Here are my 5 choices this year:
1. Gareth Emery
I have voted for him every year since like 2004 or something. Imho, his productions and mixes and live performances are really really epic. Methinks he is going u by at least 10-20 positions especially after his essential mix which definitely earned him further renown!
2. Andy Moor
I like Andy Moor’s musical style a lot too (and vote for him every year too). His productions are still top notch although they are getting a little more predictable these days (chopped up vocals, check)
3. DJ Shah
The only DJ whose set can contain 99% of his own songs and still sound awesome. Tiesto and especially Deadmau5 who also sadly like to do that, on the other hand, EPIC FAILS when they do. I predict he’ll be highest NEW ENTRY or something like that.
EDIT: While swooning over Shah, it slipped my mind that DEADMAU5 wasn't in the Top 100 last year as well! my prediction is now that deadmau5 would be one of the top new entries...
4. Andy Duguid
This is the man to look out for! His productions are by far the most quality consistent this year, hope he gets his much deserved recognition soon.
5. Desyn Masiello
My obligatory “non-trance” choice. Haha but seriously his mixes are da bomb! I was a sad panda when I had to miss his performance at zouk this year.
My Predictions This Year
1. Armin van Buuren (its either him or Tiesto, which is a big zzz)
AvB edged Tiesto marginally last year, one suspects its also because Tiesto has been on the top spot for too long now, and it was time for AVB to at least take top spot (and deservedly so) too.
With AvB’s supposedly awesome new album recently out, he may just hold on to top spot.
2. Tiesto
He is the people’s favourite, especially “converts” from U, S and A and Asia and is gonna get a lot of votes from these regions! With ISOS7 (admittedly not bad) and his elements of life tour making the rounds, and his MAXIMAL music style and dance moves, he’ll be around for a looong time.
3. Sasha / Digweed (the obligatory non-trance Top 5)
If recent years are anything to go by, the Top 5 always consists of Trance DJs and one non-trance (ie Progressive). One of them (probably Sasha) is gonna be in the top 5, lest the awards unwittingly becomes the Top 100 Trance DJs instead.
4. Paul van Dyk
Barring a rather unlikely incursion from a DJ from another genre, 4th spot will go to a trance DJ as well, Paul van Dyk, while having really nothing new this year, will certainly still be popular enough to ensure his top 5 status.
5. Above & Beyond
I really think that they’ll break Top 5 this year, and about time too! Through the Tiesto/PVD/AVB reign I have always thought that it was them if anyone who deserved equal recognition at least.
