By Kierstin Belden (@rlnovagirl)
When it comes to EDM and music in general, it seems as though it is an industry dominated by men. Some of the most well known artists that come to mind when talking about the scene include names like Kaskade, Skrillex, Porter, Excision, Illenium, etc. While all of these guys are certainly talented, it's important to remember that there are also a lot of female producers/DJs who have contributed just as much to electronic music. These talented women deserve recognition for all of the work and dedication that they put into their production and sets.
Not only are these women DJs, they are also: vocalists, mental health advocates, non-profit donors, mothers, radio hosts, gamers, college graduates, label founders, fashion designers, and role models. The list could go on forever and it's really impressive to hear about all that they overcome and accomplish on the daily. Whether you're planning your rave outfits for their shows or discovering new artists to add to your festival playlist, these women are shaping the future of electronic music.
Without further ado, here are twenty female producers that I think you should know about if you don't already:
The Powerhouses: Established Female EDM Artists
Alison Wonderland
One of the bigger artists of recent years, Alison Wonderland has steadily gained a mass following and has secured main stage slots at some of the biggest festivals in the world, including Coachella and EDC Las Vegas. The Australian DJ is best known for her trap beats and her tendency to wear oversized t-shirts—a style that's become iconic in the rave community.
In addition to producing, she sings and plays instruments on her tracks as well as on stage. Her vulnerability in tracks like "I Want U" and "Church" has resonated with millions of fans who see her as more than just a performer—she's a voice for those struggling with mental health. Alison's openness about her own battles with depression and anxiety has made her a powerful advocate in the EDM community, proving that vulnerability and strength can coexist on the main stage.
Anna Lunoe
Another big name from Australia, Anna Lunoe has been an important figure in the scene for years. She has collaborations with numerous producers and has been an inspiration for aspiring female artists. Anna's upbeat style of house is extremely fun to listen and dance to—the kind of energy that makes you want to throw on your favorite rave bodysuits and lose yourself on the dance floor.
She's even continued to perform late into her pregnancies, which I find super impressive! Anna has been vocal about the challenges of being a mother in the music industry, breaking down stereotypes and showing that women don't have to choose between their passion and family. Her radio show on Apple Music's Beats 1 has helped countless underground artists gain exposure, cementing her role as both a talented producer and a community builder.
Charlotte de Witte
If you're a fan of techno, then you've probably heard of Charlotte de Witte. Charlotte started out as a DJ in her teens so she has faced adversity for being young as well as being a woman. In interviews she discusses how she loves the simplicity of techno, which is reflected in the style of her music—dark, hypnotic, and relentlessly driving.
She recently expanded her radio station, KNTXT, into a label to showcase both her own music as well as others in the techno scene. Her sets at festivals like Tomorrowland are legendary, drawing massive crowds who are drawn to her uncompromising sound. Charlotte represents the new wave of techno—stripped down, powerful, and unapologetically intense.
(CloZee, Berkeley Greek Theatre, my photo)
CloZee
One of my favorite artists, CloZee is generally considered to be "world bass" as she fuses sounds from various cultures into her music. The combination of bass and instruments like the erhu and Chinese zither make her music sound trippy and unique. Her tracks transport you to another dimension—imagine closing your eyes under the lights, feeling the bass vibrate through your chest while exotic melodies swirl around you.
The French producer has become a staple at transformational festivals, where her sound perfectly complements the immersive environments. CloZee's dedication to incorporating authentic world music elements shows a level of cultural respect and musical sophistication that sets her apart from producers who simply sample sounds without understanding their context. Her live sets are journeys, not just DJ performances—each track flows seamlessly into the next, building an emotional narrative that keeps the crowd captivated from start to finish.
Rising Stars: The Next Generation of Female Producers
CRAY
CRAY started out mixing trap but her original songs have more of an indie pop sound to them. Her debut EP, seasons change and so do i, is a dark and emotional album that she has described as being very personal to her. The raw honesty in her lyrics resonates with fans who've experienced similar struggles with relationships, self-doubt, and finding their place in the world.
