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[EDMTunes] Burning Man 2025 Shifting To A ‘Pay-What-You-Will’ Ticketing System

Burning Man, the week-long music and art festival held in the Nevada desert at the end of August, has opened its ticket registration. You have until 12pm Tuesday, February 11th to register for the first sale, which begins February 12th. However, the ticketing process has undergone significant changes this year.
Historically, Burning Man tickets at lower price points were available during April and July sales, and even in August last year when the event didn’t sell out. This year’s process is a little different. Due to a $20 million budget shortfall from lower attendance last year, Burning Man Project is implementing a “pay-what-you-will” system. Tickets are offered at the following tiered prices: $550, $650, $750, $950, $1,500, and $3,000 (plus taxes and fees). Those who access the sale first will have the option of choosing any of these prices, but once the $550 and $650 tiers sell out, buyers will only have the option of choosing the more expensive tiers. The idea is that those who can afford it will pay more, subsidizing lower-priced tickets for others.
For those who can’t afford regular tickets, the Ticket Aid Program offers $225 tickets (plus taxes and fees) to a limited number of applicants, starting mid-February. Additional sales are planned for April, along with a final one on July 30th, but the available ticket prices and quantities for these sales are unknown. Burning Man Project has not disclosed how many tickets are available at each price point, unlike previous years.
This new system has sparked controversy, with some supporting it and others criticizing the lack of transparency. Head on over to the Burning Man website here to register for tickets. and stay tuned for more details.
The post Burning Man 2025 Shifting To A ‘Pay-What-You-Will’ Ticketing System appeared first on EDMTunes.
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[EDM.com] ZHU Steps Into Director's Chair for World Premiere of New Documentary at SXSW

ZHU is stepping behind the camera with 24 Hours of Grace, a new documentary feature premiering at SXSW.
The "Faded" hitmaker has always embraced the shadows, but in his first documentary, he's stepping into the light. No stranger to reinvention, ZHU serves as the film's director, producer and screenwriter, crafting an intimate portrait of an artist at a crossroads.
24 Hours of Grace follows ZHU as he returns to San Francisco to record GRACE, his fourth studio album, inside a gothic cathedral that doubles as both a sanctuary and a creative incubator. The documentary goes behind the scenes of the recording process, culminating in a high-stakes performance where the freshly minted tracks are debuted for an audience the same night.
The "audiovisual journey" then expands beyond the studio walls, taking viewers inside ZHU's three sold-out performances at the Hollywood Palladium, where his signature fusion of shadowy aesthetics and haunting soundscapes came to life.
Both a meditation on time and a visceral deep-dive into artistic reinvention, 24 Hours of Grace explores ZHU's evolution since releasing "Faded" over a decade ago, according to its synopsis. He's peeling back the layers of his enigmatic persona to offer an unfiltered look at the pressure of creation and its release through live performance.
24 Hours of Grace is scheduled to premiere at 11am on March 15th at Alamo Lamar 9. SXSW returns to Austin, Texas from March 7-15 and you can find the festival's full slate of programming here.
Follow ZHU:
X: x.com/zhumusic
Instagram: instagram.com/zhu
TikTok: tiktok.com/@zhu
Facebook: facebook.com/zhu
Spotify: spoti.fi/391vjDR
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[Decoded] Book of the Month – Mischa Haller – Not Going Home (Photographs of Post Club Britain, 1998)

The Party’s Over. The club lights on. You heard about an afters. The sun’s just coming up and the light is a distraction. The main event is over, what next? Because you’re…NOT GOING HOME
With a foreword by journalist Kate Spicer, the book documents the Summer of 1998 as photographer Mischa Haller travelled across the UK to chronicle clubbers and partygoers in the small hours of the morning. The idea was to show what it felt like to be young, up all night in that slightly woozy, surreal state. 
“I was interested in the time between the nightclub closing and people going home, those one or two hours when the rest of the world is asleep, but clubbers are carrying on. These moments hang in the memory – eating, smoking, chatting, making a fire on the beach or meeting someone new.” – Mischa Haller.
Available here
The post Book of the Month – Mischa Haller – Not Going Home (Photographs of Post Club Britain, 1998) appeared first on Decoded Magazine.
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[EDM House Network] UNTOLD Festival announces first headliners for the 10th anniversary edition

UNTOLD Festival celebrates 10 years of existence and promises a legendary edition in Romania this summer. The gem music festival is welcoming the first artists who are preparing unique shows for the anniversary edition: Anyma, Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, Fisher, Tiësto, Alok, Steve Angello, Adriatique, Black Coffee, Dom Dolla, Hugel, Marco Carola, and more. Post Malone, Becky Hill and Rag’N’Bone Man are the first live acts revealed. The iconic UNTOLD X will host exclusive premieres and special appearances from August 7-10 in the heart of Transylvania, in the warming city
of Cluj-Napoca.
Across 8 stages and multiple music spots, UNTOLD is ready to write history with its anniversary edition, bringing 250 local and international acts for over 400,000 fans on 4 days and nights of music and magic.
Post Malone, one of the most influential artists in the global music industry, will take over the main stage of UNTOLD. Posty is an artist of records, with an impressive track record: 9 diamond-certified singles—more than any other artist 18 Grammy nominations, 11 Billboard Music Awards, including Artist of the Year in 2020. His albums have billions of streams, and his music videos have hundreds of millions of views. But beyond the numbers, Post Malone impresses with his ability to connect people beyond musical genres. He remains an authentic artist, accessible yet a trendsetter in the music industry.
Becky Hill, known for her versatility and success in electronic music, will perform at UNTOLD‘s anniversary edition. The British artist received multiple awards, including two BRIT Awards for “Best Dance Act” in 2022 and 2023, and has had various successful collaborations, such as ‘Disconnect’ with drum & bass titans Chase & Status, ‘Gecko (Overdrive)’ with Oliver Heldens, ‘Crazy What Love Can Do’ with David Guetta and Ella Henderson, and more.
THE WORLD’S BIGGEST DJS TO PERFORM THIS SUMMER AT THE 10TH EDITION OF UNTOLD
One of the most anticipated names in electronic music, Anyma, is set to make his debut in Romania at UNTOLD Festival on August 10. In a world where sound, style, and technology continuously evolve, DJ and producer Anyma stands as a true visionary. As one-half of Tale Of Us, he has shaped the melodic techno scene, pushing the boundaries of electronic music. With his solo project, Anyma, he takes things to an entirely new dimension—merging music, cutting-edge visuals, and advanced technology into a fully immersive experience.
In December 2024, Anyma launched a sensational residency, becoming the first name in electronic music to perform at Sphere in Las Vegas with “The End of Genesys”. Matteo created an innovative soundscape with an authentic multisensory experience and demonstrated an impressive ability to connect with his audience. A captivating performance awaits — Anyma on the main stage at UNTOLD Festival this summer.
The legends are returning to the anniversary edition of UNTOLD with exclusive sets: MartinGarrix, Armin van Buuren, Alok, and Tiesto, celebrating a decade of unforgettable moments with the fans who made it all possible.
Martin Garrix, who has worked with top mainstream artists like Dua Lipa, Usher, Bonn, and U2, is working on an UNTOLD Special for this summer. Armin van Buuren is not just another name on the festival lineup; he’s one of the most awaited DJs in UNTOLD‘s story – Armin van Buuren. Every live show he performs at Cluj Arena strengthens his special bond with the UNTOLD fans.
Blending Brazilian bass, dance-pop, and hyper-techno, Alok has dominated dance culture in recent years. As a DJ and producer, he has built an impressive career, and this summer, he will celebrate UNTOLD‘s 10th anniversary with his fans.
Known as a pioneer of the trance scene, Tiësto‘s style now blends everything music has to offer. The Dutch artist seems more creative than ever, having released successful collaborations with mainstream artists such as Post Malone, Nelly Furtado, Calvin Harris, and Ava Max. He is preparing an extended set to celebrate 10 years of UNTOLD.
FISHER, the Australian DJ and producer who has conquered the electronic music scene with his unique and fresh sound, will perform for the first time on the main stage of the UNTOLD Festival this summer after closing the Galaxy stage last year.
The pioneer of the Latin House movement with his hit ‘Morenita’, HUGEL is an artist with multiple Gold and Platinum records, over 1 billion streams, and numerous tracks that have reached No. 1 on Beatport. In 2024, he released the massive hit ‘I Adore You’, topping charts worldwide.
Steve Angello and Don Diablo will also celebrate UNTOLD X on the main stage. The Galaxy stage, UNTOLD‘s house and techno house stage, will host titans like Black Coffee, Adriatique, Dom Dolla, Marco Carola, and the Romanian DJs and producers Cezar, Priku, Arapu, and Sit.
Over 50,000 tickets have already been sold for the anniversary edition of UNTOLD. Passes are available on untold.com, and for the first time, fans can buy backstage tours to visit the festival. For those who want to explore UNTOLD from a new perspective, there are two types of tours: Discovery Tour, a captivating 60-minute journey behind the scenes of the festival, and Insider Tour, an extended 100-minute experience, offering fans the chance to discover special areas of the festival grounds.
UNTOLD Festival is a celebration of love, music, and friendship from noon until morning for four days and four nights. The 10th edition of one of the biggest festivals in the world will take place from August 7 to 10, 2025, in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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[EDMTunes] Charlotte de Witte & Amelie Lens Drop Collaborative “One Mind” EP

Contemporary Belgian Techno powerhouses Charlotte de Witte and Amelie Lens come together on a groundbreaking new One Mind EP. The tracks come in between their back-to-back sets, which took place at Flanders Expo in Ghent last weekend and will finalize February 8th 2025, for which they sold 69,000 tickets.
One Mind EP
To enhance the unified concept of the EP, both Amelie and Charlotte’s voices are subtly layered into the tracks, together, as one. The brilliant ‘One Mind’ kicks off with rock solid, earth rattling kicks and intimate vocal whispers that draw you in close. Flashy, strobe lit synths soon electrify the groove and ensure hands will go skywards as acid lines bring extra drama. ‘Where Do We Go’ is another fantastic, turbocharged and acid-laced trance-techno gem with high speed drums and synths racing along under icy spoken words that bring spine tingling sensuality. 
This is a super coming together of two of modern techno’s most potent creative forces. Between them, this pair have very much refined the sound of techno over the last few years. Both hail from Belgium, and both came up through the clubbing scene with their own unique interpretations of techno and its many different nuances. 
Charlotte de Witte
Charlotte de Witte, a global techno icon and founder of the KNTXT label, has released numerous EPs with a focus on acid and techno, blending in trance and ambient into compelling club cuts. With millions of fans, she also has a history making presence in underground clubs, at electronic music festival main stages like Tomorrowland and Ultra, and crossover festivals with her recently completed production tour “Overdrive”. She’s also been crowned DJ Magazine’s World’s Number 1 Techno DJ five years in a row. Through KNTXT, she innovates with ventures like the archival Époque label, immersive pop-ups and spontaneous street parties. Poised for a groundbreaking 2025, she remains at the forefront of revolutionizing the electronic music landscape.
Amelie Lens
Amelie Lens, the leading figure in modern techno, is known for her exceptional productions and performances. Beyond music, she is a proud mother, record label owner, and activist. She founded Exhale and LENSKE, two globally recognized labels and event platforms celebrated for their inclusivity and unique on-site experiences. Exhale focuses on nurturing fresh talent, signing its youngest artist at just 16 years old. Amelie made history as the first woman with a residency in Ibiza and is now collaborating with Vogue Collective, becoming the first techno artist to do so. Her strong relationships with top designers like Chanel further highlight her creative vision beyond music. From festival appearances at the biggest festivals in the world to performances at iconic venues like The Sphere in Las Vegas, Amelie consistently pushes boundaries, shaping the future of electronic music.
This is probably one of the most anticipated collabs of the decade! Here it is, the One Mind EP:
The post Charlotte de Witte & Amelie Lens Drop Collaborative “One Mind” EP appeared first on EDMTunes.
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[EDM House Network] A Look Into Jaki Nelson’s Rise as a Singer, Producer, and DJ in Electronic Music

