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The Return Of Brooks

After a 2-year hiatus, earlier this year Brooks finally made his return to the music scene and has got right back into releasing amazing tracks and performing some electrifying DJ sets. Brooks rightfully had taken some time out to look after himself, lying low for a while and ceasing to post anything on social media while still making occasional appearances at festivals, but now he’s fully back which is incredibly welcome news to hear.
Back in June he made his return to releasing music in epic style with ‘Let It Out’ which unveiled a new style from him that was still unmistakably Brooks. It was yet another display of his incredibly creative sound design that showed his ever-evolving sound and proved he was back with a bang. Only a month after this he dropped ‘Monster’ which was another really strong track with another display of his genius when it comes to inventive productions.
Since then, the Dutch DJ has stamped each month with a huge performance taking to the stage at S20 Festival in July, doing a DJ set for Slam! in August, dropping some awesome ID’s at Ushuaia in September, and in October we got the fantastic ‘Back 2 Brooks’ event at Amsterdam Dance Event. This event saw Brooks take to the stage to do a series of back 2 back sets with the likes of Mesto, Justin Mylo, Mike Williams, Vluarr and many more which was a major highlight from ADE.
Having made such a strong return to the music scene it’s fair to say that there’s a lot to look forward to from Brooks in the coming year. What’s your favourite Brooks track so far since his return? Let us know in the comments down below.
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fabric and British artist Mark Vessey collaborate on artwork commemorating the ground-breaking and diverse CD mix series across 25 years

“fabric has always been about culture, music culture, club culture, youth culture and art. The venue has always strived to be as forward thinking and innovative on all levels not just its music offering. The artwork for our flyers across 25 years has always been progressive as too the artwork for our mix series. Its makes sense that the physical CD compilations of fabric are documented and celebrated.  We are thrilled to work with UK artist Mark Vessey, who will immortalise the collection for all to see”. Cameron Leslie, fabric Co-Founder
 
There is a large section society that adores nightlife, electronic music and dancing, London’s fabric nightclub has been a mecca for these people and a celebrated international destination for countless hedonists for a quarter of a century. Arguably maintaining one of the most innovative, respected and incorruptible music policies in the club world. Having survived many challenges including a pandemic and government intervention, the venue remains an absolute career high for any DJ to play within its deep underground walls. Now its label and mix curation series are celebrated as part of their 25 year anniversary with a special commemorative photographic print by UK music culture artist Mark Vessey. 
 
This work continues Mark Vesey’s specialist ideology of honouring the past, reminding us of the physical mediums we cherish and what they mean to us. By shooting collections using medium and large-format photography he draws our attention to the physicality of objects and magnifies their significance. 
 
Here is photographs fabrics physical CD releases for an artwork that celebrates and depicts the labels most loved mix compilations, created by the scene’s leading and most respected Electronic Music DJs. Visually documenting the unique, cutting edge and pioneering sounds that spearheaded the clubs long history and trailblazing music policy. All in their iconic and instantly recognisable tin casing. 
 
“Being able to document the physical mix series for such a world renowned club and label is an honour. I hope to immortalise and distil the impact of their physical release series within my art, so much that it will be there to view on display in the club for future generations of clubbers to see”. Mark Vessey
 
It’s no secret that London club fabric is celebrating 25 years of bringing joy to the dancefloor. This landmark anniversary year has featured a world tour, special music releases, a commemorative book and now this unique artwork.
 
From November 2001 to November 2018, fabric ran two mix compilation series, compiled by a variety of emerging and established DJs. These were fabric and fabriclive, mirroring and reflecting the sound of their main club nights. All the mixes are released independently on an alternating monthly basis. Both series combined sold over staggering 1.8 million physical units globally. 
 
The mixes were cherished and religiously played by their loyal global fanbase, featuring some of the industry’s biggest names including names including Ricardo Villalobos (2007), DVS1 (2017), LCD’s James Murphy and Pat Mahoney (2017) ,LTJ Bukem (2009), Four Tet (2011), Daniel Avery (2012), Mo Wax and UNKLE James Lavelle (2001) and Swayzak in addition to many others. Both series ended with their 100th instalments respectively in Oct 2018. 
 
The passion and spirit of this collection has been captured visually by artist Mark Vessey, a rising creative star, best-known for exploring and celebrating icons of contemporary pop and dance culture. He lovingly curates, the subjects of his images which include magazines, books and vinyl records that have had special significance within the popular cultural heritage of the 20th and 21st Centuries. This new print and photograph follows on from his critically acclaimed work with Carl Cox, Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim and Founder of Defected Records Simon Dunmore, continuing his DJ and vinyl music theme.
Available via here
The post fabric and British artist Mark Vessey collaborate on artwork commemorating the ground-breaking and diverse CD mix series across 25 years appeared first on Decoded Magazine.
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NOT BAD FOR A GIRL Launch Record Label: EQUAL PARTS

NOT BAD FOR A GIRL is a UK collective that provides support and opportunities for women, non-binary, and transgender people in the music industry. After launching five years ago, this electric – and completely unapologetic – Manchester-born group has made a name for itself as both a high-energy DJ act and a vital resource for up-and-coming artists. The work they have done within music has been important and impactful from day dot, as they continue to fight the good fight for marginalised people.
Fast forward to now and the launch of EQUAL PARTS! A record label set up specifically to release music from artists who have historically faced greater barriers to entry due to their gender. After a recent study found that 51% of women in music have been discriminated against due to their gender, and a third of women in music have been sexually harassed, NOT BAD FOR A GIRL aims to continue to combat these issues and address other barriers to entry, through the work of the label.
The name of the label is borrowed from a slogan they coined in the early days of the collective; ‘equal pay, equal opportunity and EQUAL PARTS SPIRIT AND MIXER’. Which is, perhaps, one of the greatest slogans of our time. Stick it on a billboard, scream it from the top of your lungs, say it louder for the people at the back.
We jumped into conversation with Martha – one of the founders – to find out more.
Martha! What’s going on in the wonderful world of NOT BAD FOR A GIRL?
It’s honestly the most exciting time I think. We’ve been running for 6 years now which is unbelievable. It’s such a long time. When we started out we were literally throwing house parties, giving out cans at the door, there were no venues or anything like that. We weren’t charging people, everything was free entry. We started out as students in Manchester and now we’re where we are now. We’ve helped so many people, given so many people their first sets, given loads of people their first opportunities to play at festivals. We’ve curated stages at Boomtown, Project 6… done all of the stuff. We’re part of the Converse All Star creative community which is really fun, and now we’re launching a record label! All of these things are happening and it’s so fun that it’s basically the same 6 people pushing this forward and really believing in it.

