ANTS, the globally renowned club brand, and the cultural force behind one of Ibiza’s most iconic residencies, is once again championing emerging talent with the launch of its 2025 Next Gen Artist Program.
Now in its third year, the initiative offers aspiring DJs and producers a unique pathway to global recognition. The grand prize includes a performance at the ANTS METALWORKS residency at Ushuaïa Ibiza this summer, alongside direct access to industry leaders and brand partners, and tailored support to elevate their careers from the underground to the main stage.
HOW TO ENTER:
Running over a two-week entry window, the competition opens on 22 April, inviting DJs and producers worldwide to submit an exclusive 30–35 minute mix that captures the unmistakable ANTS sound via the official entry form on the official website. Entries will be uploaded to the official ANTS SoundCloud, providing participants with immediate exposure to the platform’s extensive reach and community.
Once submissions close on 8 May (23:59 CET), all mixes will be evaluated by an esteemed judging panel of ANTS mentors and industry insiders. A top 10 will be revealed on 26 May, and the 2025 Next Gen Artist will be crowned on 16 June.
THE JUDGES:
This year’s panel includes some of the most trusted ears in the business. These include Yann Pissenem (Founder, Owner & CEO of The Night League and Ushuaïa Entertainment), Itziar Gonzalez (ANTS Project Manager), ANTS regulars Andrea Oliva, Chelina Manuhutu, and SYREETA.
Adding valuable perspective are past winners Us Two and Firza. The program is powered by a strong network of partners including SoundCloud, AlphaTheta, DJ Mag, Ibiza Sonica, and Pointblank Music School.
THE PRIZE:
Beyond the recognition of being the 2025 ANTS Next Gen Artist, the winner will unlock a game-changing launch package. Highlights include a debut set at Ushuaïa Ibiza, full marketing support, and an artist billboard in Ibiza.
Global exposure continues with a filmed DJ set on Ibiza Sonica Radio, a takeover of the ANTS Apple Music playlist, and a DJ Mag feature. The winner will also join a Pointblank Production Masterclass alongside an ANTS core artist to craft their first release, receive AlphaTheta gear guidance and headphones, and benefit from tailored artist mentorship.
At the heart of the journey is SoundCloud, powering a bespoke artist campaign built around a series of career “firsts”: first playlist cover, first A&R feedback session, first mentor check-in, brand collaboration, and more — all designed to amplify their sound and position them as the next major name in electronic music.
The top 10 finalists will also receive promotional support, a one-year SoundCloud Artist Pro subscription, and exclusive access to the ANTS team.
Leave your mark on the sound of tomorrow. For full entry details, submission guidelines, and terms and conditions, click HERE.
ANTS: NEXT GEN ARTIST PROGRAM 2025
The prize in full includes:
- A performance slot at one of this summer’s ANTS events at Ushuaïa Ibiza during the ANTS METALWORKS residency (3 May – 4 October)
- A bespoke artist campaign powered by SoundCloud, including playlist support and editorial features, 1:1 access to SoundCloud’s Electronic Music Lead to help optimize your SoundCloud profile and receive expert advice and insider tips
- 1 Year Subscription to SoundCloud’s Artist Pro plan offering a wealth of tools to continue elevating your productions
- An exclusive production masterclass with pointblank Music School and one of ANTS’ core artists
- A filmed, recorded and streamed DJ set on Ibiza Sonica Radio and the official ANTS YouTube channel
- A AlphaTheta session with official gear guidance, plus a pair of AlphaTheta headphones
- A dedicated marketing rollout introducing the artist as the Next Gen winner
- An iconic billboard placement in Ibiza to mark the achievement
- An exclusive interview with DJ Mag
- Featured takeover of the official ANTS Apple Music playlist