In addition to being a musician, CRAY is an avid gamer with a large Twitch viewership and a crazy sense of mismatched fashion. She's proof that you don't have to fit into one box—you can be a trap DJ, a gamer, a fashion icon, and everything in between. Her willingness to show multiple sides of her personality has endeared her to fans who appreciate authenticity over carefully curated personas.
DUCKY
DUCKY makes everything ranging from lighthearted pop to heavy dubstep. She began playing in Bay Area clubs as a teenager, using fake IDs to get in—a origin story that many in the rave community can relate to. Her journey from underground clubs to major festival stages is the kind of come-up that dreams are made of.
She's also pretty open about the mental health issues that she continues to struggle with on her social media platforms. By sharing her experiences with anxiety and depression, DUCKY has created a safe space for her fans to discuss their own mental health struggles. Her music ranges from euphoric and uplifting to dark and aggressive, reflecting the full spectrum of human emotion and proving that it's okay to not be okay all the time.
(Episcool, Sactown Sports Bar, my photo)
Episcool
An artist that I just recently discovered and really enjoy goes by the name Episcool (pronounced EP is cool). She makes experimental trap that has some really awesome beats and is the co-founder of (SUS) Collective, a brand that aims to bring underground trap artists to the spotlight. Her sound is gritty, bass-heavy, and unapologetically experimental—the kind of music that hits different at 2am when the bass is so heavy you can feel it in your bones.
What's particularly impressive about Episcool is her commitment to community building. Rather than climbing the ladder alone, she's actively working to bring other underground artists with her. The (SUS) Collective showcases prove that collaboration over competition isn't just a nice idea—it's a viable strategy for changing the landscape of electronic music and creating more opportunities for diverse voices.
GG Magree
Both a singer as well as a DJ, GG makes music that ranges from melodic future bass to heavier trap and dubstep. She's signed to the Deadbeats label and has worked with many big names in bass music such as Zeds Dead, NGHTMRE, and Jauz. Her voice is instantly recognizable—powerful, emotive, and capable of cutting through even the heaviest bass drops.
GG's transition from vocalist to full producer shows the evolution many artists are going through. Rather than being content with just providing vocals for other people's tracks, she's taken control of her own sound and vision. Her performances are high-energy affairs where she seamlessly transitions between singing and mixing, proving that you don't have to choose between being a vocalist and a producer—you can master both.
You can drop right into our rave outfits collection, and the best sellers page is set up for this kind of look.
Bass Queens: Heavy Hitters in the Low-End
KITTENS
Another female trap artist to keep an eye on is KITTENS, whose music is a lot heavier than her name implies. She puts out songs that have an insistent hip-hop sound—tracks that make you want to throw on your boldest rave tops and get down in the front row.
KITTENS also hosts PWR, a series of workshops dedicated to helping women who want to learn how to become DJs. All of the proceeds from her workshops are donated to local women's shelters or LGBT centers. This commitment to giving back while elevating other women in the scene is exactly the kind of leadership the EDM community needs. She's not just making music—she's actively working to change the gender dynamics of electronic music one workshop at a time.
Krewella
You've more than likely heard a Krewella song if you've been listening to EDM for the past few years (one of the most well known is Alive). Krewella consists of two sisters and they've made quite a name for themselves since their first EP was released in 2012. Their journey hasn't been without controversy—the departure of their third member led to public disputes and lawsuits that tested their resilience.
Their most recent album, Zer0, came out in 2020. In contrast to their earlier stuff, Zer0 is more experimental and features a variety of sounds such as house, moombahton, grunge, and trap. The sisters have evolved significantly since their early dubstep days, embracing a more diverse sonic palette that reflects their growth as artists. Their live shows are theatrical experiences complete with live vocals and high-energy performances that prove they're more than just studio producers.
(LSDream, Lucii & Liquid Stranger, Cornerstone Berkeley, my photo)
Lucii
Often referred to as Lucii the Alien, she makes bass that is both heavy and psychedelic. Lucii does all of her own vocals, which can be charged with emotion like on her new track with Champagne Drip, Me and You. Her voice adds a haunting, ethereal quality to her productions—like hearing transmissions from another dimension filtered through massive bass bins.