What’s the key factor that got you to the 6-year mark?
Friendship. 100%. We’re all best mates. We’re kind of like family, there are frustrations sometimes too. But I’m obsessed with it. I have ADHD so it’s a hyperfocus for me, so that’s definitely something. I can’t put it down. I don’t think I’ll be able to put it down until it’s finished, and I don’t know what that looks like! Another thing with having a team is that if I need to step away from it, someone can pick it up. This is what I’m always saying to women, transgender and non-binary people who are trying to step into an industry that isn’t super welcoming to them: find your friends, find your people, unionise and have someone who has your back because no one is made to be consistently creative and to output consistently, yet this is the world we live in. We live in a world where this is expected of you, so if you can form some kind of group where between you you can consistently output then that’s so much easier. It’s a community. It’s nicer. 
Let’s circle back to the big news: You’ve just launched a record label! Tell us about EQUAL PARTS.
The name, first of all, comes from a slogan that we used to use when we started out because we were very much party people… with a feminist message, of course. The slogan was ‘equal pay, equal opportunity and EQUAL PARTS SPIRIT AND MIXER’ because whenever we mixed drinks it was always equal parts spirit and mixer. 
It also represents how we want to use this as a platform to champion people who don’t normally get championed in the music industry. I think there is so much happening at the minute for DJs. There’s so many workshops and support but actually for producers, it’s much harder. There is also less access to education and platforms for people from historically marginalised demographics who are just starting out. I think, for us, we do a lot for and with DJs, it was time to take that next step and support another area of the industry. That was where the idea came from. Also, we’re all so passionate about music. We always hear tracks, people will send us stuff too and we’ll be like ‘That’s such a banger!’ and then we’d pass it on to someone else. Eventually, I was like, “Guys. We need to be releasing some of these tunes!” They were too good to let go. I’m so excited about the people we are releasing with.
Yes! Talk us through what’s incoming…
The first release is from THT GRL who is one of our members. She’s a production duo with her partner PCKRNG, who is the former owner of DOIN BITS magazine. We’ve signed their track ‘Don’t You’ which has had some really big coverage already. It’s seen a lot of success on George FM and BBC. I love that you can really tell that they’re partners through the music they make. When I listen to their tunes I get the same excited, chaotic feeling as when I hang out with them. Also, the rate that they churn out tunes is unbelievable. They make like 4 a week. It’s bonkers, but great, because they’re constantly sending music.  DaiSu is also a really exciting addition to the label, their production journey has been a joy to watch. Their track is such a banger that I just want to get it out now. I’m so excited for everyone to hear it! Another artist that we’ve got is called Urbi who’s really cool. She’s from Manchester. She actually played her first DJ set at one of our open decks a year ago, and now we’ll be releasing her first ever release next year, so it’s a really nice full-circle moment for us.
Very exciting! Any other artists you can share?
Shirley Temper who is a British/Thai producer. She’s really cool. They do stuff with Das Booty. They are so fun musically. So high energy, so intensely spirited but also with some really feminist themes that come through the vocals of her tracks. Also, just from chatting to them it was immediately like, ok, we’ve really connected here. We’ve had really similar experiences of feeling isolated in the industry. We were even talking about how hard it is to work with record labels because there is no information about how to understand those business aspects of the industry. Nobody knows how much they should be getting or if a contract is fair. So there was definitely a connection there where we said we wanted to be as transparent as possible. I’ve got loads of experience in music, I’ve worked at lots of different labels over the past 7 years and I have a really good understanding of how things should work. It’s really nice to now be able to bring that knowledge to other people and help them. 
So there’s a mentoring aspect to the label too. Do you have plans to add a mentorship scheme into the mix alongside releasing music?
We are absolutely desperate to do a mentorship. We have it all planned out, it’s just funding it which is the issue. So if anyone is reading this article and wants to fund the mentorship – please get in touch! But yes, we’d love to do that, and in the meantime, we have our group chat which is one of the main aspects of being in the collective. It’s a sounding board for advice from a community of engaged people. People send us music which isn’t finished which is absolutely fine, we’re so happy to give feedback on it and to give advice. That’s why we’re doing what we’re doing, we want to help and we’re not looking specifically for artists who have lots of experience either. It’s never been how we’ve done things. If someone is really dedicated and has a really great sound and you can tell that you care, they are the main things we’re looking for in artists.
What’s the vibe of EQUAL PARTS? Musically, what can people expect?
We’re not limiting ourselves to genres. That’s something we’ve never done. Even our DJ sets will go from northern soul to speed garage. I think a lot of people are moving away from sticking to one genre. A lot of artists aren’t pigeonholing themselves in genres anymore, which I think is really cool. What we want to do is bring our audience on a journey with us and have them go from A to B and listen to songs that they’ve never heard. Maybe even try genres that they don’t even like. What I can say though is that it will all be dance music. The vibe is fun, silly, sometimes feminist, and always having a really good time.
Would you say we’ve made progress in terms of inclusivity in the UK music scene?
I think so! But I mean, there’s a lot of superficial progress too. There’s people doing things because they feel like they have to, which we knew was going to happen but honestly, so long as it has a positive impact, I’m ok with that. There is a lot of performative action though, I would say, and that doesn’t change anything. It doesn’t change the fact it’s so hostile, it doesn’t change the fact that everytime I speak to women, trans or non-binary people they’ve got horrible stories to tell. Everything from sexual abuse to microaggressions. All of that scale makes the industry so hostile and it is such a barrier to entry. It’s a shame. 
I know we’ve made progress, and most of the labels have a diverse roster now but at the same time, there’s so much further to go. That’s why we’re doing what we’re doing, because we’re fed up with it, to be honest. I spent the beginning of running NOT BAD FOR A GIRL with so much enthusiasm, then there was a dip, then I thought things were changing a little, and then recently I took stock. Politically, the world is burning, so I had a massive push from pure frustration. Enough is enough. 
There must be so many different emotions that you experience as a woman yourself in the industry, who is also running NBFG and constantly fighting the good fight for others. How does that take its toll on you?

It’s exhausting. It’s not just that either, I’ve been in rooms when decisions have been made about important industry things and I’ve heard how women have been spoken about and it’s been disparaging. It’s not all people, but it’s some people, and it shouldn’t be anyone. I’m there professionally and so I obviously have to challenge things, but I also have to do it in a way that is sensitive. It’s very emotional for me. You have conversations with men where they’ll play devil’s advocate. They see it as a theoretical topic but they disregard the fact that it’s more than that for the person they’re talking to. They’re ignoring my lived experience. It’s hard to toe the line between helping and being a human in the middle of it. Both of those things I have to weigh up. It’s hard to not get caught up in the frustration of how the world is. I know I need to protect myself so I know, to an extent, that I have to be emotionally distant and have my coping mechanisms. I run to my partner all the time for support, and we also have our NGFG group chat where we can share anything that’s been difficult for us. That group chat is invaluable to me. It’s such a great support network. It’s all about community and self-preservation.
We focus a lot on what people behind the scenes need to do to help with equality, but what do you think ravers and music lovers can do to help?
Something that I realised two years into running NBFG is that I had no women in my playlists! So buying and streaming music is a really great and important way to support. Buying tickets to shows where there are women, trans and non-binary DJs on the lineup. Messaging promoters and requesting these artists to play at their night, that is so helpful, never underestimate how powerful that is. Creating playlists, adding to your playlists, playing their tracks, and sharing them with friends. These are all such great ways of directly impacting the scene. Individuals often don’t realise how much of a big impact they can have. It really needs the support of everyone to equalise the playing field. 
Plans for the future of both the label and NBFG?
A lot of what we’re focusing on is the label. If anyone who has music and wants to get in touch, even if it’s not finished, or if you’ve got something and you’re not sure, I am really interested in hearing from people. Whatever you have, send it our way! In terms of other future plans, we’ll definitely have a label launch in London, which will be announced soon. We’re going through Good Night Out training currently which is training to better understand, respond to, and prevent sexual violence in nightlife. We’re being accredited for the course which is great and super useful. If anyone runs their own event, you can also book onto this training and learn how to deal with these horrible, but ultimately scarily common occurrences that happen within our nightlife, so that’s something that we’ve done recently that we’re really proud of too. Other than that, our plans, as always, are to just continue to smash it really, all the way through 2025. We’ll be doing festivals as usual and loads of club sets too. It’s going to be a good year.
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This is Ultra Music Festival Miami Phase 2 lineup

