And so we’ve finally arrived at the end of 2025, a year loaded with omnipresent smashes in several genres that played big in the club, festival and mobile-party circuits.
So, as we wrapped up ’25, we conducted a quickie poll to DJs of all stripes and from all over the world, inquiring about the past year. We asked three simple questions: What’s your top tune of the year? What was your best accomplishment? What was the best musical moment you experienced? Here are the responses…
1
Hardwell, Revealed Recordings, Breda, NL
Tune: Maddix is a name that has been everywhere these past few years & deservedly so. His track “Move It 2 the Drum” is another killer anthem from my fellow Dutchman.
Accomplishment: This was a year full of more development for me. In the studio, I got to dive further into my creativity and work on expanding my soundscape more, & I feel that really showed itself in the music – both in the tracks that have been released, like “Brace for Impact,” “Rave Till My Grave” & “Lift Off,” as well as the music I’ve yet to release. On the road, making a return to the U.S. for a three-city tour at three of the country’s most-iconic, fan-favorite venues: Echostage in Washington, Terminal 5 in NYC, and Grand Park in downtown L.A. was a lot of fun.
Moment: The b2b between Dannic & Dyro during our Revealed Label Night at Amsterdam was one for the history books! They’ve been a huge part of the journey of Revealed & we’ve shared so may amazing times together. So, it was great having them part of the ‘Legacy Meets Destiny’ party at ADE.
2
Morten, Future Rave, Lisbon, Portugal
Tune: Disco Lines & Tinashe’s “No Broke Boys.”
Accomplishment: Releasing “Lucky” with David Guetta, continuing to bring something fresh & forward-thinking to the table.
Moment: Amsterdam Music Festival at ADE – that show was amazing!
3
Sara Landry, HEKATE Records, Amsterdam
Tune: Lady Gaga’s “Perfect Celebrity.”
Accomplishment: Becoming the first female DJ to headline Sphere in Las Vegas during UNITY – an epic history-making night.
Moment: Seeing Gaga’s show for the first time in 15 years at Coachella & then meeting her after.
4
Doc Martin, Sublevel, L.A.
Tune: Dino Lenny’s “House of Magic” on Bedrock.
Accomplishment: Being able to do so many great shows around the globe – from Berlin to Ecuador to the U.K. to home in L.A. Being able to get more studio projects done, as well.
Moment: Seeing Maceo Plex into Radio Slave at ADE. It was a night of great music to a dancing crowd.
5
Cosmic Gate, Wake Your Mind Records, Miami/NYC
Tune: Aaron Hibell & Alex Wann’s “Set Me Free (CamelPhat Remix).” We played that remix for the first time in our EDC Mexico City mainstage set & it went off straight away. Since then, it is still in our sets & always a highlight moment.
Accomplishment: EDC Mexico City. It was like an ocean of people in front of us – 50.000 people or so. The Mexican crowd is just awesome. We were playing brand-new music from our Perspectives album, including our just released single “I’m On Fire.” Such a memorable experience for us even after all those years touring.
Moment: After the shock of seeing the huge fires at Tomorrowland, thinking it will have to be canceled & only a few days later see what happened on the main stage – this was just… wow. The crowd was even more excited & energetic than they might’ve have been with the full stage set-up. It was incredible.
6
Alison Wonderland, EMI Music, L.A.
Tune: Ninajirachi’s “iPod Touch.”
Accomplishment: Giving birth to both a baby & an album within a month.
Moment: The couple at Coldplay being caught on camera.
7
Pan-Pot, Second State Audio, Berlin
Tune: “Stoked” by Splinter Cell. Even though its official release isn’t scheduled until early 2026, it became a defining record in our sets. We started playing it in nearly every performance from mid-year onward & the crowd response was consistently amazing.
Accomplishment: Launching our brand, HUMAN, in 2025 & establishing it as a successful platform for our own music & parties, marked by standout events, a unique atmosphere & exceptional guest artists.
Moment: The DJ set of Supergloss at HUMAN last Summer blew our minds – perfect balance between new & old school.
8
Sidepiece, Lip Service, L.A./Miami
Tune: Prospa’s “Don’t Stop.” It’s been everywhere & a really fun one to play live
Accomplishment: Selling out almost 90-percent of our shows this year. We’ve been so insanely grateful to everyone who has come out & partied with us.
Moment: Being at the Skrillex listening party in Miami for his album, FUS. Not only a unique experience, but really inspired us.
9
DJ Mell Starr, Rock the Bells Radio, NYC
Tune: Toto & Bob James Edit “Africa Bells” that debuted at the DJX closing party.
Accomplishment: “Mell Starr & Friends” Party at DJX’25 – a great evening of bridging, connecting & bringing all walks of life together in one room to party, removing all stress while giving a musical medley from my friends.