Commanding the Electronic Music stage with her distinct vocals and multifaceted approach emerges Jaki Nelson; a singer, songwriter, producer, and Certified Platinum artist, her creativity has turned the heads of genre enthusiasts and VIP names worldwide, continuing to cement her as a highly respected asset within the genre today. With limitless bounds to her creativity, her journey remains exciting, filled with even more promise as she feeds her artistic hunger and explores new avenues of expression.
Evident in the milestones and success she has garnered to date, Jaki Nelson has been rising to prominence throughout her career within the Electronic Music space. From securing support from industry heavyweights like R3HAB, Martin Garrix, Jonas Blue, and Nicole Scherzinger to opening for the likes of Kehlani, Hayley Kiyoko, and Kiesza to garnering millions of streams across platforms, her ever-evolving list of achievements speaks to her talents and magnetic persona. With a future set to uphold the high bar she has already established, Jaki Nelson’s name is surely on the rise, ascending the ranks of Electronic Music creators as she steps into the next chapter of her journey, driven by her passion and artistic ambitions.
Musically, her sonic originality is rooted in her expressive vocals; with high-powered beats coupled with emotionally charged melodies, her sound is an ever-developing expression of her identity. As she takes inspiration from new trends on the scene, it is her personal experiences that continue to direct the themes of her music; recently taking creative motivation from her mental health, she integrates themes centred around growth, perseverance, and celebration, ensuring her work stays authentic while forging a genuine connection with listeners.
When speaking on her creative trajectory, Jaki Nelson shares:
“I’m at an exciting point in my career where I’m expanding my sound and pushing my artistry further than ever. Alongside my work as a vocalist, songwriter, and producer, I’ve been diving into DJing, incorporating Tech House and Bass House into my brand.”
Beyond her solo aspirations, Jaki Nelson has made her mark as a powerful collaborator. Having teamed up with top names like Ken, Slowboy, and DJ Fluke, her discography is a varied collection that spans the landscape of Electronic Music. From Hypertechno to Dance Pop to Bass House to Trance, Jaki Nelson continually proves her versatility, expanding on her pursuits as she focuses on her solo work and steps into the world of DJing.
Looking ahead, she mentions:
“It’s been incredible blending high-energy dance music with my (at times) neurotically specific taste, and I’m excited to bring that to both my records moving forward and my upcoming live performances. The next chapter is all about bigger moments, bold collaborations, and creating an unforgettable experience on and off the dance floor.”
Propelling forward with passion, enthusiasm, and dedication, Jaki Nelson is a talent to keep watch of within Electronic Music, so keep her on your radar and follow her across social media to stay up-to-date on her upcoming releases, performances and news.
Jaki Nelson Online 
Website | Instagram | Spotify 
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[Electric-Mode] Do Not Sleep Announces Return To Amnesia Ibiza for 2025 Season

Do Not Sleep is returning home to the iconic Amnesia Terraza for its 2025 Ibiza season with an unforgettable opening party on Thursday, May 15th. Initially, the party will run every Thursday before shifting to Tuesdays from June 3rd, culminating with the Amnesia Terraza season closing on Tuesday, July 8th. This year, the event series raises the bar with globally renowned names alongside hot-topic, up-and-coming talent that promises a season that will leave you wide awake and craving more. “We’re bringing back what the scene has been missing: the grit, the authenticity, and the raw energy that made rave culture a global force since the 80 ́s, It’s a party about creating a space where the music speaks louder than anything else. If you’re here, you’re part of something real. We’re taking that energy into 2025 with our biggest season yet.” Founders, Do Not Sleep The Do Not Sleep family continues to grow, with fans and DJs from around the world uniting to experience an event that’s as original and authentic as the culture it represents. Do Not Sleep invites you to join the movement and reclaim the freedom and rawness that is at the very heartbeat of underground dance music. Wake up … Do Not Sleep Ibiza 2025 has landed. Do Not Sleep Amnesia Terraza 2025 Dates: Thursday 15th May (Opening Party) Thursday 22nd May Thursday 29th May Tuesday 3rd June Tuesday 10th Jun Tuesday 17th June Tuesday 24th June Tuesday 1st July Tuesday 8th July (Closing Party).  
The post Do Not Sleep Announces Return To Amnesia Ibiza for 2025 Season appeared first on Electric Mode.
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[Electric-Mode] Interview with J PARKI: On His Recent Release ‘My Infernal World (Ode to Lina & Paw) – The Remixes’

Renowned songwriter JJ PARKI is set to release his highly anticipated EP, ‘My Infernal World (Ode to Lina & Paw) – The Remixes’, on February 14th, 2025.

GETTING TO KNOW JJ PARKI
Introduce yourself and your project:
JJ PARKI, songwriter.  JJ PARKI & Co. (Collaborations in creative Company)
Explain what musical genre fits you best:
My roots are in EDM, and fusing sounds with my collaborators is a real buzz.  However, I can’t resist projects in other genres, such as singer-songwriter/pop/folk.  I even have a jazz collab, which was revived a decade later as a bossa nova fusion by one of the original collaborators.  You’ll hear a variety of sounds from JJ PARKI & Co. as I don’t like to be labelled as just one genre.
Were you connected with music from a young age and did anyone inspire you?
Yes, I grew up surrounded by the immense appreciation of music.  As an infant, my first memory of music is influenced by Spain, a Spanish song for children called “Veo, Veo” (by Teresa Rabal), which was the anthem of my childhood, and, too, flamenco.  At primary school I learnt to play the piano, and at secondary school I learnt to play the flute.  As a teenager and, too, young adulthood, I worked for Handleman UK, an international music distributor before the Internet era.  The EDM artists that inspired me are, without a doubt, Linda, Regi & Filip of Milk Inc.  I’ll never forget hearing the UK release of their top ten hit ‘In My Eyes’ – I had never heard music like it before, and my passion for EDM music exploded from that moment.
What kickstarted your music career?
In the early noughties, I bought a Slinky Music Club Edition 2002 software CD-ROM and, (not having a computer at the time) using a friend’s computer (-thanks Jonny!), I composed/produced my debut song entitled ‘Free’… decades later, the L.A. Remix of ‘Free’ is one of my most streamed songs on Spotify.
Tell us more about your sound and how it’s evolved over time:
My sound evolves, changes & grows depending on the collaborators I work with.  I don’t always set out to have a specific sound, each project depends on my lyrics and then the interpretations of each collaborator on the song we work on.  From singer-songwriter, pop/folk vibes to EDM bangers, it all depends on the creativity and fusion of mine & my collaborators’ styles.
Any words you want to share to encourage other artists or producers?
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.  If you believe that you have something to offer, keep going, be patient and, always, be passionate.  If you don’t believe in yourself, no-one will.
How do you nurture your industry relationships?
I’m lucky to have a very positive relationship with nearly all of my collaborators, to the extent that it’s a true pleasure to continue working with so many all these years later.  The mutual respect we have for each other is priceless.  However, just like making new friends, sometimes there’s no chemistry, resulting in just one release (and often a follow up), and then that’s it.  Each song represents a project; a collaboration and each contributor’s work, energy and passion.  The vast majority of collaborations I’ve worked on I’ve enjoyed.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank that’s been crucial to your journey?
At each stage of my journey, I keep benefitting from new collaborations which lead to new press/radio/TV opportunities… to name just one would, likely, be impossible.  I am grateful to every single collaborator that has got me to where I am today.  Linked to the previous question, I suppose that I am grateful most to those collaborators with whom I continue to work on music.  I can’t not mention my late mum, she instilled in me a passion for music.  I don’t know a world without music, which all started thanks to her.  It was working alongside my mum in Handleman UK that opened my eyes to a greater understanding of how the Industry works.  Funnily enough, though, almost ironically, she hadn’t ever understood the musical legacy she gave me.
Name 3 songs you love and what they mean to you
Milk Inc. – In My Eyes (UK release 2002 aka the DJ Philip Remix) – this song started my passion for music.  I still have the CD release, pure work of EDM art.  Absolute classic
4 Strings & Susanne Teutenberg. Always a reference of inspiration, when the Dutch duo revealed that the one & only vocalist of their earlier work was always Susanne Teutenberg (and not Vanessa who was only ever the façade) I cried!  I still listen to the older and new 4 Strings releases, but all their songs with Susanne Teutenberg as the vocalist have a certain je ne sais quoi, Susanne’s vocals are unique.

Infernal – Touch Heaven. How could I not mention the Danish duo who have inspired this release!  So many of their 2024 releases have blown me away, and ‘Touch Heaven’ was my favourite song of last year.  My life in a song.

What’s your favourite piece of studio equipment or software?
I yearn for the days of a program identical/similar to the Slinky Club Edition 2002 from which came my debut ‘Free’!  However, each of my collabs depends on the role the collaborator plays, various equipment & software we’ve used… All I’ll say is, never underestimate DAWs like BandLab, and editing tools like Clipchamp, they’ve saved the day on several occasions.
Name an outlandish rider request?
I tend to be behind the music, but when I do perform, I conform with being able to do a sound check!  The last time I performed some of my collaborations in public (end of 2022), I wasn’t offered an opportunity to do one, and right before I was about to sing, the team didn’t have my instrumental tracks, which had me hastily send them to one of the crew team.  All this made me very nervous, but I pulled it off, somewhat exhausted afterwards!
Favourite clubbing memory and who or what did it involve?
The Clubland era was my favourite… I have many memories of fun nights out from Southport, Manchester, Rome, Liège, Glasgow, Manresa, Barcelona… Trying to remember one in particular is not easy!  Most recent one was in Barcelona – great atmosphere, venue, company, but the music was questionable!
What famous quote represents you best?
One of my own: ‘You have to be MAD in this world… Motivated, Ambitious and Determined.’  A “famous” one: ‘You live a new life for every new language you speak.’ (Czech proverb, apparently)
If you could play at any venue, where would it be and why?
Tomorrowland.  No explanation needed!  I would love to perform some of my bangers there.
Music is….. 
My life.  I don’t know a world without music.  I do sometimes need a break from it, silence is often music to my ears, said silence cannot always be found.  Music controls me, music is me.
One song you really couldn’t live without and why?
Dido – Take My Hand.  An incredible production/composition.  Milk Inc. got me into EDM, and Dido’s influence on my non-EDM side is as important.  She, too, has an EDM side.
Namedrop your favourite 5 artists or DJs (past or present)
Past: Milk Inc (Belgium)., 4 Strings (Netherlands), Lasgo (Belgium), Paradise -Rob Grice & Stu Connor (England), my collaborator L.A.B.S (Scotland),
Present: Infernal (Denmark), my collaborator DJ Divinluks (Italy), Daní Martín (Spain), Armin van Buuren (Netherlands), Aitana (Spain).
What was your first music memory and how did it fuel your fire?
I’ve already mentioned it in a previous question, the Spanish children’s song ‘Veo, Veo’ by Teresa Rabal, and flamenco… No doubt about it, such a dominant influence of Spanish music from such a tender age, it’s no surprise that Spain is my ‘home sweet home’, and has been for many years!
Tell us more about your plans for the future:
I have my fourth album released this coming March ‘The EDM Collection’ by JJ PARKI & Co. showcasing my EDM collaborations, there’s even a ‘deluxe edition’ coming later in the year.  Radio interview coming very soon.  I’ve applied for several contests, let’s see if one of my collaborations is chosen…
Any worldly advice you’d like to share?
Like I mentioned previously, be M.A.D. and believe in yourself, believe in what you have to offer to the world of music.  Art is meant to be spoken about, it’s meant to be loved, liked, criticised, disliked and hated.  If you, personally, don’t like a song that you’ve worked on, then change it or bin it.  Many projects I’ve shelved (indefinitely) or willingly deleted.  The path to success is a lonely one, but it’s YOUR path, so keep walking down it, even if you have to climb mountains!
The post Interview with J PARKI: On His Recent Release ‘My Infernal World (Ode to Lina & Paw) – The Remixes’ appeared first on Electric Mode.
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[GrooveCartel] The Weeknd & Swedish House Mafia collaboration ‘Closing Night’

