experience his music?
The Groove Culture bosses move up from #11 last year following yet another strong year of output, including their latest offering - Groove Culture Deep. The Italian masters’ effortless ability in fusing together soul, funk and disco into big dancefloor cuts delivered a stack of feel-good, uplifting and tight productions that regularly found their way into our DJ Charts and playlists consistently throughout the year. Their extended mix of Soulista feat. Karmina Dai’s ‘Love & Life’ put the keys first for a driving slice of joy. ‘Devoted’ alongside Reverandos of Soul and the vocal talents of Anduze made for a beautiful soundtrack to those special summer evenings as day turned to night. ‘Your Heaven (I Can Feel It)’ saw the duo lay down a delightfully respectful remix of Urban Blues Project’s seminal classic and Soulfuric’s inaugural ‘96 release with Pearl Mae’s vocals sounding better than ever over energizing piano stabs with a killer groove. More piano-led magic was added to ‘Music Speaks Louder Than Words’ on Z Records further bolstering their feel-good selection, rounded off by ‘Celebrate’ - a future classic from the duo alongside the mighty Kathy Brown and Sheree Hicks. A masterclass in how it should be done!
10. Grant Nelson
UK house music legend Grant Nelson showed us how it’s done this year by offering up a number of chart-topping releases on his own Swing City imprint, as well as Reel People Music, landing an impressive five cuts in this year’s top 200. Standout moments included a refreshing remix of Risk Assessment feat. Monica Blaire’s ‘It’s Not Right But It’s Okay’ - a rework of Whitney Houston’s ‘99 R&B classic brought up to speed whilst retaining that soulful secret ingredient. ‘Relentless’ gave serious four-to-the-floor pressure, done the right way with tough drums, a lively bassline and a killer piano crescendo. ‘In Motion’ appeared regularly amongst our DJ charts, as did ‘Tonight’ - a classic homage to Garage and its hypnotic groove with delightful key flicks. Special mention also goes to ‘Hurt You So’ feat. Lynsey Moore - the instantly recognisable classic certified in the roots of garage getting the rework it deserves for 2023 and beyond. Nelson’s touch gently elevates the cut to a more driving tempo set for dancefloors. Congratulations Grant Nelson for achieving one of the biggest leaps, none other than 86 places up on last year!
11. Atjazz
Martin ‘Atjazz’ Iveson, had an exceptional year, further cementing his status as a true master of deep and soulful house music. Thanks to a slew of perfectly crafted remixes and original productions, the UK producer kept the music coming throughout. Big remix moments from the year include the stripped back, deep-groove rework of AirBorn Gav & Hurricane’s ‘Work’ on The Remedy Project, the hypnotically rhythmic afro sounds of ‘Queimar’ on Moca Arts, his take on ‘Jonny’s Hustle’ putting the groove and crisp drums front and center for one smooth stepper. The sweeping strings of ‘The Love It Takes’ delivered a beautifully deep cut 90’s early hours inspired goodness released on BBE, with more nostalgic pressure brought up to speed with Atjazz’s remix of Blaze classic ‘So In Love’ featuring Casio Ware adding an experimental yet bright and classic electronic touch to a slice of history. Showcasing his natural ability to collaborate, Reel People Music released some seriously soulful tonic courtesy of ‘Home’ alongside the beautiful vocals of Shea Soul. Special mention to the deep and spacious ‘Kingdom’ alongside !Sooks which featured in numerous DJ Charts throughout the year.
12. Mijangos
Prominent Latin House figure and one of Mexico’s finest DJ/producers, Mijangos had another great year resulting with three tracks in the top 200, a remarkable 34 cuts in the top ALB tracks, following his ranking as the #14 overall top artist in 2022. Highlights include big releases on Savage Worldwide, AFRODISE and Groovebom Records amongst others. Groovebom saw Mijangos team up with Peppe Citarella to rework Luis Radio and Stefano Guerra’s ‘Bazaar’ for a key-flicking, deep grooving slice of rhythmic paradise. ‘Just Dance’ brought us a feel-good deep afro cut finessed with touches of electronica and swirling synths with Aaron Sevilla providing the tonic atop one weighty cut. Special mention of course goes to his afro latino mix of ‘Children’ - an inspiring and innovative take on the instantly recognisable global anthem as seen through the Mijangos lens.