Moment: Although there were many songs played by my friends at the DJX closing party, the most important moment of the evening was seeing DJ ShortKut. This was a monumental moment of bravery and courage & seeing his journey of recovery come alive from his massive stroke. This was a true moment of doing what you love & loving what you do – an absolute honorable & fearless moment for ’25.
10
Jonas Blue, Defected/Positiva, Miami
Tune: Samm’s “Body Language.” It’s been on repeat all year – such a clean, modern groove that cuts through every set & always shifts the energy in the room.
Accomplishment: Being able to take my sound into a new era with “Edge of Desire” was huge. It pushed me creatively, re-energized my sets & showed me that taking risks with my style can actually open the door to a whole new connection with the dancefloor.
Moment: Seeing Nic Fanciulli, Dennis Cruz & Carl Cox take the roof off at the UNVRS closing.
11
DJ White Shadow, DJ/producer, Chicago/L.A.
Tune: Leon Knight’s “Yes I Do.”
Accomplishment: I am on the cusp releasing the SETSPACE app & I also filled my first music-supervisor role in a big-budget theatrical release.
Moment: Kraftwerk live in Chicago. No need to explain. I cried.
12
SID, Slipknot/Vomit Face Records/Futures Past Cliq, Des Moines/Chalfont St. Peter, U.K.
Tune: Cash$tarr’s “I Won’t Leave You at the Dance.”
Accomplishment: Officially launching my record label, Vomit Face Records, and getting the Osbourne Wilson Farm up and running.
Moment: Ozzy’s farewell performance at the Back to the Beginning concert.
13
Dave Seaman, Selador Recordings, Ibiza
Tune: DJ Koze’s “Buschtaxi.”
Accomplishment: Reaching the milestone of 200 releases on Selador. The label’s achievements are definitely something Steve [Parry] & I are proud of.
Moment: The inaugural Balance Festival in Croatia was a very special event – a celebration of everything that is good about this scene we live & breathe. It’s a timely reminder that the spirit of Acid House is still very much alive.
14
Mike Walter, Elite Entertainment, Tinton Falls, N.J.
Tune: Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.” It’s the new “I Will Survive.”
Accomplishment: Wrote & published a book called “The Greatest Song Ever?”
Moment: The Ladies Night DJ Takeover I attended at a conference in April where five incredible female DJs all spun amazing sets.
15
Yves V, Spinnin’ Records, Antwerp, Belgium
Tune: Martin Garrix & Third Party’s “Carry You” feat. OAKS & Declan J. Donovan
Accomplishment: Expanding my brand, V Sessions, by hosting our V Sessions stage at Tomorrowland Belgium with a line-up including Third Party & Dubvision, our hosting at ADE, & two V Sessions nights at Ministry Of Sound London.
Moment: Alok presents Something Else at Tomorrowland Brasil.
16
Dave Audé, Audacious Records, Nashville
Tune: Disco Lines & Tinashe’s “No Broke Boys.”
Accomplishment: World tour with my fave singer of all time, Andy Bell.
Moment: Hearing Max Styler’s “I Know You Want To” was one of those instant-goosebump house highlights of ’25.
17
Herbert Holler, Freedom Party, NYC
Tune: MOLIY & Silent Addy’s “Shake It to the Max” was a wave in ’25. It put dancehall back on the charts, which I loved to see.
Accomplishment: DJing for The Weeknd on the set of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Moment: Seeing JusTheDj’s set at Soul Summit in Ft. Green Park this past July.
18
Notre Dame, Paranormal, Paris
Tune: Four Tet’s “Into Dust (Still Falling).”
Accomplishment: Launching my label, Paranormal.
Moment: Justice’s concert in Paris.
19
DJ Larry D, Astro Event Company, Virginia Beach, Va.
Tune: Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.”
Accomplishment: Creating & performing a custom-crafted music-video set for my peers at the DJX 25’s closing party.
Moment: The level of talent at the DMC Finals never fails to amaze me. Even though I couldn’t attend, I watched every set online & was completely blown away.
20
proppaganda, DJ/Producer, Irvine, Calif.
Tune: Dom Dolla’s “Dreamin’” feat. Daya. This track was nailed from A to Z.
Accomplishment: Getting almost a million views on our live Sonar Sessions shark set & successfully launching our second stunt set in Brazil 11,200 feet above sea level.
Moment: Lady Gaga at Coachella this year. She is on another planet with her production, stage design, outfit-changing & choreography. The entire crowd was locked in. Tears were shed.
21
RENESIS, NEOKANTŌ, L.A.
Tune: “Renegade (We Never Run)” by Stefflon Don & Raja Kumari feat. Jarina de Marco. Discovered this track through the “Arcane League of Legends” animated series & it’s been my go-to hype track since then.
Accomplishment: Performing live at FuelFest Japan, one of the country’s wildest motorsport events with over 25,000 attendees, & dropping “Sakura,” my hardest-hitting, Japanese-inspired cyberpunk track so far.
Moment: The moment I heard the final master of “Overdrive,” my first collab with cyberpunk giant Extra Terra. Hearing how our two worlds seamlessly fused into one heavy cinematic banger was definitely unforgettable.
