New year, new artists to watch. Back by popular demand, Dancing Astronaut’s annual class of artists to watch underscores 20 of the dance/electronic genre’s most enticing future achievers. From unique underground wavemakers to soon-to-be festival big shots spanning bass to techno, with so much in between, we’re proud to continue our Artists to Watch feature for the 11th year—enjoy.
Artists appear in alphabetical order.
33 Below
Those attending RL Grime’s PLAY tour this past November had the opportunity to open the night with 33 Below. The New Zealand native made a forceful introduction to a North American audience that may have not been previously familiar with his work. And his refreshing approach to drum ‘n’ bass, as well as UK garage, leaves no room for questioning as to why he’s among Dancing Astronaut’s Artists to Watch in 2024. Having just delivered his sophomore EP, PUSHER, a year after his debut EP, motions, 33 Below also added a handful of remixes—including an official take on Martin Garrix’s “Real Love”—to his scorecard in 2023. And with him already teasing a massive 2024, 33 Below has all the makings to become bass music’s next breakout star. —Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: Jordan Watkins
Adam Ten & Mita Gami
Emerging as a unified force, Adam Ten & Mita Gami are distinct yet inseparable. Their parallel musical journeys converge in a harmonious synergy reflected in their 10-plus collaborative tracks, notably the scorching remix of “Renegade” that set Ibiza ablaze in 2023. Both masters of their craft, Adam Ten’s Mediterranean beats intertwine flawlessly with Mita Gami’s soul-stirring electronic symphonies. Their recent string of United States bookings included a magnetic stint supporting Gorgon City’s Salvation tour, showcasing the brilliant teamwork that leaves crowds spellbound in their shared musical universe. —Alex Lambeau
Featured image: Adam Ten & Mita Gami
Alex Wann
Over the past year, Alex Wann has charted his rise to fame in house circles. Blurring the lines between Afro house and deep house, the Parisian DJ received notable support from Keinemusik on “Milkshake,” a summer anthem played across the beach clubs of Saint Tropez, the famed clubs of Ibiza, and the Brooklyn Mirage in New York. DJs such as John Summit, CamelPhat, and more clamored for it, but “Milkshake” was just the start for Wann, whom Swedish House Mafia assigned remix duties for “Ray of Solar” in September. Alex Wann’s trajectory for the future is looking more than bright. —Alex Lambeau
Featured image: Alex Wann
ChaseWest
ChaseWest, a social media humorist akin to John Summit, crafts minimal tech-house beats that mirror his comedic flair. Known for prolific bootlegs on SoundCloud, ChaseWest, who has garnered support from authorities like Michael Bibi, Jamie Jones, and The Martinez Brothers, is steadily rising, and he’s sitting on an arsenal of unreleased music. Safe to say, ChaseWest is ready for a monumental 2024. —Alex Lambeau
Featured image: Chase West/Instagram
Dyzen
Afterlife has an unquestionably deep artist roster, but arguably the most promising of those names is Dyzen. The Italian talent debuted back in 2018, but Dyzen began to catch fire in 2021 with an appearance on Afterlife’s Realm Of Consciousness Pt. V compilation. Fast forward two years and Dyzen had what may have been his most impressive year to date, between debuting at Tomorrowland and being the name behind some of the year’s most sought-after IDs in melodic techno, like “Dialogue” and “Laser Game.” And after earning that spot on Afterlife’s sixth compilation, Dyzen is guaranteed to build on that momentum come 2024. —Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: Arfa
Ellis Moss
It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Ellis Moss is among Dancing Astronaut’s Artists to Watch in 2024. But Moss’ story didn’t begin with his Experts Only debut. Back in 2021, the UK native joined Toolroom Records to make his grand entrance with “The Shake.” He’d already been working in dance music since he was 14, having played a behind-the-scenes production role in the world of tech-house. And after a string of Toolroom releases—including a pair in 2023—Moss turned in one of the summer’s most sought-after IDs this past November à la “Calling,” a track that found its way into tracklists of everyone, from Tiësto to Gorgon City to Dom Dolla to the Experts Only boss himself, John Summit. Also catching the eye of Tomorrowland—who named him an up-and-coming rising star this year—Moss is set to build on his 2023 momentum in the new year. —Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: Ellis Moss/Instagram
FelMax
