“Symphony,” EYNKA‘s newest release, is a trip through the stars that starts with whispered vows and ends with a euphoric release.
“Symphony” grows like a nebula in space. It starts with delicate, crystalline arpeggios that shine and pulse with mathematical accuracy. In the beginning, there is an effect of suspended animation, where time seems to both stretch and shorten at the same time. These first patterns aren’t just an introduction; they’re also an invocation that brings users into a world of enhanced sensory awareness.
The track’s ambient undercurrents create a huge soundscape, and ethereal voices that have been stretched and processed into otherworldly dimensions float through the arrangement like stardust. These vocal parts don’t just add to the production; they change it by adding emotional layers that connect the listener directly to something deep inside them.
Symphony
As “Symphony” goes on, its main idea slowly comes into focus, like a faraway planet that is mysterious at first but becomes clearer over time. This building structure shows how well EYNKA understands how to use narrative drama in electronic music. The song doesn’t just play; it emerges, slowly revealing its secrets while keeping a relentless forward motion.
The spatial feature that is talked about in the track’s description can be felt thanks to careful production methods. With purpose and accuracy, sounds move through the stereo field, giving the user a three-dimensional experience that wraps around and swallows them. If you close your eyes, you’ll feel like you’re not in a room or club, but in a huge cosmic arena where sound can be seen and feelings can be felt.
The track makes a rare connection between hearing with thought and moving your body. “Symphony” would create times of collective transcendence in a club setting, where hundreds of people would share a single emotional experience for a short time. In more private settings, it can be used as a way to think about oneself and deal with emotions.
EYNKA
The work of EYNKA shows that the UK electronic music scene is still producing innovative artists who push the limits while respecting the standards that came before them.
The post Interstellar Recordings welcome EYNKA with ‘Symphony’ appeared first on The Groove Cartel.
Following the success of his previous single “Pride,” the emerging London-based multi-instrumentalist, artist and producer Sherwøød returns in 2025 with a brand new track, “Dopamine.” This emotional blend of past and present soundscapes paves the way for a series of new national performances.
“Dopamine” explores Sherwøød’s disillusionment with the societal pressures of today, drawing influences from Hip Hop, Indie Electronica, and Alternative scenes. As his second single, it solidifies his position as one of the UK’s rising stars, following years of navigating the underground music scene.
Nadav, the enigmatic figure behind the music, merges melodic sounds with intricate narratives exploring the pressure to stay constantly online and appear successful. This second single serves as a precursor to his self-titled EP, set for release this year, which was crafted in collaboration with the renowned five-time gold record producer Joseph E-Shine.
Sherwøød Comments “Dopamine’ is a look at the cycle of resenting yourself for wasting time, which in turn only leads to further escapism and procrastination through the false reality of social media.”
Channelling the energy of artists like VITA, jai Paul, James Blake, Labrinth, and The Weeknd, Sherwood uses immersive artistry and passionate storytelling to bring forward a new wave of emotional expression and musical creativity.
After a standout performance at London’s Camden Assembly last year, Sherwood is rapidly gaining momentum. Having been selected as a quarter-finalist from thousands of applicants to take part in The Isle of Wight Festival’s New Blood competition, his visibility continues to grow. Following his recent performance at The Hoxton Underbelly on February 21st, it is evident Sherwøød is quickly becoming a must-see emerging artist.
“Dopamine” will be available on all major digital platforms, paving the way for a series of exciting releases throughout the year, marking 2025 as a year of evolution for the young artist.
Official Release: 28/02/24 | Pre Save: Distrokid
Find Out More & Follow
Sherwøød | Instagram | Soundcloud | Facebook | Tiktok
The post Sherwøød Returns With Searing Single Dopamine appeared first on Electric Mode.
Goldie’s alter ego Rufige Kru (with SubMotive) has returned. Announced today, iconic breakbeat project Rufige Kru will release the brand new album ‘Alpha Omega’ on 16 May via London Records. Pre-order the album here. New single ‘Still The Same’ featuring CASISDEAD, taken from the forthcoming album, is out now.
The single (produced collaboratively by Goldie and SubMotive) features a guest appearance from peerless grime MC and UK rap artist CASISDEAD, after years of requests by his fans to rap over a DnB track. In fact, it is rare for CASISDEAD to feature on tracks with other artists – such is the significance of this collaboration and it is his first new material since his critically acclaimed 2023 album ‘Famous Last Words’ and being awarded Best Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act at the 2024 BRIT Awards.
The official video for ‘Still The Same’, directed by Elliott Gonzo, stars both Goldie as an AI overlord being hunted down by a vigilante CASISDEAD, set against the backdrop of a dystopian future.
Of the video to ‘Still The Same’, director Elliot Gonzo says: “It was a huge honour to collaborate with these legends in the game. The freedom and trust I was given meant I could really push the boundaries of what’s possible with new technology, combining animation and virtual production. A massive shout-out to my co-director, Buse Simon, for helping bring these new worlds to life.”
New album ‘Alpha Omega’ consists of twelve groundbreaking new tracks which bring together Goldie’s unerring dancefloor suss and the impeccable technical prowess of Submotive (real name James Davidson). It is Rufige Kru’s deepest outing so far – a reminder of exactly why drum’n’bass remains the most exhilarating, groundbreaking and electrifying music on the planet.
Of the new album, Goldie says: “It’s a reinvention. We’ve gone back to the source and extrapolated from there. I wanted to create something that absolutely represents what this music is all about … and where it’s going next.”
Full album tracklisting for Goldie presents: Rufige Kru – ‘Alpha Omega’ is as follows:
Alpha Omega
Goldikus feat. Cleveland Watkiss
Virgil
Express Your Soul
Sandcastles
Still The Same feat. CASISDEAD
Mercury
Siamese Ghost
Secret Handshake
Spirits
People and Places
The Guardianz
Stream / Download here
The post Goldie’s alter ego Rufige Kru (with SubMotive) has returned appeared first on Decoded Magazine.
LCD Soundsystem are set to make their highly anticipated return to the UK this summer with a huge eight-night residency at London’s iconic O2 Academy Brixton. The run of shows will take place from Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th June and Thursday 19th – Sunday 22nd June 2025.
Renowned for their incredible live performances, the band played major UK festivals last year with a triumphant set at Glastonbury, as well as a powerful headline set at All Points East. Receiving rave reviews, critics praised their stand-out Glastonbury performance with Mojo Magazine stating, “James Murphy’s emotional disco transforms the Pyramid Stage” and The Times 5* feature added, “In the first truly great show of Glastonbury 2024, LCD Soundsystem provided the perfect wistful soundtrack for Friday’s golden hour.”
