An annual list of the world’s top DJs is called the DJ Top 100. DJs and fans are impacted significantly by what is regarded as one of the most prestigious rankings in the music industry. The list is a gauge of the current state of electronic dance music and is based on a number of criteria, such as popularity, skill, & innovation.
Key Takeaways
- DJ Top 100 is an annual ranking of the world’s best DJs, based on votes from fans and industry professionals.
- The ranking began in 1993 and has since become a highly anticipated event in the electronic dance music (EDM) community.
- Criteria for ranking include technical skills, creativity, popularity, and influence on the industry.
- The voting process involves a combination of fan votes and input from a panel of industry experts.
- The list is dominated by DJs in the house and techno genres, with Martin Garrix currently holding the top spot.
DJ Top 100’s beginnings can be found in the early years of electronic dance music. DJs began to take center stage as the genre became more well-known in the 1980s and 1990s, drawing sizable crowds to their performances at festivals & nightclubs. A rating system that would honor and acknowledge the world’s top DJs became necessary as a result. A team of music journalists and industry experts put together the first DJ Top 100 list back in 1997.
Although it started out small, the project quickly gained popularity & developed into a yearly ritual. The list expanded in both scope and size over time, coinciding with the rise in popularity of electronic dance music and the number of DJs working in the field. It’s a complicated process that considers many different aspects to rank the DJs on the list. While assessing a DJ’s abilities and influence on the music industry, there is no hard and fast rule, but there are some standards that are commonly taken into account. Technical skill is one of the most crucial components.
Deep knowledge of music theory, smooth track mixing, and an excellent ear for choosing the appropriate songs at the appropriate time are all qualities of a great DJ. Technical proficiency is frequently regarded as an indicator of a DJ’s commitment to and love for their work. Ranking a DJ also heavily depends on their level of popularity. DJs that regularly draw sizable audiences to their shows and have a large fan base are more likely to be ranked higher on the list. This is so because it’s commonly believed that a DJ’s level of popularity reflects their capacity to engage their audience & produce a memorable experience. During the selection process, creativity is also highly regarded.
| Rank | Name | Genre | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carl Cox | Techno | United Kingdom | 98.5 |
| 2 | Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike | Big Room House | Belgium | 97.4 |
| 3 | Armin van Buuren | Trance | Netherlands | 96.8 |
| 4 | David Guetta | Electro House | France | 95.7 |
| 5 | Martin Garrix | Progressive House | Netherlands | 94.9 |
| 6 | Marshmello | Future Bass | United States | 93.7 |
| 7 | Don Diablo | Future House | Netherlands | 92.5 |
| 8 | Oliver Heldens | Future House | Netherlands | 91.3 |
| 9 | Tiësto | Progressive House | Netherlands | 90.2 |
| 10 | Calvin Harris | Electro House | United Kingdom | 89.6 |
DJs are frequently acknowledged for their contributions to the genre for pushing the envelope of electronic dance music and introducing fresh sounds and approaches. This can involve working with other artists, trying out new technologies, or producing performances that are one-of-a-kind & unforgettable. DJ Top 100 voting is a convoluted and frequently contentious process. Other DJs, industry professionals, and fans are among the stakeholders who contribute to it.
Based on their accomplishments and influence on the music industry, a group of experts is gathered annually to create a shortlist of DJs. Fans are asked to cast their votes for their favorite DJs after the shortlist is finalized. This voting procedure is free to participate in and is frequently done online.
Voting for the DJs that, in their opinion, should be ranked higher on the list is encouraged from fans based on their individual tastes and experiences. Industry insiders and other DJs have the option to vote for their preferred DJs in addition to fans. This makes it possible to guarantee that the list considers the opinions of individuals who are informed about the industry in addition to being purely based on popularity. DJ Top 100’s list of the greatest DJs of all time features a wide range of performers who have had a big influence on the music business. Many devoted fans have followed these DJs, who have continuously placed highly on the list year after year. Martin Garrix is one of the greatest DJs ever.
Despite being only 25 years old, Garrix has already made a huge name for himself in the music industry with several hits that have reached the top of the charts and appearances at some of the biggest festivals worldwide. He is a favorite among both fans and critics because of his upbeat and melodic style. Armin van Buuren is another DJ who has routinely scored highly on the checklist.
Throughout more than 20 years in the business, van Buuren has established himself as a mainstay with his uplifting & poignant trance music. He has a huge fan base and has contributed to the global popularity of trance music with his weekly radio show, A State of Trance. Other DJs like Calvin Harris, Tiësto, and David Guetta have also cracked the top 10.
While each of these DJs has an own sound and style, they are all passionate about making music that is memorable & has an impact. Within the electronic dance music scene, house music is one of the most popular genres, & many DJs have established themselves in this field. Throughout house music’s development, these DJs have greatly influenced its sound and style.
Carl Cox is among the best house music DJs on the list. Cox has been a mainstay in the business for more than three decades & is well-known for his dynamic and eclectic sets. His performances are a testament to his love of house music; they are frequently replete with catchy beats and grooves.
