Electronic dance music (EDM) has its roots spread worldwide, but some of its most influential and groundbreaking artists hail from the United States. Over the years, American DJs and producers have dominated festivals, topped charts, and shaped the EDM sound that we know today. In this article, we’ll explore the top 20 EDM artists from the US who are not only pushing boundaries but also captivating audiences globally.
1. Skrillex
Genre: Dubstep, Electro House
Signature Sound: Aggressive bass drops, glitchy production
Skrillex, born Sonny Moore, is widely recognized for popularizing the dubstep genre in the US. His 2010 track “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” revolutionized the sound of electronic music, and tracks like “Bangarang” cemented his status as a dubstep icon. Skrillex’s live shows are legendary, often combining immersive visual experiences with his hard-hitting basslines. He has won multiple Grammy awards, and his collaborations span across artists from all genres, including Justin Bieber and Diplo.
2. Marshmello
Genre: Future Bass, Trap
Signature Sound: Melodic, upbeat tracks with emotional depth
Marshmello became a sensation with his masked persona and radio-friendly sound. Hits like “Alone” and “Happier” (featuring Bastille) helped bridge the gap between mainstream pop and electronic dance music. Known for his catchy hooks and emotional melodies, Marshmello has become a global phenomenon. His collaborations include A-list artists like Selena Gomez, and his sets at major festivals like EDC and Tomorrowland are always crowd favorites.
3. Steve Aoki
Genre: Electro House, Progressive House
Signature Sound: High-energy electro beats with heavy drops
Steve Aoki is known for his electrifying live performances—complete with crowd-surfing, cake-throwing, and wild energy. Aoki’s tracks such as “Pursuit of Happiness” and “Boneless” have become festival anthems. He’s also known for his vast collaborations with artists across genres, including K-pop’s BTS and hip-hop’s Kid Cudi. As the founder of Dim Mak Records, Aoki has also played a pivotal role in discovering new talent within the EDM scene.
4. Diplo
Genre: Trap, Dancehall, House
Signature Sound: Genre-blending with tropical beats
Diplo is a musical chameleon, capable of jumping between genres seamlessly. As a part of Major Lazer and Jack Ü, Diplo has brought dancehall and tropical house sounds into the mainstream. His single “Where Are Ü Now” with Skrillex and Justin Bieber became an international hit. Known for producing for artists like Beyoncé and M.I.A., Diplo is constantly innovating the sound of electronic music.
5. Illenium
Genre: Future Bass, Melodic Dubstep
Signature Sound: Melodic, emotional tracks with heavy drops
Illenium, born Nicholas Miller, has gained immense popularity with his emotionally charged productions. Tracks like “Takeaway” and “Good Things Fall Apart” blend heartfelt lyrics with soaring melodic drops. His sound appeals to both hardcore EDM fans and a mainstream audience, making him a frequent headliner at festivals like Coachella and EDC.
6. Zedd
Genre: Progressive House, Electro Pop
Signature Sound: Pop-EDM crossover with uplifting melodies
Zedd’s rise to fame was rapid, thanks to his Grammy-winning hit “Clarity” and subsequent smash hits like “Stay” and “The Middle.” Known for his ability to blend pop sensibilities with EDM, Zedd has become one of the most in-demand producers, collaborating with stars like Ariana Grande and Katy Perry.
7. The Chainsmokers
Genre: Future Bass, Pop-EDM
Signature Sound: Melodic, pop-driven EDM tracks
The Chainsmokers—Drew Taggart and Alex Pall—broke into the scene with their viral hit “#Selfie” but quickly evolved into a top EDM act with tracks like “Closer” and “Don’t Let Me Down.” Their music, a blend of pop vocals and electronic beats, has led to chart-topping success and numerous festival performances.
8. Kaskade
Genre: Progressive House, Deep House
Signature Sound: Uplifting melodies with emotive vocals
A true veteran in the American EDM scene, Kaskade has been producing for over two decades. Known for his deeply melodic sound, Kaskade’s tracks like “Disarm You” and “Atmosphere” have become classics in the house music genre. He is also a pioneer of the Las Vegas EDM scene, holding residencies at some of the city’s top clubs.
9. Dillon Francis
Genre: Moombahton, Trap
Signature Sound: Funky, bass-heavy beats with comedic flair
Dillon Francis is known not only for his high-energy moombahton tracks but also for his humorous persona. With hits like “Get Low” and “Bruk Bruk,” Francis has become a fan favorite. He’s also known for his viral social media presence and hilarious collaborations with artists like DJ Snake.
10. Porter Robinson
Genre: Electro House, Synthwave
Signature Sound: Lush, emotional soundscapes with storytelling elements
Porter Robinson is one of the most unique and creative producers in the EDM scene. His debut album Worlds was a game-changer, combining elements of synthwave, electro, and indie to create a completely new EDM subgenre. His live shows are immersive, taking fans on a journey through sound and visuals.