“Closing Night,” the much-rumored exclusive new bonus track from the special edition “Pharrell Williams Edition Cover,” of The Weeknd‘s new album Hurry Up Tomorrow,” is a collaboration with the Swedish House Mafia.
Released last Friday, January 31st, Hurry Up Tomorrow is The Weeknd’s farewell album under his identity, featuring Justice, Anitta, and Travis Scott with Mike Dean, Justice, and Giorgio Moroder producing. Originally Hurry Up Tomorrow had two additional tracks; today, the SHM-produced “Closing Night” may be heard firstly only on the Pharrell Williams Cover Edition, headed by a cover made by Pharrell Williams.
Swedish House Mafia x The Weeknd Coachella 2022 Swedish House Mafia is a legendary dance-pop trio that has created several singles with/for The Weeknd and worked on others. They co-produced and co-wrote The Weeknd’s hit track “Sacrifice” in 2022 and unveiled “Moth to a Flame,” a sad dance anthem, in 2021. The trio also produced “How Do I Make You Love Me” on The Weeknd’s 2022 album Dawn FM and “Nothing Is Lost,” which ranked third highest of all time on the highest-grossing film of that year—”Avatar: The Way Of Water.” Stepping in to cover for Kanye West, the four gathered for a historic Coachella headline performance that year. The set included hits from both the catalogs of both groups, “Moth to a Flame,” and “Sacrifice.”
Part of The Weeknd’s limited-edition “Pharrell Williams Edition Cover,” Hurry Up Tomorrow, out now, is the exclusive new single “Closing Night,” from Swedish House Mafia and The Weeknd.

The post The Weeknd & Swedish House Mafia collaboration ‘Closing Night’ appeared first on The Groove Cartel.
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[Electric-Mode] Loco Dice Announces New Album ‘Purple Jam’ With the Drop of His Second Single ‘Road Runner’ Feat. House Legend Carl Cox

Following the massive success of his November 2024 single ‘Heavy Heart’ with Skrillex and Firebox DML, Loco Dice is back with his first release of the year, ‘Road Runner’.
This powerhouse collaboration with the legendary Carl Cox is the second of six singles leading up to Loco Dice’s newly announced album ‘Purple Jam’, which is scheduled for release on May 23, 2025. Out today via Virgin Records, ‘Road Runner‘ takes things in a fresh direction, offering fans an exciting new cutting-edge track to keep the energy high while building up to his much sought-after album rollout. 

Road Runner, named after Carl’s beloved Plymouth Roadrunner, captures the raw energy of his signature tech house while weaving in Carl Cox’s drum’n’bass influence. The track has evolved naturally from their many B2B sessions in the past, built on crisp hi-hats cutting through a rolling bass—designed to hit just right in both day and night sets. Carl Cox’s touch brings a new dimension, uniting two heavyweight sounds that have shaped the scene for years. For Dice, this collaboration is more than just a track—it’s a reflection of a deep-rooted connection with Carl Cox that goes back to his early days:

“I am Carl Cox’s biggest fan. I’ve known the man since my early techno beginnings. It was a blessing when he spotted me at my first gig at Circoloco in 2002. That was the kick-off of my career and the beginning of the beautiful journey that still lasts. Somewhere on the way I remixed Carl’s ‘Family Guy’ in 2016. I was invited to join him on several US bus tours, on many Ultra stages worldwide, and at his famous residency at Space Ibiza. Our crazy b2b closing battles were highlights of my seasons.
Today I’m honoured to have worked with Carl on my new single ‘Road Runner’. It was named after his beautiful Plymouth Road Runner that I fell in love with when I visited him in Australia.
Here’s to the future. Oh yes, oh yes!”
‘Road Runner‘ is available now on all major streaming platforms via Virgin Records.
The post Loco Dice Announces New Album ‘Purple Jam’ With the Drop of His Second Single ‘Road Runner’ Feat. House Legend Carl Cox appeared first on Electric Mode.
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[Electric-Mode] Portugal’s MOGA Caparica Announces 5th Anniversary Edition

Announced for the 5th edition are the likes of Arapu, Dan Ghenacia, DJ Harvey, DJ Tennis, Jamie Jones, Luciano, Traumer and more
The much loved and recently elevated MOGA Caparica is celebrating its 5th anniversary in Portugal with five days of magical OFF and IN events from 28 May to 1 June 2025. Following the success of last year’s new format, this milestone edition is expected to welcome 28,000 attendee’s over the five days. and will be a fully-fledged beach festival on the Atlantic coast with a single expansive site and three stages. From Thursday, January 30th, 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day passes are available at mogafestival.com.

MOGA Caparica has become one of Europe’s most essential and cultured festivals in a very short space of time. Dancing on its breathtaking beach with the sun setting over the ocean, sand between your toes amongst an amazing crowd of real music heads is one of the most essential experiences you can have in Summer.  
MOGA Caparica is a warm and welcoming gathering inspired by Atlantic vibes and aimed at connecting people from all over the world. The beautiful location offers plenty to explore as well as artistic discovery – there is delicious food, local and international music talent, enriching activities for the soul and beach parties, boat parties and more. 
 

There is also a superb MOGA OFF program across Costa da Caparica with two days of free events and parties before MOGA IN offers three days of festival fun featuring two outdoor and one indoor stage, afterparties each night and a Souk creator market.
This year the lineup again brings together new school innovators, much loved legends and plenty of local talent across the electronic spectrum. Highlights include the heady minimal of Arapu, Luciano, Lamache and Barem, the energetic house of Blond:Ish, Dan Ghenacia’s signature deep grooves, the eclectic mastery of the legend that is DJ Harvey, melodic richness from Life And Death boss DJ Tennis, live sets from Hostom and Kosh, edgy tech from Jamie Jones and Richy Ahmed, Balearic joy from LA’s Lovefingers, classical disco and house from Maurice Fulton, dubbed out rollers from Traumer and more. 
The countdown is now on what promises to be the best edition yet of MOGA Caparica.

LINEUP [A-Z]
ALCI – ANYA – ARAPU – BAREM – BLOND:ISH – CRUZ – DAN GHENACIA – DEATRA – DJ HARVEY – DJ TENNIS – DOLCE VITO – DVDE – GUY FROM DOWNSTAIRS – HOLLY MOLLY – HOSTOM (LIVE) – JAMIE JONES – JENNIFER LOVELESS – JONNY ROCK – KIERASTOBOY – KOSH (LIVE) – LAMACHE – LILYA MANDRE – LOVEFINGERS – LUCIANO – MAXIME dB – MAURICE FULTON – MEGATRONIC – MONILE – MOMODA – NATHABES – NEVERSEEN – PAUL CUT – PENELOPE – RICHY AHMED – SAINTE VIE (LIVE) – SHIMZA – TOLGA FIDAN – TRAUMER – YEN SUNG – & more
 
MOGA Caparica
May 28 – June 1, 2024 
Costa da Caparica, Portugal
https://www.mogafestival.com/
The post Portugal’s MOGA Caparica Announces 5th Anniversary Edition appeared first on Electric Mode.
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[EDM House Network] Behind the Hits: MEDUZA talks electronic music production & the state of Italian EDM on Groove Cruise 2025

There’s few bigger producers in the world of electronic music than the iconic Italian trio of MEDUZA. With ‘Piece of Your Heart’, ‘Paradise’, and ‘Lose Control’ among many other hits, the trio has made its mark in the electro house and progressive house genres. EDMHouseNetwork had the chance to catch up with MEDUZA member Mattia Vitale onboard Groove Cruise 2025 to talk everything electronic music production:
Q1: “In terms of playing Groove Cruise, how is it different from, playing Tomorrowland mainstage, or playing in an Ibiza nightclub? How does the atmosphere change how you guys kind of curate and build your set?”
Mattia: “The good thing is that every venue is different. So no matter if you’re playing in the same city, but if you play two different venues, [it] can be [a] completely different vibe. So, it’s a challenge for me as a DJ, of course. Because, every time I go on stage, I know I have like, a big folder with full of tracks to choose. And then I play some, like two, three songs at the beginning, I try to understand the mood of the crowd, and then I adjust the set based on the mood in the venue. So every time it’s different. Of course, when we play like Tomorrowland, everything needs to be in sync with lights and visuals. So I need to prepare more those sets, because every everybody needs to be ready in the team to know what they’re doing. But when we play like Groove Cruise or just like classic clubs, I can have more fun. So just like playing random sets and then just have fun.”
Q2: “[MEDUZA] Being a production crew of three with you, Luca [De Gregorio] and Simone [Giani], how does that kind of create a unique production process where you guys are pulling ideas from each other, maybe arguing a little bit, but also, you know, really building off each other? And being able to improve each other in every aspect?”
Mattia: “When we are in the studio, there’s not a specific role for everybody. Like, even, like, I know that Luca is more the nerd – the one on the machines and in the group. And Simone is more the musician, and I’m more the one working on the arrangements. But when we are in the studio, it’s just like we start from zero, we start from scratch, and then we talk about ideas, we play some chords, and then randomly, we come up with other ideas to build up the song with the songwriters too, in the studio. And if we can create that magic feeling in the studio between all of us, then everything happens really quickly. Otherwise, like you get stuck in a little bit in in the process. But it’s a normal studio process that’s uh, but the positive thing is that we all living this life. We all coming from a different background. So this helps in, just like giving different ideas and when we are in the studio, that helps, maybe to go out a little bit off the box.”
Q3: “Additionally, obviously, being an Italian producer trio, and that being a huge part of your music, how would you describe Italian EDM? And how does that influence really play into your music and make it unique?”
Mattia: “So many years ago, it was like house music was really big, especially in the south of Italy. We used to have, like, a lot. We still have big DJs like Carola or [Joseph] Capriati, that kind of house stuff. Now the north of Italy is becoming just like the center of melodic house. So there’s Tale of Us with Anyma, Mathame, Agents of Time, and a lot of melodic DJs. So we are just like slowing down a bit, a little bit of the Trance music. And they call it melodic techno. So I think there’s a new era in Italy that has always been like house music. Now it’s more melodic, and it’s a positive thing, because it’s like a generational thing. So it’s it’s really good, especially because when Italy is, it’s so small. So we are all like living close to each other, and it’s good to share moments all together, and then we see each other around the world. So it’s so good to have fun all together too, because we are Italian.”
Q4: “MEDUZA has worked with so many incredible vocalists: Goodboys, Becky Hill, now HAYLA in Another World. What is that process like? Of kind of building your track around those talented vocals that they send you, or then kind of complimenting your production with those vocals.”
Mattia: “So we have two different ways of working on that. For example, when we did Paradise with Dermot Kennedy, everything started from just like remixing one of his songs, and then remixing that we noticed that his voice was just like matching really well with our sounds. So then we asked the label to do an original with him, and then we wrote Paradise. Or in other ways, we just like, I don’t know, for HAYLA, we love HAYLA’s voice. And then we we trying to understand how she writes the top lines, and try to build up like a backing track around what’s best for her, and then we complete that in the studio together. So it all depends, like, it’s really random [at] this point.”
Q5: “Additionally, one of the most interesting things – this is the song that got me into EDM – huge fan of Piece of Your Heart. [I know] That almost got scrapped. That’s a story that I always actually think is really interesting. Talk a little bit about what that process was like and how you guys maybe kind of learned, you know, from that to just truly never give up on a song. Because now [you all have] over a billion streams on that one.”
Mattia: “Yeah, that was a funny one. Because I remember, we’d been in the studio in London for just like the entire week and we made a lot of demos that week. And at the end of the week, the ANR from the label came to the studio, so we had to play all the demos. And we played everything and he said, ‘maybe to this’ and then ‘this is a no, this is too similar to that one, this is a no, I don’t like that.’ But then we had this demo we made with the Goodboys in just like, really, 20 minutes. But we didn’t want to play that because it was really rough. And if you talk with the producers, they only always want to just like work on ideas before they just like play to the ANR. But at the end, we said, just like, ‘who cares? Like, another no won’t change our life.’ So we play that. I said to Luca, just like, play [it] who cares. And then he played that. And then we saw the AR and the managers like jumping on the sofa, and they say, ‘What is this?!’ So at that moment, we recognized there was something big in that, but we didn’t know what to expect from that song, because we were just like, doing club music, so you don’t expect a big thing. And then I remember our manager saying this: ‘this song will change your life.’ And it was true. After two months, we were viral in the US and UK and everything started from there. So it’s been it’s been funny, and it’s been great, and it’s a it’s been a great lesson. No matter if it’s just like an idea, rough idea, 10 minutes that you made in 10 minutes, five minutes or 20 minutes, just play [it.] Just play [it] to somebody else and see their reaction, so you can really understand what are you doing. That’s the best thing.”
Q6:  “Just to finish off, what’s one up and coming young artist and one unreleased track that you really have been keeping an eye on right now?”
Mattia: “One upcoming producer I will say GENESI. Because for us, he’s already big, but he still needs to start touring, but I think he will be big in a couple of years. And he’s been in the studio with us since like, two, three years now, and we’re working together every day. And I think he will be like one of the biggest upcoming producers now and then. And the second one, for the track unreleased, [GENESI and us] have an unreleased track together that I’m playing in the set these days. So it’s still an ID but I think it’s gonna be a big one.”
Q7: “Actually to finish off, AC Milan or Ferrari?”
Mattia: “Oh, for me, AC Milan. I’m more football fan than F1. But for sure, for Simone is more Ferrari than AC.”
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[Electric-Mode] Keinemusik brings their iconic red cherry cloud back to Pacha Ibiza to kick off their island season

