Top Electronic Dance Music Artists You Need to Know

Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has exploded into global phenomenon in recent decades, and for good reason. Its infectious rhythms, captivating melodies, and dynamic soundscapes have an undeniable power to move people. These incredible artists and their tracks can inject energy into any atmosphere, even turning introspective moments into vibrant experiences.

While EDM’s mainstream breakthrough might seem recent, its roots trace back to the 1980s underground music scenes. The genre steadily gained traction, finally emerging into the spotlight around 2010. This era saw iconic figures like Deadmau5, Tiesto, Swedish House Mafia, Avicii, and Skrillex stepping forward, ushering in what many consider EDM’s Golden Age.

The 2012 International Music Summit (IMS) Business Report recognized electronic dance music as the fastest-growing mainstream genre in the United States. A decade later, the latest IMS Business Report positions EDM as the 3rd most popular music genre worldwide, boasting a massive audience of over 1.5 billion listeners.

Decoding EDM: What is Electronic Dance Music?

For newcomers, the vast and diverse world of EDM can feel overwhelming. The sheer variety of styles, sounds, and approaches may leave you wondering, what truly defines Electronic Dance Music?

Essentially, EDM is an encompassing term for a wide array of electronic music genres intended for dance-based entertainment. It’s a diverse collection of musical styles that share common threads but maintain their unique identities. Popular EDM subgenres include Trance, Techno, House, Electropop, and Dubstep, among many others. These genres often feature prominent drum beats, layered melodies created with synthesizers, and repetitive rhythmic patterns designed to create an immersive and danceable experience.

12 of the Most Influential Electronic Dance Music Artists

The EDM landscape is populated by both legendary pioneers and exciting new talents. This overview highlights some of the most influential Electronic Dance Music Artists, judged by their impact on fans and the genre itself. These are the artists whose music resonates deeply and ignites dance floors worldwide. Here are some of the top electronic dance music artists who have shaped the EDM scene:

Avicii

Avicci Top EDM Artist

Avicii, born Tim Bergling, is a name that evokes feelings of inspiration and warmth. This Swedish electronic dance music artist is celebrated as one of the most defining figures of his generation, a claim supported by his remarkable career.

His breakthrough came with the release of ‘Levels’ in 2011, a track that garnered a Grammy nomination in 2012 and propelled him to international stardom. Avicii continued to release impactful albums and EPs, including the acclaimed True (2013), Days/Nights EP (2014), Stories (2015), and the posthumous Tim (2019).

Throughout his career, tragically cut short in 2018, Avicii accumulated numerous accolades. These included multiple awards for ‘Wake Me Up,’ the “Best Solo Artist” title at the 2013 International Dance Music Awards, and the American Music Awards’ “Favorite Electronic Dance Music Artist.” Avicii’s legacy rests on his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, making him arguably the most emotionally resonant electronic dance music artist of his time.

Marshmello

marshmello dj

Who is Marshmello? The identity of Marshmello has been a source of much speculation since this American producer and DJ burst onto the electronic dance music scene. While many believe Marshmello is a pseudonym for Chris Comstock, also known as DJ Dotcom, official confirmation remains elusive. He is universally recognized by his distinctive white costume and marshmallow-shaped helmet, complete with a quirky smiley face.

Marshmello achieved international fame after releasing popular remixes with Zedd and Jack Ü in 2015. He further solidified his position with a series of successful albums: Joytime (2016), Joytime II (2018), and Joytime III (2019). His catalog includes iconic tracks like ‘Happier,’ ‘Alone,’ ‘Wolves,’ and ‘Silence,’ all of which achieved high rankings on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Forbes reports have highlighted Marshmello’s rapid ascent in the EDM world. Within just two years of his debut in 2015, this electronic dance music producer and DJ earned an impressive $21 million. Marshmello’s infectious hits and clever marketing strategies have firmly established him as a leading electronic dance music artist.

David Guetta

david guetta

David Guetta is a foundational figure in mainstream electronic dance music, a name synonymous with EDM for over a decade. Often hailed as an EDM legend, or even the “grandfather of EDM,” David Guetta is undeniably one of the most important electronic dance music artists globally.

This French songwriter, record producer, and DJ first gained widespread recognition in 2009 with his groundbreaking album, One Love. The album spawned massive hits like ‘Sexy Bitch,’ ‘Gettin’ Over You,’ and ‘When Love Takes Over,’ all of which reached the top of the UK charts. That same year, David Guetta ranked third in DJ Magazine’s “Top 100 DJs” poll, and by 2011, he had climbed to the number one spot.

