DARKHORSE & Grouse named ANTS: NEXT GEN Artist Program 2025 winners

DARKHORSE & Grouse have been named as the winners of the ANTS: NEXT GEN Artist Program 2025.

The Sydney-based duo were selected from over 1,500 global entrants and will now join the line-up for ANTS METALWORKS at Ushuaïa Ibiza on Saturday 6th September, playing alongside Andrea Oliva, HoneyLuv B2B TSHA, Melé, KILIMANJARO and the Dunmore Brothers. Check out the full line-up below.

ANTS: NEXT GEN is a global talent development program from the team behind Ushuaïa Ibiza’s ANTS brand. Launched to spotlight the next generation of DJ/producers, the initiative offers emerging artists career-shaping opportunities — including a performance slot at Ushuaïa, artist mentorship, production masterclasses, professional campaign support from SoundCloud, and exposure via media outlets. Now in its third year, the program continues to uncover and elevate breakthrough talent from across the world’s underground scenes.

DARKHORSE & Grouse first met in their hometown of Sydney, attending the same primary and high school in different years before reconnecting later through the local music scene. Their shared background in sport eventually gave way to a deeper focus on music, which led them from dancefloors to the decks.

A spontaneous trip to Ibiza — including a full day and night at Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza — prompted them to commit fully to their DJ careers.

Their winning submission was a full-length mix built entirely from their own original productions — a bold approach that set them apart from the majority of entries. The risk paid off, catching the attention of a judging panel made up of industry leaders including Yann Pissenem (The Night League), Andrea Oliva, Chelina Manuhutu, SYREETA, and previous ANTS: NEXT GEN winners Us Two and Firza.

DARKHORSE & Grouse will now receive tailored artist mentorship from the ANTS team, a professional artist campaign powered by SoundCloud, a Point Blank Music School production masterclass, and gear support from AlphaTheta. The prize also includes a takeover of the ANTS Apple Music playlist, a filmed set with Ibiza Sonica, and their own billboard on the island.

The duo have also been long-time promoters in their local scene through their SWITCH events brand, building a strong support network in Sydney’s underground. Their sound, shaped heavily by UK house influences, has been gaining momentum in Australia and is now set to reach a wider global audience.

As producers, DARKHORSE & Grouse have landed releases on labels like Moxy Muzik and META, with tracks supported by Darius Syrossian, East End Dubs, and Alisha. On stage, they’ve shared line-ups with Michael Bibi, Skepta, and Franky Rizardo, further cementing their place in the new wave of house talent breaking out of Australia’s underground. Their music is direct, dancefloor-focused — whether in the club, beachside warehouse raves, or now, Ushuaïa Ibiza.

Following their Ibiza appearance on 6th September, the duo will return to launch a new spring/summer SWITCH series in Sydney. Longer term, they’re aiming to relocate to Europe in 2026 to make the most of the momentum of this major breakthrough.

ANTS: NEXT GEN continues to highlight and support emerging talent from around the world. This year’s competition also recognised standout mixes from finalists including AMAR, Andy Alexander, Jenessa Acosta, Loopita, OZALID, REENDAY, SAIGON, Samuele Scelfo and Anto Zagu. All finalists will receive SoundCloud Artist Pro subscriptions and support from the ANTS team.

Grab tickets to ANTS METALWORKS at Ushuaïa Ibiza here.