In 2022 LCD Soundsystem completed a sold-out six-night residency at O2 Academy Brixton which was celebrated by The Telegraph as “A shuddering evening of electro-rock.” Heading back to the UK for eight-nights this June, the band are excited for this special series of shows at one of London’s most celebrated venues.
LCD Soundsystem emerged from New York City in July 2002 with James Murphy’s first recording as LCD and third release on his DFA label, “Losing My Edge.” Keyboardist/vocalist Nancy Whang and drummer Pat Mahoney were recruited for live shows as the band released singles including “Movement” and “Daft Punk Is Playing At My House,” which would appear on its eponymous 2005 debut LP. The band went on to release three critically acclaimed albums ‘Sound Of Silver’, ‘This Is Happening’ and the #1-charting, ‘American Dream’, which featured the Best Dance Recording GRAMMY-winning “Tonite.”
Currently working on a new album, LCD Soundsystem released their latest single “x-ray eyes”, in November last year, marking their first new music since 2022’s “New Body Rhumba,” which was featured in Noah Baumbach’s film, ‘White Noise’.
Tickets for the new dates go on general sale at 9:00am on Friday 7th March and will be available from aegp.uk/lcd-soundsystem.
The post LCD Soundsystem announce 8-night London O2 Academy Brixton residency appeared first on Decoded Magazine.
Insomniac has announced that Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Week will be back in Las Vegas from May 14–20, 2025. The first artists who will be performing at the weeklong schedule of day and night parties are now available.
Electric Daisy Carnival is North America’s largest dance music festival. Over 40 of the biggest names and most innovative artists in dance music will play at 16 of the best indoor and outdoor places on the Las Vegas Strip in the week before the festival at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It will be an unforgettable week of nonstop partying.
From Wednesday, May 14 at 6:00 p.m. until Monday evening at the same time, the week will be full of top-notch production and nonstop energy. Stars of house music John Summit, Dom Dolla, and Knock2 will perform at LIV Nightclub, the legendary electronic music duo ODESZA will perform at XS at Wynn Las Vegas, and Chris Lake, Tiësto, Kygo, and Alesso will perform at Palm Tree Beach Club at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas’s newest dayclub.
Fans can also look forward to a lot of events with the Insomniac name. The Downtown Las Vegas Event Center will host a show by the underground house and techno label Factory 93. Sara Landry and Nico Moreno, two of the biggest names in hard techno, will play a special set together. Bassrush Massive will take place at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. SVDDEN DEATH, Ray Volpe, YDG, and other artists will attend. Thursday, May 16 is the day for both events.
EDC Week 2025 lineup
The first phase of EDC Week 2025 events and artists lineup include:
Wednesday, May 14
Alison Wonderland – Zouk Nightclub
Mau P – Encore Beach Club at Night at Wynn Las Vegas
Thursday, May 15
Hotel EDC Presents Day Trip – The Pool at Virgin Hotel
Featuring Adam Ten, Azzecca, Gorgon City, Jackie Hollander, and Riordan
Illenium – Zouk Nightclub
MEDUZA & James Hype Present Our House – Ayu Dayclub
Dabin | Said The Sky – LIV Beach at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
John Summit | Dom Dolla – LIV Nightclub at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Armin Van Buuren – OMNIA Nightclub at Caesar’s Palace
Loud Luxury – Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand
SOS B2B Ahmed Spins – Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Chris Lake – Palm Tree Beach Club at MGM Grand
ODESZA – XS at Wynn Las Vegas
Excision and Sullivan King – Encore Beach Club at Night at Wynn Las Vegas
Friday, May 16
Argy – Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas
Hotel EDC – The Pool at Virgin Hotel
Featuring Audien, Danny Avila, Deerock, Morten, Nostalgix, TelyKast, and Yellow Claw Presents Euro Trash
Kaskade – Ayu Dayclub at Resorts World Las Vegas
Knock2 – LIV Beach at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Martin Garrix w/ Justin Mylo – OMNIA Nightclub at Caesar’s Palace
FISHER – Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Tiësto – Palm Tree Beach Club at MGM Grand
Zedd – TAO Beach at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
HUGEL – XS at Wynn Las Vegas
Saturday, May 17
Hotel EDC Presents Confession – The Pool at Virgin Hotel
Featuring Biscits, Carrie Keller, Malaa, Tchami, Walker & Royce
DJ Snake – Ayu Dayclub at Resorts World Las Vegas
CRANKDAT – Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas
David Guetta – LIV Beach at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Steke Aoki – OMNIA Nightclub at Caesar’s Palace
Twinsick – Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand
DJ Pauly D – Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Kygo – Palm Tree Beach Club at MGM Grand
Martin Garrix w/ Justin Mylo – TAO Beach at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
MARSHMELLO – XS at Wynn Las Vegas
The Chainsmokers – Encore Beach Club at Wynn Las Vegas
Sunday, May 18
Hotel EDC Presents Lost In Dreams – The Pool at Virgin Hotel
Featuring Adventure Club, Baby Savage, Chyl, Elephante, Luci, and Mitis
John Summit – LIV Beach at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Alesso – Palm Tree Beach Club at MGM Grand
Afrojack – XS at Wynn Las Vegas
Diplo – Encore Beach Club at Wynn Las Vegas
Monday, May 19
Kaskade – Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas
John Summit – LIV Nightclub at Fontainebleau Las Vegas
The post Las Vegas EDC Week 2025 reveals lineup for May appeared first on The Groove Cartel.
