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Don’t Let Daddy Know Returns To Madrid On February 8, 2025

Global touring brand Don’t Let Daddy Know (DLDK) is making its highly anticipated return to IFEMA Madrid on February 8, 2025. Known for its explosive energy, top-tier DJs, and mind-blowing production, DLDK is set to deliver an unforgettable night that will leave you buzzing for weeks.
This iconic event transforms IFEMA into the ultimate party destination, bringing together thousands of music lovers from around the globe. It’s more than just a night out – it’s a celebration of unity, music, and pure euphoria under one roof.
With a to-be-announced lineup packed with world-renowned electronic dance music stars, this year’s edition promises to take your clubbing experience to a whole new level. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the scene, DLDK Madrid 2025 is your chance to join the movement that’s captivated hearts from Amsterdam to Ibiza and beyond.
Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so don’t wait! Secure your spot on the waiting list here and get ready to be part of the #DLDK family.
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Win Tickets to Kaskade's Christmas-Themed Takeover of Historic Brooklyn Paramount

Christmas is quite literally coming early in 2024, thanks to Kaskade.
The chart-topping DJ and electronic music icon is gifting fans a surprise worth more than mistletoe kisses: a trio of Christmas-themed shows in New York. He's heading to the legendary Brooklyn Paramount on December 13th before returning for a momentous double-header on the 14th.
Kaskade has released a pair of nostalgic Christmas albums, breathing new life into Yuletide anthems of yesteryear like "Deck the Halls" and "Silent Night." The music is a masterclass in blending modern beats with timeless warmth, making it the perfect soundtrack for the iconic Brooklyn Paramount. Just as the historic venue weaves echoes of ageless glamor with contemporary culture, Kaskade is poised to curate a reimagined winter wonderland where past and present share the stage.
EDM.com is now running a special giveaway for a pair of tickets to the concerts as well as access to Ella's Lounge, the opulent club space located in the Brooklyn Paramount.
To enter the giveaway, follow @brooklynparamount and @edm, and share a comment and tag a friend in the Instagram post below. Then share the post on your Instagram Story, tagging each of those accounts.
The contest is open to 21+ US residents only and ends on Wednesday, December 11th at 11:59pm ET.⁠ The winner will be announced in the comments of the Instagram post below the next day.⁠
You can purchase passes to the shows here.
EDM.com & Kaskade Christmas Giveaway
2x GA passes to 1x show of winner's choice (12/13 evening, 12/14 matinee or 12/14 evening) 2x VIP passes to Ella's Lounge View the original article to see embedded media.
Follow Kaskade:
X: x.com/kaskade
Instagram: instagram.com/kaskade
TikTok: tiktok.com/@kaskade
Facebook: facebook.com/kaskade
Spotify: spoti.fi/3fHaUGk
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Dance, Scream, Repeat: SoCal Six Flags to Transform Into One-Night-Only Rave, Thrill City

Thrill City is officially returning in 2025 to transform Six Flags Magic Mountain into one giant dancefloor under the stars.
Hosted by the visionary team behind RASA World, the unique, elevated music festival experience is built for both the young and the young at heart. Thrill City debuted this year with flying colors, and it's now bringing back its audacious blend of beats, art and amusement park thrills to the Six Flags location in Valencia.
It's the first full amusement park takeover since 1994, and the next-gen RASA organization pulls no punches. For one night only, the entire park shuts down for Thrill City attendees, offering exclusive access to rides and carnival-style games paired with live DJ sets that mirror the white-knuckle intensity of its rollercoasters.
Thrill City in 2025 will also feature a special "Mystic Garden" experience where attendees can roam through lush, neon thickets and discover secretive art installations. The lineup has not yet been announced at the time of this writing.
Thrill City is scheduled for 8pm to 3am on March 22nd, 2025 at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia. You can access the event's pre-sale tickets here.
View the original article to see embedded media.
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Brunch Electronik Announces Lineup for Second Los Angeles Edition

Barcelona’s beloved Brunch Electronik has announced the lineup for its second US edition. It is taking place in Los Angeles on January 18 at Exposition Park. In partnership with premier underground event collectives, Minimal Effort and SBCLTR, Brunch Electronik’s Los Angeles lineup features some of today’s brightest house and techno stars to soundtrack the daytime, open-air experience.
Brunch Electronik’s second Los Angeles edition follows its successful debut US show earlier this summer. The event takes its curational prowess to new heights by offering another standout array of performers for its latest iteration. The lineup features a live set from German techno and trance titan Stephan Bodzin, pioneering SCI + TEC label boss Dubfire, French party starter Apache, and eclectic LA-based DJ and producer Julia Sandstorm.

Established in 2013 as a Sunday afternoon weekly party in Barcelona, Brunch Electronik has since expanded into a globally renowned music project. It has hosted events across the world in cities across Europe as well as establishing a footprint in the US. Known for its dynamic atmosphere and innovative programming, Brunch Electronik skillfully fuses forward-thinking lineup curation, gastronomy, and sustainability initiatives to foster inclusive and diverse communities on their dance floors.

Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles with impeccably curated beats, Brunch Electronik at Exposition Park will deliver an incredible electronic music experience in the heart of sun-soaked Los Angeles. The second LA edition will feature Brunch’s signature food & beverage truck selection, an expansive vendor village, art installations, and more activities in addition to the world-class production the brand is known for.

Ticket pre-sale begins Thursday, December 5th and general on-sale begins Friday, December 6th including GA & VIP Backstage ticket options. Sign up for the presale here.
The post Brunch Electronik Announces Lineup for Second Los Angeles Edition appeared first on EDMTunes.
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 Dom Dolla Set To Play At Madison Square Garden

Grammy nominated Australian house music star Dom Dolla has announced his debut performance at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden, scheduled for March 7, 2025. This milestone follows his sold-out show at Forest Hills Stadium earlier this year, underscoring his rapid ascent in the EDM world.
Born Dominic Matheson, Dom Dolla has garnered international acclaim with hits like ‘Take It‘ and ‘San Frandisco‘ the latter earning him the Best Dance Release at the 2020 ARIA Music Awards.
Joining the Ranks of EDM Legends at MSG
Madison Square Garden has hosted some of the most iconic EDM acts in recent years, including Eric Prydz, Above & Beyond in addition to Swedish House Mafia, who performed a sold-out show in August 2022, and ODESZA, who headlined three consecutive sold-out nights in June 2024. Dom Dolla’s upcoming MSG show will place him among these elite artists, solidifying his place in EDM history.
Tickets for the March 7, 2025, show will be available to the general public starting December 11, 2024, at 10 a.m. ET. A limited presale is set to begin on December 10, 2024, at 10 a.m. ET. You can find the registration link for presale access through Dom Dolla’s official website or the Madison Square Garden ticketing platform to secure tickets.
Check out Dom Dolla’s Live Set at Drumsheds London, 2024
The post  Dom Dolla Set To Play At Madison Square Garden appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Kompany & Cyclops Drop Lethal Banger ‘Brain Busta’

Kompany & Cyclops have finally unleashed their latest sonic weapon, ‘Brain Busta‘ and it’s a relentless assault on the senses. The track has become a lethal weapon to play out at live shows. Out now on Monstercat, this high-octane track s a prime example of peak-time, face-melting dance music.
From the outset, ‘Brain Busta’ wastes no time in establishing its aggressive intent. A thunderous bassline rumbles beneath a combination of distorted synths and pulsating rhythms. The relentless energy is infectious, propelling the listener into an adrenaline inducing state. Both of their unique styles join together with a perfect blend of heavy-hitting drops and intricate melodies. The breakdown in between drops offers a brief respite from the intensity, allowing the listener to catch their breath before the next onslaught. A haunting vocal sample “the brain busta, the soul crusha” adds a touch of darkness to the mix, setting the stage for the final, earth-shattering climax.
The post Kompany & Cyclops Drop Lethal Banger ‘Brain Busta’ appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Steve Aoki Remix Of Pursuit Of Happiness Is Now 15 Years Old

Fifteen years ago, in 2009, as Steve Aoki ascended the ranks of DJ and producer stardom, he left an indelible mark with his remix of ‘Pursuit Of Happiness’. While Aoki was already making waves with tracks like ‘Wake Up Call’ and ‘BRRAT’, it was this remix that would become a defining moment in his career.
Originally released in 2009, the remix gained monumental traction after being featured in the 2012 film ‘Project X’. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of Aoki‘s repertoire and a timeless anthem in the electronic dance music landscape. 14 years later, the remix’s infectious energy and dynamic sound continue to echo across festival stages and club dancefloors worldwide.
The remix’s enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and the magic that happens when Aoki puts his signature touch on a track. Its viral success catapulted Steve Aoki into the mainstream spotlight, solidifying his reputation as a trendsetting force in the industry.
As ‘Pursuit Of Happiness (Steve Aoki Remix)’ celebrates its 15th anniversary, it stands as a symbol of Aoki‘s ability to transform music into unforgettable experiences. The remix’s ability to resonate with audiences, generation after generation, cements its status as a classic in the ever-evolving landscape of electronic dance music.

