Though 2020 brought many restrictions that greatly affected the music industry, it was a time that many artists used to hunker down and work on their craft. As things opened up throughout 2021, including venues and clubs, as well as the return of festivals, it was evident that many artists and DJs were using the pandemic as a time to quietly prepare huge projects and new performance skills for 2021.
Now that the year is nearly over, Respect My Region took a look back at what was going on and who was making noise in the electronic music scene; and more specifically, the emerging EDM scene. This included on-site research at festivals like Suwannee Hulaween, EDC Las Vegas and Orlando, Outside Lands, Dreamstate, and much more, as well as smaller shows at venues such as NOVO and Exchange in LA. We also paid attention to who was buzzing online, and of course, actual talent was taken into major consideration.
Without further ado, we present Respect My Region’s picks for top emerging electronic DJs of 2021.
*This list is in no particular order and is based on RMR’s personal opinion.
21 Rising Electronic DJs of 2021
John Summit
If you’ve been a frequent festivalgoer this year, or you’re active on EDM Twitter, John Summit is likely a name you’ve come across often. The Chicago-native tech house producer/DJ has played more shows than seemingly any other emerging DJ this year, hitting festivals like EDC, Beyond Wonderland, and Electric Zoo, as well as the hottest venues around the country. Undeniably deserved, John Summit was named “Breakout Artist of the Year” by Dancing Astronaut.
In addition to his many performances, the rising star also released a ton of new music and remixes this year. Between his constant touring, consistent new music, and his vibrant personality, John Summit will only continue to flourish and rise to the top.
NotLö
One of the most exciting emerging names in bass music this year is Denver-based producer/DJ NotLö. RMR first came across the budding artist at Firefly Music Festival, who wrapped up the whole festival with an intoxicating, weighty deep bass set. We then caught her at Suwannee Hulaween for a b2b set with VEIL, full of dark and distorted sounds. And soon, we’ll catch her again at Daily Shred in Colorado. But don’t just trust our word. Respected names in EDM, including GRiZ and CloZee, have cosigned her, solidifying NotLö’s place in the electronic music landscape.
Mersiv
Mersiv is another explosive name in electronic music this year. Originally from Louisiana, the now Denver-based artist is on the forefront of the new generation of bass music, shaping and impacting the scene and sound. After hearing the name around all year, RMR caught Mersiv performing at Suwannee Hulaween, who offered the crowd a brain-tickling experience.
This year, Mersiv released Pretty Dark Loud, a full-length project embodying his signature sounds and intentions. His website states that Mersiv means “I: Having a complete mental, physical, and spiritual embrace to the present moment of sound. II: A discovery of oneself through music.”
Evalution
Evalution is an artist that we didn’t discover until later in the year, but once we saw what he was all about, we knew he was one to watch. The Tampa-based producer/DJ has been supported by Blunts & Blondes, SNAILS, and ATLiens, among others. Moreover, he has played at festivals such as Asteria, Sunset, and Home Bass to name a few.
After catching his energizing set at EDC Orlando, we got the chance to interview the budding artist. We learned that, behind the dope DJ seen on the decks, there is an innovator full of focus, drive, and determination – which, when mixed with his talent, is a recipe for continued success. Though he had a cast on when we met him, Evalution typically hits the stage with a guitar as well, shredding it up behind the booth for a unique rave experience.
Wreckno
Talent alone won’t get you very far in this industry. But mix it with burning passion and a contagious, bubbly personality, and the fans and success are bound to come. An emerging artist doing just that is bass DJ and producer Wreckno. The queer musician shines on and off stage, serving up fiery beats at festivals and clubs, as well as releasing original music and remixes on streaming platforms.
Wreckno has performed at festivals like Suwannee Hulaween and Basscountry, and has been supported by Peekaboo, Zeds Dead, CloZee, GRiZ, and more.
Of The Trees
Joining CloZee on the majority of her Neon Jungle Tour, as well as releasing a very well received EP, Of The Trees had a huge 2021. The rising artist’s sound lies in the ever-growing landscape of underground bass, with influences stringing from hip-hop, ambient, and various subgenres of dance music. Though not from a music hotspot, the Portland, Maine-raised producer/DJ has solidified himself as one of the hottest up-and-coming names in the North American underground electronic music scene.
ACRAZE
This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of the legendary ACRAZE, who created, arguably, the top EDM song of the whole year: “Do It To It.” The wildly catchy house tune has spread across the internet and throughout nearly every festival, cementing ACRAZE as a strong, rising force in electronic music. This year, the Staten Island-born artist has played ground rattling sets at EDC Orlando and Las Vegas, the Brooklyn Mirage, Exchange LA, and more. Moreover, he has seen support from EDM A-listers like Chris Lake and DJ Snake.
