by: Dancing Astronaut Staff
Dec 17, 2024
New year, new artists to watch. Back by popular demand, Dancing Astronaut’s annual class of artists to watch underscores 25 of the dance/electronic genre’s most enticing future achievers. From unique underground wavemakers to soon-to-be festival big shots running the gamut from bass to techno, with so much in between, we’re proud to continue our Artists to Watch feature for the 12th year — enjoy.
Artists appear in alphabetical order.
Aaron Hibell
When conceptualizing Dancing Astronaut’s 2025 class of Artists to Watch, it was clear that Aaron Hibell — one of dance music’s most promising aspiring acts — should and ultimately would grace our annual list. His brand of cinematic melodic techno has garnered millions upon millions of impressions on social media, thanks to his remixes of popular tracks, like Billie Eilish’s “‘CHIHIRO,” and “destroyer of worlds,” from the Oppenheimer soundtrack.
Hibell’s collaboration with 2024 Artist to Watch Alex Wann, “set me free,” received support from artists like RÜFÜS DU SOL, Tiësto, and Adriatique, and even soundtracked Ultra Miami’s 2024 aftermovie. No coincidence, considering that Hibell scored the aftermovie, further strengthening the case for his recognition as an Artist to Watch. And if all of this wasn’t enough, he’s gearing up to release his debut album in 2025, with which he’ll further evolve his sound and expand his global reach. — Zach Salafia
Featured image: CRUZOE
Adam Sellouk
Adam Sellouk closed out his 2024 with a bang: an official remix for Empire of the Sun’s “We Are The People.” The highly anticipated remix made the rounds on the festival circuit this summer, garnering support from Mau P, Tale of Us, John Summit, and more.
Other highlights of his discography from this past year include a collaboration with Anyma, as well as an EP released via Afterlife, The Antidote. The outlook for Sellouk in 2025 is unsurprisingly bright; the newly-minted Artist to Watch will kick things off with a date at Afterlife Tulum in January. — Zach Salafia
Featured image: Adam Sellouk/Instagram
ALLEYCVT
ALLEYCVT had herself a massive year. A string of original releases like “F______LOVE YOU,” “STRATOSPHERE,” and a high-profile collaboration with high-octane bass trio Levity, “ONE FOR YOU,” helped to bolster her growing discography. In addition to putting out a steady stream of singles this year, the DJ/producer/singer triple threat embarked on her headline “FEEL IT” stateside tour this fall and just recently announced phase two of the tour, set to continue into 2025. ALLEYCVT also received support from the likes of Zeds Dead and ILLENIUM and played major festivals like Lost Lands, HARD Summer, and North Coast in 2024, leaving no doubt that she’s worthy of an Artist to Watch in 2025 nod. — Zach Salafia
Featured image: Rukes
Amy Wiles
After starting her DJ career at just 16 years old, London’s Amy Wiles became a resident DJ for Above & Beyond’s Anjunabeats in 2018. However, she wouldn’t release her debut single (“Biding Time”) until 2021, and that was just the beginning of what the label standout had in store.
2024 proved to be Wiles’ biggest year yet, between consistent touring, which included her sold-out debut headline show to complement her debut EP, Here I Am, and an official remix for Oliver Heldens. She has even more original music waiting in the wings for 2025 and at least one place to play it — Dreamstate San Francisco — with more soon to come. — Zach Salafia
Featured image: rage_festival/Instagram
Anamé
In 2022, the Anjuna-backed duo, comprised of Marcus Schössow and Thomas Sagstad, burst onto the scene with their Above & Beyond collaboration, “Gratitude.” That, coupled with the release of their debut album, 2023’s Beautiful World, helped to tee up a momentous 2024 that included a collaboration with Kasablanca, a double-single release, “Hero / It Can Be Better Now,” and an album tour. The production pair has already announced that it will hit the road in 2025 for its Hopes & Fears album tour—with the album scheduled for February—staging yet another year of mounting success. — Zach Salafia
Featured image: Tyler Hill
Arcando
At the start of each year, we always hear that the coming calendar will be a drum ‘n’ bass takeover. Well, in 2024, rising drum ‘n’ bass tastemaker Arcando did everything within his power to make that claim ring true, accurately calling 2024 his “best year yet” when sharing his Spotify Wrapped recap.