13. Jay Vegas
It’s a warm welcome to Hot Stuff label owner, DJ and producer, Jay Vegas to this year’s top 30! Following a year of multiple releases that rode high in our charts, Vegas set to work in 2023 showing us disco-infused house flavors served to perfection. It was the year that classic cut ‘Can U Feel It’ received an upgrade, and rightly so - as it stayed amongst our DJ Charts throughout the summer. Mattei & Omich’s ‘My Feelings Can’t Explain’ feat. Fatimah Provillon received his special touch sounding better than ever on the dancefloor for those high-energy euphoric moments. Heavy-hitter ‘Disko Express’ thundered through the speakers with grooves in abundance, as did Vegas’ remix of Roog & Ron Carroll’s ‘Wasn’t For The Music’ fusing in a spicy electronic touch to a mantra that we all agree on! Tinted Records offered up a ray of sunshine with remixes of Sonic Soul Orchesta’s ‘Happy People’ feat. Philip Ramirez where Jay Vegas added his signature crisp, driving sound. Even though released last year, his Classic Disco Mix of Ron Carroll’s infamous ‘Lucky Star’ remained a constant in our charts and DJ mixes - testament to the longstanding quality of this versatile and immensely talented producer.
14. Emmaculate
Chicago’s Emmaculate moves up an impressive 4 places this year thanks to a slew of successful releases and standout moments throughout 2023. Proving yet again to be a reliable and consistent producer and remixer, Emmaculate’s discography extended with refined cuts. Highlights included his remix of Ferry Ultra’s ‘Dangerous’ feat. Roy Ayers, a musical journey drenched in soul. Mirror Ball gave us Chicago House at its finest fused with a gospel sermon with ‘Holy Ghost Power’ alongside Grimy’s Zernell, with Emmaculate’s remix of Barbara Tucker’s BCrew group cut ‘Music Remedy’ making for a sublime single that no doubt won over the hearts of music enthusiasts seeking fresh new sounds of the highest quality. More BCrew pressure followed with Danny Krivit’s edit of ‘Grace’ that found its home amongst the ‘Keep On Tryn’ remixes alongside Deep Soul Syndicate, Booker T and Neil Pierce. ‘New Day’ with the inimitable Lee Wilson, whilst released at the end of last year, continued to fly, certifying Emmaculate’s position as a gift to soulful house lovers around the globe - all whilst making it look easy in the process!
15. Miguel Migs
Moving up from #19 last year, Californian DJ, producer, Salted Music head honcho and champion of new, independent electronic music, Miguel Migs knocked 2023 straight out the park! Not only did his imprint play home to some of the year’s biggest releases, his own cuts and signature clean, spacious sound continued to evolve. This year saw Migs open up ‘The Sound Vault’ to revisit a selection of his unreleased tracks and remixes - notably the excellent ‘Lost Messages’, a fun, dancefloor-orientated groove with a major groove. Migs’ 2011 ‘Outside The Skyline’ album received rework treatment from the man himself, with ‘Close Your Eyes’ providing a sultry voyage into a deep and melodic cut rounded off with sensational vocals courtesy of Meshell Ndegeocello. Another standout moment came via his reinterpretation of Toronto-based producer Jason Hersco’s ‘Dream Girl, demonstrating his depth and scope as a producer, harnessing a beautifully executed less-is-more approach. Soulfuric Deep served up remixes of ‘Into The Red Sky’ feat. Aya, taken from his celebrated 13-track lockdown album ‘Shaping Visions’ - providing vital airtime for music that deserves to be heard by the masses. Other highly respected musical maestros lined up to take on remix duties themselves. Jimpster added his magic touch to ‘Midnight Memories’ with a deep, funk-driven bass and Berlin-based disco experts Lovebirds took on ‘Back Tonight’ for a smooth ride intertwined with Martin Luther’s smooth-as-silk vocals.
