John Digweed

Initially known for his collaborations with Alexander Coe, who performs as Sasha, John Digweed is now firmly established as a mixology superstar in his own right. The reasons for his success include charisma and a keen sense of how to market himself, but his ability to combine accessibility with cool is arguably a bigger factor. Choice: A Collection of Classics and the Fabric 20 roundup, both issued in 2005, use trance as a starting point for spacious soundscapes in which elegant logic, bold sweep and immaculate flow hold sway and danceability is maintained via shifting rhythms and undulating grooves, not the same old recycled beats. Digweed, who shares Vinyl's spotlight with MSTRKRFT, is notably prolific; at present, he's touring in support of the just-released Transitions, Vol. 2, a sequel to yet another 2005 set. Clearly, he no longer needs a partner to help him behind the boards. He's more than capable of standing on his own.