Martin Garrix’s deployment of Arcando’s “Jungle” remix (alongside “Scared To Be Lonely”) at Ultra in March was a highlight of Miami Music Week that attracted just about everyone’s attention. What would follow is a campaign that saw the Dutchman further expand his touring agenda and add eight more releases to his track record, including an inevitable STMPD RCRDS signing, where he became the first-ever artist to release a drum ‘n’ bass track on the label, alongside Dancing Astronaut Artist to Watch alumni, Vluarr. As the door to the drum ‘n’ bass world continues to blow open, Arcando will be standing front and center in 2025. — Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: _alexrue_/Instagram
Beltran
A no-doubt selection for this list, Beltran first gained notoriety with “Smack Yo” on Solid Grooves in 2022. 2024 was a breakout year for the Brazilian DJ, who made his presence known in the United States with gigs at Coachella, Hard Summer, and Space Miami, among others. Along the way, Beltran joined forces with Vintage Culture for one of the most in-demand IDs of the year, a remix of Kelis’ single, “Bossy.” These factors sealed the deal for Beltran’s inclusion among our list of the artists to watch in 2025. — Alex Lambeau
Featured image: Guilherme Da Rocha
Clüb De Combat
Clüb De Combat are ready for their biggest year to date. After signing with Creative Artists Agency earlier this month, the Israeli duo is preparing to set out on its debut American club tour in 2025. But before they hit the road, Clüb De Combat just dropped off their eagerly anticipated collaboration with Max Styler on Experts Only, “On Repeat.” It follows the slamming project that the production pair delivered on Solomun’s Diynamic label in May, Time EP. If it wasn’t already apparent, Clüb De Combat have seen tremendous support from dance music’s most recognizable DJs, and their upcoming releases will be heard worldwide in the coming year. — Alex Lambeau
Featured image: Hugo Lendinning
GENESI
Turn the clock back to the end of 2022, and you may remember an ID that had dance music in a white-knuckle grip. GENESI—who had remained anonymous previously—was revealed to be the name that was behind what would become one of the following year’s most talked-about releases, “Everything You Have Done” alongside MEDUZA.
Fast forward to now, and GENESI has built up a more-than-impressive resume, with 14 releases already to his credit over the past two years. In 2024, it felt like GENESI had truly begun to come into his own, with 10 of that tally arriving within the last 12 months. These productions landed on a slate of esteemed labels, including MEDUZA’s Aeterna Records, a widely-supported linkup alongside Max Styler on Insomniac Records, REALM Records, Tomorrowland Music, and more. All of them invariably fell into the hands of just about every A-list DJ imaginable, from Steve Angello to Anyma, to Vintage Culture to Armin van Buuren. As GENESI warms up for 2025, he’s already responsible for an ID alongside MEDUZA that will become a part of Dancing Astronaut’s most-anticipated releases of 2025, presuming it doesn’t arrive within the next few weeks. — Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: GENESI/Instagram
Henri Bergmann
Dancing Astronaut was originally introduced to Herni Bergmann when she appeared on an Afterlife (Dancing Astronaut’s 2022 Label of the Year) compilation at the end of 2023. After witnessing Henri Bergmann’s back-to-back alongside Magit Cacoon at Cityfox’s summer edition at The Brooklyn Mirage earlier this year, we were immediately sold on her artistic potential.