16. T.Markakis
Welcoming T. Markakis with open arms to #16 making one of the biggest leaps in position this year, a whopping 25 places after a momentum-packed year! Having launched his new DHF Records (Deep House Fusion) label focused on quality deep house and minimal deep music, setting the basis of exactly what we got from the man himself. DHF presented his biggest release of the year alongside Manuel Kane with ‘Losing Control’ - an irresistibly simplistic masterclass in groove. Teaming up with his Greek counterpart, ‘Release Yourself’ continuing the theme, finding its rightful home on i! Records with an early-hours dance floor killer cut pushed forward with a perfect spoken word vocal that also served as instructions to find your groove in the music. His remix of Kevin Yost’s ‘Messing With My Soul’ remained prominent amongst our DJ Charts throughout the year, demonstrating Markakis’ ability in creating an ebb & flow with gorgeous breakdowns and smooth crescendos. Crew Deep’s ‘Location’ sounded better than ever thanks to a perfectly restrained slice of deep house goodness that found its place amongst setlists of the scene’s most respected and prominent figures.
17. Osunlade
It’s a giant leap up from #53 last year as the man with the magic behind Yoruba Records wrapped up a stellar year of musical output. Osunlade was behind a number of successful productions and remixes spanning the who's who of reputable imprints, further solidifying his position as a key player on the global stage in the Deep House scene. His remix of Jimpster’s ‘Tribute’ feat. Mavhungu offered up a deep and hypnotic take on the original, adding a memorable cut to the Freerange catalog. ‘Leading Blacks’ flew high, a sultry piano-driven slice of sub-low goodness, keeping it simple for the heads. Get Physical served up ‘Black Puddin’ - Osunlade’s outing with James Curd - another perfectly restrained groove, demonstrating the beauty of space within his productions. His remix of El Payo’s ‘Tailor Made’ feat. singer-songwriter Ziyon remained a constant amongst our DJ Charts this year, and for good reason. Special mention must go to his higher BPM offering found in ‘Electricity’ - a brilliantly masterclass in Osunlade flexing his capabilities - all thanks to a production flow during a power outage, powered by generators, showing us that it’s never truer that good things can come out the otherside of the unexpected.
18. Marc Cotterell
Big moves this year from Marc Cotterell as the Plastik People Digital label boss dominated our Top 200 Garage Tracks of 2023 whilst also making a big contribution to our Jackin charts. The master of infectious grooves and standout cuts brought the heat yet again thanks to key moments such as the irresistibly feel-good ‘Living My Life’, staying on heavy rotation amongst sets by the who’s who of the scene. The instantly recognisable keys of Patrice Rushan drove ‘Just To Believe’ to new heights with an energized take catered for the dancefloor with positivity 100% guaranteed. ‘Different Shapes’ was a head-spinning Jackin number that remained high in the charts this year thanks to its simple but dangerously effective groove - a masterclass in Jackin excellence. ‘Burning Hot’ saw Cotterell add his touch to arguably the catchiest vocals in history with another crisp and tight re-up for 2023 and beyond. Special mention has to go to ‘Close To You’.
19. Sebb Junior
Sebb Junior in the house! A name that is synonymous with high-quality cuts, the legendary Malaga-based French artist has earned his reputation as one of the true buy-on-sight producers. This year saw a number of successful releases, soundtracking dancefloors around the globe. Yet again, his trademark crisp, spacious productions delivered many a sound engineer’s dream in the clubs. His return to Déepalma Soul alongside Lello Russo, Sabtino S and Venessa Jackson for ‘Dos & Don’ts’ was an upbeat extended remix that we all needed. Soulful outing ‘The Menu’ saw him deliver a deeper slice of funk, teaming up with Karmina Dai and Sold Channel Music’s head chief and allround vocalist elite Mr. V for a silk-smooth collaboration that demonstrated his breadth as a producer. ‘Sound of Life’ on Papa Records received widespread support from the finest selectors thanks to its deep dancefloor goodness. Another standout remix from this year arrived in the form of ‘Airlock’ - a deep, groovy remix for Demarkus Lewis on Cromarti Records.