She was the first woman to sign to and release on Liquid Stranger's increasingly popular Wakaan label. Being the first woman on a predominantly male label is significant, but what's even more impressive is how she's held her own among a roster of heavy-hitting bass producers. Lucii's sound is unmistakably unique—you'll know it's her within the first few bars. Her sets are otherworldly experiences that combine bone-rattling bass with emotional vocals, creating a perfect balance between heavy and heartfelt.
Whipped Cream
"Dark bass" is often how people refer to the style produced by Whipped Cream. As a child she wanted to be a professional figure skater but after dealing with injuries and discovering her love for festivals, she decided to pursue a career in music. Her journey from the ice rink to the main stage is a testament to resilience and following your passion even when life takes unexpected turns.
Whipped Cream has had to deal with both physical and mental roadblocks regarding her profession, so I really admire how hard she's worked to get to where she is now. Her music is aggressive and uncompromising—the kind of bass that physically moves you whether you want it to or not. She's carved out a unique space in the bass music scene with her dark, industrial sound that feels like the soundtrack to a cyberpunk dystopia. When you're at one of her shows, you're not just listening to music—you're experiencing a full sensory assault in the best possible way.
House & Techno Legends: The Women of Four-on-the-Floor
Mija
Not one to conform to genres, Mija has sounds that vary from bass to indie. In recent years, she has transitioned from mixing to producing more intimate songs on which she sings. Her evolution as an artist shows that growth doesn't always mean getting bigger—sometimes it means getting more personal and vulnerable.
She also has her own fashion line called Made by Mija, proving that creativity in music often extends to other artistic mediums. If you're looking for unique rave clothing that stands out from the typical festival fare, her fashion line offers pieces that are as artistic and unconventional as her music. Mija represents the multi-hyphenate artist of the future—someone who doesn't just make music but creates a full aesthetic and lifestyle brand.
NERVO
Another sister duo, NERVO is huge name in the EDM scene. Their upbeat, progressive house sets are an enjoyable experience that's perfect for those peak festival moments when the sun is setting and the good vibes are flowing. They've written and produced for artists from all music genres and have played some of the biggest festivals around the world.
Last year, they both gave birth to baby girls only a few weeks apart! The Australian twins have proven that you can have a thriving career in electronic music while also being mothers—challenging the industry's often unspoken expectation that women have to choose between family and career. Their continued success post-motherhood is inspiring for women who want to have it all without compromise.
(Nifra b2b Fisherman, The Midway SF, my photo)
Nifra
When it comes to trance, Nifra is one of the most well known female DJs/producers. She makes melodic, progressive trance and hosts the radio show Be Progressed on Afterhours.fm. Her sets are euphoric journeys—the kind that make you close your eyes, throw your hands up, and completely surrender to the music.
Nifra has received a lot of support and guidance from Markus Schulz and is signed to his label, Coldharbour Recordings. In the trance world, which has historically been even more male-dominated than other EDM genres, Nifra stands out not because she's a woman, but because she's simply one of the best in the game. Her technical mixing skills and ability to read a crowd are unparalleled, making every set a masterclass in trance DJing.
Nina Las Vegas
Nina started as a host on the Australian radio station Triple J before she learned how to DJ from her good friend, Anna Lunoe. Her music incorporates a lot of tribal sounds and instruments, giving it a worldly feel that's both grounded and experimental. She toured with many big names in EDM (like Flume) before deciding to focus on her own music and label, NLV Records.
Nina also co-founded Heaps Decent, a non-profit that supports youth who aspire to become musicians. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent, particularly among marginalized communities, shows that success in music isn't just about your own career—it's about lifting others up and creating opportunities for voices that might otherwise go unheard. Nina's influence extends far beyond her own productions to the entire ecosystem of underground electronic music.
Nora En Pure
Being both Swiss and South African has had a significant impact on Nora En Pure and the way that she relates to music. Her melodic and instrumental deep house evokes feelings of serenity and relaxation—the perfect soundtrack for those sunrise sets when the festival grounds are bathed in golden light and everyone's feeling connected.
