We’re nearly on the finish of 2025, and now we’re principally on the finish of our Yr in Tunes sequence. Our final ballot for 2025 focuses on the Breakout Artists for 2025. This ballot captures which artists actually catapulted their profession to a brand new stage in 2025. We attempt to preserve this to artists who have been comparatively unknown earlier than, or not less than flew below the radar. For reference, you’ll be able to take a look at our 2022, 2023, and 2024 Breakout Artist lists as nicely. We requested our crew to appoint and vote for the breakout stars of 2025 and the outcomes are beneath.
7. JOA
JOA exploded onto the scene in 2025 by way of Armin van Buuren. At simply 21 years outdated, this Miami resident began making a reputation for himself within the melodic techno and trance scene this 12 months. JOA teamed up with Armin van Buuren for the smash hit, ‘Heavy’ which was a banger monitor all through pageant season. ‘Heavy‘ was premiered at Extremely Miami to kick off pageant season, but additionally performed at EDC Vegas, Tomorrowland, and extra. It’s secure to say you’ll be seeing much more of JOA in 2026.
6. Matt Sassari
French DJ and producer Matt Sassari solidified his standing as a titan of the tech-house scene in 2025, a 12 months outlined by large chart success and high-profile pageant appearances. Constructing on the momentum of his 2021 breakout hit “Give It To Me”—which surpassed 1 billion streams and earned gold or platinum certifications in 20 international locations by late 2025—Sassari dominated the 12 months with a string of recent membership anthems together with “Rise,” “On Me” (with DVBBS), and “Baiana.” His 2025 “breakout” was additional cemented by a prestigious debut at Tomorrowland Winter and a heavy touring schedule that noticed him acting at main world venues, from Armania Phuket to a headlining New Yr’s Eve present at Spybar in Chicago. Matt Sassari bought explicit consideration from John Summit and his Consultants Solely label this 12 months.
5. SCRIPT
SCRIPT began off years again with a distinct title and sounding like i_o, earlier than a rebrand which noticed him start producing melodic techno below the purview of Afterlife. After a number of huge remixes and singles, SCRIPT got here into his personal in 2025. He kicked off the 12 months with ‘Flex My Ice’ on Consultants solely after which he launched on belonging, Insomniac Data and extra. Maybe his greatest monitor of the 12 months was ‘The place I’m From’ with Cassian. Looking forward to 2026, it’s secure to say you’ll be seeing extra pageant slots and membership bookings for this rising star.
4. Argy
Argy has been quietly killing it within the melodic techno scene for a number of years, however in 2025 he actually exploded. He was on all the key pageant levels and bought rave critiques for each set. In a time the place the melodic techno scene is a bit disjointed, Argy is holding it down for these Afterlife followers searching for melodic techno power. He had large collabs with MEDUZA, Anyma, Adriatique, and extra this 12 months. He additionally showcased his New World visible present at Tomorrowland’s Freedom Stage.
3. HNTR
HNTR had an explosive 12 months, primarily pushed by his viral ‘Stephanie’ remix that was so common, the sound from that monitor grew to become his signature. He launched on Arcane, Hellbent, Drumcode, Blacklizt, and extra. His tracks have blown up in 2025, however 2026 is the 12 months you’ll begin seeing him play much more exhibits. Be looking out.
2. Sammy Virji
2025 has been a definitive breakout 12 months for Sammy Virji, cementing his transition from an underground favourite to a world chief of the UK Storage (UKG) renaissance. A significant catalyst for this momentum was the September launch of his sophomore album, Similar Day Cleansing, which featured high-profile collaborations with UK legends like Skepta, Giggs, and MJ Cole, in addition to the chart-topping anthem “925” with Chris Lake. His affect expanded considerably throughout North America, the place he carried out a career-defining set at Coachella and headlined main venues like New York’s Forest Hills Stadium. By combining his signature “bouncy” basslines with high-energy performances at festivals like Lollapalooza and Tomorrowland, Virji has efficiently introduced the UKG sound to an enormous worldwide viewers, concluding the 12 months with a sold-out debut tour throughout Asia.
1. GENESI
This one was a straightforward alternative for us. GENESI merely didn’t miss throughout 2025. Each single and each remix was a licensed banger. GENESI bought main help from MEDUZA, Max Styler, Layton Giordani, Gorgon Metropolis, and Solomun all year long, all names which can be certain to get you some severe avenue cred. GENESI went from a relative unknown originally of 2024 to a closely demanded artist. Whereas GENESI’s releases have been large all year long, he has not exploded onto the reside present circuit. You’ll be able to count on that to alter in 2026 and we’re excited to catch GENESI reside on our favourite levels.
