Five HARD Summer Artists You Might Not Know But Should Catch

HARD Summer is right around the corner, and the lineup is filled to the brim with talent. Check out these five artists who shouldn’t be missed at this year’s edition.

HARD Summer has been a Southern California staple festival for two decades, featuring stacked lineups that include artists from house, techno, dubstep, and more. This year’s edition, set to take place on August 2-3, is shaping up to be no different, with another list of incredible acts to catch. With a heavy lean this year to house, techno, and trap, you can expect some standout performances from the likes of Adam Ten b2b Mita Gami, Dom Dolla, KAYTRANADA, Gesaffelstein, and many more.

As part of the hype leading up to the festival, we wanted to share five artists you may not have heard of, but should definitely check out if you’re attending the festival. All are talented in their own right and are sure to throw down some fantastic sets throughout the weekend.

Read on for the full list to start your exploration! Tickets for HARD Summer this year are completely sold out, but there is an official resale platform for those who want to try their luck.

Five HARD Summer Artists You Might Not Know But Should Catch

Viperactive

Instagram | SoundCloud

Originally from Arizona, but now living in Los Angeles, Julian Gooden, also known as Viperactive, has been making music since his mid-teens. The now 24-year-old has recently released a collaboration with Virtual Riot, titled “What You Got.” Making his HARD Summer debut on Saturday, you can expect a huge, heavy trap and dubstep set from him. Besides multiple releases with Virtual Riot, he’s had collaborations with Flosstradumus and produced with Marshmello. Expect a great set from him.

Linska

Instagram | SoundCloud

Linska is a London-born, LA-based DJ/Producer who originally came to Southern California as an actress. She’s been balancing both acting and music ever since announcing her artist project in 2022. She collaborated with Rebūke twice so far and had her debut solo release, “Bad Boy,” come out on Gorgon City’s REALM. She’s played Club Space and in Ibiza as well. Also making her HARD Summer debut, you can catch her on Sunday.

Yamagucci

Instagram | SoundCloud

Another artist coming to HARD Summer for the first time is Yamagucci. The Israeli-Japanese DJ has grown to become a big Tel Aviv name in Indie Dance and House music. With releases on Adam Ten’s Maccabi House, Guy Gerber’s Rumors, Nervous Records, and many more, he has an impressive discography. This isn’t his first time in LA either, and he was recently added to the lineup with BLOND:ISH as part of Abracadabra LA later this year. Be sure to catch his set for a groovy time on Sunday.

STVSH

Instagram | SoundCloud

Nathan Lienau, better known as STVSH, is an American hybrid trap and dubstep producer from Atlanta. Leaning on his southern background in his music, you can expect an extremely hard and heavy set from him. His music has gotten huge recognition on SoundCloud with tracks like “Back to you” and “Get Right.” He’s constantly trying to push the limits of the genre. Expect to hear all this in his performance. Definitely one to catch on Saturday if you enjoy bass music.

Annicka

Instagram | SoundCloud

Annicka Ekvall is a Swedish-American producer and DJ splitting time between New York and LA. Her artist project, Annicka, has played alongside Adam Ten and Ben Sterling (Both of whom are also playing the festival), Keinemusik, Guy Gerber, CamelPhat, and many more. She’s been working on her own productions as well, with something possibly coming soon. Expect a softer, more melodic set when she plays HARD Summer on Saturday, and you can catch her opening for Adam Ten and Ben Sterling at the HARD after party on Sunday.