In the time since June, our faith in Bergmann grew tenfold, leading to the Automatik Records label head’s spot on our record of Tomorrowland 2024’s must-see sets. But this affirming flash of promise this summer was just one part of a year in which the melodic techno talent repeatedly reinforced why she should be a part of Dancing Astronaut’s Artists to Watch in 2025. In 2024, Bergmann put up six releases, fashioned Automatik’s second 15-piece compilation, and appeared on several of Zamna’s lineups. Her year auspiciously — and fittingly — concluded with the news that she will join Afterlife’s annual trip to the jungles of Tulum, where she’ll open 2025 alongside the likes of Tale Of Us, Cassian, and fellow 2025 Artist to Watch Adam Sellouk. — Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: Henri Bergmann/Instagram
Jackie Hollander
Jackie Hollander’s discography may be young, but it’s already making waves. Two years into her career, the “All My Friends Are Hot” producer boasts releases on Insomniac Records, REALM Records (alongside current Dancing Astronaut Artist to Watch, Ellis Moss), Nervous Records, and FEMME HOUSE.
Following her first summer tour, featuring standout festival debuts at Outside Lands and EDC Orlando, Hollander is primed for a breakout 2025. Hailing from the Bay Area, she enters the new year backed by thousands of fans and industry heavyweights alike. As a rising house and techno tastemaker, Jackie Hollander is scratching the surface of what will be a long and fruitful career. — Cameron DeFaria
Featured image: Jackie Hollander/Instagram
John Alto
During Alesso’s stop in Brooklyn this past September, right before he brought out a future Dancing Astronaut Artist to Watch, he grabbed the microphone to say that “it’s always important to lift up new producers and talents.” After making his debut on STMPD RCRDS at the beginning of the pandemic, John Alto catapulted into the limelight in 2024 after he paired up with one of our favorite Swedes for “Lonely Heart.”
“You’re going to hear a lot about [Alto],” Alesso told the thousands standing before him at Brooklyn Storehouse. And we’re here to back that claim. Earlier in the year, Alto teased his next chapter, which ultimately led to his first shows in the U.S. — in Salt Lake City, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles — and hinted that there’s much more to come in the year ahead, leading to an inevitable inclusion in our list of Artists to Watch in 2025. — Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: Cory Ann Roberts
Josh Baker
A master of the unreleased, Josh Baker is arguably the most-talked-about house music DJ in the UK. A seasoned producer who even teaches classes on music production, Baker heads the rapidly-growing record label and event series, “You & Me.” Rounding out his year with a 20-show headline tour, he’ll certainly be a high-priority target for many of the world’s biggest music festivals. His two latest singles on the Three Six Zero record label have seen tremendous success, and there is only more to be heard. — Alex Lambeau
Featured image: Josh Baker/Instagram
Linska
To some, the name Linska may ring a bell. If it does, it’s because Linska is the new musical venture from London-born actress Ella Balinska, but it’s anything but a hobby for her. Linska became a full-time endeavor this year after Balinska introduced the project alongside Rebūke in January—with “Digital Dream”—and made her DJ debut at Splash House this past spring.
When Dom Dolla unleashed a scorching, techno-laden ID in Forest Hills, New York, many — including us — were left staring at an empty Shazam result. That ID — “Bad Boy,” released this past Friday via Realm Records — was quickly attributed to Linska. It went on to make the rounds in ensuing sets from Dom Dolla, the Realm founders, Gorgon City, John Summit, Dancing Astronaut Artist to Watch alumni Volaris, and more. Linska’s debut solo release debut decisively sets the stage for her artistic journey to mature and expand in 2025 with what she forecasts as “more silly beats.” — Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: Linska/Instagram
LUSU
LUSU, a joint project launched in 2022 by Wiwek and Mike Cervello, ignited the scene this year with their self-described brand of “cinematic techno.” Their style embodies a unique sense of euphoria complemented by driving techno basslines, perhaps best exemplified by their collaboration with HI-LO, “Dizzy.” Other highlights from this past year include a collaboration with Eli Brown and releases on record labels like Drumcode, Hilomatik, and Arcane. The duo is already primed to expand on this year with a mountain of yet-to-be released tracks, eight of which can be found in their Parookaville set from this past July. And one of those aforementioned IDs—known as “Brain”—has already made its way into Eli Brown’s tracklists to help bolster LUSU’s year to come. — Zach Salafia
Featured image: Sebastian Wawrzyniak
Luzi Tudor
As one may expect, Dancing Astronaut has a soft spot for This Never Happened — our reigning Label of the Year — and its diverse cast of talent. Our streak of including its signees in our annual class of Artists to Watch will unsurprisingly continue into 2025 with Luzi Tudor, who joins fellow TNH affiliates Otherwish, Grigoré, and Natascha Polké.
