The global EDM scene is thriving! If you’ve ever found yourself lost in the hypnotic basslines of a warehouse rave or feeling the energy of thousands beneath a massive festival stage, then you know electronic music is more than just beats—it’s a movement, a culture, and a lifestyle. Whether you’re throwing down in a sweat-drenched Brooklyn loft, catching the latest bass drop in a secret LA warehouse, or vibing at a CDMX rooftop party, these cities have one thing in common: they’re home to some of the most innovative and boundary-pushing artists in the world. Here are the must-follow artists who are keeping these scenes alive and pulsing.
Los Angeles: Where Rave Culture Evolves
ZHU
About: ZHU is a master of moods. His genre-bending sound—mixing deep house, electronica, and synthwave—takes you on a journey through shadowy beats and atmospheric grooves. You’ve probably heard his breakout track “Faded,” but it’s in his live sets where his genius truly shines, combining haunting visuals with a sound that feels like it’s been pulled straight from LA’s darkest corners.
Why Follow: ZHU’s Blacklizt shows are something of legend, where you’re invited to wear all black and lose yourself in the throbbing bass of an industrial venue. He’s a fixture at Coachella, but it’s the secret pop-up shows in LA’s underground scene where his sound really thrives.
NGHTMRE
About: Bringing that undeniable bass-driven intensity, NGHTMRE has cemented himself in LA’s trap and bass scene. Moving from Connecticut to LA, he quickly found his place among festival giants while still throwing down in the local club circuit. His collaborations with Slander, Dillon Francis, and others make him a major player at festivals like Hard Summer, but he’s just as potent when playing intimate sets at places like Exchange LA.
Why Follow: NGHTMRE’s sets are a bass lover’s dream. His ability to blend melodic breaks with earth-shattering drops is what keeps fans coming back for more. Whether you’re catching him at a festival or a sweaty LA nightclub, expect the energy to stay high.
Justin Jay
About: Justin Jay is a homegrown hero in LA’s underground scene, blending the chill vibes of California with deep house grooves and elements of techno. Coming out of Dirtybird Records, Justin is known for his laid-back yet unpredictable style, often mixing in live instruments and vocalists for a more dynamic set.
Why Follow: It’s his DIY warehouse parties that have become part of his legend. Justin Jay represents everything LA’s rave scene stands for: self-expression, innovation, and a love for community. Catch him in one of those low-key, word-of-mouth events, and you’ll feel like you’ve tapped into something special.
Shaded
About: Shaded brings minimal techno with a serious dose of groove. LA’s techno scene isn’t always front and center, but artists like Shaded are pushing it into the spotlight with their stripped-back, industrial sound. His live sets are deep, dark, and perfect for late-night warehouse raving.
Why Follow: If you crave the raw energy of minimal techno, Shaded is the one to follow. His sound is perfect for that 3 a.m. moment in a warehouse where the crowd is locked in and the vibe is hypnotic.
New York City: The City That Never Stops Raving
Frankie Bones
About: Frankie Bones is the godfather of NYC’s rave scene. His legendary STORMrave parties in the early ’90s essentially created the American underground rave culture we know today. While he’s a veteran, his energy and passion for techno remain undiminished, and his hard-hitting sets are a must-see for anyone who appreciates the roots of rave.
Why Follow: Catching Frankie Bones at a place like Basement is like stepping into a time machine and feeling the rawness of NYC’s early rave days. His sets are relentless, gritty, and completely authentic—a reminder of where it all began.
Volvox
About: Acid techno lives and breathes through Volvox. She’s become one of NYC’s underground icons, known for her ability to layer dirty, acidic basslines over pulsating techno beats. A regular at Good Room and underground parties across Brooklyn, her sets are electrifying, dark, and full of surprises.
Why Follow: Volvox is at the heart of the queer and underground scenes, where inclusivity and high energy come together on the dance floor. She knows how to make a crowd lose themselves in the music, and if you catch her at an underground rave in a Brooklyn loft, you know it’s going to be a long, wild night.
Jubilee
About: Bringing a mix of Miami bass and NYC edge, Jubilee’s sets are a refreshing blast of bass, breaks, and ghetto-tech. She’s as much a tastemaker as she is a DJ, consistently curating sounds that blend high energy with raw underground vibes. If you’re looking for a party that’s both eclectic and hype, Jubilee is your go-to.
Why Follow: Jubilee can seamlessly flip between genres in a way that keeps the dance floor constantly moving. Her sets at places like Elsewhere or hidden Brooklyn parties bring a mix of unexpected beats that’ll keep you on your toes and dancing deep into the night.
AceMo
About: AceMo is one of NYC’s rising stars, blending house, techno, and jungle with a raw, DIY feel. His productions are lo-fi yet incredibly danceable, and his live sets are a testament to the underground scene’s energy. He’s one of the fresh faces keeping the spirit of DIY raving alive in NYC.
Why Follow: Whether it’s at a secret rave or a pop-up set at a warehouse, AceMo brings the type of raw energy that keeps NYC’s underground thriving. If you’re into jungle breaks and stripped-back techno, he’s an artist you need to keep an eye on.
Mexico City (CDMX): The Underground Frontier
Iñigo Vontier
About: Mexico City’s underground scene is truly unique, and Iñigo Vontier is one of the artists driving it forward. His psychedelic, trance-inducing techno sets are perfect for those deep, dark nights where the music feels like it’s pulling you into another dimension. He blends techno with traditional Mexican influences in a way that feels organic, yet futuristic.
Why Follow: Whether he’s playing at Departamento or a hidden warehouse party, Iñigo’s sets are a journey. His sound is perfect for CDMX’s scene, where electronic music is intertwined with the city’s rich cultural identity.
Roderic
About: Fusing live instruments with lush electronic production, Roderic’s music is a refreshing take on house and downtempo. His sets often take you on a journey through soundscapes that feel both intimate and expansive.
Why Follow: For those craving a more organic, introspective vibe, Roderic’s shows are a must. You’ll find him playing at rooftop parties or smaller venues like Foro Normandie, where the music is about creating a connection between the audience and the sound.
EsaMiPau!
About: EsaMiPau! is one of the most exciting rising stars in CDMX’s underground scene, especially within the queer and DIY communities. Her house and techno sets are raw and energetic, and she’s a force behind events like Baila Club, where inclusivity and liberation take center stage.
Why Follow: If you want to experience the true essence of CDMX’s underground, EsaMiPau! is someone you need to follow. Her sets bring a level of freedom and expression that turn the dance floor into a space of pure liberation.
Final Thoughts
From the neon-lit stages of massive festivals to the dim, strobe-lit depths of warehouse raves, these artists represent the best of what LA, NYC, and CDMX have to offer. They’re the ones pushing boundaries, shaping the culture, and creating the moments that remind us why we love this music. Whether you’re vibing to ZHU’s atmospheric house, losing yourself in Frankie Bones’ industrial techno, or feeling EsaMiPau!’s raw energy in a secret CDMX rave, these are the artists keeping the pulse of the global rave scene alive.
If you live for the rave, whether it’s on a festival main stage or a hidden warehouse floor, these are the names that should be on your radar. Just be sure to pack some earplugs and a water bottle—because with these artists, you’re in for an all-nighter.
