Top 10 Best Electronic Artists

It's dark, the beat is pumping, and the lights are flashing. The synthesizer's otherworldly sounds carry you away, and for a moment, you're somewhere else entirely. This is the power of electronic music, a genre that has been evolving and expanding since the early days of synthesizers and drum machines.

From the pioneering sounds of Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder in the '70s to the explosion of house and techno in the '80s and '90s, electronic music has continuously pushed boundaries and challenged the norms of popular music. It's a genre that thrives on innovation, constantly reinventing itself through new technologies and creative approaches.

Today, electronic music is a global phenomenon, encompassing a vast array of subgenres and styles. From the underground sounds of dubstep and drum and bass to the mainstream popularity of EDM, there's something for everyone in this ever-changing landscape.

The Top Ten

Daft Punk

Daft Punk is a French electronic music duo formed in 1993, known for their distinctive fusion of house, funk, and disco music. They achieved worldwide fame with hits like "One More Time" and "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger."

Daft Punk has opened my mind to music. All other electronic "music" nowadays just sounds like a collection of noise that should be featured in a "Call of Duty" montage. Daft Punk's music has soul, unlike the other music being produced today by the world's top "artists".
I use the term "artists" in quotes because people attempting to recite bad poetry while a metronome drowns out their vocals isn't music. The same sentiment applies to those who think computer noises are superior to the real instruments that Daft Punk incorporates into their songs.
They've hit every genre right on the head and revolutionized everything they've delved into. They're on par with legends, if not surpassing them.
Deadmau5

Deadmau5, born Joel Zimmerman, is a Canadian electronic music producer and DJ known for his progressive house and electro house tracks. His iconic mau5head helmet has become a symbol of his brand and performances.

Deadmau5 was the one who introduced me to this genre with his amazing song "Professional Griefers." This song and video were so amazing and absorbing that I literally had to change the channel just to avoid getting into it. I rewatched the same show it was in and BOOM, I had to go online to get that song! I was already into the genre.
Although I voted for Daft Punk because of obvious reasons, if I had to vote twice, I'd vote for Deadmau5 hands down! I love them both! Deadmau5 with "Professional Griefers" and Daft Punk with "Around the World."

Deadmau5 will forever rule. If you've ever heard his music, you will fall in love. I've listened to his music ever since I was ten. His music displays so many emotions.
If you want to be happy, listen to his happy music. If you want to feed your depression, you can do that too. Or, looking for good music to work to? You've got it right there. This is why I love his music. Thank you, and thank Joel Zimmerman, AKA Deadmau5.
Skrillex

Skrillex, whose real name is Sonny John Moore, is an American electronic music producer, DJ, and singer-songwriter. He played a significant role in popularizing the dubstep genre with tracks like "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites".

He truly is great. I feel that people only dislike him because he suddenly became very popular, and many mistakenly believe he's the only artist that produces electronic music, assuming all electronic music is dubstep. Don't resent the artist.
Instead, resent the ignorant masses that don't understand electronic music and consequently make Skrillex appear in a negative light. If you genuinely don't like Skrillex because of his music, and not due to his challenging fan base, then I respect your opinion. Everyone is entitled to their thoughts.
However, if you've barely listened to any of his music and your dislike stems from his mainstream appeal or problematic fan base, then it's time to mature. Judge an artist's music based on the music itself, nothing else.
Aphex Twin

Aphex Twin, the stage name of Richard D. James, is a British electronic musician recognized for his innovative and often experimental approach to electronic music. He is acclaimed for albums such as "Selected Ambient Works 85-92" and "Drukqs".

Ask yourself, who on this list will be remembered for centuries? Whose music and legacy will be studied in colleges and universities globally, just like Mozart, Beethoven, Shakespeare, and other legends? Who not only changed the game but is irreplaceable and is the only person capable of producing music the way he does? It's this guy.
However, I can see why he's not number one on this list. Many artists are here due to their current popularity. Return in a decade, and this list might look very different, but he'll likely still be here, possibly even closer to the top spot.
Kraftwerk

Kraftwerk is a pioneering German electronic music band formed in 1970 by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider. They are widely regarded as innovators of electronic music and significantly influenced various genres including synth-pop and techno.

Yes, if Kraftwerk had never existed, everything that followed would be different. All other artists have borrowed from their style and sound in some way, including Daft Punk. Even Daft Punk would likely acknowledge Kraftwerk as the true pioneers.
It's essential to recognize the innovators, not just the latest trends. Kraftwerk are the trailblazers. If the younger generation doesn't know who they are, they need to be educated!

