The Best Labels of 2014 (So Far)

What's makes a dance music label great? In 2014, there are a wide variety of reasons. Some imprints help push the culture they represent better than anyone else. Others have a consistent release schedule, racking up solid tunes on the regular. Others know how to sign that artist or release, and then nurture them to become something great. Whatever their reasoning, these 10 imprints are killing it in 2014, so far, in no particular order.

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What's makes a dance music label great? In 2014, there are a wide variety of reasons. Some imprints help push the culture they represent better than anyone else. Others have a consistent release schedule, racking up solid tunes on the regular. Others know how to sign that artist or release, and then nurture them to become something great. Whatever their reasoning, these 10 imprints are killing it in 2014, so far, in no particular order.

Enchufada

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From finally introducing the world at-large to Peruvian bass maestros Dengue Dengue Dengue to a well-rounded Upper Cuts, Volume 3 release, Enchufada's 2014 to-date could be considered stellar. However, when you round that out with excellent work from Mala Noche and label boss Branko, it really shows a curatorial touch that is diverse, yet focused, an ocean of melodic, global and low-end friendly sounds all viewed through just one bass periscope.–Marcus

OWSLA

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Whatever Skrillex and the team at OWSLA are doing, we commend them. Not too many three-year-old imprints have made the impact that this label has. 2014 alone has seen the release of Moody Good's massive album, a new EP from David Heartbreak, a Dog Blood remix EP that roped in everyone from Alesia to DJ Sliink, an EP from YOGI, and new releases from Alex Metric, Bart B More, Kill Paris and many others. Basically, the past, present, and future of our scene is contained in OWSLA releases. –khal

Main Course

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I'm convinced that Astronomar, Bot, and Neoteric don't sleep. If they do happen to actually partake in the act of sleeping, they must spend much of their waking hours figuring out new ways to blow our minds. Not only are they of the mindset that it's OK to give a tune away for a month then release it on iTunes for a fee, but they continue to push the envelope, bringing in a diverse selection of sounds and producers into the fold on the regular. Label heads Astronomar and Bot have put out their own EPs on Main Course, but those are truly the tip of the iceberg. If you're trying to understand where the future of dance music is going, Main Course is the spot. –khal

Pelican Fly

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Pelican Fly's 2014 mid-year is an great example of quality over quantity. They might not have a bevy of releases that a Main Course or Fool's Gold does, but what they are releasing is stellar and relevant. Nadus blew past the producers that are just now getting to the Jersey club sound with his intergalactic Broke City EP, while Lido really let lush melodies loose with his recently-released I Love You. They also released the super-impressive Yume EP from Samename, and truth be told, if they don't release anything else this year (or only sort out three more quality EPs), it'll be fine–their status is certified.–khal

DIE HIGH

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Not only does DIE HIGH have a pretty awesome name, but they give everything away for free. And this isn't just finding random people on the Internets to release music from; there's some real curation going on with their selections. Mr. Carmack, Maxx Baer, and KRANE are some of the acts who have already graced their SoundCloud, but it's the know-how of putting out solid EPs from StéLouse (who doesn't seem to do any wrong) that really piques our interest. They're one never to sleep on.–khal

Fool's Gold

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As the Miami Heat learned in this year's NBA Finals, it's not enough to be crowned as the champion, but rather it's in defending the title that the true measure of a champion is discovered. Well, with half of 2014 done, it's easy to make the argument that the dance championship may not leave Brooklyn anytime soon. Fools Gold has continued to roll out their weekly "Clubhouse" series quite well, with releases from the likes of Willy Joy, Tresure Fingers, Astronomar and Smalltown DJs. As well, 2014 has been a stellar year for the Brothers Macklovitch, as Chromeo's fourth studio album "White Women" was met with critical acclaim and a plethora of solid remixes, while A-Trak has dived headlong into rap's dominance in the club, his worth with Low Pros (alongside Lex Luger) and namely the resurrected Dipset has been met with incredible fanfare.–Marcus

Soulection

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We spend a good amount of time dwelling in the deeper, moodier selections that the likes of Soulection continues to provide, and we must say: this label is forever in our hearts. Whether its their special "White Label" series or the magnum opus that is LAKIM's This Is Her to helping expose future music makers like AbJo, Mikos Da Gawd, esta., and plenty others. Their stock has risen over the last year, to the point where they're hitting their first European tour. If they keep this up, there's no telling where they'll end up.–khal

Metalheadz

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The house that Goldie built has been firing on all cylinders in 2014. Coming off a strong 2013, which featured a full length album from Jubei and singles from legends like Dom & Roland and Marcus Intalex, 2014 finds 'Headz really focusing on the future. They finally sorted out the Platinum Breakz 4 compilation, Lenzman's excellent Looking At The Stars LP, and singles from Xtrah and Mako. They aren't holding back, as Dom & Roland has VIP'd his single, Blocks & Escher have their own single, and the likes of DLR, SB81, Ulterior Motive, and Nucleus & Paradox are all in the pipeline. Proper dnb explosion, seen?–khal

Jeffrees

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Why choose Jeffrees over Mad Decent? Primarily because of their consistency (you can always expect something every Thursday), but the fact that the music is dropped for free before Mad Decent puts them out for a fee. It also feels like a great home for material that's currently on the bubble. You will definitely get some releases from acts you might not be up on from them, but it's almost like a badge of honor to carry that. Part of the reason why UZ decided to unleash his long-awaited "Trap Shit" release via this platform, which is the same thign Trippy Turtle did with his debut single "Trippy's Theme." Add to that stellar releases from Blaqstarr, 813, and LIZ, and you have a house for the dance music fan who likes everything to rest their feet in.–khal

Black Butter

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Black Butter hasn't gone hard this year on the release front, but in keeping the soulful side of the house scene alive, they will always have a place in our record bins. Astonishing material from Gorgon City, Kidnap Kid, My Nu Leng, and others have helped them maintain their place as a true cultivator of that scene. Their history of helping launch these acts could possibly put them in a place where they might end up having another hit or two (or 12) on their hands come year's end.–khal

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