Electric Love Festival (ELF) will return to the stunning Salzburgring, Austria, from July 3-5, 2025, with a special Warm-Up Party on July 2. With its breathtaking Alpine setting, world-class production, and carefully curated lineup spanning the entire electronic music spectrum, ELF 2025 stands as Austria’s premier electronic music festival. Here’s why you absolutely need to be there: 1. A Spectacular Artist Lineup Across Six Massive Stages Get ready for an electrifying adventure with 200 artists performing across six specially designed stages. This year’s lineup is particularly exciting, featuring Dom Dolla in one of his rare European appearances, an exclusive Austrian festival performance by Marlon Hoffstadt, and the legendary Major Lazer bringing their explosive energy to the Salzburgring. Whether you’re into house, techno, bass, or any other electronic genre, ELF has you covered. Each stage has been meticulously designed to create a unique atmosphere, complete with state-of-the-art sound systems and mesmerizing light shows. Photo Credit: Ana Sophie 2. A United Celebration of Electronic Music Electric Love Festival is where genres dissolve and electronic music unites under one sky. With six stages, the festival creates a seamless tapestry of sound. One moment you’re grooving to tech house, the next you’re jumping to hardstyle. It’s this harmonious fusion that makes ELF truly special. The festival’s diverse programming encourages musical exploration, making it impossible not to discover your next favorite artist or subgenre. Photo credit: Kevin Verkuijssen 3. Perfect Location and Easy Access Situated near the beautiful city of Salzburg, ELF offers the perfect combination of festival excitement and city exploration. The festival’s proximity to Salzburg Airport makes it incredibly accessible for international travelers. Plus, you can easily extend your trip to explore the historic city of Salzburg, making it the perfect festival vacation combo. The stunning Alpine backdrop creates a festival setting unlike any other in Europe, where electronic beats meet breathtaking mountain views. Photo Credit: HR Pikzelz 4. Innovative Accommodation Options for Every Style New for 2025, ELF is introducing exclusive ELF Hotels for those seeking extra comfort in the city of Salzburg, complete with free shuttle service to the festival grounds. For the full camping experience, choose from three camping options: Basic, Comfort, or Caravan camping. The on-site supermarket ensures you’ll have everything you need, from ice-cold beers to camping supplies. The variety of accommodation options means you can customize your festival experience exactly how you want it, whether you’re seeking adventure under the stars or luxury in the city. Photo Credit: EDM Kevin 5. The Complete Festival Experience What sets ELF apart is its attention to detail in creating the perfect festival experience. With four full days of camping available, an incredible warm-up party, and comprehensive amenities, you’re getting much more than just a music festival. The festival grounds are thoughtfully designed to ensure you can focus on what matters most – having an unforgettable time. From the moment you arrive until the final beat drops, every aspect of ELF has been carefully crafted to deliver an immersive experience that will stay with you long after the music fades. Photo Credit: Nicolai Semrau Ready to Join the Electric Love Experience? Don’t miss out on what’s sure to be one of 2025’s most talked-about festivals. Tickets are available now at the official Electric Love Festival shop: https://shop.electriclove.at/
In a dramatic turn of events at Berlin’s iconic Berghain nightclub, Danish DJ and producer Kasper Marott collapsed during his set, momentarily halting the club’s pulsating energy. The incident occurred during the early hours of February 15, 2025, as Marott was delivering one of his signature techno performances.
Eyewitnesses reported that Marott suddenly fell onto the mixer, causing the music to come to an abrupt stop. Club personnel swiftly attended to him, ensuring he received prompt medical attention. After a brief pause, Marott astonishingly regained his composure and chose to continue his set, much to the delight and relief of the crowd.
Addressing the incident on Instagram, Marott expressed gratitude for the professional handling by Berghain’s team and the support from fans. He attributed the fainting spell to exhaustion and dehydration, noting he “walked away with a new scar” but was otherwise unscathed. Marott also clarified that he has been sober his entire life, dispelling any rumors of substance use.
One fan wrote “See u coming back with a Towel on your head and finishing the set like nothing happened was the best thing of the night !! Respect and love to you.”
This event highlights the physical demands placed on performing artists and underscores the importance of self-care in the music industry. Marott’s quick recovery and commitment to his craft serve as an inspiration to both fans and fellow musicians.
The post DJ Collapses Mid-Set at Berghain, Recovers to Complete Performance appeared first on EDMTunes.
Dirtybird founder Claude VonStroke is taking flight on a comeback tour, officially ending a two-year hiatus that saw him sell his prized record label. VonStroke flew the coop back in 2023, when he announced a break from the house music project to focus on his bass alias, Barclay Crenshaw. The influential DJ and producer, who spent over two decades cultivating the beloved Dirtybird ecosystem, is now set to hit the road with a new vision in late-April. Rather than pursuing the typical relentless touring schedule that often leaves artists migrating from venue to venue without purpose, VonStroke's approach reflects a more intentional philosophy. Dubbed "Life of Leisure," the tour represents what he describes as "a vacation on the dancefloor," creating nest-like safe havens where fans can escape the anxieties of everyday life. "This isn't a status flex, it’s a vacation on the dancefloor. The ravers are the heroes; I’m the guide," VonStroke said in a press release shared with EDM.com. "Let's leave the stress behind and live the 'Life of Leisure' together, even if it’s just for a few hours in the club."
Don Idio/DIVISUALS
VonStroke's "2.0 brand" will launch at a record release party at New York's Knockdown Center on April 25th before swooping into other hand-picked venues across North America. The tour will then perch at a number of his favorite venues and festivals, including Miami's Club Space, SoCal's Lightning in a Bottle and Detroit's iconic Movement. For fans across the pond, VonStroke isn't leaving European audiences out in the cold. Special shows in electronic music hotspots London and Berlin are already confirmed, with more international dates set to hatch in the coming weeks. The tour will ultimately coincide with the release of VonStroke's upcoming EP, I Was the Wolf, scheduled to drop April 25th. Fans can expect "the best elements of 2000s minimal house with the lush, quirky eccentricity only VonStroke can bring," per the press release. Pre-sale tickets to "Life of Leisure" will be available Thursday, February 27th at 10am ET. The general on-sale will begin the following day at the same time.
c/o Press
Follow Claude VonStroke: X: x.com/vonstroke Instagram: instagram.com/vonstroke Facebook: facebook.com/claude.vonstroke TikTok: tiktok.com/@claudevonstroke Spotify: spoti.fi/2YLMy82
When Wavejackers‘ “Where I Am” hit me for the first time, it made me feel deeply lost in the chaos of the city. The first notes of the song came in like a familiar whisper, cutting through the noise of everyday life with clear clarity. Its rhythmic structure, which was both sad and hopeful, made a safe place where time seemed to bend and stretch beyond what it normally does.
It’s not the technical perfection or new ways of making this piece that makes it stand out, though those things are there. Its magic comes from the way it expertly balances two very different emotions: recognizing evil while showing the way forward. Each swell of synthesizer sounds like a remembered loss, and each hit of percussion marks time not in beats per minute but in heartbeats, which are moments of life passing, changing, and transforming.
The structure of the story is what makes the piece strong. It starts with quiet, thoughtful tones that float in the emotional gray areas. Over time, it builds into detailed layers that show how complicated human feelings are. The bass frequencies give the experience a solid, physical base, while the ethereal pads give you an emotional lift, like flying above your problems to see something bigger.
The breakdown near the middle of the song is especially transformative; it’s a moment of complete weakness where everything is stripped away except the emotional core. I’ve had to face images and memories I’d been avoiding in this empty musical space, which was full of noise and other things that were distracting me.
