It’s no secret, 2013 brought electronic dance music to the mass’ ears, and with that several hundreds of new artists and festivals began to pop up around the globe. Of course, some stars shine more brightly than others, and in 2013 we saw the rise and fall of many up and comers and established artists within the scene. If 2013 was the year of big room bangers and booty-shaking, 2014 will be the year of genre-crossovers and intricately produced originals – we hope. Now, as we begin to say goodbye to the older generation of headliners, we welcome in this new generation of talent.

Although there are MANY talented producers that didn’t make our list, we’ve compiled together the artists we felt had both skyrocketing popularity in 2013 and the potential to become one of this year’s major headliners. These artists are featured in no particular order, and all photos can be found at the respective artist’s Facebook.

Victor Niglio

After the phenomenal success of his remix to TJR’s “Ode to Oi”, Victor Niglio hit the ground running in 2013 by producing several mega-hits like his original track “Jiggy” and ultra-popular guest mixes as seen on Carnage’s “Incredible” podcast. This Philly native has been working non-stop touring and producing stellar originals. He is one of the most talented producers to come out of the huge trap scene this year.

Victor Niglio stands out among the rest because he is an artist that takes time to produce high quality work, and seeing him live is truly a treat. You never know what he’s going to play next, but you can be sure it’ll flow seamlessly in the mix. Victor Niglio’s production capacity shows no limits. Look to see huge moves from VicNigs in 2014, and try to catch one of his shows before ticket prices go up!

Want more Victor Niglio? Facebook \ Soundcloud \ Twitter

Honorable Mention: There are some outstanding artists, most of which have been supported by Victor Niglio, that I’d like to mention before moving on. Acts including LooKas, Enzo Picardi, HLTRSKLTR, Frankie Sanchez and ZAXX have made waves within the scene toward the end of 2013. Their style is similar to Victor’s and throughout 2013 they’ve managed to make several records that gained immense support by some of EDM’s biggest names. Victor Niglio is well on his way, however, these guys are as well and I encourage you to check out their music and support them. – Tyler Almodovar

The Chainsmokers

If you don’t listen to The Chainsmokers on a regular basis, now is the time to start. Hailing from New York City, Drew and Alex have made a huge name for themselves with their indie progressive sound. Their remixes of hit indie and pop tracks are perhaps their claim to fame, but once you get a taste of The Chainsmokers you won’t be able to get enough. After their debut at TomorrowWorld, the world was truly ready to see the talent these two had to offer.

The Chainsmokers will be an act to watch for in 2014 with their use of melody, and their ability to capture the elements of joy and emotion in each one of their remixes. Also, they’re hilarious to follow on social media and all-around awesome dudes. Who doesn’t love awesome? The Chainsmokers are going to be doing huge things in 2014, look out for the release of their first single #Selfie coming soon!

Can’t Get Enough of The Chainsmokers? Facebook \ Soundcloud \ Twitter

Thomas Jack

As for this next producer, all you need to do is hear one of his remixes and you’ll be hooked. Combining the relaxation of an island-vibe with indie hits, Thomas Jack has changed the game by utilizing genre-crossovers and making music that appeals to the soul. His sound is incredibly addicting, and we predict that it will make a huge impact on 2014’s festival scene.

Take a listen to Thomas Jack’s original tune “Symphony” for just a taste of what this artist is capable of. We definitely look forward to seeing Thomas Jack on several summer festival line-ups, and his sound being implemented into the popular tracks of 2014.

Connect With Thomas Jack: Facebook \ Soundcloud \ Twitter

Honorable Mention: Kygo

We couldn’t leave Kygo out of this list, his popularity is just starting to take-off and he will reach some huge heights. With a sound similar to Thomas Jack’s, Kygo has been making a name for himself through his melodic remixes of popular classics like Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” and his mashup/remix of “No Diggity/Thiftshop”. We can’t wait to see what Kygo has up his sleeve for 2014.

tyDi

TyDi has been a WRR favorite for a while, and while he isn’t exactly an “up and comer” we decided to add him to our list anyway. What makes tyDi shine among the hundreds of producers that emerged this year is his use of music theory in his music. TyDi is an exceptional producer, and his mix of electro and trance sound is unlike any other. His newer style is going to be another big hit in EDM for 2014, fans will be listening for larger than life sounds that allow them to escape this world and tyDi is the perfect artist to deliver just that.

