Every year, there is a group of producers who seemingly come out of nowhere and take the electronic music world by storm. In 2015, artists like Rezz, NGHTMRE, Jauz and Marshmello went from little-known acts to some of the biggest draws at festivals. This year was no different, as 2016 also saw its fair share of breakout stars.
In order to determine our ‘Top 5 Breakout Artists of 2016’, EDMTunes’ editors created a Facebook poll and asked our staff to select their 5 favorite new electronic acts of the year. We also requested that people take both quality and popularity into consideration when voting to ensure that the list isn’t “too obscure” or “too mainstream”. Since this is a poll of our staff, we understand that the list isn’t going to please everyone. That being said, we feel that it’s a great representation of the EDMTunes family.
T5. Galactic Marvl
Hometown: N/A
SoundCloud followers: 6,335
Major 2016 releases: Galactic Marvl – Save Me (feat. Connor Foley), Kaskade & Felix Cartal – Fakin It (Galactic Marvl Remix), The Chainsmokers – Don’t Let Me Down (Galactic Marvl Remix)
T5. Whethan
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
SoundCloud followers: 83,200
Major 2016 releases: Whethan – Can’t Hide (feat. Ashe), Whethan – Savage (feat. Flux Pavilion & MAX), Whethan VS Oliver Tree – When I’m Down
4. JOYRYDE
Hometown: UK
SoundCloud followers: 90,900
Major 2016 releases: JOYRYDE – DAMN ft. FREDDIE GIBBS, JOYRYDE – HOT DRUM, JOYRYDE – WINDOWS ft. RICK RO$$
3. Boombox Cartel
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
SoundCloud followers: 130,000
Major 2016 releases: NGHTMRE & Boombox Cartel – Aftershock, Major Lazer – Cold Water (Feat. Justin Bieber & MØ) [Boombox Cartel Remix], Boombox Cartel – Colors Ft. Grabbitz
2. K?D
Hometown: N/A
SoundCloud followers: 68,300
Major 2016 releases: Daft Punk – Doin It Right (k?d Remix), k?d – Birth of The Universe, Justice – We Are Your Friends (k?d Remix)
1. Slushii
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
SoundCloud followers: 174,000
Major 2016 releases: slushii – So Long (feat. Made), The Chainsmokers ft Halsey – Closer (Slushii Remix), slushii – To Say Goodbye
What do you think about our ‘Top 5 Breakout Artists of 2016’? Let us know in the comments! Also, be sure to check out the previous articles from our ‘Year In Tunes’ series:
–The Top 30 Songs Of 2016
–Top 15 Remixes of 2016
