Introducing the Beatport Next Class of 2026
Introducing the next wave of artists shaping dance music in 2026 and beyond.
Beatport is kicking off 2026 by revealing its newest wave of rising talent: the Beatport Next Class of 2026. Now entering its sixth year, the program has quietly become one of the most reliable launchpads for breakthrough artists across the dance music ecosystem, connecting emerging creators with new audiences and the infrastructure needed to build sustainable careers.
What began in 2021 as an experiment in amplified artist support has since evolved into a year-long development initiative that spans editorial storytelling, playlisting, social campaigns, live performance opportunities, and hands-on industry mentorship. For artists navigating the modern landscape of dance music, Beatport Next offers something especially valuable: a consistent spotlight and a platform dedicated to the long game, not just the first viral moment.
Over the years, the roster has reflected the shifting sound of club culture itself, with alumni including Nia Archives, Logic1000, HoneyLuv, SICARIA, TSHA, p-rallel, Thakzin, Ahadadream, and more. Many have gone on to release globally acclaimed records, headline major festivals, and leave notable fingerprints on the sound of the underground in the process.
With a record number of applications for this year’s edition, the 2026 cohort captures a broad spectrum of voices, scenes, and sonic vantage points that continue to shape the future of electronic music. Their stories and releases will unfold throughout the year across Beatport’s channels as the program returns with new editorial features, studio insights, playlists, performances, and behind-the-scenes content built to spotlight the next generation from every angle.
Meet the Next Class of 2026:
ATRIP
ATRIP has built incredible momentum over the past year. With 2025 culminating in debut shows at Glastonbury, Lost Village and Coachella, London-based ATRIP is showing no signs of slowing down. His impressive production chops continues to draw legions of fans, with last year's KLUBPARTEI EP seeing widespread support from the likes of Jamie XX, Ben UFO, Solomun, Daphni/Caribou and many more. ATRIP's commitment to cultivating community around his music - from his renowned pub meet-ups to fan-centric WhatsApp groups - is a testament to his dedication to creating a shared experience that transcends the club.
BLUMITSU
BLUMITSU represents the formidable collaboration between London-based DJ/producers and friends Bluetoof and Jossy Mitsu. Born from a shared Rinse FM residency, the duo have lit up stages at Glastonbury, FOLD and fabric, garnering wide support from BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music in the process. Following a historic release on legendary UK label Tempa, the pair continues to expand their vision through their own imprint, BLUMITSU™ LABORATORIES.
We’re honoured to have been selected for the Beatport Next 2026 Program and we can’t wait to share the projects we’ve been working on.
Cole Knight
Miami-based Cole Knight is a commanding force across the dance floor, delivering versatile sets packed with a rolling blend of acid, house, and hard groove. Releasing tracks on esteemed labels like Life and Death, and Higher Ground, Knight has fine-tuned her sound across global stages such as UNVRS, Coachella and Day Zero Tulum. Having launched her new event series and brand ‘Knight Club’ at the end of 2025, Knight is solidifying her place in dance music as a distinct and powerful new voice.
I feel very grateful and excited to be in the 2026 Beatport Next class! I can't wait to share lots of new music, and other exciting projects including my new concept Knight Club. Thank you Beatport!
D Stone
D Stone is a rising force in Amsterdam’s vibrant electronic music scene. Blending live instruments and electronic production, D Stone’s sound is a unique take on house music that bridges proto-disco, funk, and deep percussive grooves. The multi-instrumentalist has built a significant discography with EPs released on Semi, Chloé Caillet’s SMIILE, and his very own Stone Series, solidifying his trajectory as a versatile and innovative artist.
I’m proud to be joining Beatport Next in 2026. There’s a lot I’ve been working on, and I’m excited to finally share it over the next year!
DJ_Dave
DJ_Dave is a trailblazer in the electronic world, synonymous with the art of creating music in real-time with code.The LA-based artist creates all sounds on stage, projecting a live feed of her code, and incorporating live vocals, she blends live and electronic elements in a way few audiences have ever witnessed. A vocal proponent of creative coding and ethical digital practices, DJ_Dave is shaping a new frontier at the intersection of art and technology.