What also makes him stand out is his opinion on the EDM scene and his efforts in helping the less fortunate. His latest album, “Hotel Rooms”, is the perfect break from pure EDM. tyDi will be talked about by every network, and everyone will be dying to get a chance to see this him perform live.

Get to Know TyDi: Facebook \ Soundcloud \ Twitter

MAKJ

Chances are, you’ve probably heard a MAKJ track at least a few times during the summer/fall festival season. Although still a new-comer, his tracks have been featured by every major artist in the festival circuit. As far as big room house bangers go, MAKJ is the man with the plan.

Although his huge collaboration with Hardwell, “Countdown”, helped put him on the map, his imaginative mashups & bootlegs will help keep him on top. Look to see MAKJ gaining huge stardom in 2014 and headlining major festivals throughout the year.

Learn MAKJ’s Story: Facebook \ Soundcloud \ Twitter

Henry Fong

Fresh off of his collaboration with MAKJ, look to be seeing much more of the Hysteria Records champion. With a big-room sound that compares to the Bingo Players, Henry Fong adds a bit of a twist. You’ll notice that each one of his tracks have something a bit different to them. Proclaiming that he is a “DJ first”, his focus is that whatever original track he produces will make a crowd get live.

So, always expect Henry Fong to bring his A-game at a live show because he knows exactly how to make fans go crazy. He will definitely become a festival regular for all of 2014’s big electronic events.

Get more Henry Fong: Facebook \ Soundcloud \ Twitter

Audien

Love house music but tired of always hearing the same tracks? Get to know Audien, the small-town producer with big dreams. Starting from the ground up, he built himself to where he is by using pure drive and talent. Listen to his original tracks like “Circles” and “Elysium”, and you’ll see why this producer should be apart of your everyday music selection.

He spent the end of October and part of November touring with Morgan Page and astounding fans from all over the country with his original house sound. Truly a treat to see live, Audien will be a top contender in the house/trance scene for 2014.

Connect with Audien: Facebook \ Soundcloud \ Twitter

Ricky Vaughn

Moombahton master, Joshua Vega a.k.a Ricky Vaughn, has recently struck national fame with his incredible trap/twerk reworks and “Art of Moombahton” podcasts. Sporting an obscene amount of remixes, original tracks, and mixes; Ricky Vaughn is well on his way to becoming one of the rising stars of 2014. With his remarkable collection of tunes and unbeatable remixing ability, there isn’t anything Ricky Vaughn won’t achieve.

We look forward to seeing Ricky Vaughn bring back moombahton to the DC massives, and huge festivals popping up based around artists that best represent the, at times, forgotten genre.

Get to Know the Master of Moombah: Facebook \ Twitter \ Soundcloud

Cashmere Cat

What is a 2014 artist to watch list without Cashmere Cat? He released his debut EP, “Mirror Maru,” in October of 2012 and since then, has made waves with his sensual, emotive and unique productions – most notable is his remix of Miguel’s “Do You”. Last year Mr. Cat also threw down an insane mix on Diplo’s Diplo and Friends radio show that we still bump to this day. In 2014 he has already planned on releasing a new EP, titled “LuckyMe,” and we’re sure the new year will be filled with stunning tracks and mixes.

GET TO KNOW CASHMERE CAT: FACEBOOK \ TWITTER \ SOUNDCLOUD

Mercer

Mercer properly closes out our 2014 artist to watch list. Throughout last year this France native released a slew of records including “Turn It Up,” “Supreme,” “Drop,” “Breathe” and possibly his most popular track, “Welcome To The Jungle”. He has managed to keep up to date with his monthly podcast, which showcases some outstanding records that he’s playing in his live sets. Mercer is going everything right, and with all of the support he is getting it’s only a matter of time before he starts sharing the stage regularly with some of dance musics biggest names.

Look out for his collaboration with DJ Snake, titled “Lunatic”, it will be released on March 7th via Spinnin’ Records and you can preview it by watching DJ Snake’s Australia/New Zealand 2013 Tour AfterMovie.

GET TO KNOW MERCER: FACEBOOK \ TWITTER \ SOUNDCLOUD

Did we miss someone? Don’t agree with this list? Tell us what you think in the comments below or Tweet to @raverrafting

Photo Credit: Nicky Ford, JustAwesome Photography 

This article was written by: Follow @megfoo10

---

Share On