20. Doug Gomez
Doug Gomez, the distinguished talent behind Merecumbe Recordings showed us yet again why he’s the go-to producer for the finest Afro and Latin beats. Standout cuts included the brilliantly musical ‘Beasts Of The Shrine’ - one for the real music lovers. ‘Free Birds’ remained in our charts thanks to its organic and vibrant energy as did his stunning remix of Korie Minors feat. Tabia’s ‘Mama’ - a rich fusion of Afro and electronica with floating keys and flawless vocals. Always a name alongside the best vocalists around, ‘Everybody’ feat. Miss Patty kept things fresh and forward-facing - not forgetting ‘Dulce Vida’ with Pietro Nicosia as part of his ‘Best Of Merecumbe’ LP. It was also the year that Gomez ventured into our Deep House charts with Baby Powda, receiving widespread support and garnering a new wave of fans along the way. He even found time to drop an album on Nervous, the brilliant 11-track offering ‘Puro’ which deservedly found its place as the #4 album in 2023. Now that’s how it’s done!
21. Harry Romero
One of the biggest moves in the ranks this year was achieved by Bambossa Records label boss and all round legendary NYC producer and DJ, Harry ‘Choo Choo’ Romero. 2023 was a monster year, releasing a slew of heavy hits and big cuts, many finding their way high into our overall charts spanning multiple genres including Tech, House and Techno. No mean feat for a producer to achieve such seamless success across such a range of categories. After two decades in the business, he joined the illustrious list of Defected’s pivotal ‘House Masters’ series, further cementing his status as one of the most revered producers in the game and delivered a wide-ranging selection of 34 top-tier cuts. More releases just kept on coming, including a standout remix of Oscar G’s ‘Out Of Your Mind’ feat. Fleur De Mur that landed on Nervous. Unbridled dancefloor stomper and early-morning-dynamite ‘Inside My Mind’ blew the roof off with deep, classic Romero pressure. Heller & Farley’s influential Roach Motel received a new injection some 30 years on with ‘94 staple ‘Wild Luv’ receiving the deluxe remix treatment bringing the monstrous bass to the fore. Crosstown Rebels dropped ‘Mind Games’ feat. Shyam P for an excellent and unrelenting dive into his classic NYC sound.
22. Crackazat
It’s a big jump for Crackazat from #48 in last year’s rankings as we welcome this impressive producer and multi-instrumentalist to the top 30. Following a year of major releases across labels like Heist, Nervous and Freerange, his versatility shone through - securing spots amongst the Top 200 Deep House, Soulful House and House categories. His brilliant remix of House Gospel Choir feat. Morgan’s ‘Angels’ bore all the hallmarks of his signature sound - clarity and space for the track to breathe without letting up any of its soulful power. Teaming up with Jimpster for the ‘Natural Child EP’ released on Freerange showed us how it’s done featuring title track ‘Natural Child’ and ‘My Harmony’ accompanied by their respective dubs, making for one popular release that flew across our charts. Crackazat’s signature Jazz House fusion landed an impressively bouncing groove with his remix of Crystal Waters & Soul Central feat. Robin S’ ‘Love Another Time’, not forgetting the driving sounds of ‘Back For You’ released on Nervous. Special mentions also go to his remix of Kid Fonque’s ‘2Sides’ and the delightful six-track ‘Senses’ courtesy of Heist Recordings that showcased this true producer’s scope and ability to turn his hand, and magic to anything it touches!