Keinemusik is back at Pacha Ibiza for a one-night-only set on 18 May 2025. After a year of sold-out shows worldwide, the Berlin-based trio returns to their signature cherry cloud for a night of pure vibe.  
Last year, they rolled into Pacha Ibiza for a packed out party that saw them serve up one of the most special nights of the season. They played under their now iconic Keinemusik cloud, which has been a focal point at groundbreaking headline shows, from Ibiza and Tulum to Egypt and London.   
Rampa, Adam Port, and &ME have been shaping the electronic music scene for years, mixing deep house, Afro house, and minimal techno into something fresh yet timeless. Their sound just hits different—always evolving, always on point.   
This one-off showcase is set to be an early summer highlight. Tickets won’t last long, so lock yours in before they’re gone. Instagram | Website | TikTok | Tickets   The post Keinemusik brings their iconic red cherry cloud back to Pacha Ibiza to kick off their island season appeared first on Electric Mode.
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[Electric-Mode] Hideout Reveals Complete Line-Up and Beach Party Details For 2025 Edition

Ben Hemsley, Chris Stussy, Doorly, Denny, DJ Gigola, Jess Bays, LF System, Sam Divine and more all added
 
Hideout is Croatia’s original and best festival experience and today the complete line-up and beach party details are revealed for their unmissable 15th anniversary edition. Taking place from 22nd – 26th June 2025, Hideout is five days of non-stop musical action, adventure and holiday escapism on Zrce Beach. 

Every year, Hideout gets underway with a bang with the legendary opening beach party and in 2025 it will again be in association with BBC Radio 1 Dance X for the second year. It’s the only way to get your summer started and will feature Chloé Caillet, Chris Stussy, Danny Howard, Eliza Rose b2b Sarah Story, LP Rhythm and Paige Tomlinson who will all provide an electrifying mix of house, tech and garage sounds.
 
The final additions to this year’s main line up are Ama, Ben Hemsley, Doorly, Denny, DJ Gigola, Jess Bays, Lady Shaka, LF System, Murphy’s Law, Kyle Starkey, Nyra, Oden & Fatzo, Sam Divine and Tommy Holohan with residents and partners Big Reg, Devote, MC AD, Nicola Bear, North Base and Sisu Crew also joining the fun. 
 
Hideout is famed for being the most energetic summer festival of all. It has a close-knit community of music loving party people who come from all over Europe to soak up the  diverse electronic sounds which are served up across five clubs Noa, Papaya, Kalypso, Aquarius and Euphoria as well as boat and pool parties. 
 
More than just music, Hideout also offers an endless array of activities such as high octane water sports, banana boats, jet skis, pedalos and the famous bungee jump as well as massages, cocktails, and sushi on Zrce Beach.

All of these latest names come on top of previously announced stars including Alan Fitzpatrick, AK Sports, Azyr, Benga, Bou, Bubble Love (Ross From Friends), Camo & Krooked, Charlie Sparks, Danny Howard, Darius Syrossian, Diffrent, Djammin, Dr Dubplate, East End Dubs, Eats Everything, Eliza Rose, Elliot Schooling & Liam Palmer, Enzo Is Burning, Enzo Siragusa, Fish56 Octagon, Gaskin, Girls Don’t Sync, Hannah Laing, Hedex, Hitty, Hybrid Minds, Interplanetary Criminal, [IVY], Jakkob, Josh Baker, K Motionz, Kettama, Ki/Ki, L.P. Rhythm, Notion, Olive F, Oppidan, Overmono (DJ), Paige Tomlinson, Patrick Topping, Paul Woolford, Sammy Virji, Sarah Story, Skream, Solardo, Sosa and Special Request.
 
The best way to secure your place at Hideout is to book accommodation (which ranges from affordable to luxury) and flight packages directly through the festival for a deposit of £149. These packages offer huge discounts, monthly payment plans and other benefits like early access to boat party tickets – take the hassle out of booking a group holiday and plan this most essential summer experience now.

The countdown is now on to this historic 15th edition of Hideout. Tickets are selling fast so don’t miss out on this year’s adventure and get yours now. 
Website: https://hideoutfestival.com/
Socials: Instagram | Facebook
Tickets
The post Hideout Reveals Complete Line-Up and Beach Party Details For 2025 Edition appeared first on Electric Mode.
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[Electric-Mode] Germany’s Iconic Bootshaus kicks off 2025 with stacked series of events

Héctor Oaks, Shlømo, Luude, Holy Goof, Indira Paganotto, Steve Aoki, Fedde Le Grand, Da Capo, Enoo Napa, Miss Bashful and more will feature at Bootshaus through the first half of 2025
 
Bootshaus Cologne has been a driving force in the German scene for decades and that continues in early 2025 with a blistering array of events featuring leading brands and international DJs across the techno, bass, house and EDM spectrum. 

Bootshaus Cologne leans into its reputation as a wild child of the underground. There are no VIPs, no bottle service, no posers and no nonsense. It is proud to offer affordable ticket prices and has a history of putting on high quality events for a lovably crazy crowd who never stop dancing and get up-close to the DJs and treated to festival-levels of tech and production which fires every synapse in their body. 
 
This first part of this year offers a feast of events for every type of music lover. On the 7 Feb is Unrelenting Weekender Night I with Adrián Mills, Caiva, Callush, Cara Elizabeth, CLTX, Héctor Oaks, Neon Graveyard, Shlømo and a Secret Guest, 14 Feb is all about the bass with Loonyland welcoming  Luude, Holy Goof, Chris El Greco and more and then hard techno is back with Spain’s breakout sensation Indira Paganotto & Eli Brown on 15 Feb.
 
March kicks off with a set from American superstar and Dim Mak boss Steve Aoki, and 5 Apr is BAYAMO FUSION PRES. Caiiro, Da Capo x Enoo Napa, Dante T., Nick Curly, Yulia Niko, Rancido, LALENA, Thakzin and Rebelle while on 16 May Euphoria presents some epic arnica and techno from Miss Bashful x DBBD X SHOKI287, with plenty more besides. 

Bootshaus began as a raw warehouse in the 90s with Cocoon chief Sven Vath as a resident before officially turning into Bootshaus 21 years later, and it has grown ever since. Now more than 200,000 visitors come every year, nearly every event is sold out and the venue has a large social media reach with 265K on Instagram, 200K on the newsletter, 200K Facebook fans and more than 2 million impressions per month on Instagram. Last year, key nights saw Armin Van Buuren, James Hype, Chase & Status, Timmy Trumpet, Klangkuenstler, Deborah de Luca, Steve Aoki, Mau P, Don Diablo and many more all play.
 
Bootshaus truly stands apart and has been attracting the best international DJs in the world for two decades. Those stars play across the club’s famously cutting-edge sound systems while the dance floors are wowed by the venue’s immersive light installations. The club’s industrial-chic aesthetic makes for a perfect backdrop across all three of its bespoke spaces. 
 
There is the electrifying main room with its coliseum vibe, flamethrowers, CO2 canons, strobes, LEDs, lasers and indoor festival experience. BLCKBX is the second room for more dark, intimate and underground vibes with low ceilings and pulsing lights adding to the intensity. Last is Dreherei, the smallest floor at Bootshaus and somewhere for niche music and close-knit parties with a uniquely personal charm that feels like a real hidden gem. In summer, things also head outdoors for open-air parties for up to 600 people. 
 
Bootshaus is and always has been for everyone. There is no dress code except for at the kinky parties, with carefully curated events catering to all tastes and welcoming all genders, sexualities and races. Brands include Kitkat, Awake, Inurfase, Deepblue, Beats Bass, Wonderful Days, Unreal, Sexy Party and Musical Madness. With a huge spectrum of sound on offer, from tech house to techno, dubstep to hardcore and house, this makes Bootshaus truly unique as a venue in Germany and beyond.

CEO Tom Thomas explains, “The Bootshaus has always been the place for electronic music in Germany. We try to curate a good line-up for our guests and, in addition to trends, to set our own accents and take the fans on a journey. We are also very proud to have such a good crowd that loves and celebrates electronic music. Even in the current difficult times.“
Bootshaus, which also entails the epic Blacklist and Nibirii Festivals, is the passion project of Uli and Sascha, the creators behind the Loonyland series who wanted a permanent home so took on the space that became Bootshaus. They have a long history of iconic parties with the likes of former resident Sven Väth, Avicii, Armin van Buuren, Zedd, Robin Schulz and many more and in 2025 carry on this fine tradition with another busy year of forward-thinking parties each and every weekend and public holidays.
 
