Across the globe, there are an unimaginable amount of wonderful people making magical music that will stand the the test of time. But the mainstream market is small and specific, and we're bored with it, quite honestly. There is a new wave of artists that are ready to elbow their way to the top, and the OG's that never quite figured out how important social media is (or how to maximize it) are still swinging.
Instead of quietly complaining, the DAD staff decided to band together as a team in an effort to showcase some of our favorite producers with less than 5,000 followers. This was our opportunity to spread the word to artists, labels, booking agencies, blogs, and fans of music about some of the artists that move us. We hope this sheds some light on these massive(-ly underappreciated) producers.
Colta
Number of Followers: 4951
SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/colta
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Colta is down with Team Supreme and rising faster than you might think. He's on the cusp of the 5000 club and his run of productions towards the end of 2013 blew our collective minds. Experimentations in club music with this one and we're salivating for more. —Brent
Big Dope P
Number of Followers: 4892
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/doppie
Location: Paris, France
Big Dope P is making making records that really don't sound like anything else. His "Diggity Two" release last summer contained remixes from Maya Jane Coles, Kaytranada, and Ben Mono, a trio that's netted 1.5 million followers just on SoundCloud. To say that he is a tastemaker is an understatement, and there is no waver in my stance that this Parisian is long overdue for his run on the festival circuit. —Nappy
Akshin
Number of Followers: 4820
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/akshin
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
Akshin came on my radar through one of soundcloud's more underrated features: it's reccommendations. The Azerbaijan producer has continuously topped the Beatport funk charts and listening to his jams there's no doubt as to why. —Jake
Lee Bannon
Number of Followers: 4790
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/bannon
Location: Sacramento, CA
The fact that Lee Bannon has under 5K SoundCloud fans doesn't even begin to tell the story. The NorCal-born experimental hip-hop junglist has made waves cuttin' and spinnin' beats for Brooklyn bols Joey Bada$$ and the Progressive Era (a.k.a. Pro Era) crew and as a solo artist. His lower SoundCloud count belies this massive talent. On the one hand he'll deliver breakneck boom bap and on the other he might deliver some other-wordly jungle. Bannon's ability to effortlessly mix and match sonic pallates is truly special. —Jake
DJ Earl
Number of Followers: 4786
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/djearlteckz
Location: Chicago, IL
It's crazy to think that one of the most important members of the most important collective in footwork (TEKLIFE) is sitting under 5,000 followers, but DJ Earl certainly is. We can safely say that this is because he's uploaded one mix and one original record to his soundcloud, but it still seems inexcusable. —Nappy
Infuze
Number of Followers: 4695
SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/infuze
Location: New York City, NY
Versatility seems to be the way of the flex in bass music these days and there are few better current examples than Infuze. And it's surprising with his resume that he's stacked releasing tunes for a who's who of record labels we all love, that he's not more of a household name. 2014 could see the break out for sure. —Brent
DJ Assault
Number of Followers: 4630
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/djassault
Location: Detroit, MI
DJ Assault is one of the figureheads in the ghettotech scene, and yet his three-year-old SoundCloud account is still hovering under 4700 followers. Is his sound the sound of now? Not necessarily, although with a number of genres bridging that gap (and a mix on Diplo & Friends just last year), you'd assume he'd at least have people flocking to see what he has coming next. —khal
jelacee
Number of Followers: 4436
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/jelacee
Location: London, UK
The beat scene is exploding, and the world is focusing on guys like Kaytranada and Mr. Carmack. Rightfully so. They're both monsters. You're selling yourself short though if you're sleeping London's jelacee. Wonky synths, thumping bass drops, and snappy drum work are the standard, and he does what he does REALLY well. All of his work has come out in the past six months as well, and we can't imagine he's plugging the hole on his inspirational flow anytime soon. —Nappy
Jon Kwest
Number of Followers: 4310
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/jon-kwest
Location: Washington, D.C.
