Try talking about electronic music without mentioning Underworld—we dare you. Since their early ’90s debut, the British band has left an indelible mark on the scene. While their discography is packed with classics, “Born Slippy (NUXX)” stands tall as the ultimate final track. A masterpiece of simplicity and grandeur, it remains one of electronic music’s most iconic moments.

When we hosted our first international Electronic Beats festival in Edinburgh, Faithless topped our must-book list. The raw, uplifting energy of lead vocalist Maxi Jazz (RIP) and the band was unmatched—and their live shows became legendary. Over the years, we welcomed them back repeatedly. And every time “Insomnia” kicked in, the crowd erupted. Proof that some tracks never lose their magic.

Groove Armada have been house music royalty since the turn of the millennium and cemented this status with their 2021 debut album, “Goodbye Country (Hello Nightclub).” Fast-forwarding some years, we were thrilled to feature “Song 4 Mutya (Out of Control)” in our first vinyl collaboration with Warner Music in 2007—a track that still oozes infectious, sun-soaked vibes.

Everything Daft Punk touches apparently turns to gold—no small feat for a French electronic act in a global arena. “Digital Love” might not be their most hyped track, but it perfectly captures their genius, featuring vocoder vocals, funky guitars and synths that somehow feel timeless. Even today, it’s a blissful reminder of their eclectic brilliance.

Dub techno might be easily overlooked, but its distinctive sound is still highly regarded amongst purists. Within this realm, things don’t get more iconic than Rhythm & Sound—the brainchild of Berlin legends Mark Ernestus and Moritz von Oswald (yes, the Basic Channel pioneers). “King in My Empire,” featuring Cornell Campbell’s haunting vocals, is a masterclass in blending Jamaican dub with minimalist electronics. Deep, hypnotic and utterly transportive.

Effortlessly crossing the boundaries between disco and house, Morgan Geist and Darshan Jesrani made waves with their hit project and eponymous debut album, “Metro Area.” Every track from the album is simply a winner, but we’d go for “Miura.” Its main draws are cut-up vocals and an all-too-groovy bass line, standing the test of time with ease. Play it loud and watch the room ignite.

Cloud rap’s emotional apex, “I’m God,” tugs at heartstrings worldwide (just read these YouTube comments to get a feel). Thanks to the beautiful vocal contributions of Imogen Heap, this track touches on the fine balance between bliss and melancholy. It even inspired A$AP Rocky’s 2023 hit “I Smoked Away My Brain”—proof of its enduring influence.

If techno had a rebel alliance, Underground Resistance would be its leaders. Since the early 90s, this Detroit collective has embodied electronic music’s radical spirit—resisting the mainstream, defying norms and crafting sounds that feel like a manifesto. “Transition” is a prime example, with a powerful message on life wrapped in a beautiful composition.

Róisín Murphy doesn’t just make music; she creates entire universes. After ruling the charts as one-half of Moloko (remember “Sing It Back”?), she launched her solo career with “Overpowered”—a glittering collision of pop and electronic experimentation. The title track is a masterclass in seductive, synth-laden disco, proving Murphy’s knack for turning quirky into iconic. We’ve been proud to champion her genre-defying genius for years.

Norway’s Röyksopp emerged in the early 2000s like a breath of crisp air. With its bouncy melody and laid-back vibe, “Eple” became an instant classic—and somewhat of a corporate advertising and cocktail bar favourite as well. But don’t mistake its simplicity for lightness. This infamous track is a reminder that electronic music can be both cerebral and irresistibly fun.

We’ve long admired Fever Ray’s refusal to conform. When Karin Dreijer (of The Knife) dropped their self-titled debut, it felt like stumbling upon a secret ritual. “Triangle Walks” is a standout—eerie, hypnotic and oddly beautiful, with Dreijer’s distorted vocals weaving through icy synths. This is music for midnight forests and shadowy corners, proof that electronic beats can be as haunting as they are danceable.

Terre Thaemlitz’ DJ Sprinkles moniker is rooted in New York’s transgender scene of the 90s—slow-paced, soulful and transcendent house music. Their work is a far cry from fist-pumping anthems, a protest against commercialisation and a love letter to house’s marginalised origins. Consider “Grand Central (Part 1)” a worthy introduction to this mythical artist. The world could use more Terre.

Andy Butler’s project Hercules And Love Affair has been a long-term companion of Electronic Beats. We’ve been lucky enough to present the band on various occasions over the years. When you listen to “Blind,” you’ll understand why. Hercules And Love Affair is the ultimate feel-good act that deserves every large festival stage.

Moderat has been one of the most impressive collaborations between two already successful electronic music acts—Apparat and Modeselektor. “A New Error” is their magnum opus. A storm of glitchy beats. Mournful synths and whispered vocals that somehow feel intimate and apocalyptic. It captures the sound of Berlin’s underground during a transformative era in electronic music history.