Venezuelan artist FelMax has been on fire in 2023, releasing a torrent of music on labels such as Rude Service Records, Kannibalen Records, Subsidia Records, and many more. Having locked in numerous performances around the country this year with artists like Riot Ten, ATLiens, and LOUIEJAYXX, FelMax continued to expand his fan base through his efforts in the live setting, where he obliterated audiences with his uniquely-crafted tracks. Balancing his electronic music career with a successful venture in hip-hop, FelMax also teaches music production full-time and has empowered his students to similarly lock in countless releases with esteemed labels. 2024 is set to be a big year for FelMax, who will have multiple life-changing announcements on the horizon as he continues to hone his craft. —Yale Rosin
Featured image: FelMax
Hayla
Over the years, Dancing Astronaut’s Artists to Watch lists have been no stranger to singer-songwriters, especially considering our Supernovas feature series that was designed explicitly to spotlight them. And considering Hayla’s run in 2023, her spot on this year’s Artists to Watch record is well-won. Having already earned the title of Dancing Astronaut’s co-2022 Track of the Year à la “Escape,” Hayla secured another in 2023 alongside John Summit with “Where You Are.” On top of a collaboration with Sub Focus, Hayla stepped into the solo light this year, making her original debut back in October with “Fall Again.” And with another collaborative reunion with John Summit in the near future on top of more original work, Hayla is set for superstardom in 2024. —Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: Hugo Lendinning
Holly
Portugal native Holly has steadily made a name for himself as one of the hottest producers in the dance/electronic and rap space since his first official release in 2019. With production credits that include Baauer, Zeds Dead, and more, Holly is primed to become a household name sooner than later, and his 2023 was further proof of just that. This year, he put out collaborations with FrostTop and Flosstradamus, released with Sable Valley and Boombox Cartel’s MONTA, and had three production credits on RL Grime’s PLAY. The cherry atop a year worthy of an Artist to Watch nod — his five-track EP AXIS, released this past Friday. —Zach Salafia
Featured image: Holly/Instagram
Kiinjo
Some will know him solely as Grandtheft—one of the major players in the 2010 trap-house era. Flash forward to now, and the birth of his new disco-house project, Kiinjo, has taken center stage. The Canadian producer has evolved his sound, taking a turn for the funk and bouncy grooves that bring a little soul to any dance floor. In 2023 alone, he opened several stages for Duck Sauce, Folamour, and Purple Disco Machine, released four new singles, and is just ramping up for a heavy-hitting 2024. —Natalie Pereira
Featured image: @briony/Instagram
Layla Benitez
With show bookings in nearly every country across the globe, Layla Benitez has cemented herself as one of the most sought-after artists in house and techno. Although Benitez only has four tracks to her name, the Miami-based DJ has plenty of unreleased records on the way, including a collaboration with CamelPhat and Waze. “Toxic Trip” with Miluhska is her most recent single and also marks the launch of her new record label, Sheep At Night. Spinning a mix of hypnotic techno and melodic house beats, Layla Benitez will certainly be a name to watch for in 2024. —Alex Lambeau
Featured image: Layla Benitez
Max Dean
An emerging young talent out of London, Max Dean is a regular in house circles, earning praise from Michael Bibi and gaining accolades for summer tours and chart-topping releases on Beatport. His electrifying performances at renowned venues like DC-10, Amnesia, Cova Santa, and Warehouse Project, and spots on lineups for Paradise, Solid Grooves, Eastenderz, and Kaluki are a testament to his talent. A highlight of his journey thus far includes the launch of neXup, his very own brand and label. With his first American tour already under way, Max Dean will be a regular on American lineups as soon as 2024. —Alex Lambeau
Featured image: Max Dean/Instagram
Merow
STMPD RCRDS has produced a laundry list of venerable talents since its 2016 inception. And Merow is guaranteed to become another. After embarking on her music career at the age of 11—and going on to begin releasing music just three years later—Merow had earned appearances on Dr. Fresch’s House Call Records, Spinnin’ Records, and more. In 2023, she caught the eye of Martin Garrix, who signed her to STMPD RCRDS. With 2023 seeing her deliver a pair of label releases and build up a touring schedule—including a Tomorrowland debut—there’s zero question of Merow’s promise heading into 2024. —Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: .PNGN media
Otherwish
A new face—or should we say a lack thereof—was introduced to the This Never Happened family in 2023. When Lane 8 offered up his “Fall 2023 Mixtape” back in September, he made the careful decision to include a then-unreleased track from Otherwish as its opener; said number, “Let It Fade,” formally became Otherwish’s musical debut this past November. Otherwish followed it up with its sole successor, “After All This Time,” which earned a spot in Lane 8’s “Winter 2023 Mixtape.
