The Full Mix: The Highs, Lows and Lessons of 2024
Learn about these artists' achievements, obstacles and lessons
As the new year begins, it’s time to look back at the the highs, lows, and lessons that made this year unforgettable for the ArtistMap community. From big wins to tough challenges, our members have been on an incredible journey of growth and creativity. "The Full Mix: The Highs, Lows, and Lessons of 2024" is a celebration of their standout moments and the wisdom they’ve gained along the way. Here’s what they had to share!
BYRD
Favorite Achievement
Biggest Obstacle
My biggest obstacle this year has been not playing enough techno events outside of San Diego. Expanding my reach beyond my hometown is a challenge I’m determined to overcome as I continue to grow and share my sound with a wider audience.
Biggest Lesson
Connect with Byrd: SoundCloud | Beatport | Instagram
Dianthe
Favorite Achievement
"Magic" EP release on Dec 13 with Monococ on Alula Tunes
Biggest Obstacle
Finding the balance between striving for ambitious goals while being proud and satisfied with my accomplishments thus far
Biggest Lesson
Growth looks different for each artist, and is not always a linear process.
Connect with Dianthe: Instagram | Facebook | SoundCloud | Spotify
MHELT
Favorite Achievement
My favorite achievement would have to be releasing a two-track EP (Wasting Time/Sleep Walk) with Therefore Records, a label founded by the artist duo, Max & Dana, out of Miami.
Biggest Obstacle
My biggest obstacle has been finding label support for my music, and also navigating the world of content creation and social media presence. Figuring out quality packaging for quality product.
Biggest Lesson
Sometimes all you have to do is take a step back, get out of your own way, and let go.
Connect with Mhelt: SoundCloud | Instagram
Northern Cold
Favorite Achievement
I launched EONS Label and put out the first 5 releases. Including my own work, plus some guest artist EPs and a bunch of fantastic remixes.
Read Here: Northern Cold Talks New Label EONS, Upcoming Releases, and Blending Genre Boundaries in Dance Music
Biggest Obstacle
Navigating how to balance it all. Between my own artist work, my label, the collective, and my day job — I'm staying super busy. I've been learning how to get more efficient and manage all the tasks.
Biggest Lesson
Putting yourself out there to collaborate with others has been challenging but also rewarding. There is always something new to learn.
Connect with NORTHERN COLD: Instagram | Soundcloud
Connect with EONS LABEL: Instagram | Soundcloud
S:V:S
Favorite Achievement
Being a new-ish dad, making it out alive and still somehow having the creative energy and ability to get releases out (Kraftek & Starskream). Did I mention making it out alive?
Biggest Obstacle
Making time to actually produce tracks while balancing family and work. The next biggest obstacle was being accepting the fact that there would be times where I couldn't even open the DAW.
Biggest Lesson
Connect with S:V:S: SoundCloud | Instagram
Realize
Favorite Achievement
My first DJ residency (WORK).
Biggest Obstacle
Spending too much time on tasks.
Biggest Lesson
Learning not to say no for other people.
Connect with Realize: SoundCloud | Instagram | Resident Advisor | Spotify | Beatport | TikTok
JIA
Favorite Accomplishment
Playing my debut gigs in Chiang Mai, Thailand / Vancouver, Canada / Seoul, South Korea and I Made it on the official ADE program as an artist
Biggest Obstacles
Lack of intentional time to dedicate effort and focus to the artist journey, all accomplishments were made from established relationships and groups I serve and work with. Bookings are not as easy to come by with all of the events we are doing that requires my presence. Also Lack of new networks and weak established ones (not checking in or staying in touch) with people who I should be staying in touch with to keep doors open.
Biggest Lessons
Nobody cares about your music unless you take the action to care for it and put that music in front of a community who might care (it's called self-promotion). This is a hard pill to swallow for any artist but the moment you swallow this truth, you set yourself free. The artists who flow with their work and journey are the ones reaping the most opportunities because they aren't carrying a baggage that actually pushes things away. There's a reason why the more you chase the more you feel left behind.