The Notepad

DJ Shah Munir scribbles sound waves on paper; picking and choosing the musicians you should keep an ear out for in 2016

Kanye West



For the last year and a half, West has taken a hiatus from music and instead focused on his shoe and clothing line in collaboration with Adidas and his creative agency DONDA. However, in the first quarter of this year he is coming out with a new album. Having heard some of his unreleased tracks, I can safely say that this is the Kanye everyone wants to hear. His new album gives off his vibe from the mid 2000s, which we haven’t heard in his recent albums.

Justice



This French electronic music duo is going to make big waves in 2016. They have not produced any music in about five or six years but are regrouping and going on tour this year. Electronic music fans need to look out for them!

Kygo



He had a big 2015 with songs like Firestone and other remixes that he did for other artists. This year he will continue to carry forward the Tropical House Sound that he curated and pioneered in 2015, into the New Year. He’s going on his first stadium tour, which starts in the US two weeks from now. He’s been getting great response and is definitely someone you should follow throughout the year.

Drake



He is the hottest artist in the hip-hop category. He had a great 2015 and will keep the momentum going in 2016 as well. He is coming out with an album called Views From The 6, which will be a continuation of his music from 2015 that we all love.

Travi$ Scott



He is my absolute favourite artist right now. He busted on to the mainstream hip-hop scene this past year, but has been backed by, and received co-signs from, Kanye West and G.O.O.D music for some time now. His style is very versatile, he can spit raw hip-hop. I just heard his new single that dropped with DJ Mustard yesterday, which has a dance music vibe – it’s crazy! He will also be going on tour with Rihanna soon, that will be called the ‘ANTI’ Tour. Definitely keep him on your radar.

Hot Creations Label



Headed by Jamie Jonesand Lee Foss, they host some of the hottest shows in Ibiza, the BMP festival in Tulum and are legends in the

Tech-House scene all over the world. All their artists will be putting out great music this year with new releases from their label. I am particularly excited to see what Andhim, Hot Since 82 and Jamie Jones, the co-label owner himself, are going to put out this year.

Defected Records



This is a record label that is true to its House music roots. They have a certain sound, which takes it back to the basics. They are going to be making it big in the House and Dance music genre. At the end of the month, they have some big releases coming up. Keep a look out for Dennis Ferrer and MK.