Artists Who Have A Unique Sound: 22 Producers Who Are Redefining The Tones Of Modern Dance Music – Magnetic Magazine

Connor Phillips • Oct 4, 2023
With so much competition in today’s realm of electronic music, it can be tough to make a name for yourself. Some artists put more emphasis on their branding to grow their following and get higher-end bookings. A rare few can build notoriety almost solely from their one-of-a-kind production style and musical identity.
This select group of visionary artists stands out for their chart-topping hits and the unmistakable signature sounds they bring to dance music. Most have even forged their subgenre, leading rising artists to follow in their footsteps. We have identified 22 modern trailblazers who have carved their paths through a landscape of pulsating beats and synthesized melodies, pushing the boundaries of dance music and redefining what’s possible with sound.
Join us as we delve into the sonic worlds created by these gifted artists, dissecting their projects and celebrating their innovation in a space that continues to mesmerize and inspire.
Kicking things off with this Belgian bass duo, no one wobbles like Ganja. Kings of the wonky yet electrifying sound, Benjamin “Bamby” Bayeul and Charlie “Erwan” Dodson have been delivering otherworldly audiovisual experiences for over a decade. They are widely celebrated for their concept albums, each one pioneering never-before-heard sounds across bass music.
While other DJs make wubz and low-end bass music, GWN’s tracks have a unique element that is instantly recognizable. Some of their standout albums include Addiction, The Origins, Dark Wobble, and their latest masterpiece, Unity. Each project takes its audience on a journey, meticulously crafting a story around the battle between good and evil, through unrivaled sound design and vibrant, psychoactive music videos.
For no apparent reason, Kyle Watson had flown relatively under the radar in the house music circuit during the first chapter of his career. Eventually, his unparalleled house style shined through, and this musical genius has since amassed a large cult-like following. They crave his forward-thinking blend of chunky drums and captivating basslines in tracks like “The Reason” and “Conversations.”
Hailing from South Africa, Kyle has gotten nods from industry heavyweights like Chris Lake and Diplo for his pivotal sound. This has led to touring worldwide, stunning crowds at Coachella, CRSSD, sold-out headline shows, and more. Recently, Kyle has been on a tear, dropping heaters on his newly-founded label, No Context Records.

This name is universally known and stretches far beyond the reach of dance music. From the mind of musician and producer Harley Edward Streten, Flume makes atmospheric dance music inspired by house and U.K. garage, with a healthy dose of indie and future bass. Some of his most iconic dance hits are “Rushing Back” with Vera Blue, “The Difference” with Toro y Moi, “Drop The Game” with Chet Faker, and “Never Be Like You” featuring Kai.
One of the driving factors for his global audience is his mastery of the mixtape. Flume has dropped several over the years, each mixtape as mesmerizing as the last. Speaking of ‘mix’-tapes, there are a lot of mixed feelings about his latest music, with some claiming it is too indistinguishable. 

Although he is no longer the only one representing this subgenre, Pretty Lights has pioneered the musical melting pot of electro-funk, dubtronic, hip-hop, soul, and other diverse sounds. After taking a five-year hiatus, many other artists started to fill in the void this generational talent left behind, such as Daily Bread and Manic Focus.
However, Pretty Lights returned this year for a groundbreaking tour, and no one is doing what he and his live band is, not only sonically but visually as well. As one mega-fan eloquently said, “his music covers the entirety of the emotional spectrum: hyphy hip hop bangers, dancey disco vibes, sorrowful songs that tug at your heartstrings, Pretty Lights does it all.” This remarkable fusion of electronic beats, poetic samples, modular synthesizers, and live musicians is on an unreachable level.
Whether you like his sound or not, credit must be given where credit is due. 
In discussing the future house, the Don certainly comes up as its main founder. This isn’t to knock or sway attention from Tchami, who started the deep-future house trend, BIJOU, the trailblazer for G-house (gangster house); BROHUG, the trio that brought Brostep into the fold; and Malaa, who is one of the most prolific artists in bass house. And an honorable mention to Keanu Silva, an artist who has been there alongside Don Diablo with a just as infectious and danceable sound. All these sensational artists could have easily made this list as well.
Collaborating with or remixing the likes of Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Gucci Mane, and Coldplay, Don Diablo is also the label boss of HEXAGON. Launched in 2015, HEXAGON has provided a platform to champion rising talent in the future house spectrum. While he is the overlord of this subgenre, Don has an ever-evolving sound that continues to incorporate new genres and production styles.

