12 times dance music made us glad to be alive in 2016

2016 might not have been the first year that campouts and micro festivals popped up around the west coast of the USA, but it was the year that proved the scene is thriving. From a numbers perspective, there were more sell-outs and overall increased attendance at fests like CRSSD San Diego, Symbiosis, Desert Hearts, What The Festival and Dirtybird Campout. And who were these new attendees? They're kids from the Coachella crowd or young festival newbies, likely spending their college graduation money traveling the circuit. Lucky for them, that circuit lasted the whole year. As for memorable festival sets go, Seth Troxler's seamless all-vinyl set in a little shack by the water at Symbiosis proved that wonderful boutique festivals really are thriving. Carré Orenstein, Partnerships Manager

Mixmag Live landed in North America for the very first time this year. The ticketed event celebrating each month’s cover star has become a Mixmag trademark, taking place in the UK since 2012. Mixmag Live’s US debut aligned perfectly with our one-year anniversary in New York, and brought PLAYdifferently’s MODEL 1 Ambassadors Julia Govor, Louie Vega, Richie Hawtin and Matador to the stage.

It only seemed fitting to host the milestone party at the epicenter of the city's underground scene: Brooklyn’s Output. The industrial club space, inspired by Berghain, brings consistently outstanding artist bookings and a Funktion One system so tremendous, so crisp and textural, that it's won Output the unofficial title of the best venue in New York.

The night took place on a dark and dreary Tuesday, but despite the dull, stormy weather and weekday scheduling, Output was packed to capacity past any recent Friday or Saturday by the ripe hour of 9pm. The sets were absolutely astounding and perfectly showcased the MODEL 1’s profound abilities, with every artist bringing their A-game for the landmark event. Sydney Jow, US Digital Content Editor