Jon Kwest is a phenom living in DC that has been creating records with rare breaks and go-go drums that are truly mind-blowing. And as amazing as those tunes are, he's also making moombahton, baltimore club, footwork, house, and electro that has us shaking our heads. Almost none of his records are downloadable though, so fans can't share his sounds. His collaborative Boom Bap Back EP with Munchi is the first time we can remember him giving a pack of tunes out for free, and might be the project that truly opens the door for him. —Nappy
DJ Apt One
Number of Followers: 4164
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/djaptone
Location: Philadelphia, PA
There is just so much fun and exuberance to be had with this bloke - whether he's fucking with disco or moombahton, Apt always does so with an ear for a fresh angle that most would envy. Better still, he does so with a technical execution that is rarely found in dance music. With a flair for composition, deconstruction and allowing instrumentation to truly breath, he reminds us all that good things come when you follow your own instincts rather that the herd. —NQJ
iV
Number of Followers: 4102
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/thatkidiv
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
You're going to feel really stupid in a year or two when Issac Valenzuela (pka iV) blows up in 18-24 months and you weren't getting his hottest tracks on your SoundCloud feed. If Washington, DC's rap scene was a bit better organized, this would have already happened, but, with rap and dance being synonymous these days, it's a matter of not if, but when will iV hit the next level. There's a learning curve apparent in his sound that gives it a certain vitality. The way the snares hit, the way the grooves ride, every track feels like that first time you fell in love with how dope rap music made you feel. —Marcus
Madeaux
Number of Followers: 4026
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/madeaux
Location: Miami, FL
This guy seems to get loads of critical acclaim; we were enamored with his work when we first caught wind, and everything we've heard since has been fire. Maybe people are just patiently waiting to give him his due, but you'd think that all of those heads who are looking for "quality electronic music" would have propped Madeaux on their shoulders already. —khal
Cobra Krames
Number of Followers: 3998
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/cobrakrames
Location: New York, NY
Cobra Krames is a machine who is constantly putting out amazing remixes, DJ tools and original songs. How productive is he? Well, he has 16 tracks on his soundcloud from the last six months. As with most of my picks, the vast majority of his tracks are free. The great thing about Cobra Krames is how he make bangers in almost every genre of clubby bass music. You'll find trap, club, twerk, house and even footwork. —Brice
Cafe Con Leche
Number of Followers: 3964
SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/escafeconleche
Location: Los Angeles, CA / Miami, FL
This one is just a straight up crime that we even have to mention Craze and Klever as "ones to watch." These vets have more cred than probably anyone else on this list. And their combined forces make some outstanding music. Dive in already. —Brent
MIKOS DA GAWD
Number of Followers: 3913
SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/mikos-da-gawd
Location: San Francisco, CA
MIKOS DA GAWD's SoundCloud only looks to be a shade over nine months old so this growth is in a hurry. And his beat driven hip-hop-esque deep vibes are fitting right in with what's cracking on the underground. Just watch this dude keep rising. —Brent
DJ Melo
Number of Followers: 3872
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/azdjmelo
Location: Phoenix, AZ
It's en easy-to-make argument to say that DJ Melo was the best producer in the world at making moombahton in 2013. As well, one could make the same claim for 2010, 2011, and 2012, too. There's an inherent interplay between funk and soul in Melo's style that elevates it to something that expands the definition of what many believe moombahton to be. In being fully aware of the Latin vibe, but also inherently aware of the dance-floor excellence of rap and its inspirations, his style whether by himself (or with Pickster One as Kingman Fire) is par excellence. —Marcus
Boyfriend
Number of Followers: 3815
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/boyfriend
Location: Lithuania
Lithuanian producer Vytis Gruzdys's work across various downbeat genres in many ways embodies much of what is sadly currently missing in the moombahton scene that brought him to our attention - the ability to explore moods and add depth and texture, taking the sound away from the cliche banger mode. Drawing on melodic tendencies that reflect his East European roots while staying attuned to the bass music zeitgeist, Boyfriend is the friend to those who like it deep and smart. —NQJ
Captain Planet
Number of Followers: 3689
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/dj-captain-planet
Location: Brooklyn, NY / Los Angeles, CA
He calls his sound "bastard jazz," and that might not be far from the mark. Blending all kinds of sounds into one distinct soup, Capt. Planet could be a producer/DJ that fans of Major Lazer should check out if they want something even more authentic to the vibrant sounds of the world, tricked out for electronic music lovers. —khal
