We know you don’t want to always hear it from us, so when the time calls, inthemix likes to hand the editorial over to the experts. In our ‘Guest Lists’ section, you’ll find DJs, producers and other dance music ambassadors weighing in on any number of hot topics.

The New Guard of Dance Music

Throughout 2010, inthemix devoted plenty of words to veterans. With a spate of tours from acts like Jeff Mills, The Prodigy, Underworld, Sven Väth and Massive Attack, it’s been a year stacked with time-honoured legends. But while there’s been plenty to remind us of dance music’s rich history, 2010 has left no doubt that the future is bright too.

In techno, trance, dubstep, electro and beyond, there’s a groundswell of inspiring music being made by not-yet-household names. So, who has had a breakthrough year? We called on some of Australia’s leading tastemakers to nominate their picks for dance music’s next-big-things.

The Decade In Dance – An Insider’s Guide

In the sage words of Ferris Bueller, “life moves pretty fast” – and so it is for dance music too. In the ten years since inthemix fired into life, we’ve seen many transformations: the advent of festivals, the shifting fortunes of the club scene, the backlashes and comebacks.

To pay heed to this boom time, we wanted to hear about it from the DJs and producers who led the way. Our star panel is by no means comprehensive, but these guys all played a pivotal role in putting Australian dance music on the map.

Jamie Stevens: My 10 Most Inspiring Acts of the Decade

Jamie Stevens has been a leading figure in Australian dance music throughout this decade, both as part of Infusion and as a standalone producer. His recent releases on the likes of Chameleon Records have revealed a heady tech-house bent, squarely aimed at deep-in-the-night dancefloors.

For the second part of our Hometown Heroes series, inthemix asked Jamie to chart the last ten years through the acts that have inspired and influenced him. After some serious deliberation, here’s what he came back with.

Robbie Lowe: My Records of the Decade

Understated as he may be, Robbie Lowe is a certified star of the Sydney club scene. His DJ sets can weave between progressive, techno and deep house – whatever the night calls for.

Given how consistently impressive Robbie has been this decade, we here at inthemix were very keen to know what tracks he rates as the true keepers in his collection. Here he takes us through those special weapons that haven’t left his side.