Beatport Next 2026: Meet the 12 Artists Shaping Electronic Music

The Future of the Dance Floor Has Arrived

On January 22, 2026, the electronic music community turned its attention to one of the most anticipated announcements of the year: the unveiling of the Beatport Next Class of 2026. Now in its sixth year, this influential artist development program has selected 12 exceptional emerging artists poised to make a significant impact on the global scene. The year-long initiative is designed to provide a crucial launchpad, focusing on sustainable career growth and offering a powerful alternative to the unpredictable nature of viral hits.

More Than a Spotlight: How the Program Works

Beatport Next is a comprehensive support system that accelerates artist careers through deep platform integration and strategic promotion. Throughout 2026, the selected artists will receive a robust package of benefits, including:

• Priority Placement: Prime featuring on the Beatport store, ensuring their music reaches a massive audience of DJs and tastemakers.
• Curated Playlisting: Guaranteed spots in Beatport's influential curated playlists and genre charts.
• Editorial & Social Features: In-depth interviews, artist profiles, and dedicated campaigns across Beatport's editorial arm, Beatportal, and its extensive social media channels.
• Performance Opportunities: A platform to showcase their talent through both live-streamed and in-person events.

This sustained, multi-faceted approach helps artists build a dedicated following and a durable professional foundation.

Meet the Class of 2026: A Global Snapshot

The 2026 lineup is a testament to the vibrant diversity of modern electronic music, featuring artists from around the world who are pushing creative boundaries. This class represents a rich tapestry of sounds, providing a vital discovery guide for anyone looking to refresh their playlists and DJ sets.

• ATRIP (London, UK): Delivers high-energy, garage-influenced house music with undeniable groove.
• BLUMITSU (Tokyo, Japan): Crafts deep, hypnotic, and atmospheric techno that captivates the listener.
• Cole Knight (Los Angeles, USA): Blends the emotional depth of melodic techno with infectious indie-dance sensibilities.
• D Stone (Manchester, UK): Champions a raw, jacking house sound often infused with classic acid lines.
• DJ_Dave (New York, USA): A genre-bending artist known for productions that fluidly move between electro, breaks, and techno.
• Jennifer Loveless (Berlin, Germany): Creates emotive and powerful house and techno designed for peak-time dance floors.
• Kikelomo (London/Berlin): A purveyor of percussive, bass-heavy club sounds that draw from a wide range of global influences.
• Maara (Montreal, Canada): Explores the space between progressive house and trance with a distinctly modern edge.
• Omar+ (Dubai, UAE): Fuses the traditional sonic textures of the Middle East with contemporary deep house.
• Rosey Gold (Amsterdam, Netherlands): A duo producing soulful, uplifting house music with a strong disco influence.
• Sam Alfred (Melbourne, Australia): Known for creating euphoric, high-tempo house and trance anthems.
• WOST (São Paulo, Brazil): Pushes a driving, fast-paced, and powerful brand of modern techno.

A Legacy of Launching Stars

The Beatport Next program has a proven track record of identifying and nurturing talent. Its alumni roster reads like a who's who of artists who have gone on to achieve global recognition. Past participants include trailblazers like TSHA, Nia Archives, Anfisa Letyago, and Logic1000, whose careers were significantly amplified through the program. This history underscores the initiative's role as a genuine career catalyst.

For DJs, producers, and electronic music enthusiasts, the Beatport Next Class of 2026 is more than just a list—it's a roadmap to the future of sound. Keep a close watch on these 12 artists, as their tracks are set to become staples in DJ sets and playlists throughout 2026 and beyond.