As the world comes to the close of 2021, everyone can’t help but take stock of the highs and lows of the past couple of years. One thing is for certain. Through the lowest of the lows, music has bonded individuals as a community carrying them through the tough times and making their lives that much better. One such group that has provided dance music fans with such great music for decades, and especially this year, is Christian Smith‘s Tronic label.
Tronic is one of the longest-running and well-established techno labels that is currently active. The label has given us gem after gem this year; so here are Christian Smith’s highlights of the top 12 tracks released on Tronic in 2021 and why he chose them:
1. Christian Smith – I Want It
During the pandemic, I had some time to produce styles that I always loved but never made. So I started making a bunch of electro tracks. I really like this one.
2. Danny Wabbit – Internal Jungle
It’s no secret that I am a big supporter of up-and-coming talent. Istanbul native, Danny Wabbit is one of the main players in the Turkish techno movement. I really like his grooves and intricate rhythms.
3. Diego Infanzon – The Revival
Diego is from Uruguay, South America. I really like his style. His tracks always have a good amount of energy, no matter if they are more housey or hard. This track is Detroit-inspired and always rocks the house.
4. Drunken Kong – Consciousness
I recently do. a big USA tour together with Japan’s Drunken Kong. This track is slightly E-Dancer influenced with their own trademark sound.
5. Christian Smith – Atmosphere
I always enjoyed making melodic party techno. This track uses lots of analog sounds and has my typical energy. It’s not overly in your face but sits nicely in my longer sets.
6. Procombo – Falling Apart
Another Turkish artist making waves in the techno world. This track is slightly mental and sets a nice dark vibe.
7. Client_03 – Default Mode Network
Really awesome track. Elegant, unique, electro. Great artist!
8. Patrick Dandoczi – Shelter
Classic chord-driven Detroit techno from this Irish artist. The timeless style of track that always works on a busy dancefloor.
9. Ken Ishii – Dive (Oscar L Remix)
One of Japan’s techno OG’s Ken Ishii has always had a close relationship with Tronic. Here we have Spain’s Oscar L stepping up for remix duties, delivering a simple and VERY effective floor rocker!
10. Smith&Selway – Blink Of An Eye
I really enjoyed working on this track together with John. Classic dance floor electro the way we like it!
11. Anna Reusch – Loose Your Mind
Germany’s Anna Reusch steps up to the table with a moody rump shaker! I usually play this well-pitched up and it really works a treat!
12. Ronnie Spiteri – Toxic
More on a housy tip, this one has a phat groove. Uk’s Ronnie Spiteri has amazing production, and I really like to mix up the techno releases with some more groove as well.