His 2011 album Nothing But the Beat further cemented his dominance with tracks such as ‘Turn Me On,’ ‘Titanium,’ ‘Without You,’ ‘Little Bad Girl,’ and ‘Where Them Girls At.’ His collaboration with Black Eyed Peas on ‘I Gotta Feeling’ received two nominations at the 52nd Grammy Awards. David Guetta’s enduring presence and consistent hit-making ability solidify his status as a top-tier electronic dance music artist.

Skrillex

skrillex

Who hasn’t heard of Skrillex? The energetic artist known for his powerful tracks, distinctive glasses, and signature hairstyle has permeated popular culture across generations. Whether you’re a Millennial, Gen Z, or even a Baby Boomer, you’ve likely encountered Skrillex’s influence. This American electronic dance music artist has been a prominent force since the early 2000s.

Skrillex spearheaded the mainstream breakthrough of Dubstep, bringing the genre to a global audience. This highly sought-after and influential EDM DJ is best known for his groundbreaking EPs, Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites and Bangarang, both of which earned multiple awards in 2011. With an impressive eight Grammy Awards, Skrillex is unequivocally one of the most decorated electronic dance music artists.

As a leading electronic dance music artist, Skrillex has collaborated with industry giants like Jack Ü, Diplo, and Boys Noize. His influence extends beyond EDM, evidenced by his work with the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise, rock band Incubus, and pop superstar Justin Bieber. Skrillex’s innovative sound and cross-genre collaborations underscore his significance as a leading electronic dance music artist.

Calvin Harris

calvin harris

When it comes to financial success, Calvin Harris is arguably the most commercially successful electronic dance music artist. His journey to becoming a top EDM artist with a net worth of approximately $190 million is remarkable, starting from working in a fish factory and supermarket to modeling for Emporio Armani and producing music from his bedroom in Scotland.

His music appeals to both dedicated ravers and listeners who appreciate lyrical depth. Having produced tracks for pop icons such as Dua Lipa, Sam Smith, and Rihanna, Calvin Harris’s talent is undeniable. His skills go beyond production and DJing, as demonstrated by his hit tracks ‘My Way’ and ‘Summer,’ where he also showcased his vocal abilities.

Calvin Harris has received five Grammy Award nominations and won over 32 international awards, including “Producer of the Year” and “British Single of The Year” at the 2019 BRIT Awards for his collaboration with Dua Lipa on ‘One Kiss.’ Calvin Harris’s commercial success and widespread appeal solidify his place as a premier electronic dance music artist.

Alan Walker

alan walker

What comes to mind when you search for “Faded”? Chances are, Alan Walker dominates the top search results. His 2015 track ‘Faded’ is considered one of the most popular EDM songs ever, boasting over 2.5 billion views on YouTube, earning Alan Walker a well-deserved spot on this list of top electronic dance music artists.

‘Faded’ achieved multi-platinum certifications in the US, UK, and numerous other countries, catapulting Alan Walker into the upper ranks of EDM artists. DJ Mag recognized his rapid ascent by naming him the Highest Climber in their 2017 “Top 100 DJs” list.

Beyond ‘Faded,’ Alan Walker has released a string of popular tracks, including ‘Sing Me To Sleep’ (2016), ‘Alone’ (2016), ‘Tired’ (featuring Gavin James, 2017), ‘Darkside’ (2017), ‘Diamond Heart’ (2018), ‘Different World’ (2018), ‘Are You Lonely’ (featuring ISAK and Steve Aoki, 2019), and ‘On My Way’ (featuring Farruko and Sabrina Carpenter, 2019). Alan Walker’s global hit ‘Faded’ and consistent output of popular tracks cement his status as a leading electronic dance music artist.

Tiesto

tiesto

Tiesto, often dubbed “The Greatest DJ of All Time” by Mix Magazine, is an electronic dance music DJ who needs no introduction. This Dutch icon was an obvious choice for this list of top EDM artists. Tiesto is a true pioneer of mainstream EDM. Even prominent EDM artists like Martin Garrix have acknowledged Tiesto as a major inspiration for their careers in electronic dance music.

His influential albums include In My Memory (2001), Just Be (2004), Elements of Life (2007), Kaleidoscope (2009), and A Town Called Paradise (2014). Tiesto also gained significant recognition for his “Club Life” DJ mix series, which spanned six successful years.

In 2013, DJ Mag readers voted Tiesto as the “best DJ of the last 20 years,” adding to his already impressive collection of over 40 international awards, including a Grammy (2015) and the Golden Harp (2007). Tiesto’s long-standing career, pioneering spirit, and numerous accolades solidify his legendary status as an electronic dance music artist.

