Check out our curators’ favorite picks in every genre with our Beatport Curation Best of 2024 playlists on Beatport.

Adriane Jackson

Curating: Minimal / Deep Tech

Liquid Earth, Sakro, Voigtmann, Kepler, Locklead

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

Craigie Knows, Limousine Dream, fabric Records, Rawax, (Unknown to the Unknown/Hot Haus Recs)

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

Christopher Ledger, Julian Anthony, Milion

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

Although this release initially pre-dates 2024, former vinyl-only label Secret Society Chile has released their back catalogue onto digital platforms this year. Included in this catalogue is the beautiful Mac Stories LP from Yamen & EDA. "Figure Four" highlights the duo's tasteful production style eloquently with a crunchy east-coast house groove layered with eerie (yet jazzy) melodics, rolling bassline and quirky FX. Exactly my cup of tea!

I wanted to highlight this beautifully crafted track from Mexico's Barbara Alvarez that came out this year on her own imprint, Borderline Black. When I first heard it, my ears perked up like a dog. I love the dirty electro bassline juxtaposed by the soulful pitch-bent chords. To me, this is the perfect after-party vibe.

Amanda Abouzeid

Curating: Tech House

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

Manda Moor, Freenzy, Angel Heredia, Ammo Avenue, Harvy Valencia

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

Mood Child, And Dance, elrow Music, Hot Creations, NoZzo Music

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

Francis De Simone, SIDE B, Marian (BR)

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

"Boothy" is a vibrant acid-inspired track from Mood Child's label boss himself, Sirus Hood, featuring Trangaz’s catchy vocals that vividly narrate the adventures of the DJ booth. Label co-owner, Manda Moor joins in on this bomb of a track with her "Spicy" remix, bringing her signature groovy drum patterns to the forefront. It’s been a standout in my sets all year, and I just can’t get enough!

At just 22 years old, Manchester-based DJ and producer Collier has made a remarkable debut with his first two releases on the iconic labels Hottrax and Hot Creations, all within just four years of producing music. His track "Freak" showcases energetic drums, a rolling analog bassline, and infectious vocals, lighting up dance floors around the globe. With his distinctive sound and swift rise in the industry, I’m excited to see what’s next for this promising talent.

Andrew Ortiz

Curating: Dance / Pop, Funky House, Mainstage

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

Blond:ish, David Guetta, Diplo, Hardwell, ARTBAT

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

Revealed Recordings, Spinnin' Records, Thrive Music, Insomniac Records, Ministry of Sound Recordings

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

Disco Lines, Twoxi, Jaden Bojsen

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

Diplo took a classic rock anthem and flipped it for the clubs and festivals. Diplo created a great bassline and let the original vocal carry the track. Simplicity is the key when you have such a great vocal, and this lends to Diplo's genius as a producer and remixer.

I've been such a huge fan of BLOND:ish. This is one of those tracks that I not only play in the club, but I will listen to in the car or at my house. Stevie Appleton's lyrics and voice are incredible. This is a perfect example of a feel-good record!

Daniel Sokolovskiy

Curating: Psy-Trance, Trance (Main Floor), Trance (Raw / Deep / Hypnotic)

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

DINA, Starlab (IN), Alien Art, Lostly, JEKU

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

Goddezz, Iboga Records, Comet Collective, Strobin Records, NSDA

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

Artmis, Maara, Exotek

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

Spain-based Aeryeen (real name Ariadna) has an incredible knack for capturing the true essence of trance music. Her latest track, "Knew All Along," is a masterclass in melodic uplift, delivering euphoric energy while steering clear of cliché. With its soaring melodies, driving rhythm, and emotive atmosphere, this track is bound to resonate with trance purists and newcomers alike, showcasing Aeryeen’s refined artistry.

There’s a new Psy-Trance subgenre emerging – deep, twisted, and hypnotic – and Nardia’s "Earth" is a perfect example of it. Blending progressive grooves with a distinctly psychedelic edge reminiscent of Hallucinogen, this track takes you on a wild, mind-bending journey. Nardia has truly nailed this sound, making 'Earth' a standout in the evolving Psy scene.

Ghedion Behonegne

Curating: Afro House & Melodic House & Techno

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

Mpho.Wav, Dlala Thukzin, Fiona Kraft, Shimza, Desiree (RSA)

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

Aluku Records, Kunye, Stay True Sounds, Platoon, DM.Recordings

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

Peekay Mzee, KNVL., Suffocate SA

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

2024 was such a good year for Afro House, so making these choices is extremely hard. However, Dlala Thukzin is in a class all by himself, and although I picked VAR from his Finally Famous Too album that was released in September of 2024, I could have easily picked 5 other tracks from this project. "VAR" captures the best of Dlala's magic for me, the drive and tough aesthetic of Gqom Tech, the complexity of 3 Step all expertly pieced together in a way that is inimitably Dlala Thukzin. This song absolutely always wrecks the dance floor. No one else makes music like him. And when you hear the eponymous produce tag you know mayhem is about to ensue!

