EDM Identity’s Artists to Watch in 2025

Wondering which artists you should be keeping an eye on in 2025? Here’s our annual list of artists to watch who have stuck out and will be on our radar throughout the year.

The ebbs and flows of the dance music scene have continued to be ever-present over the past few years, and 2024 was no exception. Although festivals went through some rocky months with cancelations and postponements, one aspect that kept us all moving forward was the music from some incredible artists. Big acts in the scene made major moves with standout shows and releases, while rising artists grew their fanbases and pushed sonic boundaries along the way.

Last year saw the sounds of hard techno, drum and bass, and more deepen their grip on the scene, especially as genre lines blurred even more. That trend is anticipated to keep rolling forward into 2025, and we’ve selected another hearty helping of 30 artists to watch from those sonic realms (and more) who we feel will be making big moves this year.

Read on for the full rundown of who we’re keeping our ears tuned to in 2025 in A to Z order, and click on their names below for easy navigation!

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

Photo Credit: Janis Scheuermann

Aaron Hibell

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Aaron Hibell has been on our shortlist of artists who will be making major moves in the scene for quite some time, but it’s safe to say that last year proved he’s primed for stardom. This UK-based artist caught early attention with releases like the Monastery of Sound EP and his stunning remixes. Since then, Aaron Hibell has only continued to excel, especially after delivering fantastic tracks like “set me free” with Alex Wann, “morning light,” “1999,” and “Veni Vedi Vici” with Sara Landry. As one of the most promising talents in the scene, we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes in 2025. – Grant

Adjuzt

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

In 2023, Dutch DJ and producer Adjuzt experienced an explosive rise in the hardstyle scene as he began to take over mainstages in all of the hardstyle festival circuits. In 2024, his continued success led to a major weekend at Defqon.1, where he officially announced that he joined the Gearbox Digital record label family as a full-time artist. 2024 also provided fans with Adjuzt’s newest live act, LVLDUP, where he took on the challenge of creating the hardest screech and tons of new music. There’s no telling what else Adjuzt has in store for 2025, but one thing is for sure: you will want to be there to witness it. – Josue

Alby Loud

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Mexican producer Alby Loud has been a part of the hard dance scene for over a decade. His production style has always emphasized out-of-the-box thinking, whether he’s exploring hardstyle, hardcore, hard house, and more. The Be Weird Be Original label boss has consistently pushed the envelope of hard music with eclectic releases from the best talent in the scene. In addition, he’s helped cultivate a thriving scene in Mexico through his own event series, Loud Friends, which has seen the likes of Angerfist, GPF, Miss K8, and more perform. With a debut album on the way and plenty of bookings, Alby Loud is ready to dominate in 2025. – Josue

Andrew Azara

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

If you’re not familiar with Andrew Azara yet, now is the time to acquaint yourself. Last year saw him get named by Jaime Jones’ Hot Trax label as “tech house’s new generation at his best,” top the minimal and deep tech Beatport charts, and gain hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify. Artists like Dennis Cruz have been supporting his music, and he’s been playing shows a lot in Barcelona, the UK, and Ibiza. Additionally, Andrew Azara has been helping usher in the future by teaching music production on major platforms like Fader Pro, Rtrybe, and YouTube. We are looking forward to what’s to come in 2025, and hopefully, he’ll play some shows in the US soon. – Erik

ANUQRAM

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

While ANUQRAM’s roots might have been formed before the pandemic, the past four years have really seen this duo come into their own. Early releases landed on labels, including Black Hole Recordings, Armada Music’s Statement, Colorize, and Grum’s Deep State, but the past few years have seen them blossom on Anjunabeats. The Alright Now and You Set Me Free EPs helped them steal the hearts of many who were hunting for gorgeous progressive soundscapes, while their remixes of Above & Beyond’s “Crazy Love” and Dosem and HANA’s “Ethernal” won us over even more. Don’t sleep on the sounds of ANUQRAM if you need a break from the madness in the world in 2025. – Grant

ASHEZ

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

ASHEZ’s tunes can only be introduced as good ol’ filthy, dirty bass you can get down to. The New Zealand-based producer is making waves, and his IDs pop out as unmistakably ASHEZ. 2024 has seen him quickly become a beloved staple at iconic North American festivals such as Shambhala, Lightning in a Bottle, and Texas Eclipse. He hits a sweet spot with his sound; he feels the edge out, and people are paying attention.

