16 Up-and-Coming Drum and Bass Artists You Need to Check out
Drum and Bass is currently one of the most exciting genres in the EDM scene. Emerging in the ’90s and gaining massive traction in the early 2000s, it has shaped the sound of modern electronic music and remains a key foundation of the EDM community. Over the past year, Drum and Bass has experienced a major resurgence, with its infectious rhythms and powerful basslines making waves across major festivals and shows. If you’ve been to a show recently, chances are you’ve heard a Drum and Bass track during someone’s set.
With songs like “Baddadan” and “Liquor & Cigarettes” dominating the main stage at most mainstream festivals, It’s hard to imagine that there’s still a whole universe of incredible drum and bass waiting to be uncovered. You’ve likely heard of some of the hottest names in the DnB scene right now—Chase and Status, Hedex, and Sub Focus, to name a few. There’s a new wave of talent gaining momentum and rising through the ranks. Check out these 16 up-and-coming Drum and Bass artists who are currently pushing boundaries and shaping the future of the genre.
Salt Lake City native, Fransis Derelle’s side project afterxheaven delves into soothing melodies with an epic quality that makes listeners feel as if they are floating on a cloud. If you’re a fan of melodic DnB, afterxheaven is a must listen for its dream-like qualities. Collaborations with artists like Micah Martin, and Josh Rubin have diversified the afterxheaven project into a realm of dreamy soundscapes and groovy tracks. Pick your poison.
Songs to check out:
- Alive
- Love (Sinner)
- Autopilot
From the heart of Los Angeles, BADVOID brings a unique sound to both the studio and the stage. Blending dark aspects of metal and the razor sharp precision of dnb, BADVOID creates an eerie, hardcore sound that stands out from the crowd. BADVOID continues to climb the ranks with his music, and secured his spot on tours with artists like Chase and Status, Kayzo, Sullivan King and Riot Ten.
Songs to check out:
- Trust
- Caution
- Activate
- Anarchy
Netherlands-based producer and DJ Blvck Crowz is making waves in the drum and bass scene with his dynamic blend of genres, including drum and bass, tekk, techno, hardcore, and uptempo. Renowned for his infectious melodies and compelling lyrics, Blvck Crowz delivers an exhilarating sound that resonates with fans across the globe. If you crave drops that make you want to jump and dance, Blvck Crowz is sure to be stuck on you like a tattoo.
Songs to check out
- Sex Drugs & Drum N’ Bass
- Bass Control
- Lift You Up
- Tattoo
- Sucker Punch
Blaine Stranger’s discography is built on glistening, euphoric melodies that transport listeners to vibrant, sun-soaked environments. Based in Australia, Blaine Stranger is becoming a hot act to catch. He is a master at crafting feel-good music brimming with positive energy and good vibes.
Songs to check out:
- New Energy
- Losing Myself
- N3V3R
- Sin
- What You Love
Hailing from Germany, Neurofunk master Exploid has claimed his spot in the drum and bass scene creating epic, futuristic, and euphoric tracks that exude confidence and innovation. Deep and dark basslines compliment breathtaking and ethereal melodies, creating a sound that feels like you’re skydiving into a futuristic universe. Seriously, someone needs to put his music in the next dystopian movie.
Songs to check out: These Lies, Lost on My Own, What I Need, Cold Crush, Bounce & Roll
Based in Belgium, Glassman (formerly under the alias of “Python”) has crafted a distinct sound that sets him apart within the jump-up subgenre. Airy and dynamic melodies combined with gritty basslines formulate the riveting sounds of Glassman’s music. Listening to his music evokes an otherworldly feeling, transporting you to a different universe.
Songs to check out:
- Telecommunication
- Your Love
- Lost & Found
- Jump!
- Hall of Pain
- What You’ve Done
Based in Spain, Hydrø draws you in with a laid-back, mellow vibe, then blows you away with high-energy drops that hit like a punch to the gut. His songs are fearless, inspiring, and otherworldly, evoking a sense of optimism and joy within the listener. Songs like “Remedy,” “I can’t,” and “Open up” do a great job of meshing beautiful melodies with the nastiest bass you’ve ever heard.
Songs to check out: Open Up, Take My Hand, Remedy, I Can’t, Yesterday, Together, Away
Belgium based Drum and Bass Producer, KrypteK is rapidly rising through the ranks of the DnB scene, thanks to his unique and signature jump-up sound that sets him apart from the rest. You may or may not have heard of Hyper Jump-Up, but KrypteK dominates the subgenre creating songs bursting with energy. There is a certain persistence in KrypteK’s music which makes it the perfect addition to any gym playlist, giving you that extra surge of energy on days when you need a boost.