11. RL Grime
Genre: Trap, Future Bass
Signature Sound: Dark, atmospheric trap beats with heavy bass
RL Grime has established himself as a leader in the trap scene, with tracks like “Core” becoming anthems in the genre. His albums Void and NOVA showcase his ability to blend haunting melodies with hard-hitting drops, making him a favorite at bass-heavy festivals like Lost Lands.
12. Madeon
Genre: Electro Pop, French House
Signature Sound: Funky, synth-heavy beats with intricate production
Madeon has been a force in the EDM world since his viral hit “Pop Culture” mashup. His debut album Adventure featured a unique blend of electro and pop, and his collaborations with artists like Porter Robinson have only elevated his status as a top-tier producer.
13. Mija
Genre: Bass, House
Signature Sound: Eclectic bass and house music with an experimental edge
Mija, known for her genre-defying sets and sound, has earned a reputation for blending bass-heavy tracks with house and techno. She often plays at underground events and major festivals, delivering high-energy performances. Tracks like “Better” showcase her unique style, which refuses to fit into any one box. Mija’s commitment to staying true to herself and experimenting with different sounds has garnered her a loyal fanbase.
14. Seven Lions
Genre: Trance, Melodic Dubstep
Signature Sound: Ethereal trance with melodic dubstep influences
Seven Lions (Jeff Montalvo) blends trance with melodic dubstep, creating emotionally powerful tracks that resonate deeply with his audience. His breakout single “Days to Come” set the tone for his career, and his subsequent work, including hits like “Worlds Apart,” showcases his ability to create soaring soundscapes. Seven Lions is a headliner at major festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival and Ultra, where his live performances are always a journey through melodic bliss.
15. Rezz
Genre: Techno, Bass
Signature Sound: Dark, hypnotic bass and techno beats
Rezz (Isabelle Rezazadeh) has taken the EDM scene by storm with her unique brand of dark techno and bass. Known for her hypnotic beats and minimalistic production style, Rezz has built a devoted fanbase. Tracks like “Edge” and her debut album Mass Manipulation showcase her distinct sound. She’s been featured on major festival lineups and has become a force in the bass and techno scenes, recognized for her distinctive, almost industrial sound.
16. Jauz
Genre: Bass House, Dubstep
Signature Sound: Heavy bass lines with house and dubstep influences
Jauz, born Sam Vogel, has made a name for himself in the bass house scene, delivering energetic and hard-hitting sets at festivals like Coachella and Ultra. His track “Feel the Volume” became a festival anthem and catapulted him into the EDM mainstream. Jauz’s versatility allows him to blend genres effortlessly, from house to dubstep, and he continues to push the boundaries of what bass music can be.
17. Slushii
Genre: Future Bass, Dubstep
Signature Sound: Melodic, high-energy beats with emotional undertones
Slushii (Julian Scanlan) burst onto the scene with his colorful and melodic sound, blending future bass and dubstep. Tracks like “So Long” and “Luv U Need U” highlight his ability to create catchy and emotive music. Known for his anime-inspired persona and upbeat performances, Slushii has collaborated with artists like Marshmello and continues to be a prominent figure in the EDM world.
18. 3LAU
Genre: Progressive House, Future Bass
Signature Sound: Melodic, emotional tracks with electronic pop elements
3LAU (Justin Blau) has made a significant impact on the EDM scene with his progressive house and future bass productions. His track “Is It Love” and his remixes have earned him millions of streams. 3LAU is also known for using his platform to give back, with charitable efforts like his blockchain music platform aimed at helping artists earn more from their work.
19. NGHTMRE
Genre: Trap, Future Bass
Signature Sound: Hard-hitting trap beats and melodic drops
NGHTMRE (Tyler Marenyi) is a powerhouse in the trap and bass music scenes. His track “Street” put him on the map, and his collaboration with Slander on “Gud Vibrations” became an anthem for festival-goers. NGHTMRE’s sound is characterized by its high energy, heavy basslines, and dynamic drops, making him a staple at major EDM festivals.
20. Autograf
Genre: Future House, Deep House
Signature Sound: Smooth, atmospheric beats with deep house influences
Autograf is known for their chill, deep house vibe, with tracks like “Metaphysical” and “Sleepless in NYC” offering a laid-back yet groovy sound. Their music often combines organic and electronic elements, creating a unique, atmospheric listening experience. Autograf’s live shows incorporate live instruments and visuals, adding another layer to their already dynamic performances.
These top 20 EDM artists from the United States have each made significant contributions to the global electronic music scene. From Skrillex’s dubstep revolution to Rezz’s dark techno takeover, American EDM producers continue to shape the future of dance music across genres.
