Excited to discover the artists who will be making waves in 2025? We’ve compiled our annual list of standout talents to keep an eye on this year.
The dance music landscape has continued its dynamic evolution over the past few years, with 2024 being no exception. Despite some challenges faced by festivals, including cancellations and delays, the vibrant music from exceptional artists kept the scene alive. Prominent acts delivered memorable performances and notable releases, while emerging artists expanded their followings and explored new sonic frontiers.
In 2024, genres like hard techno and drum and bass solidified their presence, further blurring the lines between musical styles. This trend looks to persist into 2025, prompting us to highlight 30 artists across various genres who are poised for significant achievements this year.
Continue reading for our complete list of artists to watch in 2025, organized alphabetically for your convenience!
Aaron Hibell | Adjuzt | Alby Loud | Andrew Azara | ANUQRAM | Ashez | Bianca Oblivion | Cardination | CØNTRA | CUTDWN | Distinct Motive | Dr Donk | Ghost In Real Life | GUDFELLA | H! DUDE | Jackie Hollander | Josh Baker | Leo Cap | Mahony | NEEK | Neumonic | Obskür | ONHELL | PARISI | Phrva | Schak | Solstice | Tryptid | VLCN | Wakyin
EDM Identity’s Artists to Watch in 2025
Aaron Hibell
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
Aaron Hibell has been on our radar for quite some time as a promising talent in the scene, and last year solidified his ascent. This UK-based artist gained attention with his Monastery of Sound EP and remarkable remixes. His impressive tracks, including “set me free” (with Alex Wann), “morning light,” “1999,” and “Veni Vedi Vici” (with Sara Landry), showcase his talent. We eagerly anticipate what 2025 holds for him. – Grant
Adjuzt
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
In 2023, Dutch DJ and producer Adjuzt skyrocketed in the hardstyle scene, dominating mainstages across various festivals. His successful weekend at Defqon.1 in 2024 marked his official entry into the Gearbox Digital record label family. His new live act, LVLDUP, showcases his hard-hitting sound, and we can’t wait to see what he has planned for 2025. – Josue
Alby Loud
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
Mexican producer Alby Loud has been entrenched in the hard dance scene for over a decade. His distinctive production style embraces creativity across genres like hardstyle, hardcore, and hard house. As the founder of the Be Weird Be Original label, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of hard music. With a debut album on the horizon and numerous bookings lined up, Alby Loud is set to make a significant impact in 2025. – Josue
Andrew Azara
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
If you haven’t yet discovered Andrew Azara, now is the time. He garnered attention in 2024, being recognized by Jaime Jones’ Hot Trax label as a leading voice in tech house. With support from artists like Dennis Cruz, he has been actively performing in Barcelona, Ibiza, and the UK while also teaching music production on platforms like Fader Pro and YouTube. We expect great things from him in 2025, especially in the US. – Erik
ANUQRAM
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
Although ANUQRAM was established prior to the pandemic, the last four years have seen them flourish. Their early works found a home with labels like Black Hole Recordings and Armada Music, but they truly gained traction with Anjunabeats. Their EPs Alright Now and You Set Me Free captivated audiences seeking beautiful progressive soundscapes, complemented by remixes of Above & Beyond’s “Crazy Love” and Dosem and HANA’s “Ethernal.” If you seek solace amidst the chaos of the world in 2025, don’t overlook ANUQRAM. – Grant
ASHEZ
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
ASHEZ is recognized for his exhilarating bass-heavy tracks that get the crowd moving. Hailing from New Zealand, he has quickly become a favorite at major North American festivals, including Shambhala and Lightning in a Bottle. He has released several EPs, including collaborations with K+Lab, Opiuo, and his solo work, Feel. In 2024, he wrapped up the year by contributing “Madness” to Deep Dark & Dangerous’ anniversary compilation. This year, ASHEZ will join CloZee on her tour, marking a significant milestone in his career. – Cohavit
Bianca Oblivion
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
Bianca Oblivion knows how to throw a party. As a leading figure in the underground scene, she ranked as the #3 top-selling artist on Beatport in the bass club category. Recently, she delivered an unforgettable set in Bushwick’s Chocolate Factory and had a memorable back-to-back performance with ONHELL. Bianca’s internationally acclaimed sound is set to make waves at House of Yes in February, while she continues to give back to the LA underground through her event series, Warp Mode. Expect her to bring the edgy undercurrents of Los Angeles dance music to the forefront in 2025. – Cohavit
Cardination
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
Newcomer Cardination has quickly made a name for himself in the hardstyle scene. In just a few years, he has garnered attention from Limitless Agency, joined the prestigious Dirty Workz sublabel DXW Update, and earned a loyal following. His unique take on distorted kickdrums, dubbed color kicks, has set him apart. After an impressive year filled with performances at major festivals like Intents Festival and REBELLiON, Cardination is a talent to watch in 2025. – Josue
CØNTRA