In the past year, ASHEZ has been on an EP rampage, releasing Guud Humans with K+Lab, Underground with Opiuo, and his solo release, Feel, on Odyzey. He rounded out 2024 on a high note, releasing “Madness” on Deep Dark & Dangerous’ massive 10-year anniversary compilation album. This year, ASHEZ will be closing the loop on his origin story when CloZee, his original inspiration for making bass music, invited him to the LSZEE tour. His moniker is synonymous with innovation and inspiration in bass music. – Cohavit

Bianca Oblivion

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

When you see Bianca Oblivion on the lineup, you know it’s about to be a party. As a Queen of the Underground, she reached the #3 top-selling artist slot on Beatport in the bass club category. You might’ve found LA icon Bianca Oblivion bidding 2024 adieu deep in the bleeding heart of Bushwick – at the Chocolate Factory. Her back-to-back set with ONHELL earlier in the year was also special with immaculate late-night party vibes. Bianca Oblivion’s clean, internationally acclaimed sound cannot be contained. She plans to take over House of Yes in February and consistently gives back to the LA underground that bred her with her legendary event series, Warp Mode. Expect her to be broadcasting the wild underbelly of Los Angeles dance music to the world throughout 2025. – Cohavit

Cardination

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Cardination is another new face in the scene with just a few years of experience. In a short time, Cardination caught the attention of Limitless Agency, joined the prestigious Dirty Workz sublabel, DXW Update, and gained fans’ loyalty in the hardstyle scene. Cardination earned his way into the scene by popularizing a unique take on distorted kickdrums dubbed color kicks. Since then, he has had a breakout year playing major festivals such as Intents Festival and REBELLiON, along with key events like Hardshift and Get Wrecked. – Josue

CØNTRA

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Denver may be home to many aspiring dubstep producers, but one rising star standing out from the bunch in this bass-fueled city is CØNTRA. Fellow DJs have been rinsing his tracks all year as he’s built up his releases on highly respected imprints like DUPLOC, Deep, Dark & Dangerous, and Wheel & Deal. His recent tune with Chef Boyarbeatz, “Night Luker,” premiered on UKF and has been a major crowd favorite.
Following debut appearances at Lightning in a Bottle and Meow Wolf Denver last year, CØNTRA has announced he’ll play California’s coveted Untz Festival in 2025. We expect plenty more show announcements of his to start flooding in with the New Year. – Abby

CUTDWN

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

CUTDWN is a newer entry to the scene with just over a year of experience. Fortunately, his lack of experience as a producer is made up for by his relentless ambition and drive to succeed. As the owner of Hard Haven, CUTDWN seeks to bring new light to hard techno in the States while pushing his own project and three of the best producers in INIGMA, HELLBOUND!, and ANGEL CANNON. With insane streaming numbers and plenty of unforgettable bookings in just his first year, the scene should keep a close eye on this powerhouse. – Josue

Distinct Motive

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

While many newer fans may know Distinct Motive for recent hits like “Mellow Man” and “Shake Junt,” this Canadian dubstep producer is no stranger to the underground scene. As an artist who’s been putting in the work for years, it was incredible to watch him receive an increasing level of support in 2023 and 2024. So, while some might say this past year was Distinct Motive’s breakout year, we’d argue he’s just getting started.