Swedish House Mafia

swedish house mafia

This list would be incomplete without Swedish House Mafia, one of the most iconic acts of EDM’s golden age. This supergroup consists of Sebastian Ingrosso, Steve Angello, and Axwell, each a celebrated artist in their own right. After surprising fans with a breakup in 2013, they reunited five years later at the 2018 Ultra Music Festival in Miami.

Best known for their 2012 anthem ‘Don’t You Worry Child,’ Swedish House Mafia holds a special place in the hearts of EDM fans. Their music, characterized by its powerful beats and emotional depth, paved the way for many aspiring electronic dance music artists. During their initial run, they released other sensational tracks like ‘One’ (2010) and ‘Save the World’ (2011). Swedish House Mafia’s impact on EDM’s golden age and their iconic tracks earn them a spot as top electronic dance music artists. They have received 10 International Dance Music Awards, 2 European Music Awards, and 2 Grammy nominations, among other accolades.

Armin Van Buuren

armin van buuren

Armin Van Buuren, arguably one of the most enduring EDM DJs, has demonstrated remarkable adaptability throughout his career as a top electronic dance music artist. He seamlessly navigates evolving EDM trends. Fun fact: Armin Van Buuren’s birthday is December 25th! Perhaps he is EDM’s gift from Santa.

While Avicii is celebrated for emotional resonance, Alan Walker for a groundbreaking hit, and Calvin Harris for commercial success, Armin Van Buuren stands out for his consistent award recognition. Over two decades of electrifying performances, Armin Van Buuren has amassed countless awards and nominations, including 14 DJ Awards, the #1 position in DJ Mag’s “Top 100 DJs” four times consecutively, and over 40 awards from the International Dance Music Awards. Armin Van Buuren’s longevity, adaptability, and consistent critical acclaim make him a leading electronic dance music artist.

Deadmau5

deadmau5

Deadmau5 (pronounced “dead mouse”) is an artist described as talented, inspiring, and often provocative. His edgy persona and innovative sound have cultivated a dedicated following within the electronic dance music scene, making him a prominent electronic dance music artist. His stage name originates from a literal dead mouse found inside his computer.

While Deadmau5 primarily produces progressive house music, he also explores other electronic dance music genres. His prominence in the EDM industry is evident through his inclusion in sets by top artists like Armin van Buuren’s A State of Trance and Tiësto’s In Search of Sunrise 6: Ibiza. Deadmau5 is also recognized for his visually stunning “Cube” stage setups, particularly the impressive Cube 3.0.

Known for his outspoken nature, Deadmau5 has been involved in several online feuds with other artists, including Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and Skrillex, and has even critiqued aspects of the EDM industry itself. Regardless of opinions on his persona, Deadmau5 is undeniably a leading electronic dance music artist and one of the highest-paid performers in the genre.

Martin Garrix

martin garrix

Similar to Alan Walker, Martin Garrix is a contemporary electronic dance music artist who achieved major success early in his career with his 2013 release ‘Animals.’ Since then, he has become one of the most recognizable names in dance music. His rapid ascent saw him jump from position 40 on DJ Mag’s “Top 100 DJs” list in 2013 to number 4 in 2014, demonstrating his instant impact. This Dutch electronic dance music artist, still young at 23 when he reached this peak, is respected by Tiesto and other established artists for his high-quality music productions.

He has performed at iconic music festivals like Creamfields, Tomorrowland, Electric Daisy Carnival, Coachella, and Ultra Music Festival since the age of 17. Martin Garrix held the #1 spot in DJ Mag’s “Top 100 DJs” list from 2016 to 2018. In his relatively short career, Martin Garrix has received over 25 major award nominations, winning 19. Martin Garrix’s early success and consistent chart-topping tracks mark him as a top electronic dance music artist for the future.

Diplo

diplo

Last but certainly not least is Diplo, also known as Thomas Wesley Pentz. He wears many hats and excels in every role, making him one of the most versatile electronic dance music artists. Consider LSD, Major Lazer, Jack Ü, and Silk City – these supergroups all share Diplo as a core member. This super producer is a true jack-of-all-trades, from heading the Mad Decent record label to producing hit songs for Beyoncé, Madonna, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber.

Since 1997, Diplo has received numerous major awards for his significant contributions to Electronic Dance Music, including an American Music Award (2015), 2 Grammy Awards (2016), an International Dance Music Award (2016), MTV Video Music Awards (2015), and the Electronic Music Awards (2017). In the 2019 Grammy Awards, Diplo won “Best Dance Recording” alongside Dua Lipa and Mark Ronson. Diplo’s multifaceted career and consistent innovation across various projects position him as a highly influential electronic dance music artist.