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Iconic Trance Song ‘For An Angel’ By Paul Van Dyk Is Now 30 Years Old

In the realm of trance music, few tracks stand as pillars of influence like Paul van Dyk‘s ‘For An Angel’, a timeless masterpiece that celebrates its 30th anniversary since its release on December 5, 1994. Crafted by the German maestro, this iconic anthem has left an indelible mark on the electronic music landscape.
Originally emerging during the formative years of trance, ‘For An Angel’ quickly soared to prominence, embodying the spirit of the genre with its ethereal melodies and entrancing beats. The track’s evocative journey, characterized by its pulsating rhythms and soaring synths, has made it a quintessential piece in the evolution of trance music.
Over nearly three decades, ‘For An Angel’ has not merely endured; it has thrived, becoming a symbol of trance’s enduring appeal. Its influence has reverberated through generations of electronic music enthusiasts, and its euphoric resonance continues to captivate audiences on dancefloors around the globe.
Paul van Dyk‘s enduring contribution to the electronic music landscape extends far beyond ‘For An Angel’. As a Grammy Award-winning artist and a trailblazer in the trance and progressive house genres, Paul van Dyk has consistently pushed boundaries, shaping the sonic landscape of the electronic music scene. As we celebrate 30 years of ‘For An Angel’, it remains an emblem of the timeless power of trance music, a genre that continues to unite and uplit listeners across the world.
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Spotify Wrapped Returns For A Brand New 2024 Experience

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, if the Christmas and holiday cheer wasn’t enough, our December just got more Merry thanks to the 2024 Spotify Wrapped. Spotify Wrapped experience shines, delivering fans a unique, personalized recap of their listening journey, complete with immersive features.
The 2024 Spotify Wrapped is more than just a review. It’s a celebration of the incredible fans, artists, and creators who contributed to an unforgettable year. Wrapped is now more integrated than ever into the Spotify experience. This year, fans can explore enhanced listening insights sprinkled throughout the platform. The “share” functionality has been revamped for Wrapped. You can now share and discover if the content you’re streaming ranks among your top 100 songs, top 20 artists, or top five podcasts. Update your Spotify app on iOS or Android to get your exclusive 2024 Wrapped experience. Access it easily through the Wrapped feed on your Home screen, your ultimate destination for everything Wrapped. Celebrate your year in music!
Spotify Wrapped 2024
As you celebrate the artists, songs, albums, and podcasts that made this year unforgettable, don’t miss out on the exciting new and returning features designed for eligible users in this year’s personalized experience:
Your Music Evolution: Your musical tastes and moods shift throughout the year, and our latest feature captures that journey. Explore the unique musical phases that defined your year. With up to three phases presented alongside captivating descriptors, genres, and artists that resonate with you. Your Music Evolution Playlist: Your musical tastes and moods shift throughout the year, and our latest feature captures that journey. Explore the unique musical phases that defined your year, with up to three phases presented alongside captivating descriptors, genres, and artists that resonate with you. Your Top Artist Reimagined: Get to know your most-listened-to artist like never before. Featuring valuable insights such as “Longest Listening Streak.” Plus, see how you stack up with fellow fans through the “Top Listeners” feature. Uncover the percentage of listeners you share for your favourite artist. Your Music Videos Playlist: In markets where music videos are available in beta, Premium users will receive a curated playlist that brings together stunning music videos from the artists you love most this year. Enjoy a visual experience that complements your audio journey! Stay tuned to EDMTunes for all your latest updates.
The post Spotify Wrapped Returns For A Brand New 2024 Experience appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Elephante Releases Most Introspective Album to Date ‘COPE’ and Announces 2025 Tour

Elephante takes a deep dive into introspective territory with his latest album, COPE. This isn’t your typical dance floor anthems collection. COPE is a sonic journey that confronts emotional vulnerability with an unique genre-bending approach. Released via his own label, Hidden Horizon, the album is a testament to the artist’s ability to blend emotionally charged storytelling with innovative electronic production and champions his mission to uplift emerging and underrepresented voices in electronic music.
COPE delves into the complexities of healing and resilience, exploring the various ways we navigate trauma and hardship. Each track on the album represents a different facet of this journey, from nostalgic reflections to cathartic releases. The album’s focus single, ‘Taste of Your Tongue‘ featuring babyidontlikeyou, encapsulates the bittersweet nature of nostalgia and flawed romance. The track’s driving beats and shimmering synths perfectly complement the song’s poignant lyrics, creating a truly immersive listening experience.
‘All We Get‘ features uplifting vocals by Daye and driving beats, and explores themes of finding peace and gratitude amidst life’s challenges. It’s a powerful track that showcases Elephante’s ability to blend emotional depth with euphoric soundscapes. Tracks like ‘Don’t Turn Back‘ deliver the pulsating energy you crave from Elephante, with dazzling synths and thumping bass lines that will get your head nodding.
For those seeking an album that delves deeper, COPE delivers. Tracks like ‘All Is Not Lost‘, ‘Leave The Ground‘ and ‘Forever Weather‘ showcase a vulnerability not often seen in dance music. The raw emotions are amplified by stripped-down production choices, creating a sense of intimacy with the listener.
COPE is a deeply thematic album, with each track representing a different facet of dealing with life’s challenges. Here’s what Tim had to say about the album:
Full Tracklist:
1. Say It Like You Mean It (ft. Ridgely)

2. Don’t Turn Back (ft. Linney)

3. Leave The Ground (ft. Amber Liu)

4. Taste of Your Tongue (ft. babyidontlikeyou)
5. Amends

6. I Don’t Miss You Anymore

7. All Is Not Lost

8. Forever Weather

9. All We Get (ft. Daye)

10. Know Your Name (ft. HALUNA)
He will also be going on his COPE tour which will feature a brand new live show. Check out all dates down below.
The post Elephante Releases Most Introspective Album to Date ‘COPE’ and Announces 2025 Tour appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Tape B Drops Highly Anticipated EP, "Distortion Theory"

2024 has been a breakout year for Tape B, and his new EP, Distortion Theory, sends it off with a bang.
Selling out the majority of shows on his 2024 headlining tour and collaborating with Subtronics, John Summit, Ganja White Night, Juicy J and more, it's safe to say that fans are captivated by the meteoric bass music producer's "old school x new school" sound. Distortion Theory encapsulates that style through a stunning blend of nostalgia and modernity.
The EP kicks off with "Backspin Bass," in which the sound of vintage cassette tapes whir while vocal samples discuss how they operate. Listeners can then recognize the drop as the backtracking to Tape B's immensely popular VIP remix of "Loud" by the late Mac Miller.
From there, each track of Distortion Theory highlights Tape B's ever-evolving mixing skills. Deep and resonant vowel bass stretches through "Hot One" and "Back To Dust," while clever samples and screeching synths saturate "Nocturnal."
Elsewhere, "U Know What I'm Talkin' About (Touch The Sky)" and "I Won't Be Ur Drug VIP" display Tape B's penchant for marrying atmospheric vocals with grating bass. "Someone To Hold" follows suit as longtime fans will recognize the melody as that of "About Me Too" from his debut EP, Hallow Tapes. In fact, Tape B describes Distortion Theory as a tribute to that record.
"This is an ode to Hallow Tapes, and kind of like a second version of it... This EP feels like a great representation of where I’m at with music production at the moment," he explains. Looking to 2025, he adds: "My main goal for next year is to work with a lot more vocalists and get out of my comfort zone with composition."
Listen to Distortion Theory below and find the new EP on streaming platforms here.
Follow Tape B:
X: x.com/tapebbeats
Instagram: instagram.com/tapebbeats
TikTok: tiktok.com/@tapebbeats
Facebook: facebook.com/tapebbeats
Spotify: tinyurl.com/mwvmuh8v
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Electric Forest Unveils Lineup For 2025 Edition