After conquering stages from Colorado’s Red Rocks to Lost Lands and Apocalypse Zombieland in 2024, we predict Distinct Motive will take on even more major events and release more hit tunes. More headlining events from this kind-hearted musician are also sure to be on the horizon. – Abby

Dr Donk

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

In 2024, Dr Donk went from an underground gem to a rising talent in the hardcore scene. His signature kickdrums, described as phat bass, shined at every event he played from Army of Hardcore, Decibel Outdoor, and more. The Clinic Recordings label boss has earned the rub from established artists such as GPF and Yellow Claw, which will undoubtedly push him to the next level in 2025 and beyond. Keep an eye on this rising producer, and don’t miss your chance to Enter the Clinic and get the Doctor’s Treatment. – Josue

Ghost In Real Life

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Los Angeles-based artist Ghost in Real Life has been making a name for herself in the drum and bass community. She had a massive 2024, from playing support for Dimension and Chase & Status to appearing at festivals as huge as EDC Las Vegas, Countdown NYE, and more.

Ghost in Real Life also dropped plenty of new music last year in addition to her growing touring schedule. Alongside plenty of self-releases, she also had new tracks drop with Deadbeats and Cyclops Recordings. It’s clear she’s been on the rise, and as huge drum and bass fans, we’re stoked to watch her grow from here. – Abby

GUDFELLA

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Keep an eye on GUDFELLA in the new year, as 2024 was certainly a breakout year for him. He made his mark on some of the biggest stages, such as Lollapalooza, HARD Summer, Project Glow, Breakaway, and more, while also playing his biggest show on the East Coast of his career at Echostage. However, it wasn’t just about the live performances. GUDFELLA dropped a string of outstanding releases last year, collaborating with many talented artists like Disco Lines, DJ Susan, and Bipolar Sunshine. In 2025, he’s ready to conquer new heights and take the world by storm. The best is yet to come for GUDFELLA, so watch out! – Sheila

H! DUDE

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Belgian duo H! DUDE has taken over the hard techno scene by storm in recent years. Although these unique producers have explored other dance genres, they found their footing with today’s iteration of hard techno that combines elements of hard dance. The duo eventually pushed the limits further by creating the hybrid genre known as technostep – booming techno beats with dubstep breaks and drops. They ended 2024 strong with “Banger Alert,” a collaboration with Aussie icon Timmy Trumpet, solidifying their status as a rising talent in the industry with unlimited potential. – Josue

Jackie Hollander

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

If you love top-tier house music, then Jackie Hollander is an artist who needs to be on your radar. This San Francisco-based DJ and producer has won over the hearts of a growing fanbase, and her path to stardom is evident after a massive 2024. Releases on labels including REALM, Nervous Records, Insomniac Records, and There Is A Light helped show off her innate skills in the studio. The other half of the equation comes from the sets she threw down everywhere, from EDC Las Vegas and Outside Lands to the Brooklyn Mirage and Superior Ingredients, all of which were filled with plenty of house grooves. I had the pleasure of catching her during an impromptu back-to-back with Gorgon City as 2024 came to a close, and you should jump at the opportunity to see her when she heads to a city near you in 2025! – Grant

Josh Baker

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Josh Baker has been getting the recognition he deserves and there is only more to come. Accolades began to roll in after being named DJ Mag’s 2024 breakout producer of the year, and his releases were extremely strong, with “Something To Me” and “Misleading” doing well. He also played for the first time in the US while also taking the stage multiple times in Ibiza and all over Europe. His festival, Hide&Seek, is set to take place again in 2025, and as the label boss of You&Me Records, he also had standout releases. Further, Josh also started Syntho, one of the largest online video platforms for inspiring and established music producers. I can’t wait to see where he goes in 2025. – Erik

Leo Cap (aka Black Barrel)

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Leo Cap is shaking up the scene with an undeniable force. Known as a dubstep guru to his US fans, he’s also making serious waves in the drum & bass world with his Black Barrel project. With a knack for producing across genres, he’s building a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking artists of 2025.