One of the leading independent artists in electronic music today, GRiZ is the Detroit-born, Denver-based multifaceted artist who’s blowing up dance floors worldwide with his self-described ‘future funk’ sound, which mixes electronic music with his fiery live saxophone, energetic funk, and sweeping electro-soul. In addition to this sound, GRiZ has gone on to forge ‘saxo-riddim’ (or SAXORiDDiM), a version of bass music that fuses dubstep and, you guessed it, saxophone.
With Rainbow Brain and his live performance of the album being one of the most extraordinary musical odysseys of all time, GRiZ’s uniqueness as an artist is undeniable. His music has a broad range of energy levels, from groovy and life-changing Catching The Golden Hour sunset performances to heavy bangers with Zeds Dead, CloZee, Jantsen, and more. 
It is important also to shout out SoDown and Big Gigantic, both prominent artists that share saxophone-wielding powers with GRiZ.
The name of a genre or subgenre cannot even categorize a magnificent inventor of emotional and gripping music, Porter’s style. It is simply in its own space. Songs like “Shelter” and “Sad Machine” highlight his blossoming creativity and desire to break the barriers of electronic music production.
While Madeon is another gifted individual in this region, Porter has dove into the unknown countless times, proving he can create nearly anything. 
For example, his Air2Earth project is an exclusive mixture of disco, French house, and progressive that can only be heard in his live performances. He is also the brilliant mind behind Virtual Self, an alter ego that is equally mystifying.

We have spotlighted some massive artists so far, many of which have become a household name for dance music fans. But what about the rising ones that are pushing boundaries? Oppidan is the fastest-rising artist in the UK garage right now. Her distinct production style blends 2-step with 4×4 NUK and bass influences. 
Even though she is just getting started, Oppidan’s sound is so recognizable and simultaneously euphoric.
Now is a good time to mention some other up-and-coming artists shaking things up with their rare sound design, such as it’s murph, RSCL, ATRIP, and OTR. Their interpretations of house are refreshing new takes on the genre. We may have an article about enlightened people on these new projects soon.

Returning to the kingdom of bass music, the genre would be nothing without its queen, Rezz. The moniker of Canadian (quick honorable mention to fellow Canada-based artist Apashe) DJ-producer hybrid Isabelle Razazadeh, Rezz’s style is dark and hypnotic, overflowing with gritty textures and mind-bending bass sequences. 
Rezz has merged this with emo-punk influences to result in a signature sound that is even more special. Although numerous producers have tried, no one has been able to replicate Rezz’s sound or make something as sonically controlling.
Since COVID, Rezz can be seen headlining some of the biggest festivals and venues across North America, from Ultra to EDC to Red (Rezz) Rocks. Building on the hype, she launched her imprint HypnoVizion Records, which aims to serve as a home for artists who want to challenge the norm. It needs to be noted that Rezz’s ID mixes and visuals should come with a warning, too as they can be extremely stunning and capable of taking over your mental, physical, and spiritual entities.
If someone asks you what genre or artist does KOAN Sound sounds like? You have permission to reply, “KOAN Sound sounds like KOAN Sound.” They have mastered sonic landscapes and genres that are surprisingly far from each other, encompassing the moods of heavy, upbeat, chill ambient, and dark, to name a few. Complementing their incredible production skillset, Jim Bastow and Will Weeks are also cutting-edge musicians.
These veterans have more than 15 years of experience, having met in grade school and growing together ever since. Their newest album, Led by Ancient Light, takes listeners on an unforgettable journey through sound, boasting a powerful story. The album combines a graphic novella and a forthcoming documentary, further signaling KOAN Sound’s artistic originality.