Basenji
Number of Followers: 3687
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/officialbasenji
Location: Sydney, Australia
Australia's Basenji has under 5K fans yes, but that's not for long. The Sydney-based producer has already gotten shine allover the blogosphere and has the same management behind Wave Racer, a fellow Aussie who blew up just last year. —Jake
Javeon
Number of Followers: 3414
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/javeonmusic
Location: Bristol, UK
Truth be told, it won't be long before Javeon no longer qualfies for this list. The PMR Records-signed singer has only had two singles so far (each produced by the likes of Tourist and MNEK), but with each one he has delivered his unique soulful style that'll have Disclosure fans sure to swoon. With a label like PMR and Benny Blanco's management behind him, watch Javeon bubble this year. —Jake
Kasum
Number of Followers: 3369
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/kasum
Location: New York, NY
Kasum's remixes are not version of older songs, they are entirely new tracks. Every track makes me feel like I have been literally gutted. They rip the feels directly and cleanly from ballads already chaulk full of emotion. A finger on the feelings so in tune, they must be his own, and they are mine and yours as well. —Lori
Diamond Bass
Number of Followers: 3343
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/diamond-bass
Location: London, UK
From Portugal but living in London, Diamond Bass combines the music of his two homes perfectly; crafting deep vibes layered on tropical drum patterns of the likes you can't help but dance to. He doesn't put out a ton of music, but when he does, it's worth it. —Brice
SwaggleRock
Number of Followers: 3339
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/swagglerock
Location: Buffalo, NY
These guys have been DAD homies for quite some time. Buzz Trillington and Shooter McNappin will soon dig themselves from the snow to bring their music live and direct to the world. Until then, they stay hibernating and trolling making music and getting their swaggle on, if you will. —Lori
Chromatic
Number of Followers: 3324
SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/chromaticnz
Location: Auckland, NZ
Chromatic first popped up on many a-raver's radar when he collaborated with gLAdiator for the massive number "Gamecube Nintendo." Since then the Auckland-based producer has honed his phat-bottomed beats into releases on Think 2wice and Symbols, and in the process made some of DAD's favorite music to hit our galaxies. Yet, the NZ producer has gained little traction it seems. —Jake
CRIMES!
Number of Followers: 3315
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/crimeskill
Location: Southern California
CRIMES! is a relatively known bass music giant living in California that's making tunes that would absolutely shatter the mainstream. I featured a record of his called "Bulletpr00f" in my mix for Skream and Benga on BBC, and it was just one of a dozen that he's sent me over the last six months that he's been tucking. His fortê is trap and dubstep, and he really doesn't need to stray from his comfort zone. Everything he's touching turns to gold, and I wish more people knew how good he is. —Nappy
Casino Gold
Number of Followers: 3279
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/casino-gold
Location: Los Angeles, CA
In the who's who of soon to be break out 2014 stars, Casino Gold may have got the short end of the stick. While to many these guys are strictly an undercover talent, I wouldn't be surprised if in mere months they're turning heads like booty shorts and placing themselves firmly into the deep house / disco scene like the seasoned, albeit reinvented, veterans that they are. —Tyler
Bot
Number of Followers: 3085
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/bot106
Location: London, UK
It seems criminal that Bot, formerly part of the legendary Italian duo Crookers and co-founder of the Main Course record label is under 5000 followers on SoundCloud. Not only is his music amazing, but also puts out a lot of it and much of it for free. Go check him out if you want to hear the house and club music you can actually like and get down to instead of pretending to be into deep house. —Brice
XXXchange
Number of Followers: 2763
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/xxxchange
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Though the halcyon days of Spank Rock are seemingly in the rearview mirror, Alex Epton has remained a producer whose output is worth monitoring. In recent times he has forgone the mid-tempo party electro that shaped his remixes for Bjork and Thom Yorke, as seen by his PWNY EP for T&A, which saw him roping of his own corner of the glitchy-bassy-techno-y sphere. —NQJ
Voodoo Farm
Number of Followers: 2513
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/voodoofarm
Location: New York, NY
It seems as though his progress may have slowed as of late. I know he has some hot fire coming to us very soon, and his collection is too hard for me to ignore. His sound is too unique. It is melodic, funky, and representative of a million worlds colliding. It melts in your mouth like butter, and I can just hope he is churning up much more savory goodness with the quickness. —Lori
Bloom
Number of Followers: 2463
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/bloombeats