Already getting the nod of approval from key labels like Deep, Dark & Dangerous, Navy Cut, Artikal Music, and more, Leo Cap’s influence is expanding daily. We expect 2025 will be a breakthrough year for the artist as he recently joined the Sub.mission roster and is preparing to touch down in America for the first time. The buzz is real—Leo Cap is only getting started, and by the end of the year, his impact on the scene will be undeniable. We’re all here for it, and we can’t wait to witness his rise firsthand. – Brooke

Mahony

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Mahony has had a big 2024. Not only has he hosted many showcases at festivals like Sunwaves and ADE, but last year saw him throw big shows in Miami, Ibiza, and Bucharest to add fuel to the fire. In the studio, he’s collaborated with artists like Wheats, Brad Brunner, AG Swifty, and many others to create sensational releases. Meanwhile, as the label boss of Take Notes, he pushes a unique dark, minimal deep tech version of house music and has seen support from artists like Paco Osuna and The Martinez Brothers. 2025 is set to be a big year for both Mahony and Take Notes. – Erik

NEEK

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

When it comes to artists who have steamrolled through the competition and delivered every time it mattered, NEEK certainly comes to mind. The young artist from the Inland Empire has just completed his first full year as a full-time artist, and there’s no end in sight to his success. NEEK’s production lies in the intersection between hard techno and hard dance, often opting to crank up the BPM. This infectious energy is replicated in his live performances, where he educates fans on the spectrum of hard music. Recently signed to 1616FORYOU, there’s no doubt that NEEK will begin dotting the lineups of major events and festivals worldwide. – Josue

Neumonic

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Nick Neuman, better known by his stage name Neumonic, has been rising through the ranks of the scene. While genre-diverse, his heart lies in the realm of UK Garage. Not only does he command dancefloors with the flick of a wrist, but he also releases bangers on major labels and curates some of the best garage events in the Bay Area. If you party in the Bay, you’ve likely seen Neumonic tearing up dance floors in support of artists like Pendulum, Interplanetary Criminal, ENiGMA Dubz, and Hamdi. Not limited to the Bay Area, Neumonic recently made his LA debut and played several festivals in 2024. We expect 2025 will only be a bigger year for Neumonic, so be sure to add him to your must-see list! – Janice

Obskür

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Unstoppable Irish duo Obskür is poised for world domination of the house and techno variety in 2025. While they hold residency in top clubs in Dublin, they have also been hopping across Europe on tour. In November 2024, they touched down in Los Angeles for a night at Sound Nightclub with Space Yacht amidst their month of USA touring dates. By the end of the year, they debuted an exclusive mix for BBC Radio 1’s legendary Essential Mix series, adding their name to the list of other legends in the scene who have graced the show. We hope to see them across the pond again soon in 2025. – Cohavit

ONHELL

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

From dropping tunes with Zeds Dead’s Deadbeats to Alix Perez’ 1985 Music, ONHELL had a huge 2024 with plenty of releases and tons of intimate curated parties in LA. He’s undoubtedly gained many new fans this past year after proving he’s one of the most diverse producers in American bass music. ONHELL’s humor is a huge part of what makes him unique and lovable, not only online but in his music, too. His 2024 track “Dubstep For Kids” contains a silly sample of a British child’s voice imitating farm animal sounds, but drops into a totally lethal beat.

ONHELL recently took to social media to say he’s taking a break from playing so many shows for the first part of 2025 to focus on making music, but we can’t wait to hear what he cooks up and eventually brings to the scene this year. – Abby

PARISI

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

PARISI is truly stepping into the spotlight and carving out their own space as an artist after years of working behind the scenes with industry stars like Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso, Chris Lake, Fred Again…, and more. The GRAMMY Award-winning Italian music duo’s performance at PROPER NYE/NYD captivated the crowd and showcased their stage presence like never before. Just before that, they dominated the decks at the Sphere in Las Vegas to support Anyma. With a growing fanbase and more shows on the horizon, PARISI’s versatility in the studio and behind the decks will make them one of the most exciting artists to watch in 2025. – Sheila

Phrva

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Mark the name Phrva down because 2025 is about to make him a household name in the music scene. To grasp the full scope of his talent, imagine a versatile artist who seamlessly blends deep, low-end rap with experimental flips of pop anthems by icons like Charlie XCX, Billie Eilish, and Sabrina Carpenter. His reimagined tracks have already racked up over a million streams on SoundCloud, showcasing a unique ability to push boundaries while staying ahead of trends.