Vanco showed a side of himself this year that cemented him as one of the best producers in Afro House, from forays into Gqom with DJ Lag to this absolute peak time, pure Afro Tech weapon his range and depth were amazing to witness. "Keladi" landed in my promo box months before it came out and it was the most requested ID of my sets this year. Ahmed Soso's triumphant and defiant vocals pair perfectly with Vanco's aggressive lead synths and one of the toughest, make-a-screw-face drops you will ever hear in the genre. I really didn't enjoy picking just two tracks, and I would be remiss not to mention the stellar projects from a whole host of artists, including Mpho.Wav, Thakzin, Jnr SA, Culoe de Song, Atmos Blaq, Citizen Deep, Charisse C, Kususa, and Miči. What a year for Afro House!

Jeanette Kats

Curating: Dubstep

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

Rezz, MUST DIE!, Kompany, Zingara, Jessica Audiffred

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

Gud Vibrations, A Records, Welcome Records, Ophelia, Deadbeats

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

TYNAN, Steller, Neotek

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

After releasing just one track in 2023, Zomboy's "Fall Out" was met with instant appreciation from his dedicated fanbase. WIth a powerful introductory theme, the single quickly builds into a whirlwind of hard-hitting drums and mind-bending sound design. Once again, Zomboy proves why he's considered one of the greatest dubstep producers of all time.

Exciting bass music up-and-comers Vastive and RZRKT teamed up for the hard-hitting single "You Will Die," featured on Vastive’s Bite Back EP. With a menacing introduction featuring intense vocals along with a relentless drop, the track is a raw, powerhouse fusion of metal and dubstep.

Lis Sarroca

Curating: Deep House, Indie Dance

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

Janeret, Harrison BDP, Tatie Dee, Tom Carruthers, Alinka

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

Apparel Music, Bosconi Nu Groove Records, 20/20 Vision Recordings, Chiwax

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

Soul Of Hex, Bárbara Boeing, Huerta

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

"Kosmische Conga" works as the leader of the pack and pirouettes with memorable hooks, synthesizer swells and descant acid lines. Echopet introverts the whole concept, while Minehead peaks with it. Named after the seaside town that harbored the Bloc Weekend festival, it's a warp-free romantic reflex of the brain dance vibe – or a heartfelt love song for circuits. Carinacid completes the quartet with a chugging and hugging mid-tempo beat that could have gone on forever. Acid test passed!

Berlin-based producer Joe Davies makes his return to Smallville Records and continues his trajectory to produce the deepest of deep house as suitably elegant, packed with filtry tones and majestic keys.

Marlene Blennberger

Curating: UK Garage / Bassline

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

Sammy Virji , Interplanetary Criminal , Oppidan , MPH , Bushbaby

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

Southpoint , ATW Records , Four40 Records , ec2a , Time Is Now Records

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

Introspekt , Jack Marlow , Bullet Tooth

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

Oppidan has many skills as a producer, one of them is making an edit of a track that is unexpected to be a UKG banger. That’s the result of the remake of “Mr. Sandman”. It was played at festivals during the whole summer of 2023 and then she finally released it in the beginning of 2024 and of course it blew up. Sublime work of one of UK garage’s biggest producers right now.

Legend in the scene, Jeremy Sylvester never loses the pulse of the UKG genre or stops reinventing the sound. As soon as I heard “Yard Vibes” with Maria Labelle on vocals from his Time Is Now EP Flashback, I just felt complete satisfaction. You instantly hear Jeremy’s signature bass-driven, cocky, raw, and funky sound. A real gem!

Paula Ortega

Curating: Organic House / Downtempo, Progressive House

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

Gai Barone, Hernan Cattaneo, Four Candles, Jamie Stevens, Mike Griego

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

Bedrock Records, Balance Music, A line in the sand, Diviine, Anjunadeep

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

Scippo, Forty Cats, Polo

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

This year's favourite traps us in its wild hypnosis that dominates the dance floor on every occasion. It remains etched in the back of our minds like a mantra that is impossible to let go of. It brings together the trend in progressive house vocals, that ambiguous place between melody and spoken word, between loop and sampling performed by emerging German artist Mary Lean, an angelic texture that blends perfectly with thick bass.

This track reflects a rather surreal image, that of two bass lines in the middle of an argument. The power of this track enhances the dance floor like no other and surprises with its instrumentation, filling every space in the spectrum with few elements as if they were entering and exiting an infinite tunnel of lights.