Starting in big room, Ummet Ozcan has already cemented himself as a legend in dance music. His anthem, “The Hum”, with Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, is a pinnacle festival tune for its respective era. However, the new sound that Ummet has been pushing has given way to an entirely unprecedented style.
Coined ‘Mongolian techno’, this branch of techno sounds precisely how you would expect it to. It is a little slower than generic techno while embodying Mongolian-esque vocals that transport anyone within hearing range into a spiritual awakening.
G Jones, another artist who has amassed a cult following is the by-product of smashing experimental bass into pure artistry and production knowledge. His time signatures are usually off beat, and for someone who hasn’t heard him before, it can be not easy to dance to. G Jones’ music is somewhat of an acquired taste.
It can also be compared to aged wine; the longer you let it sit in the recesses of your brain, the more appreciation you will have for this inconceivable sound. Regarding his visual atmosphere, the experience is black-and-white and often trippy yet minimalistic. This perfectly complements the sonic nature of G Jones’ live sets.

For all the house and techno fans out there, Boris Brejcha is a must-see act. His sound and mixing abilities are so supernatural that he even draws in audiences and fans who don’t ordinarily resonate with these genres.
In 2012, he constructed high-tech minimal; in 2014, he launched his label, FCKNG SERIOUS. Both impressive feats, Boris has done plenty more to cement himself as a world icon. His staple carnival mask is recognized far and wide as a beacon for great music and dance-fueled memories. His single with Malena Narvay, “Vienna”, dropped in August, is a thrilling preview of his album Level One, which is in 2024.
Although they are sadly no longer with us, the next two artists deserve a mention, starting with i_o. Beyond his music, i_o has an invigorating backstory. Making a name for himself by taking control of various social media accounts of record labels, media outlets, artists, and venues, i_o used the world’s dependence on technology to his advantage. Taking control of internet media is one thing, but i_o lived by the ethos “everything can be hacked.” He captivated audiences with relentless sets that grip and don’t let go.
Despite this being more of a narrative than literal, one cannot resist the urge to be magnetized toward this immersive project and on the musical front, i_o blurred the lines of techno and trance. His music had a sense of balance between the two genres that the universe had never seen, and will likely never see again.

The second artist to commemorate is one of the greatest of all time in Avicii. Tragically, he was gone too soon, but his legacy will live on forever. He is the 82nd most streamed artist on Spotify, with over 35 million monthly listeners. The Stockholm-born visionary invented an irresistible fusion of house, folk, and traditional bluegrass.
Not much more needs to be said about Avicii, who will go down in every music history book from here on out. It is always comforting to listen back to his timeless classics, such as “Levels,” “Wake Me Up,” and “Without You”.
For those unfamiliar with heavy electronic and synthwave music, F.O.O.L is the optimal artist to introduce you to these genres. Short for ‘Fuck Our Ordinary Lives’, F.O.O.L has become the protagonist of his epic, electronic adventure. Sporting his iconic mask, he symbolizes a crossover into a futuristic, cyberpunk-esque world, where a fusion of bass and cinematic soundscapes reign supreme.
This talented visionary merges various influences and experiences in his music, from film compilations and orchestral music to melodic metal and hard-hitting bass. Many acclaimed artists on this side of dance music are bridged with gaming, such as Waveshaper and Pixel Terror. But there is no disputing that F.O.O.L’s catalog of electrifying music is traceable only to himself.