Upcoming Events at Bootshaus
 
Fri, 7 February
Unrelenting Weekender Night I 
Adrián Mills, Caiva, Callush, Cara Elizabeth, CLTX
Héctor Oaks, Neon Graveyard, Secret Guest, Shlømo
 
Fri, 14 February
Loonyland with Luude, Holy Goof, Chris El Greco and more
 
Sat, 15 February
Indira Paganotto & Eli Brown
 
Sat, 2 March
Steve Aoki
 
Sat, 5 April
BAYAMO FUSION PRES. Caiiro, Da Capo x Enoo Napa, Dante T., Nick Curly, Yulia Niko, Rancido, LALENA, Thakzin, Rebelle
 
Fri, 16 May
EUPHORIA PRES. Miss Bashful x DBBD X SHOKI287
 
 
Location: Cologne, Germany
Website | Instagram | Youtube
 
 
The post Germany’s Iconic Bootshaus kicks off 2025 with stacked series of events appeared first on Electric Mode.
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[UKF] In Conversation With Dr Dubplate

Talking to Dr Dubplate is like catching up with an old mate who’s seen it all but never lost his grounding. No ego, no front—just raw passion for the music and an unwavering love for the culture. A proper South London grafter, he’s lived every role in the rave ecosystem, from handing back your cloakroom ticket at the legendary Plastic People to commanding decks at some of the world’s biggest clubs. He’s not afraid to admit mistakes, embrace vulnerability, or share wisdom gained through years in the trenches. And that’s exactly why he resonates—not just as a DJ or label boss, but as a true head, someone who gets it because he’s lived it.
Now, as his label ec2a hits its five-year milestone, Dr Dubplate stands at the helm of something much bigger than just a record imprint. More than just a platform for bangers, ec2a has become a movement, a home for cutting-edge sounds, and a proving ground for the next wave of underground talent. A reflection of his own genre-blurring style—where garage, breaks, techno, and dubstep collide—ec2a is built on gut instinct, community spirit, and a refusal to follow trends. Five years deep and still operating with the hunger of day one, Dr Dubplate isn’t just celebrating a label anniversary—he’s championing a scene that’s always been about pushing things forward.
Hey! How are you doing?
Yeah, I’m chilling. I’m just very busy at the moment. It’s quite a chaotic time for us here in the office. We’ve just moved from our OG spot, which is in the same office as Love Saves The Day, to our own getting our own place and getting settled there. It feels like a timestamp or pivotal moment. It’s kind of scary but I’ve got an amazing team so it’s not as nerve-racking as it could be. 
How big is your team?
There’s myself, I work closely with Joe from Hardline. We set up a business called Front Left Music Group together. I’ve got one homie, who takes care of all of the distribution and customer service. Olivia who is our label assistant and more recently; Hayliegh, who does basically all the handshaking because I can’t do that kind of stuff. I just feel weird in those situations. In terms of graphic designers.
It sounds like you’re gassed about the move? 
Imagine where I was before I had no windows! We were in a box which in summer is dead hot and it’s just freezing in the winter. But was a blessing being there because Team Love and Laura are amazing. It was somewhere that wasn’t difficult to move into just because I had a relationship with them. I felt welcome and also surrounded by so many creative people who have done amazing things in Bristol.  
You can get loads of tidbits and advice just being around talented, like-minded people…
Yeah definitely. Dr. Banana was here too two or three years ago. So, it’s just always a blessing to have like-minded people in your day-to-day and just going about life. I think it rubs off on you and gives you that energy.
So before we talk about what the future holds I want to go back to when you were a little kid. What music was playing around the house?
My dad is massively into his afrobeat; Magic System, ‘Premier Gaou’ stuff like that, big parties. Now, I think about it, my dad also loved his jazz, people like Pharaoh Sanders but he was also partial to some Barry White. It was very broad.
When you’re a teenager, you’re trying to just be alternative. I think that’s when I really started getting into more rock music. Listening to The Shadows and I bonded with my Nan,  because she was telling me about all these bands that she was listening to when she was young. That was I would say, when I really noticed, I had an interest in music. When I got to 16 I did the whole listening to Avril Lavigne all the way to Dr. Dre and staring to uncover hip-hop.
Being from South London, I remember all of the Boy Better Know sort of stuff coming though when I was in year nine. So I guess that’s when I started covering more quintessentially British music. When I got to school and started discovering that my dad was working in the industry, that’s when I started uncovering dubstep, and jungle. First it was Shy FX– he was my entry point, not the super headsy stuff. 
And then Chase & Status ‘Eastern Jam’ and all started dropping and that was when I made the connection that my dad was in this industry. At that same time I was starting to find out about being a naughty kid, smoking and doing dumb shit; I was just obsessed with partying. I had no real music accolades or anything like that. I always thought the only way I could really get involved in this new thing that I was obsessed with was to be a promoter- that was from the age of about 15.
Long story short, my mate Issy had a house party? It was like her 16th birthday or something and she had it at a gaff her mum owned in Baron’s Court that was just vacant. I remember my friend Zach at the time saying ‘We’ve got to see if we could hire this gaff off Issy’s mum’ which is wild to me, because I would never let 16-year-olds loose in my house. But she said yes and we had our first party. We just had a bag at the door and were taking tenners off people.  We didn’t even really have a DJ, we just flung up speakers and started playing tunes off the iPod And that’s what set it off.
I actually remember because I told my dad I was staying at my mates, but I was liaising with Issy’s mum from his phone. And we forgot to shut the door at our first party- so she call the number to find out what was happening- so she called the number, and ended up belling my dad. He bided his time and let me come home the next morning, and asked ‘So where were you, you weren’t at Zach’s?’  I just had to come clean but he couldn’t believe the amount of cash we had made. So I think a part of him was like ‘Do your thing!’
That’s where it all started and to where I am now I’ve been trying to find my feet and see what interests me. What really interests me is the same thing that set me off- being obsessed with music.
I love that…
You’ve told us where it all began, you worked in the cloak room at legendary Plastic People?
Yeah, that’s when my dad was managing it. 
From putting on parties with your mates and working in club cloak rooms, do you think having multiple roles across the nightlife industry has shaped how you behave at this stage in your career?
Definitely, it’s funny because I always struggled. When I was younger, I wanted to be a nepo, and just how things worked out- me being a little shit that never really happened. I was very frustrated throughout my career, because I had already thrown parties when I was 16, plus the ones we did in a Ladbroke Grove Club, called The Neighbourhood and we had Loefah, DJ Chef and shit like that. So I think my ego must have got super inflated then I and then I lost it all. 
After that I moved to Uni and did a similar thing-  started parties and just through partying too much I lost it all again. So throughout the year I’ve been very frustrated, thinking to myself “Why isn’t it working for me?” But without realising it made me be a promoter, start DJing, start trying to manage my friends, doing social media, learning how to get T-shirts done, speaking with vinyl press… So over this 10 years span now that I’ve started ec2a, I’ve realised that that was the biggest gift. All of that time of failing, starting back up failing again- because all of the shit in between it was creating who I am.
I dropped out of uni and I had to pick up normal jobs, which was a very humbling experience in itself because they were  jobs that people don’t necessarily aspire to do. Having to hustle outside of normal work, and things not really working. You’re not doing it for money, you’re just doing it because you try to fuel the madness. And ultimately all that time I was just gaining bare experience.
And now when I do the label and stuff. I’ve got the head of a promotor, I’ve got the head of a DJ, I’ve got years of being a punter. It’s just really helped the brand feel authentic or more authentic to people that actually understand the culture.  
It’s not even ‘feels’ authentic. It is authentic- when you’ve grown through the scene and you’ve done all the bits and lived and understand every aspect of the culture.. 
Let’s talk about the label, why did you start in the first place?
The way I viewed it was like all the legendary parties had been and gone. I was it’s just gonna be so hard to top that. I had a night called Piff, and we’d done so much sick stuff in my head and memory. But the reality is that nights are a special time for a certain batch of people but then it’s forgotten. I needed an avenue which could really help define culture more directly. So I feel like I was just naturally gravitated towards a label.
Originally I tried to change that initial brand into a record label, but it just wasn’t meant to be. basically, I ran it with a homie and it led to conflicts that I didn’t necessarily want to have with someone, I considered a friend. So it made me realise I needed my own way of just expressing, truly what I believe and I want to do. And that just led to ec2a basically.
I had the idea before lockdown, so I would have been 27-ish, but I was fuming at this point, I hated dance music. I hate everything about it . Everything felt real stale and inauthentic and I knew so many talented people on British soil that no one even wanted to bat an eyelid about. And I just couldn’t for the life of me, understand it. And at this point I was connected with Main Phase through a previous project from the lo-fi house period of time.  I remember just talking about our taste in music with people like Object and Dr. Banana playing the more garage leaning stuff, you could feel as a shift in the sort of genres. Basically, we just started pinging tunes back and forth and then he sent me the ‘Sonique’ edit and that was just the one that we used to start.
At the time, the vinyl industry was fucked you couldn’t get records for six months to a year. So I just thought ‘You know what? Green King Cuts are telling me they can do it in four weeks.’ I just thought ‘Fuck it’. Over the period that a lot of labels were struggling to do one or two releases,  I was able to do 12 or 13 but not for big artists, all the artists that had no profile. And that’s what really cemented the ethos of the label and we just started just slamming out dubs. 
I remember that time, how come they could do it quickly for you? Was it because you had smaller runs?
Just because it wasn’t vinyl. It was a lathe cut dub. So they’ve got these lathe cut machines, and they were just banging them out for me. I’m not in a queue, because a big plant  were like “300 records? Don’t care about that!” I’ve got to shout out the Green King lot like Chris because he was the one who said “Mate, why don’t you just do it on Dubs? None of your lot are doing it.” And that was such a valid point and then it  just went from there. 
Ultimately in dance music there’s always that collectibility and discogs culture that plays such a massive part. All we need to see is Ben UFO plays a £2  track and all of a sudden it’s two million pounds or some crazy shit. So as things were selling out, people were starting to think ‘Who the hell are these guys doing 20 releases in a year, all from artists that we don’t even really know like that but they’re selling out.’
I’m very humbled that a lot of the artists in the 85 to 90 dubs that we’ve done today, I’ve gone on to do massive things, like huge things. For me that was all I ever wanted to do, just have a platform that allowed  people to thrive. Now when I see people like Bumpa or Skeptic who are 22, or even people like Mants just making these tunes, but also learning from us, they can see how we’ve done it. I’m not really trying to gatekeep information.
 I’m just gassed that they can excel, because I feel like when I was growing up there was a lot of barriers to entry, a lot of gatekeeping. Not to throw shade because it is what it is. It was a completely different time. But I feel like that also added massively to my frustrations because I found there was no help. I was so blessed to have my dad who would give me countless amounts of game and context and understanding of what I was trying to be a part of. I won’t even mention names but looking up at my stars, it really felt like they were there and you’re here and there’s nowhere you’re gonna find out anything about how they’re going to get there. 
I’ve always tried to ground myself and hold on to the young gassed-up fan boy, who didn’t really have access to stuff. And at least with Skeptic or any of the people we work with I’ll be like “You can just reach out to me just to ask for advice because the field is complicated as hell. And really it can be exploitative, especially to younger people. Even from a just abuse standpoint, drug abuse and alcohol abuse and shit like that- and it’s not cool, it’s about the music not getting fucked. So anything I can do to just give something back, even outside of it benefiting the label just to see young people just be able to prosper. That’s why I want the label to embody.
You’re known for nurturing artists, why is that so important to you?
All of the exciting things- grime, garage, jungle, drum and bass- they were all started by young kids, who didn’t have a fucking scooby about what they were doing. They were just doing it for the fuck of it and that’s where the innovation happened. For me it’s just obvious that if you give as much back to these younger generations with all the knowledge and context and reference that’s been built in that time, It’s just gonna excel it further and further. And I think ultimately that’s the main goal for me to just move music forward, especially dance music.
You mentioned when we first started talking about the label and you wanted to create something that would define culture. What does that mean to you?
It’s a massive Fuck You to the people who are trying to bastardise our genres and I’m make them corporate. I know some could argue that we’ve rinsed out the bootleg culture and stuff like that. But, I think if the music resonates with the youth, It’s because they love it and they feel some connection to it. When I say Fuck You it’s more like these big labels that just come and they play the numbers game, there’s no care, they schmooze artists.
I want the label to really epitomise independence in everything that we do here. I started with 250 quid, and I’m not really looking to conform to how the other big labels operate and stuff.
How do you find it running an independent label, particularly at the moment where there are a lot of majors trying to get their teeth into bass music?
I’m all here for it because I want people to be able to better their lives. But it’s difficult. There are so many different parts to it. On one hand, I think we all need to remember the roots of the culture. So for example everyone’s having this discussion “What about small venues?”, but once you get an agent on board, who only knows you for being this 10 million stream, donnie- they’re not entertaining chats with those venues. But you’ve got a social responsibility to be playing in these spaces. This is something I was taught from a very young age because I was seeing Theo Parrish, Skepta, I’ve even seen Flying Lotus play at Plastic and it was a 200 cap venue. Having that mentality ensures integrity in dance music, especially as it gets bigger and bigger. There’s gonna be more corporate interest in what we’re doing and to the kiddies that blow up and stuff- I’m fully down to secure the bag but remember why you do this? I know we’re all deep down nerds who were fascinated at one point and giving back on that level is important.
I think equally, me and Jo at Hardline, in terms of the level we’re at we’re one of the very few labels that aren’t backed by a major, not to throw shade to any of because I’ve got homies who have signed them sort of deals. But once you sell that away you don’t have your foot ground in the underground like that because you’re gonna play by their rules, or they’re going to try and buy it from you or they’ve got some ulterior motive for it. 
How was XL build? How was Ninja tune built? These artists saw the importance of working with independents that backed their vision. I think everyone has a part to play, I try to remember to stay reality aware of how it started and trying not to slip into the ways of how others are currently doing. But there’s just so many things,I could go on for hours unfortunately.
So you’ve hit five years… In that time you’ve done some pretty outstanding things, you were nominated for DJ Mag Best of British, you’ve done Printworks, Warehouse Project when you reflect on all the stuff you’ve done in a relatively short amount of time, how does that make you feel?
I think it’s crazy.I can’t believe it’s already been five years, I still remember packing up dubplates in my living room. I need to remember it more because I think that’s where you start becoming an ungrateful, little shit. And sometimes I am a bit guilty for being that kind of person. If I look back up, when I was 21 going to Motion being like “My good the DJ is so sick!” I probably wouldn’t even believe hearing some of those accomplishments.
They’re great accomplishments, so I hope you’re really proud. Was that always the goal? Listening to you I think it was probably more about the music but what was there ever a goal?
It’s weird, when they come around that you don’t even notice them as like ‘this is one for the CV.’ I guess part of me would have always wanted something that I’ve created to be put on some of these big platforms for people to consume. Having gone to places like Corsica Studios and being able to go back and do party take over or play there. Even something just like Corsica Studios I would be gassed about. Although with the dance music awards they’re probably the accolades that I would say I care the least for, the proudest moments are being asked to do a take over at Printworks or Fabric.
But I think the thing I’m most proud of is just the fact that we’re here and I’ve got an amazing team around me that help me just to make all my maddest ideas come to life.  
What are the five year celebratory plans?
7 February in Bristol- that’s gonna be like the first big one. It’s at the Underground in Bristol. It’s a new space. It’s under Broadmead in a car park so they don’t get any noise complaints. 
Al Fresco Disco are a bit of a legendary party crew and they’ve looked after it for a couple years. I imagine it’s come about because the shopping centers are just so fuck they’ve really started thinking. “How can we make some money?” So they’ve just been more open to doing more stuff like this. But they’re trying to make a proper venue of it now. But it’s definitely the biggest lineup I’ve ever done under the label for sure. 
I guess we’ve got a bunch of exciting plans with the five years of ec2a, but we’re just expanding in other ways behind the scenes to make sure that we can just kind of remain doing what it’s doing so we can also protect what we’ve heavily invested in, in terms of management, artist development, A&R and as more as a freelance service. One thing I hate about brands is when they get too big and they just lose authenticity. So instead of trying to do all this just the ec2a it’s more, just a case of starting other little things to really focus on those aspects so we can just leave the label alone.
Aside from the Bristol show we’ve got; Leeds March 14, London March 21, and Rotterdam in April. Very excited as we put a lot into the curation of these line ups!
Expanding sustainably without causing damage to the label…
I mean we’ve already started but I guess the more growth will probably come from just doing more merch and stuff like that. I’m very content with how it is and what’s happening under the radar. 
So the last question as always, what should we be talking about in bass music right now?
I think that the conversations around representation have gone a bit quiet again and people are slipping into old habits, I even find myself guilty. So it’s not to be negative, it’s just to build awareness of it and question ‘How can we make it so that people are better represented? What the fundamental issues?’ The fact is that the artist pool is smaller in niche genres, so how can we make sure that those underrepresented voices are fully heard in a place where so many other people dominate the field? 
Personally I find it very conflicting when you represent something but you start to question ‘Am I feeding the pony here?’ It would be great to just have conversations around what we can all do, because I think awareness isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes people make it out to be negative and it’s like the people who get impressed are usually the people that it doesn’t even affect.
Dance. Music is for everyone to enjoy. Absolutely. But people are unheard, there are voices that just slip amongst everything.
That and probably small venues. I love these big venues, LWE no shade, I love them all. I think they offer a very interesting perspective. That younger generations may never experience, all in a big rave settings- the prime rave settings. But also there’s nothing better than going to see one of your favorite artists just shell it out in 200/300 cap venue.
I think agents and promoters just need to pattern up. I know my relationship with my agent is good enough where I could be like, “I’m doing that one. And it just is what it is.” You just have to have that conversation, and if you aren’t about that life, that’s fine. Do what you have to do. But I just don’t want to see you sharing. No, bollox about “Save The Scene”.  I’m not hearing it because you’ve got to be doing it yourself. People get it caught up. Someone who I didn’t even actually rate like that. But I do respect now, especially as I’ve grown up, is Skrillex. It’s an extreme example but he’ll do something like Fred Again and then do Kindred.  Even from a marketing perspective which is the only thing some of these big corporate people can understand its content is key. You’re gonna get more of a vibe in a small venue that’s just a known fact.
I don’t feel like the venues are to blame, they’re just the ones suffering right now. It’s really down to the artists to put pressure on the agents and management to be like “ I don’t know if you’ve heard me correctly, but this is happening, you just need to make it happen”.
Yeah, I’m sure they can take a hit on one or two fees…
Init!
ec2a Worldwide