23. Mike Dunn
THE voice aka Mike Dunn moves up yet again this year. Having been a true driving force behind house music and morphing with ease into newer generations following over four decades in the game. He remains an unparalleled triple-threat: vocalist, DJ and producer - a legend in the scene and the ultimate renaissance man of house music. German label of the moment Toy Tonics served up his remix of Gome’s ‘Elevator Man’ bearing all the hallmarks of Dunn’s simultaneously smooth yet driving groove. Nu Groove Records delivered ‘Git’cha House On, Baby’ with his signature vocals front and center proving to be a staple for every respectable DJ’s setlist. NYC met Chicago when he teamed up with Sandy Rivera on ‘I Won’t Let Go’ feat. vocals from London’s April Morgan on Defected. ‘Rock Ya Body (Deepa)’ served up an effortlessly pure slice of unadulterated house thanks to a pounding four-to-the-floor kick, leading the way for two other originals on the same release. His name sat alongside a star-studded line up of remixers, adding his own magic touch to ‘Apaga La Luz’ on Vega Records rounding off yet another big release for the man that simply can.
24. Saison
London-based deep house duo Saison delivered yet again this year which has landed them a well-deserved nine tracks in this year’s overall Deep House category. Big Love welcomed Saison back with open arms following their stellar remix of Mike Dunn’s ‘It’s a Groove Thing’, following up this time with vocals from Miss Patty on ‘Spark It Up’ - a big, moving manifestation slice of goodness underpinned by some seriously deep signature Saison low-end bassline pressure. Closer to home, ‘Deliver You’ arrived courtesy of the duo’s No Fuss Records imprint, proving to be a big release that found its way into the tracklists of the biggest DJs across the board. Special mention also to ‘Suffer’, a lighter offering peppered with key flicks and infectious vocals engineered to uplift the dancefloor. If there’s something we can always rely on, then it’s Saison coming with the goods.
25. David Penn
Another big year for dancefloor favorite, David Penn! His reputation for crafting standout summer moments and anthems for house music lovers around the globe remains unrivaled, thanks to his signature energetic style, big infections piano riffs and gospel influences that thunder through the system with pristine clarity. Major cuts appeared on Central Station Records, Z Records and Ultra Moda Music, adding to his portfolio is a true top-tier house music artist. ‘I Thought It Was You’ saw Sex-O-Sonique’s ‘97 get the refix it deserved, the ethereal chords of ‘The Real Life’ was brought up to speed, a blessing for those who might have missed Raven Maize’s iconic original. More instantly recognisable sounds landed courtesy of ‘La Mezcla’ - with Michel Cleis feat. Totó La Momposina’s cut getting the extended rework treatment designed for the dancefloor and engineered for the bass bins!
26. Eric Kupper
This year stood out for Eric Kupper, not just because of even more high quality releases from the celebrated keyboardist, arranger, songwriter, remix artist, DJ and producer - 2023 was also the year that saw the monumental milestone of 100 releases on Hysteria! His remix of Michal Martyniuk feat. YaniKa’s ‘New Things’ rides high as the #3 Soulful House cut of the year. More signature goodness arrived courtesy of aptly titled ‘The Goodness’ and ‘Surrender’, his remix for Shawn Christopher and Ron Carroll on Easy Street. The brilliant ‘Another Day’ shone bright as a standout slice of soulful excellence, where Kupper’s skill as a producer came into its own, reminding the rest that it’s not as easy as he makes it look. George G-Spot Jackson and Ed Ramsey’s ‘Won’t Give Up’ got the remix treatment with a big, chunky driving kick and delicate keys. Other standout cuts include ‘Not Today’, the beautifully laidback ‘Blissed’ and ‘Come Find Me’ on Category 1 Music. We knew that something special was brewing for the all important 100th release on Hysteria, but little did we know it would be a simply sublime reinterpretation of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ - a unique one-of-a-kind release worthy of such an important moment. Congratulations Eric Kupper!
