As many look towards the future of electronic dance music as artists gear up for the year ahead by preparing their release schedule, we can’t help but look back at some of the historic releases of the past. With the arrival of 2022, it marks the 10 year anniversary of many iconic tracks so we want to take you on this nostalgic journey as we remember some major releases in the history of EDM.
Hardwell – Spaceman
Kicking this list off we’ve got what most people may describe as the greatest release from superstar Hardwell. Released on the 23rd of January, 2012, Hardwell was again on top of his game as ‘Spaceman’ continued his mission to produce peak time records at warp speed with an ever-ascending sound. Hardwell road-tested the track on his USA tour and reactions were as clear as day, killing every crowd out there with probably his biggest drop ever. With the infectious lead theme unexpectedly dropping two chords and turning into the electro-influenced Hardwell bassline, a sure shot for giving the whole dance floor that boost of energy jetting them into space!
Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl ft. Georgi Kay – In My Mind (Axwell Mix)
Next up we’ve got the truly iconic mix of Ivan Gough and Feenixpawl‘s ‘In My Mind’ by Axwell. Released on the 30th of January, 2012, this single quickly took over the electronic dance music world as it was played by every DJ at every festival on every continent. Often described as one of the greater progressive house songs to ever be released, this mix gained over 100 million online streams among many other plaudits.
Otto Knows – Million Voices
Sebastian Ingrosso and his Refune Records label had become synonymous with bringing young talent through the ranks and turning them into forces within the scene and with this release in 2012, he did it once again. Officially dropping on the 8th of February, ‘Million Voices’ by Otto Knows was supported across the globe by every DJ under the sun along with gaining millions of streams. An overall progressive house gem with a hooky as hell main section that is combined with infectious synths, ‘Million Voices’ was yet another monster from Ingrosso‘s Refune imprint.
Swedish House Mafia – Greyhound
When it comes to creating and releasing bonafide hits, very few come close to the superstar trio of Swedish House Mafia. The trio took over the electronic dance music scene with their incredible releases ‘One’, ‘Save The World’, ‘Miami 2 Ibiza’ and ‘Antidote’, and then decided to take it to the next level, delivering a main room anthem that would dominate the festival scene for years to come. ‘Greyhound’, which was released on the 12th of March, 2012 was the second last release before the trio split in 2013 before re-uniting in 2018.
Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso ft. Ryan Tedder – Calling (Lose My Mind)
In 2012, Swedish producers Alesso and Sebastian Ingrosso teamed up to deliver a breathtaking single which has still been holding up to this day. Released on the 13th of March, 2012, ‘Calling (Losing My Mind)’ alongside OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder was certified 2x Platinum in Sweden while also reaching #1 on Billboard’s US Hot Dance Club Songs. This track signaled the birth of Alesso‘s meteoric rise to the top of electronic dance music as he followed this single up with many more hits.
Porter Robinson – Language
Although now he is a well-traveled and successful artist who has released countless high-quality singles, in 2012 Porter Robinson was an up-and-comer ready to prove his worth. On the 10th of April, 2012, he did just that with the incredible release of ‘Language’, setting the stage for what would be in the coming years. Gaining over 50 million streams since its release, ‘Langauge’ still holds up as one of the American’s most popular tracks.
Zedd ft. Matthew Koma – Spectrum
Another breakout single released in 2012 was ‘Spectrum’ by Zedd. Russian/German DJ and producer Zedd burst onto the scene with ‘Shave It’ in 2011 but he hit high ground as he united with Matthew Koma to deliver ‘Spectrum’ on the 4th of June, 2012. Since its release, this single has gained over 50 million streams online and still features in Zedd‘s most recent live sets.
Afrojack – Rock The House
When Afrojack dropped ‘Rock The House’ at Ultra Music Festival 2012, he instantly knew this had to become one of his next singles, and if you listen to it, you will understand why. Released on the 16th of July, 2012, Afrojack stuck to his trademark filthy Dutch electro sounds but created a more melodic buildup to what was one of the most epic drops of 2012.
Nari & Milani – Atom
10 years on and although the duo has officially split up, Nari & Milani‘s anthemic hit ‘Atom’, which was released on Steve Angello‘s Size Records on the 11th of April 2012, still resonates with the loyal fans of EDM and big room house. A track, which was truly a trendsetter, used climatic risers and paired them with monstrous drops that blew every festival crowd away. Featured prominently in Swedish House Mafia‘s iconic “One Last Tour” before they split up in 2013, ‘Atom’ dominated the festival scene from 2012 and onwards and even still receives constant airtime to this day due to its revolutionary sound design.