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[GrooveCartel] Beyond Wonderland Chicago announces 2025 lineup

Auris Presents and Insomniac, the top music festival and live events experience producer worldwide have revealed the much-awaited lineup for the second edition of Beyond Wonderland Chicago. In 2024, we want to Beyond Wonderland Chicago. Our experience.
Coming back to Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island on June 7–8, 2025, the most recent addition to the cherished Beyond Wonderland brand promises an unmatched immersive experience in The Windy City. Attendees will be carried down the rabbit hole into Alice’s fantastical paradise, where a genre-spanning roster awaits including house and techno veterans, bass music superstars, and melodic geniuses.
Headliners should expect explosive performances over four stages that highlight the finest in electronic music. Among the outstanding performances is ILLENIUM, the Chicago-born artist whose emotionally driven anthems have solidified him as among the most loved performers in dance music. Along with him are GRAMMY-nominated stars Marshmello, Slander, MEDUZA, and Audien as well as GRAMMY® Award-winning performers Afrojack and Cassian. Dubstep/trap hitmaker Crankdat, Dutch powerhouse team Yellow Claw, and the GRAMMY-nominated team SIDEPIECE are among further EDM giants.
Insomniac Records and Day Trip will collaborate to host Caterpillar’s Garden stage, therefore providing an unparalleled house and techno experience given Chicago’s strong impact in house music. Along with rising natives Dom Chap and Avi Sic, headliners may groove to the sounds of Chicago icons Green Velvet and Gene Farris as well as internationally known selectors MK, James Hype, Coco & Breezy, and Walker & Royce. Combining high-energy tech house with deep, driving basslines, a much awaited b2b set from Biscits and Martin Ikin will also feature.
Beyond Wonderland Chicago 2025 also offers a formidable bass roster, with headlining performances from Subtronics, Virtual Riot, and Ganja White Night plus a special b2b set from drum & bass standouts Hedex and Bou. TroyBoi, Blanke, Mersiv, and Odd Mob—each with their own unique sound to offer the festival’s varied lineup—should also provide genre-defying performances.
Along with legendary b2b performances from Jessica Audiffred and Nostalgix and Matroda and San Pacho, other notable sets include AC Slater and Chris Lorenzo‘s high-energy joint effort Fly With Us.
Insomniac also plans to provide official after parties to more than five locations across the city, so sustaining the magic both evenings. The next months will bring full information about these shows.
Beyond Wonderland Chicago 2025 lineup includes Afrojack, Ahee, ARMNHMR, Audien, Austin Millz, Avi Sic, Bassrush Experience, Basstripper, BIIANCO, Biscits b2b Martin Ikin, Blanke, Blossom, Boogie T, Cassian, Coco & Breezy, Cole Knight, Crankdat, Culture Shock b2b ÆON:MODE, D.O.D, Danny Avila, Day Trip Presents, Desma, Discovery Project, Dom Chap, Eli & Fur, Fly With Us (AC Slater b2b Chris Lorenzo), Ganja White Night, Gene Farris, Godlands, Green Velvet, Hazcat, Hedex b2b Bou, Illenium, Insomniac Records, Jackie Hollander, Jade Cicada, James Hype, Jessica Audiffred b2b Nostalgix, KARUTH B2B TAYLOR JORDN, KI., Le Youth, Level Up, Lost In Dreams, Loud Luxury, Malaa, Marshmello, Matroda b2b San Pacho, Meduza, Mersiv, MK, MOONLGHT, MPH, Murphy’s Law, Netsky, Nikita, The Wicked, Odd Mob, OMNOM, Ravenscoon, SABAI, Samplifire, Sidepiece, Slander, Subtronics, Tom & Collins, TroyBoi, Twinsick, Virtual Riot, Walker & Royce, Wilkinson, William Black, With Løve, Wooli, YDG, Yellow Claw, Zen Selekta.
Working with Auris Presents, the event highlights a variety of electronic sub-genres including house, techno, trance, and bass in Chicago’s foremost producer of experiential festivals and events. The immersive experience the cherished Beyond Wonderland franchise is known for will come from the four state-of-the-art themed stages: Queen’s Domain, Mad Hatter’s Castle hosted by Bassrush, Cheshire Woods hosted by Lost in Dreams, and Caterpillar’s Garden presented by Insomniac Records and Day Trip. With unmatched views of the gorgeous downtown cityscape of the city that stands lovely on the beaches of Lake Michigan, the 119-acre venue on Northerly Island provides an amazing backdrop for live music.
Beginning on Friday, February 7 at 12 p.m., two-day GA, GA+, and VIP tickets are on sale.
Beyond Wonderland Chicago 2025 lineup The post Beyond Wonderland Chicago announces 2025 lineup appeared first on The Groove Cartel.
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[EDMTunes] Movement Detroit 2025 Announces Full Lineup With Over 115 Acts