Still not convinced? Big names like Four Tet, Zeds Dead, Subtronics, and Peekaboo have already shown love for his work. In fact, Tape B was impressed enough to invite him on tour in 2024. It’s clear: Phrva isn’t just another rising star—he’s the artist you’ll be hearing everywhere in the coming months. Get ready, 2025 is his year. – Brooke

Schak

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

The UK has birthed many artists in the electronic music scene, and Schak is one of the latest to turn heads. First emerging on the scene just a few short years ago, he’s defined the early years of his career with genre-defying releases that are filled to the brim with energy. You’ll quickly find yourself enamored with the blend of house, trance, and dance-pop elements found on releases like “Got No Money” with Vula, “Standing Still,” and “Yesterday” with Will Atkinson and Abi Flynn, all of which will leave your heart feeling full. Schak is bringing the bouncy, uplifting energy we all need in 2025, and with a set at CRSSD Spring on the horizon, those in Southern California are in for a treat. – Grant

Solstice

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Solstice has made a name for himself in the realm of euphoric hardstyle for nearly a decade. Even as the scene began to favor the most extreme forms of rawstyle, he remained true to his sound, opting to push the limits of melodic music instead. In 2024, euphoric hardstyle has experienced a resurgence, and Solstice is at the forefront. With unforgettable records like “Before It All Started” and an unstoppable live act, Melo-3 with Jay Reeve and Ecstatic, he is poised to bring back greatness to euphoric hardstyle in 2025 and beyond. – Josue

Tryptid

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

Tryptid is an uptempo producer from New Hampshire who has lit the local and worldwide scene on fire with incredible productions that prove that America can go harder than the golden standard. 2024 marked the first year that he released music, and he quickly found a home on Young Guns Records, TRIPLE 6, and Darkside Unleashed. In addition, he showcased his high-energy style live with performances all over the world, including New York, Amsterdam, and more. As a part of the new breed of American uptempo, Tryptid is ready to show the world that American producers are on the level of the worldwide uptempo scene. Stay tuned for new releases and shows from him and other standouts in the self-proclaimed Uptempo Goon Squad. – Josue

VLCN

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

If you need a dose of in-your-face dubstep, then VLCN is here to deliver. This DJ and producer has been on quite a tear in the bass music scene over the past few years as he’s climbed his way to the top, and there’s no doubt he’ll be packing a punch as he continues on his path of domination. Last year was highlighted by releases like “The Mecha God” with Dubscribe, “Containment,” “Brotha Eww,” and “Afterglow” with ARMNHMR and Nevve, while he also took the stage at Lost Lands and joined LAYZ and Trivecta on tour. Stay tuned for more heavy wubs from this rising phenom as he dives into 2025! – Grant

Wakyin

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

The sounds of afro house have permeated the scene. While plenty of artists are pumping out tunes in that realm, Wakyin is one you need to hear for yourself. This Orlando-based artist channels his Dominican and Puerto Rican roots with impeccable productions that you can’t help but fall in love with. He rode the wave of his 2023 album Caras and hit track on Astralwerks, “Beso (Fruta Fresca),” into 2024 and didn’t look back by dropping a fantastic remix of Miguel’s “Girl With The Tattoo” and the ever-sensual “Closer” with Bantu. Beyond his releases, Wakyin left a lasting impression with solid sets at fall festivals Supernatural, Hocus Pocus, EDC Orlando, and EDSea, where he also played back-to-back with Francis Mercier. Do not miss your chance to catch him if you can because he’s sure to start packing crowds even more in 2025. – Grant

Follow EDM Identity:

Facebook | X | Instagram | SoundCloud | YouTube | TikTok