The highly anticipated Electric Forest lineup is here! Yesterday evening, Electric Forest unveiled the Phase One lineup for its 2025 edition, returning to Rothbury, Michigan from June 19-22, 2025. One of the world’s most celebrated festivals, Electric Forest is an all-encompassing experience, defined by total immersion through its pillars of music, art, community, and exploration. Electric Forest’s 2025 lineup represents its commitment to showcasing the best and brightest of electronic, jam, and world music, continuing to be a beacon for what’s next across these scene-defining genres.
2024 Electric Forest Music Festival held in Rothbury, Michigan from June 20 – 23, 2024. (Photo by Alive Coverage for Electric Forest) The Lineup
Headliners include French electro pioneers Justice, fan-favorite Aussie party starter FISHER, GRAMMY-nominated Disclosure (DJ Set), the dreamy grooves of prolific Houston three-piece Khruangbin, and Forest Family favorites Louis The Child. Additional highlights include the mind-melting sonics of Liquid Stranger and Of The Trees, the high priestess of hard techno Sara Landry, meteoric Scottish multi-instrumentalist Barry Can’t Swim, the legendary Tiësto, jam band visionaries The String CheeseIncident performing two incidents, superstar Brazilian globetrotter Mochakk, and Sub Focus, Dimension, Culture Shock, and 1991’s drum & bass behemoth WORSHIP.
Programming the best of international talent, Electric Forest’s 2025 lineup also features UK’s next-gen jungle sensation Nia Archives, Toronto clubland innovator BAMBII, Brazilian flag bearer Maz, Swedish composer and multi-instrumentalist Arc De Soleil, and Colombian psychedelic funk trio BALTHVS. The ever-eclectic lineup also features genre-crossing acts bbno$, Joey Valence & Brae, and GASHI alongside eclectic favorites like Caribou, Confidence Man, The Free Label, Mindchatter, and Forest veteran Dixon’s Violin.
Flavors of house and techno are represented by the likes of Gordo, Cloonee, Blond:ish, Lilly Palmer, Loco Dice, Will Clarke, ØTTA, and Pretty Pink; while trap, bass and low-end frequencies come courtesy of Mersiv, Crankdat, Hamdi, YDG, Zingara, and Jade Cicada. Electric Forest will also continue to foster a home for underground talent, where acts like BIIANCO, Ahmed Spins, Interplanetary Criminal, Fcukers, and TAAHLIAH will grace its stages. Many more artists will be announced in the coming months.
2024 Electric Forest Music Festival held in Rothbury, Michigan from June 20 – 23, 2024. (Photo by Alive Coverage for Electric Forest) Extras
Electric Forest provides a participatory sanctuary for creative expression and limitless connection. Through the celebrated fan-participation Plug In Programs, Forest Family has the unique opportunity to shape their festival experience alongside Forest HQ. Applications are open now for select programs – learn more about The Wish Machine, Art Installation Sponsorship, Art Spark!, and The Digital Brainery here, and stay tuned for more information about additional Plug In Programs to open soon.
Tickets
Electric Forest’s Loyalty Program, designed to reward returning Forest Family, began its ticket sales yesterday with 10 in The Forest. All subsequent Loyalty Tiers follow this week until Thursday, December 5. The General Public On Sale for Electric Forest 2025 will begin at Noon ET this Friday, December 6. To register for access and more information about the EF Loyalty Program, available passes and packages, visit the festival’s official website.
The post Electric Forest Unveils Lineup For 2025 Edition appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Lightning In A Bottle Returns To Buena Vista For 2025

Today, Do LaB have announced the music lineup for North America’s original boutique festival, Lightning in a Bottle, returning to Buena Vista Lake in Southern California during Memorial Day Weekend from May 21-25, 2025. LIB is your gateway to the extraordinary, a technicolor beacon for individuality in a monochrome world. It’s a place where outrageousness is currency and fun triumphs over all – a journey hand curated by the counterculturists and party-people of Do LaB, dotted with surprises that continually reimagine what a festival can mean to its attendees. It’s not just about catching Lightning, this is your chance to be the electricity you wish to see in the world and have the best time of your life in the process – are you ready?
Music curation is an art at LIB. The 2025 lineup is stacked with some of electronic music’s most sought after talent, but this festival isn’t just about names on a poster. The Do LaB crew have dedicated their lives to redefining how music is experienced. They designed stage atmospheres that bring out the absolute best from their artists, inspire joy, and promote connection. One minute you are seeing your favorite artist in a larger than life stage environment, the next you are seeing them go B2B with an under-the-radar DJ on a small community stage late into the night. It’s wild, it’s unpredictable, and it’s all waiting for you.
Lightning in a Bottle Lineup
LIB’s 2025 music programming criss-crosses electronic genres du jour, spanning from indie-electronic, house, and techno, to UKG and dubstep. Highlight acts include crossover super producer Jamie xx, meteoric Chicago tech house sensation John Summit and the inimitable UK selector Four Tet. Joining in, pioneering psychedelic funk trio Khruangbin, and Compton DJ and beatmaker Channel Tres will perform.
Courtesy of Lightning in a Bottle // Credit: Jamal Eid Other top billing highlights include British powerhouse Shygirl presents Club Shy, riddim royalty Subtronics, and breakout star Sammy Virji. In addition, German electro-dance producer Monolink, iconic and unifying dance figure The Blessed Madonna and trap titan TroyBoi will set the lake ablaze. And as a shocking reveal, legendary House producer and Dirtybird founder Claude VonStroke returns to LIB.
Indie music shines through on the 2025 lineup with acts such as Magdalena Bay and Alt R&B goddess Amaarae. Brooklyn brightlights and Book Club Radio founders Tinzo + Jojo, Toro y Moi and Poolside alumn Brijean, hyper pop princess Audrey Nuna, and Tamil-Swiss vocalist Priya Ragu will charm the event.
Additional highlights include euphoric UKG flagbearers salute and Interplanetary Criminal and the recent global underground triumphs of Joy Orbison. Then, fashionable twin sister duo Coco & Breezy join Haitian house star Francis Mercier, newly formed power duo Girl Math (VNSSA & Nala), melodic maestros like Sultan + Shepard (DJ Set) and Tinlicker. Furthermore, bass favorites Hamdi, Tape B, and PEEKABOO will make their appeareance.
Rounding out the lineup, fans will be able to enjoy sets from Sama’ Abdulhadi, Sofia Kourtesis, Chloé Caillet, Flowdan, and KILIMANJARO. The next generation of showstopping talent include SYREETA, BIIANCO, Sicaria, Bianca Oblivion, AHADADREAM, Mary Droppinz, Kito, and more.
Layout and Resources
LIB’s musical journey guides attendees from its wildly immersive core stages Lightning, Woogie, and Thunder, onwards to its community-driven programming at The Stacks, The Junkyard, and The Grand Artique. Each stage features its own unique aesthetic, vision, and sound, balancing fan-favorite bookings with a constant sense of discovery.
The immersive Compass area offers a diverse array of educational opportunities to engage the senses. They can expand the mind, and inspire community action. Topics include indigenous cultures, psychedelic medicine, climate change, love & relationships, healthy eating, and more. Attendees can learn from the past and present in order to better integrate, collaborate, and thrive in our world’s future.
Courtesy of Lightning in a Bottle // Credit: Juliana Bernstein Lightning in a Bottle offers both three day and five day ticket options, as well as hotel packages. The three day pass will be available as part of the general on sale. In effect, they make the LIB experience more accessible.
Other packages available this year include the return of Easy Peasy Pre-Set Camping and Pre-Set RV options. This will take away any of the stress of setting up camp upon arrival. Moreover, VIP options will also be available for guests looking for the joy of an elevated experience. VIP pass holders can find reprieve in backstage lounges at Lightning, Thunder, and Woogie, grab refreshments in these areas at exclusive bars, enjoy special pop-up interactive experiences, and much more.
Book your escapade now!