Solomun is a talented DJ of house music. Solomun is a Bosnian-Herzegovinian DJ and producer known for his distinctive deep house & techno mixes. His hypnotic rhythms and catchy hooks have won him a devoted fan base. These elements frequently define his sets.
Seth Troxler, The Martinez Brothers, and Jamie Jones are a few other well-known house music DJs. All of these DJs have had a big impact on the genre and have shaped the sound of house music as it exists today. There are a number of up-and-coming DJs who are making waves & have the potential to succeed in the future, even though the top DJs on the list have already experienced significant success in the industry.
Both music lovers & industry insiders are taking notice of these up-and-coming talents, who will likely have a significant influence on the landscape in the years to come. Charlotte de Witte is a rising star to be aware of. De Witte, a Belgian DJ, has become well-known for her moody techno sets. She has a devoted following & stands out in a crowded field thanks to her distinctive style and ability to create an intense and immersive atmosphere.
Amelie Lens is another rising star. Lens emerged as one of the most sought-after DJs in the industry in 2016 and has since rocketed to fame. Renowned for her exuberant and captivating techno performances, Lens possesses a talent for generating a euphoric atmosphere on the dance floor. Her technical proficiency and aptitude for gauging the mood of her audience have been acknowledged. ANNA, Peggy Gou, and Denis Sulta are a few more rising stars.
All of these DJs have shown a lot of promise and have already had notable success in their careers. They will undoubtedly have a significant influence on the music landscape in the years to come thanks to their distinct styles & avant-garde musical ideas. Since the DJ Top 100 list is an accurate representation of the state of electronic dance music right now, some genres tend to rank higher than others.
Many different genres are represented, but a select few are frequently ranked highly and have a big influence on the music business. Techno is one of the most well-liked genres on the list. With a devoted fan base and decades of industry longevity, techno is recognized for its hypnotic rhythms and driving beats.
Techno’s ongoing popularity and success can be largely attributed to DJs such as Carl Cox, Amelie Lens, and Charlotte de Witte. House music is an additional well-liked genre. House music has a broad appeal and is frequently connected to an upbeat and cheerful atmosphere. It is distinguished by its catchy beats and soulful vocals.
DJs such as Solomun, Jamie Jones, and The Martinez Brothers have been instrumental in shaping the house music genre & contributing significantly to its widespread appeal. Progressive house, drum and bass, and trance are among the other well-liked genres on the list. While every one of these genres has a distinctive sound and aesthetic, they all aim to give the listener an engaging & unforgettable experience.
DJ Top 100 has been the subject of several debates and criticisms, despite being recognized by many as one of the most prominent lists in the music business. The list’s lack of diversity in the rankings is one of its primary criticisms. The list’s detractors claim that it frequently gives preference to male DJs while ignoring the accomplishments of female DJs and DJs from marginalized communities.
The apparent prejudice in the voting procedure is another point of contention. Others claim that rather than the DJs’ actual skill & talent, the list is largely determined by their popularity and financial success. This has given rise to claims that the list is not a true representation of the greatest DJs in the world, but rather more of a popularity contest. Resolving these criticisms and improving the list’s inclusivity & representation have been the focus of recent endeavors.
For example, the inclusion of a diversity panel has made it possible to guarantee that a greater variety of DJs are taken into consideration for the list. To address concerns about bias, there have also been calls for increased transparency in the voting process. To sum up, DJ Top 100 is a significant and powerful list within the music business.
It honors the accomplishments and influence of the world’s top DJs & acts as a gauge for the current state of electronic dance music. Even though the list has its share of controversy and criticism, it still has a big influence on both DJs & fans and continues to shape the direction of electronic dance music. It will be interesting to see how DJ Top 100 changes & keeps honoring the world’s top DJs as the scene develops.
Looking for more insights into the world of DJing? Check out this fascinating article on Elegant Press that delves into the ever-evolving DJ scene and highlights the top 100 DJs of the year. From discussing their rise to fame to exploring their unique styles and techniques, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the industry’s most influential figures. Discover how these DJs have shaped the music landscape and continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Don’t miss out on this must-read piece! Read more here.
FAQs
What is DJ Top 100?
DJ Top 100 is an annual ranking of the world’s top DJs, as voted by fans and industry professionals.
Who organizes DJ Top 100?
DJ Top 100 is organized by DJ Magazine, a British monthly magazine dedicated to electronic dance music.
How are the rankings determined?
The rankings are determined by a public vote, where fans can vote for their favorite DJs online. The votes are then combined with the opinions of a panel of industry experts to determine the final rankings.
When was the first DJ Top 100 list published?
The first DJ Top 100 list was published in 1997.
Who has been ranked #1 on DJ Top 100?
Several DJs have been ranked #1 on DJ Top 100, including Martin Garrix, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Hardwell, Armin van Buuren, and Tiësto.
What is the significance of being ranked on DJ Top 100?
Being ranked on DJ Top 100 is considered a significant achievement in the electronic dance music industry, as it is a reflection of a DJ’s popularity and influence.
Are there any controversies surrounding DJ Top 100?
There have been some controversies surrounding DJ Top 100, including allegations of vote rigging and criticism of the ranking system. However, DJ Magazine has taken steps to address these issues and improve the transparency of the rankings.
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