Additional Phase 2 performances are Ahadadream, Barclay Crenshaw, Crankdat, Da Tweekaz, Doctor P b2b Flux Pavilion, Frank Walker, Maddix, Morten, Odd Mob, Peekaboo, Said The Sky, Sub Zero Project, TOKIMONSTA, VTSS and more. Curating a stage takeover featuring debut festival performances from Ketboi69 (Partiboi69 x KETTAMA), Partiboi69 b2b Juicy Romance, and Skream b2b Interplanetary Criminal, Australia’s freewheeling underground maverick Partiboi69 will bring his alien event series “Area 69” to Ultra for the very first time. First-ever psytrance stage takeover for the festival will be presented by Powerhouse psytrance duo Vini Vici’s Alteza Records. The Dirty Workz label of Belgian hardstyle heavyweight Coone will make a fourth consecutive year return to the UMF Radio Stage. Notching more than 50 more bands to perform at the festival’s 25th-anniversary celebration, which will take place from Friday, March 28 – Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami, Ultra has revealed its star-studded Phase 2 lineup.
Ultra has already presented a slate of world-class headliners ahead of this historic event, confirming its reputation as the World’s Premier Electronic Music Festival.
Ultra’s Phase 1
Above & Beyond, Afrojack, Alesso, Armin van Buuren, Axwell, LSZEE (CloZee and LSDream), deadmau5 “retro5pective set”, Gesaffelstein, Hardwell, Martin Garrix, Nero, Pendulum (live), Subtronics, Tiësto, Zedd, and Zeds Dead (AV SET), Ultra’s Phase 1 lineup reveal says.
RESISTANCE is techno
Resistance, previously heralded as the most international dance and techno festival brand, will once more offer a rainbow of house and techno’s most in-demand performers on two stages: The RESISTANCE MegaStructure and The Cove. Previously announced RESISTANCE headliners are 999999999, Adam Beyer, ARTBAT, Boris Brejcha, Charlotte de Witte, Dubfire “EVOLV,” Eli Brown, Four Tet, Joris Voorn (Live), Mau P, Miss Monique, Nico Moreno, Richie Hawtin (DEX EFX X0X), Solomun (solo set), and Stephan Bodzin (Live).
Ultra Miami Phase 2 headliners
Ultra now reveals the next series of legendary performers going for Bayfront Park: Phase 2 headliners include multi-platinum producer and live instrumentalist Timmy Trumpet, high-octane Australian combo Knife Party, Dharma Worldwide boss and DJ-producer-songwriter KSHMR (Live), billboard chart-topper Gryffin, and global party starter Steve Aoki.
Additional Phase 2 players are aggressive bass queens from UK-based Ahadadream, a percussion producer Alleycvt b2b drum & bass master Jessica Audiffred, co-founder of RAM Records Andy C, enigmatic alien-themed pair ATLiens, genre-bending visionary Barclay Crenshaw, energetic bass producer Crankdat, melodic house star Frank Walker, hardstyle hero Brennan Heart, psytrance pioneers Infected Mushroom, Afrojack’s underground alias Kapuchon, headbanging bass virtuoso Level Up, big-room trailblazer Maddix, heavy bass powerhouse Marauda, electronic rock outfit Modestep, progressive house purveyor Da Tweekaz. Australian groove master Odd Mob, bass maestro Peekaboo, expressive future bass artist Said The Sky, Dutch hardstyle couple Sub Zero Project, Grammy-nominated beatsmith TOKiMONSTA, and modern techno force VTSS.
Ultra Music Festival Miami Some more techno
Ultra has tapped support acts including acid techno ace Charlie Sparks, Belgian duo Joyhauser, Australian underground queen Juliet Fox, London-based producer/DJ Kasia, German techno wonder Kevin de Vries, melodic techno queen Korolova, French DJ/producer MAGA, FCKNG SERiOUS label favorite Moritz Hofbauer, Saved Records label boss Nic Fanciulli, British tastemaker Patrick Topping, Romanian artist Nusha, and Italian underground act Olympe, rounding out the RESISTANCE lineup. American techno pioneer Josh Wink, who debuted at the very first Ultra Music Festival in 1999, will return for this special edition in honor of Ultra’s 25th anniversary. RESISTANCE will add two expertly curated back-to-back sets to this outstanding roster: the celebrated pair of Massano and Chris Avantgarde will make a much-anticipated comeback following their outstanding b2b set at Ultra 2024, while Space 92 x Popof Present Turbulences will be on show once more following their North American debut at Ultra 2022.
Partiboi69
Among these fascinating Phase 2 additions, Australia’s bold and quirky dance phenomenon Partiboi69—who will bring his cosmic event series Area 69 to Ultra for its first stage takeover—stands out. Partiboi69 blends ghetto house, Miami bass, and Detroit techno with cutting-edge visuals to create electrifying, genre-blurring concerts and his enigmatic energy. He is known for his humor-infused performances. Ketboi69 (the high-octane combination of Partiboi69 and KETTAMA), Partiboi 69 b2b rising Australian selec in Tor Juicy Romance, and Skream b2b Interplanetary Criminal mixing UK bassline with forward-looking techno will all have debut festival performances under the Area 69 takeover. Celebrated for creating chaotic, alien-themed bacchanals, Partiboi 69’s Area 69 stage takeover promises an immersive, otherworldly experience that will astound audiences.
Ultra’s first-ever psytrance stage on the Phase 2 lineup
Presented by their prestigious label Alteza Records, Powerhouse psytrance couple Vini Vici will showcase Ultra’s first-ever psytrance stage takeover. Trailblazers of the present psytrance movement, Vini Vici have revolutionized the genre by adding a new twist to old-school sounds. With a great roster of psytrance giants brought together by the Alteza Records stage takeover, Ultra’s 25th-anniversary celebration will have a fresh angle.
The Dirty Workz label of Belgian hardstyle heavyweight Coone will make a fourth consecutive year return to the UMF Radio Stage. Coone, a real innovator of the hardstyle movement, created history in 2022 by leading Ultra’s first-ever hardstyle stage and has since solidified Dirty Workz as the official venue for jumpstyle, joyous hard rhythms.
Adrenalize, Afrobeta, Alchimyst, Blazy, Boiish (Live), Coexist, Darksiderz, Dillon Nathaniel, Dimension, Fernanda Pitstelli, Gil Glaze, Hedex, Kami, Khromata, Mr. Black, Mykris, Nifra, Omiki, Rooler, Schrottagen, ShlØmo, Skepsis, Sota, Terra, The Purge, Wilkinson, and Zorza are among the additional Phase 2 supports.
The post This is Ultra Music Festival Miami Phase 2 lineup appeared first on The Groove Cartel.
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Virtual Music Festival, Decentraland, Returning With NGHTMRE, Mat Zo and More

Decentraland and its blockchain-powered beats are returning in 2024 by virtue of another edition of the metaverse company's virtual music festival.
Decentraland Music Festival is one of the world's leading virtual fests. Since its launch in 2021, it has attracted users from 159 countries and featured performances by high-profile artists like RÜFÜS DU SOL, deadmau5, Björk, Soulja Boy, Alison Wonderland and Ozzy Osbourne.
However, this year's lineup is focused solely on electronic dance music, with headlining performances by NGHTMRE, San Holo, Mat Zo, BLOND:ISH, 33 Below and WHIPPED CREAM, among others.
c/o Decentraland
Founded in 2020, the immersive Decentraland touts itself as the "first decentralized, community-driven virtual world." Scheduled for November 20-23, its branded virtual festival runs through a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), a member-owned community that allow platforms to operate devoid of a corporate leadership structure.
Organizers are also planning a slew of metaverse-based experiences, like music industry expo booths and discussions with top electronic record labels and brands. Those include the iconic drum & bass label Hospital Records as well as Audius, Beatport, LabelRadar and LANDR.
Festival attendees can also collect virtual merch and wearables featuring the branding of its headliners.
c/o Decentraland Music Festival
Bay Backner, head producer at Decentraland, said the festival's interstellar theme is at the heart of this year's virtual experience.
"We also see Decentraland as a 'third space' for music experience," Backner told Billboard. "It bridges the community fans find at live EDM festivals, like Tomorrowland and Ultra, with the accessibility and immediacy of streaming music at home. It is as easy to enter from your computer, but you’re simultaneously sharing an important, creative, transient experience with others from around the world. And importantly, Decentraland Music Festival is free and open to all.”
You can find out more about Decentraland Music Festival and discover its full schedule here.
Follow Decentraland:
Website: decentraland.org/musicfestival
X: x.com/decentraland
Instagram: instagram.com/decentraland_foundation
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EDMTunes Chats with MUST DIE! on Latest Album, VAMPIRE WEAPON: MIDNIGHT