The post Lightning In A Bottle Returns To Buena Vista For 2025 appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Jawani Nights: The Explosive Rise With DJ Aza

While drum & bass, jungle, UK garage, and dubstep were experiencing their own explosive trajectory in the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was another vibrant subculture taking inspiration from these genres that was brewing in parallel. 
Drawing inspiration from the sounds and rhythms of their heritage and traditional South Asian elements- such as classical ragas, tabla beats, and Bhangra rhythms- with contemporary genres like drum & bass, garage, dubstep, and hip-hop, the Asian Underground movement stood as a corresponding revolution, deeply intertwined with the evolution of bass-heavy genres of the time. 
Led by influential figures such as Talvin Singh, Nitin Sawhney, Asian Dub Foundation, State of Bengal, Panjabi MC, and Apache Indian, this vibrant scene introduced a rich tapestry of South Asian styles to the mainstream. Each artist added their distinct flavour to this sonic revolution, paving the way for renowned acts like Björk and The Banshees to weave South Asian instrumentation into their music, highlighting the profound impact of this cultural movement. 
The Asian Underground didn’t consistently dominate mainstream charts, but it did influence some global music trends with tracks like Panjabi MC’s ‘Mundian To Bach Ke’, Apache Indian’s ‘Boom Shack-A-Lak’, Cornershop’s ‘Brimful of Asha’ taking the UK Music charts by storm. The scene then entered a prolonged period of obscurity, operating quietly in the shadows for over a decade before staging a triumphant resurgence in 2021. 
The comeback has been so immense that it has transcended its UK origins, evolving into a truly global phenomenon. The movement has found a dedicated fanbase, with packed venues celebrating the fusion of South Asian and electronic sounds across India, USA, Australia and South Africa as well; and this is precisely the wave that caught Birmingham-based DJ Aza off guard—though in the best possible way.
“It was when Boiler Room hosted a Punjabi edition in Southall. I think it was last year or the year before, and it sold out in just five minutes—it was insane. They had artists like Raf Sapera, Punjabi Hit Squad, and a lineup of other DJs performing. At first, I thought, “What is this? There’s no way this is going to work.” But then, when the tickets sold out so quickly, I started thinking, “Maybe they’re onto something.”
I didn’t attend the event, but I watched all the DJ sets on YouTube, and it completely blew me away. I realized the potential of bass music with Punjabi elements, “This is it—this is the direction I want to head into.”
Creating something similar had always been on DJ Aza’s mind, but it came with reasonable doubts about whether a fusion like this would resonate with audiences in the UK. Would the energy of Punjabi rhythms align seamlessly with the fast-paced beats of drum and bass? Would UK audiences, known for their discerning tastes, embrace this cultural hybrid? But that little YouTube binge changed it all. 
“Before this, I had been asking friends for advice because some of my nights weren’t working. I needed a fresh concept. Almost everyone told me, “Do an Asian or Punjabi drum and bass night.” I just couldn’t see it working—I mean, who listens to Punjabi drum and bass? It didn’t feel like a thing.
But after seeing how successful that Boiler Room night was, I had to change my perspective. It became clear that there’s a real market for this, so I knew we had to take the plunge and make it happen.”
This led to the birth of Jawani Nights, a full-throttle underground experience with a Punjabi twist which has now become a staple of Birmingham’s clubbing culture. Launched in March ‘24 by DJ Aza, Jawani Nights has already become one of the most talked about events in Panjabi youth culture. That first night was a turning point, showing Aza that Jawani Nights was more than just a concept; it was the beginning of something far bigger than he had ever anticipated.
“It was around this time last year, after Halloween had passed, that I started to feel like I had hit a wall. I had worked with all the artists I could think of, and I didn’t want to keep repeating the same concepts. I found myself asking, “What’s next? What do we do now?” So, I decided to test the waters, put out some feelers on Instagram, and ask people how they’d feel about a new vibe. We launched a presale, and the response was insane—tickets sold out fast.
For the first event, I didn’t even announce the venue right away because I wasn’t sure how big it would get. I thought, “If we only get 100 people, we’ll just find a small venue.” But the tickets flew off the shelf, and the reaction was wild. From that point, we just ran with it.
One thing I really wanted was to create an environment where people could genuinely enjoy the music. I didn’t want anyone to feel like they had to dress up in fancy clothes or wear high heels. I wanted the vibe to be authentic, so the dress code became simple: come to rave. Wear your trainers, throw on whatever feels comfortable, but leave the heels at home. You can’t dance in heels, and you certainly can’t rave in them.”
More than anything, DJ Aza wants Jawani Nights to be a space where people can truly escape the stresses of daily life and find a sense of solace. He envisions Jawani Nights as a sanctuary, a place where the dance floor becomes a release, where people can let go of their troubles and simply enjoy the pure joy of being in the present.
“We want to create a space where people can truly let loose, have fun, and forget about everything for a few hours. Whether it’s for three or four hours, we just want them to enjoy the music, unwind, and lose themselves in the moment. From traditional Punjabi beats to bass-driven tracks, with some hip-hop legends and bootleg remixes thrown in, we aim to offer a variety of sounds that everyone can vibe to. At the core of it all, it’s about providing a space where people can just relax.
Sometimes, all we need are those few hours to just chill, to take a break from the grind and recharge. That’s exactly what we want Jawani Nights to offer—a chance to step away from the pressures of everyday life and simply enjoy the music and the company of like-minded people.”
All of these epic nights are happening at XOYO Birmingham, a venue that has become the pulse of Jawani Nights. Thanks to the incredible support from the venue, Jawani Nights have achieved the incredible feat of selling over 1000 tickets per event, a testament to the immense demand and success of the concept. 
Credits: Monica Martin
DJ Aza has found the backing from XOYO to be incredibly significant. This partnership has played a pivotal role in establishing Jawani Nights as one of Birmingham’s most talked-about and eagerly awaited events, and Aza is thankful for the opportunity.
“I can’t speak highly enough about them—they’ve been one of the key reasons Jawani Nights has reached the level it’s at today. I’ve been working with XOYO for years now, running numerous events there. The main manager, Curtis, and I go way back. We’ve been friends long before he joined XOYO, and when I found out he was moving there, we immediately started talking about collaborating. That’s when I began running a few nights at the venue.
I’ve hosted underground events with a variety of artists at XOYO, and when I saw the layout of the room, I immediately knew it was the perfect space for Jawani Nights. It had that dark, underground vibe—an empty shell where you could really make it your own. I spoke to Curtis and shared my vision for the night. I said, “This is the idea I have—what can we do with it? I’ll follow your lead.
They’ve done an amazing job, from deciding where to place the DJ booth to creating spaces for people to dance behind the scenes. They’ve made sure the venue is safe and enjoyable for everyone. We’ve got a balcony area, an outdoor space, and even a big screen. The support they’ve given has been crucial in helping us expand and elevate the entire experience.”
When DJ Aza first launched Jawani Nights at XOYO Birmingham, he approached the events with a healthy dose of caution, unsure of how the audience would react to the daring blend of Punjabi elements and bass music. To his surprise, the initial reactions to the first few events were remarkably favourable. The audience engaged with the music in ways Aza had not anticipated. What began as a tentative trial quickly evolved into an essential gathering, with the demand skyrocketing after each show.
“So, consistently, we’ve been selling over a thousand tickets for every event, to the point where we’ve had to open up a second room to meet the demand. When we first launched, we started with 800 tickets, and while we could’ve sold more, I didn’t take the risk because I wasn’t sure how it would all work. It was a new experience for me, especially with a DJ booth placed in the middle of the dance floor—I wasn’t sure how much space we would actually need. I preferred to start small and build from there, so we stuck to 800 tickets. In the end, we probably had around 750 people.
From there, we really got a sense of how things logistically worked. It was a learning experience in every way. What kind of music should we play? At what point do we need to mix it up with a different DJ to keep the energy flowing? All these questions came up as we went along. The first event was good, but it wasn’t perfect. However, we learned a lot from the mistakes we made, and that’s what helped us refine the experience and make each event better than the last.”
Exploring various styles of bass music is one aspect, yet incorporating Punjabi elements seamlessly while preserving the overall flow and energy of the set presents a unique challenge. It’s a nuanced endeavour that demands distinctive expertise—one that merges a profound comprehension of both genres with the capability to intertwine them effortlessly, all while preserving the core of each.
Credits: Monica Martini
What makes DJ Aza so effective in this role is his exceptional ability to scout and select artists who not only fit the Jawani Nights ethos but also bring their own unique flair to the event. He has an instinct for picking up-and-coming talent who understands the cultural nuances of Punjabi music and can mix it effortlessly with modern bass sounds.
“I have a friend named Ajay, who’s a super talented DJ. He’s part of another DJ collective, and they recently did a private party where he posted a video of a live mix. He played Chase &  Status’ ‘Badadan’ and mixed it with a track by Deep Manuk called ‘GT Road’- and that 30-second clip went viral. People were using the sound everywhere, and it quickly gained traction.
At the time, I was struggling to figure out who to book for an upcoming event, and when I saw that video, I knew right away that AJay had to be on the lineup. I thought, if he can create that kind of vibe in just 30 seconds, he can easily kill it with an hour-long set. He absolutely had the energy and style I wanted to bring to Jawani Nights.
Alongside AJay, I had a couple of other DJs in mind. Mixing – a DJ who posts his music on SoundCloud—was another one I’d been following. And then there’s Kizzy, who works for the BBC Asia Network and travels the world curating Boiler Room-style events. She’s got an incredible ear for the kind of vibe we were going for.
Luckily, I’m good friends with all three of them, so I decided to bring them together for the first show. I didn’t even put myself on the lineup initially—I just played a couple of songs, but I took a step back and let them do their thing. I realized that this wasn’t the kind of music I usually play, so I let the specialists handle it. I’m more about R&B and hip hop, but they were the experts in this genre, and it felt right to let them shine.
For the next event though, I’ve put myself back on the lineup. I’ve been working on a few different remixes, bootlegs, and bass mixes—taking a lot of inspiration from a lot of DJs in India who are blending music in unique ways. When it comes to R&B and hip hop, the vibe is completely different from the kind of energy we’re bringing with Jawani Nights, so I’ve been learning how to fuse these influences and put my own spin on it. I’m excited to be back on the lineup and to bring something new to the table for the crowd.”
Speaking with DJ Aza provided a deeper insight into the fascinating journey he’s had leading up to Jawani Nights. The journey from a mere concept to the establishment of a distinctive realm where Punjabi sounds intertwine with bass music has been remarkably unconventional. As our conversation came to an end, we found ourselves intrigued by the evolution of his journey throughout the years. 
We were keen to dive deeper into the experiences, challenges, and milestones that have influenced DJ Aza’s development as a DJ and event curator. What strategies did he employ to manoeuvre through the industry, and how has it felt for him to witness Jawani Nights evolve from a mere concept into one of the most discussed events in the scene?
It’s definitely been a rollercoaster ride. We’ve had our highs and lows, and there have been stressful moments along the way. One instance that stands out was when we had to pull a night last minute due to unforeseen licensing issues. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, just one of those things that happens, and it’s part of the journey. But despite the setbacks, the positives have far outweighed the challenges.
“Looking back, I can confidently say that right now, Jawani Nights is probably the biggest Punjabi night in the UK. It’s grown beyond what I could’ve imagined, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built. The success we’ve had is a direct result of the foundation I laid with my previous events, the relationships I’ve built, and the support from my DJing community. Using that same fanbase and introducing them to this new fusion of Punjabi music and bass has been like a breath of fresh air. The response has been incredible—people messaging me saying things like, “This is the best night I’ve ever had!” or, “Who knew drum & bass and Punjabi music would sound so good together?”
It’s been so refreshing to witness. Honestly, it feels like the early days when I first started throwing nights—there was this excitement and buzz, and now, after a dip due to COVID, we’re slowly but surely making our way back up in a whole new scene. The growth has been organic, and I can feel that same energy coming back, but in a fresh, reinvigorated way.”
Credits: Monica Martini
As 2024 draws to a close, Jawani Nights is gearing up for its final session of the year, at the mighty XOYO Birmingham. With a stacked lineup featuring some of the most exciting names in the scene and the ones who have made Jawani Nights the juggernaut it is, the night will be the perfect way to wrap up what has already been an incredible year for DJ Aza and the Jawani Nights initiative. And while 2024 has been a landmark year, DJ Aza and his team are already looking ahead to 2025, with even bigger plans and more unforgettable nights in the works. The momentum that Jawani Nights has built throughout the year shows no signs of slowing down and 2025 promises to be another wicked year, filled with new faces, fresh sounds, and even more exciting opportunities for growth.
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Do LaB Announces Lineup for Lightning in a Bottle 2025

