5 Masked DJs Currently Dominating Electronic Dance Music

The electronic dance music scene, also known as EDM, has seen a surge of masked DJs over the past decade. From classic house producers like Daft Punk, to newer electronic mixers like the Bloody Beetroots, these masked DJs have mesmerized the massed with their musical pursuits. Some say Leo DiCaprio‘s 1998 movie “The Man In the Iron Mask” was based on a house DJ. Let’s get to know the men (and women?) behind the masks!

Daft Punk

French electronic music producers Daft Punk reached mainstream status in the lat 1990s as the house movement in France emerged. Beginning their career as an Indie Rock trio called Darlin’, they released their debut album “Homework” in 1997 recieving critical acclaim, and certified Gold status by the RIAA. Their album “Alive 2007,” won a Grammy for Best Electronic/Dance album, and composed and released the soundtrack for Tron:Legacy in 2010. The duo originally adopted the helmets to hide because of their shy nature but have since used the masks to “merge the characteristics of humans and machines.” According to member Thomas Bangalter, the duo has a general rule about not appearing in videos, and rarely grants interviews as they do not believe in the star system and want audiences to focus on their music.

Deadmau5

Taking the world of electronic music by storm, Canadian DJ/producer Joel Thomas Zimmerman aka Deadmau5, pronounced “dead mouse” is taking the world of electronic music by storm.” Featured at #4 in DJ Magazine’s Top 100 poll for 2010, he is widely known for performing in a mask resembling a large mouse head. In the June 2010 Beatport Music Awards, Deadmau5 won a wide range of awards, including Best Electro House Artist, Best Progressive House Artist, and “most influential, relevant and forward-thinking person in electronic music over the past 12 months.” His name and mask originated when Zimmerman found a dead mouse in his computer while replacing his video card. He has recently been featured live on American network television shows “Gossip Girl” and “CSI,” and is noted in large for the growing trend of house music in America.

The Bloody Beetroots

Italian dance music duo The Bloody Beetroots burst onto the scene in 2006 when Bob Rifo, a.k.a. “Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo, and indie producer Tommy Tea a.k.a. “Issac” combined forces and released their EP “Cornelius” in 2008 in collaboration with French label “Sixpack France,” which released a limited edition t-shirt. In the same year, the two went on tour with American house DJ, and founder of Dim Mak records, Steve Aoki. They have since been featured in FIFA ’09 and NBA 2K9 and changed their name to “The Bloody Beetroots – Death Crew 77,” introducing a third member, Edward Grinch, who plays the drums during their live shows. The duo wear black masks while performing similar to Marvel comics alien “Venom,” and are further known for their hard rock influences.

Dr. Lektroluv

Belgian electro DJ Dr. Lektroluv describes his style as “everything has an electronic feel, from italo to house and from electro to techno.” Raised Stefaan Vandenberghe, he is known for his green mask, and mixing using a telephone instead of traditional DJ headphones. Often releasing compilations on the N.E.W.S. label, he is known for mixing classic electro-gems with some newer more independent releases, and much like Daft Punk, strays away from media attention. He also runs the Lektroluv label, with releases from The Subs, Highbloo, Mightyfools, Mumbai Science and Sound Of Stereo.

Redshape

German house DJ Redshape is probably the most hidden of all the preceding DJs. His level of production and mixing talent have led many in the EDM community to speculate that he is actually someone fairly famous and well established within the EDM communitywith Redshape productions as a supposed break from what he or she is normally known for. “I don’t prepare any details like breakdowns or mixes before I go on stage,” says Redshape, “my plan is to do a recordable jam session which is kinda organic and never really the same in any of its components while still sounding straight.”

Liked this? Check out these:
5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Be In A Band [DON'T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB!]
Our 64 Favorite 1990′s Songs
Recording Artists To Watch Out For In 2011 [VIDEOS]
30 Indie Albums of 2010 You Need To Hear
Download Collie Buddz’ New Album For Free Today!

Recording Artists To Watch Out For In 2011 [VIDEOS]

2010 was coming out party for artists like Sleigh Bells, Hesta Prynn, and Owen Pallett. Meanwhile, other artists who were on a slew of Watch Lists for 2010 didn’t make a peep. Ah, the beauty of making predictions – so hit or miss. So, which recording artists appear to be on the path to superstardom in 2011 in COED’s crystal ball? Let’s take a look!

J. Cole

Jermaine Lamarr Cole, better known as J. Cole is a North Carolina native who attended St. Johns University on an academic scholarship where he graduated with honors in pursuit of a record deal. Shortly after grabbing Jay-Z’s attention with his self produced “Lights Please,” J.Cole was signed to Roc Nation as its first artist, and began touring alongside Jay and Wale. With his impressive lyrics, and 3 mixtapes already under his belt, Cole has a huge 2011 in store.

Example

“It just happened naturally. I got bored of listening to hip-hop and became more interested in rave music and dubstep and old bands from the ’70s,” said British rapper Example of his transition from hip-hop to dance music. With the initials e.g., the name Example followed, and so did a multitude of hits. Calling his new work “Dysfunctional Electro-Pop,” Example chronicles this transition is his blogs, and his sound has been described as a medley of Snow Patrol, MGMT and Dizzie Rascal. With breakthrough album”Won’t Go Quietly” climbing the charts, and London on his back, Example is primed for a massive 2011!

Stromae

His name, Stromae, is a syllablic inversion of the word “Maestro,” and says a lot about what the Belgian rapper has been doing the past year. By May 2010 his single “Alors on danse” had reached number one in France, the Netherlands, Greece, Germany, Italy, and Belgium, just to name a few. On September 2, he and Kanye West made a remix to the hit track. “I thought that rather than copying the French sound, I’d focus on a more American style but give it a European spin. And then I rediscovered 90s Eurodance,” he said of the genre, which incorporates everything from Salsa to House music. He is currently on an international tour, and has big things in store for 2011!

Avicii

At just 21 years old, Avicii, also known as Tim Berg is taking the world of house music by storm. Named breakthrough producer/DJ of 2009 by French magazine “OnlyForDJs,” Avicii spent the past year honing his skills working with such veterans as Sebastien Ingrosso, Tiesto, John Dahlback and Laidback Luke and releasing a variety of remixes and new tracks.  He embarked on his first ever international tour, and his hit single “Bromance” is topping charts all over Europe.” There is no question he has a huge 2011 in store, with huge plans for his own solo work!

Tinie Tempah

Born Patrick Junior Chukwuem Okogwu, British rapper Tinie Tempah seems to be following a path much like that of fellow Londonite Dizzie Rascal. With a unique blend of UK Grime and Dubstep with more traditional Electronic and Rap influences, Tempah is taking over clubs internationally. With his debut album “Disc-Overy” debuting at number one in October 2010 and a new album with a more “electronic and live feel” in the works, Tempah is guaranteeing a huge 2011 showing!



Liked this? Check out these:
[Photo] Lady GaGa Tweets Her A** and Album Release Date for New Years
Hank Williams Sr: America’s First Badass Rock n’ Roller
Arcade Fire’s Win Butler Ranks Bruce Springsteen’s Top 14 Songs [VIDEO]
Kanye West Loves White Homeless People [Photos]
The Many Looks of Christina Aguilera [PICS]