1 Music Ave
@1MusicAve
With music constantly changing, what do you think the sound of Dance music will be this summer?
Geronimo - VP, SiriusXM, BPM
We can already see and hear what’s happening this summer. The many really cool remixes of Lola Young Messy which is a must-play for every DJ. There is a specific sound that seems to be breaking through this summer which many are calling
House/UK Garage: songs like Zulan “Forever” and Lash “Don’t Forget Me” and jigitz “Tell you Straight”. Big party songs in that style that mostly start virally on TikTok. Aside from those, no one is close to John Summit right now. He can do no wrong. If you are not playing John Summit on your dance radio station or in your DJ sets, you are doing your audience a disservice. We also have the incredibly successful data to back it up. Also give a look to Dom Dolla, LP Giobbi and Coco & Breezy for the summer.
Rida Naser - PD, SiriusXM, BPM
I think we’ll see less focus on lyrics and more on energy-driven tracks—stuff that feels good and sets a mood without needing a big vocal. The cookie-cutter EDM sound is pretty much out in my opinion. Dance music as a whole is going to be the genre this summer, but it’ll be more about groove, texture, and atmosphere than big drops or formulas.
Dre Nieto - PD, SiriusXM Chill, Diplo's Revolution
There is a shift into more rave-style sounds but I don’t think there’s one sound dominating and that’s probably better energy overall for dance. You have a Chris Lake album, RUFUS DU SOL doing a big tour, and artists like Sammy Virji, KETTAMA, Prospa, ZULAN, and others doing their respective thing.
Brian Fink - PD, iHeart, Evolution
I definitely hope nostalgic, feel-good Progressive House keeps making its comeback to the forefront.
McCabe - PD, iHeart, Pride Radio
Check back soon for more answers @1MusicAve
Brian Holt - PD, Audacy, Channel Q
I'm hearing a bit of retro (see Guetta and Cedric's fire hit! It's bringing me back to Pacha-Ibiza summers 2002-2003), a dash of Disco in some and of course, who wouldn't love some more Afro-House - please :)
Steve Pereira - PD, Music Choice, Dance
We’re at a point right now where we’re not just searching for the sound of the summer, but for the next evolution of dance music. It’s exciting to see so many DJs experimenting and pushing boundaries in new and creative ways.
To Kool Chris - PD, WCPY, Dance Factory FM, Chicago
I like where dance is right now, I really don’t see where it needs a tweak. I do like the fact that the Chicago House sound is emerging back into the scene. I like all dance because each artist and each song has its own identity.
Luis 2 Live - MD, WCPY, Dance Factory FM, Chicago
If I had to pick, I would say a polished early 2000's Euro -Trance sound, 140+ BPM tempos, Euphoric synths and anything with some meaningful vocals!
Jazzy Jim Archer - PD, KMVQ-HD2, Pulse Radio, San Francisco
I don't have a prediction other than DANCE music will continue to grow and start infiltrating other formats and venues.
Harmony Soleil - APD/MD, KNHC C89.5, Seattle
I think that tempos are still pretty fast which I love, Jungle, Drum and Bass and those big, fast sounds are definitely still big in dance music and should be embraced. There also seems to be some resurgence of Progressive House, with big, epic drops which is fun.
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Joel Salkowitz - PD, WJZZ, Pulse 87, Hudson Valley
I'm hearing a bit more disco-sounding songs these days as well as more medium and even slower-tempo songs which are quite good. As much as I believe in maintaining the overall energy of the station, sometimes, you "have to let them off the ride" for a moment.
DJ Tremble - PD, WVYB-HD2, Daytona Beach
I’m excited for Dance music. There’s a lot of it for sure. But the chart is loaded with potential cross overs. I’m playing so many different sounds. I’ll have to answer this at the end of summer! Can’t wait to see what breaks through.
Chris Shebel - PD, KGAY, Palm Springs
I’m hoping that the tempo will stay up. Lately I’ve been hearing a slower more draggy sound on some of the tracks coming out but I think that is a mistake. People use Dance to feel good and right now that’s important as there’s not a lot of positive exciting things happening in the US. We must stay fun!
Mike Oaks - PD, The Vibe, Energy 98, Internet
Feels like the tempo is picking up again. UK is always a taste-maker.
DJ Illegal - EVP of Programming, Litt Live Dance, Internet
The sound will be pure energy with dance this summer, fun & exciting.
Bob Ketcher - PD, Next Dance Radio, Internet
With the format of Next Dance Radio, being an inclusive station of Electronic Dance Music, we cover the complete gamut of genres in the space. So, with so many offerings of music across the board, I would say I am very excited to play so many amazing songs that are coming our way. We are very progressive with our programming. I feel there is more to explore and share.
Manny Esparza - PD, Nexus Radio, Internet
I can tell you what I hope to hear: something big, bold, and euphoric - like Afrojack’s “Never Forget You.” It gives me those larger-than-life, hands-in-the-air summer vibes. I’d love to hear a proper anthem drop from Afrojack and Z3LLA - something that defines the summer and scars me for life.
Jerry Houston - PD, Pride365 Radio, Internet
Dance music is always evolving which is what makes it so great – I’ve noticed a trend of that late 90’s/early 00’s Mainstream Dance sound that was driving CHR radio at the time. I’d like to think we might get more of that as retro continues to be the ‘it’ sound and listeners are seeking out music that’s comfortable. There’s a want for up-tempo, happy records.