Returning to Buena Vista Lake in Southern California Memorial Day Weekend from May 21–25, 2025, Do LaB has revealed the musical lineup for North America’s original boutique festival, Lightning in a Bottle 2025.
LIB is your portal to the extraordinary, a technicolor lighthouse for uniqueness in a monochromatic universe. This is a journey personally chosen by the counterculturists and party people of Do LaB, peppered with surprises that constantly redefine what a festival may mean to its guests. Here outrageousness is currency and fun prevails over all. Are you ready to be the electricity you want to see in the world and have the best time of your life in the process? It’s not only about catching Lightning.
At LIB, music curating is an art form. Though this event is more than simply names on a poster, the 2025 program features some of the most sought-after electronic music artists. The Do LaB crew has devoted their lives to revolutionizing how music is perceived, creating stage environments that accentuate the absolute best from their artists, inspire happiness and foster connection. One minute you are witnessing your favorite musician in a bigger-than-life stage scenario; the next you are seeing them go B2B with an under-the-radar DJ on a small town stage late into the night. Wild, erratic, and all just waiting for you.
The Do Lab’s festival Lightning in a Bottle announces 2025 lineup including: AHADADREAM, Amaarae, AndreasOne & FMLY BZNS, Audrey Nuna, Azzecca, Bianca Oblivion, BIIANCO, Black House Radio, Bou, Brijean, Brownies & Lemonade All Stars, Cesco, Channel Tres, Chloé Caillet, Claude VonStroke, Coco & Breezy, Dimond Saints, DJ Karaba, Dust and Beau, Eli & Fur, EPISCOOL, Flowdan, Four Tet, Francis Mercier, Girl Math (VNSSA & NALA), Gru.di, Hamdi, Hybrid Minds, Interplanetary Criminal, Jade Cicada, Jaguar, Jamie xx, John Summit, Jo Jones, Joy Orbison, Just Her, Khruangbin, Kiasmos, KILIMANJARO, KNGSPRNGS, Kito, LEISAN, Magdalena Bay, Mary Droppinz, Mira, MNTRA, Monolink, O’Snap, PEEKABOO, Priya Ragu, Rafael, Reyna Tropical, salute, Sama’ Abdulhadi, Sammy Virji, Shygirl presents Club Shy, Sicaria, Sofia Kourtesis, Subtronics, Sultan + Shepard (DJ Set), SYREETA, Taiki Nulight, TAPE B, The Blessed Madonna, The Librarian, Tinlicker, Tinzo + Jojo, TroyBoi, Underworld, Yaw Appiah.
Do LaB Lineup Lightning in a Bottle 2025 A deep dive look into Do LaB’s Lineup for Lightning in a Bottle 2025
From indie-electronic, house, and techno, to UKG and dubstep, LIB’s 2025 music programming crisscrosses electronic genres du jour. Highlight acts include the in-imitable UK selector Four Tet, visionary psychedelic funk combo Khruangbin, crossover super producer Jamie xx, Compton DJ and beatmaker Channel Tres, and soaring Chicago tech house phenomenon John Summit.
Other top billing includes British powerhouse Shygirl presents Club Shy, riddim royalty Subtronics, breakout star Sammy Virji, German electro-dance producer Monolink, iconic and uniting dance figure The Blessed Madonna, trap titan TroyBoi, and the return of legendary house producer and Dirtybird founder Claude VonStroke.
From synth-pop duo Magdalena Bay, one of the most important voices in Alt R&B Amaarae, Brooklyn brightlights and Book Club Radio founders Tinzo + Jojo, Toro y Moi and Poolside alumn Brijean, hyper pop princess Audrey Nuna, and Tamil-Swiss vocalist Priya Ragu, indie music shines on the 2025 lineup.
Euphoric UKG flagbearers salute Interplanetary Criminal, the recent global underground triumphs of Joy Orbison, fashionable twin sister duo Coco & Breezy, Haitian house star Francis Mercier, newly formed power duo Girl Math (VNSSA & Nala), melodic maestros like Sultan + Shepard (DJ Set), and bass favorites Hamdi, Tape B, and PEEKABOO.
Fans will be able to experience sets by Sama’ Abdulhadi, Sofia Kourtesis, Chloé Caillet, Flowdan, and KILIMANJARO alongside the next generation of showstopping talent represented by SYREETA, BiiANco, Sicaria, Bianca Oblivion, AHADADream, Mary Droppinz, Kito, and more as rounding out the program.
More than music at LIB 2025
From its immensely immersive core stages Lightning, Woogie, and Thunder, forward to its community-driven programming at The Stacks, The Junkyard, and The Grand Article, LIB’s musical journey guides attendees. Every stage has a different look, design, and sound to balance fan-favorite bookings with a continual sense of discovery.
Topics including indigenous cultures, psychedelic medicine, climate change, love & relationships, healthy food, and more provide the immersive Compass area with a varied range of educational possibilities to engage the senses, broaden the intellect, and motivate community action. By means of the past and present, attendees can develop to better integrate, cooperate, and flourish in the future of our planet.
Along with accommodation packages, Lightning in a Bottle presents three-day and five-day ticket options. The three-day pass will be accessible as part of the general sale, thereby enabling people who would want to create their own adventure at their own speed to have access to the LIB experience.
Other packages this year include the reintroduction of Easy Peasy Pre-Set Camping and Pre-Set RV choices, therefore removing any of the stress of setting up camp upon arrival and instead being met with the ease of having lodging taken care of from the start. For visitors seeking the delight of a camping event with an enhanced experience, VIP alternatives will also be offered. Backstage lounges at Lightning, Thunder, and Woogie provide relief for VIP pass holders; grab drinks in these spaces at private bars; enjoy unique pop-up interactive activities; and much more.
The post Do LaB Announces Lineup for Lightning in a Bottle 2025 appeared first on The Groove Cartel.
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How electronic music has shaped the Games industry over the last 40 years

