Recommended techno artists: from big names to rising newcomers [2026]

LENSHIROYUKI ARAKAWA

LENS (Origilal)

Hiroyuki Arakawa Live @ ASIA

A producer who serves as the label owner of SPECTRA, a cutting-edge techno label at the forefront of Japan’s techno scene, and who has achieved remarkable milestones such as collaborating with Frank Müller and releasing on Toolroom, the world’s leading tech house label.

His strength lies in his live sets, characterized by a diverse soundscape that ranges from melodic to banging.

End Of The DeathMars89

Mars89 – End Of The Death [Bokeh Versions]

Mars89 roaring techno set | BUDX Tokyo

An artist with a distinctive left-field touch who took flight from Japan to the world in 2019.

Their willingness to share healthy political messages without fear—through social media and demonstrations—has given courage to many young people.

Expectations are also rising for their future endeavors in fashion, as they have worked on collections for the domestic brand Undercover and produced advertising music for Louis Vuitton.

ViperDRUNKEN KONG

Drunken Kong – Viper (Original Mix) [Octopus Records]

Drunken Kong closing set at Boulevard Club, Off Week 2017, Barcelona

A techno duo consisting of D.

Singh, who is also highly skilled as an engineer, and the talented and beautiful DJ KYOKO.

By teaming up with their different backgrounds, they’ve created tightly crafted, groove-rich tracks that stay firmly on the cutting edge and set trends.

A rising act from Japan poised to attract increasing global attention.

I Wanna Go Back (Feat. Blake Baxter)Ben Sims

Ben Sims – I Wanna Go Back (Feat. Blake Baxter)

Ben Sims | Boiler Room x AVA Festival 2019

A UK-born techno DJ who runs a festival and label called Hardgroove.

His background spans various dance music styles such as hip-hop and house, and the simple techno grooves grounded in those sounds carry a certain sense of “conviction” that’s hard to put into words.

Your MindAdam Beyer & Bart Skils

Adam Beyer & Bart Skils – Your Mind [Drumcode]

Adam Beyer at Théâtre antique de Lugdunum in Lyon, France for Cercle

Adam Beyer, a veteran who helped spark the trend of massive techno festivals like Awakenings.

As both a DJ and a producer, he still feels firmly at the top, continuing to help pioneer the techno scene.

By the way, this is a proper techno track that was one of the biggest floor hits of 2018.

Test-FileMarcel Dettmann

Test-File

MARCEL DETTMANN | Live set at DGTL Amsterdam 2019 – Gain by RA stage

A mixed sensibility built from diverse backgrounds and a decadent sound color have shaped his techno.

Marcel Dettmann’s works radiate a highly distinctive soundscape—one of a kind—and he’s invariably invited to Japan’s most famous and hugely popular outdoor festivals.

MorganaMonika Kruse

Monika Kruse – Morgana

Monika Kruse @ Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck in Paris, France for Cercle

Hailing from Berlin, Germany, Monika Kruse stepped into the techno scene in the early 1990s and has continued to promote messages of celebrating diversity and opposing discrimination through her music.

She founded her own label, Terminal M, and has performed at numerous renowned festivals and events.

Since 1999, she has been a regular at Time Warp and has DJed at major festivals and clubs across Europe.

In music production, she has released solo work since 1997, pursuing a wide range of activities.

Notably, her albums Changes of Perception and Traces reflect her musical influences and personal experiences.

Her emotional, richly melodic sound has moved many listeners.