Location: Belfast, Britain
Everyone's hype off of the grime movement, but given the lack of followers guys like Bloom get, you wouldn't think so. This Belfast bass beast had a solid 2013, from a FACT mix and the sick Maze Temple EP on Lost Codes, but for some reason he's still a bit slept-on. Maybe it's the quirky vibes thrown into those hypnotic beats. Whatever the case may be, man betta getta know! —khal
Lion Kngs
Number of Followers: 2419
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/lionkngs
Location: Los Angeles, CA / Colorado
It's staggering to me how Lion Kngs are on this list when they have multiple songs with over 40,000 plays. I don't always play trap, but when I do, it will probably include one of their songs. —Brice
Cosenza
Number of Followers: 2402
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/cosenzamusic
Location: Philadelphia, PA
I've mentioned previously how difficult it is for me to understand the swerve of these yung white boys in the game. This kid Cosenza has me telling myself to shut the fuck up and enjoy it. The first time I heard his remix of "Hangover," it was when UZ dropped it, and it was Victor Niglio who clued me in to the the fact that it was Cosenza's. Since then, Alex has become quite a homey of mine, and I see a bright future for this yung buhl. —Lori
DJ Rupture
Number of Followers: 2356
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/djrupture
Location: Brooklyn, NY
The iconoclast's iconoclast. Whether it's messing with jungle, cumbia or hanging out with orchestras, the Dutty Artz co-founder has elevated every genre he has touched, with an understanding and proficiency that puts him on the top table. While EDM skews America's standing on the global dance music scene, the presence of /rupture on your shores is hope for a more liberated and progressive future. —NQJ
Free n Losh
Number of Followers: 2325
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/free-n-losh
Location: Toronto, ON
This Canadian duo has been putting in the hours and honing their craft for years. The duo has production credits for Mac Miller and has had massive success on the HypeM charts, breaking achieving the top spot, the top five and the top 10 three separate times. They've got the plays on SoundCloud and their fans are diehard. These guys are in it for the right reasons and care about the music, and it shows. —Jake
Rex Riot
Number of Followers: 2203
SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/rex-riot
Location: Washington, DC
DC's Rex Riot has gone through a bit of a creative zenith in the past year or less and his potential has skyrocketed ever since. One listen to his collab with Misun and you immediately get the feels on why this kid is so dangerous. —Brent
Curses
Number of Followers: 2199
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/cursesforever
Location: New York, NY
Drop The Lime's alter-ego Curses isn't really a secret. There's really no reason Curses should have as few SoundCloud followers as he does, but alas here we are. This great talent brings a throwback warehouse club-ready sound and put his own spin on established sounds to create what he calls, "New Gotham House." Curses has been a slow-brewing project it seems, but as the deeper styles continues to seep into the American pallate, we should hopefully see more and hear more from this talented act. —Jake
Curl Up
Number of Followers: 2038
SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/curlup
Location: New York City, NY
Curl Up is just dangerous. Been dangerous for a bit actually. But him recently linking up with Terrorhythm and warming up his sound seems to be a huge power move. And we're itching to see what's coming next. —Brent
Goon Bags
Number of Followers: 2018
SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/goonbags
Location: St. Louis, MO / Toronto
Born on the Internet, Goon Bags have quietly been releasing some fire for a solid year now. They twist and turn all relevant styles of club music in interesting ways and aren't remotely scared of manipulating pop music. Add in a few 100,000 plays already and these guys are definitely trending up. —Brent
Skinny Friedman
Number of Followers: 1813
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/skinny412
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Trap has put hip-hop firmly on the EDM lunch menu, but few understand how the dots are joined more than Skinny. His Trap Rave EPs formalised months of fucking with hip-hop and bass concoctions and reaffirmed how moombahton worked best when it sought to interact with sounds outside of the car alarm realm. —NQJ
Mystress
Number of Followers: 1681
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/mystressmusic
Location: New York, NY
NY's own Mystress hasn't put out a grip of material but they've still put in work. They've put out massively slimey dubstep inspired trap beasts like "Wear The Crown" and they've hit the mark remixing the best (Daft Punk, 2Pac). Perhaps their lack of a deep catalog is the reason. —Jake
The Al Gore Rhythm Method
Number of Followers: 1659
SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/tagrm
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Definitely some cool stuff going on in the midwest right now and The Al Gore Rhythm Method is right smack in the middle of it. Crunchy and original sound design built around alien club banger vibes that seem to win more and more with every release. Definitely feels like only a matter of time for these dudes. —Brent