How is it possible that the band which has been sampled more than any other, and has created iconic beats like "Numbers," "Mensch Maschine," and "Trans Europa Express," is not ranked number one here? They invented the entire synth-pop genre and, in the process, birthed a brand new style in the electro-rap genre.
Many musicians credit them as their primary influence. So, the only logical move is to place Kraftwerk at NUMBER ONE on this list!
Zedd

Zedd, born Anton Zaslavski, is a Russian-German DJ, record producer, and songwriter known for his electro house and progressive house music. He achieved mainstream success with tracks like "Clarity" and "Stay".

Zedd is the highest honor on this list when it comes to electro-pop. Only rivaled by Avicii, Zedd doesn't fit into a specific niche. He is really all over the place with his style.
He definitely has the most respectable discography with many hits such as "The Middle," "Stay," and my personal favorite, "Clarity."

You don't even need to know the name of the song to know it's Zedd when you hear it! His style may not appear different and unique the first time you hear it, but as you listen to more of his music, you soon notice things that make his style unique.
He is great.
Knife Party

Knife Party is an Australian electronic music duo formed by Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen, former members of the drum and bass band Pendulum. They are known for their aggressive and high-energy electro house and dubstep tracks.

From the perspective of an avid listener of both the dubstep and electronica genres, I was a huge fan of Pendulum's drum and bass sound. Knife Party's emergence into the electronica and club music genre has made a significant impact, in my opinion.
They have some really strong beats to dance to, in addition to their unique sound. Internet Friends is just the beginning. Move into Rage Valley and the new Haunted House EP and you'll truly discover the talent these individuals possess.

Knife Party knows exactly what they're doing, and they're doing it well. "Centipede" is a staple of brutal electronic music, and the reggae beats in songs like "Bonfire" and "Give It Up" are surprisingly nice combinations with electronic music.
In my opinion, Knife Party hasn't reached its peak yet and still has a long way to go.
Radiohead

Radiohead, while primarily known as a rock band, has incorporated significant electronic elements into their music, especially on albums like "Kid A" and "Amnesiac". Their innovative approach has earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

I'm surprised they're not first. They are the most creative artists on this list. Everything by them is great.
I'm not sure if they are the most electronic artists, but I think they are one of the greatest rock and electronic artists in existence. Your life will never be complete unless you listen to at least one Radiohead album. I mean stuff from the late '90s and the 2000s.

Radiohead is my favorite band. Granted, they are mainly alt-rock, but they are still really great. But I think Thom Yorke's solo work and his side band, Atoms for Peace, are more in the electronica genre.
Boards of Canada

Boards of Canada is a Scottish electronic music duo comprising brothers Michael Sandison and Marcus Eoin. They are renowned for their atmospheric and nostalgic soundscapes, particularly in albums like "Music Has the Right to Children".

BoC provides their listeners with a truly unique sound. Their discography is self-explanatory and they are criminally underrated on this list as well. Listen to Music Has the Right to Children, Geogaddi, The Campfire Headphase, In a Beautiful Place Out in the Country, Twoism, Hi Scores, Tomorrow's Harvest, etc., and you'll quickly learn why they are some of the most innovative artists to ever emerge out of the electronic music scene.
Remember that electronic stems far beyond club music and dancing. These guys create some of the most melodic, nostalgic, and emotion-evoking music you'll ever find, and they've always managed to avoid the mainstream, which makes their persona that much more mysterious yet every bit as fascinating. - Dan MacLean
Glitch Mob

Glitch Mob is an American electronic music trio formed in 2006, consisting of Ed Ma (edIT), Justin Boreta (Boreta), and Josh Mayer (Ooah). They are known for their bass-heavy, glitchy sound and dynamic live performances.

Absolutely incredible. Every one of their songs is an adventure. My personal favorite tracks of theirs are Starve the Ego, Feed the Soul and Carry the Sun. Their songs aren't too over the top, but they aren't too tame either. Best of all, they know how to use vocals in an electronic song in a way that does not detract from the beats but adds to them. The only downside about them is that there still isn't enough of their music.

Amazing! I love every song by these guys. Their new album Love Death Immortality is just mind-blowing.
Not to mention, even some of their older songs are just as amazing, like Fortune Days and We Can Make the World Stop. They are the greatest band of them all.

The Newcomers

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Kevin MacLeod

I know so many of his songs thanks to Battle For Dream Island.
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Skee Mask

Skee Mask is a German electronic music producer known for his work in the techno and breakbeat genres. His music often features intricate rhythms and atmospheric textures, with albums like "Compro" receiving critical acclaim.

The Contenders

The Prodigy

The Prodigy is an English electronic music group formed by Liam Howlett in 1990, known for their high-energy blend of rave, breakbeat, and punk elements. They gained widespread fame with albums like "The Fat of the Land".

