EDM music has grown into a global phenomenon, and those responsible for its creation are reaping massive rewards.
While some are renowned for their spectacular pyrotechnics, others create captivating electronic songs that have an immense effect on people’s lives. If you’re searching for the top EDM artists to listen to, here are a few worth considering:
1. Martin Garritsen
Martin Garritsen, born May 14, 1996 in Amstelveen, Netherlands, is an international DJ who’s been producing music since age 16. At 15 he began producing electro house and quickly made a name for himself within the electronic music scene. Additionally, as a successful role model and philanthropist, Martin has taken part in many charitable activities.
In 2004, Garritsen witnessed Tiesto perform at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Athens and was instantly inspired to pursue a career as a DJ. After downloading specialist producer software, he created his first tracks.
His breakthrough came with the release of his single “Animals,” which reached number one in several countries and has since been certified platinum. Additionally, he has an array of chart-topping collaborations with artists such as Bebe Rexha, Dua Lipa and Troye Sivan that continue to climb the charts.
He has earned numerous accolades for his work, including being named #1 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list for 2016, 2017 and 2018. His discography contains 70 singles, an EP, four albums and 47 music videos; plus he boasts 14 million YouTube followers and 16 million Instagram followers.
Garritsen is the youngest of two children; his mother Karin, a pianist, and sister Laura are equally supportive. Both have been instrumental in developing Garritsen’s music career and often accompany him when performing live.
Although his music is heavily influenced by electro and big room, Garritsen has created a more progressive style. This has earned him recognition in the progressive house scene, with songs often featuring powerful vocals. He’s collaborated with numerous artists such as Afrojack, Ed Sheeran and Tiesto; winning him multiple awards along the way for his work that have cemented him among the top edm artists of all time.
2. Sonny John Moore
Skrillex is a dubstep and electronic music producer who has achieved huge success in recent years. His sound has earned him 8 Grammy awards, inspiring an entire new generation of producers and DJs to create music they are proud of.
Moore was born in Los Angeles, California and raised by two adoptive parents. At age 9, he began playing guitar and started attending concerts at local venues. By 12, he had begun writing music as well.
At a young age, Moore enjoyed listening to metal bands and punk rock music; however, his appreciation of electronic dance music developed as an adult after attending a performance by Daft Punk at an early age.
He has also cited Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails and The Doors as influences. Additionally, Warp Records, renowned for its experimental electronic music, was an early influence.
His music is often described as a blend of heavy electronic sounds and gentle melodies. His style can be best described as an eclectic combination of electro, dubstep, and electronica.
Through his life, Moore has remained actively engaged in music. He has released multiple EPs and singles, as well as working with numerous renowned artists.
His website states that Moore is an accomplished musician who can blend different musical genres together to create a distinct sound. He draws inspiration from blues, jazz, Cajun and zydeco music genres.
He has released two solo albums and is currently working on a third. His upcoming record will showcase an array of instruments.
Moore had been dating singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding since 2011, but they separated in 2012. Subsequently, Moore began dating painter Charmaine Olivia.
3. Deadmau5
Deadmau5 is one of the world’s most beloved electronic artists, with his distinctive sound and captivating live performances winning him a legion of fans around the globe.
Joel Thomas Zimmerman, professionally known as Deadmau5, is an electronic dance music (EDM) producer and DJ from Toronto, Canada. His sound draws influence from multiple genres such as progressive house and techno. To date he has released eight albums and had his productions featured on compilation CDs as well as Armin van Buuren’s A State of Trance radio show.
He first achieved success with his progressive house music style of the 2000s, but has since expanded into other musical genres. He’s collaborated with various electronic musicians such as Kaskade, Rob Swire from Pendulum and Knife Party, and Steve Duda under BSOD alias.
In 2009, he released his fourth studio album For Lack of a Better Name which included the hit single “Ghosts ‘n Stuff.” Additionally, in 2010, he embarked on an international tour dubbed Meowingtons Hax Tour.
His music has earned a variety of awards and recognition, including six Grammy nominations. He is widely considered an innovator in electronic dance music (EDM).
After graduating from university, he began working as a computer programmer and composer. In high school, he discovered a dead mouse in his computer and quickly gained notoriety under the pseudonym “Dead Mouse Guy.” Later, he adopted Deadmau5 for chat room username purposes.
He is not only a producer and DJ, but also an accomplished visual artist. His stage shows often feature elaborate sets with LED lights and lasers synced to his music. Furthermore, he often wears what has become one of his signature looks – a large mouse head mask.
4. Tiesto
Tiesto is one of the world’s most renowned DJs. He has been named “best DJ in the world” multiple times, earned a Grammy and collaborated with numerous renowned artists.
His influences range from trance music and hip-hop to classic funk. Over the years, his sound has evolved to incorporate elements of pop culture, producing songs that are both enjoyable and groovy.
He has become a staple at festivals around the world, such as Coachella and Electric Daisy Carnival. Additionally, he has collaborated with brands like T-Mobile and Budweiser to promote music culture.
Tiesto has achieved great success with his hit singles, such as Adagio for Strings, Silence and Feel It. Additionally, several of his albums have gone gold in Holland where they achieved gold status.
Tiesto has earned the title of “the Godfather of Electronic Dance Music,” his music having had a major impact on the growing dance scene. He continues to tour and perform for large audiences with his innovative live sets that combine music with various visual effects. His shows continue to draw huge crowds around the world.
His music has seen tremendous growth over the past decade, and he now boasts an adoring fan base in Holland. His concerts are always a blast, with audiences always eager to dance along to his tunes.
As a DJ, Tiesto has been an icon in the scene for over two decades. He has earned numerous accolades and is platinum-certified artist.
He has performed in some of the world’s premier clubs and venues, such as Coachella, Ultra and Tomorrowland. He’s toured with Moby, David Bowie and Busta Rhymes on their respective tours; additionally he was a guest on BBC Radio 1 show.
5. Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris is a Scottish DJ who has achieved worldwide fame. He’s collaborated with some of music’s biggest names and performed at numerous major festivals around the world.
He has composed numerous songs over the years and continues to stay busy in the studio creating new material for his fans to enjoy. Additionally, some of his hit singles have achieved international success and been chart-toppers around the globe.
The star draws inspiration from a wide variety of musical genres, such as funk music, electronica and house. He has also developed his own distinctive style by combining all these influences to create something truly exceptional and special.
His career took off when he self-released his music online and it quickly gained attention from EMI. Over the years that followed, Harris’ pop-friendly electronic dance crossover tracks became radio staples.
After working with artists such as Rihanna and Kelis, he was able to break into the music industry and achieve worldwide success. His vocals have been featured on countless hits over the years, earning him widespread recognition.
Though renowned for his dance music, he also loves funk and hip-hop. Drawing inspiration from both genres, he seeks out new ways to combine them.
He has an eye for fashion and enjoys modelling for Emporio Armani. In 2015 he was featured on their underwear campaign with a toned physique.
He is a true icon in the music industry and boasts an illustrious career filled with numerous awards and accolades. He won both Grammy and MTV Awards, cementing himself as one of the greatest DJs worldwide.