A giant leap for Ciavolino from #49 last year following a formidable year of releases that have dominated our end of year Jackin chart! The White Coffee Label owner set to work in 2023 with cuts on Groovebom, Shocking Sounds, Motive, Spa Club and Art Funk Records. A busy year for the Italian maestro. His biggest release of the year, ‘Soul Mood’, proved to be a hit thanks to its deep yet soulful pace that found its home on Groove Culture Deep. ‘Balcony’ released at home on White Coffee Records offered a musically refined key-led Jackin cut that stood out in our DJ Charts. Ciavolino’s debut release on Groovebom ‘Rhodes Dreams’ served up a powerful house groove and killer sample work - finely tuned for the dancefloor. Following their Nervous Records collaboration ‘A Night At Wembley, Raffaele Ciovolino teamed up with Jo Peciello for yet another big release entitled ‘The Big Sun’ - a gorgeous sample layered with tight drums and beautiful solos that landed just in time to shine over the summer!
28. Art Of Tones
Having secured the crown as our artist of the year last year, French veteran Art Of Tones was back in full effect in 2023 and kept the music coming all the way through! Still leading the way as one of the tightest producers in the game, Ludovic Llorca didn’t let up for a minute - a name often found riding high amongst our Soul, Funk, Disco and Nu Disco DJ Charts! He collaborated with Inaya Day for an unforgettable Glitterbox release, ‘Give My Love’ where his abilities within the realm of soulful disco music shone through, receiving widespread support. Remix duties for Dan Tenor-City and Tom Funk’s ‘Close To The Source’ gave us the 70’s disco funk that we all needed thanks to Local Talk. His interpretation of Cotonete feat. Leron Thomas’ ‘Day In Day Out’ arrived with an irresistible groove, key flicks and perfected percussion. In keeping with the theme of reinterpretations, his take on Matt Masters feat. Mark Pearson’s ‘I’ve Opened My Eyes’ took the original in a different direction, reinventing the song with great arrangement and instrumentation. ‘Show Me The Power’ got the magic touch too, landing on No Fuss Records, not forgetting the brilliant rework of Sam Ruffillo’s ‘Mind & Soul’ on Toy Tonics. Special mention goes to ‘Ban The Disco’, a cut from the end of ‘22 that stayed in our charts this year thanks to its outstanding production and organic disco feel on FRAPPÈ. Merci pour la musique, Art Of Tones!
29. Hotmood
It’s a move up the rankings this year for allround master of the laid-back, cosmic-funk groove, Hotmood! Having peppered our Top 200 Nu Disco charts of the year, his output of remixes and original productions reminded us what this key producer has become a go-to artist for labels, DJs and music lovers alike. Standing out cuts include his remix of Punky Wash’s ‘Milk Shakers’ on Large Music adding his own unique funkified flavor to the mix. ‘Disco To House Music’ gave us just that, as ArtFunk Records provided the perfect platform for this nostalgic-feeling slice of Nu Disco thanks to an excellent sample that encapsulates his journey as a producer. His remix of Scruscru’s ‘Just House’ was a stunning take on the original, adding his own unique touch. Special mention goes to ‘Come A Little Closer’ - another masterclass in getting it just right. A well-considered and perfectly executed Nu Disco cut, showing yet again why Hotmood is the man to beat!
30. Hatiras
Jackin legend and Spacedisco label boss Hatiras came through yet again this year. His own unique sound has made him a Traxsource favorite over the years, with 2023 being no different, as Hatiras landed 7 tracks in our Top 200 Jackin tracks of the year! Standout moments included ‘Piano Man’ - a perfectly crafted fusion between loop and sample making for a future classic and dancefloor favorite. He stepped up for remix duties as part of Jay Vegas’ 10th Anniversary Remixes on ‘Keep On Lovin’ - a relentlessly hot cut with all the signature Hatiras goodness - momentum, pace and perfectly engineered flow throughout. ‘Make It Happen’ released on Fool’s Paradise was a cleverly crafted slice of past and future thanks to a killer groove and one weighty kick - not forgetting that special Hatiras breakdown magic. Special mention goes to his collaboration with Sebb Junior on ‘Breathe (Feel Fine)’ - an amazing blend of deep house and jacking house elements making for a special cut that garnered heavy rotation across the board, and for good reason!