Songs to check out:
- Hyper Beam 2
- Come Alive
- Defying Love
- Hands Up
- Back2me
Constructing music that feels straight out of a video game, Rebel Scum takes drum and bass to an epic level, inspiring feelings of determination and empowerment in every listener. Energy pulses through each song Rebel Scum produces, making it impossible not to feel charged with excitement when listening to one of his songs. His music is best listened to on the ride to your favorite festival at full volume.
Songs to check out: GYGFU, Dark Clouds, Prepare for War, Violence, Erase Me, Inner Fire
Based in the Czech Republic, Matzet doesn’t just make music—he crafts an experience, infusing every track with atmosphere. He curates soulful music overflowing with passion. If there’s one thing Matzet masters, its rhythm. His songs are super groovy, making them impossible not to dance to.
Songs to check out:
- Haunted
- Lights
- Roller Coaster
- Don’t You Ever
- Where’d You Go?
Blending darkness and light, Muzz produces a dynamic, high-energy sound exploding with intensity. Based in the UK, Muzz is one of the most exciting acts in the drum and bass scene. His discography is diverse with remixes from artists like Illenium, Seven Lions, Knife Party, and Snails. Describing his music as “Hybrid,” Muzz breathes qualities from industrial rock, dnb, classical, and ambient music into his sound. Catch him at Basscase 2025!
Songs to check out:
- Nothing Else Matters
- Unspoken
- Nemesis
- Pressure on the Masses
- …Ready For It?
Emerging from Belgium, Obbley delivers a distinctive, in-your-face bass sound characterized by sharp and robotic melodies. You’ve probably heard his track “Phonk,” which helped introduce a new wave of ravers to the world of drum and bass. One of his best releases is his “Feelings” EP, which left an impression on many DNB enthusiasts following its release in 2022.
Songs to check out:
- Feelings
- Blow the Roof
- Phonk
- Frenzy
- Higher
- Leave Me
UK based DJ and Producer, Premium blends a variety of sounds within a single track. One moment you’re dancing to the rhythm, and the next, you’re hit with a filthy bass drop that leaves you questioning how such an uplifting song can pack such a heavy punch. Curating a villainous, and robotic sound, Premium is “the sound of the underground.”
Songs to check out:
- Onslaught
- Polybius
- Afterdark
- Challenger
- The Underground
Simula guides you through a world of horrifying sounds, only the bravest listeners dare to conquer. Simulas music is unlike any dnb you’ve heard before; It’s dark, suspenseful, gritty. Just take a look at his song “Bonesaw.” It perfectly encapsulates the terrifying sounds of cutting and cracking bones. Do you dare to listen? See Simula and Rebel Scum live and in action this weekend at Reaper’s Challenger Tour!
Songs to check out:
- Phantasm
- You & I
- Behemoth
- Bonesaw
- Mimic
- Death Rattle
From the vibrant music scene of Spain, Skiye creates impeccably crafted, ethereal tracks full of character and depth. Skiye brings a diverse range of sounds to the drum and bass scene, crafting everything from thrilling tracks like “A Girl Named Alice” and “Switching Genres” to more uplifting pieces like “Soundwaves” and “Self Love.” Listening to his discography, it’s clear that each track Skiye creates is the result of time, and a curation of breathtaking sounds that blend together like a symphony.
Songs to check out:
- Self Love
- Soundwaves
- Sunlight
- Switching Genres
- A Girl Named Alice
Based in England, Toxinate crafts the perfect fusion of vibrant melodies and hard-hitting bass. Songs like “break” and “Anger Issues” are guaranteed to get stuck in your head, repeatedly reeling you back in for another listen. From simple basslines, to complex melodies, Toxinate is a true master of diverse sounds.
Songs to check out: Break, Nope, So Much Love, Anger Issues, Backhand
There is an abundance of artists to explore within the world of drum and bass music. From artists who explore the depths of the genre and create haunting rhythms, to artists that paint the scene for their music, producing tracks beaming with light and energy, drum and bass has made its comeback and is not leaving any time soon.
Do you want to discover more drum and bass artists? Check out my DNB Playlist, and make sure to come to this weekend’s show, Reaper Presents: The Challenger Tour this Saturday, December 7th to see Simula and Rebel Scum!