A defiant force in the realm of bass music, MUST DIE! also known as Lee Austin Bates is a relentless innovator, pushing the boundaries of dubstep and beyond. With a decade of bass under his belt, he has solidified his position as a leading producer in the scene, captivating audiences with his dark, distorted soundscapes and relentless energy. MUST DIE! began building his cult with consistent releases on bass music’s most notable labels, leading him to represent Never Say Die, and more recently Kannibalen Records.
MUST DIE! cannot be contained within the boundaries of dance music genres with his forward thinking sound and bolstering drive to energize crowds worldwide. Throughout his career, he’s gone on to charter his sound design to unknown territories and continue to improve on his unyielding craft. As a way to close out 2024 with a bang, MUST DIE! recently released his latest 10 track album of work. VAMPIRE WEAPON: MIDNIGHT is his most personal album yet. Although he’s dropped a handful albums before – all of them being incredible – his latest venture is one that may be his most pure expression.
Here’s what he had to say about the album:
EDMTunes had the opportunity to speak with MUST DIE! on his latest album, check it out down below!
Hey Lee, thanks for chatting with us. First off can you give us an introduction of how you got your DJ name, and how you got into dance music?
I got my artist name from a bad movie called John Tucker Must Die, and it was my AOL Instant Messenger screen name for almost a decade prior to my using it as a musical alias. I was in love with dance music as far back as I can remember. Likely 6 or 7 years old. It has been a big part of my musical lexicon my entire life.
Congrats on the release of your latest album VAMPIRE WEAPON: MIDNIGHT. It’s described as your most personal yet, can you elaborate on what makes it so personal to you?
Thank you so much. It’s definitely an album that feels more like a personal accomplishment to me than a commercial music product. I held myself to really lofty standards and tried to improve as much as possible to reach them. It really helped me modernize my approach and my sound and brought the challenge and risk back into the process. I’m at my happiest when I’m not sure something is going to land but I know it’s going to get some sort of reaction either way. 
What are some of your favorite tracks on the album and why?
I loved making ‘2 Ya Face’ as my new alias XBLADE, and debuting that project on a MUST DIE! album just seemed fitting. I also had a blast making ‘Wanna Rock‘ and ‘Selecta’, which just reminded me of a style of music I’ve loved for so long now. 
How has your musical style progressed over time, and what distinctive elements define your sound within the bass music genre?
I don’t know if I have much of a sound anymore as opposed to an ethos or intent. I simply do not listen to much bass music, so a lot of my music is inspired by genres far away from my peers. Over time I have definitely embraced and allowed myself to pursue aggression or noisiness in a way I would have done in high school or with other projects, instead of relying on only melodicism to get my thoughts across. It’s definitely more me nowadays. 
Was there a particular song on the album that evolved and changed heavily from when you started it, to when you finished it?
‘Once Again’ was rewritten twice, so probably that one. Although, Frequency Knife was originally a very different iteration and just a set ID I made a few hours before Summoning of the Eclipse a couple of years ago. 
There’s a particular debut on the album we’ve got to talk about… Can you fill us in on the XBLADE project?
Absolutely! XBLADE is myself and Descender, my long time best friend, frequent collaborator, and former roommate. We have always made music together and I am really happy with what we are doing as XBLADE. Very in your face, aggressive, early rave influenced Hardcore and Uptempo. I can feel us shifting even more extreme as we write the first few releases, and I’m sure we will dabble with noise, splittercore, etc. We have maybe 5 songs ready to go and plan to just start letting them loose. 
Let’s talk about the only other collaboration on the LP “One Eight Seven.” How did that song come about with AFK?
We started it at his house when I stayed with him recently and I was so glad we could get it finished for the album. He has been an important and close friend of mine for over a decade now and I have wanted to write something new with him for ages. He’s been making really great stuff lately on his own too! I think we also both just really despise authority figures, and what better way to bond than to make an anti-police dubstep song. 
What’s next for MUST DIE!? Are there any upcoming projects, tours, or collaborations on the horizon?
I plan on starting my own military, and taking over various Petco and PetSmart locations along the west coast. I also plan on releasing more music, maybe not as a larger project but more consistently being present in the release schedule. XBLADE and Hivemind have music coming as well. 
When you’re not on tour or busy working in the studio, how do you like to spend your free time?
I’m a full time parent as well as a musician, so if I’m not parenting, I’m usually catching up on Horror movies and novels, playing through my video game backlog, or so burnt out I can only re-watch the entire Star Trek series. 
Lastly, any artists you’d like to collaborate with on your next album?
Only dead ones.
Stayed tuned to Lee’s socials to stay up to date with what he’s doing down below!
Youtube
Soundcloud
The post EDMTunes Chats with MUST DIE! on Latest Album, VAMPIRE WEAPON: MIDNIGHT appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Darby – Party EP

Darby’s PARTY EP seamlessly blends a concoction of innovative rhythms and emotional exploration. A rapidly rising name in Australia, Darby is already headlining tours, with this release set for November 1st under the esteemed NIGHTMODE label. His sound, an infectious blend where bass kisses house with exceptional vocal arrangements, remains unchallenged in its cutting-edge allure. 
Four tracks pave the EP’s journey: ‘TRUST (feat. Britt Lari)’, ‘PARTY (w/ OOTORO)’, ‘FLOW’, and ‘AUTOPILOT (feat. ÊMIA)’. Within it, the project mirrors his own growth—both as a DJ and in expression. Melding club atmospheres with its deeper emotional layers, Darby transcends the mere energy of club tracks, seeking the zeniths and introspective troughs of night-life revelries. Just as much about evolving behind the decks, his music digs into the spaces that birth its soul. 
Exploring escapism, the EP navigates from initial frivolity to introspective depths. In an environment where genuine emotions clash with the synthetic club aura, connections thrive amidst the chaos. Bridging spontaneous euphoria to reflective aftermath, every track is a psychoanalysis of club dynamics. Packed with UKG, Garage, Breaks, House, Bass House, and Electro, the EP captures his musical evolution toward festival readiness, focusing heavily on quality and impactful visual storytelling. With accolades like official remixes for Odesza and support from Skrillex, Darby strides boldly towards the U.S. market, offering tracks that bridge stage energy with intimate connection. As critics, blogs, and listeners revel in this evolving narrative, it’s just the start of what’s to come.
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SXSW London 2025: Tickets, Venues, and Early Discounts Announced

SXSW London Prepares for Its 2025 Debut
For the first time, SXSW heads to Europe with its debut in Shoreditch, London, from June 2-7, 2025. The legendary festival, known for blending music, film, and tech, will bring its signature energy to the heart of one of London’s trendiest neighborhoods.
Tickets go on sale November 21, offering full access passes or individual program options. Early buyers, who purchase before December 19, will enjoy a 25% discount. Prices start at £488 for single-program passes and go up to £975 for all-access platinum passes.
Billboard Joins as a Key Partner
Billboard will host a special music night at the festival. The event will feature a globally acclaimed artist and highlight rising stars. The night will also include ticketed access for the public, making it a standout part of the schedule.
Mike Van, Billboard’s president, shared his excitement about the partnership:
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with SXSW London in 2025. This partnership celebrates global music and creativity.”
Shoreditch’s Vibrant Venues
The festival will take over some of Shoreditch’s most iconic spots, including Truman Brewery, Village Underground, and Shoreditch Town Hall. Attendees will explore a variety of venues, reflecting the area’s lively cultural scene.
To promote inclusivity, SXSW will donate 500 free passes to local charities and community groups. This effort ensures diverse representation and fosters a sense of belonging at the event.
Katy Arnander, SXSW London’s programming director, highlighted Shoreditch’s unique appeal:
“Shoreditch thrives on creativity, innovation, and diversity. We want the festival to leave a positive mark on the community.”
A Festival Shaped by Global Ideas
Organizers have already received thousands of session proposals from over 50 countries. The submission portal remains open until November 29, allowing more ideas to shape the festival.
SXSW London promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, blending local culture with cutting-edge programming. As June 2025 approaches, the excitement only continues to grow.
For more information, check out their official website, here.
[H/T] – Billboard
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Visionary DJ/producer/multi-instrumentalist Robot Sunrise unveils melodic psy-tech anthem “The Underground”