22
Tony Fernandez, Soundwave Productions, Richmond, Va.
Tune: HUGEL, Tom Enzy, Danny Romo x Manrix’s “Alicante” feat. Yuliesky Gonzalvez.
Accomplishment: Continuing to be relevant in a market that is ever-evolving by bringing experience, knowledge & professionalism to all the events I do.
Moment: The closing party at DJX ’25. Always a blast to hear & witness Skratch Bastid – just next-level skills & creative music selection.
23
Dean Mraz, Mix On Wheels/Miles DJ Productions, Orlando
Tune: Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra.” It made its way into my rotation for a lot of Universal Studios Mardi Gras-themed events & it has remained a consistent, well-liked track.
Best Accomplishment: Universal Orlando Resort opened its newest theme park, Universal Epic Universe, & I had the honor and privilege to be the DJ for the Opening Day Team Member Celebration for the park.
Best DJ/Musical Moment: MCing an event for the Florida Citrus Bowl Group, called Feast on the 50.
24
William Black, Lost in Dreams, Denver
Tune: Andromedik & Kanine’s “Ascension.”
Accomplishment: Releasing my fourth album, The Shadow Realm.
Moment: Skrillex at Red Rocks.
25
Chambord, Around Midnight, Paris
Tune: Omri Smadar & Jenia Tarsol’s “Lose Your Soul” feat. Nona Choir.
Accomplishment: Our first time playing in Pacha Ibiza. It was such a vibe playing there before RÜFÜS DU SOL & for one of the most iconic parties ever… Music On.
Moment: Our friend Wahm blew our mind with an electric set at our label night with Around Midnight in Katerblau in Berlin. It was pure fire the whole set. They played during lunch time & the energy inside was insanely good.
26
Michael Bowman, Drop the Mike Productions, Charleston, S.C.
Tune: Drake’s “Nokia.” After all the drama with Kendrick & everyone counting him out, Drake came back with a hip-hop/pop smash that dominated clubs. Every girl in the room wanted to hear it.
Accomplishment: Crossing the milestone of 400-plus weddings performed in my professional DJ career.
Moment: Attending the “Yer Not Down” old-school funk/R&B festival in Pomona, Calif., hosted by DJ Angie Vee & Jon B – an unforgettable celebration of real music.
27
Howard “HK” Kessler, In The Mix With HK, Minneapolis
Tune: Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” because every re-drum, remix, bootleg & tempo push still kept the crowd locked – one of the year’s mix-friendly pop records.
Accomplishment: Building a consistent weekly blend of chart records & new, emerging tracks that became a go-to reference for program directors & other mixshow DJs across the country.
Moment: Watching Sacha go from almost giving up on the music business to being one of the best new singer/songwriters in dance music… thanks to TikTok.
28
Mosimann, Fun Radio France, Paris
Tune: Chris Lorenzo, Max Styler & Audio Bullys’ “London’s On Fire (Extended Mix).”
Accomplishment: Bringing my DreamTrack concept to life, meeting incredible people like Ariana Grande, Rita Ora or Hugh Jackman, reaching over 180 million views, & feeling truly proud to have pushed the project all the way.
Moment: Seeing Fred again… live! He’s an artist who truly put stars in my eyes, creating something unlike anything we’d seen before, with that rare power to turn ordinary moments into something extraordinary.
29
Hypaton, Warner Music, Rome
Tune: “Blessings” by Calvin Harris feat. Clementine Douglas perfectly captured ’25. It brought back those warm, classic house vibes in a really fresh way, with groove, feeling & a clean, uplifting sound that you just kept hearing everywhere all summer.
Accomplishment: Definitely playing at UNVRS Ibiza during David Guetta’s Galactic Circus night. The design, the lights, the sound system, the whole concept… it’s a revolution in the clubbing world & being part of that moment felt like the beginning of a new era.
Moment: Seeing the Tomorrowland team rebuild the entire mainstage in just a few hours, after such a difficult & chaotic situation, so that thousands of people could still live their dream & enjoy their favorite artists.
30
Chris D’Amico, D’Amico Entertainment, Roxbury, N.J.
Tune: Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.” It was nice to have a “song of the summer” after what felt like years without one.
Accomplishment: Leveling up in all facets of my business, whether it was my DJ company or band.
Moment: Playing to a room of my colleagues at DJX/Hard Rock this past year & seeing them enjoy themselves.
31
Avaion, Sony Music, Fürth, Germany
Tune: “Talk of the Town” by Fred again… The groove & vibe of it is insane, just makes you wanna move!
Accomplishment: Finishing my second album & playing my second big headline tour this year. Everything grew a lot – I think this is just the beginning.
Moment: RÜFÜS DU SOL playing Innerbloom live was just something else.
32
R.Korner, Artcore Records, Milan
Tune: Paul Kalkbrenner & Stromae’s “Que Ce Soit Clair.”
