It’s the final countdown, Captains! Groove Cruise 2026 sets sail January 22-26, and the energy on the horizon is already electric. You know the headliners, you’ve studied the themes, and your outfits are probably already taking over your living room.
But one of the best parts of every sailing? Discovering new artists you end up falling in love with. These are the artists that surprise you, blow your mind at 5am, or become your new playlist obsession long after we return to shore.
This year, we’re welcoming an incredible wave of first-time Groove Cruise artists. These are the names you can’t overlook – the ones bringing fresh energy, new sounds, and future-headliner vibes to our 96 hours of nonstop programming.
Get to know your Groove Cruise 2026 first-time artists and mark their sets in your schedule!
For Fans Of: Peggy Gou, Sacha Robotti, Ben Sterling
Emerging from New Hampshire and now based in Los Angeles and Ibiza, Airrica has quickly grown into one of the most dynamic rising talents in global electronic music. Known for her fearless blend of pumping techno, exuberant house, and experimental acid-inflected rhythms, her DJ sets burst with explosive drums, gritty basslines, and hypnotic vocal textures.
For Fans Of: Markus Schulz, Above & Beyond, Luttrell
Formerly part of Above & Beyond’s Anjunabeats family, Amy Wiles has blossomed into a standout name in melodic house and progressive. Her style blends emotional synthwork, atmospheric energy, and propulsive grooves – a perfect bridge between festival euphoria and club-driven emotion. Expect a set packed with shining melodies, deep basslines, and goosebumps.
For Fans Of: it’s murph, Habstrakt, Nostalgix
Angrybaby is one of the breakout names in modern bass house known for blending humor, chaos, and razor-sharp production. His music is loud, quirky, and full of character, pairing heavy low-end with cartoonish samples and punchy rhythms. He’s become a crowd favorite for fans who like their bass music fun, weird, and high-octane.
For Fans Of: John Summit, Matroda, San Pacho
AYYBO exploded onto the scene with his signature blend of tech house, dark basslines, and tongue-in-cheek swagger. His breakout single “HYPNOTIZE” positioned him as one of the hottest young producers in U.S. house, and his sets combine chunky percussion, thick grooves, and club-ready energy.
For Fans Of: Walker & Royce, Miss Monique, Max Styler
Azzecca has become one of the most exciting names in dark house and melodic techno. Known for shadowy atmospheres, big-room emotional builds, and propulsive, hypnotic grooves, her sets oscillate between gritty and euphoric. Her releases have landed on labels like Higher Ground and the global underground has taken notice.
For Fans Of: Alison Wonderland, ALLEYCVT, Ray Volpe
Bella Renee combines pop-leaning vocals with melodic bass and emotional, future-electronic production, crafting sets full of warmth and uplift. Her sound blends heartfelt storytelling with powerful drops, offering a cathartic and soaring live experience. As her audience continues to grow, Bella stands out for her ability to merge emotional intensity with melodic dance energy.
For Fans Of: Gentlemens Club, ÆON:MODE, BIJOU
Blossom blends playful femininity with fierce, bass-driven house and striking drum and bass. Her signature pink aesthetic mirrors her sound: bright, bold, and powerful. Expect punchy tech house, energetic bass house, and a contagious sense of fun that turns every floor into a party.
For Fans Of: RÜFÜS DU SOL, Lane 8, ARTBAT
Grammy-winning DJ, producer, and mixing engineer now based in Los Angeles, Cassian has carved out a reputation as a trailblazer in the melodic house and techno scene. With over 160 million streams globally and a robust catalog of releases on top labels (Afterlife Records, Rose Avenue Records, and more), his music combines deep emotional resonance with dancefloor-ready grooves. His sets move seamlessly between euphoric vocals and throbbing beats, making him a must-see for fans of richly layered, high-energy electronic music.
For Fans Of: Mau P, Cloonee, FISHER
Hailing from Birmingham, England, Chris Lorenzo is a stalwart of the UK house and bass-house scene. Being one half of the famed Anti Up duo, he’s known for heavy, rolling grooves while his sets and productions deliver raw energy and dancefloor intensity. With a long catalog of tracks like his iconic remix of “California Dreamin’” and a reputation for delivering club-ready, bass-driven anthems, Lorenzo’s Groove Cruise 2026 debut is guaranteed to bring serious heat to the decks.
