Dance stars come young these days. Many of the genre’s hottest talents aren’t even old enough to order drinks at the clubs they play. Billboard takes a look back at ten of the youngest artists to experience breakthrough moments over the years.
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The 10 Youngest DJ Breakthroughs
Image Credit: Sergi Alexander/WireImage Dance stars come young these days. Many of the genre’s hottest talents aren’t even old enough to order drinks at the clubs they play. Billboard takes a look back at ten of the youngest artists to experience breakthrough moments over the years.
See also: Top 50 EDM Love Songs | Top 50 Feel Good Dance Songs | 25 Female DJs You Need to Know | 25 Can’t-Miss European Dance Music Festivals | 14 Most Powerful Artists in Dance Music | 25 Greatest Dance Clubs of All-Time | 15 Rising Trance Stars | 10 Resident DJs Who Changed EDM
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Image Credit: Paul Bergen/Redferns Martin Garrix
The Dutch DJ/producer was just 17 years old when he released the track that changed his life in 2013. “Animals” would conquer the dance festival circuit and crossover to peak at No. 21 on Billboard’s Hot 100, elevating the youngster to stardom.
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Image Credit: Chivteam Madeon
When Madeon’s “Pop Culture” mash-up video went viral in July 2011, the young French artist was only 17. His stellar follow-up remix of deadmau5’s “Raise Your Weapon” belied his age and proved he was far from a fluke.
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Image Credit: Kate Glicksberg Disclosure
In 2012, Disclosure’s Howard and Guy Lawrence were a tender 18 and 21, respectively, when “Latch” shot to No. 11 in the UK. It would continue to gain momentum and cross over to reach No. 7 in the Hot 100 nearly two years later, launching the careers of its creators and featured vocalist Sam Smith.
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Image Credit: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images Porter Robinson
Long before Porter Robinson struck off on his stylistic own with Worlds, he was one of electro house’s brightest hopes. The North Carolina native was just 19 when his Spitfire EP on Skrillex’s fledgling OWSLA imprint shot to No. 1 on the iTunes Dance chart and Beatport in 2011, crashing the servers of the latter.
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Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Thomas Jack
The affable Aussie was barely 20 years old when his tropical house mixtapes took SoundCloud by storm in 2014, playing a key role in the discovery of artists like Kygo and Klingande. Jack’s career subsequently blossomed as well with signings to Parlophone and William Morris Endeavor.
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Image Credit: Nikko Lamere Krewella
Back in 2012, current members Yasmine and Jahan Yousaf were 20 and 22, respectively, when they released debut Play Hard EP. The release produced platinum-selling hit single “Alive,” which hit No. 1 on Dance/Mix Show Airplay and gave them their first Top 40 hit (No. 32) on the Hot 100.
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Image Credit: Joseph Okpako/Redferns via Getty Images Nicolas Jaar
The Chilean-American prodigy was 21 years old when he released his mesmerizing and ambitious debut album, Space is Only Noise, to widespread critical acclaim in 2011. He has since emerged as one of electronic music’s most exciting minds, continually pushing limits with projects like DARKSIDE and his Other People subscription-based imprint.
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Image Credit: Mark Davis/Getty Images for Coachella Alesso
While the Swedish producer had turned heads with strong productions like “Nillionaire,” it was his “Calling (Lose My Mind)” collaboration with mentor Sebstian Ingrosso in 2012 that made him a star. He was merely 21 at the time.
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Image Credit: Jo Hale/Redferns via Getty Images Flume
Sydney’s hottest electronic export was a green 21 years of age when he dropped his eponymous debut album and took Oceania by storm in 2012. The release topped the ARIA Albums chart and helped him clean up at the ARIA Music Awards, setting the stage for stateside crossover.
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Image Credit: Jerritt Clark/Getty Images The Martinez Brothers
The Bronx brethren caught the attention of The New York Times way back in 2009, when they were 17 and 20 years of age, but their breakthrough wouldn’t come until 2013. At 21 and 24, Chris and Steve Martinez were still practically infants in the older underground dance scene. That wouldn’t stop their remix of Green Velvet’s “Bigger Than Prince” from taking over Ibiza and Amsterdam Dance Event and propelling them to fame.