Since her blissful take on melodic house was welcomed via 2021’s “Pandemonium,” Tudor has continued to solidify her stature as one of the most refreshing names in the genre and beyond. Tudor fittingly opened the calendar year as part of TNH’s North American run, where she supported Ben Böhmer and Le Youth, appeared on the first-ever lineup for We Belong Here’s New York City edition, and stacked up a quartet of releases in 2024, including an official rework of Sia in September. Tudor has already announced that she’ll join Sultan + Shepard on select dates of their 2025 tour and even teased a handful of unreleased tracks in the pipeline, making her promise for the coming year that much more compelling. — Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: Salvador Rios
Maesic
Even if you haven’t heard of Maesic by name yet, you’ve definitely listened to one of his tracks. A veteran producer for some of dance music’s biggest icons, Maesic has garnered hundreds of millions of streams, thanks in no small part to his staggering tally of production credits. In 2024, he collaborated with Hugel, released singles on Higher Ground and Nervous Records, and finally shared his long-awaited official remix of Tchami’s “Adieu.” Be prepared for more of Maesic, now that he’s regularly touring across every corner of the globe. — Alex Lambeau
Featured image: wallicorne/Instagram
MARTA
In 2025, all eyes are on Toronto’s rising dance queen, MARTA. Finding her groove at the intersection of techno and house, the 28-year-old spent 2024 carving out her path and staking her claim in the electronic music scene. She could be found warming up dance floors for heavy hitters like Mau P, Azzecca, and Dom Dolla, shaking it during her slots at Electric Island and Escapade Festival, and selling out her debut headline show — no biggie, right?
This year, she’s chartered her course into vocal-house territory, delivering three club-ready anthems and bringing Kyra Mastro along for the ride on their late-year collab, “Ritual.” With a growing discography and an electric fanbase behind her, MARTA is primed for a major breakthrough in 2025; and we’re here for the ride. — Natalie Pereira
Featured image: Patricia Brochu
Mary Droppinz
Mary Droppinz brings a unique and refreshing blend of bass and house to the fray. Standout singles from this past year include “Bass B$tch” and “Yummy Gummy,” released via Deadbeats. She’s closing out 2024 strong with her newest original, “Fight,” and dates at festivals like Lights All Night and Fresh Start, to name just a few of her upcoming stops. Droppinz shows no signs of slowing down in 2025 — she already features on the Lightning In A Bottle lineup and has multiple dates lined up in support of Zeds Dead, including a stop at the famed Brooklyn Mirage. — Zach Salafia
Featured image: hi.gunpowder
Miss Dre
MISS DRE is a bona fide triple-threat. The DJ, producer, and vocalist made a splash this year with her remix of Tinashe’s “Nasty,” which enjoyed play out from Dom Dolla, Mau P, and MEDUZA, who significantly bolstered its reach. Along the way, MISS DRE released on labels like Realm Records (Gorgon City) and Insomniac Records and played a series of festivals, including Project GLOW, EDC Las Vegas, and Day Trip, among others. Looking ahead to 2025, MISS DRE will bring her signature brand of house across the country, thanks to upcoming dates in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, and Miami. — Zach Salafia
Featured image: timeconsumingticktock
PACS
PACS made waves with his (technically unreleased) remix of RÜFÜS DU SOL’s “Innerbloom.” The proof is in the ever-growing list of support for PACS’ take, which currently includes Adam Beyer, Cassian, Kevin de Vries, and even RÜFÜS DU SOL themselves.