For Fans Of: Noizu, CID, Max Styler
Emerging as one of the most exciting new voices in high-energy house music, Dreya V blends tech house, Latin percussion, and bold, vocal-driven rhythms with undeniable charisma. Her sets radiate party-starting momentum, marked by sharp mixing and infectious stage presence that keeps crowds locked in. With fast-growing support across club and festival circuits, she’s carving out a lane built on groove, confidence, and pure movement.
For Fans Of: Anti Up, SIDEPIECE, Fred again..
Fallon is quickly emerging as one of dance music’s most exciting new voices, breaking through with his viral tech house hit “Diet Coke.” His sound blends emotional vocal hooks, warm deep-house grooves, and glossy, sun-kissed production. With a knack for catchy toplines and shimmering melodies, Fallon delivers sets that are heartfelt, uplifting, and effortlessly danceable.
For Fans Of: OMNOM, HNTR, Anti Up
Jackie Hollander is a fast-growing force in U.S. tech house, known for her sleek grooves, crisp percussion, and dance-floor-engineered rhythms. Her sound carries a sexy, modern bounce that translates effortlessly to peak-time moments. As a producer and performer, she brings a polished, infectious energy that continues to elevate her presence on stages nationwide.
For Fans Of: nimino, Sammy Virji, MPH
jigitz delivers an electrifying mix of bass-heavy house, high-speed blends, and adrenaline-charged transitions that light up any room. His sets feel kinetic and unpredictable, driven by bold drops and club-ready momentum. With growing buzz around their high-octane approach, jigitz is quickly becoming known for performances that hit hard and leave crowds buzzing.
For Fans Of: Walker & Royce, Justin Martin, Dom Dolla
Kyle Watson stands as one of South Africa’s most globally recognized house producers, celebrated for his textured sound design, quirky basslines, and deep, rolling grooves. His polished, forward-thinking approach has earned him a loyal worldwide following and releases on some of dance music’s most respected labels. On stage, Watson delivers sophisticated yet playful sets that blend creativity with undeniable club impact.
For Fans Of: Cristoph, Kölsch, CamelPhat
Leena Punks is reshaping progressive and melodic techno with her fusion of rave-inspired rhythms, breakbeats, and emotionally charged synthwork. Her sound feels both futuristic and nostalgic, weaving tension, euphoria, and hypnotic atmosphere into every set. With rising support across Europe and the U.S., she continues to carve a distinct lane in the melodic dance world.
For Fans Of: GENESI, Eli Brown, Layton Giordani
Linska is an emerging techno & tech house artist known for her dark, thundering basslines, hypnotic percussion, and late-night warehouse aesthetic. Her sets lean into shadowy atmospheres and relentless energy, creating a gripping, immersive experience. As she continues to break through, Linska is becoming a standout presence in the new wave of heavy, driving techno.
For Fans Of: PLS&TY, Beltran, Matt Sassari
Loofy brings a bright, upbeat house sound built on buoyant grooves, catchy vocal moments, and feel-good dancefloor energy. His track “Last Night” has been heard on dancefloors around the world and remixed dozens of times, including by Anyma and Layton Giordani. Every set radiates warmth and motion, pulling crowds into high-vibe spaces with ease. With a style that bridges fun accessibility and dance-floor credibility, Loofy is quickly rising to the top.
For Fans Of: Illenium, KREAM, Gryffin
MashBit’s sound blends melodic bass, emotional storytelling, and high-impact festival drops, creating sets that balance introspection with explosive energy. His productions highlight soaring synths and heartfelt crescendos that resonate strongly with fans of future bass and electronic pop. With growing support across streaming platforms, he’s emerging as a leading voice in melody-driven dance music.
For Fans Of: Leo Stannard, LP Giobbi, Vandelux
me n ü craft groovy, minimal, and tech-house-leaning sets filled with clever percussion, quirky textures, and smooth rhythmic flow. As twin sisters, their sound is playful yet refined, offering a unique take on stripped-back house that keeps the dance floor moving. Rising quickly through club circuits, they’re carving a niche with their fresh, inventive approach.
For Fans Of: Sonny Fodera, Eats Everything, Purple Disco Machine
N2N is known for his funky, disco-infused house sound that blends vintage soul with modern dancefloor polish. His sets carry warm, feel-good grooves rooted in classic dance influences but elevated with contemporary production. Long admired for his technical skill and distinct vibe, N2N continues to stand out as a leader in uplifting, groove-driven house.