Lucii
Out of every EDM subgenre, bass music seemed to be the most popular one this year, as well as the most morphed and evolved. One artist contributing to the evolution of bass music is producer/DJ Lucii. The rising DJ creates otherworldly, hair-raising sounds, dubbed “Space Bass.” In 2021, Lucii has taken stage at EDC, BUKU, and Lost Lands, as well as venues all across the country on her Metamorphosis Tour. Moreover, she has seen support from other sound-benders like Liquid Stranger, CloZee, Yheti, and more.
LSDREAM
LSDREAM is a true innovator and leader in the bass music world. His mind-bending, wub-focused psychedelic sound has proven both influential and widely enjoyed. Since releasing his debut album, VOYAGER, under Liquid Stranger’s WAKKAN in 2018, LSDREAM has only continued to explode and solidify his name as one of the hottest rising electronic stars right now.
In 2021 alone, he hit the decks at Bass Canyon, Electric Zoo, Lost Lands, Freaky Deaky, and much more. Moreover, LSDREAM just announced his Peace Love and Wubz Tour taking off in February 2022.
Mythic Rogue
Based in Denver, Colorado, Mythic Rogue is bringing the world a heavy yet ambient psychedelic sound. His productions can be described as weird, unique bass music. He uses very well layered low-end sounds matched with an atmosphere driven by risers, down sweeps, and rhythmically diverse sets of wubs. Mythic Rogue has spent the last three years crafting his sound and performing across the US. Attending a performance of his will prove that his music is meant to be strange, but still hits close to the heart.
As one of Denver’s finest producers, he’s been supported by organizations such as ATS and the TBN Collective. Should you come across his name on a flyer it would be a good idea to attend the event. This artist has the potential to become a big name in the EDM industry, so if you get the chance, check out the magic of Mythic Rogue live.
MZG
Earlier this year, RMR found our new favorite electronic duo, MZG. Zach and Charles are the twins behind MZG, a self-taught electronic dance duo that delivers killer bass and an infectious sound. We had the opportunity to chat with them in an interview, and they told us about their twin-tuition, pre-concert rituals, and much more.
Their upbringing in Jacksonville – and hearing house, hip-hop, and Moombahton music in the club – inspired them to join the music scene. After success with concerts like Hulaween under their belt, MZG moved to Denver, the bass capital of the world.
DVRKO
Launched in 2020, this Los Angeles-based producer began to gain momentum in 2021, producing explosive tracks and a slew of remixes experimenting with house subgenres. 2021 marked the artist’s debut appearance at the 25th anniversary of EDC Las Vegas, impressions from which he shared with RMR during his post-EDC interview.
The emerging producer has perfected the creation of dynamic and captivating music that merges tech-house and pop. Recently, he announced the upcoming release of his debut album, ‘Undone.’ The album will provide a fitting end to a successful year and a fantastic springboard into 2022.
NØ SIGNE
This DJ from the Netherlands is quickly climbing to EDM Olympus, with many works finding their way into European music charts. After exploding onto the scene in 2019 with “Shake It,” a fire collaboration with Tujamo, he has stayed on track with a steady stream of new bangers.
The house music enthusiast released multiple singles this year, including his most recent: “Here We Go.” Moreover, not only does the artist create auditory satisfaction, but striking visuals too, crafting himself in the image of a VR character. His music has stormed European dance clubs, and we can only hope that this rapidly developing talent will visit the United States soon to perform his quality European house.
220 Kid
Having established himself in the EDM world in 2020 with the hugely successful collaborative hit “Don’t Need Love,” success for this London-based music producer knows no boundaries. In 2021 he gained momentum with his next banger, a remix for Nathan Evans’ “Wellerman,” which was originally a New Zealand folk song. So, 220 Kid teamed up with Billen Ted to make a dance version of the historical song, which rapidly went viral on TikTok, making it one of the top ten most popular songs in the U.K., among TikTok users.
The remix also secured him a nomination for Song of the Year at the BRIT Awards in 2022. While the wildly unbound “Wellerman” was making moves on TikTok this year, 220 Kid found time to release singles every other month.
Smack
This duo of bass house enthusiasts prefers to keep their identity a secret. Their music, however, is far from mysterious, speaking directly and forcefully to the senses, unconcerned with the listener’s reaction. The anonymous artists not only spent the time productively in the studio producing the hit singles “Be Free” and “No Man,” but they also toured a live show.