Accomplishment: Being featured three times in one year on Artcore Records.
Moment: Throwback to my psytrance musical roots at Modem Festival this summer.
33
Mark Brenneisen, AllWeDoIsEpic.Com, Lake George, N.Y.
Tune: Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.”
Accomplishment: Successfully producing Year 3 of FETE ADK – Lake George DJ Takeover Music Festival.
Moment: Hanging backstage with all the artists at FETE ADK, including the Disco Fries – all great people & very down-to-earth.
34
Ollie Mundy, OVAVA Music, Ibiza
Tune: &LEZ & Robin M’s “Paradise.”
Accomplishment: Moving to Ibiza to concentrate on music.
Moment: Halloween at Pikes Ibiza. It’s such a mental place anyway, but when you add everyone in full fancy dress, it’s pretty wild.
35
Father Funk, DJ/Producer, Vancouver
Tune: GRiZ’s “2-Step Nassau.”
Accomplishment: Writing & self-releasing my album, Funk The System.
Moment: Playing the Fractal Forest at Shambhala Music Festival.
36
JIGAR, Amour West Hollywood, L.A.
Tune: Jonas Blue & Malive’s “Edge of Desire.” A bright, sun-kissed house record with addicting lyrics & a feel-good, uplifting drive that lit up every dancefloor I played.
Accomplishment: Playing the closing set in Ibiza for Bedouin, the artist that has inspired me the most in my career.
Moment: ANYMA’s End of Genesys performance at The Sphere in Las Vegas delivered a surge of heart-pounding sound & mind-blowing visuals woven into flawless sonic storytelling, making it the most intense & immersive DJ set I experienced.
37
DJ Cova, Tweak Music Tips, Orlando
Tune: HUGEL & Diplo’s “Forever” feat. Malou & Yuna
Accomplishment: We’ve been grateful to build stronger relationships with manufacturers through our broadcasts, helping us earn trust & respect as a thoughtful & reliable reviewer in the livestream-DJ community.
Musical Moment: Hosting Season 5 of our Genre Blend Battle, where DJs from around the world – both rising young talent & seasoned veterans from TikTok, YouTube, Instagram & Twitch – came together to create something truly inspiring for the community.
38
Jay Brannan, Brannan Entertainment/Pioneer DJ, Temecula, Calif.
Tune: ROSÉ & Bruno Mars: “APT.”
Accomplishment: I was able to travel more as a DJ in ’25 than ever before – I played in 15 states.
Moment: The Tiësto all-trance closing set at Dreamstate in Long Beach, Calif.
39
[IVY], Subconscious Audio, Bristol, U.K.
Tune: Sub Focus & Grimes’ “Entwined.” Absolutely legendary collab & such an amazing mix of genres.
Accomplishment: Launching my techno/trance alias, [SAFYRE], after years of work… that & playing Tomorrowland.
Moment: Seeing a 999999999 set for the first time in Berlin – these guys are the GOATs.
40
DJ Anarchy, Houston Texans DJ, Houston
Tune: Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea’s “Shake It to the Max (Fly)” (Remix)
Accomplishment: Releasing music with my artists Mula Migo & HassaanHTX & watching it take off on radio stations, stadiums & parties all across America & internationally. Hearing our records echo across cities around the world was truly mind-blowing.
Moment: DJing at NRG Stadium for the Houston Texans. Every home game felt like a massive festival… feeling the energy from thousands of Texans fans. The turn-up is unmatched!
41
Midnight Generation, Electronic Band, Mexico City
Tune: Soulwax’s album All Systems Are Lying. I think it has elements that blow your mind. The way they choose & arrange synths, for me, is mind-blowing.
Accomplishment: Growing our social media eight times – a huge accomplishment which led to our first world tour.
Moment: Seeing one of my favorite Justice songs, “Stress,” live blew my mind. The visuals & lighting are simply brutal.
42
Kenn Colt, Feels Like Home, Valencia, Spain
Tune: “Blessings” by Calvin Harris feat. Clementine Douglas. It’s a clean, club-ready house track that’s been putting dancefloors on fire & it’s hijacked all the radio playlists worldwide.
Accomplishment: Playing Tomorrowland for the tenth time & releasing six new tracks, four on my own label, Feels Like Home Records, made it a milestone year I’ll never forget.
Moment: Seeing Tomorrowland’s mainstage burn to the ground three days before opening & with all the power they had left, they made a new, improved stage in front of the burned stage. During the two weekends, people were dancing like crazy in front of the burned stage, which looked like a monument. Incredible moment in dance music.
43
DJ Shakey, DJ/Producer, NYC
Tune: Cloonee, Young M.A, InntRaw x Gigi Croccante’s “Stephanie” (Disco Dom Refunk). A classic funky disco jam with a modern rap vocal.
Accomplishment: One of my favorite festivals, Shambhala in B.C., booked me for both a solo set on the Living Room Beach Stage, a B2B with my pal Illexxandra, & once again, to play some vinyl in the Fractal Forest Funk Jam.