The world of gaming has exploded since the mid-90’s. While there’s never been a shortage of gamers, it’s only been in the last 10 – 15 years that it’s become such a visible cultural presence. The clichéd image of a gamer as a nerdy boy who can’t talk to girls or that it’s just for kids is most definitely a thing of the past. The ratio of male to female gamers is almost 50/50 with the average male gamer aged around 35 and average female 45. The industry has grown to a gargantuan size with global annual revenues around €60 billion. There are sponsored leagues where gamers make a full time living playing competitively. The most subscribed channel on YouTube is PewDiwPie, the Swedish gamer who plays through games and comments on them in real time.
As of September 2016 he has just over 48 million subscribers and leads the next channel by around 20 million subscribers. Here at home is a thriving game development community and we can now boast a number of award-winning home-grown studios and offices for some of the major players in the industry including Blizzard Entertainment, Riot Games, Activision, and EA. Since the early 2000’s Ireland has been building a name for itself as a leader and innovator in the tech sector. From 2003 onwards a slew of game development studios started to emerge across the country.
2015 saw Irish developers gain international recognition for a fascinating mix of titles. Gambrinus studios raking in praise and an Indie prize for Guild of Dungeoneering, an innovative approach to dungeon crawling adventure games where instead of controlling your hero directly, you build the dungeon around him, populating it with monsters, traps and loads of booty! Your options come from your decks of Guild cards amassed by managing your adventurers Guild, building it up to attract more unwitting adventurers to your lair. The fascinating VR experience DEEP by Owen Harris and Niki Smit made finalist for ‘Most Amazing Game’ at Berlins’ A Maze video games festival.

Deep is an underwater VR experience that introduces yogic breathing techniques as a means to deep relaxation and stress relief. Diaphragm expansion is monitored through a custom controller and visual feedback is sent to the headset to help encourage deep breathing and relaxation. The project got going when Harris began designing a digital Zen space for himself on the newly released Oculus Rift to help him with his own meditation practices. Spurred on by a lot of interest in the concept he started to develop it for a wider audience, eventually teaming up with artist Niki.
The game that took the prize at that same event was also an Irish production, an effective and heart-breaking construction called Curtain by Dreemfeel X. It takes the form of the old text-based narrative games and deals with the emotional turmoil of abusive relationships. At half an hour in length, it is brief by comparison with most of today’s offerings but the experience set out is unique. Buoyed by a graphical style like the old 8 bit systems; pixelated and with washes of colour that shift like moods. The game was also honoured with a Game Script award from the Irish Writers Guild. So with all this activity in Irish gaming, we thought we’d have a look at the kinds of challenges video game composers have dealt with over the decades.
The story of video game sound kicked off back in 1972 with the introduction of Pong by Atari. This simple paddle and ball tennis game contained a series of beeps and blips when sticking the ball or scoring. These sound effects were all the circuits were capable of creating at the time. The limitations of burgeoning computer and electronic technology was to be the greatest shaper and obstacle in the evolution of game music and define the creative challenges for the generations of composers who would try their hands at it, and for many, ultimately forge full-time careers dedicated to it. The huge popularity of Pong caught the interest of other technology companies and spurred the development of new games.
Towards the close of the decade saw the introduction of the now iconic Space Invaders (1978) by the Japanese Taito Corporation. Players controlled the direction of a small ship at the bottom of the screen and had to shoot down the onslaught of descending alien ships before they reached the bottom of the screen. It is often credited as being one of the first shoot-em-up style games and also an early example of that key game music feature: adaptive music. A collection of four quarter-note pitches play at around 60 bpm, as the difficulty and speed of the game increases so does the speed of the music thereby heightening the tension for the player. The music is designed to respond to the player’s situation. This concept would become integral in how composers would think about game music as the technology evolved.
On into the 80’s and the possibility of melodic compositions in games is heralded by the development of the Programmable Sound Generator (PSG). These generators could produce basic waveforms that any modern producer would recognise: Sawtooth, Triangle, Square, Sine, and Noise. It also allowed for ADSR volume envelope controls for each voice. An amusing example from this period is the 1983 commercial flop Journey from games company Bally Midway. The game finds the rock band Journey on an interplanetary quest to reclaim their stolen instruments.
While generally regarded as one of the worst games ever, it featured novel arrangements of the bands music using a three voice PSG as the background for the gameplay and comical renderings of the band with photographed faces and cartoon bodies. Players were even treated to a full rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing” played from inside the arcade machine by audiocassette at the end of the game. As the decade progressed the introduction of Frequency Modulation chips allowed for up to eight simultaneous voices and were adopted by many of the leading arcade manufacturers of the time. They made possible more varied textures and timbres than had previously been possible. While a noticeable jump in sophistication, resources were still very limited. A striking example of some of the challenges of this period comes from an interview with composers Clint Bajakian and Michael Land about their careers with Lucas Arts.
The mid 90’s saw the production of video game incarnations of two of Lucas’ major franchises: Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Bajakian talks about being confronted with adapting themes and atmospheres from John Williams’s scores, performed by the then 105 piece Lucas orchestra, to fit the limitations of a nine voice sound card. In his words, “you would have to distill down an entire orchestra’s worth of content to whatever the most prominent gesture was.” No mean feat. With another colleague, Peter McConnell, they would go on to develop the first adaptive music engine called iMuse. It allowed composers to introduce branch loops and markers into a sequence that would let the music change based on player choices. The technology debuted 1991 with Monkey Island 2: Le Chucks Revenge.
The arcade machine dominated the video games experience of the 70’s and 80’s. The machines had in general, up until that point, and throughout, used superior graphic and audio technologies that put them in a competitive position to the home offerings available to consumers. Home console gaming was first popularised by the Atari 2600 in 1977, the follow-up to the very popular home Pong machine. The 2600’s were severely limited in what composers could do. It allowed for only two simultaneous voices that also had to accommodate SFX and was incapable of producing certain frequencies so that some pitches were impossible to synthesise.
1983 saw the almost complete collapse of the video games industry in North America, the result of a price war in the PC market and a saturation of the games market with rushed, crappy games that turned consumers away. One clear victor emerged from the wreckage in the form of the NES from Japanese game company Nintendo. It was not Nintendo’s first machine, their original Colour TV was only released in Japan and the second, Game and Watch, was a single game handheld precursor to the Gameboy. The NES featured up to five available voices for the composer and gave rise to the first generation of some of the most recognisable franchises in the games world and to some of the great classic video game themes.
Two of the industries most revered composers made their first marks on the platform. Legendary composer Koji Kondo focused his energy on melodic invention to compensate for the lack of voices available. This emphasis on strong melody would become a hallmark of his style, creating classic themes for Super Mario Bros (1985) and The Legend of Zelda (1986). He has continued to work on these staple franchises as they have evolved into Nintendo’s current generation. The Super Mario Bros main theme is an icon of video games and has been referenced countless times in popular culture. Deserving of special mention is the last title he composed all himself, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998). Generally ranked among the best games of all time, it also contains arguably some of the greatest melodic themes ever composed for game.
The other great thematic composer to emerge from this era is Nobuo Uematsu, made famous for his work on the Final Fantasy series, which made its debut on the NES in 1987. The series was a smash hit and he began to develop a style characterised by defining themes for specific characters and environments, like what might be found in film or opera. He has even been listed in the Classic FM Hall of Fame.
The early 90’s saw console technology start to rival the arcade machines with the next generation Super Nintendo (SNES) 1991 and Sega Genesis 1988. The Genesis used an FM chip with digital audio playback and the SNES could handle up to 8 simultaneous voices of sample playback. Things really started to get interesting with the introduction of CD-ROM technology in the smash hit PlayStation console from tech giant Sony in 1994. This technology allowed for much bigger game sizes than were possible before (600mb) and gave composers ability to stream pre-rendered digital audio files opening the door for titles like The Lost World Jurassic Park 1997 which featured the first fully recorded orchestral soundtrack.
The PlayStation was also home to the revered Final Fantasy VII, lauded not only for it’s immersive story and gameplay but also the sweeping score from Nobuo Uematsu that has become a classic of video game music and developed his thematic approach to characters and storylines (a remake is currently in production). Another standout title for the platform was Castlevania: Symphony of the Night 1997 which featured music from multiple genres including classical, techno, jazz and metal. Nintendo’s rival N64, released in 1996, retained the use of cartridges and relied on the use of synthesis techniques.
It did, however, still produce titles notable for music such as Goldeneye 1997 and the aforementioned The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 1998. Interestingly Nintendo decided to build the N64 without a dedicated sound chip. They would supply developers with sample sets to be written onto the game ROM and playback duties were added to the CPU and co-processor. This left developers a balancing act whereby maximising music capabilities would affect game performance, especially if the graphics and game mechanics were processor intensive.
Sega introduced the next generation of technology in 1998 with the Dreamcast, the follow-up to the commercially disastrous Sega Saturn. The 128-bit DVD-ROM technology allowed for an increased quantity of voices and real-time DSP effects like reverb and filtering. The platforms life was short, Sega decided to abandon the console business in 2001 in favour of developing cross-platform games. Hot on its heels, Sony released its successor, the PS2 in 2000, which has gone on to become the best-selling console in history. A year later Microsoft made its first entry into the market with the Xbox which also boasted 128-bit DVD-ROM capabilities. DVDs brought the overall game file size to around 7GB, a massive jump from the 600mb of CDs.
This meant composers could fit considerably more music, and at higher quality, into the games. Final Fantasy X (2001) for instance contained around 3 hours of music from a team of composers. The hit Grand Theft Auto III (2001) used a slew of licensed music that players could access by changing radio stations in cars. Another PS2 title, SSX Tricky, had a cool use of real-time DSP. The snowboarding game would apply a low-pass filter to the music in proportion to how high in the air the player was, adding to the sense of being far from the ground. Many Xbox titles contained beautifully executed scores such as the iconic Halo (2001).
Nintendo also joined in with the GameCube (2001). Armed with a dedicated sound chip this time and some exceptional games including the beautifully scored Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (2002) and a personal favourite, a remake of the original Resident Evil with a sparse and jagged piano accompaniment that was perfect for the unsettling atmosphere of the horror genre. All three consoles came with 5.1 surround capabilities. This brings us to the modern incarnations of consoles. The Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 and their successors the Xbox One/PS4.
What these machines have brought most significantly for composers, are such considerable boosts in processing power and RAM that many of the limitations of old are no longer present. Less so in the case of Nintendo as it decided to focus a less powerful, and so less expensive, machine aimed at families. It will be interesting to see where the innovations will lead. The industry is just starting to test the audio limits of the current generation which will drive the next development in capabilities. Exciting times.
Note: This article originally appeared October 2016
The post How electronic music has shaped the Games industry over the last 40 years appeared first on Decoded Magazine.
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Electric Forest Announces Initial Lineup for 2025 Edition