The Movement Music Festival has unveiled its complete lineup for 2025, featuring more than 115 artists set to perform at Detroit’s Hart Plaza during Memorial Day Weekend, May 24–26, 2025
Headliners and Notable Performances
Belgian techno sensation Charlotte de Witte joins previously announced headliners Carl Cox (Live) and John Summit. The festival will also feature a special back-to-back set by Detroit legends Carl Craig and Moodymann, accompanied by Underground Resistance co-founder Mike Banks. Other notable performers include Jamie xx, Anfisa Letyago, Sara Landry, Patrick Topping, Joris Voorn, Nina Kraviz, Chase & Status, Skepta Más Tiempo, Boys Noize, FJAAK, TSHA, Mau P, DJ Nobu, and The Blessed Madonna and MANY MORE!
“Movement is a techno institution in Detroit so for me, it’s like reuniting with an old friend. I’m going to make up for the years I’ve missed with a show that’s going to send Detroit to another dimension!” Carl Cox
Honoring Detroit’s Musical Heritage
Staying true to its roots, Movement Detroit continues to highlight the city’s homegrown talent. The 2025 edition will showcase artists such as Huey Mnemonic, Stacey Pullen, DJ Minx, Waajeed b2b Ladymonix, Rimarkable, Norm Talley, Mike ‘Agent X’ Clark, and Whodat. Additionally, the festival will feature special showcases, including Carl Craig’s Detroit Love, Kevin Saunderson’s KMS Records, DJ Minx’s House Your Life, and the debut of the Underground Music Academy (UMA) Showcase, led by Waajeed.
About Hart Plaza
Hart Plaza, officially known as Philip A. Hart Plaza, is a 14-acre city plaza along the Detroit River. Opened in 1975, it has a capacity of about 40,000 people and is renowned for hosting numerous festivals and public gatherings. At the center of the plaza is the Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain, designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1978.
Tickets and Passes
3-Day and 1-Day Passes for GA and VIP are available now at www.movementfestival.com. Payment plans are also available for festival-goers looking to secure their spot at one of the world’s most iconic electronic music events.

The post Movement Detroit 2025 Announces Full Lineup With Over 115 Acts appeared first on EDMTunes.
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[EDMTunes] [Event Review] Steve Angello Wows Crowd at Igloofest Montreal

The world’s iciest festival is in full force right now as Igloofest Montreal is itching is way towards its last weekend. However, before getting back on the cold dancefloor for Weekend #4, we need to take a look back on a memorable performance by one of the all-time greats.
On January 31, 2025, Igloofest Montreal transformed the Old Port into a pulsating winter wonderland, headlined by the legendary Steve Angello. Despite the biting cold, with temperatures dipping to -10°C, the energy was electric as fans gathered to witness a night of unforgettable performances.
Before Angello, the evening kicked off at 7:30 PM on the Sapporo Stage with a dynamic set by Laura Scavo, setting an energetic tone for the night. Following her, KILIMANJARO took over at 9:00 PM, delivering a performance that seamlessly blended deep basslines with melodic interludes, captivating the audience.
At 10:30 PM, the crowd’s anticipation peaked as Steve Angello, a founding member of the Swedish House Mafia, took the stage. Right from the first drop, he immediately had the audience in his grasp. His set was a masterful journey through progressive house, featuring both his classic hits and new tracks that showcased his evolving sound. The synergy between Angello and the crowd was palpable, each track building upon the last, creating waves of euphoria that rippled through the masses. The last 30 minutes of the set were giving chills to all attendees who has listened to the trio since the beginning. For Montrealers, this was a very unique chance to witness live some the greatest songs the EDM scene has ever see.
For tickets and info on the last weekend of Igloofest Montreal 2025, please visit the official website.
Stay tuned for more news!
The post [Event Review] Steve Angello Wows Crowd at Igloofest Montreal appeared first on EDMTunes.
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We Belong Here Festival Shares Complete Lineup for 2025

We Belong Here is gearing up for its 2025 edition in Miami, and the festival promoters just completed the full lineup. To emphasize, the festival will take place during the for March 1-2 weekend at Virginia Key Beach Park. The return of the flagship festival in Miami comes off of the great success the festival had at its inaugural Central Park edition in New York City back in October.
Furthermore, the 2025 edition of the We Belong Here Festival will showcase over 60 performances and promises a total mix of over 40 global stars and up-and-coming artists. Many of the artists have been already been revealed in the initial lineup announcement back in December. In the full lineup, Louis the Child is joining the party with their fun “Playground Set”, along with Sultan + Shepard, who are all about that melodic house vibe. They’ll be joining big-name headliners like Eric Prydz, Kaskade, Lane 8, and Steve Angello.
For its fourth year, the festival will feature performances across the 360 Main Stage, Beach Stage, and Lost Village Stage. The Beach and Lost Village stages are famous for highlighting new talent, giving fresh DJs a chance to shine. You can expect rising stars like Mia Moretti, the popular Purple from Groot Hospitality, and Lousy Lover to bring some exciting energy to the lineup. Additionally, Pati, the winner of the We Belong Here and Femme House guest DJ contest, will kick things off with help from LP Giobbi, focusing on empowering women and gender-expansive artists.
This year, We Belong Here is teaming up with E11even, the illustrious nightclub, to bring an exclusive table service to the 360 Main Stage. In fact, this partnership aims to make the festival experience even better, combining E11even’s awesome hospitality with the festival’s cool vibe. And if you’re hungry, Smorgasburg is back with a variety of food choices from over 15 local vendors. Last but not least, tickets for the 2025 edition of the We Belong Here Festival are on sale. Ticket prices start at $70 for a single-day ticket and $140 for a weekend pass; these tickets will sell out quick. Also, check out this Instagram post from We Belong Here that announced the official planned participation of Louis The Child and Sultan + Shepard.
Tickets are going fast so act now and don’t miss this gorgeous festival.
The post We Belong Here Festival Shares Complete Lineup for 2025 appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Groove Cruise 2025: A Transformational Journey at Sea