Moment: At the Boomtown Fair in the U.K., we stopped by a Jump-Up DnB session in a dome. It was absolutely mobbed with people screaming the lyrics, jumping up & down & begging for rewinds – it could not have been more lit!
44
H.B. Monte, JAMZ 96.3 FM, Albany, N.Y.
Tune: Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea’s “Shake It to the Max (Fly)” (Remix).
Accomplishment: Producing the official remix for Shaggy & Sting’s “Til A Mawnin,” a version that charted on the Billboard Hot 100 & hit the Top 10 in multiple countries.
Moment: Experiencing Shaggy & Pitbull live at The O2 London, where Shaggy performed the “Til A Mawnin” (Remix), & the entire arena went wild – an unforgettable, surreal moment.
45
Mike Williams, DMA Management, Amsterdam
Tune: Mesto’s “Caramelle.”
Accomplishment: Collab with Audien, “It’s Okay,” & playing it at all key festivals/clubs in the world!
Moment: Tiësto bringing back trance.
46
LMNT 115, Quasar Music, Sydney, Australia
Tune: Disco Lines & Tinashe’s “No Broke Boys.” A great example of how an incredible beat & killer topline can break boundaries. That’s how you make a dance song a global hit.
Accomplishment: Achieving almost 10 million streams across platforms as a newly formed group. Working with French Montana was pretty great, too.
Moment: Our fellow Aussie Dom Dolla taking home the ARIA award for Best Dance Recording… plus the track features Daya who we collaborated with on our new single, “Paradise.”
47
Klangkarussell, Bias Beach Records, Vienna
Tune: Reznik & Jesse Boykins III’s “Cloudy Eyes (Dance Tonight).”
Accomplishment: Finally releasing our long-awaited second studio album, Petrichor, marking an 11-year journey from our debut to this milestone.
Moment: Kruder & Dorfmeister playing the K&D Sessions live in Vienna – waited about 25 years for that!
48
James Kennedy, Hexagon Records, Las Vegas
Tune: The HNTR Remix of “Stephanie” by Cloonee, Young M.A, InntRaw x Gigi Croccante. This track really kicked off a sound to the entire summer.
Accomplishment: Being on the road non-stop, while keeping a healthy routine.
Moment: In Ibiza, Anyma’s show at UNVRS was a very immersive experience.
49
DJ Trayze, DJcity, Washington, D.C.
Tune: Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea’s “Shake It to the Max (Fly)” (Remix).
Accomplishment: Finally releasing the debut “FaceTyme” EP with my partner Lincoln Baio.
Moment: Attending DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Playlist Retreat.
50
Trimtone, Love to be…, Leeds, U.K.
Tune: Hatiras’ “Hypnotized.” Certified banger that’s been massive in our sets around the globe this year.
Accomplishment: Producing the second year of our Love to be… Festival & seeing it grow massively, culminating in the event being nominated in the Access All Areas & Skiddle Awards.
Moment: Seeing the crowd react to Sam Divine at our Sheffield Inner City Fest launch at the start of summer was pretty special – lots of love in the air.
51
2ManyModels, Bristol After Dark/Bonnie, Paris
Tune: Jain & Solomun’s “Tout le monde est fou.” A highlight of how electronic music & French lyrics can melt together; unique and inspirational for me, as I also love blending progressive, indie dance vibes with the French lyrics I write and sing.
Accomplishment: Performing for the first time in Ibiza was a blast & the location Sunset Ashram is quite unique experience. Also, my residency at Bonnie Paris embodies my passions for music & fashion.
Moment: Attending the UNIVRS opening this year, witnessing sets from legends like Carl Cox & experiencing a surreal sunrise inside the club – truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
52
Shane Osborne, Nu Moda, Montreal
Tune: Deca OTA’s “Redemption.” Discovering this track inspired me to bring a jazzier, more soulful element into my productions, which can be heard in my recent release “Want To Go” & in upcoming, unreleased work.
Accomplishment: Selling out my L.A. headline show & celebrating that achievement with friends & fans was truly an amazing & memorable experience.
Moment: Seeing Sammy Virji play at Hulaween was really insightful. Seeing how he introduces & mashes live a cappellas & adds them onto the tracks live was something I wasn’t expecting & inspired me to do myself.
53
DJ Fuckoff, HARD Recs, Berlin
Tune: Bomb Shelter Crew’s “No More Pianos!” Proper hardcore rave energy.
Accomplishment: Releasing my album, Fucktopia: Character Chronicles, which was also my first-ever solo vinyl release.
Moment: While in Berlin, dancing in an emptied pool with my friends listening to Eris Drew b2b Octa Octa live – next level!
54
Lauren Mia, Halcyon/Armada/Interstellar, L.A.
Tunes: Linkin Park’s “The Emptiness Machine” & Funk Tribu’s “Azul.” I couldn’t choose just one – both are mega!