The Prodigy has the strongest roots in the club scene, the birthplace of electronic music. They continue to utilize '90s electronic music equipment to produce a sound that is unparalleled. They surpass Daft Punk, Deadmau5, Skrillex, and other artists in terms of originality, intensity, and technical quality. The Prodigy will forever dominate the electronic genre.

Definitely number one in my opinion. The Prodigy just has more classic songs than any other electronic artists, and their music is incredibly diverse and imaginative.
Besides, if you asked Skrillex and Deadmau5 who the best electronic artists of all time were, they would probably either say Aphex Twin or The Prodigy.
Björk

Björk is an Icelandic singer, songwriter, and producer whose music spans multiple genres including electronic, pop, and avant-garde. She is known for her innovative use of technology in music and her distinctive voice and artistic vision.

Forget all these DJs and trendy groups in the top ten. Without this woman's artistic brilliance in the '90s, today's DJs would still be playing underground gigs and living paycheck to paycheck. "Post" and "Homogenic", along with Madonna's "Ray of Light", paved the way for today's DJs and electronic musicians. She deserves to be in the top five. And where is Brian Eno?

The best female vocalist I've ever heard. Forget all the female pop stars that get so much publicity. Björk's music is a work of art. Anyone who says otherwise does not understand art in music.
Porter Robinson

Porter Robinson is an American DJ, record producer, and musician known for his eclectic blend of electro house, synth-pop, and indie electronic music. He gained prominence with his album "Worlds" and hits like "Language."

This guy is a musical genius! At a young age, and self-taught, look what he can make! Just listen to his album Worlds. It is amazing and a truly beautiful album. Don't listen to all those copycat DJs, they flat out don't know a thing compared to Porter Robinson. He's a true musical genius and should be at least in the top five choices. If you love electro music, please take my word and listen to his album Worlds. It wouldn't hurt to try.

Porter should be number one, hands down. He doesn't make "sick beats". He pioneers new sounds that have real meaning. With luscious synths, unpredictable chord progressions, and hard-hitting drums, not to mention live shows! Seriously! Porter is quickly revolutionizing the world of electronic music. Just listen to the first track on Worlds and you'll understand.
Nero

Nero is a British electronic music trio consisting of Dan Stephens, Joe Ray, and Alana Watson. They are known for their contributions to the dubstep and drum and bass genres, with hits like "Promises" and "Me and You."

Their music is a step above every other EDM artist. Welcome Reality had a massive influence on electronic music, and their new album is awesome too. They are always doing something new!

One of the, if not the best, artists I've ever heard. The style, the class, the rhythm, the beat. It all adds up to make an extraordinary experience.

Nero is the best! I love Doomsday. They should totally be at the top of this list!
Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode is an English electronic band formed in 1980, known for their influential role in the development of synth-pop and electronic rock. They have released numerous successful albums, including "Violator" and "Songs of Faith and Devotion".

Without Depeche Mode, none of these bands, aside from Kraftwerk, would be doing what they are. They are the top-selling electronic band of all time, nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and have one of the widest international fan bases of any group working today.
37 years later, they are still able to have a top album on the Billboard 200 and have a number one album in numerous European countries. In Eastern Europe, they are as revered as The Beatles.

Depeche Mode should be number one. Depeche Mode is still the only band to use old synths in most of their albums. The synth programming alone is hard in itself.
But songs such as "Enjoy The Silence," "Walking In My Shoes," "Barrel Of A Gun," and "Heaven" make the electronic industry still stand out. If Depeche Mode isn't considered number one or even number two anymore, this generation doesn't know what real music is anymore.
- A DEVOTED FAN
Pendulum

Pendulum is an Australian electronic rock band founded by Rob Swire, Gareth McGrillen, and Paul Harding. They are noted for their energetic blend of drum and bass, rock, and electronic music, with hits like "Propane Nightmares" and "Witchcraft".

Sorry, Captain Hipster, but Pendulum IS mainstream, especially in Australia. I'm still surprised they aren't ranked higher on the list. Their music is some of the best available.
It's unfortunate they disbanded. Nonetheless, we now have Knife Party to enjoy.

Pendulum is by far the best, even surpassing Daft Punk and Deadmau5! I never thought it possible to blend electronic dance music with rock and still maintain quality.
Vote for whoever you prefer, but Pendulum holds the number one spot for me. Also, Aphex Twin is a close second.

