RB Writer Picks: Top Albums of 2025
December 19, 2025
December 19, 2025
A Kaskade Christmas: Electronic Music Meets the Holidays
It’s that time of year again. Time for holiday festivities and end-of-year reflection as we start looking ahead to 2026. Each year the RB Writing Team joins in on the fun by participating in a three-part series consisting of their top tracks, albums, and breakout artists of the year. We kicked off the series with Top Tracks of 2025 earlier this month, followed by last week’s Top Albums of 2025, so without further ado let’s end the series strong with our writers’ picks for Breakout Artists of 2025 below:
Dayne Harris
My 2025 breakout artist is Prosecute. He went from a buzzing name to an absolute menace. Touring all year with Svdden Death built serious momentum, but then he took all of us by surprise and debuted a house alias, House Arrest, showing his skills go far beyond tearout.
The defining stamp of approval came with a mainstage appearance at EDC Las Vegas with Mike Posner. A spotlight moment that cemented this choice. Prosecute not only leveled up this year, he’s elevating tearout as a whole.
Jake Kwapiseski
Mad Dubz has truly announced himself to the American audience this year. Having received a renewed visa, he has continued to make waves in the dubstep and riddim scene. From random pop ups and stage appearances alongside some of the genre’s best producers to going back to back with fellow groundbreaking new stars, Mad Dubz has had a truly breakout year. He has released countless hits this year and has been having a fantastic 2025, putting his name solidly in the riddim genre for the years to come.
Chase Courtney
Hekler impressed me throughout 2025. In May, he broke his ankle mid-set and finished performing before going to the hospital. This situation was handled with good-natured humor and resulted in “BREAK YA ANKLES,” a BANGER of a track with an unconventional origin story. Hekler dropped consistent heaters throughout the year. The cybernetic laser drops on “Go Insane!” and the intergalactic, horror-blended introduction on “TIME 4 YOUR MIND” were especially noteworthy. His heavy music also expanded my horizons beyond the House Music and mid-tempo wobbles that I usually listen to. Effective social media marketing and outstanding work ethic make him a worthy choice for my Breakout Artist of 2025!
Kade Kleinschmidt
Brunello has introduced a completely fresh and unique sonic signature to a scene that can sometimes feel formulaic. His “Mellow Circus” sound blends minimal tech groove with off-kilter melodies that sound truly original. Throughout 2025, Brunello has only continued to develop as a producer, with each release stronger than the last. For those heading to Decadence, his B2B set with KinAhau is a must-see addition to the schedule.
Courtney Longhurst
My breakout artist of 2025 has to be Cam Steen. He’s new to the game but already making big moves, with upcoming performances at LSDREAM’s Dreamrocks II next May, Florida Groves next April, and more. Check out my exclusive interview with Cam last month!