While we don’t exactly have an abundance of details about Otherwish (identity included), we do know that he’s scheduled to make his live debut in the new year as part of This Never Happened’s North American run. Moreover, he’s all but guaranteed to properly build on the list of This Never Happened labelmates who’ve graced Dancing Astronaut’s Artists to Watch tallies of years past. —Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: Otherwish
PARISI
If the dictionary had a definition of “artist to watch in 2024,” PARISI’s photo would appear below it. The Italian duo’s production credits are nothing short of jaw dropping; they’ve already worked alongside Drake, Ed Sheeran, and The Kid Laroi, not to mention their extensive work with Fred again.. over the years, as well as Swedish House Mafia towards the end of 2022 and into 2023. But as of this past October, PARISI have begun to step into their own artistic lane, delivering their debut original, “Tease,” its follow-up, “Believe In Myself,” shortly thereafter, and later making their live debut in London in November. And as they continue to put a larger focus on their own solo efforts into the new year, PARISI’s past work thus far speaks volumes as to what they’re capable of in 2024. —Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: Sebastian Wawrzyniak
Sinca
Montréal born-and-raised Sinca has made waves in her underground community in 2023, growing a steady following from nightclub and venue performances in the city. Her take on progressive and deep house has quickly caught the ears of several revered labels, notably Anjunadeep, where her dreamy, melody-led sound easily found a lasting home.
After balancing her artist project against her full-time day job, Sinca recently announced her full commitment to her music—guaranteeing listeners with plenty more enthralling records and packed dance floors at her sets to come in 2024. —Natalie Pereira
Featured image: Sinca
SOREN
Hard dance is on the rise in the United States and not coincidentally, so is SOREN. Dealing in a dynamic, dizzying brand of hard dance defined by dark, dramatic melodies; arena-sized sound; and a cerebral and distinctive sense of invention, the Los Angeles-based producer is writing his own blueprint for success as the sole American act currently signed to Dirty Workz, the genre’s leading label. With creds that include original releases and remixes on fellow hard dance hubs, Basscon Records (Insomniac) and Welcome Records (Kayzo), not to mention performances at some of dance music’s most esteemed festivals (EDC Las Vegas and Ultra Music Festival, among others), SOREN is charting an upward trajectory that will only continue to mount in 2024. For true X factor, look no further. —Rachel Narozniak
Featured image: SOREN
SYREETA
Hailing from Birmingham, SYREETA has risen to the status of a true house and techno expert. Her vibrant sets harmonize deep basslines and retro grooves, fusing a disco charm with contemporary beats that resonate universally. As a proud advocate for marginalized voices, her music acts a beacon of inclusion and empowerment. With mesmerizing performances across Pacha Ibiza, Printworks, Elrow, and more, SYREETA’s magnetic stage presence and deep connections with her audience promise to invigorate the American dance scene. —Alex Lambeau
Featured image: SYREETA
Vastive
Known as the “Bully on the Block,” Vastive has had a banner 2023, touring with Sullivan King, Level Up, Jessica Audiffred, and more. Known for his masterful blend of heavy dubstep and metal, the emotion that pours forth from every Vastive song has entranced many an audience. With roots as the lead singer in a metal band, Vastive provides many of his own vocals for his energy-packed tracks and has received support from artists such as Slander, Excision, and Kayzo, among others. His label credits, which include releases on Rude Service, Subsidia Records, Bass Rush, and more, are poised to significantly expand next year, in a testament to his impact that many, including Dancing Astronaut, have already felt. —Yale Rosin
Featured image: brand1films/Instagram
Years Of War
While Years Of War may not immediately ring a bell, the name Rico & Miella should. After more than a decade under that title, the classically trained, producer/singer-songwriter pair decided it was time for a change and officially turned the page in July. Having already earned credits with Seven Lions, Trivecta, William Black, and so many more over the years, the two are now looking for a fresh start. With their darker, more matured sound’s grand reveal via Excision’s Subsidia Records in July and a follow-up self-release in October, Years Of War will continue to compellingly write their new chapter in 2024. —Ross Goldenberg
Featured image: Coby Corra
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Categories: Music