In the end, this song tells us that emotional journeys don’t go from dark to light in a straight line, but instead are complicated spirals where we keep going back to the same places with new insights. It’s not about getting to a certain place that holds magic; it’s about becoming more present and accepting of where we are at any given time.
[Author’s note: This piece looks at how a certain piece of computer music makes people feel. The song “Where I Am” is the main focus of the article, but it gives room for readers to add their own musical experiences. This is done on purpose because our deepest connections to music often go beyond specific artists or songs.
The post Wavejackers releases incredible melodic single ‘Where I Am’ appeared first on The Groove Cartel.
Bonnaroo returns to the Bonnaroo Farm in Manchester, TN from June 12-15 with a brand new Infinity Stage. The platform will feature a collection of dance and electronic acts from Big Gigantic, Mary Droppinz, Washed Out, Parisi, Blacklizt, and even Rebecca Black. Not to mention, the stage will also have a b2b set from Of the Trees and Tape B plus an artist takeover from John Summit’s Experts Only label. Additionally, check out the full lineup for the Infinity Stage below. It sounds like it’s going to be an exceptionally transformative experience for Bonnaroo newbies and veterans alike. Expect it to bring a Las Vegas Sphere comparable experience to the Midwest.
Now, the Infinity Stage is composed of three domes and is an open-air concept. It’s going to be known as “the world’s largest 360-degree spatial audio experience”, as Billboard puts it. Polygon Live is its producer, specializing in great immersive audio experiences from international festivals already. Once in Thailand and the other in Saudi Arabia. What’s more, festival director, Brad Parker, states the audio experience is challenging but its audio experience parallels what the Sphere brings to Las Vegas in video. At the Sphere, the brand drives how the visual experience goes. With the Infinity Stage, the audio drives the entire experience with its “surround sound on steroids”. Pretty neat!
We’re certainly excited to see the Polygon technology come to life here since previous use of the technology emphasized sounds in ways never heard before. From DJs, to Mongolian throat singing groups and meditation sound baths. Furthermore, stay tuned for the Infinity stage’s festival placement as Bonnaroo’s programming gets its turn. Lastly, attendees can look forward to other immersive entertainment and wellness experiences from the stage.
The magical world of music, fun, and friendship await you across the 700-acre farm. Purchase 4-day and single day passes here. For the full Bonnaroo lineup, view it below and get excited!
The post Bonnaroo 2025’s Infinity Stage is the World’s Largest 360-Degree Spatial Audio Experience appeared first on EDMTunes.
Bonnaroo may be turning 23 this year, but the debut of its groundbreaking Infinity Stage proves that the iconic festival is only getting bigger, better and more innovative with time. The developers of the ambitious stage aim to redefine what it means to experience live music by virtue of an immersive 360° setup. Spatial sound dispersion and an array of synchronized lights will bring the stage to life along with three towering domes and an open-air design. It's only fitting that a powerhouse lineup of performers is ushering in the stage and its cutting-edge audiovisual technology. The inaugural Infinity Stage lineup features Levity, Big Gigantic, Zingara and ZHU's techno alias, Blacklizt. Other highlights include a takeover by John Summit's Experts Only label and a rare b2b set from Of The Trees and Tape B, who were named to EDM.com's Class of 2024 and Class of 2025, respectively. The Infinity Stage, which is expected to be one of the world's largest 360° stages, will be located in Bonnaroo's vibrant Centeroo hub alongside its six other stage structures. Elsewhere on the Farm, performances by Justice, Tipper, LSZEE, Dom Dolla and many more will keep Bonnaroovians dancing throughout the weekend. Check out the full Infinity Stage lineup below. Tickets for Bonnaroo 2025 are available here.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Follow Bonnaroo: X: x.com/bonnaroo Instagram: instagram.com/bonnaroo TikTok: tiktok.com/@bonnaroo Facebook: facebook.com/bonnaroo
For the past decade, CRSSD Festival has been where San Diego’s ocean breeze carries the rhythm. As the festival's spring edition marks its 10th anniversary in 2025, CRSSD is set to return to Waterfront Park on March 1st and 2nd, bringing with it a stacked lineup of international heavyweights, underground selectors, and a nightlife program that turns the entire city into a weekend-long marathon for dance music. San Diego may not be the first city that comes to mind for club culture, but its deep-rooted connection to dance music runs through legendary underground parties, cross-border influences from Tijuana’s club scene, and an ascendant generation of West Coast ravers who’ve embraced house and techno as a lifestyle. CRSSD Spring location and essentials When: March 1st and 2nd, 2025 Where: Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Coast Highway, San Diego, CA 92101 Hours: 12pm - 11pm (Saturday), 12pm - 10pm (Sunday) Age Restriction: 21+ Locker reservations for on-site storage: Available here.
Keiki-Lani Knudsen
CRSSD Spring 2025 lineup and set times The festival boasts an impressive array of artists across its three stages: Ocean View Stage: A showcase of genre-blurring live electronic performances and DJ sets from Justice, LP Giobbi and Monolink and more. The Palms Stage: A house music sanctuary with Claptone, SG Lewis and Green Velvet setting the tone. City Steps Stage: The festival's techno stronghold, featuring acts such as Nicole Moudaber b2b Anfisa Letyago, ARTBAT and Sasha & John Digweed, who are set to deliver relentless energy into the night. Discover the full CRSSD lineup and set times here.
CRSSD Spring afterparties While the main event wraps up before midnight each night, the music continues after dark, when the festival spills into San Diego’s club sector. Elevate your festival experience with CRSSD's "After Dark" events, where much of the lineup's marquee talent will be taking to the decks at various venues across the city. These tickets are sold separately and can be purchased via the official CRSSD website.
CRSSD Festival passes At the time of writing, CRSSD 2025 is close to selling out. There are still a limited number of two-day passes as well as single-day tickets available here. For all other updates happening throughout the weekend, download the CRSSD Spring 2025 mobile app. Follow CRSSD: X: x.com/crssdfest Instagram: instagram.com/crssdfest TikTok: tiktok.com/@crssdfest Facebook: facebook.com/crssdfest
Reinier Zonneveld and Dea Magna aren’t here to waste time. Their new track “Tokyo” is built for one thing: full-throttle, no-breaks, peak-time techno. Out now on Filth on Acid, the track throws down hard kicks, screeching synths, and a hypnotic vocal loop that does exactly what you want it to—pulls you deeper into the rave.