Visionary DJ/producer/multi-instrumentalist Robot Sunrise, the solo project of LA-based artist Danny Klein, is carving out his own space in the melodic techno scene with a unique blend of hypnotic rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes, inviting listeners deeper into a world where freedom and self-expression reign supreme. 
Fresh off the debut of his immersive ‘The Robot Sunrise Experience’ event in Downtown Los Angeles last weekend, where fans were transported into an otherworldly narrative of melodic techno, Robot Sunrise returns with his latest single, “The Underground,” out now via SPIN Records. Blending pulsating rhythms and ethereal soundscapes, the track further expands his sonic universe, capturing the essence of his evolution as both an artist and a storyteller. With “The Underground,” Robot Sunrise delivers a defiant anthem that pushes the boundaries of melodic psy-tech, fusing deep basslines and intricate harmonies that draw listeners deeper into his expansive, enveloping musical world.
‘The Robot Sunrise Experience’ transformed a 600+ capacity DTLA warehouse into a melodic techno haven, immersing attendees in a “micro-festival” setting complete with eclectic food, drink, and vendor options, custom staging, and hypnotic visuals. The one-night event featured electrifying DJ sets from a bevy of notable artists, including Bright Lights, Little Dinosaur, Mikey Made, Derringer, and RK Midnight. The multi-sensory journey culminated in Robot Sunrise’s live-hybrid set, enhanced by orchestral accompaniment from GRAMMY-nominated violinist Chihsuan (who’s played with Yo-Yo Ma, Brian Wilson, David Foster, and more) and trumpeter Zach Ramacier (known for his work with Louis Cole, Genevieve Artadi, Saint Motel, Adrian Younge, and more), who embedded a cinematic atmosphere into the performance. 
The event captivated audiences with an immersive sci-fi narrative set 3,000 years in the future, where AI beings bound in a corporate-controlled slave trade begin to awaken to human-like emotions, concepts of self-worth, and the desire for freedom. This powerful storyline of liberation and identity was brought to life through vivid staging and interpretive dance led by Ultra Music Festival aerialist Frankie Tan. A portion of the event’s proceeds was donated to The Human Rights Foundation, emphasizing the event’s commitment to solidarity and empowerment.
The groundbreaking event came on the heels of two recent Robot Sunrise tracks released via the newly-minted SPIN Records: the spellbinding “London Public WiFi (Robbie Rivera Remix)” and the introspective “Take Me.”
Today, the world-building maestro releases another new single, “The Underground” – a melodic psy-tech anthem for the dreamers who don’t fit into society’s prescribed box. The track’s euphoric energy mirrors the journey of Robot Sunrise’s characters, who yearn for freedom from the confines of their world. As the characters break free from their limitations, “The Underground” serves as the soundtrack to their transformation, with dance music as the catalyst for their emancipation.
Opening with a hazy, ethereal build-up, “The Underground” dives into a punchy, thumping techno beat that sets the stage for the sonic journey ahead. Pulsating bass tones, piercing synth progressions, sizzling hi-hats, and hypnotic vocals contribute to the track’s expansive soundscape. As it unfolds, the track mirrors the awakening of Robot Sunrise’s characters as they break free from oppression and forge their own path.
A long-time ringleader of LA’s house and techno underground, Robot Sunrise previously made waves as half of electronic duo Dreamfreak, releasing multiple tracks through the legendary dance record label Astralwerks. He’s also co-written and performed with GRAMMY-winning artist / G.O.O.D. Music-affiliate Really Doe, as well as co-written for GRAMMY-nominated act Télépopmusik.
The Underground
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Denver-based DJ-producer-multi-instrumentalist Boogie Lights unveils groovy tech-house cut “Keep The Funk”

Boogie Lights, the Denver-based DJ-producer-multi-instrumentalist known for reimagining disco and house through a funk lens, is gearing up to release his debut album DISCO DANCE THERAPY.
​​Known for his feel-good live shows, Boogie Lights blends DJing with energetic drumming and a youthful, carefree vibe – resulting in unforgettable live music experiences that have resonated with audiences nationwide. Hailing from Rochester, NY, he began his music career drumming for the funk band Soul Junction in college before moving to Denver in 2017 to pursue a solo career. Over the years, he has left a lasting impression on the Denver music scene, sold out venues like Globe Hall; performed at iconic spots like Bluebird Theater, Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, The Black Box, and Decadence NYE; supported artists such as Fox Stevenson, The Sponges, SkiiTour, Night Drive, and The Orchestrator; and released music on Disco Down Records, Kokolores Records, and Super Spicy Records.
Due out on Friday, December 6, DISCO DANCE THERAPY will showcase Boogie Lights‘ genre-blending mastery in an album that journeys through his artistic identity, drawing from house, disco, funk, bass, soul, and hip-hop. Reflecting Boogie Lights‘ core creative ethos, the album will explore the transformative power of music as an uplifting, healing force, encouraging listeners to dance their way through life’s challenges.
Last month, Boogie Lights dropped the LP’s lead single “RISE UP” – an empowering anthem that hopes for a brighter future and encourages listeners to harness their collective power for positive change. Created in collaboration with members of The Boogie Bunch – a rotating ensemble of talented musicians on saxophone, guitar, keys, soulful vocals, and more – DZIRAE GOLD, Deezy Le Phunk, and Mocha Music infuse the track with a funk-filled dose of ‘disco dance therapy.’
Today, the versatile artist drops the LP’s second single “Keep The Funk,” an energetic track that aims to revive a funk spirit within the new wave of tech-house music. A groovy anthem featuring contributions from The Boogie Bunch guitarist Rix (Ricky Feria), “Keep The Funk” masterfully blends live instrumentation with a pulsating house beat and a sample from the YouTube video “What Does Funk Mean? Prince Theory” by the channel ‘Prince’s Friend.’

“Aiming to bring funk back to house music – specifically to the new wave of tech-house – this groovy track combines live instrumentation with a punchy house beat and a YouTube sample that defines what funk music truly means.” – Boogie Lights

“Keep The Funk” begins with a tech-house four on the floor rhythm that draws listeners through an exploration of funk music’s core elements. The song prominently features altered vocals from Eloy Lasanta, the creator of the ‘Prince’s Friend’ YouTube channel, as he delves into the essence of funk and its distinction from electronic music. With permission from the YouTube creator, Boogie Lights transforms his voice to guide listeners on a sonic voyage while toeing the line between these two genres.
Fans can catch Boogie Lights play out “Keep The Funk,” “RISE UP,” and other DISCO DANCE THERAPY tracks at his upcoming headlining show at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom on Friday, December 20, 2024, which will be his largest headlining performance to date with The Boogie Bunch. 
On December 26, 2024, Boogie Lights will return to his hometown of Rochester, NY, to host his third annual holiday charity event, ‘Boogie Wonderland‘ at Flour City Station. This event will continue Boogie Lights’ mission of combining music with a message of positivity, weirdness, and kindness.
Keep The Funk
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Ultra Music Festival Drops Phase 2 Lineup for 20th Anniversary

Ultra has unveiled its star-studded Phase 2 lineup, notching more than 50 additional acts to perform at the festival’s 25th anniversary celebration, which will take place from Friday, March 28 – Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami. Tickets are going fast here!