On the surface, the visual aesthetics of Sandwell District may feel dark and sinister. In reality, this trio of techno legends—Function, Regis and Silent Servant (RIP)—served the world with some of the most cinematic techno out there. “Disaffected” is their pinnacle. A track that doesn’t bang but looms. Although the supergroup split not long after their debut album, their impact has been everlasting.

Lana Del Rey is an Electronic Beats favourite for a reason. Her voice and lyrics contain both a sense of nostalgia and strong roots in contemporary culture. After witnessing her perform in front of 1,000 fans in a Prague theatre, our entire team converted. She’s a voice that turns heartbreak into high art—and “Born To Die" reflects her unique approach perfectly.

Ever since Anthony Gonzalez’s M83 project surfaced in 2001, the multi-instrumentalist has crafted a unique blend of shoegaze with synthesised sounds. “Midnight City” is one of his most celebrated tracks, combining lush vocals with a powerful bassline and heavy synths. It very much feels like 80s pop—in the best way possible.

Formed as early as 1979, Swiss electronic pioneers Yello blend avant-garde sound design with infectious grooves. Their triumphant live return in 2009 reaffirmed their legendary status. Not long after, we incorporated “Tiger Dust” as part of an early Electronic Beats vinyl release. The track encapsulates their signature playfulness—layering hypnotic rhythms, surreal vocal snippets and lush production that feels both futuristic and timeless.

Few acts have shaped electronic music’s rebellious approach like The Prodigy. Released in 1994, the frenetic breakbeats, warping acid synths and sampled vocal hook of “No Good (Start the Dance)” distilled the anarchic energy of the British rave scene into a club weapon. Three decades later, the track’s revolutionary spirit lives on in Electronic Beats’ upcoming “All Is Sound All Is Transformation” collaboration with 032c that draws direct inspiration from the track’s transformative energy. Stay tuned!

Hailing from Germany but deeply rooted in the soul of Black American electronic music, Motor City Drum Ensemble (MCDE) emerged as one of house music’s most authentic modern storytellers. His seminal “Raw Cuts #1” is a masterclass in revivalist house—warm, swinging drums, dusty Rhodes keys and an irresistibly raw vocal sample that feels teleported straight from a 1980s Chicago basement party. The track and eponymous series proved that house music’s spirit transcends between geographical borders.

Billie Eilish has been one of our favourites since her meteoric rise, and this iconic song stands as a defining moment in 21st-century pop. She is a superstar who is unafraid to explore themes of power and irony through her art. Electronic Beats has championed Eilish’s genre-defying vision by hosting her electrifying 2022 concert in Bonn. More than just a viral hit, “Bad Guy” symbolises her ability to challenge boundaries––both sonically and socially.

No survey of electronic music’s last decades would be complete without footwork—the hyperkinetic, Chicago-born sound designed to make bodies move at impossible speeds. DJ Rashad (RIP), the genre’s most visionary architect, distilled footwork’s essence perfectly in “Pass That Shit,” a collaboration with fellow Teklife members DJ Spinn and Taso. A masterclass in controlled chaos—skittering drum patterns, sub-bass that hits like a gut punch and sampled vocal chops that create an almost hypnotic groove amid the rhythmic frenzy. Rashad’s tragic passing in 2014 cut short a revolutionary career, but his legacy as footwork’s brightest innovator endures.

The pioneers of virtual artistry broke boundaries around the turn of the millennium by introducing their music through charismatic digital avatars—a gamble that paid off with global acclaim. One particular highlight in the band’s vast catalogue is Claptone’s remix of "We Got the Power,” transforming the anthemic original into a classy house groove. The track became a centrepiece of Electronic Beats’ 2017 campaign, which included a joint EU tour that reinforced Gorillaz’s legacy as shapeshifters between the physical and digital worlds.

Led by Beth Ditto, Gossip stormed into the late 00s with “Heavy Cross,” an instant anthem that bridges indie rock and electronic music with unapologetic swagger. Before things really took off, Electronic Beats set up memorable Gossip gigs across Europe in 2008. One legendary moment at a sold-out Berlin show at E-Werk saw Ditto, unfazed by technical issues, ditching the mic and belting out the song purely on the strength of her voice—a testament to the band’s ability to turn chaos into pure euphoria.

Robyn has merged the realms of pop and electronic music since 1995 in a leading fashion. You’d understand when listening to “Dancing On My Own,” which is one of the finest examples in her excellent artist repertoire. She’s also a next-level performer. We’ve seen her command a festival crowd in pouring rain—proof that great music isn’t just heard but felt.