Dance acts to watch in 2011

With 2010 calendars consigned to the dustbin and a brave new annum upon us, JOE’s resident dance music writer tips what’s coming in 2011.

Chase & Status, Blind Faith feat. Liam Bailey

Londoners Saul Milton (Chase) and Will Kennard (Status) have gone from strength to strength since forming back in 2003. In 2008 they released their first album titled More Than Alot.

Blind Faith, which features Liam Bailey on vocal duties, is the third single from their hugely anticipated forthcoming album titled No More Idols.

Considering the number of guest vocalists featured, it looks like No More Idols stands to earn them the commercial stripes that they deserve.

Listen here:

Breakage, Fighting Fire ft. Jess Mills

James Boyle, aka Breakage, is the man behind the stunning remix of Claire Maguire's Ain't Nobody, He burst onto the scene 10 years ago with a series of much sought after remixes and E.Ps .

Boyle released his sophomore album Foundation early last year on Digital Soundboy – a label which is also home to Shy FX, Benny Page, Donaeo, Redlight, Skream and Benga.

Fighting Fire, featuring the vocal talent of the delectable Jess Mills, was voted Zane Lowe's hottest record in the world. Intense.

Listen here:

Arveene & Misk, Love and Lust (Tagteam Terror Remix)

Arveene & Misk entered the public arena as producers two years ago and have been releasing quality dance music ever since on labels such as Kitsune, Bang Gang, Turbo, Ed Banger and Plant Music. They have also remixed The Prodigy, Felix The Housecat, 808 State and Kelis to name but a few.

Rumor has it they are currently in the studio working on their debut album which I've no doubt will be packing big synths, pounding beats and explosive bass-lines.

Love & Lust featuring Steo Gunn is their latest release and it comes with a raft of remixes to ensure heavy rotation in clubs across the globe. Sublime.

Listen here:

Retro/Grade, Escape Sequence

Serge Santiago and Tom Neville aka Retro/Grade has just signed to Deconstruction – a label owned by Mike Pickering of M-People fame.

Their first single, Moda, which was five years in the making, dropped in September 2009 and since then they haven't looked back. Their latest release, Escape Sequence, is modern day Italo Disco of the highest order.

Listen here:

Mustang, Apocalypso

Belgian duo Mustang is an Italo-disco collaboration between DJ Renaud Deru and Andy Faisca. They released their first EP, Chameleon, on Gomma Records in February 2010.

Apocalypso, taken from their second EP, sounds like run-of-the-mill Italo-disco then suddenly, out of nowhere at 4:40, comes the breakdown which totally changes the game.

Mustang's sound has been likened to fellow Belgians Villa and Aeroplane which in my humble opinion is a huge compliment.

Listen here:

JOE’s Dance Downloads is compiled by veteran DJ Craig G. The Dubliner has performed sets in numerous clubs during the course of his 18-year career including The Dragon Nightclub in Dublin and The Vic Nightclub in Galway. His mixes, meanwhile, have been featured on 2fm. Craig G has been working with Rampage School of Dance for the past eight years, putting scores for their live performances. Their last collaboration enjoyed a sold-out run at The Mermaid Arts Theatre.