Ahead of this milestone event, Ultra has already unveiled a bevy of world-class headliners, further solidifying its legacy as the World’s Premier Electronic Music Festival. As the preeminent curator of electronic music’s rare, ‘you-had-to-be-there’ moments, Ultra 2025 will present history-making performances including; the world-exclusive Anyma B2B Solomun set, the global debut of Carl Cox’s ‘Evolution’ live show, the first-ever deadmau5 b2b Pendulum DJ set, the Miami debut of Dom Dolla and John Summit’s Everything Always superduo, the world debut NGHTMRE b2b Sullivan King set, and the U.S. debut of Chase & Status’ new live show.
As previously announced in Ultra’s Phase 1 lineup reveal, the festival will host headlining performances from Above & Beyond, Afrojack, Alesso, Armin van Buuren, Axwell, LSZEE (CloZee and LSDREAM), deadmau5 ‘retro5pective set,’ Gesaffelstein, Hardwell, Martin Garrix, Nero, Pendulum (live), Subtronics, Tiësto, Zedd, and Zeds Dead (AV SET).
Heralded as the most international house and techno festival brand, RESISTANCE will once again present a bevy of house and techno’s most in-demand acts across two stages: The RESISTANCE MegaStructure and The Cove. Previously-announced RESISTANCE headliners include; 999999999, Adam Beyer, ARTBAT, Boris Brejcha, Charlotte de Witte, Dubfire ‘EVOLV’, Eli Brown, Four Tet, I Hate Models, Joris Voorn (Live), Mau P, Miss Monique, Nico Moreno, Richie Hawtin (DEX EFX X0X) (Live), Solomun (solo set), and Stephan Bodzin (Live).

Now, Ultra unveils the next round of iconic artists headed to Bayfront Park: Phase 2 headliners include Billboard chart-topper Gryffin, high-octane Australian duo Knife Party, Dharma Worldwide boss and DJ-producer-songwriter KSHMR (Live), global party starter Steve Aoki, and multi-platinum producer and live instrumentalist Timmy Trumpet.
Additional Phase 2 performers include UK-based percussive producer Ahadadream, dynamic bass queens Alleycvt b2b Jessica Audiffred, drum and bass legend and RAM Records co-founder Andy C, mysterious alien-themed duo ATLiens, genre-bending visionary Barclay Crenshaw, high-energy bass producer Crankdat, Norwegian hardstyle innovators Da Tweekaz, dubstep pioneers Doctor P b2b Flux Pavilion, who will make their celebrated joint return to the festival following their packed b2b performance at Ultra 2013, melodic house star Frank Walker, hardstyle hero Brennan Heart, psytrance pioneers Infected Mushroom, Afrojack’s underground alias Kapuchon, headbanging bass virtuoso Level Up, big-room trailblazer Maddix, heavy bass powerhouse Marauda, electronic rock outfit Modestep, progressive house purveyor MORTEN, Australian groove master Odd Mob, bass maestro Peekaboo, emotive future bass artist Said The Sky, Dutch hardstyle duo Sub Zero Project, Grammy-nominated beatsmith TOKiMONSTA, and cutting-edge techno force VTSS. 
Rounding out the RESISTANCE lineup, Ultra has tapped support acts such as acid techno ace Charlie Sparks, Belgian duo Joyhauser, Australian underground queen Juliet Fox, London-based producer/DJ Kasia, German techno wonder Kevin de Vries, melodic techno queen Korolova, French DJ/producer MAGA, FCKNG SERIOUS label favorite Moritz Hofbauer, Saved Records label boss Nic Fanciulli, British tastemaker Patrick Topping, Romanian artist Nusha, and Italian underground act Olympe. In celebration of Ultra’s landmark 25th anniversary, American techno pioneer Josh Wink – who performed at the very first Ultra Music Festival in 1999 – will return for this special edition. Adding to this stellar roster, RESISTANCE will present two expertly-curated back-to-back sets: the celebrated duo of Massano and Chris Avantgarde will make a much-anticipated return following their standout b2b set at Ultra 2024, while Space 92 x Popof Present Turbulences will take to the decks once again, following their North American debut at Ultra 2022.
Among these exciting Phase 2 additions, one of the standout highlights is Australia’s bold and eccentric dance sensation Partiboi69, who will bring his intergalactic event series Area 69 to Ultra for its inaugural stage takeover. Known for his humor-infused, performances and enigmatic verve, Partiboi69 combines ghetto house, Miami bass, and Detroit techno with cutting-edge visuals to deliver galvanizing, genre-blurring sets. and his enigmatic verve. The Area 69 takeover will feature debut festival performances from Ketboi69 (the high-octane collaboration of Partiboi69 and KETTAMA), Partiboi69 b2b rising Australian selec in tor Juicy Romance, and Skream b2b Interplanetary Criminal, blending UK bassline with forward-thinking techno. Renowned for curating wild, alien-themed bacchanals, Partiboi69’s Area 69 stage takeover promises an immersive, otherworldly experience that will leave fans awestruck.
Powerhouse psytrance duo Vini Vici will present Ultra’s first-ever psytrance stage takeover, hosted by their esteemed label Alteza Records. As trailblazers of the modern psytrance movement, Vini Vici have redefined the genre by infusing old-school sounds with a cutting-edge, contemporary twist. The Alteza Records stage takeover will bring together a stellar lineup of psytrance heavyweights, promising a high-energy showcase that adds a groundbreaking dimension to Ultra’s 25th anniversary celebration.
Belgian hardstyle heavyweight Coone’s Dirty Workz label will return to the UMF Radio Stage for the fourth consecutive year. A true pioneer of the hardstyle scene, Coone made history in 2022 by spearheading Ultra’s first-ever hardstyle stage, and has since cemented Dirty Workz as the festival’s definitive home for hardstyle, jumpstyle, and happy hard beats. 

Additional Phase 2 support acts include Adrenalize, Afrobeta, Alchimyst, Blazy, Boiish (Live), Coexist, Darksiderz, Dillon Nathaniel, Dimension, Fernanda Pitstelli, Gil Glaze, Hedex, Kami, Khromata, Mr. Black, Mykris, Nifra, Omiki, Rooler, Schrottagen, ShlØmo, Skepsis, Sota, Terra, The Purge, Wilkinson, and Zorza.
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OGUZ Talks Hard Techno Evolution, Crowd Connection, and Building 808 STUDIOS