Don Midass
Number of Followers: 1303
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/don-midass
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Don Midass are a duo from Copenhagen, Denmark that went from making really good records to breaking the world with their huge sounds in only a couple short years. Their remix of Jordy Dazz's "OMG" is still one of the best festival trap remixes I've put my ears to. And absolutely everything on their soundcloud is available for free download. I really can't explain why they aren't a household name by now. Everything they do is nuts. Someone just needs to take notice and mold these two. —Nappy
Pawn
Number of Followers: 1260
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/pawnsound
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Pawn is a producer from Los Angeles that's making nutty footwork, and we're convinced that he doesn't give a fuck about the industry at all. He's co-signed by SMOG and could sell out in every way possible with ease if he pleased, as they're a respected outlet with an incredibly large reach. This is a guy that actually cares about the music he's making though, and it's apparent. He gets unlimited cool points, as far as I'm concerned. But even with his obvious disregard for the mainstream, way more people should know who he is. —Nappy
Disgraceland
Number of Followers: 1211
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/disgraceland
Location: Leicester, England
While thinking that moombahton is all about Latin house or Dutch car alarms, pause for a second and head over to the UK where John "Disgraceland" Stanhope is attempting to set the world on its ear with a progressive interpretation of the dembow groove. Mixing elements of tech house into the sonc fray, Disgraceland's sound gives off an uber cool and continental vibe, and certainly is worthy of your appreciation. —Marcus
Broadway Slim
Number of Followers: 1035
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/broadwayslim
Location: Tempe, AZ
Broadway Slim is the combination of Arizona beat masters Pickster and Riot Earp. These two have made amazing productions on their own and together have taken it to the next level. Specializing in twerk music, on their latest they have branched out to other club sounds. —Brice
Gun$ Garcia
Number of Followers: 1005
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/gunsgarcia
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Simply put, I believe that Gun$ Garcia is the best modern rap DJ on the planet. Also, given that she's more than aware of trends in dance music, her mixes give off the vibe that you're listening to music that somehow, mainstream outlets have absolutely no desire for you to hear. She also has a "ladies first" perspective on music that isn't cloying or potentially offensive. Rather, it feels like it's from a point of saying that the sounds that women make are just as great as what the guys are putting out, and deserves the opportunity to shine. A bad bitch stylin' on the zeitgeist, Garcia is perpetually the essence of where the future of dance and rap's commingling is headed. —Marcus
Steve Starks
Number of Followers: 989
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/stevestarks
Location: Washington, D.C.
I don't even understand how Steve Starks has less than 1000 followers on SoundCloud. Someone needs to get scientists on that shit because he is a local DC legend making quality music, and a lot of it at that. Mind you, a lot of his best known material was done with fellow DC powerhouse Nacey, but Steve Starks own productions are great and you'll find gems in moombahton, trap, house, and more —Brice
KW Griff
Number of Followers: 676
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/kw-griff
Location: Baltimore, MD
If discussing Baltimore club music, the conversation of "who's the best to ever do it" usually ends up with the involvement of the name of KW Griff. While you may know him for what later became the Night Slugs'-released "Bring in the Katz," Griff has almost three decades of production knowledge that extends past club into soulful vocal house and (what's likely the best overall sound on his page) skate edits meant for that long-forgotten yet historically important era of roller-dancing at the skating rink. Aside from the so many other underground hits available here for free, check out the "skate" edits. They're true gems for sure. —Marcus
MaxX & EJ
Number of Followers: 672
SoundCloud URL: https://soundcloud.com/maxxandej
Location: New York, NY
Maxx & EJ are part of a recent wave of young moombahton producers who are carrying moombahton forward. I find it very hard to understand how they are under 1000 followers when they are prolifically productive, putting out in general a few songs a month. They've recently started stepping outside moombahton with great results. Expect to see a lot more form these guys. —Brice
Torvvo
Number of Followers: 86
SoundCloud URL: http://soundcloud.com/torvvo
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
It's hard to predict who on this list is really the best kept current secret, but Torvvo is definitely high on that short list. This house producer from Pittsburgh has an amazingly tight sound that immediately makes you think he's a seasoned vet. Torvvo is the real deal and you heard it here first. —Brent