Accomplishment: Releasing on two of the biggest record labels within electronic music, which set the stage for me to get to play my first EDC Las Vegas this year.
Moment: I had an incredible Berghain sesh with one of my best friends from Berlin, Klaudia, this summer – a night I’ll always remember!
55
Blondie, Independent DJ, Detroit
Tune: Chase & Status’ “Baddadan.” It’s still an undeniable weapon every time – massive energy.
Accomplishment: Being recognized as the Best Female DJ & Queen of Mashups 2025 & earning a return to India in 2026 for the next global DJ battle.
Moment: Playing Badian Beach in the Philippines, an open-air festival in my home country, & feeling an entire crowd welcome me back after five years was one of the most humbling, powerful moments.
56
LEYVA, UNDR THE RADR, Miami
Tune: Vito & Shakti remix of NoCapz’s “Coming for Ya.”
Accomplishment: Finishing my latest single, “Fiera.”
Moment: Have to go back to that Vito and Shakti remix… I heard it at a time when I hit that creative wall, nothing stuck. The second I heard that track it was like… boom, new ideas!
57
Mia Mendi, Hydera/Armada, Manchester, U.K.
Tune: X-Dream feat. Ariel Electron’s “We Interface (Alex Stein & Victor Ruiz Remix)” ended up in every one of our sets this year!
Accomplishment: Being signed by Armada Music, a breakthrough that validated years of growth & positioned us for a bigger ’26.
Moment: We had preconceived notions of Anyasa as a purely progressive artist, but the unique selection he delivered in his set after ours at Dynamo in Goa became a real standout memory for us.
58
Steve Parry, Selador Recordings/SMP3 Music Promo, London
Tune: Konvex, Meloko & Garla’s – “If U Ever.” I absolutely love it – the vocal, its hypnotic vibe, the tension, the energy, the build & drops – it’s got the lot.
Accomplishment: Being more productive in the studio this year – I released more music than I ever have. I’m proud of that, as I class myself as a DJ, rather than a producer, & I’m extra fussy about the music I release. So, long may this continue!
Moment: Balance Festival in Croatia. I was there as a clubber & it was superb! And, to top that, I’ve been booked to play there next year.
59
Hex Cougar, Break Room/Insomniac, LA
Tune: “Victory Lap” by Fred again… feat. PlaqueBoyMax & Skepta.
Accomplishment: Playing Lollapalooza.
Moment: Watching ISOxo at Lollapalooza.
60
Hostage Situation, Ransom Recordings, Denver
Tune: LYNY’s “Section” has been on repeat for sure. Everything LYNY’s putting out right now is an instant classic.
Accomplishment: Pulling off our first headline tour for the Hostile Frequencies Tour.
Moment: Levity at Mission Ballroom had such a wonderful show from start to finish this year, which was very impressive & inspiring to see.
61
SUNISUN, Back To Mine/Days Of Disco, Ibiza, Spain
Tune: Carlita & Calussa’s “Fell In Luv (Black Circle Remix).”
Accomplishment: Making my debut & first season residency at the legendary Pikes.
Moment: The closing party of Amnesia with Luciano & Josh Baker was incredible & a flashback to the early days of Ibiza.
62
Mona Chrome, Unheard Music, Dubai, UAE
Tune: “The Happening” by Tomorrow Comes The Harvest.
Accomplishment: I recorded my first only-vinyl DJ set.
Moment: The WhoMadeWho show at Pacha Dubai.
63
Stefan Rose, Dear Deer, London
Tune: Prunk’s “Heat (Hot Since 82 Remix)”
Accomplishment: Releasing my debut EP with Dear Deer, which hit the No. 3 chart position across all of Beatport.
Moment: The 20 years of Innervisions event at Fabric London with Dixon, Âme, etc., where I saw history made in real-time.
64
Janika Tenn, Tenn Tonik, London
Tune: “The One” by Chloé Caillet & Luke Alessi feat. Jocelyn Brown.
Accomplishment: Launching my own label, Tenn Tonik, & releasing my collaboration with Todd Terry.
Moment: Seeing Moodymann, Carl Craig & Groove Armada play at the 528 Ibiza day parties this summer felt like the good old days coming back to the island.
65
N1NJA, Tales of Twilight, Lausanne, Switzerland
Tune: Juno’s “Heat.”
Accomplishment: Launching my own label, Tales of Twilight, from 2500m in The Alps, which samples the sounds of speed & nature.
Moment: Bridges For Music at ADE – the energy, purpose & community I experienced in their special room was unlike anything I’d experienced all year.
66
CENTRL, CNTRL Music, Ibiza, Spain
Tune: Odee X’s “X Ray.”
Accomplishment: Supporting Sasha & Digweed at 528 in Ibiza, which was a historical moment.
Moment: Backstage at DC10 with Kevin Saunderson when Seth Troxler & Carl Craig both dropped Inner City tracks in tribute to his impact on the scene – truly emotional.
