Best Breakthrough House Artists of 2021- [Read]

In the year proceeding the pandemic, we’ve seen a beautiful resurgence in the music and culture we’ve become a part of over the years. Here are some fresh house artists that had a huge breakthrough this year, in no particular order.

1) John Summit

While the music and love flowed this year as people left quarantine, and events came back in full swing, so many amazing artists of every subgenre of electronic music came into their own. The first I’d like to mention is Beatport’s top selling artist of the last year, John Summit. Summit has made an impressive rise in the scene in such a short period of time, dropping chart topping hits left and right. 

2021 saw John Summit‘s anthemic releases of “Human”, his “Drinkee” remix with Vintage Culture,  the anticipated single “Make Me Feel”, as well as his sought after remix of a Parachute Youth classic, “Better Than This”. John Summit also performed a legendary B2B this year with Lee Foss, as well as a masterclass set at Club Space Miami, and a prime slot at EDC Orlando. Get familiar with the name John Summit, I feel like this is just the beginning for the house prodigy. 

2) ACRAZE

If you’re on social media or have been to any events this year, you’ve likely heard ACRAZE‘s smash hit, “Do It To It”. With over 100 million streams across platforms since it’s release in August, this track took the world by storm. “Do It To It” has been featured in millions of TikToks, virtually every DJ set of the summer, and remixes by artists ranging from Zedd to Subtronics. With that in mind, ACRAZE is not a one trick pony. 

ACRAZE also has esteemed features on DJ Snake‘s 2020 deluxe album, ‘Carte Blanche’, as well as Malaa‘s sought after Illegal Mixtape Vol. 3. ACRAZE also knew how to get the people going with his house remastering of the smash disco hit, “Funky Town”. Watch out for more earth shaking releases from ACRAZE in 2022. 

3) Channel Tres

Another multidimensional, elite talent that had a huge year I’d love to mention is Channel Tres. Channel Tres is a cultural icon in a multitude of ways, landing on the map with his smash hit, “Topdown”. His signature silky, deep vocals and refreshing production are sought after by artists of every genre, like Polo & Pan, SG Lewis, Duke Dumont, Disclosure, ZHU, Tyler The Creator, and many more. 

Beckoning to the necessity for more prominent Black artists in the house music scene, Channel Tres is revolutionizing the concept of multidisciplinary artists. Incorporating contemporary hip hop, with alluring house basslines and soundscapes, Channel Tres is just getting started. Check out this absolute vibe of a rooftop set from Channel Tres for Mixmag. 

4) Vintage Culture

Vintage Culture has been making waves as a vibe curator in the house scene for a while, but this year really saw Vintage Culture deservedly hit some more mainstream notes. The Brazilian DJ has been touring the world for a few years now, and has a solid international fanbase. Known for his notable remixes and hot name collaborations, Vintage Culture has been hard at work with almost 30 single releases this year. 

Some notable releases from Vintage Culture this year include his Drinkee remix with John Summit, “Coming Home” with Anabel Englund, “Last Thought” with Sonny Fodera and MKLA, as well as his esteemed remix of RUFUS DU SOL‘s hit, “Next To Me“. Take note of Vintage Culture’s work ethic and peep my personal favorite, the Drinkee remix. 

5) Earth n Days

Last but certainly not least is Earth n Days, the Hungarian duo constantly topping Beatport’s charts. The duo was founded just in 2017, with the intent to bring fresh perspectives to the Eastern European house scene. The duo incorporates classic house elements with funk, pop, and jazzy basslines to create a blissful sonic feel. Check out their popular funkalicious single, “Just Be Good To Me”, here.