His activity since (originals like his two track OMNIA EP and singles like “Epilogue”) has evinced that his modern club take on the all-time classic was only a precursor for what was yet to come. PACS is currently sitting on countless unreleased originals and remixes that are due for a release in the new year and will continue to increase his traction. Considering these factors and the support he’s won from Tale of Us and Anyma, all signs point to a potential Afterlife debut in the near future. — Zach Salafia
Featured image: Gui Urban
Prospa
A powerful house duo hailing from the UK, Prospa have become one of the year’s fastest-growing acts, thanks to a profile-raising run of hits, not to mention their uplifting melodies and nifty disco beats, which have brought a sense of nostalgia to the always-evolving house space. In 2024, Prospa garnered millions of streams across their Circoloco Records releases, with “This Rhythm” and “If You Want My Loving” certifying their status as one of modern house music’s most promising new acts. The duo is poised for a breakout year in the Americas and just recently concluded its biggest North American tour thus far. — Alex Lambeau
Featured image: Prospa/Instagram
Riordan
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok at any point in the past few years, it’s likely that you’ve come across one of Riordan’s at-home production clips. Like many artists we’ve come to know and love since 2020, the UK native learned the ins and outs of dance music production when the pandemic struck. And after Gorgon City signed “Needle On The Record” — the garage-influenced weapon that can only be described as his breakout single — near the end of 2023, Riordan’s stock skyrocketed.
The coming year would see Riordan spend a bit more time outside of the UK, making festival debuts at EDC Las Vegas, Seismic Dance Event, and ARC Music Festival, appearing at label events for Realm Records and Experts Only, and performing at world-class venues like Brooklyn Mirage, Space Miami, SILO, and Amnesia Ibiza. A complementary collaboration with current Dancing Astronaut Artist to Watch Ellis Moss (“GETAWAY”) duly caps off Riordan’s 2024 release calendar and conveys that he’ll gladly take the baton from Moss and carry it into 2025. — Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: Riordan/Instagram
Rivo
In the age of TikTok and the creator economy, virality and commercial success can be achieved with just the push of a button. Parisian producer Rivo is a paragon of what’s possible when up-and-coming creatives leverage digital platforms, and even if the 24-year-old’s name doesn’t ring a bell, you’ve almost certainly heard his remix of Disclosure’s “You & Me.” His Afro house interpretation of the generational number enjoyed a seismic debut in 2023, soundtracking thousands of creator-generated videos.
While the profile-raising moves that Rivo made in 2023 set the stage for a momentous 2024, virality doesn’t equate to longevity. So he spent the past year powerfully evincing that his talents stretch far beyond social media ephemera, with yet another viral remix — this time, of Armin van Buuren’s “In And Out Of Love” — a stirring outing alongside Adriatique that plays like its name (“Like A Dream”), and the revelation of his first solo single, “Last Night,” via Capitol / Disorder Records.
These feats, coupled with several sold-out headline shows this year, and last year’s Beatport No. 1 (for “You & Me”), make one thing clear: Rivo is no flash in the pan. In 2025, he’ll only further build on the rock-solid foundation he’s laid in recent years. We’ll be watching, and you should, too. — Rachel Narozniak
Featured image: @alexxriche & @valentinhouee/Instagram
Y do I
Dancing Astronaut’s Artist to Watch classes have dipped into melodic techno more than just a few times in recent years, and next year’s is no exception. As we look toward 2025, there’s another name that we feel is guaranteed to not only become an Afterlife veteran, but also one of the genre’s sought-after names: Y do I.
Since the delivery of their debut album I Know in late 2021, childhood friends turned Y do I constituents Amos Chalfon and David Semo have continuously ripened their forward-thinking approach to techno. But 2024 was the year in which the duo truly began to hit its stride, with Massano’s invitation for Y do I to contribute to a Simulate label compilation and Argy and Tale Of Us’ offer for Chalfon and Semo to be a part of their White Isle residency serving as compelling proof of their momentum. And of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Kevin de Vries as one of Y do I’s many sources of support this past year; the former Dancing Astronaut Artist to Watch stood beside Y do I when they made their Afterlife debut this past September. With several Y do I IDs currently making the rounds, not to mention an upcoming appearance at Afterlife Tulum in January, Y do I are fully equipped for a formal breakout in 2025. — Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: by.monti
Featured image: NASA
Categories: Features
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