Zonneveld, a master of precision-engineered club weapons, locks in the kind of rolling, relentless groove that’s made him a festival staple. Dea Magna adds her signature high-speed energy, layering in a commanding vocal hook: “If you wanna lose control, come with me to Tokyo.” It’s an open invitation to chaos, and the track makes good on the promise.
The arrangement is as straightforward as it is effective. Big drums, trancy lead lines, and enough tension-and-release to keep the energy spiking. No fluff, no unnecessary breakdowns—just a direct shot to the bloodstream of the dancefloor.
Both artists have been making serious moves—Zonneveld running marathon sets and dominating the underground, while Dea Magna racks up millions of streams and festival sets across the US and Europe. “Tokyo” is a natural fit for both, and it’s already getting love on SLAM! radio and dancefloors worldwide.
The post Dea Magna & Reinier Zonneveld’s ‘Tokyo’ is built for peak-time chaos appeared first on Dancing Astronaut.
Audrey Nuna has unveiled a remix bundle for her single “Mine,” featuring two distinct, dancefloor-ready versions. Released via Arista Records, the remixes see Audrey collaborating with DASH to reimagine her 2024 track, which itself is a modern take on Brandy and Monica’s 1998 R&B classic, “The Boy Is Mine.”
In the DASH remix, the song ventures into darker, trance-heavy territory. Audrey’s vocals are transformed into an otherworldly experience, layered over deep basslines and shadowy textures. Audrey expressed her excitement about this new interpretation, stating, “Hearing ‘Mine’ within such a different sonic palette with DASH’s surreal, dark remix has been energizing. The remix brings such newness to the song, and it’s been a fascinating experience for me to hear the process of it coming to life.”
This release follows Audrey Nuna’s sophomore album, “TRENCH,” an ambitious project that blends elements of pop, R&B, and experimental trap. As for DASH, the enigmatic producer remains shrouded in mystery, with rumors ranging from being an algorithm to a collective of behind-the-scenes producers. Regardless of the identity, the “Mine” remix showcases a unique manipulation of sound that challenges conventional boundaries.
The post Audrey Nuna’s ‘Mine’ Gets a Dark, Trance-Heavy Flip from DASH appeared first on Dancing Astronaut.
Stockholm-based producer and 8181 Enzo is releasing “Force,” a track that reflects his refined approach to electronic music. Featuring vocals from Michael Ekow, the song was first recorded in Amsterdam a year ago and has since gone through several revisions, with a final version completed just last week.
Built around a dynamic arrangement, “Force” balances crisp production with Ekow’s vocals, creating a track that feels both polished and energetic. The song leans into a mix of atmospheric builds and punchy drops, a style Enzo has honed over the years.
Though he’s previously worked on tracks like Swedish House Mafia’s “Time” and Otto Knows’ “Lover,” “Force” marks a project that feels more personal to him. The name change from Dice of Nights to Enzo 8181 signals that shift, but the focus remains on the music. With more releases on the way, “Force” is a clear statement of where his sound is headed.
The post 8181 Enzo dials in the energy on ‘Force’ appeared first on Dancing Astronaut.
Chicagoland’s premier electronic music event, North Coast Music Festival, has announced a star-studded Phase 1 lineup for its 15th-anniversary edition, taking place from August 29-31, 2025, at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL. Known for its electrifying performances, immersive experiences, and unique stage takeovers, North Coast 2025 promises to deliver an unforgettable weekend.
A Headliner-Filled Weekend
The festival’s Phase 1 lineup features an array of electronic music heavyweights: Chris Lake, Excision, Galantis, Kaskade, Louis The Child, Of The Trees, REZZ, RL Grime, Seven Lions, Sofi Tukker, Timmy Trumpet, SVDDEN DEATH PRESENTS VOYD, Zedd, Zeds Dead, and a special drum & bass set from deadmau5.
The festival will also feature first-time festival headliners such as GRAMMY-nominated duo Sofi Tukker and multi-platinum producer and live instrumentalist Timmy Trumpet, ensuring a dynamic and diverse musical experience. Returning to the stage are some of the most celebrated names in the industry, including trap pioneer RL Grime, Ophelia Records founder Seven Lions, mid-tempo queen REZZ, and bass music juggernauts Zeds Dead.
Adding to the excitement, Chicago legends Kaskade and Louis The Child will return to their hometown for this milestone celebration, making their performances a special homecoming event for local fans. Brownies & Lemonade, the renowned event collective, will also bring their curated stage takeover, infusing the festival with their signature high-energy atmosphere and surprise special guests.
Special Attractions & Stage Takeovers
North Coast has built a reputation for more than just music, offering immersive installations, interactive stages, and unique festival amenities. Fans can expect the return of The Chill Dome, Incendia’s Fire Pit Stage, the NCMF Yacht Club, Club Coast speakeasy, and the iconic Ferris wheel, all of which contribute to the festival’s unmatched ambiance.
For those looking for an enhanced festival experience, new ticketing options have been introduced this year. GA PLUS tickets will include express entry, air-conditioned restrooms, and an exclusive 15-Year Anniversary pin to commemorate this milestone edition. Platinum ticket buyers will now have access to all-you-can-eat-and-drink bars at Vega and Shipyard stages, along with premium viewing areas at the Platinum Lounge overlooking The Stadium stage.
A Celebration Like No Other
As part of this milestone celebration, North Coast 2025 will be rolling out exclusive anniversary performances, interactive art installations, and never-before-seen festival experiences that will only be available this year. Attendees can look forward to surprise B2B sets, pop-up performances, and interactive fan experiences that will be unveiled throughout the weekend.
With more artists and announcements to be revealed in Phase 2, North Coast 2025 is set to be one of the most anticipated electronic music festivals of the year. The festival continues to set the bar for immersive and forward-thinking festival experiences, ensuring that Coasties have plenty to look forward to as the event draws closer.
Secure your tickets now and be part of the celebration!
The post North Coast Music Festival Drops Monumental Phase 1 Lineup for 15th Anniversary appeared first on EDMTunes.
Instagram has rolled out a new feature allowing users to share 30-second music previews directly in private chats, making it easier than ever to send EDM tracks to friends. Users can access the feature through a new music sticker in the chat window. After tapping the Messages icon, opening a conversation and selecting the sticker button, you can now choose "Music" and browse Instagram’s audio library for tracks. Once a song is selected, a preview featuring a spinning vinyl animation populates in the chat. After sending, the recipient can play or pause the audio clip.