In this exclusive interview, rising hard techno DJ and producer OGUZ opens up about the intricacies of reading crowd energy, the emotional depth behind hard techno, and his ambitious vision for 808 STUDIOS. Known for his high intensity sets and ability to blend raw power with emotional resonance, OGUZ shares insights into the evolving hard techno scene across Europe and America, while discussing his experiences at Hocus Pocus Festival and plans for 2025.
From the impact of social media on underground music to the future of the genre, this conversation offers a deep dive into the world of contemporary hard techno through the eyes of one of its most promising artists.
Your sets are known for their intensity. How do you read a crowd to know when to push the energy further versus when to give them space to breathe?
Reading the crowd is all about paying attention to body language, the vibe, and the overall energy in the room. I try to sense when the crowd is really feeding off the energy and when they need a moment to catch their breath. Sometimes, it’s the small things—a subtle shift in the way people move or the atmosphere in the room—that tell me whether to build on the intensity or pull back a little. I like to keep things dynamic and unpredictable, so there’s always a sense of tension and release, which is crucial for maintaining high energy throughout the night.
Hard techno often gets stereotyped as just “aggressive beats”, however, your music tends to be quite emotional.  How do you convey emotion in your sets and how does that emotion come across in the crowd?
Hard techno can definitely be intense, but I think emotion is at the core of what makes any kind of music powerful, even the harder styles. I try to find those moments where the music hits on a deeper level, whether it’s through a melodic breakdown, a nostalgic element, or a sudden shift in the track. When you’re DJing, you’re not just playing tracks, you’re creating an emotional simulation. I’ve noticed that when you give the crowd those moments of release, they can connect in a much more meaningful way. It’s all about creating contrast.
Many DJs talk about taking the crowd on a journey during their sets. What’s your philosophy on storytelling through hard techno, where the energy is consistently high?
Storytelling is the key to every set, even in high-energy moments. It’s not just about playing hard beats nonstop; it’s about creating a story and building the energy over time. I see the night as a book or movie with peaks, downs, and unexpected twists. I try to guide the crowd through different emotions and phases. Even though the energy is high, I always try to surprise the crowd in unexpected ways. For example, I integrate different genres into my set so the crowd is caught off guard and prompted to think about the story I’m trying to tell.
You played at Hocus Pocus Festival, and Halloween is a pretty big deal in the United States. What was the highlight of the festival for you, and how did the crowd respond to your set?
Hocus Pocus was an unforgettable experience. The energy was amazing, and everyone was having a great time. The highlight for me was definitely the moment when I played my new remix I produced for Brutalismus 3000. The response was super positive, it was one of those moments where the crowd was truly on the same wavelength as me. Overall, the crowd was feeling the intensity of the set while also vibing with the deeper emotional moments, which was amazing. Experiencing Halloween in the States for the first time made it even more special.
What would you say is the biggest difference between the Dutch and American techno scenes?
From my experience, the Dutch crowd tends to be more experienced and knowledgeable about techno and electronic music. You can see this in how they dance, their body language, and how they react to certain tracks. The American crowd, on the other hand, is still growing and evolving, but there’s a lot of energy and excitement. I’ve noticed that the American crowd tends to be a bit more open to new sounds and experimentation, which makes it very fun to play new tracks.
The hard techno scene is booming right now, not only in the United States but in the Netherlands and Belgium as well, what do you think led to the rise of the genre and do you think it will continue to grow and evolve, or do you think eventually the hype will wind down?
Currently, there seems to be a shift towards more intense and hard music. Nowadays, people seem to party for the experience instead of traditional clubbing. As for its future, I think hard techno will continue to evolve, but many subgenres are also on the rise, like groove and hard trance. While trends come and go, there will always be a place for hard techno.
How has the rise of social media affected the underground techno scene – both positively and negatively?
Social media has definitely brought a lot of visibility to the underground (hard techno) scene, which is both a good and a bad thing. For example, it has helped emerging artists connect with a bigger audience, find new fans, and collaborate with other artists who might otherwise never have been discovered. However, the downside is that the oversaturation of content, artists, and promoters has brought a lot of commercial intent to the scene, making it less ‘underground’ and leading to a decrease in quality.
How do you respond to people who say that hard techno is actually early hardstyle with a twist?
Nowadays, hardstyle and hard techno share some similarities. However, hardstyle often has a more melodic structure and focuses on big drops, while hard techno is now more about who has the hardest screeches and kicks. With the new sound of hard techno, there can sometimes be overlap. To be honest, I miss the days when hard techno was more industrial, raw, and unfiltered.
Lastly, what are you currently working on and what can we expect from you for 2025?
My goal for 2025 is to create a world with 808 STUDIOS where everyone who wants to be part of it is welcome. I’m currently working very hard to achieve this by building my own club, a fashion department store, and an art gallery. Every moment I’m not touring, I’m focused on 808 STUDIOS, which is why I deeply appreciate the massive support I’ve been receiving worldwide. Aside from that, I’ve been busy working on my personal music projects—expect a lot of exciting collaborations and crossover tracks. I hope to see you on the dance floor!
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Forbidden Kingdom To Return To Orlando In 2025 With New Shaded Areas, Misting Stations, & More

Insomniac Events’ Forbidden Kingdom is set to return to Orlando Amphitheater at the Central Florida Fairgrounds on May 30-31, 2024 with upgrades to the stages, venue, and more. The most recent iteration of the two-day festival left attendees calling or Insomniac to move the dates for 2025 to when it’s cooler, or enhance the venue to provide more cooling features. Insomniac has delivered, by not only moving the festival back a week, but by also announcing upgrades to the venue to provide for a more comfortable experience.
Forbidden Kingdom 2025 will include additional misting stations, a shade structure at The Village Stage, and more shaded seating zones. The Forbidden Stage will also see enhancements, with fans to be installed inside the structure to keep air circulating, as well as additional upgrades to improve airflow. More upgrades and additional details, including the lineup, will be announced in the coming months, so stay tuned.
Previous Forbidden Kingdom lineups have brought the heat with artists like Svdden Death, Excision, ATLIENS, Subtronics, Zeds Dead, and more on the roster. With a consistent streak of top-tier talent and Medieval-infused production, we expect an elevated experience for next year’s iteration.
Presale for Forbidden Kingdom 2025 kicks off Wednesday, November 20. You can sign up or presale access via the Hive. General on sale begins Thursday, November 21 at 12pm ET. Head to the official website for more information.
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Ultra Miami 2025: Phase 2 Lineup Unveiled for 25th Anniversary Celebration

Ultra Music Festival continues to raise the bar as it prepares to celebrate its monumental 25th anniversary at Bayfront Park in Miami from March 28 to 30, 2025. With the Phase 2 lineup now announced, fans can look forward to a weekend of unparalleled music experiences, exclusive performances, and debut collaborations that solidify Ultra‘s reputation as one of the most iconic electronic music festivals in the world.
A Stacked Phase 1 Lineup
The initial Phase 1 lineup announcement was already groundbreaking, featuring headliners and back-to-back (B2B) sets that had fans buzzing with anticipation. Highlights included:
John Summit B2B Dom Dolla: Their “Endless Summer” B2B is set to deliver a house music showcase for the ages. Anyma B2B Solomun: A debut pairing of melodic house and techno powerhouses. Deadmau5 B2B Pendulum: A never-before-seen collaboration blending Deadmau5’s iconic sound with Pendulum’s high-energy drum and bass. Other major names from Phase 1 include Above & Beyond, Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, and Tiësto, alongside underground legends like Charlotte de Witte and Carl Cox, ensuring Ultra’s signature mix of mainstream appeal and underground credibility.
Phase 2 Brings New Energy
The Phase 2 announcement builds on this momentum, adding over 60 artists across multiple genres. From house to bass, techno to trance, there’s something for everyone. Notable additions include:
Chase & Status (Live): Returning to Ultra with their electrifying drum and bass performance. KSHMR: The Live Experience: Combining cinematic visuals and cultural influences for a truly immersive set. Knife Party: The duo returns with their signature high-octane energy. Gryffin (Live): Delivering a soulful and uplifting performance. The second phase also introduced even more groundbreaking collaborations and performances:
HI-LO (Oliver Heldens’ alias) B2B Eli Brown: A heavy techno collaboration making its Ultra debut. Massano B2B Chris Avantgarde: Another first-time pairing, highlighting the next wave of melodic techno. Gesaffelstein (Live): A rare performance from the enigmatic producer, adding a dark and cinematic dimension to the lineup. Special Anniversary Moments
To mark its 25th anniversary, Ultra promises special surprises and production upgrades across its stages. With headliners like Zedd, Axwell, Alesso, and Hardwell, alongside RESISTANCE stage takeovers by icons like Adam Beyer, Amelie Lens, and Artbat, the festival will feature a diverse mix of crowd favorites and underground innovators.
Fans can also look forward to Ultra’s tradition of closing moments with epic performances. Could Tiësto take the honors as he has done in years past? Or will there be a special 25th-anniversary showcase?
The Ultra Experience
Beyond the music, Ultra is famed for its immersive production, jaw-dropping visuals, and unparalleled stage designs. With stages like the Main Stage, RESISTANCE Megastructure, and Carl Cox Live Arena, Ultra 2025 will undoubtedly deliver a sensory overload. The return of Ultra Angels, creative live installations, and an anniversary-exclusive vibe make this edition unmissable.
Tickets for Ultra Miami 2025 are selling fast, with Phase 3 announcements still to come. 
Secure your spot now for what promises to be the most unforgettable Ultra yet.
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UK Based Drumsheds & Warehouse Project Launch Year-Round Drug Testing Programs

Drumsheds and The Warehouse Project have joined hands for a cause! The London superclub and an iconic Manchester venue respectively have announced year-round drug testing programs. The Loop, an UK based drug checking and harm reduction charity is entrusted with the responsibility. They will be carrying out the services based out of these two venues from autumn.