So excited to announce I'll be part of the Beatport Next program in 2026! I can't wait to share my process with the Beatport community and help grow the creative coding scene in electronic music ♡
Jennifer Loveless
Jennifer Loveless has spent decades living in and absorbing various scenes around the globe, from her native Canada to Australia, now based in Berlin. Her emotive, body-pulsing, romping sets span the wide gamut of house and shimmy into techno with a sense of warmth. A prolific producer, Loveless is a force among the queer powers driving this moment in dance music history.
I'm looking forward to 2026 with Beatport Next! I'm very grateful to be included and excited to share new music!
Kikelomo
British-Nigerian, Kikelomo is a critically acclaimed DJ, presenter and co-founder of Oroko Radio. The Rinse FM resident is a regular fixture at Berghain/Panorama Bar, having showcased her sound across stages such as Dekmantel Selektors, Nowadays, and Baketoo. Deeply committed to diversity and inclusion in the music industry, Kikelomo has established programs equipping individuals from marginalized identities with the skills and confidence to progress their careers.
I've been working on music for a while, building my confidence in my sound as well as in the studio. I feel like it's time to take the next step in my music making journey, so being accepted into the Beatport Next programme couldn't have come at a better time, I am incredibly excited to share all the projects and music I have in store!
Maara
Montréal native, Berlin-based Maara has carved out a distinctive niche in the dance music world with her proggy signature club sound. Following the release of her first album ‘The Ancient Truth’, Maara has debuted live sets at high-calibre festivals like Mutek, Solstice and Sustain-Release. Having launched her own club imprint, Ancient Records, and with another album on the way, Maara has cemented her status as a mainstay within the underground electronic space.
I’m stoked to be part of Beatport NEXT for 2026, and can't wait to share all the music I've been working on for this year! Huge thanks to Beatport for the support.
Omar+
London-based Omar+ is carving out his own lane in the electronic landscape, blending new-school R&B vocals with bumping house and 4x4 flavours. Garnering support from some of the biggest selectors in the game from Peggy Gou to Prospa, Omar+’s sound has propelled him to major stages like Warehouse Project and Reading & Leeds. With a sold-out headline tour on the horizon and a new residency at Rinse FM, Omar+ is quickly establishing himself as one of dance music’s most exciting breakout names.
Honoured to be part of the Beatport Next program in 2026, got a lot of music in the vault I can’t wait for you to hear!
Rosey Gold
Drawing inspiration from a wide musical lineage, South African Rosey Gold’s intentions are clear - to amplify an African diaspora-rooted sound within a global electronic context. Holding a prestigious residency at Hi Ibiza, where she performs alongside Black Coffee and Damian Lazarus, Gold was named Beatport’s “One to Watch” at the Beatport Awards in 2025. A trusted selector, Rosey Gold is undoubtedly a defining voice in contemporary African electronic music.
Being part of Beatport Next in 2026 feels like a full-circle moment. After receiving the One to Watch award in 2025, this opportunity feels aligned with where I am creatively, and I’m excited to continue sharing the music and ideas I’m committed to while building globally and staying rooted in the sounds and stories that shape my work.
Sam Alfred
DJ/producer Sam Alfred is one of Australia’s most exciting exports in dance music. A fastidious DJ and precocious artist, Egypt-born, Sudanese Alfred is continuously pushing the sound of the country and cultivating its growth in the global circuit. With sold-out shows across Asia, Europe, and Australia under his belt, Alfred effortlessly navigates jazz-tipped house, deep cuts, and UK garage, all with a distinct '90s lens.
I'm super excited to be part of the Beatport Next program in 2026. Beatport has been a staple in my DJing since I started, so I’m looking forward to working with them on showing you guys some upcoming projects.
WOST
Bogotá-based WOST is a pivotal figure in the Latin American club scene, merging sounds of the Global South such as dembow and raptor house with techno and garage. Having released music on labels such as TraTraTrax and Trip Recordings, WOST has earned plays in major industry heavyweights’ sets such as Skrillex, Nina Kraviz and Jamie XX.
I’m very excited to join Beatport Next 2026. As a Venezuelan artist, I see this as a space to share a sound that connects heritage, movement, and forward-thinking club music.
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