Boys Noize's 10 Artists to Watch in 2013

Alexander Ridha, who goes by the name Boys Noize, has become an inimitable force in the realm of electronic music. In addition to producing some of th

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Alexander Ridha, who goes by the name Boys Noize, has become an inimitable force in the realm of electronic music. In addition to producing some of the most inventive, celebrated remixes of the past decade, he's released three acclaimed albums on his own Boysnoize Records label, established in 2005. Collaborating with everyone from Skrillex to Snoop Dogg and Depeche Mode, he's proved that electronic music is multi-dimensional, far-reaching, and a vital part of the contemporary soundscape.

Since starting BNR, Alexander has continued to release music independently, in addition to creating a roster of talented artists. Unlike many artists who start labels that quickly dissolve, Boysnoize Records remains a highly influential entity in EDM in 2013. When asked about the state of the genre, he says, "To me, EDM is mainstream music; it's all radio music in the end for me. I've never been a fan of titles, even when it comes to my old music. I'm inspired by everything, including punk rock and hip-hop. I am part of EDM, and I am happy that people are exploring electronic music. I just hope that the people who get into the cheesy, more mainstream stuff will eventually dig deeper. My hope is that in 2013 people will go for what's cool and doesn't sound the same as everything else."

Alexander just completed his Out of the Black tour, promoting his latest album of the same name. We caught up with him at the Los Angeles stop in December to ask which artists we should be watching in 2013. Unsurprisingly, many of them are on his label, and rightfully so. Enjoy and keep tabs accordingly.

Photo Credit: Sazan Pasori

Scntst

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"SCNTST is a young kid based in Munich. He just turned 18. He puts out hundreds of tracks and is incredibly talented. We put out two of his EPs on Boysnoize Records and are also releasing his first album."

LE1F

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“Le1F, who raps, is already blowing up right now. We put out his new EP on Boysnoize Records. You should definitely check him out."

Mixhell

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“Mixhell is great whether or not you're into hardcore metal stuff. The guy in Mixhell is the drummer from Sepultura, who is up there with Metallica in terms of bands. He is a huge deal. He and his wife created this project, and we’re releasing the record. It’s a bit like LCD Soundsystem or Soulwax; it’s more like disco and indie rock with some electronic elements."

Dog Blood

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“Dog Blood is a new project by two crazy guys, haha. It's basically a side-project I do with Skrillex. We already put out an EP, but we don’t really talk about it much."

Housemeister

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“Housemeister is from Berlin, and he's a very good friend of mine. He's a crazy producer as well; he only uses machines, and it's always really fucked up, really cool stuff. I am seriously excited about all of his records."

Strip Steve

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"Strip Steve just released a new album, which is his first album. It's really cool disco-like house/funky/electronic music. It's very fun."

Elax

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"I have a side project that's just me; it’s Elax, not relax."

Djedjotronic

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"Djedjotronic has been making music since he was young. We've been releasing his music on Boysnoize Records for years. It's a really good mix of house and techno."

Jacques Lu Cont

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"His real name is Stuart Price. He's produced for Madonna, including her Confessions on a Dance Floor album. He is really amazing; he did a lot of electronic stuff before. He just sent me so many new tracks, and they are all incredible."

Audionite

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"If you want really excellent techno, Audionite is your guy.”

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