She is the founder of Purified Records, which initially started as a radio show on Sirius XM. Nora's sound is instantly recognizable—organic, flowing, and deeply emotional. Her sets feel like sonic meditations, incorporating natural sounds and live instruments in a way that creates an almost spiritual experience on the dance floor. When you're wearing your flowing rave scarves and moving to one of her sets, you're not just dancing—you're part of something bigger.
Genre-Defying Innovators: Breaking All The Rules
REZZ
REZZ, affectionately known as "Space Mom" by her fans, is probably one of the most popular producers out there right now. She has gained quite the cult following with her mid-tempo bass and trippy goggles. Her aesthetic is as important as her sound—the glowing goggles have become an iconic symbol that's instantly recognizable even in silhouette.
She has releases on prominent labels such as Mau5trap and OWSLA and has been on the lineups of some of the biggest festivals around the world. What sets REZZ apart is her uncompromising vision—she didn't chase trends or try to sound like anyone else. Instead, she carved out her own sonic territory with her hypnotic, dark, and slightly unsettling sound. Her fans are famously devoted, often wearing their own goggles and creating a visual spectacle in the crowd. A REZZ show isn't just a concert—it's a cult gathering where everyone is united by their love of the weird and wonderful.
ROSSY
An up and coming artist, ROSSY tends to make melodic future bass and trap. She originally planned on working behind the scenes in the music industry before discovering her passion for producing and mixing. ROSSY is the vocalist on some of her own tracks, adding a personal touch that makes her music feel intimate even when it's playing through massive festival speakers.
Her journey from wanting to work behind the scenes to stepping into the spotlight is relatable for anyone who's ever doubted their ability to be the person on stage rather than behind it. ROSSY's music balances emotional depth with festival-ready energy—tracks that make you feel something while also making you want to dance. She represents the new generation of producers who understand that emotional connection and danceability aren't mutually exclusive.
TOKiMONSTA
It's hard to classify TOKiMONSTA as a specific genre but in general people refer to her music as electronica or trip-hop. She has worked with a number of artists including Skrillex, Anderson Paak, and Flying Lotus. Her diverse collaborations show an artist who refuses to be boxed in by genre conventions or scene politics.
TOKiMONSTA has had to overcome living with a rare brain disease called Moyamoya, which has influenced her art. After undergoing two brain surgeries, she temporarily lost the ability to comprehend music and language—a devastating blow for any artist. Her recovery and return to music production is nothing short of miraculous. Her most recent album, Oasis Nocturno, was released in 2020 and showcases her evolved sound—more mature, more reflective, and somehow even more beautiful than her earlier work. Her story is a powerful reminder that true artists find a way to create no matter what obstacles life throws at them.
The Future is Female (and Incredibly Talented)
Although this isn't a complete list of every female DJ out there, it includes some of my favorites. The women of EDM deserve credit for all that they give to this community. They're not just making music—they're breaking down barriers, mentoring the next generation, advocating for mental health, giving back to their communities, and proving that talent has no gender.
These artists have faced unique challenges in an industry that hasn't always been welcoming to women. From being underestimated in green rooms to dealing with sexist comments online, female producers have had to work twice as hard to earn half the recognition. But rather than letting these obstacles stop them, they've used them as fuel to push even harder and create even better music.
The impact of these women extends beyond their own careers. Every time a young woman sees someone like REZZ headlining a major festival or Charlotte de Witte dominating a techno stage, she realizes that her own dreams are possible. Representation matters, and these artists are proving that women belong everywhere in electronic music—from underground clubs to main stages at the world's biggest festivals.
Hopefully as time moves forward, it won't be uncommon to see more and more of them on festival lineups! The conversation shouldn't be about "female DJs" as a separate category—it should just be about talented DJs, period. Until we reach that point, it's important to highlight and celebrate these artists who are paving the way for the next generation.
Whether you're discovering these artists for the first time or you've been a fan for years, support them by streaming their music, buying tickets to their shows, and following them on social media. And when you're getting ready for your next festival, throw on your favorite festival bodysuits or rave bottoms, blast some tracks from these incredible women, and remember that you're part of a community that's becoming more diverse, inclusive, and powerful with each passing year.
The future of electronic music is being shaped by these talented women right now. Don't miss out on being part of the movement.
1 comment
Wow just a awesome blog 👍