Returning to Rothbury, Michigan from June 19–22, 2025, Electric Forest reveals today the first lineup for its 2025 edition. Celebrated worldwide, Electric Forest is an all-encompassing experience defined by absolute immersion through its pillars of music, art, community, and adventure. Continually a lighthouse for what’s next across these scene-defining genres, Electric Forest’s 2025 program reflects its dedication to highlighting the finest and brightest of electronic, jam, and world music.
The initial lineup for Electric Forest 2025 has been announced and includes: 1tbsp, 33 Below, Ahmed Spins, Arc De Soleil, BALTHVS, BAMBII, Barry Can’t Swim, bbno$, Beltran, BIIANCO, Blond:ish, BUNT., Caribou, Cloonee, Confidence Man, Crankdat, CVBZ, Disclosure (DJ Set), Dixon’s Violin, Evening Elephants, Fcukers, FISHER, GASHI, Gordo, Hamdi, Interplanetary Criminal, Jade Cicada, Joey Valence & Brae, Justice, Khruangbin, Lilly Palmer, Liquid Stranger, Loco Dice, Loods, Loofy, Louis the Child, LowDown Brass Band, Maz, Mersiv, Mindchatter, Mochakk, Moody Good, Nia Archives, Of The Trees, ØTTA, Pocket, Pretty Pink, Riordan, Roi Turbo, Sara Landry, Say She She, TAAHLIAH, The Free Label, The Philharmonik, The String Cheese Incident, Tiësto, Villager, WAKYIN, Will Clarke, WonkyWilla, WORSHIP (Sub Focus, Dimension, Culture Shock, 1991), YDG, Zingara.
An in-depth look at the Electric Forest 2025 lineup
Among headliners are French electro pioneers Justice, fan-favorite Aussie party starter FISHER, GRAMMY-nominated Disclosure (DJ Set), the dreamy grooves of prolific Houston three-piece Khruangbin, and Forest Family faves Louis The Child. Additional highlights include the mind-melting sonics of Liquid Stranger and Of The Trees, the high priestess of hard techno Sara Landry, meteoric Scottish multi-instrumentalist Barry Can’t Swim, the venerable Tiësto, jam band visionaries The String Cheese Incident performing two events, superstar Brazilian globetrotcher Mochakk, and Sub Focus, Dimension, Culture Shock, and 1991’s drum & bass behemothWOREST.
Programming the finest of worldwide talent, Electric Forest’s 2025 lineup also includes Swedish composer and multi-instrumentalist Arc De Soleil, Brazilian flag bearer Maz, Toronto clubland pioneer BAMBII, UK’s next-gen jungle sensation Nia Archives, and Colombian psychedelic funk band BalthVS. Along with diverse favorites like Caribou, Confidence Man, The Free Label, Mindchatter, and Forest veteran Dixon’s Violin, the always varied program includes genre-crossing groups bbno$, Joey Valence & Brae, and GASHI.
While trap, bass, and low-end frequencies arrive courtesy of Mersiv, Crankdat, Hamdi, YDG, Zingara, and Jade Cicada; flavors of house and techno are reflected by the likes of Gordo, Cloonee, Blond:ish, Lilly Palmer, Loco Dice, Will Clarke, ØTTA, and Pretty Pink. Under acts like BIIANCO, Ahmed Spins, Interplanetary Criminal, Fcukers, and TAAHLIAH, Electric Forest will also keep a place for underground talent gracing its venues. The next months will bring announcements of many more lineup names.
Electric Forest generated community buzz and lineup speculation following the custom of including the Forest Family in artistic endeavors. First publishing subdued hints on official social media sites, then delivering poetry, limericks, and coded messages to various Loyalty Tiers via SMS, smart fans figured out which of their favorite musicians will show on the 2025 roster. Ultimately, EF Radio, a community-driven radio station dedicated to airing frequencies from The Forest, spun a carefully selected playlist of bands on the roster combined with comments from people who called in and appropriately identified 2025 artists, therefore revealing the official lineup.
Electric Forest 2025 lineup Beyond the music
Electric Forest offers an active haven for unlimited connection and creative expression. By means of the renowned fan-participation Plug In Programs, Forest Family has the special chance to mold their festival experience in line with Forest Headquarters. Applications for a few chosen programs are open now; discover more about The Wish Machine, Art Installation Sponsorship, Art Spark!, and The Digital Brainery here; keep tuned for more information on other Plug In Programs to open shortly.
Designed to honor returning Forest Family, Electric Forest’s Loyalty Program starts its On Sale Tuesday, December 3 at Noon ET with all subsequent Loyalty Tiers following until Thursday, December 5.
The general public on sale for Electric Forest 2025 will start at noon ET on Friday, December 6. Visit the Festival’s official website to register for access and further information on the EF Loyalty Program, available Passes and Packages—including the new Good Life Meadow, Hotel Packages, and more.
The post Electric Forest Announces Initial Lineup for 2025 Edition appeared first on The Groove Cartel.
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Announcing The Afterlife Tulum Lineup 2025

