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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
51
Kura
10

After collaborations with Hardwell and Laidback Luke since last year's poll — “something I wouldn't have imagined a few years ago,” he tells DJ Mag — it's no surprise KURA has risen 10 places in 2016. The Portuguese EDM star has also enjoyed his first solo Beatport No.1 and toured the Far East, Europe and the States, played Tomorrowland as well as Ultra Europe, all this year. Hence, his profile has continued to rocket over the past 12 months. 

“I also felt that my productions were bigger than ever and I've seen the organic growth of my social networks,” he says. “The response of the fans when I play live has been amazing, even in places I wouldn't imagine people would know my tracks. It was a very challenging, but hyper-positive year for me!” Ain't that the truth. ADAM SAVILLE

What have been the new frontiers for you this year? “Playing Ultra Europe and Tomorrowland was a big step for me.” 

Is electronic music taken seriously enough as an art-form? “Not always. But if we look ten years back we can say, 'Damn, look how far electronic music has come'. It's amazing!”

What’s the best new bit of DJ/production technology, and why? “For me, it's Serum. It's not 'new' but I discovered it at the beginning of the year and it has helped a lot in all my productions.”

If you had to switch your style to another genre, what would it be? “I'm actually comfortable playing different genres — from dubstep to hip-hop to future bass, so I would be happy to embrace those styles.”

As a fan, what is the top price you would pay to see yourself DJ? “[Laughs] It's really hard to tell. In a perfect world all events would be free, but we know that's not possible.”

What can be done to prevent drug-related deaths at dance music events? “Information is key, we need to educate people.”

How can we increase diversity in dance music? “By crossing more lines, collaborating more in-between genres and risking more sonically, that's how all musical revolutions happened.”