12. Axwell

Axwell

Surely, after the successful explosion of DJ collective Swedish House Mafia in 2009 and solo achievements in 2010, Axel 'Axwell' Hedfors must have had a comedown in 2011? Guess again. “It...

Style: Energetic house

Best known for: The track 'I Found You'

Tune of 2011: Swedish House Mafia 'Save The World'.

Breakthrough DJ/Producer of 2011: Producer is Arty and DJ is Thomas Gold

What's the future of DJing? I think it will get more gadget-based, with people using iPads and phones when they're DJing.

Favourite app? Twitter, as it's good for keeping in touch with people.

Discovery of the year? World's Deadliest Catch on Discovery Channel. Those people have a really hard job. Good to watch to stop you becoming a diva!

Rediscovery of the year? Man With Guitar' by Stuart Price (Jacques Lu Cont).


Awkward Moment? When I've turned down the volume of a track for the crowd to sing and they didn't.

Style or substance? Substance. Style is just something that's different every year.

Pet Hate? Announcements on airlines. They're too loud and they just talk nonsense!

Surely, after the successful explosion of DJ collective Swedish House Mafia in 2009 and solo achievements in 2010, Axel 'Axwell' Hedfors must have had a comedown in 2011? Guess again. “It's been crazy-good,” he says. “It's been like last year but better and bigger, more interesting and more great places!”
It's not hard to believe when you look at 2011's activities; SHM nailed another club smash with the epic 'Save The World', while Axwell enjoyed solo success with 'Heart Is King', as well as a string of releases on his Axtone label.
Also key to Hedfors' year was a packed live schedule, including parties at Ibiza's Ushuaia, hosted by Swedish House Mafia collectively and as solo artists. “It was an incredible experience - poolside, six thousand people, the way I thought Ibiza was when I first came here six years ago,” he says.
But what about future plans? “To chill the fuck out for a little bit after this crazy summer!”
Fair enough. He's earned it.