We understand that life can get busy, and even for us melomaniacs, finding time to discover new hidden gems in the world of music can be a challenge. However, do not worry, because we’ve done the homework for you. We’ve compiled a list of 10 names that we’re incredibly excited about and plan to keep a close eye on throughout 2024. So, if you’re eager for new talent, check out our list of artists to watch this year.
Aeska (South Africa)
Sliding down our finger through the African map, our first stop of this musical trip is in Johannesburg. Driven by high octane and groovy rhythms, we meet Aleksandra Antonijevic, who goes by the name of Aeska as soon as she’s behind the decks.
This DJ and producer has been making waves to stand out inside South Africa’s most populous city, and it’s all because of her sound: boisterous rhythms and sultry sonic oscillations combined with playful percussions influenced by her Eastern European roots, as we can check on productions like ‘Deep In My Thoughts‘. A combination that she keeps spreading around her country through her mixes as one of the MUUD Movement’s resident artists or in big events such as the Smalltown Beat festival.
Aines (Spain)
Flying back to the old continent, we land in sunny Barcelona where a new wave of artists is bringing fresh air to a scene led by nothing but a DIY mentality that no genre can limit, and Aines is a perfect example of it. The Barcelonian artist is popping up in lineups all around the area, having crossed off of their bucket list landmark nightclubs of the city such as Sala Apolo or Razzmatazz and even Barcelona’s very own Sónar Festival.
When listening to Aines, whether it’s live from the dancefloor or through their freshly-started career as a producer, you can expect a genre-defying approach to electronic music mainly inspired by broken rhythms. If you play their tunes like ‘guapa<4‘, you can immediately feel the influences from Breaks, UK Garage, and Jungle among many others. And that’s just part of the energy she brings when in charge of the CDJs.
Ara (France)
Straight from “la Ville de l’Amour”, we dive into Ara‘s universe. It is defined by sensitivity and harmony, transcending musical styles. Her selection is crafted as a journey, blending progressive house, breakbeat, and trance, with a distinct preference for the sounds of the 90s and new electronic explorations.
In 2021, Ara took the initiative to create the Connect’HER project, with the aim of spotlighting artists from gender minorities in the French electronic scene. This collective seeks to raise awareness and provide information to reduce disparities between men, women, and gender minorities. A brand that she’s brought to Rinse France as a resident artist, letting her showcase her acclaimed curator skills in the name of Connect’HER.
Elisa Bee (Italy)
Back on the Mediterranean coast, we bump into a collector of all genres, from jazz to reggae, from house to techno. Sardinian-born Elisa Bee is as fascinated by the sounds of the past as she is by the experimental and quirky waves shaping the future of music.
Her productions have received considerable airplay, both on the dancefloor and the radio, and have been well-received by international audiences and artists alike. She has released music on labels such as Unknown To The Unknown, Kneaded Pains or Symbolism, and even earned a reputation as a remixer with her spin of ‘Possibilities‘ from acid’s very own stalwart Josh Wink and Truncate.
Emma B (France)
Hailing from the south of France, Emma B is an artist who might ring a bell to you if you’ve lately attended festivals or clubs like Fabric London, Delta, Sisyphos Berlin, Elektric Parc, or Rex Club. The Paris-based DJ and producer made digging a specialty, and we’re in for it.
Eclectic, inventive, and technically proficient behind the decks, Emma B captivates audiences with her diverse sets. Her DJ performances span a broad musical spectrum, encompassing genres from house to techno, acid to breakbeat, and incorporating influences from rave culture and past decades like the 80s and 90s.
Fivequestionmarks (Italy)
As a kid from Rome in the 90s, Marta developed a passion for rock, punk, and electronic music. As a result, to channel her creative energy and her early influences, she created her musical project: Fivequestionmarks.
Her career as a DJ kickstarted around industrial and EBM sounds with a techno foundation. However, she has since evolved, incorporating predominantly electro elements, followed by electro-pop and avant-pop with live vocal inserts in her latest releases. Redefining a contemporary and undefinable sound, she blends dancefloor electronica with mainstream references and flashes of excursions into more cultured rhythmic patterns. A combination that you can’t just feel in releases like ‘La Violence‘, but also in her radio show on Rough Radio or her multiple sets as a resident DJ at the iconic Roman club Cieloterra.
Kikelomo (UK)
Kikelomo‘s eclectic sound draws from a myriad of influences in her life, spanning from her home city, London, to her Nigerian roots. Consequently, her high-energy sets feature a diverse array of genres, including techno, house, garage, bass, deconstructed club, jungle, jersey club, electro, hip hop, and more. Renowned for its ability to energize crowds, her sound has garnered widespread acclaim.
Since her inception in September 2017, Kikelomo has experienced explosive growth, performing across multiple continents alongside industry heavyweights like Objekt, DJ Stingray, and Skepta. She has graced the stages of Boiler Room, and regularly hosts events. Additionally, she has showcased her talent at Splash! Festival, the renowned Fusion Festival, and opened the internationally acclaimed CTM Festival at Berlin’s prestigious Berghain/Panorama Bar.
Luisa (Portugal)
For Luisa, sharing music is an altruistic act, and she expresses gratitude to all who have enriched her auditory experiences. The Portuguese selector continuously refines her sound, seeking a cohesive narrative thread to convey.
Transitioning from slower techno to more progressive trance, she traverses this spectrum to ensure that her audience remains engaged in diverse narratives, leaving space for individual interpretation. An authentic vision that she’s reflected in stages like Sónar Lisboa as one of the city’s most exciting talents.
Luxi Villar (Spain)
The Spanish capital seems to be having a moment of grace for clubbing connoisseurs, and that is reflected not only by the number of parties being born in the city but also by the new names making waves. And if we talk of clubbing in Madrid, we must mention Luxi Villar, who supports the scene not only as a DJ, producer, and label owner but also as a promoter for her On Going Parties.
Inspired both in the decks and the studio by names such as Beau Dider, Testpress, Black girl/White Girl, Kettama, Viviana Casanova, or Arman Van Helden, the Spanish artist has conquered some iconic DJ booths around Europe. From clubs like London’s E1 or Madrid’s Fabrik, and renowned XL outdoor events like elrow Town or Aquasella Fest, Luxi Villar has the skills to always deliver a musical trip that makes the dancefloor groove from house to techno non-stop.
Raven (Canada)
Despite her vegan diet, tooth-gemmed smile, and soft-spoken demeanor, Raven‘s dark, hard-hitting sets are not for the faint of heart. Representing Canada in the German capital, she’s definitely a name to keep in mind when it comes to fast-paced techno.
DJ, producer, and vocalist, the Berlin-based artist fuses acid, trance, and rave blurring the traditional boundaries between genres. Following the release of her first EPs in 2020, her techno-siren songs swiftly captured the attention of none other than Amelie Lens. Raven has since then been supported not only by the Belgian icon but also by a large list of A-tier DJs, leading her to become a regular performer at Exhale, Unreal, and major festivals like Awakenings, while also making her debut at renowned clubs like Berghain.
After reading this, now you’re feeling clubbing again, right? No worries: just head over to xceed.me and check out the upcoming events in your city.
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