Start Here: 10 Electronic Artists Who Prove You Can Create Magic with a DAW

Beginner‑friendly inspiration from world‑class producers who started small and built big sounds.

CREATEMUSIC PRODUCTION

What Is a DAW & Why It Matters

A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is a software application used to record, edit, arrange, and produce music entirely within a computer environment. From layering samples to crafting synth melodies and mixing down final tracks, DAWs are the creative engine behind nearly all modern music production. With just a laptop and some creativity, producers can craft professional-level music—often from their bedrooms.

🎧 1. Deadmau5

Deadmau5 is a Canadian electronic producer celebrated for his intricate compositions, extended builds, and iconic Mau5head. He’s known for pushing the boundaries of progressive house and live show production.

Genre: Progressive House / Electro House
Country of Origin: Canada
DAW Used: Ableton Live (also uses Cubase and hardware synths)
Top Songs: Strobe, Ghosts ’n’ Stuff, Raise Your Weapon
Best Career Year: 2010
Records Sold: Over 2 million albums
Net Worth: Approx. $50 million USD

🎧 2. Skrillex

Skrillex exploded onto the scene with a fierce, glitchy take on dubstep and helped redefine the sound of 2010s EDM. He’s one of the most influential producers of the modern electronic era.

Genre: Dubstep / Bass Music / Brostep
Country of Origin: United States
DAW Used: Ableton Live
Top Songs: Bangarang, Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, First of the Year (Equinox)
Best Career Year: 2011
Records Sold: Millions of singles worldwide, multiple platinum certifications
Net Worth: Approx. $70 million USD

🎧 3. Flume

Flume is an Australian producer who pioneered future bass, introducing lush textures and experimental rhythms to mainstream audiences. His unique sound has influenced an entire generation of producers.

Genre: Future Bass / Experimental Electronica
Country of Origin: Australia
DAW Used: Ableton Live
Top Songs: Never Be Like You, Say It, Holdin On
Best Career Year: 2016
Records Sold: Multi-platinum in Australia
Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed

🎧 4. Porter Robinson

Porter Robinson gained fame for his energetic electro house tracks before transitioning to more emotional, cinematic work. His storytelling-driven music has earned him a devoted global fanbase.

Genre: Electro House / Future Bass / Synthpop
Country of Origin: United States
DAW Used: FL Studio (early career), later switched to Ableton Live
Top Songs: Language, Sad Machine, Shelter
Best Career Year: 2014
Records Sold: Millions of streams, gold/platinum certifications
Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed

🎧 5. Madeon

Madeon is a French producer who gained international attention as a teenager with his live mash-up video "Pop Culture." He’s known for polished, melodic productions and seamless live performances.

Genre: Electro House / Pop Electronic
Country of Origin: France
DAW Used: Ableton Live
Top Songs: Pop Culture, Icarus, All My Friends
Best Career Year: 2015
Records Sold: Gold certifications and millions of streams
Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed

🎧 6. Kygo

Kygo is a Norwegian DJ and producer who popularized tropical house with a soft, melodic style suited for both festivals and radio. His remixes and originals helped redefine chilled electronic music.

Genre: Tropical House
Country of Origin: Norway
DAW Used: Logic Pro X
Top Songs: Firestone, Stole the Show, It Ain’t Me
Best Career Year: 2015
Records Sold: Multi-platinum debut album, billions of streams
Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed

🎧 7. Avicii (†)

Avicii was a Swedish producer who blended house music with folk and pop influences, revolutionizing the EDM landscape. His music lives on through millions of fans and groundbreaking tracks.

Genre: Progressive House / Dance‑Pop
Country of Origin: Sweden
DAW Used: FL Studio
Top Songs: Levels, Wake Me Up, Hey Brother
Best Career Year: 2013
Records Sold: Over 10 million certified singles
Net Worth: Estimated $50–60 million USD at time of passing

🎧 8. Martin Garrix

Martin Garrix became a global star at just 17 with his breakout hit "Animals." His energetic big-room sound keeps him at the top of global DJ rankings year after year.

Genre: Big Room House / Progressive House
Country of Origin: Netherlands
DAW Used: FL Studio
Top Songs: Animals, Scared to Be Lonely, High on Life
Best Career Year: 2014
Records Sold: Multi‑platinum singles globally
Net Worth: Approx. $14 million USD

🎧 9. Grimes

Grimes is a genre-defying Canadian artist who writes, records, and produces all her music. She’s known for her futuristic aesthetics and experimental sound design.

Genre: Synthpop / Experimental / Industrial
Country of Origin: Canada
DAW Used: Ableton Live and Logic Pro
Top Songs: Oblivion, Genesis, Kill V. Maim
Best Career Year: 2015
Records Sold: Gold/platinum certified tracks, cult following
Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed

🎧 10. Rezz

Rezz is a Canadian producer famous for her dark, hypnotic sound and signature LED goggles. Her bass-heavy tracks and immersive visuals have built a strong underground following.

Genre: Dark Mid‑Tempo Bass / Techno
Country of Origin: Canada
DAW Used: Ableton Live
Top Songs: Edge, Relax, Someone Else
Best Career Year: 2018
Records Sold: Strong streaming numbers; niche popularity
Net Worth: Not publicly disclosed

Final Thoughts: Your Sound Starts Here

The world of electronic music has never been more open or accessible. Every artist on this list—whether they started in a bedroom, a garage, or on a school laptop—proves that you don’t need expensive gear or a professional studio to create something meaningful. With a DAW, a pair of headphones, and a bit of passion, you already have what it takes to begin.

Don't worry if your first beats aren't perfect. Everyone starts somewhere. The key is to experiment, learn, and most importantly—keep creating. Your favorite producer once struggled with their first project too. What matters is that they kept going.

So take that first step: download a DAW, watch a tutorial, start clicking around, and make some noise. Who knows? The next name on a list like this one could be yours.

Start small. Dream big. Make music. 🎶