In recent years, the electronic dance genre has experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity. When EDM music reaches its crescendo, it drops into many waves of snares and kicks, much like a rollercoaster. The best EDM artists in the genre have mastered this formula while still experimenting and reinventing dance music as we know it. We at StudyFinds have researched eight expert sources to reach a consensus on the best EDM artists of all time. Don’t agree with our list? No worries, we would love to hear from you and your recommendations in the comments below!
The List: Best EDM Artists, According to Fans
1. David Guetta
David Guetta is at the forefront of Electronic Dance Music. His collaborations with Sia (“Titanium”), Nicki Minaj (“Hey Mama”), and Justin Bieber (“2U”) garnered him global fame. No Musica says that Guetta’s ability to combine electronic sounds and pop beats has made him a household brand and a driving influence in EDM’s popular appeal.
Spotify awarded Guetta the “Most Streamed Artist of All Time” in 2013. He is one of the world’s most successful DJs, and his influence on the EDM culture is undeniable. EDM Sauce reminds us that he has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry.
The French songwriter, record producer, and DJ first gained attention in 2009, when he published the career-defining album “One Love.” Guetta placed third in DJ Magazine’s “Top 100 DJs.” J Salco informs us that two years later, in 2011, he took the top spot in DJ Mag’s survey.
2. Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris has topped the charts with his viral dance-pop hits “We Found Love” and “This Is What You Came For,” both with Rihanna. His ability to create crossover successes and cooperate with mainstream musicians has earned him countless awards — multiple Grammy and Brit awards, according to No Musica.
Calvin Harris, a Scottish DJ and producer, has been a key player in the music industry for more than a decade. He is primarily recognized for his work in electronic dance music, where he has produced some of the genre’s most popular songs. EDM Sauce thinks he is one of the best in the world.
Harris worked at a fish factory, a supermarket, modeled for Emporio Armani, and recorded music in his teenage bedroom before becoming a top EDM musician worth a stunning $190 million. According to J Salco his music is “beloved by both ravers and people who put thought to the meaning of a song.”
3. Deadmau5
Deadmau5 is noted for his distinct mouse-headed image and inventive approach to electronic music. With singles like “Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff” and “Strobe,” he’s gained a devoted audience for his spectacular live shows and ability to push the boundaries of electronic music creation, according to No Musica.
Deadmau5 is a Canadian DJ and producer best recognized for his distinct style of progressive house music. He’s published six studio albums and countless singles, and he’s worked with some of the biggest names in music. Deadmau5 is one of the world’s most successful DJs, and his influence on the EDM scene is undeniable, according to EDM Sauce.
Deadmau5 doesn’t shy away from controversy. As an outspoken individual, he has engaged in numerous internet feuds with other well-known artists, including Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Madonna, Skrillex, and even the whole EDM business. Even so, J Salco stands by saying he is the best in the world.
4. Marshmello
Marshmello has grabbed audiences with his distinct marshmallow-headed character and irresistible blend of future bass and trap music. His successful songs “Silence” and “Wolves” (featuring Selena Gomez) have gained him a devoted fan base, and his ability to combine electronic elements with pop has made him a crossover success, according to No Musica.
He’s published two studio albums and countless singles, and he’s worked with some of the biggest names in music. Marshmello is among the most successful DJs in the world. According EDM Sauce, “his impact on the EDM scene is unquestionable.”
J Salco asks, who is Marshmello? This is an issue that has sparked heated debate since the American producer and DJ first entered the EDM music world. Several media publications have reported that Marshmello is an alias for Chris Comstock (aka DJ Dotcom), although there is no formal proof. We only know him from his white suit and marshmallow-like helmet with a strangely happy face.
5. Tiësto
Tiësto, dubbed “The Greatest DJ of All Time” by DJ Magazine, is a legendary figure in the EDM business. No Musica mentions that he has won multiple awards, including Grammys and DJ prizes, for his high-energy sets and legendary tunes such as “Adagio for Strings” and “Traffic.”
He began his career in the early 1990s and rapidly ascended to stardom. He is primarily renowned for his work in trance music, having created some of the genre’s most memorable compositions. “Tiësto is one of the most influential and respected DJs in the world, and his impact on the industry is still felt today,” according to EDM Sauce.
Martin Garrix is one of the many popular EDM artists who have admitted that Tiesto influenced them to pursue careers in electronic dance music. This must be the reason J Salco calls him a “trailblazer in mainstream EDM music.”
6. Avicii
Avicii, the late Swedish DJ and producer, was a true icon of EDM. He is known for “Levels” and the tremendous success of “Wake Me Up,” which No Musica says propelled him to international recognition.
Avicii’s ability to combine electronic components with folk sound resulted in a distinct and emotional sound that connected with people all over the world. J Salco informs us that he won a Grammy in 2012 after the release of the song “Levels.”
Tragically, Avicii died in 2018 at the age of 28. His death shocked the music business, and admirers all across the world continue to mourn him. According to EDM Sauce, “Avicii was one of the most talented and successful DJs of his generation, and his loss is still felt today.”
7. Daft Punk
Daft Punk has made an unmistakable mark on the EDM scene. They have inspired innumerable artists and pushed the boundaries of electronic music making, particularly in the realms of house, electro, and French house, with their famous robotic image and what No Musica describes as landmark albums such as “Discovery” and “Random Access Memories.”
This enigmatic French pair has been sculpting the soundscape of electronic music since the early 1990s, making history with their unique blend of house, electro, funk, and disco, influencing generations of musicians and producers. Their pioneering use of sampling and digital editing, combined with their distinctive robot identities, which Ranker says, has cemented them in the pantheon of pop culture legends.
Despite announcing their breakup in 2021, the indelible impact of their genre-defying music and unforgettable live shows will undoubtedly echo through the ages. They even continue producing music and DJing in the world’s leading clubs, according to Zip DJ.
What is EDM?
Electronic dance music (EDM) is a broad genre of percussion-driven electronic music genres originally produced for nightclubs, raves, and festivals. It’s known for its energetic beats, catchy melodies, and electronic sounds. Here’s a deeper dive into EDM:
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Subgenres: EDM encompasses a wide range of subgenres, each with its own distinct sound and characteristics. Some popular subgenres include:
- House: Characterized by four-on-the-floor kicks, uplifting melodies, and prominent synthesizer riffs.
- Techno: Known for its repetitive hypnotic rhythms, atmospheric soundscapes, and heavy use of synthesizers.
- Dubstep: Features deep bass lines, wobbly sounds (wobbles), and sudden drops with intense drum beats.
- Drum and Bass (DnB): High-energy genre with fast breakbeats (typically around 170-180 beats per minute) and deep bass lines.
- Trance: Uplifting and melodic subgenre with soaring synthesizer leads and ethereal vocals.
- Trap: Southern hip hop influence with heavy, slow tempos, rattling hi-hats, and prominent 808 drums.
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Production: EDM is primarily produced electronically using digital audio workstations (DAWs) and virtual instruments like synthesizers, samplers, and drum machines.
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DJs and Live Acts: EDM is often associated with DJ culture, where DJs play and mix pre-recorded tracks to create seamless sets. Additionally, some EDM artists perform live using electronic instruments, samplers, and effects processors to create their music on the spot.
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Popularity: EDM gained mainstream popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Major music festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) and Tomorrowland showcase popular EDM artists and attract huge crowds worldwide.
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