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
In the bustling bass scene of Denver, CØNTRA has emerged as a standout talent. His tracks have gained traction with fellow DJs, leading to releases on respected labels like DUPLOC and Deep, Dark & Dangerous. His recent collaboration with Chef Boyarbeatz, “Night Luker,” gained significant attention after premiering on UKF. Following successful sets at Lightning in a Bottle and Meow Wolf Denver, he’s set to perform at California’s Untz Festival in 2025. Expect more show announcements as the year progresses. – Abby
CUTDWN
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
CUTDWN is a fresh face in the scene, but his ambition sets him apart. As the founder of Hard Haven, he is dedicated to shining a light on hard techno in the U.S. while promoting his project alongside top-tier producers like INIGMA and HELLBOUND!. With impressive streaming numbers and unforgettable bookings in his first year, CUTDWN is an artist to watch closely. – Josue
Distinct Motive
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
While many new fans may recognize Distinct Motive for tracks like “Mellow Man” and “Shake Junt,” this Canadian dubstep producer has been honing his craft for years. His growing support in 2023 and 2024 showcased that he is just beginning his journey. After electrifying performances at venues like Colorado’s Red Rocks and Lost Lands, we anticipate even more major events and hit releases on the horizon. – Abby
Dr Donk
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
Dr Donk ascended from underground favorite to a prominent figure in the hardcore scene in 2024. His distinctive kickdrums, characterized by their rich bass, resonated at significant events like Army of Hardcore and Decibel Outdoor. As the head of Clinic Recordings, he has garnered support from established artists like GPF and Yellow Claw, setting the stage for an exciting 2025. Don’t miss your chance to experience his unique sound. – Josue
Ghost In Real Life
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
Los Angeles-based artist Ghost in Real Life has been making strides in the drum and bass community. Her 2024 highlights include opening for Dimension and Chase & Status, as well as performances at major festivals such as EDC Las Vegas and Countdown NYE.
In addition to her growing performance schedule, she released a series of tracks with Deadbeats and Cyclops Recordings. As drum and bass enthusiasts, we are excited to see her continued growth in 2025. – Abby
GUDFELLA
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
GUDFELLA had a breakout year in 2024, performing at major festivals like Lollapalooza and HARD Summer, and playing his biggest East Coast show at Echostage. Alongside his performances, GUDFELLA released a series of impressive tracks and collaborated with artists like Disco Lines, DJ Susan, and Bipolar Sunshine. As he looks to elevate his career further in 2025, keep your eyes peeled for his upcoming projects. – Sheila
H! DUDE
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
H! DUDE has rapidly gained prominence in the hard techno scene. Although they have dabbled in other dance genres, they have found their niche in hard techno, merging it with hard dance elements. Their latest collaboration, “Banger Alert” with Timmy Trumpet, showcases their rising talent and potential. – Josue
Jackie Hollander
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
If you appreciate high-quality house music, Jackie Hollander should be on your radar. The San Francisco-based DJ and producer has won over many fans, and her trajectory soared in 2024 with releases on notable labels like REALM and Insomniac Records. Her performances at major events like EDC Las Vegas and Outside Lands were filled with infectious house grooves. Catch her live whenever you can in 2025! – Grant
Josh Baker
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
Josh Baker is gaining the recognition he deserves, and it’s only the beginning. Named DJ Mag’s 2024 breakout producer of the year, his strong releases like “Something To Me” and “Misleading” have caught attention. He made his U.S. debut while performing across Europe and Ibiza. His festival Hide&Seek will return in 2025, and as the head of You&Me Records, he continues to produce standout work. We can’t wait to see what he accomplishes in 2025. – Erik
Leo Cap (aka Black Barrel)
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
Leo Cap is making a significant impact as he navigates the realms of dubstep and drum & bass. Known for his ability to produce diverse sounds, he has gained recognition from labels like Deep, Dark & Dangerous and Navy Cut. With plans to tour the U.S. for the first time in 2025, we expect Leo Cap’s influence to expand significantly. – Brooke
Mahony
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
Mahony has had a remarkable 2024, hosting showcases at festivals like Sunwaves and ADE. He also delivered impressive shows in Miami, Ibiza, and Bucharest. Collaborations with artists such as Wheats and Brad Brunner have resulted in exciting releases. As the head of Take Notes, he champions a unique dark, minimal deep tech style of house music. Anticipation is high for Mahony’s contributions to 2025. – Erik
NEEK
Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
NEEK has made significant strides in his first year as a full-time artist. His production merges hard techno with hard dance, often at an exhilarating BPM. Recently signed to 1616FORYOU, NEEK is poised to feature prominently on major festival lineups worldwide. Expect to see him in high-demand as 2025 unfolds. – Josue
