David Herrlich, Portex, Ayden Loyde, Meszo, Elisa Amaral, and Lucca van Damme were among the artists who found significant success with the Tomorrowland Academy.
Tomorrowland might be one of the most beloved festival brands on the planet, but they aren’t only about their immersive dance music experiences that draw in thousands. The brand is also dedicated to releasing sensational tracks through Tomorrowland Music and fostering the next generation of artists through the Tomorrowland Academy.
Launched in 2022, the Tomorrowland Academy has been at the forefront of spotlighting international artists making their way up the ranks of the scene. This program offers digital and in-person programs centered on everything from DJing and music production to personal branding and even a shot at playing major festivals. Last year marked another impressive milestone for the brand, with student-to-artist stories that helped define its mission, and artists such as David Herrlich, Portex, Ayden Loyde, Meszo, Elisa Amaral, and Lucca van Damme making significant moves.
Swedish DJ and producer Ayden Loyde is one of the more recent artists to join the program, and he quickly saw success. As the winner of the Tomorrowland Winter 2025 DJ Contest, he was able to take the stage for his debut festival performance at the Reflection of Love stage. There, he delivered an impactful set, made even more exciting by the debut of his single, “Breathe,” which later found a home on RISE with Tomorrowland Music.
Before the Academy, I was more of a dreamer than a doer. Now, after joining in early 2025, things have changed drastically. I have real music out in the world, a debut single released, a growing network, and most importantly, the confidence to present myself as an artist.
Ayden Loyde
David Herrlich, a German artist, also embraced the lessons from the academy. He set out to hone his artistic identity after years spent across different genres, leading to his victory in the Tomorrowland 2025 competition, which granted him a performance slot at the House of Fortune stage. A similar tale was found in South America, as Brazilian artist Meszo gained confidence through the program, which propelled him to win the chance to perform at Tomorrowland Brasil last year.
My journey with the Academy was life-changing. In just a few months, it pushed me to grow, believe in myself again, and reconnect with music as my true purpose. It felt like the door I had been chasing during all these years finally opened. The Academy transformed me in a way that made me believe I belong in this dream.
Meszo
One of the youngest members of the Tomorrowland Academy is also one of the most successful: Lucca van Damme. This 17-year-old DJ and producer from Belgium began his rise in 2023, quickly gaining the attention of tastemakers along the way. Since then, he’s performed at Tomorrowland three times and debuted on Generation Smash with “Oblivion” last year after refining his production skills.
I was already producing and DJing before, but thanks to the tips and advice from the Academy, my productions have been improved. I also learned how to structure and build my sets in the most effective way.
Lucca van Damme
Portex, another Belgian artist, initially broke through by releasing on Tomorrowland Music in 2024, and he took his career to even greater heights with a new collaboration with Amber Broos, “Scandalous.” This opened the doors to international releases and festival bookings, ultimately leading to his selection for the One World futures program, which further boosted his career.
Rounding out the list of success stories is Elisa Amaral, another Brazilian who has been commanding dancefloors lately. Having DJ’d since 2010, she has embarked on a path to master the art, all while competing for her chance to perform at different festival editions. Elisa Amaral’s dedication has led to performances at Tomorrowland Brasil and Amsterdam Dance Event, while also spinning an exclusive set for One World Radio.
These are just a handful of the artists who have joined the Tomorrowland Academy, which continues to grow with each passing year. Stay tuned for more to come from the artists in this program as they dive into 2026!