67
David Ramano, Omkara, Dubai, UAE
Tune: Maz & VXSION’s “Amarna.”
Accomplishment: The launch of my label Omkara & the signing of over 20 tracks to other labels.
Moment: Getting to meet CamelPhat in-person at Pacha. Their support from last year meant a lot to me, so it was great to meet & thank them.
68
pizzaaftersex, Unheard Music, Dubai, UAE
Tune: Green Velvet’s “Percolator (Chris Lake Extended Remix).”
Accomplishment: Watching Unheard Music form and grow out of a simple concept.
Moment: Sphere Las Vegas in all of its musical manifestations. Even if the music itself is sometimes not my style, the events stood completely apart from everything.
69
Cash Only, 555/Famous When Dead Records, London
Tune: LEFTI’s “Deep Down” on D-Vine Sounds.
Accomplishment: Playing my third Glastonbury set in a row in Shangri-La Eden stage.
Moment: To finally see Jordan Peak get the recognition he deserved with “Front 2 Back,” being signed to Defected & doing an official remix of “Dior” for MK was something I was really proud of him for! It’s a strong message to all aspiring producers & DJs out there to believe that their hard work will pay off one day.
70
Nutritious, Liquid Culture Records, NYC
Tune: Greg Paulus’ “World Keeps Changing.”
Accomplishment: My song “Ether” absolutely rinsing on radio. Also, meeting new fans on the road.
Moment: I really enjoyed making new friends & collaborators in Ibiza this year.
71
Kahnti, Unquantize, Dallas
Tune: Shimza, Camelphat & Idd Aziz’s “Bado.”
Accomplishment: Releasing my debut album, One Love, and watching it resonate with listeners around the world.
Moment: Being pulled in to play right before the headliner, DJ Spen, when the DJ before him couldn’t make it… felt like a divine, full-circle moment – especially since my journey truly began with Quantize.
72
DJ Rae, Let There Be House, London
Tunes: “So Spiritual” by Peverell & Kuuda. It really resonated with me & I signed it for the label straight away. Top tune that smashed it in my sets was Nic Fanciulli & Robert Courtois’ “Set Me Free.”
Accomplishment: Finding my balance in my first year of running a label, whilst being a mother and an artist.
Moment: David Morales opening night at Pikes Ibiza. Took me back to the best days on the island, right in the beginning. Pikes still has that magic, and David took us with him into that special zone.
73
Kozlow, ANTHR FCKNG PARTY, NYC
Tune: Moontalk’s “Slammin’ (I Want U).”
Accomplishment: I turned my party series, ANTHR FCKNG PARTY, into a label of the same name.
Moment: HAAI’s set at The Life & Death party at the Knockdown Center… about as good as it gets – wow!
74
Maesic, Helix Records, Paris
Tune: “Ma Tnsani (Yalla Habibi)” by Vanco feat. AYA.SYSTEM.
Accomplishment: Having one of my original songs, “Life is Simple (Move Your Body),” go No. 1 on the Beatport Afro House charts for three months, rack up 65 million global streams, become the most Shazamed song in house music in the world with over a million Shazams, & go viral in over 50 countries… still feels unreal.
Moment: Seeing Black Coffee at Space Miami for the first time was mind-blowing. The energy & atmosphere he creates is on another level.
75
DJs From Mars, Mashup DJ/Producers, Turin, Italy
Tune: Max Styler’s “I Know You Want To” probably started a brand-new sound that’s currently trending. We love those straight bass & drum patterns, & it was probably the most influential track for every producer in the last months.
Accomplishment: We released a collab with David Guetta, “Things I Haven’t Told You.” It was definitely a dream come true for us. We’ve waited for a release with David for long time & finally, this year, it happened.
Moment: Definitely jumping onstage with David Guetta at Ushuaïa Ibiza to play our collab together for the first time. That was super-emotional and intense.
76
Vic Latino, 4G1B Music, Miami
Tune: Bad Bunny’s San Juan residency set the vibe for the year, but Toman’s “Verano en NY” was the Latin- house anthem everyone was talking about.
Accomplishment: Getting back in the studio, collaborating with insanely talented artists & hitting the road again to bring the music straight to the fans – ’25 has been electric.
Moment: EDC Mexico was next-level. Afro/Latin-house dominated the festival & Ibiza kept the energy rolling with artists like Hugel taking the sound global through unforgettable shows & social content.
77
Felix Raphael, [PIAS] Électronique/YION, Berlin
Tune: Klur & BJOERN’s “Unbound.”
Accomplishment: Definitely my whole album journey so far – basically everything that came with it. It’s called DO YOU.
Moment: Bon Iver dropping an album.
78
Luca Guerrieri, Claps Records, Follonica, Italy
Tune: Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” (The Sponges & N2N Remix).
Accomplishment: The party I hosted at Tartana, Italy, to celebrate my 30-year career.
