From: Bochum, Germany
DJ style: “Progressive house, electro, house.”
Best known for: “‘Tung!’, ‘Bong’, ‘I Wanna Know (Alesso & Deniz Koyu Remix)’.”
Fave tune of 2018: “Axwell & Ingrosso ‘Dancing Alone’.”
Breakthrough DJ/producer of 2018: “Fisher.”

While he’s known as a producer’s producer, counting Axwell & Ingrosso, Alesso, David Guetta and Nicky Romero amongst his biggest fans, KO:YU — otherwise known as Deniz Koyu — is also one of dance music’s most in-demand DJs. And this year saw him once again packing in the gigs, playing the likes of Tomorrowland, Ultra and Creamfields. Though he also spent a tonne of time in Asia, hitting many countries in the region.

“One highlight for me definitely was Sensation in Bangkok, loved that one!” he says. He also returned to his progressive house roots with the pitch-perfect single ‘Atlantis’ on Spinnin’ Records. Seems like the right move — in the few weeks since its September release, it’s already amassed half a million views. Fans are happy, and so is Koyu, commenting “Feels great to go back to my roots!” on the video.

“I’ve worked on lots of music and released singles on Spinnin’, Musical Freedom and Sony, a collab with Nicky Romero and remixes for Alesso and Galantis,” he continues. It seems Koyu’s reputation remains very well-deserved.

Words: CHANDLER SHORTLIDGE