Subtronics Ranked the Most Stress-Relieving EDM Artist in the U.S.

A new study is putting Subtronics in an unexpected spot: the most stress-relieving electronic artist in the United States.

The research, conducted by healthcare tech company Tebra, surveyed over 1,000 Americans and analyzed more than 150,000 tracks on Spotify to understand how music connects with emotional wellbeing. At the top of the electronic category sits Subtronics, the Philadelphia-born dubstep artist who recently pulled one of the biggest crowds ever seen at the Sahara stage during Coachella. He lands ahead of ILLENIUM in second and David Guetta in third.

The result might surprise some, especially considering the emotional depth often associated with ILLENIUM’s music. But the broader data paints a different picture. According to the study, 57% of respondents said music has helped them prevent a panic attack or emotional breakdown, suggesting it plays a much bigger role than just background listening. Another 42% said they’ve used music as a substitute for professional mental health support.

In a 2024 interview, Subtronics touched on that emotional connection, saying that music with a real story and sentimental weight is what creates lasting impact. That perspective seems to align with the study’s findings, even if his heavier sound isn’t the most obvious choice at first glance.

The report also highlighted a deeper trend within the EDM audience itself, describing it as one of the more “emotionally strained” groups. Among those surveyed, 24% reported burnout while 22% said they experience elevated stress levels.

Outside of electronic music, tracks like “Sparks” by Coldplay, “Apocalypse” by Cigarettes After Sex, and “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron were among the most common songs found in mental health-focused playlists on Spotify.

For those interested, the full study from Tebra dives deeper into how music is being used not just for enjoyment, but as a real-time tool for emotional support.