Meta
Meta
With social media continuing to play a key role in music discovery, this update offers a new way for electronic dance music fans to share tracks instantly without leaving the app or their DMs therein. It's now live globally on iOS and Android. The feature expands upon Instagram’s growing list of music-sharing tools and arrives in the wake of the social media giant's October partnership with Spotify, which allowed users to save songs directly to their Spotify library. Instagram also introduced multi-track audio for Reels back in July. You can read more about the feature in Meta's official blog post.
SoundCloud has rolled out a new feature, "Fan Recognition," designed to help artists identify and highlight their most dedicated supporters. The feature allows musicians to publicly recognize their top fans directly on their SoundCloud track pages, celebrating the diehards who have supported them from day one and keep coming back for more. With "Fan Recognition," artists can showcase two key groups of supporters: First Fans and Top Fans. First Fans are those who listened to and liked a track early on—before anyone else—and they will be displayed in order of plays accumulated during the first week of the song's release. Top Fans are the listeners who continue to engage with the music time and again, consistently playing it the most.
SoundCloud
On the flip side, for fans, the new feature ensures that their support is recognized and memorialized on the track pages of their top artists. It has the feel of a badge of honor for those who have helped fuel the careers of their favorite emerging talent. By prominently spotlighting fans, SoundCloud is emphasizing the role of superfans in an artist's growth. The streaming service highlighted data from Luminate's 2024 Year-End Music Report, which claims that 90% of superfans engage with artists through live performances while 81% amplify their favorite artists "by spreading the word." You can find more about the "Fan Recognition" feature in SoundCloud's official blog post.
The heartbeat of Ibiza’s nightlife, Pacha Ibiza, has officially locked in its 2025 residency lineup, and it’s shaping up to be one of its most amazing seasons yet. As the island continues to evolve as the world’s premier dance music destination, Pacha is once again setting the standard with an all-star cast of DJs, legendary club nights, and a mix of fresh talent and beloved residents.
From house music powerhouses to cutting-edge techno artists, the famed club promises an unparalleled musical experience. The season kicks off in style with a massive opening party on April 25, 2025, leading into a packed schedule featuring Sonny Fodera, CamelPhat, BLOND:ISH, Mau P, Defected, Marco Carola, Pure Pacha, Flower Power, and the legendary Solomun +1.
With state-of-the-art sound, immersive production, and an atmosphere unlike any other, Pacha Ibiza remains the ultimate clubbing destination. Let’s break down the 2025 residencies that will define the season.
Monday Nights: Sonny Fodera’s Debut Residency
Mondays are getting a fresh dose of chart-topping house beats as Sonny Fodera takes over Pacha Ibiza for the first time. Running June 16 to October 6, 2025, the residency will see the platinum-selling artist deliver his signature uplifting and groove-heavy sound, alongside special guests.
Tuesday Nights: CamelPhat Returns
Following a hugely successful run, CamelPhat is back, bringing their progressive and melodic house sounds every Tuesday from May 20 to October 7, 2025. Expect a deep and euphoric experience from the Grammy-nominated duo, with guest DJs complementing their hypnotic sets.
Wednesdays: BLOND:ISH & Mau P Take Over
Midweek is all about pushing boundaries. BLOND:ISH makes history as the first female-led headline residency at Pacha Ibiza with Abracadabra, running from May 21 to July 30, 2025—a night of empowering energy and cosmic house vibes.
Then, from August 6 to October 8, 2025, rising Dutch star Mau P introduces Baddest Behaviour, bringing his edgy, bass-driven house beats for a unique midweek experience.
Thursday Nights: Defected’s Triumphant Return
One of the most iconic house music brands, Defected, is making a grand comeback to Pacha Ibiza. Running every Thursday from May 8 through October 2025, expect a blend of classic house anthems and underground gems from some of the best in the business.
Friday Nights: Marco Carola’s Music On
Fridays belong to Marco Carola, who continues his legendary Music On residency at Pacha Ibiza. Running from May 16 to October 9 and 10, 2025, the nights will be filled with deep, rolling techno and high-energy house, making it a must-attend event for underground music lovers.
Saturdays: Pure Pacha & Flower Power
Saturdays at Pacha Ibiza are all about variety.
Pure Pacha returns from May 10 to October 27, 2025, with Robin Schulz headlining on select nights, including May 17, 24, 31, and September 6, 13, 20, and 27.
The legendary Flower Power residency, featuring Bora Uzer, Masters At Work, Roger Sanchez, Boy George, and Purple Disco Machine, runs from June 7 to August 30, plus a special show on October 4, 2025—delivering feel-good, disco-infused vibes for those who love a throwback.
Sunday Nights: Solomun +1 – The Iconic Closing Experience
Capping off the week in true Ibiza fashion, Solomun +1 returns from June 8 to October 5, 2025. The Diynamic label boss will once again host intimate B2B sets with global DJ heavyweights, ensuring Sundays remain the most in-demand night on the island.
The Countdown to Pacha Ibiza 2025 Begins
With a lineup packed with dance music icons, forward-thinking selectors, and Ibiza legends, Pacha Ibiza’s 2025 season is set to be its biggest and best yet. The countdown is officially on for the April 25 opening party, where clubbers from across the globe will gather under the legendary cherry logo to experience the magic once more.
For more info, visit Pacha Ibiza’s official website.
The post Pacha Ibiza Finalizes 2025 Residencies with Iconic Lineup appeared first on EDMTunes.
David Guetta and Sia, the artists behind the generational dance anthem "Titanium," are teaming up once again for a new track, "Beautiful People." The iconic DJ and producer took to social media on Monday to share the news, expressing his deep creative connection with Sia and confirming more collaborations with the Australian pop superstar in the future. "This is so crazy, Sia and myself back to working together," Guetta said. "There’s always been a special connection since 'Titanium' between us, and I’m so happy we’re working again... We made a few songs already and I’m about to put out the first one, it's called 'Beautiful People.'" The track, which had previously leaked online years ago, has been highly anticipated by fans. Guetta said he and Sia have now finally "nailed it." "I know a lot of you have heard of it, and heard it on YouTube, some leaks, and asking me to release it, the French DJ said. "And it’s finally happening." With a proven track record of chart-topping collaborations, Guetta and Sia’s latest release is set for March 7th, 2025. Until then, you can watch Guetta's announcement below and pre-save "Beautiful People" here.
