Six emerging artists you need to hear: May 2025

Serrated synths, twisted bass lines and beats that rattle like a swarm of nanobots: these are the sounds that define new-gen neurofunk artist MEL. Coming under the spotlight a lot in recent years thanks to snarling cuts like ‘Protagonist’, ‘Telekinesis’ and the Pendulum-esque ‘After All’ for UKF, or the head-stomping ‘Exonerate’ for RAM, her latest delivery comes via VTO Records. ‘Night On Fire’ and ‘Madness’ have something of a classic 2000s feel: cinematic and textured, they’re heavy without losing musicality.

It’s no wonder given her influences include artists like neuro pioneers Ed Rush & Optical and Dutch icons Noisia. But that ear for melody and understanding of drama also have their roots in rock and metal, which she started out DJing over a decade ago. That experience has served her well in crafting an original approach to drum & bass behind the decks too.

“With rock and metal, it’s all about energy and tension, knowing when to let tunes breathe and when to hit hard — that mindset stuck with me,” she explains. “So when I moved into D&B, I wasn’t just thinking about beat matching, I was thinking about flow, impact, and how to keep people locked in. I’m always chasing that raw, live energy, like the kind you get in a sweaty venue with a band going full throttle.” 

Alongside showcasing her skills with crews like RUN DNB and Virus, she holds residencies with Kool FM and Data Transmission Radio. A crucial part of her journey, she says radio has helped her hone her mixing, discover new favourites,connect with other artists, and “properly showcase” her sound and personality.

UK neuro is currently in the rudest health it’s been in for a long time and still growing stronger, thanks in large part to contemporary platforms such as VTO, Neuroheadz and Stonx. Of course, music goes in cycles, but does MEL think there’s something deeper that’s driving this resurgence? “If you look back in history, you see it with movements like punk rock music that exploded because it gave people a voice when they felt ignored or alienated,” she says. “I think we’re in a similar place now. With everything going on — social pressure, political noise, rising costs of living — people are carrying a lot. Neuro and other heavier sounds offer that same kind of outlet. We’re living through a time where everything feels a bit chaotic. The polished, feel-good stuff has its place, but when life feels rough around the edges, you want music that matches that mood — people want to let loose!” Ben Hindle

For fans of: Noisia, Ed Rush, Bad Company