The universe of dance music festivals is filled with amazing events, and most people would think first of Ultra Music Festival, EDC Vegas, and Tomorrowland. These festivals have incredible lineups, huge layouts, and outstanding production, but at the end of the day, they’re just music festivals. Groove Cruise is something more than that, and more comparable to Tomorrowland or Burning Man because it’s an A-to-Z experience. After attending Groove Cruise 2025, it’s easy to see why the event just adopted the tagline “A Transformational Journey At Sea”.
I’ll admit, it sounds a bit cheesy at first. “OMG life changing!” is a cliche of dance music festivals, especially as the industry has become so mature and so commercial. While it’s true that most of our readers have had a life-changing festival experience, that wow factor fades over the years when it comes to most events. However, Groove Cruise is life-changing because it’s so much more than a music festival. Last year, I described it as a magical utopia that appears every year for 4 nights in January. At that time, I emphasized how the magic of Groove Cruise only appeared in January when the event took place. What I realized in 2025 was that the magic of Groove Cruise extends far beyond just January and beyond the decks of the Groove Cruise ship.
A New Tagline
Groove Cruise’s founder and President, Jason Beukema, lives and breathes the Groove Cruise mantra. Far more than just a company CEO, he is the proud leader of this GCFAM community. Ahead of the 2025 event, he explained that GC had taken on a new tagline and he had thinking deeply on the meaning of Groove Cruise. He shared an extremely lengthy and detailed post explaining what he described as “The 8 Waves of Groove Cruise”.
While it’s A LOT to take in and absorb, I came to find my own understanding of this new era of Groove Cruise. Groove Cruise can be as surface-level or as deep as you want it to be. The deeper you dive into the experience and into the community, the more you get from it, and the more it impacts your life. You might be a 1st time (aka virgin) and go on Groove Cruise as you would any music festival, just barely dipping your toe in. You’d avoid the daily dress-up themes, skip the attendee-only Facebook Group, and intend on keeping a tight-knit group with your cabinmates. What you’d find, however, is that you’ll have way more fun and make lifelong friends by diving in to the experience and exploring all it has to offer.
A New Ship Class
At the outset, it’s important to note that Groove Cruise itself has transformed in 2025, to nearly its “final form”. It’s not literally a final form, but Groove Cruise has now taken over the 2nd largest ship class at sea. Groove Cruise 2025 hopped aboard the Allure of the Seas for the largest music festival cruise in history. For the first time, Groove Cruise had the massive Aqua Theater, the massive Promenade, the incredible Studio B, and the split-superstructure pools to play with. Allure of the Seas is actually the oldest ship in its class in terms of upgrades. The older Oasis was refurbished some time ago, and Allure will be refurbished this Spring.
Next year Groove Cruise will take over the much newer Wonder of the Seas, but the overall layout and list of amenities will remain the same. From at least the next few years, Groove Cruise will be able to iterate on this formula with this class of ship. The latest ship in this class is Utopia of the Seas, and it was just launched in 2024. It’s safe to say we won’t see Groove Cruise on Icon of the Seas until at least the next anniversary.
The scale of Groove Cruise in 2025 is something to behold. The ship’s size allows for enough attendees and budget for a super-stacked lineup of heavy hitters across the musical spectrum. The venues allow for multiple gangbusters shows to be going simultaneously, all while you have a fully featured spa, multiple dining venues, bars EVERYWHERE, along with your room and gorgeous ocean views.
The Community
What sets Groove Cruise apart the most from the music festival is the community (GCFAM). I’ll admit, it might seem a bit much at first. Once you join the attendees-only Facebook Group ahead of the event, your Facebook will be bombarded with posts and group messages. You might be young enough to find the mere use of Facebook to be cringe but just roll with it. The biggest thing about Groove Cruise is that this community is without pretension. Nobody thinks they’re better than anybody else and nobody judges anybody. You can dress literally as ridiculously as you want, and you’ll only get props from people across the ship. People will make the silliest posts on the Facebook Group, and they never devolve into anything mean-spirited.
It’s been said before but it bears repeating; PLUR is still treasured and protected at Groove Cruise. If you’re a virgin, everybody will chat you up and show you the ropes. People will hand out little trinkets or stickers or friendship bracelets or whatever. On the first night, my group met a girl and her friends from Chicago who were incredible shufflers. We were watching, impressed with their moves. The shuffler girl came up to us, introduced herself, and said she was self-taught and then proceeded to give my group a little dance lesson right there in the middle of the Aqua Theater. It was her first GC, but not her last. It’s those fun light-hearted moments that are the most memorable about Groove Cruise.
Now that girl and her friends will return in 2026 and we’ll party with them again. Even among the media members that attend, we have all become friends and now we see each other across various other festivals, but our friendships began on Groove Cruise. The community starts before the event even begins. You join the attendee-only groups and start chatting with people. They introduce themselves, ask questions, and talk about all sorts of topics. Since the chat is for attendees only, it’s like your student body from college or something. You can only join the group once you are booked. Then on Groove Cruise, you see these people everywhere you go, so by the end of the trip you feel like you really know the community as a whole. By the way, some artists will be in the groups as well, because they are also part of the community. The Facebook Group and the related chats continue long after the event ends, and your connections continue on as well. It’s very different from a festival where everybody goes home each night, or some only go for a portion of the weekend.
Because of that, it’s more like a membership club than a music festival. The vast majority of Groove Cruises return year after year. Out of all of my friends who attended in 2025, each of them booked for 2026 before the trip had ended. People meet their future spouses on GC, get engaged, and even get married on GC. There were over 6 weddings hosted in 2025 and engagements galore. It says a lot about the strength of the community and the event itself.
The Crowd
The Groove Cruise crowd is consistently renowned as one of the best aspects of the trip, and that’s because of the community. Even among music festival cruises, Groove Cruise is universally considered to have the best crowd. It’s the most mature crowd, which means everybody can handle themselves responsibly. That also means that PLUR is mostly respected, with only a few bad apples in the mix. It also means that there is a wide appreciation for all aspects of dance music, not just the latest fads. The crowd is definitely mid-30s and up for the most part, and not what you’d find at most festivals. It’s one of the few festivals where you’ll see parents and adult children partying together.
The Music
As Groove Cruise has evolved into this advanced form, it can cater to a wider variety of music tastes. In 2025, Groove Cruise touches most aspects of the dance music spectrum in one form or another. The nice thing is that it doesn’t completely shift to only cater to the latest trends. Groove Cruise nurtures a healthy trance community, something that is disappearing from many regions in the dance music world. There is house, techno, bass music, trance, some good old-fashioned EDM, progressive house, deep house, throwbacks, you name it!
The amazing thing about Groove Cruise is that the artists almost all play multiple sets, with each one being different. You get to see Layton Giordani in 3 different venues with 3 different vibes. You get to see Jeremy Olander, Yotto, Cristoph, Yotto b2b Cristoph and finally Cristoph b2b Jeremy Olander b2b Yotto. The artists love it as much as the fans, as they get to stretch their legs musically and you can tell that they’re having just as much fun as the crowd is. This year had heavy hitters like Eric Prydz on the outdoor Aqua Theater stage, MEDUZA multiple times, Nicole Moudaber multiple times, Layton Giordani multiple times, Markus Schulz continuing his residency, and many many more.
The artists are all hanging out with the crowd, enjoying their vacation along with you. Groove Cruise selects artists who appreciate this vibe, and there are no divas allowed. You can talk to your favorite artist like a regular person instead of feeling like a star-crossed fan, and the artists truly enjoy it. It’s one of the only events where anybody can do this.
Groove Cruise has even developed its own crew of resident DJs over the years, from names you’ll only see on Groove Cruise to big names you’ll see everywhere. So you see that even the DJs find the experience to be addicting and love to come back, year after year. Markus Schulz is one of the most well-known “residents” along with Gene Farris, Anthony Atalla, and Tim Clark but there are many more that you’ll come to know and love. We hope Nicole Moudaber, Yotto, Cristoph, or Layton Giordani decides to take up a residency too.
AAA For All
One reason Groove Cruise can have such a mature and unique community is that it provides amenities that most festivals don’t (or charge triple to provide). Groove Cruise is for the ravers who attend fewer events but buy VIP or a table because they no longer want to stand in a field or a parking lot for 8 hours. They appreciate having all of the creature comforts at their fingertips. No matter what, you have food, bars, bathrooms, and your hotel room within 5 minutes. Where else can you wake up for the breakfast buffet with Gene Farris still going on his marathon set that started hours earlier? Where else can you watch MEDUZA perform from a hot tub at 4am? Where else can you watch Eric Prydz perform from your prime viewing location at your very own VIP balcony in your cabin?
There is no VIP because everybody has VIP. There’s no need for AAA either because the only difference between the crowd and the crew is being behind the DJ booth. Since you can meet the DJs anyway there’s no need for AAA. Many Groove Cruisers remark that Groove Cruise has ruined all other festivals for them, and this is just one of the reasons why, but it’s a big one. You can party and disco nap on your schedule, and that’s how anybody can power through 4 days of nonstop action. Groove Cruise is accessible to all party levels, which makes for a totally unique mix of people.
The Experiences
Besides the music and the amenities, Groove Cruise arranges hundreds of artist activations and other events to participate in. Again, the deeper you dive in the more you benefit. There’s a ping pong tournament with Nicole Moudaber, zip lining with another DJ, tequila tasting with another, and dinner with a dozen more. Not everything has to be a party, but it’s incredible nontheless. There are also events to help people meet new friends, music industry panels, and even a very solemn but cathartic ceremony honoring those lost in the prior year.
There’s also the Whet Oasis which focuses on rest, relaxation, therapy, mindfulness, and more. This year the setup was a bit confusing since it shared a space with the after-hours venue, but it’s a vital tool in finding your time to relax and recenter during a marathon bender. There is truly something for everyone here.
The Destination
While the journey is the most important thing, the destination being gorgeous doesn’t hurt either. Labadee, Haiti provides a breathtaking backdrop for a private beach party. By the time the ship arrives there you’ve already made a dozen new friends and you all just let loose in this utopia that is an entire island beach dedicated to ravers watching the DJs perform while playing in the ocean or on the sand. It’s truly the most unbelievable aspect of an unbelievable adventure, and the second it ends you’ll be counting down the days until you return.
The Team
A crucial part of what makes Groove Cruise so special and unique, even among cruise festivals, is the team behind it. There is nobody working for Groove Cruise that is off-limits to you, literally. You’ll meet Jason, the head honcho, and you’ll feel his passion for this event in everything he does. You’ll meet Skeeter who books the lineup and frequently participates in the Facebook group discussions (and looks out for who people want to see). You’ll meet Adam Levine (DJ Adam Scott) either in his DJ capacity during a set or in his marketing capacity for Groove Cruise. You’ll meet the resident DJs more than once, to the point where they truly become friends as opposed to festival DJs. The team is really listening to the attendees and values their input. Each year a survey goes out with a million questions, and Jason reads every single one of them to constantly improve on the experience and provide the best value. It doesn’t feel like you’re paying a company for a music festival like you might find on EDSea, but it feels like you’re part of the club that comes together each year for this amazing journey.
What’s Next
Groove Cruise is already on the largest ship class on earth besides the Icon of the Seas so there isn’t much more room to grow right now. As of now, 2026 is already 75% sold out, and Skeeter expects the ship to fully sell out before the lineup is even announced. Don’t sleep on Groove Cruise. Head on over and reserve your cabin today before prices go up on February 7! If you use code edmtunes you can receive up to $200 off the price of your cabin. You can guarantee yourself a transformational journey at sea that you will never forget!
The post Groove Cruise 2025: A Transformational Journey at Sea appeared first on EDMTunes.
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ANOTR Drop Disco-Infused House Album, "On A Trip"

ANOTR have released their third album, On a Trip, a 14-track record released via their own No Art label. Two years in the making, the stunning album flaunts their evolution and dedication to pushing the boundaries of house music.
On a Trip is a vibrant blend of modern house, disco and timeless grooves. The ascendent Dutch duo has mastered a sound that fuses 70s-inspired disco and psychedelia with contemporary house music, crafting tracks that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Their music is effortlessly infectious—it just feels good.
The trip kicks off with "Unlock," a laid-back, groovy introduction that sets the perfect tone. Tracks like "How You Feel," "Currency (Count On Me)" and "Falling Feels Like Flying" radiate pure serotonin, delivering sun-drenched house music that instantly lifts your mood.
Balancing out the euphoric highs, ANOTR bring moments of introspection with "Don’t Understand Ya" "Bad Trip," and "Care For You." The lattermost track is especially personal, marking the first time the duo wrote a song based on real-life experiences. These tracks retain their signature rhythm but carry a more wistful, soulful energy.
Meanwhile, "Simple Rules," "Here For You" and "Living In A Dream" lean into psychedelic territory. Then there’s "SET IT ON FIRE,"which showcases the duo’s fearless creativity by virtue of a complete curveball with rowdy, punk-inspired energy and rebellious spirit. Closing out the album is "6am," a trippy, danceable track that perfectly captures the surrealist feeling of dancing until sunrise.
Listen to On A Trip below and find the new single on streaming platforms here.
Follow ANOTR:
Instagram: instagram.com/anotr.music
TikTok: tiktok.com/@anotrmusic
X: x.com/anotr
Facebook: facebook.com/anotr.music
Spotify: bit.ly/4hUDrZU
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Charlotte de Witte, Sara Landry and More Confirmed for 2025 Movement Festival: See the Full Lineup

The birthplace of techno will play home to one of the year's best electronic music lineups after Paxahau, the organizers of Detroit's Movement Festival, revealed who will take the stage in 2025.
The world's finest techno artists and their fans will descend upon Detroit's Hart Plaza for three days of non-stop music over Memorial Day Weekend. Since 2000, the storied festival has taken over the beautiful waterfront venue on the city's waterfront with multiple stages celebrating all things techno as well as house, hip-hop, drum & bass and more.
Now, two months after Paxahau unveiled the first wave of artists, they've shared the complete Movement 2025 lineup. Charlotte de Witte has been revealed as a headliner, joining John Summit and Carl Cox, who were announced previously. In 2023, de Witte made history as the first woman to close out Movement's main stage. 
In addition to the Belgian techno superstar, fans can enjoy performances by Nina Kraviz, Jamie xx, Dubfire, Claude VonStroke, Ben UFO, Mau P, MK, Boys Noize, The Blessed Madonna and EDM.com Class of 2024 stars Sara Landry and Hamdi, among over 115 others.
In its yearly homage to Detroit techno culture, Movement will also feature a slew of influential DJs and producers with Motor City roots, including Stacey Pullen, DJ Holographic and Carl Craig. Belleville Three legend Kevin Saunderson will also perform a b2b set with his two sons, who DJ as The Saunderson Brothers.
Movement returns to Detroit's Hart Plaza May 24–26, 2025. Check out the full lineup below and purchase tickets here.
c/o Movement

Movement Festival 2025 Lineup
ADMN
AK
Anfisa Letyago
Annicka
Armanni Reign
Ashton Swinton
Augustus Williams
Avalon Emerson
BeatLoaf
Beige
Ben UFO
Blackmoonchild
The Blessed Madonna
Boys Noize
Brian Kage
Carl Cox (Live)
Carl Craig b2b Moodymann ft. Mike Banks
Chaos in the CBD
Charlotte de Witte
Chase & Status
Chris Liebing
Chuck Daniels
Claude VonStroke
Cobblestone Jazz
Craig Gonzalez
D.Dan
Deepchord (Live)
Dennis Ferrer
Disc Jockey George
DJ Cent
DJ Gigola
DJ Godfather
DJ Holographic
DJ I.V.
DJ Minx
DJ Nobu
DJ Seinfeld
DJ Seoul
DJ Sphinx
DJ Tennis b2b Chloé Caillet
Donavan Glover
Dubfire
Ela Minus
Ember LaFíamma
Erika
Father Dukes
FERG
FJAAK
Fullbodydurag
Gay Marvine
Goldie b2b Photek
HAAi
Hamdi
Helena Hauff
Henry Brooks
Hiroko Yamamura
HiTech
horsegiirL
Huey Mnemonic
Jamie xx
JEM
JMT
John Summit
Jon Dixon (Live)
Joris Voorn
Joseph Capriati
Junior Sanchez
Keith Worthy
Kevin Reynolds (Live)
Kevin Saunderson b2b The Saunderson Brothers
Klangkuenstler
Layton Giordani
Loco Dice b2b Vintage Culture
Loren
Marcel Dettmann
Mark Broom (Live)
Mau P
MCR-T
Mike 'Agent X' Clark
Mike Schommer (Live)
Mike Servito
Mister Joshooa
MK
Nina Kraviz
Norm Talley
Octave One (Live)
Patrick Topping
Peter Croce
PROSPA
QURL
RAEDY LEX
Ricardo Villalobos
Rimarkable
Riva Starr
Salar Ansari
salute
Sama' Abdulhadi
Follow Movement:
X: x.com/movementdetroit
Instagram: instagram.com/movementdetroit
TikTok: tiktok.com/@movementdetroit
Facebook: facebook.com/movementdetroit

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