PENDULUM ONLY AT 23!? These guys should at least be in the top 15, though I'd easily rank them in the top 10 or even top 5. They are incredibly talented and introduced me to drum and bass. Pendulum is really underrated.
Mike Paradinas

Mike Paradinas, also known as μ-Ziq, is a British electronic music producer and the founder of the record label Planet Mu. His work spans various styles, including IDM and breakcore.
Flying Lotus

Flying Lotus, the stage name of Steven Ellison, is an American producer and DJ known for his unique blend of electronic music, hip hop, and jazz. He is also the founder of the record label Brainfeeder.

He inspired so many fantastic artists and is a master at blending genres. It's pathetic to see him ranked this low.
Orbital

Orbital is an English electronic music duo consisting of brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll, known for their contributions to the techno and house genres. Their track "Chime" became an influential hit in the rave scene of the early 1990s.

85? This isn't happening! Why is Orbital so low? They are incredible! They are so much better than those mainstream artists. If you aren't familiar with Orbital, go check them out. My personal favorite albums by them are Blue Album, In Sides, Snivilisation, and Brown Album. Go listen to them. You won't regret it.
It took me some time to get used to them. I would recommend In Sides for a beginner. I loved that one instantly.

If you want crappy, poppy electronic music, then by all means vote for Daft Punk. But if you want proper electronic music that is inventive and unique, vote for the Hartnoll brothers. They are the best British electronic band ever!
Autechre

Autechre, formed by Rob Brown and Sean Booth, is a British electronic music duo recognized for their complex and abstract sound. They are key figures in the IDM genre.

Autechre is amazing! Their music is extremely complex and takes time to understand, but that's the beauty of it. Despite being very complex and mechanical, there is something strangely emotional about their music that I cannot put my finger on. All around amazing!

I thought Orbital being low on the list was bad enough, but Autechre at #121 is just insulting. "Flutter" is genius.

With over 10 albums and their debut in 1993, they deliver an incredible dark ambiance and genuinely creative electronic compositions, not just mainstream DJ mixes. Y'all are trifling.
Massive Attack

Massive Attack is a British musical group formed in 1988, credited with originating the trip-hop genre. Their seminal albums, such as "Blue Lines" and "Mezzanine", have had a lasting impact on electronic and popular music.

Massive Attack shaped the urban scene in Britain. They have some classic tracks to their name, like Unfinished Symphony. Why aren't these guys ranked higher?

Daft Punk is annoying. Owl City is just a one-hit wonder. So, Massive Attack is the best.
Justice

Justice is a French electronic music duo consisting of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay. They are known for their heavy electro house sound and hit tracks like "D.A.N.C.E." and "We Are Your Friends."

Exciting, full of energy, and sweet at times, Justice is the closest you can get to Daft Punk without being Daft Punk. Maybe Justice had some sort of connection to Daft Punk that we didn't know about? No, clearly I'm kidding, but if your music is on a close level with that of Daft Punk, you're incredible. It takes really good EDM musicians to be a huge commercial success, especially in today's day and age, but even then, Justice is still doing great things.

Justice definitely deserves a spot next to Daft Punk. With their innovative style and popular songs, they definitely should not be lower than top 5.
Portishead

Portishead is an English band formed in 1991, known for their role in pioneering the trip-hop genre. Their dark and atmospheric sound, exemplified in albums like "Dummy", has influenced many artists.

One of the best bands to ever grace trip-hop.
Moby

Moby is an American electronic musician, producer, and DJ known for his influential work in the genres of electronic dance music and ambient music. He gained widespread fame with his album "Play", which incorporated diverse samples and styles.

Moby is my favorite electronic artist. I enjoy a lot of music across various genres, and Moby tops the list. He produces highly underrated, rapid electronic beats and contrasts them with breathtaking ambient pieces. Additionally, he has powerful and excellent vocals and collaborates with top-notch guest vocalists. Seeing him live is an unforgettable experience!
His songs have catchy beats, like in "Go!" Ambient rhythms, like in "Sunspot", transport you to another world. Meaningful lyrics, like in "We Are All Made of Stars", are accompanied by thought-provoking music videos such as "In This World". I can always count on Moby for outstanding music. I love all of his albums. Each one is a masterpiece, from "Play" and "18" to "Innocents" and "Everything Is Wrong".
Moby has invested so much in his music to make it unique and superb. I believe, with all sincerity, that Moby has contributed more to music than the Beatles. If you disagree, that's okay. If you can't recognize Moby's all-around brilliance in every aspect of his work, then you're missing out.
The Future Sound of London

The Future Sound of London is a British electronic music group consisting of Garry Cobain and Brian Dougans, known for their genre-defying and ambient-influenced sound. Their album "Lifeforms" is considered a classic of electronic music.

They are the best English electronic band from the nineties. Period!