Mark your calendars, secure your tickets, and prepare for two nights of pure transcendence. The Afterlife Tulum 2025 lineup is here, and it feels like Christmas has come early!
Afterlife continues to deliver unparalleled experiences, and the 2025 roster is no exception. Headliners include the dynamic Tale Of Us, whose visionary approach to melodic techno is at the heart of Afterlife. Joining them are heavyweights like Argy, Anyma, Kevin de Vries, Omnya, Mind Against, Chris Avantgarde, Massano, Mrak, Fideles, 8Kays, Armonica, Cassian, and more.
Zamna Tulum offers the perfect setting for Afterlife’s ethereal vibe. Surrounded by the lush jungle of Tulum and centered around a breathtaking cenote, this venue merges natural beauty with state-of-the-art production. Its unparalleled acoustics and visual installations have made it a favorite for festival-goers from across the globe.
Tulum itself is a gem on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, renowned for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant local culture. Attending Afterlife provides not just a musical feast but also an opportunity to explore Tulum’s rich heritage and beautiful nature.
For the 2025 edition, scheduled for January 4th and 6th, several ticket options are available that consist of General Admission, VIP. In addition to the standard ticket options, they also offer the Zamna Full Pass which is ideal for those looking to attend multiple events, this pass includes access to 12 parties at Zamna Tulum, all Zamna On the Beach events, an official Zamna t-shirt, and preferred access. For those seeking the ultimate packages, you can get the Zamna Experience Packages which combines festival tickets with accommodation and additional amenities. For additional information head on over to the Official Ticketing Page
As we close out 2024 with the ending of Genesys, Anyma’s project, fans wonder if they will get a sneak peek of something new during Afterlife 2025. What are your thoughts?


The post Announcing The Afterlife Tulum Lineup 2025 appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Wilkinson Spins John Summit’s ‘Shiver’ into DnB Magic

It’s the song that keeps on giving. John Summit’s ‘Shiver’ featuring HAYLA continues to dominate playlists and dance floors since its Valentine’s Day release in 2024. The track, known for its infectious chorus and emotional undertones, has become a remix favorite. Earlier this year, Cassian added a euphoric twist, giving the song a dreamy, melodic edge, and now Wilkinson takes it into drum and bass territory. His remix fuses HAYLA’s emotive vocals with energetic beats, breathing new life into a track already loved by fans.
Wilkinson has been a force in the drum and bass scene throughout 2024. Most recently, he collaborated with Kaskade on ‘Shine On’ featuring Paige Cavell. His previous single, ‘This Moment,’ featuring Kelli Leigh, exemplifies his ability to blend vocal-driven melodies with powerful production. As one of the genre’s most in-demand artists, Wilkinson keeps fans eager for more, teasing additional releases planned for the year. On the live front, he’s booked for major shows, including Radius in Chicago, Depot Mayfield in Manchester, and Sydney’s Field Day Festival. His versatility shines in his ability to balance emotional depth with darker, bass-heavy instrumentals.
On the other hand, John Summit has had a monumental year, proving why he’s a leader in electronic music. His Comfort in Chaos tour has been a standout, electrifying venues like Cow Palace in San Francisco and Huntington Bank Pavilion. Summit has also graced festival stages at Dreamfields Mexico and EDC Orlando, not to mention selling out multiple nights at Los Angeles’ iconic Kia Forum. Whether it’s massive festivals or intimate nightclub sets, like at LIV Nightclub in Las Vegas, Summit continues to connect with fans on every level.
Summit’s impact extends beyond the stage. His Experts Only Radio show has hit new milestones, with episodes 017, 018, and 019 dropping this year. Each episode showcases Summit’s knack for curating tracks that push the boundaries of house music. While details on new releases remain scarce, his momentum, combined with remixes like Wilkinson’s, ensures ‘Shiver’ and his broader discography stay relevant.
Listen to John Summit – Shiver (Wilkinson Remix) below!
The post Wilkinson Spins John Summit’s ‘Shiver’ into DnB Magic appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Inaugural "Destination Unknown" Festival to Bring Chicago's Timeless House Music to Tulum

Forget about frostbitten nights and layered looks—a new electronic music festival, Destination Unknown: Chicago to Tulum, is flipping the script on January blues.
From January 9-11, this boundary-blurring festival will teleport Chicago's legendary house music scene to Tulum's sun-drenched beaches. Windy City legends Green Velvet, Felix da Housecat, Gene Farris and DJ Heather will headline the fest and keep its dancefloors alive under the kind of star-studded sky only a tropical escape can offer.
23 other Chicago-rooted artists have also been confirmed for Destination Unknown, which will take place across a handful of venues in Tulum. According to its organizers, the flagship outing will be hosted by Green Velvet at IT Tulum, an opulent, brand-new beach club located in the heart of the city's gleaming hotel zone.
Ticket packages promise premium stays, transit to and from the airport and concert venues, and an open invitation to lose yourself in music that's both homegrown and globally magnetic. Each includes four nights of lodging at a variety of Tulum properties: Motto, Wyndham, Viva, Bakal, Amour, Amira, Eve and Moonlight.
You can check out the full lineup for Destination Unknown: Chicago to Tulum below and find out more about travel packages here.
c/o Destination Unknown
Follow Destination Unknown:
Instagram: instagram.com/destmusicfest
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567518703154
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Electric Forest Reveals 2025 Lineup With Justice, Tiësto, Sara Landry and More

There's still a month to go until we can officially put 2024 in the rearview, but we can already dart our calendars for one of next year's biggest festival lineups: Electric Forest.
It'll be tough to beat the organizers of the beloved Rothbury festival, who have revealed an epic lineup coming in 2025. The mystical Sherwood Forest will play home to a slew of electronic music superstars next year, including Justice, Disclosure, Tiësto, Liquid Stranger, Louis The Child, WORSHIP, Khruangbin, FISHER, Barry Can't Swim and Mochakk. A pair of EDM.com Class of 2024 inductees, Sara Landry and Of The Trees, will also headline.
The festival's diverse undercard is also impressive, featuring Crankdat, Moody Good, Mersiv, Zingara, 33 Below, Mindchatter, Beltran, Hamdi, Lilly Palmer and Jade Cicada, among others. More artists will be announced in 2025.
The 2025 lineup for Electric Forest features Justice, Disclosure, Tiësto, Sara Landry and many more.Electric Forest
Electronic enthusiasts have descended on West Michigan's Double JJ Resort since 2008 for Electric Forest, which remains one of the nation's most popular music, art and camping events. The experience, however, extends far beyond the confines of its lineup, as its organizers annually develop stunning audiovisual production and subversive art installations deep in the forest grounds.
Electric Forest is scheduled to return June 19-22, 2025. The festival's general ticket on-sale begins Friday, December 6th at 12pm ET.
You can register for access to Electric Forest 2025 passes here.
Follow Electric Forest:
X: x.com/electric_forest
TikTok: tiktok.com/@electricforest
Instagram: instagram.com/electric_forest
Facebook: facebook.com/electricforest
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Dom Dolla Is Performing at Madison Square Garden In 2025

From sweaty underground clubs to one of the most iconic concert venues in the world, Dom Dolla is set to make his debut at Madison Square Garden.
Dolla is set to grace the Garden's illustrious stage on March 7th, 2025, he announced today. It's a big moment for the Australian DJ, effectively crystallizing one of the electronic music scene's most explosive breakouts in recent memory.
The announcement marks a major milestone, not just for Dolla, but for the house music community that helped propel him. For a genre often sidelined in favor of arena-friendly pop, his MSG debut upholds an ongoing cultural shift: house is here to stay.
Dolla's Everything Always bandmate, house music superstar John Summit, nabbed a momentous headline at the venue back in June. Prior to that show, South African house luminary Black Coffee etched his name in its walls with a stunning performance. And who could forget when Skrillex, Fred again.. and Four Tet transformed the Garden into a once-in-a-lifetime rave?
A pre-sale for Dolla's show will begin Tuesday, December 10th at 10am ET. Fans can register for access here.
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Follow Dom Dolla:
X: x.com/domdolla
Instagram: Instagram.com/domdolla
TikTok: tiktok.com/@domdolla
Facebook: facebook.com/domdollamusic
Spotify: spoti.fi/3g2cuTm
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