Phodii

Curating: Amapiano

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

Vigro Deep, Kelvin Momo, Babalwa M, Zee Nxumalo, Sam Deep

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

New Money Gang Records, Piano Hub, Mguzuguzu Records, Sound African Recordings, Kreative Kornerr

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

Tycoon, Kwamzy, J Slayz

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

This record is such a worthy remix of a House classic and deserves all of its flowers for its originality. DBN Gogo's approach to mostly working with underrated talent is always a success. In my opinion, most of the young kids producing Amapiano, are some of the best Amapiano producers in the industry and are arguably more refined and more creative versions of the pioneers of the genre. Effected and Triple X Da Ghost have been on my radar in 2024, and seeing them team up with DBN Gogo to recreate this House classic was not on my bingo cards, but I'm glad it happened because it's somewhat an introduction to the new sonic shifts in the genre.

MDU aka TRP known as the godfather of the signature log drum in Amapiano has always stayed true to his soulful roots. Although this may not be the usual club banger to spotlight, I felt it was important to shed light on the soulful, vulnerable and melodic side of Amapiano. The musicality in this record is so beautiful and well thought out - it's almost reminiscent of 2019/2020 Amapiano (what many regard as the grassroots of the sound we've all come to love).

Raphael P, aka The Checkup

Curating: House, Homepage

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

Dj Sneak, Hilit Kolet, Riva Starr, St. David, Kristin Velvet

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

Snatch! Records, Sub Urban, Kaoz Theory, Rekids, Nu Groove

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

Dj Merci, The Trip (UK), From House To Disco

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

For me, it's clear as daylight, and Riva Starr has arguably one of the tracks of the year. Yes, it's a remix of a classic, but his take on it is worthy of a maestro. He only really teases the original samples while imposing an absolute thumping groove and beat and shakes the walls all around. This one is an absolute must and deserves all the recognition in the house music world.

Not every track chosen has to be an absolute peak time banger. Nonetheless, this Dj Sneak track was a staple in my sets, whichever time of the night you played it. It really does have everything you need. A hypnotic energy, an energetic vibe, loopy while dabbling with deep elements. For me, it's just such a big tune, and it's hard to choose one from the master that Sneak is because he has a huge output, and also, every track he comes out with is a hit.

Ross Jackson

Curating: Electronica, Techno (Peak Time / Driving), Techno (Raw / Deep / Hypnotic)

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

James K, Brendon Moeller, Nala Sinephro, Max Graef, Delta Rain Dance

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

Athens of The North, Ilian Tape, Balmat, H-Productions, ara

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

Stefan Vincent, Julia Govor, Klint

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

My first favourite track of 2024 has to go to Nuron’s "Blanchimont." Landing on the always stellar De:tuned label, this particular cut really did it for me with its beautiful analog synthlines and overall mood. The melancholy melody comes in early on in the track and it’s not until a good halfway through that the bassline kicks in and drives this piece to the finish line. Check out Nuron and De:tuned for more goodness, especially their latest release, Analog Days by Robert Leiner.

It was extremely hard to pick between "Heima" and ‘Blinkmoth (July Mix)’ but they both have one thing in common, James K’s amazing singing. I simply cannot get enough of her ethereal voice and it’s used so well in collaboration with Fergus Jones (aka Perko) and Huerco S.’s pristine production. "Heima" is a shuffling, stepping number with bottomless bass and ghostly atmospheres, topped off with those amazing vocals. It’s a truly special track.

Steve Robinson

Curating: Jackin House, Nu Disco / Disco

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

DJ Sneak, Demuir, Tiptoes, St. David, Dam Swindle

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

Purveyor Underground, Robsoul Recordings, Frosted Recordings, Heist, Brobot Records

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

Jackard, Vincent Caira, Lekind

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

Tiptoes has been one of my favourite producers for a while, and this track on his label DKOI (launched this year alongside Illyus, of Illyus & Barrientos) is easily one of my tracks of the year. You can always pull out a Tiptoes record and be guaranteed to get a reaction, and this is no different. Tiptoes' signature chords, drums, and vocal sampling combine to make this a favourite for me.

An incredible piece of house music from Dam Swindle, as you'd expect. I love this track and it was difficult to choose a favourite of theirs from this year. This track has the lush pads of deep house and jackin' style drums that combine perfectly with a classic house vocal hook and chords; what a record!