Moment: The DJ sets by Cassius & Badbox in Tartana’s Club House were absolutely unforgettable moments.
79
Becking, mau5trap, Amsterdam
Tune: LYNY’s “Section.” It’s a staple across U.K.-bass sets this year – raw energy, proper underground influence.
Accomplishment: Releasing my single “Guess Who’s Beck” on mau5trap & seeing my music get played at Boiler Room and a Fred again.. show: Proving that bass-heavy Damsko Garage has a real global pulse.
Moment: Hearing my track, “Chop Dat,” at a Fred again… concert in front of 30,000 people & seeing the crowd explode. That moment made me realize how far underground U.K.-bass can actually reach.
80
Citizen Kain, Eversun Records, Montpellier, France
Tune: Son Of Son’s “HIDE.”
Accomplishment: The launch of my new label, Eversun Records.
Moment: I had the opportunity to go to Théâtre antique d’Orange to see Adriatique playing. It’s a mythic place very close to my home in France & their show was outstanding!
81
Lolo Mayhew, Groove Bassment, Tampa
Tune: The Sigala Remix of “Like a Prayer.” I discovered this remix of Madonna’s classic & it slays the dancefloor every time.
Accomplishment: I am so grateful for touring with Heineken as their celebrity DJ throughout the East Coast, producing my own events such as “Lolo’s Beach House” at Skybeach Hotel & Marina, & releasing heavy-hitting songs like “Supersize It” through Groove Bassment with Lucky Guess.
Moment: Wildly impressed with my long-time friend, Willa Ford, & her comeback into music. Excited to create some remixes and mash-ups with her in the new year!
82
Alex Brown, It’s Lit Weddings & Events, Providence, R.I.
Tune: Chrystal’s “The Days” (Notion Remix). It brought EDM to the forefront of the younger generation’s music tastes at the peak of prom season.
Accomplishment: Speaking at DJX ’25, but specifically the impact that my burnout presentation had on people, with one attendee coming up to me crying afterward, saying how much they needed to hear what I had to say.
Musical Moment: The maid of honor at a wedding I did had major stage fright, almost didn’t give her speech. But then, she did a great job with it. But the highlight of the night was 30 minutes into dancing when I played “Shoop,” & she came up & karaoke-sang the whole song from the DJ booth, like a performance. What a 180!
83
Akoriz, Artcore Records, Rome
Tune: Novah’s “Inner Odyssey.”
Accomplishment: Releasing on top labels like Artcore, Hekate & Rave Alert & seeing my music supported at major festivals.
Moment: Performing at Hï Ibiza for the Metamorphosi party in the Club Room curated by Indira Paganotto.
84
KICE, Treble Recordings, Chicago
Tune: Anthony Keyrouze, JimmX & Idd Aziz’s “Penda.” It does a great job blending Arabic & house elements, defining this year’s movement toward a powerful, global, upbeat sound.
Accomplishment: The successful launch & expansion of the Sirocco Sessions event series into key international markets, proving the demand for the Arabic house & Mediterranean sound globally.
Moment: Seeing Vanco & AYA’s “Ma Tnsani” quickly rise to the top showed the large potential for authentic vocals to dominate the Afro-house scene on a global scale.
85
Alex Updike, Bass & Bliss, Palm Springs, Calif.
Tune: Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.”
Accomplishment: Getting to present for the first time at a conference at DJX ’25.
Moment: Playing in Vegas in front of hundreds of wedding professionals.
86
Buka, Diynamic, Tel Aviv, Israel
Tune: Rex The Dog’s “Frequency.”
Accomplishment: Performing alongside CamelPhat & Innellea at the last ADE.
Moment: Seth Troxler’s closing set at Circoloco in Thailand.
87
Far&High, Unheard Music, Dubai, UAE
Tunes: Luke Alessi’s “After Five (Original Mix)” & Tiger Stripes’ “Dance For Peace.”
Accomplishment: Creation of Unheard Music, a label that aims not to follow trends, but to give artists total creative freedom.
Moment: The best show was Underworld on Boiler Room.
88
Dave Lander, DJ Digital Dave, Pittsburgh
Tune: Drake’s “Nokia,” with an honorable mention to Taylor Swift’s “The Fate Of Ophelia.”
Accomplishment: DJing several matches for the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team.
Moment: Going to Mass at the Salzburg Cathedral in Austria & hearing the most immaculate-sounding choir I have ever heard in my life.
89
Chuck Zerambo, Sir Charles Distinctive Entertainment, Philadelphia
Tune: Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” It delivered the perfect blend of country & party energy, still packing every floor from clubs to weddings.
Accomplishment: Being named VP-Elect of the Greater Philadelphia South Jersey & Delaware Chapter of NACE, while expanding Sir Charles Entertainment to deliver full-scale production for events from 50 to more than 10,000 guests.
Moment: Watching a packed room lose themselves in “Pink Pony Club” reminded me how powerful music can be in helping people feel seen, celebrated & unapologetically themselves.