RaverRafting’s Artists to Watch in 2021

Due to the state of the world in 2020, live shows and music festivals were greatly missed for the majority of the year, but one positive outcome was the amount of new music that was released. Producers really took the extra time off from touring to produce, produce, produce and we saw some major standout artists last year. Many industry veterans reinvented their sound and newcomers left their mark, but we don’t think they’re quite done yet. We’ve compiled a list of artists that have truly left an impression on us and we believe will be dominating the dance music scene this year. Here are our artists to watch in 2021:

Bianca Benjamin
Artist – John Summit
From the city with deep house music roots comes young DJ/producer, John Summit. Last summer, his hit single “Deep End” became the longest-running Beatport #1 track of the year and was named Pete Tong’s Essential New Tune. Summit continues to grow his catalogue on major labels like Defected Records and Repopulate Mars. Some notable releases include “Summertime Chi” with Lee Foss and Hayley May, “Thin Line” with Guz, and “Forgotten One.” His charting streak did not end in 2020 as he has already kicked off the new year with another Beatport #1 track, “Beauty Sleep.” Summit seamlessly produces hit after hit and has received support from some of dance music’s greatest. 2020 was just the start and we predict an even bigger and more promising 2021. Just wait for the festival circuit to return and you will be seeing his name on every lineup!

Kaelyn Gray
Artist – VILLA
Manhatten-based powerhouse VILLA had an explosive 2020 with her debut single “All Inside” on Elysian Records, independent release “In My Head,” and contribution to GRL GANG’s Wreck The Halls holiday compilation. Commonly writing songs centered around themes of self-love and self-care, we’re expecting great things this coming year from her.

Meghan Mahoney
Artist – Moore Kismet
Young newcomer Moore Kismet exploded onto the scene in 2020 and will be riding that wave high into 2021. Making their debut on Brownies & Lemonade’s Room Service livestream last spring, Kismet instantly gained fans due to their unique experimental style and platform of love, acceptance, and inclusion. They have attracted a lot of attention with the releases of multiple singles and Revenge of the Unicorns EP last year, and at a mere 16 years old it’s only up from here.

Tori Matthews
Artist – Stonebank
The man behind Stonebank has been in the scene for a while, since 2014 to be exact. But that hasn’t stopped him from growing, evolving, and completely captivating listeners with fire tracks that really flex his production skills. From happy hardcore basslines and powerhouse vocals of “Be Alright” and “Ripped to Pieces” to bass-face inducing “Never Looking Back” and “Drop Bombs”, his ebb and flow is iconic and we can’t get enough. He made 2020 his year, with fire remixes like his dub flip on Infected Mushroom‘s “Spitfire” and landing his own “What Are You Waiting For” VIP mix on the soundtrack for Rocket League. He has already kicked off 2021 with another banger, “Take Me Away” and we are beyond excited to see where his discography goes next.

Patrick Soper
Artist – Ian Ewing
Chilling in the background of the music for some time now is Ian Ewing. His laidback jazz hip hop inspired sound is sure to mellow out even the most tense of moods. Especially after a rough year like 2020, music like this is sure to hit the spot. Especially when the summer comes, Covid leaves, and the pool parties are a plenty.

Caroline Mariz
Artist – MOSSS
The elusive MOSSS came into our lives serendipitously through a shuffling Pandora station (yes…some of us still use Pandora) and we were immediately hooked from the moment we heard him. His silky smooth guitar licks, bass riffs, and airy vocals create the ultimate easy-listening soundtrack. After releasing his Pale Blue EP in 2019 and having a relatively quiet 2020, we hope this means he’s gearing up for something big in 2021.

Chad Downs
Artist – xChenda
xChenda is my selection for one to watch boasting a collective of traits that make him fascinating, he knows how to get the job done and his music is full of surprises. Juxtaposing this with a brand you can organically connect with and familiar sonic elements – sensed song by song – that sort of make him ‘him.’ His future bass and melodic trap sound is something easily to return to and formats a vibe that keeps up consistent demand, as his Spotify in particular shows. xChenda, aka Josh Sytema’s many sonic sides generates a certain “it” factor that keeps you intrinsically returning. Just now entering his 20’s, the young artist was his whole life ahead of him with many curious to see what will come of it.

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