For Fans Of: Gryffin, Cheat Codes, Two Friends
Swedish duo NOTD fuse electronic pop sensibility with dance-house production, crafting sleek, emotive tracks that resonate with massive global audiences. Their polished songwriting and melodic instincts have made them standout crossover artists, balancing chart-ready hooks with club-friendly energy. NOTD’s sets deliver both sing-along moments and shimmering electronic momentum.
For Fans Of: Yellowcard, Taking Back Sunday, Sum 41
Best known as the voice and frontman of Yellowcard, Ryan Key joins Groove Cruise Miami 2026 as the official headliner for Taking Back Emo, bringing one of the most recognizable sounds in alternative music to the open seas. Originally from Florida, Key helped launch Yellowcard into the mainstream with their double-platinum 2003 album Ocean Avenue, whose title track remains a defining anthem of the emo and pop-punk era. After the band’s initial hiatus, Key returned in 2022 for their celebrated reunion EP Childhood Eyes and has continued pushing forward creatively, releasing new music – including the 2025 single “Better Days” – and collaborating with genre heavyweights like Travis Barker.
For Fans Of: William Black, Dabin, Said The Sky
SABAI creates melodic bass rooted in vulnerability, warmth, and emotional depth, crafting tracks that feel intimate yet festival-ready. His lush production and storytelling-driven style resonate with fans who crave melodic impact and heartfelt energy. As his audience continues to grow, Sabai remains a leading figure in the new wave of emotionally rich electronic music.
For Fans Of: Max Styler, GENESI, John Summit
After playing the virtual sailaway in 2020 under the name ATLAST, SCRIPT will join the Groove Cruise family for an in-person performance on January’s sailing. He blends melodic techno, trance, and progressive house into soaring, uplifting sets built on sweeping synths and big drops. His style bridges nostalgia and modernity, delivering powerful, feel-everything moments.
For Fans Of: Francis Mercier, Nico de Andrea, Kasbo
Sistek is an emerging force in indie dance and afro-melodic house, known for warm electronic textures, organic elements, and sun-drenched emotional tones. His productions feel bright, airy, and transportive – perfect for daytime sets and scenic, melodic moments. With a growing following across the indie-electronic world, SISTEK continues to rise on the strength of his vibrant sound.
For Fans Of: Lane 8, Barry Can’t Swim, Fred again..
Swimming Paul crafts melodic house with dreamy vocals, shimmering production, and deeply atmospheric sound design. His sets feel fluid and emotional, moving between soft textures and dance-floor energy with ease. As his presence expands globally, he’s becoming a standout for fans who love beautiful, flowing electronic music.
For Fans Of: Damian Lazarus, Seth Troxler, Bedouin
Tara Brooks is a respected figure in the global underground, known for her deep, hypnotic, and spiritually charged blend of house and techno. Her sets fuse psychedelic undertones with sensual grooves, creating immersive dance-floor journeys. With longtime credibility across iconic clubs and festivals, she continues to shape the deeper, more emotive side of the scene.
For Fans Of: Walker & Royce, Claude VonStroke, Gene Farris
The Sponges bring an explosive fusion of funk, disco, and house, delivering high-energy, sample-driven sets full of color and personality. Their groove-forward style and infectious flair have built them a massive cult following. On stage, they turn every room into a wild, feel-good dance party.
For Fans Of: San Pacho, Cloonee, Hugel
TOBEHONEST delivers punchy, attitude-filled tech house built on thick basslines, tight percussion, and catchy vocal hooks. His sound is crisp, modern, and engineered for peak-hour energy. Rising quickly across club circuits, he’s becoming known for sets that hit hard and keep crowds locked in.
For Fans Of: Dom Dolla, Kah-Lo, Boys Noize
Torren Foot is a staple of Australia’s house scene, known for massive basslines, sharp percussion, and heavy, club-ready grooves. His productions often anchor dance floors with bold low-end power and clean, impactful sound design. With global support continuing to build, he remains a go-to name for high-impact house music.
For Fans Of: Rampa, Wax Motif, &ME
Wakyin delivers high-energy sets that blend bass house, tech house, and rhythm-driven percussion into a driving, festival-ready sound. His style is bold and dynamic, built for nonstop motion on the dance floor. With rising momentum in the heavier side of house, Wakyin is becoming a name to watch.
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