1) “Shelter” – Porter Robinson and Madeon
Porter Robinson and Madeon stunned listeners at the end of the summer when they released their first ever collaboration, titled “Shelter,” by surprise, followed by the announcement of a tour of the same name that is currently sweeping the nation. As musicians, Porter Robinson and Madeon share a number of qualities, both serving as forward thinking producers with a knack for composing heartfelt melodies, so it only seemed natural when the two finally teamed up on a track together.
And boy did they dream up something magical with “Shelter.” We’re treated to a perfect marriage of their respective styles as they craft a production full of bittersweet vocaloid hooks, gorgeous synth work and upbeat rhythms that never detract from the song’s emotive content.
Today’s electronic music climate can at times seem more populated by producers than artists, and songs like “Shelter” remind us that there doesn’t need to be a distinction between the two. Of all the collaborations that happened in 2016, the pairing of Porter Robinson and Madeon felt the most natural, and their work on “Shelter” easily represents a high point for dance music in 2016.