This year, the aggressive pair spread its “bad influence” through music festivals around Europe, including the Reload Music Festival in Italy and the LOA Festival in Luxembourg. While the two ‘beat generators’ have not yet announced any live gigs in the United States, they will be headlining the Spring Fling Virtual Music Festival in April 2022.
Breaking Beattz
Formed by friends Lauro Viotti and Rafael Zocrato, the Brazilian Breaking Beattz project is a synthesis of talent and expertise. Giving birth to a distinct and unmistakable sound, the bass house duo won respect among the general public. Thus, after establishing themselves in their homeland Brazil, Breaking Beattz is gaining popularity in the U.S., rapidly increasing the number of streams amongst the American audience.
Breaking Beattz have been making waves on the Brazilian EDM scene for years but only recently released their highly anticipated debut album. According to the artists, the new album Hott Boyz, released in 2021, features the “pure DNA of Breaking Beattz.”
Miane
For Miane, 2021 began with a meteoric rise on music platforms. After releasing her “Who Are You” single in January, Chris Lake immediately took it up and remixed it a few weeks later, aiding the young Spanish talent to spread her sound and tap European music charts.
The Ibiza-based artist displays her greatest dance floor tools, as well as her broad taste. That is to say, Miane manages to boost each of her songs by combining the greatest aspects of house music. The talent cannot help but garner the attention of famous names thanks to her authentic sound. This year, she has performed countless gigs in her native country Spain and recently debuted at Holy Ship! Wrecked 2021 in Mexico with some of the greatest names in the EDM world.
Mize
This Atlanta-based music producer seems to have been included in every festival lineup through 2021. By the end of 2020, he teamed with Liquid Stranger’s record label WAKAAN to release his debut “Thought Processes” EP. This was soon followed by another six-track project, “Balancing Act,” released in 2021. MIZE describes himself as an Experimental Bass music producer. Justifiable enough, as his music combines a psychedelic aesthetic and powerful bass along with melodic dubstep.
This year, he played a spate of notable festivals, such as Suwannee Hulaween, Lost Lands, and Electric Zoo, and more. Additionally, the zooming DJ visited other venues around the country, including Denver and Austin. Mize most recently appeared at GRiZ’s 12-day charity program, GRiZMAS, hosted in Detroit.
Tripp St.
Tripp St., another new artist making waves in the electronic community, keeps his identity secret. His music is a fusion of experimental dubstep and techno. Little is yet known about the enigmatic persona, but whispers have circulated that this may be the side project of a more recognized artist, given the high production quality.
This year, Tripp St. traveled the country within the Neon Jungle tour, joining forces with CloZee and Of The Trees. Besides that, he played at events such as Tennessee’s Sound Haven and the Circus of Life music and arts festival. Recently it’s been announced that Tripp St. is set to perform at Ubbi Dubbi music festival in Texas next year. The emerging artist will share the stage with major EDM artists, such as Alison Wonderland, Diplo, Tiësto, and many more.
VEIL
This fast-rising dubstep DJ kicked off 2021 with the release of the Exoplanet EP with NotLö. Another boom followed the release of her single “IXXI” in August of this year. VEIL is an excellent representation of creative progress, with her original tunes prioritizing a pounding bass beat – explosive, yet mysterious.
She played a number of festivals in 2021, including the aforementioned GRiZMAS, Suwannee Hulaween, Lost Lands, Electric Zoo, Infrasound Festival, and Firefly Festival. Additionally, she traveled the country as part of the Champagne Trip tour 2021. For 2022 VEIL is set to participate in the Liquid Stranger tour, sharing the lineup with Mersiv, Mize, and more.
HoneyLuv
HoneyLuv began her DJ career in the clubs of L.A. and quickly moved on to venues around the United States. In 2020, she made her festival debut at Desert Hearts. However, 2021 brought the rapidly growing artist a strong, remaining identity at the forefront of American EDM. This year, she performed at huge events like EDC Las Vegas and Audiotistic in San Diego. Finally, to wrap up the successful year she recently released her latest single, “Paradise” in collaboration with Omem.
She has already showcased her talent worldwide, appearing on live streams such as House Nation and others. Additionally, HoneyLuv has had success with her radio program House of Honey, on iLL Donuts Radio, which focuses techno and house music.
Contributing writers: Hannah Gershowitz, Anastasia Ma, Alexander Welby, and Madi Forbes
