Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has become a global phenomenon. It has captivated audiences around the world with its infectious beats and energetic atmosphere. Over the years, there have been countless artists who have played a pivotal role in shaping and defining the genre.
I personally was introduced to dance music through the likes of Cascada, Darude, and Eiffel 65. I fell in love with the genre once Skrillex, Crizzly, Bro Safari, and Bassnectar exploded onto the scene back in 2012-2013.
To celebrate the genre of EDM, RMR has compiled a list of 25 music artists who have left a long-lasting mark on the genre. We have chosen a wide variety of artists, from pioneers who laid the foundation to boundary-pushers who continue to innovate. All of these artists have shaped the genre and influenced generations of music producers and fans.
We have also created a Spotify playlist of some of their best tracks. Scroll down to the bottom of this article, turn some tunes on, and follow our page for more updates!
25 Artists Who Shaped EDM As We Know It Today
Kraftwerk
First on our list is Kraftwerk, a group who are widely regarded as the pioneers of electronic music. Kraftwerk formed in the 1970s and were one of the first bands to include electronic elements in their music. Their experimental and futuristic sound paved the way for the development of EDM. We have them to thank for this incredible genre.
Daft Punk
Next, the enigmatic duo Daft Punk revolutionized the electronic music scene with their unique blend of French house and disco. Additionally, they were well known for their elaborate robot costumes and helmets. Throughout their career, Daft Punk pushed the boundaries of production and live performances.
The Chemical Brothers
The Chemical Brother are widely known for their explosive beats and genre-blending approach. Additionally, they brought electronic music into the mainstream with their chart-topping hits and innovative production techniques. Overall, The Chemical Brothers pushed boundaries and created a distinct sonic identity.
Aphex Twin
Richard D. James, better known as Aphex Twin, is celebrated for his intricate and experimental compositions. Over the course of his career, he has certainly pushed the boundaries of electronic music with his avant-garde soundscapes.
Tiesto
Tiesto’s influence on the EDM scene cannot be overstated. He became one of the most successful DJs in the world. Tiesto played an especially significant role in popularizing electronic dance music globally.
Skrillex
Sonny Moore, aka Skrillex, played a pivotal role in the rise of dubstep. Over his career, Skrillex fused heavy basslines and aggressive sound design that brought further intensity to the EDM scene. He has also provided us with some of the best musical collaborations of the past few decades.
Swedish House Mafia
One of my personal favorites on our list is Swedish House Mafia. Comprised of Axwell, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso, Swedish House Mafia became one of the most influential EDM acts of the 2010s. They are overall known for blending infectious melodies and euphoric drops that dominated festival stages. “Don’t You Worry Child” is still played in dance clubs around the world over ten years after its release. It’s safe to say Swedish House Mafia is a legendary group.
Avicii
Tim Bergling, known as Avicii, captivated audiences with his melodic and uplifting productions. He is widely acknowledged for shaping the popular subgenre of “EDM-pop” and also leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Deadmau5
With his iconic mouse helmet and progressive house sound, Deadmau5 created a niche for himself. He did this by combining complex compositions with immersive live performances. On top of this, Deaumau5 is highly active on social media, sharing his musical secrets with fans around the world.
David Guetta
David Guetta’s crossover success has helped bring EDM to the mainstream. He has consistently been collaborating with pop artists and creating chart-topping hits. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with Sia, Usher, Justin Bieber and more. Overall, he was able to bridge the gap between electronic and popular music flawlessly.
Carl Cox
Carl Cox is considered a legend in the techno scene. His DJ sets and productions have played a crucial role in shaping the underground electronic music culture. He also is well known for his technical skills and dynamic live performances.
Fatboy Slim
Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, is known for his infectious big beat sound and high-energy performances. He especially played a pivotal role in introducing a new wave of electronic music to a wider audience.
Moby
Moby’s eclectic and emotive approach to electronic music helped popularize the genre in the ’90s. He was also able to blend elements of techno, ambient, and rock into his distinctive sound. Moby occasionally blends soulful vocals as well as blues and gospel samples in his music.
The Prodigy
The Prodigy’s fusion of rave, breakbeat, and punk rock created an explosive and rebellious sound. Above all, he greatly influenced the development of EDM and alternative electronic genres.
Justice
The French duo Justice created a unique blend of electro-house and rock music. They undeniably created a distinctive sound that resonated with a new generation of electronic music fans. Justice cemented themselves in the genre.
French duo Justice sourced from NME
Paul van Dyk
Another great artist is Paul van Dyk, whose contributions to trance music are unparalleled. His uplifting melodies and euphoric soundscapes captivated audiences around the world.
Jean-Michel Jarre
Jean-Michel Jarre is another pioneer of electronic music, known for his epic live performances and groundbreaking use of synthesizers. Overall, Jarre pushed the boundaries of electronic soundscapes.
Disclosure
Disclosure pioneered the UK garage and deep house genres, infusing them with soulful vocals and infectious grooves. He above all contributed to the resurgence of underground dance music.
Eric Prydz
Eric Prydz’s progressive house productions and mesmerizing live shows have earned him a dedicated following. Additionally, he has cemented his status as one of the most respected artists in the EDM community.
Richie Hawtin
Richie Hawtin, under his alias Plastikman, played a vital role in the development of minimal techno. He has created stripped-down and hypnotic compositions that became an overall staple of the underground electronic scene.
Sasha and John Digweed
The legendary duo of Sasha and John Digweed popularized progressive house. Throughout their career, they have captivated audiences with their seamless DJ sets. They are significantly pushing the boundaries of extended mixes.
Armin van Buuren
Armin van Buuren is a leading figure in trance music. Throughout his career he has pioneered the genre and become one of the most influential figures in the EDM industry. He also has a successful radio show and delivers legendary festival performances.
Kaskade
Kaskade’s melodic and uplifting productions helped bridge the gap between mainstream and underground electronic music. He is simultaneously appealing to a wide range of audiences and has solidified his status as a leading EDM artist.
Nina Kraviz
Nina Kraviz’s raw and uncompromising approach to techno has made her a prominent figure in the underground scene. She is also widely acknowledged for championing diversity and pushing the boundaries of electronic music.
Four Tet
Last on our list is Four Tet, the alias of Kieran Hebden. Four Tet has been instrumental in blurring the lines between electronic and experimental music. He has created intricate and emotive compositions that defy genre conventions.
All of these artists have played a significant role in shaping the culture and community of electronic dance music. Although they are all different, they made the genre what it is today.
From pioneers who laid the foundation to boundary-pushing innovators, each artist has left an indelible mark on the genre. As dance music continues to evolve, it’s important to recognize and appreciate the contributions of these artists. Overall, these artists have shaped the electronic music landscape and propelled the genre to new heights of popularity and creativity. We have them to thank for EDM!
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