Tommy Vaudecrane

Curating: Hard Dance / Hardcore / Neo Rave

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

Luciid, TNT, Carv, Broken Minds, Sara Landry, BYØRN

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

Verknipt Records, Revised Records, Hekate Records, Art of Creation, Dirty Workz

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

Novah (BE), Fei-Fei, Yoshiko

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

Producing the first release for a big new label is always a challenge for an artist. For this first release by Verknipt Records, Luciid delivered an incredible dance floor banger, showing once again his amazing production skills. He is clearly one of the artists to follow, and this track remains one of the best Neo Rave tracks of the year.

Being one of the creators and leading artists of the hardstyle scene, Headhunterz has always been innovating and pushing the boundaries of this genre. This release proves that artists can always renew their style. With this emotional and atmospheric track, Headhunterz took everyone by surprise. This is clearly one of the best hardstyle tracks of the year, even maybe of the decade!

Valerick Lantin-Beaulieu

Curating: Hard Techno

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

LESSSS, CLTX, Svetec, Remon Verhoeve, Aida Arko

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

No Mercy, AGONY, Audiocode, Darkground Records, Definition of Hard Techno

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

KLOUD (US), Marco Leckbert, Sara Krin

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

Marco is one of the best producers from the new generation of Hard Techno/Schranz. 2024 has been a really productive year for him, releasing his album debut and some other great releases, playing all around the world and managing his own label, Darkground Records. On Schranz Will Never Die, he stays true to the roots of the original Schranz sound, with the personal and contemporary touch that you can find in all his productions. A driving and powerful Hard Techno track, an ode to what Schranz is.

This year, the mysterious masked producer from the US got my full attention. He released only a few tracks, but all of them were super nice, well produced, and with a special touch that stands out from the actual European Hard Techno sound. "RIGHT NOW," a straight-to-the-point banger can drive a dance floor straight to the moon. Can't wait to hear more about KLOUD!

Will Gulseven

Curating: Electro (Modern / Classic / Detroit)

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

DJ MELL G, Ben Pest, Ma Sha, LWS, BLUMITSU

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

Dionysian Mysteries, Science Cult, Clasico, Faux Poly, Candy Mountain

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

Danny Goliger, Beatrice M, Jadzia

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

It’s hard to pick a favourite from RNBWS’s Finest Gear EP, released at the start of 2024 via Munich’s RFR Records. Over the release’s four tracks, RNBWS flits between swirling trance, weighty breaks, and in the case of "LXTC," grooving electro. This one’s a tried-and-tested smasher, driven along by that earworm of a vocal sample and killer bassline. The whole release is worth checking out but for an all-out club tool, draw for "LXTC."

Landing in October on Aloka’s own Typeless Records, "F W US" proves exactly why you should never overlook a B-side. Aloka and Ben Prophet ramped the intensity up to 11 on "F W US," with colossal kicks ricocheting under precision-chopped breaks and warping bass. One for the peak hours!

Yann Bonnet

Curating: 140 / Deep Dubstep / Grime, Bass / Club, Bass House, Breaks / Breakbeat / UK Bass, Drum & Bass, Trap / Future Bass

My Top 5 Artists of 2024:

Magugu, Sam Binga, Roska, Samourai Breaks, ONHELL

My Top 5 Labels of 2024:

Critical Music, Overview Music, TraTraTrax Records, Pineapple Records, Moveltraxx

My Top 3 Artists To Watch:

Tryst Temps, VISLA, Anais

My Two Favorite Tracks of 2024:

Recently released on his own label, GUGUGANG RECORDS imprint, Voice of Versatility is an album by the pidgin rap guru Magugu, which is set to break the rules and keep the dance floors and energy pumped this summer. The aim of the album is to show off his versatility in songwriting and making good-quality music. The album runs from 100 - 170 bpm and features all different genres, including grime, dubstep, drum 'n' bass, dancehall, reggae, bass house, and more — featuring collaborations from Rider Shafique, Killa P, Le Motel, and Dubzta. Let’s focus on the track "Bad Man Ting" featuring Killa P, one of my favourite tunes off this album! On a minimalistic, hybrid bass-infused instrumental produced by Magugu himself, Killa P joins forces for an association of two of the most unique and singular flows in the global bass music scene. The result is an absolute banger that has been busy blasting the dance floors of festivals across the globe this summer!

Sam Binga and Rider Shafique return to Critical in their usual atypical style, smudging the lines between dancehall, hip-hop and US club music with three vocal-driven sonic killers with two releases of three tracks — original and remixes. If "Bamboo" is pure dancehall, with a stabbing basement rhythm and ridden by a slack set of lyrics from Rider that would do Vybz Kartel proud — but let’s focus on the remix. Enei reworks the track in a dance-floor-friendly style, with a classic '90s drooping bassline and tough two-step drums laying out the framework for Rider’s gruff vocals. One of my favourite tune this summer!