Dance Mix - Rearview Mirror 2007, Trends for 2008

Has Electro Peaked? While insiders rightfully argue that 2006 was the year that electro-house entered the mainstream zeitgeist, 2007 was definitely the year that electro dominated the club sound worldwide. But, as we all know, dance music is fashion you can hear, so the question on everyone’s lips is “has it peaked?” or like trance and classic house, will it go on and on and on and on? With amazing new mixes from the likes of Dirty South and Chris Lake continuing to top charts and rock houses, it’s safe to say the big E will be happening for at least another year or two.

The Return of Tech House. A side effect of the electro revolution is that pretty much every style fell under its influence. As a result, even the more organic forms of house have co-opted electro’s funky analog textures. So, while the initial electroquake may well be over, its aftershocks have been felt in other club genres. One of the outcomes of this is a return of tech house, which often fuses soulful, melodic riffs with decidedly inorganic instrumentation. The fact that the deeper stuff is perfect for both cocktails and booty-shaking madness makes its return all the more timely.

The Party’s Over. Consisting of tom and conga loops over one-note pulsing stabs and drones, the tribal sound dominated the Billboard charts for nearly a decade, due to its popularity with the circuit party scene. Now the parties are over and so is the noise. At least for a few years, until it puts on a new outfit, drinks an Emergen-C and ventures back out.

The Return of The Prophet. Softsynths are one thing. True analog is another. Savvy readers know that I’ve been an exclusive user of plug-in synths for nearly a decade. Everything changed once I reviewed Dave Smith’s Prophet 08 — and since I’m not the only electronica producer with ears and a piggy bank, look for this affordable analog workhorse to rule the dance scene for years to come.

Preve Joins Beatport. File this entry under shameless self-promotion, but with the blessings of my fearless editors, Ernie and Stephen, I have also donned the mantle of Technology Editor for Beatport’s community site, Beatportal.com. What this means to Keyboard readers is that much of what’s discussed in this column can actually be auditioned and purchased via Beatport’s iTunes-for-deejays online store and web-embedded mini-players. There’s more than that, but for now, this is all I can reveal.

On The Horizon For 2008

Is Yamaha’s Tenori-On The New TB-303? Talk about making waves. Pretty much every electronica producer and/or DJ is looking to get their hands on Yamaha’s exotic new performance instrument. Whether its undeniable coolness will translate into a Kaoss-grade club hit remains to be seen.

The Next Wave of Electronica Producers. A natural outcome of the Ableton-fueled DJ-meets-DAW revolution is that the new crop of DJs are making their own music, instead of simply relying on programmer elves for their creations. Conversely, programmer elves are applying their wealth of musical and technical knowledge to the DJ realm — and changing the balance of power. Mark my words, this trend will be a tectonic shift.

The Ultralounge Goes Mainstream? In a strange twist on downsizing, the hottest club trend in major cities is something called an “ultralounge.” Imagine this: Club owners take all the money they once spent on state-of-the-art lighting and apply it to comfy couches and impeccable style, whilst keeping the big-name DJ and killer sound system. If you’ve never been to one, it’s quite the experience. Will it crossover nationwide? Signs point to “Yes.”