Flipping the table back towards house music, Matroda has been ushering in a new era of house music with his aptly named ‘matrodasound’. Taking early influences from Led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra, and The Beatles while introducing classical training across the violin, drums, and keyboard, Matroda’s musical identity has received praise on a global scale. His Jack The House EP series and label Terminal Underground are both breeding grounds for shuffle-inducing basslines.
It would be a crime not to mention the artists that have followed in the footsteps of Matroda over the last couple of years, forging their sectors of house music. That would be fellow Croatian San Pacho and the Indonesian-born superstar Bleu Clair. While San Pacho’s sound is characterized as more Latin, tribal, and with thicker drums, Bleu Clair’s style has Middle Eastern tropes but is also gritty at times. It can be occasionally referred to as ghetto house, evident in heaters like “In My Mind” and “Mean Sumthin.”

For diehard Tipper fans, it is hilarious to click on his Spotify bio and read the single line: “Tipper is an electronic artist/DJ/producer”. Perhaps his bio is so simple because there is no way to explain the kind of music he makes. The only option is to listen to it and feel many strong feelings, from amazement to genuine confusion.
Tipper’s productions can ambiguously be defined as a combination of breakbeat, electronic, glitch-hop, trip-hop, ambient, etc. His third-eye-opening frequencies and rhythms will make you believe he is from another dimension and has become a human since launching his project in 1997.

DROELOE is similar to Tipper because it is very challenging to explain his sound. He has super unique percussion throughout his production and frequently intertwines in indie-electronic components with dreamy vocal samples. A couple of his renowned tracks are “Only Be Me”, “Sunburn”, “Stars Tonight” with Zeds Dead, and “BACKBONE” with Nevve. Even though these songs are rather different, they all have that DROELOE feel.
In The Art Of Change, DROELOE’s brand-new album, he shows his artistic growth and evolution. This musical odyssey transcends time and space. DROELOE incorporates recorded voice memos as a “feedback loop,” allowing his present self to engage in conversations with his past and future selves in this groundbreaking project.

What is truly fascinating about Oliver Heldens is that his projects support an unmistakably recognizable sound. His rendition of house music is technically future house but easily differentiable from Don Diablo. His contagious melodies and beats are primed for collaboration with the hottest pop stars and vocalists, from Becky Hill on “Gecko (Overdrive)” to the lyrics from his popular song with Lenno, “This Groove”.
The crazy thing is that after racking up over two billion streams and a handful of #1 hits under this name, his alter-ego, HI-LO is just as highly regarded in techno. His musical identity shines in both projects and for some obscure reason, you can listen to him in either genre and know it is the work of Oliver Heldens.

We initially had 20 spots on our list but quickly realized these two final artists had to be tacked on to represent their respective genres properly. Tamer Malki and Rami Abousabe, a DJ and production duo from Miami, have formed an unequaled musical collaboration in Bedouin. They craft distinctive melodies and rhythms that reflect their diverse influences, stemming from their Middle Eastern roots, upbringing in the Western world, and extensive travels.
Their exclusive hybrid-live Cercle set at Al Khazneh (the Treasury) in Petra, Jordan, is a testament to this one-of-a-kind sound.
Along with residencies at Pacha Ibiza, the pair has launched an event series that, like their sound, is solely native to their project called Bedouin Saga. Take a plunge into their 2023 long-awaited album, Temple Of Dreams, to taste the Saga experience.

In all honesty, HUGEL started pretty mainstream and generic as an artist. This is not to say he doesn’t have immense talent. Once he built a name for himself, HUGEL was ready to zero in on his true calling and be the main instigator of the Latin house movement. Beginning during COVID, this movement has now spread to nearly every corner of the planet.
HUGEL utilizes his experiences DJing and spending time in Ibiza, coupled with the notable presence of Latin culture on the island, throughout his music. Kick-starting the tsunami of Latin house with “Morenita”, other tantalizing tracks of his are “Aguila”, “Marianela (Que Pasa)”, and “El Sueno”. Commonly, HUGEL teams up with Latin phenoms like Cumbiafrica to add an X factor to his productions.

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