Gen Z's share their top 10 favourite DJs - Fred Again tops the list

23 February 2024 , 11:39

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Fred Again named as Gen Z's top favourite DJ of all time (Image: Debbie Hickey/Getty Images)

Gen Z have revealed their top 10 favourite DJs – with electronic star Fred Again topping the list.

The 30-year-old, who played the final set at world-famous festival Coachella in 2023, beat the likes of Calvin Harris, who came in second place, and the late Avicii – who died in 2018, but placed third in the top 10 list.

Other popular dance and electronic artists among 18-24-year-olds include David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Chase & Status, and Peggy Gou – the only woman to feature in the list.

And despite having his heyday back in the late 90s – before any of the 1,168 youngsters polled were even born – Fatboy Slim ranked highly, taking fourth place in the list.

It also emerged that 32% of Gen Z would love to spin records themselves as a career – and 71% of these are confident they’d set the dancefloor alight with their skills.

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The research was commissioned by Jägermeister, which has launched the Best Nights DJ Akademie – an immersive, three-day DJ Bootcamp, offering 10 students the chance to learn the craft.

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Peter Kennedy, from the brand, said: “We’re all about nurturing the next generation of talent, to make sure everyone has the opportunity and guidance to help them thrive. The Best Nights DJ Akademie is exactly this for us, and represents our dedication to education and innovation.”

The study also found DJing topped the list of dream jobs for young people – ahead of being a lawyer (19%), a doctor (13%), or a teacher (11%).

And 41% expressed the belief that people should “never” stop going clubbing, and instead continue throughout their lives – highlighting the generation's steadfast commitment to inclusivity and celebration.

Although a DJ’s life involves working nights, respondents felt the excitement of the position is the main draw.

Other selling points were cited as travelling the world and meeting people (44%), sharing music (21%), and setting the “vibes” for the club or event (20%).

Girls Don’t Sync DJ, Gaia, aka “G33”, who is also a mentor and teacher at DJ Akademie, said: “The music scene is proving even harder to access at the moment, particularly for that next generation of talent coming through.

“I’m so proud to be part of nurturing the next generation of DJ’s and music artists, helping them develop their style, earn their stripes, and learn from my experiences. There’s so much talent out there – it’s just about finding it and helping it grow.”

GEN Z’s TOP 10 FAVOURITE DJs OF ALL TIME:

1. Fred Again
2. Calvin Harris
3. Avicii
4. Fatboy Slim
5. David Guetta
6. Peggy Gou
7. Carl Cox
8. Martin Garrix
9. Chase & Status
10. DJ Khaled

Andrew Young