#elektroAwards Artist of the Year: Calvin Harris

The winner of Artist of the Year for the first-ever elektro Awards is certainly the obvious choice; Calvin Harris. From becoming one of the biggest producers in both electronic dance music, as well as pop music, along with being one of the most sought after live acts in the industry, Calvin Harris has defined the term "superstar."

His incredibly successful year has come in part due to his 2012 album, which marked his third full-length studio release, '18 Months.' Containing radio hits and club anthems like "Feel So Close," the chart-topping collaboration with Rihanna, "We Found Love," as well as "I Need Your Love" with fellow superstar Ellie Goulding, '18 Months' remains a hit-machine, and establishes Calvin as the most successful dance music artist to crossover into the mainstream.

However, that's not to say he's abandoned EDM. His album also contains collaborations alongside artists like Dillon Francis, Nicky Romero, and Example. He has remained an icon in the EDM world, supplying the sounds that dance music fans love and crave, which has earned him headlining spots at the world's biggest EDM shows and festivals. His tireless rise to the top of the dance music world also earn him a top spot on Forbes' list of highest paid DJs in 2013, knocking off the list's former leader, Tiesto.

To follow an incredibly successful 2013, watch for Calvin Harris to continue his rise through the ranks of superstardom. To learn more about his road to the top of EDM, make sure to pick up the next issue of elektro!

Written By: James Hampton

Photo credit: Rukes