The Loop has already been associated with a host of festivals across the country. These range from Secret Garden Party, Parklife, Love Saves The Day and many more. It had established its drug testing facilities at these gatherings spanning over the years. The recent development marks the first time The Loop has been earmarked to test at venues. Subsequent licenses have already been rolled out.

The new year-round drug testing initiative follows a proposal by The Warehouse Project to “make dancefloors safer”. This is in addition to the club’s mobile app updating its features to include a host of features aimed at clubber safety. Amongst these include drug safety alerts with information being relayed from the club night’s in-house drug testing service.
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Spotify Witness its Top Executives Cashing on Stocks as Share Prices Inflate

Spotify’s share price is soaring! The music streaming giant’s stock prices rocketed to an all time high on the NYSE. It closed at an all-time high of USD $477.50 effective November 14. The price gradually crawled back to $458.32 at the close of trading the next day. However, it was still enough to give Spotify a gigantic market cap of $92 billion!
Predictably, some of Spotify’s leading stockholders have seized on this market cap valuation hike. This list includes its co-founder and CEO, Daniel EK by stocking out chunks of their shares. Ek apparently sold 75,000 Spotify shares as of November 15, enabling him to cash out $35.8 million. This is not the first time he has cashed in some of his Spotify stock. Daniel has cashed out approximately $376.3 million spanning across 5 transactions (including the aforesaid) in the past 18 months.
Daniel Ek The biggest single encashment of Spotify stock, however, has not come from Daniel. It has come from his co-founder in the company. As per an SEC filing located by Music Business Worldwide, Rosello Company Ltd sold 959,762 shares on November 13. It generated an eye-watering USD $383.75 million in revenue for Rosello.

Rosello is a Cyprus-registered holding company which is owned by a Luxembourg-based firm called Almatea. Martin Lorentzon is its sole shareholder who also doubles up as Spotify co-founder and former chairman. He had previously cashed out $81 million in Spotify stock in June this year. It boils down to approximately $450 million cashed out by Lorentzon in a mere duration of five months!
The post Spotify Witness its Top Executives Cashing on Stocks as Share Prices Inflate appeared first on EDMTunes.
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PAWSA Brings The Groove With Adventures of Stevie V: ‘Dirty Cash (Money Talks)’

Now here’s a fun one. One of Tech-House‘s most prominent DJs and producers, PAWSA, blasts us off with the collaboration with the OG band, Adventures of Stevie V. ‘Dirty Cash (Money Talks)’ caused an uproar on social media on release weekend. Stevie V’s 90s solo version became popular most recently, as it appeared on Netflix‘s hit limited series “Monsters, The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”. Now, the tracks is on a whole other level of expertise. The UK tastemaker presents us with a fresh, groovy, soulful yet silly and ironic track.
‘Dirty Cash (Money Talks)’
The lyrics of the track influence the pace and tone. Lots of attitude and hustler-esque rhymes give us absolute mayhem on the dancefloor. The female vocals breathe life into the groovy basslines, that have our hips rocking in every single direction. After a rap break from Adventures of Stevie V, now we are inspired to go get our dirty money. The UK producer and Solid Grooves co-lead brings out the funk from the original version and mixes it with his Tech-House expertise.
The track has already claimed its reward within release weekend. Stations such as Radio 1 Dance, KISSFM UK, and Capital Dance have supported the track on their program. Moreover, the song is currently sitting at Number 1 on Beatport, gracing over Odd Mobs remix of Summit’s ‘palm of my hands’. Furthermore, the track has collected over 1 million streams on spotify on release weekend alone.
Adventures of Stevie V is claiming its return to the spotlight while bringing back ‘Dirty Cash (Money Talks)’, while being introduced to a newer generation of music lovers, with PAWSA at the forefront.
PAWSA
The UK House producer reigns supreme with his flavors and textures. Each track takes us on a groovy journey from beginnig to the end. PAWSA enjoyes the support from peers such as Marco Carola, Nicole Moudaber, Michael Bibi, and Damien Lazarus. You can find me playing sunrise sets all over the world, and one dancefloors curated by Circoloco, Club Space, or his imprint Solid Grooves, which he founded alongside Bibi.
This song makes us want to dance and then work on our 401ks and side hustles after the club. Here is ‘Dirty Cash (Money Talks)’:
The post PAWSA Brings The Groove With Adventures of Stevie V: ‘Dirty Cash (Money Talks)’ appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Insomniac’s Skyline Festival Announces Full 2025 Line-Up for its LA Return

Insomniac’s Skyline Festival has unveiled the full lineup for its 2025 return. The fourth edition is due to return at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles. The scheduled dates are on Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16. In collaboration with Insomniac’s Factory 93 brand, the carefully curated all-star lineup boasts world-renowned talent and underground dance music tastemakers of house, techno and beyond across two stages. This two-day affair beneath the LA cityscape will start earlier than in past years. This will allow attendees to experience even more music and maximize their time at this immersive celebration of electronic music, art, and culture.
The East Side
This year’s main stage, the East Side, will be spearheaded by a myriad of dance music’s biggest names. It will include genre defining duo The Martinez Brothers and Hellbent Records label boss Cloonee. Also set to appear is Music On Host and Pacha Ibiza resident Marco Carola. Canadian DJ-activist BLOND:ISH and Terminal Underground owner Matroda make it as well. Also gracing the stage are Planet X pioneer Ben Sterling, Nicaraguan-American DJ sensation Gordo, former NBA star-turned-DJ Rony Seikaly, London’s groove aficionado Max Dean, and a special b2b set from house music mavens Airrica and Cole Knight.
The West Side
On the West Side Stage, fans can look forward to an electrifying lineup featuring some highly anticipated b2b performances. This will span across the likes of Honey Dijon and Seth Troxler, rising French techno star Nico Moreno, Parisian techno powerhouse Trym, and Daria Kolosova, known for her emotive and energetic sets that blend deep, driving techno with a captivating sense of rhythm and atmosphere. Attendees will also experience psychedelic house producer Mita Gami, a unique b2b set from ØTTA and Bad Boombox, and an appearance by Gettraum label head Traumer. The stage will also spotlight one member of Âme. He will be delivering a solo performance that showcases his distinct approach to minimal and melodic techno.

Embracing the spirit of community, Skyline has proudly continued to partner with Grand Park, powered by The Music Center (a 501(c)3 non-profit organization). Insomniac will donate a portion of ticket sales to the Gloria Molina Grand Park in an effort to support and celebrate the ceaselessly vibrant community of LA. This is a gesture of gratitude to the city that has continuously hosted its events for over 30 years. In the essence of sonic synchronicity, Skyline aims to cultivate an ethos of harmony, generosity, and cultural vitality in the City of Angels.
Tickets will be available for purchase starting this Thursday, November 21 at 12PM PST here.
The post Insomniac’s Skyline Festival Announces Full 2025 Line-Up for its LA Return appeared first on EDMTunes.
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