Follow David Guetta: X: x.com/davidguetta Instagram: instagram.com/davidguetta TikTok: tiktok.com/@davidguetta Facebook: facebook.com/davidguetta Spotify: spoti.fi/3fHbpAC Follow Sia: X: x.com/sia Instagram: instagram.com/siamusic TikTok: tiktok.com/@sia Facebook: facebook.com/siamusic Spotify: spoti.fi/31A6aOm
The elevator doors slide open to reveal an office bathed in synthetic pastels, where time itself seems to glitch. Welcome to Revelation Technologies, the fictional corporate twilight zone where The Knocks and Dragonette have set the stage for their latest single, "The Hero." The Knocks' history with Dragonette runs deep—their 2019 single "Slow Song" became a slow-burning anthem, and now, "The Hero" emerges as its introspective successor. An immediate follow-up to last month's "Revelation," the track is a transmission from a parallel dimension where neon-lit synths and aching nostalgia swirl into a dancefloor daydream. The Knocks and Dragonette have mastered the art of turning heartache into something cinematic, and the new single is their latest masterstroke. "This song is about the banality of how a relationship can turn cold," Dragonette explains. "When it’s not a dramatic explosion of betrayal or strong emotions that crash together. It’s about finding yourself in the midst of something else, unseen and unknowable making the question 'is this working' hard to answer." Listen to "The Hero" below and find the new single on streaming platforms here. Follow The Knocks: X: x.com/theknocks Instagram: instagram.com/the_knocks TikTok: tiktok.com/@theknocksmusic Facebook: facebook.com/theknocksnyc Spotify: spoti.fi/30j5IUe Follow Dragonette: X: x.com/dragonette Instagram: instagram.com/dragonette TikTok: tiktok.com/@dragonette Facebook: facebook.com/dragonette Spotify: tinyurl.com/2n55wfcs
Spanish architect Miguel Arraiz revealed his “Temple of the Deep” design. It will be the official temple for Burning Man 2025, making its return to Black Rock City for this year’s art festival. Moreover, the structure draws inspiration from Nevada desert’s rock formations. It showcases similarities with a giant black rock, taking its shape from erosion over time. Arraiz used the Japanese art of kintsugi to inspire the design. Kintsugi involves mending broken objects with gold, showcasing the beauty in flaws. The temple features a darkened and fractured outside that appears to be molded together by lightbeams that shine through the cracks. Lastly, it has an ethereal glow on the design.
The architect’s vision encompasses a cave-like interior that historically represents a place for gathering and meditation for humanity. Underneath the rough and natural facade, the design showcases Baroque geometries when it comes to movement. In effect, it includes sightlines, and spatial dynamics. Carefully, the crafted environment embodies a sanctuary for some of Burning Man’s pilars, such as reflection, art, and healing
The Temple of the Deep
The temple resembles a cave, since this was always an ancient setting where people have gathered to communicate and document life’s mysteries. Furthermore, the structure possesses an autobiographical quality to the author. The structure symbolizes a fragmented, broken heart, with its visible scars remaining intact. The cracks engulfed in light serve as symbols of overcoming adversity. Lastly, it tells a visual story of loss and renewal. The design repeats the festival’s tradition of radical acceptance, as it provides a space for emotional release and change.
The Temple of the Deep has seven entrances, each symbolizing a stage of grief. This will lead visitors along pathways that all connect at a central area. The layout facilitates personal reflection, while also mimicking the arrangement of Black Rock City itself. This fosters a sense of community between attendees, inspiring them to connect with one another about shared experiences and loss.
Purpose
Similar to past Burning Man Temples, the Temple of the Deep will act as a communal haven, gifting attendees with a sacred space to reflect on their emotions, highlighting their journeys. The temple acknowledges the importance of finding meaning in shared experiences without pressure. According to Arraiz, this serene environment boosts emotional healing, offering festival-goers a space to pause and delve deeper into their consciousness.
The Spanish architect extended an invitation to participants to help out the Temple’s narrative by writing letters filled with messages of grief, love, or gratitude. These personal messages will be tastefully incorporated into the very fabric of the Temple. Even during the Temple’s ceremonial burning, these letters will remain a secret, as they are ceremonially burnt. Nevertheless, the ceremony represents transformation, while honoring the release and transformation of private stories and sentiments into spiritual catharsis.
For more info on Arraiz’ work, click here.
The post The Official 2025 Burning Man Temple Is Revealed appeared first on EDMTunes.
Douvelle19 has become quite the wizard at whipping up a lovesick dance-floor banger or two. That’s the current theme for the Welsh producer. That’s his flavour, his vibe. And although no two tracks of his are ever the same, they almost always include lyrics of yearning, steamy bass-lines and melting melodies that will make you want to fall in love over and over and over again.
From flipping grime accepellas to futuristic fan favourites like ‘Skin to Skin’ and ‘Swimming’, Douvelle19 radiates authenticity, dabbling in whatever sound, vibe or genre that takes his fancy. Music has been a huge part of both his life and his career, and with his latest release ‘Find a Way’ flooding dancefloors across the globe, it was time to dig deeper to find out more about his incredible story.
Let’s talk about your new single ‘Find a Way’ – it’s a lovely concoction of vibes! Talk to me about its inception.
It was created during one of the sessions I had after lockdown. I had just started collaborating properly with people. Before this, I was mainly using the same model as the grime freestyles that I made. I would find acapellas and then work with them. It seemed like a strong muscle that I had – and it made for really interesting creations – but my songwriting muscle wasn’t getting flexed. So, I was like, let me get in a room and do it in person. There is something special about doing it that way. ‘Find a Way’ came about in one of those initial sessions. I was in the studio with the vocalist on the track called Leilah and my friend Harry who’s also an amazing writer. I had the hook idea and showed the guys and then we had like a writing trifecta, I was producing, making arrangements, Harry and Leilah were writing. It was the first time when I thought ‘This is an incredible writing experience, I’m so happy to be in this room!’. I’ve had a lot of writing experiences but I’m quite solitary really, I collaborate a lot more now but back then, getting into a room with another artist was quite nerve wracking. I was in a band for 6 years and the writing always looked the same, the room always looked the same, so breaking that formula and getting into a session post-lockdown felt quite new to me. This one was different. It was such an inspiring session.
How does it affect your creativity when a session doesn’t have such an inspiring feel to it?
I haven’t had many of those sessions, because usually the due diligence is done beforehand going into that room, but I have had sessions where maybe you’re not on the same level creatively. Maybe you want to talk about different things on a song or you have different visions for what you want the track to be. When that happens, I just can’t do it. I can’t do what I need to do in that environment. I think some people, to my knowledge, go into a session and it’s very transactional. Like, ok, you’re the singer, you sing this, here is the reference track. Then they write some stuff. The producer doesn’t know what they want so they trust the vocalist entirely to give the track what it needs, and that’s it. That’s so far away from what I do. I sit down with people and talk with them for hours. I want to see if I even like them. I don’t want to work on a song with someone who isn’t very nice or doesn’t have the same sort of morals as me, someone who has warped views. It’s part of my creative process. I want to feel really behind what we’re doing and really care about the track and the people I’m working with. If we have to have another session because we spent too long talking, then great. I’d rather we didn’t do anything than to leave the room feeling like I still don’t know the person I’m working with. There’s a process in which I like to make it an experience.
