Among the shifting sands of the electronic music industry, one name has remained steadfast.Tisto(real name Tijs Michiel Verwest) has been producing music since the '90s, and his life's work has elevated dance music to where it is today. Without his influence, the electronic music and festival industry would have completely different DNA.

When Verwest is not producing super hits, it seems that he's following social media closely, always ready to extend his support to artists who catch his attention. In honor of Tisto's discerning ear, we've compiled a list of some of the world's biggest DJs who all interacted with Tisto early in their careers.

Having regularly toured through Dutch clubs since he was 14, Hardwell'scareer was already formidable at a young age. In 2010 Tisto reached out via Twitter, and in 2011 they released the collaborative track Zero 76. The song has been billed as one of the iconic dance anthems of the 2010s, and no doubt helped contribute to Hardwells spot among the top electronic music acts in the world.

Sied van Riel is said to have been discovered by Tisto sometime in 2006. After van Riel released his first single, Fearless, Tisto is rumored to have called him one of the hottest producers around. Van Riel would go on to release several singles the following year, and in 2008, his single Rush would be featured on Tistos In Search Of Sunrise 7.

Sander van Dien

Insomniac

Though First State have changed members a few times, the duo was comprised of Sander van Dien (the only current member of First State) and Ralph Barendse when they first caught Tistos ear. Tisto featured the track Falling from First States 2007 album Time Frame on In Search of Sunrise 6.

In 2012,Oliver Heldenswas completely unknown. In 2013 he sent a version of Gecko, written while in the back of his parents car on family vacation, to several labels. Tisto replied by signing Gecko to his label, Musical Freedom. Heldens track would go on to take first place in the UK Top 40 in 2014, and remain in the top 5 of both that chart and theBeatport Top 100 Tracks for six consecutive weeks. Heldens career skyrocketed soon after, and he continues to tour all over the world.

Unknown before 2016, Ryan Shepherds music and skill found the limelight after Tisto signed the track Fill Me In to his AFTR:HRS label. It was originally a collaborative track between Shepherd and Loud Luxury, and Tisto is said to have reached out to Shepherd after being shown the piece by the latter act.

Another Dutch trance artist, Mark Normans first releases were through Tistos labels, Black Hole Recordings and Magik Musik (a Black Hole sub label). Dropping Stream in 2003, Lenden would go on to release nearly all his mixes and tracks through the former imprint.

One of EDM's youngest prodigies, Martin Garrixwas a 15-year-old bedroom DJ when Tisto discovered his work. Once again reaching out over Twitter, Tisto got into contact with the young producer and helped him with his breakthrough release, "Animals." With a little early help from Tisto, he has become one of the worlds most well-known electronic musicians.

Ruud Baan

Despite occasional rumors of rivalry or feud between these two gods of trance, Armin van Buuren only has good to say of Tisto. He was one of the guys who could get me my first gigs, and get my first compilation on Black Hole [Recordings] back in 1999, van Buuren said duringYour EDM's 2016asQme. Shortly after that first compilation, van Buuren and Tisto would go on to release Eternity and Wonder Where You Are? together in 2000, bolstering van Buurens already rising fame.

Brian Baker is a writer, photographer, and designer based out of St. Louis. You can find his portfolio here.

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8 DJs Discovered By Tisto - EDM.com