From: Naples, Italy 

Style: Techno 

Best known for: “I hope for my music, and maybe because I am from Naples and I love it.”
 

Italian producer, DJ, and Solamente Records boss Deborah De Luca rises up the poll this year, following her position at the halfway point in 2022. Starting out as a waitress and a dancer in the ‘00s before progressing to the internationally renowned electronic music artist she is today, De Luca maintains the same grounded attitude across her long-running trajectory and refuses to play the game. 

When the Scampia-born artist isn’t at home tending to her beloved dogs or enjoying the food and palpable energy that permeates her native city of Naples, De Luca is on the road touring and headlining some of the most influential clubs and festivals worldwide. This year alone saw De Luca lap the globe, playing in Amnesia, fabric, Watergate, Awakenings, Zurich Street Parade, Space Miami and many more. On her label, Solamente, De Luca released a slew of productions laced with her signature emotive yet driving sounds. Tracks like ‘Scema’ featuring Veronica Simioli and ‘Finire’ feat. Valeria Mancini showcased De Luca’s penchant for rolling techno paired with strong vocals, while her single ‘Awake’ conveyed her knack for blending ethereal textures with a hard-edged tip. It’s one of the reasons why she maintains a loyal fanbase in the millions.
 

Hero of 2023: “Myself, 100%.”
 

Fave tune of 2023: “Argy & Omnya ‘Aria’.”
 

Best DJ set you’ve seen in 2023: “Nina Kraviz, Tomorrowland winter edition.”
 

Rising star DJ/producer of 2023: “Sara Landry.” 
 

What gives you hope for 2024? “My calendar.”