Piotr Orlov

In a year of where even the dance floor could feel at times fraught by the reality just outside it, the music that fuels it was more exploratory and incisive than ever.

The solo composer and LCD Soundsystem's synth genius discusses her relationship to music, shifting gender identity and how each has informed the other in a successful and deeply introspective career.

From jungle to broken beat to "future jazz," the two producers' individual and shared history is foundational to much of London's dance music.

This alternate mix of the downbeat electronic producer's collaboration with the Moroccan folk group Innov Gnawa electrifies the track's cross-cultural currents.

The Gary, Ind., electronic producer turns a Chicago footwork party into a global drum-machine circle.

The Detroit techno colossus reimagines his greatest tracks with a concert pianist and a symphony orchestra.

The London grime producer's second album is a song-cycle about family.

Four Tet revisits the music of his longtime collaborators The xx.

Mzansi Beat Code is a groove-packed, sociopolitical statement that places the 34-year-old producer at South Africa's creative center.

Listen to six superb transmissions from the underground, ranging from ambient beats to rugged drum 'n' bass.