Lilly Palmer, the German techno DJ and producer known offstage as Sonja Rauschenbach, continues to strengthen her position within the global electronic music scene. While the 2025 DJ Mag Top 100 results didn’t place her in the main Top 100, she secured an impressive position among the “Next 50” (places 101-150), highlighting her growing influence and fanbase. – reference DJ Mag Top 100 “Next 50” 2024
🎚 Who Is Lilly Palmer
- Born in 1999 near Nuremberg, Germany, Lilly Palmer began her music journey early. She was drawn to minimal and melodic techno in her teens and honed her DJ craft in intimate club settings, particularly around Zurich. – reference Wikipedia Lilly Palmer
- She has evolved from playing deeper, melodic sets to embracing harder, high-tempo techno in live performances. Her sound is characterized by pulsing bass, hypnotic rhythms, emotional layers, and industrial pull. – reference Wikipedia Lilly Palmer; Armada / Kontor press
🔊 Major Career Milestones
- In early 2024, Palmer signed a dual record deal with Armada Music and Kontor Records, two of the most respected labels in electronic dance music. Her first single under these labels was “Hare Ram.” This partnership marked a key leap in her career, combining international reach with solid label support. – reference Armada Music Newsroom; Mixmag Germany
- She has released several well-received tracks including “You Are My Guide,” “My Fantasy,” and “Hype Boy.” – reference Wikipedia Lilly Palmer; EDM.com
- Her live performance résumé is strong: she’s appeared at major events such as Tomorrowland, Sonus Festival, and at venues in Ibiza, demonstrating both her stage presence and rising popularity. – reference Wikipedia Lilly Palmer; EDM.com
📋 DJ Mag Top 100: “Next 50” Placement & Significance
- While many anticipated that Lilly Palmer might enter the official Top 100 DJs list, she was instead revealed in the “Next 50” category — ranking #104 for DJ Mag 2024, which places her just outside the main Top 100. This still represents a major acknowledgement of her growth in fan votes and visibility. – reference DJ Mag Top 100 DJs 2024: the Next 50
- Being in the “Next 50” is often seen as a steppingstone. It signals that an artist is on the cusp of wider recognition — achieving more exposure, festival bookings, label interest, and media attention. For Lilly Palmer, this means her trajectory is upward.
🚀 What’s Next for Lilly Palmer
Given her momentum, here are key areas to watch as she aims to break into the Top 100 proper:
- New Releases: With her label backing, each new track has potential to increase her vote base and online streaming reach.
- Live Performances: High-profile sets and festival appearances (especially in Ibiza, Berlin, or in major techno gatherings) will help cement her fan loyalty.
- Branding & Identity: Her image, visuals, and connection with her audience (both in clubs and online) will be crucial in differentiating her from peers.
- Support and Collaborations: Working with established names and remixing popular tracks can help broaden her appeal.
✅ Summary
Lilly Palmer hasn’t officially landed in the Top 100 DJs list in 2025—at least not based on available sources—but her ranking at #104 in the “Next 50” demonstrates she’s very close. With strong label partnerships, a distinct sound, and growing global exposure, she looks poised to claim a spot in future editions of the Top 100.

