With 2013 now in the record books, it is interesting to think about what 2014 might have in store for the EDM scene. If this past year is any indication, 2014 will bring EDM even more growth and reach throughout the world. Here are EatSleepEDM’s 5 bold predictions for 2014:

5. Hardstyle becomes a major genre

Originating in the Netherlands, but being made famous in Australia, hardstyle has always seemed to take a back seat to other popular genres such as house, trance, or dubstep. A perfect example of this can be found on Beatport, where it fails to even list hardstyle as a genre. But with the help of successful hardstyle DJs and producers such as HeadHunterz and The Prophet, hardstyle has been introduced to many fans that had never even heard of the genre before. 2014 will be the year where hardstyle finally gets the recognition it deserves, with more and more music festivals embracing the sound of hardstyle, exposing EDM fans to the reason why it has become so popular in Australia.

4. The “rise and fall” of Krewella

By the end of 2013, Krewella has reached heights that no one could have predicted. Since the release of their EP Play Hard on June 18, 2012, the group from Illinois has not looked back and began headlining all major festivals including UMF and EDC LV. This rise to stardom has been unprecedented in terms of success by any DJ or producer. However, this quick success brings up questions of Krewella’s ability to last the test of time. Every great DJ/producer has been able to subtly innovate their sound to build on what they had previously created. In Krewella’s case, their early success may ultimately be their downfall because they have not had the chance to really experiment with their sound. Therefore, when the time comes when they attempt to produce something different, how will the millions of KREW fans react when it is not up to their standards? That is why by the end of 2014, Krewella may ultimately fall from grace.

3. Daft Punk’s Return

In 2013, we saw Daft Punk return to the spotlight with the release of their 4th studio album, Random Access Memories. The only thing that was missing was Daft Punk themselves. While they made appearances at places like the MTV VMAs, where they “performed,” every fan is still waiting for when Daft Punk will announce some kind of tour. After revolutionizing the way EDM should be performed live at Coachella 2006 and during their Alive tour in 2007, Daft Punk has been silent about any plans to tour again. But in 2014, it seems like the time has come to capitalize on their huge success of RAM and finally step out into the world and show how great the robots are live. That is why in 2014, Daft Punk will return to the stage and attempt to top the pyramid setup that they made famous.

2. Deadmau5 will top the rest

After another year of trolling the Internet and bashing EDM for becoming commercial and mainstream, it is easy to forget that Deadmau5 is one of the better producers out there. In 2014, Deadmau5 will remind us all why he still reigns supreme with a 2014 tour that he promises will showcase the most cutting edge production for his live shows. Previewing some of tricks during his residency at Hakassan Las Vegas, it seems that this tour will top the rest for 2014, even if Daft Punk joins in.

1. DJ Snake’s Takeover