And then I guess the hope is that that chemistry will then translate into the music, right?
That’s the secret behind the curtains. We’re either going to benefit as people, learning about each other, or our music is going to benefit from it because we’re both doing something we really like. It doesn’t just audibly sound better, it doesn’t just mean that you write a more cohesive song, it really helps with communicating with each other. You’re able to then give direction, be more honest with them, talk to them like a friend, ask them to try different things. Extrapolate and communicate in a safe environment because you’ve built a rapport together, that makes for way better music. I want ten takes. I want breathy, emotional, belting it out. If I can weave in and out of those emotions, that’s what gives the track texture and emotion, as opposed to using the only take you’ve got because you couldn’t ask them to redo it. The rapport just wasn’t there. Being able to talk like that and be honest is one of the main reasons I like building rapport beforehand.
It’s a crazy intimate environment, and that needs to be respected. For myself, and for whoever else is in the room. It’s a special sovereign thing – to me anyway – I want to have those special experiences as opposed to cookie cutter sessions.
You talk about the track being a ‘marker of your journey between club music and love songs’. It’s definitely a mix of the two. Why do you think dance music is the perfect vehicle for a love song?
Anyone who has been knee-deep in the dance knows it’s a pretty alluring, vulnerable and exciting environment. I think that love song crossover with those environments makes sense to me. It works on both sides, if you’re relaxing, you’re in the car, the dance music can put you in that space and the lyrics can accentuate those feelings, and then it works the other way around too. If you’re in a club, the lyrics can connect you to something outside of the club in your normal life. It’s a space building. Putting things together. It can be cheesy but I really like songs that are about other people. I like the kind of pushing and pulling of wanting something you can’t have or having something but it’s not enough. Those simple songwriting tropes, I like playing with those. I’m not talking about the ‘You’re everything to me’ sort of approach but more ‘If you want it take it now, cause it’s not going to be on the table again’, feelings we all have with all sorts of different relationships. Whether it’s momentary or commentary, it can be weaved into all sorts of environments. My songs are all quite moody. They’re soulful, the harmonies are quite interesting. I try hard to make the music match the lyrics.
Dance music is very emotive and elicits a physical vulnerability and excitement and I think love songs talk about that, in a different way. Harmonising those two things together makes perfect sense to me.
Let’s take it back a little bit… You started your music career in a band called Astroid Boys. What spurred on the transition from being in the band, to becoming an electronic producer and DJ?
Before the band, I was a drum & bass DJ. I started buying records when I was like 12/13 after getting into a youth-centre close to me doing photography. I met some guys who listened to underground dance music, drum & bass was the most prevalent. Annie Mac and Fabio and Grooverider on Radio 1, D&BTV was a big thing, it was popping and it was probably the most exciting time for me, discovering the innovation of drum & bass and the dubplate culture. It was the best. I had a radio show with my mate josh. We were buying vinyl every week and playing them on the radio. I would hear about DJs having dubplates cut for them, and I was like, how can I, as a 13 year old, get my hands on these? How can I get DJ Hazard to send me a white label? How do I do that? Obviously that’s impossible as a child. I was 13 years old. No wax was coming my way. So instead, I messaged people on Myspace and said ‘How do you make music?’. There was a drum & bass producer from Birmingham that I got in touch with and he sent me screenshots of Reason 3, annotated on Paint, showing me what he did and how to make music. He taught me loads. I started teaching myself how to make music so I could have my own dubplates. I then started the band at 15 after a vocalist came into the drum & bass radio show. He was spitting bars, which were sick. I showed him some of my tunes, he loved them so we made a track, then a video, and became a band called Astroid Boys. 6 years went on, that’s all I was doing. Touring, one of our vocalists went to prison so I was on mic duties for a year and a half. Stage diving, producing. When that ceased to exist, the natural progression was to go back to what I was doing in the first place and carry on producing records that I liked. That’s when I started doing the grime edits.
Your core message is ‘“there’s always a route in – no matter where you come from” – talk to me about this statement. Why is this important for you to share with others?
Newport, where I come from, is very working class. Everyone is very proud of their working class identity. Everyone does the best that they can, regardless of their situation. By situation I mean, there’s a lot of crime and poverty. There’s a lot of struggle. I wasn’t brought into music through nepotism, my parents weren’t in music, my dad just liked music, so I had some kind of ear for music. But there was no showing of the industry, no showing of the different roles, you’re not taught that because there’s a survival element to school and the wider community. You should get a job that pays you well, 30k a year. Get a partner, get a mortgage, pay that off for 25 years. Have a holiday every year, then, once it’s paid off, go on holiday twice a year… and that’s amazing and it works, but that’s what I thought you had to do growing up in a working class city, you’re not shown another way. Basically, you don’t have to fall within the confines of your society or wealth bracket or microcosm. You can get into anywhere if you really care about it, if you’re intrigued or interested. I’ve seen so many people who are incredibly creative and they have no resources. They don’t know how it all works, and they all deserve as much, if not more, a shot at being successful. They deserve opportunities more than someone getting them just because their parents know someone. You can find your way in through reaching out, being curious. You can do it. Mine was messaging someone on Myspace.
What do you think is the key to standing out in this modern age of music creation?
I think passion is the main thing. If you want to give something back rather than just always being a consumerist – whether that’s creatively, sonically or vocally – then you have to be passionate enough about it to not feel too knocked down when something doesn’t do what you thought it would. You have to be driven by the want to do it and not by the metrics that define success. Why did you create the project in the first place? What are you trying to say? What do you care about? Being passionate about the organic ethos of you and what you care about. Maintaining that is of the utmost importance, in my opinion. And then staying curious. Stay open. Be open-minded and well informed. Be honest about when you don’t feel informed or know the answers, have the honesty to say you don’t know that artist or you don’t know that thing. It’s a very difficult thing to get there, to get that level of comfortability as a person. You have to work on that first and foremost, being honest and becoming that sort of person so that when you do put something out there, you’re not doing it for a gain of ego, you’re doing it from a heartfelt place. Usually that connects with people a bit more too, ‘cause people see themselves in you. They like how vulnerable you’re being, and sometimes that speaks more than the art itself.
We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.