# Electronic Music > EM is a passionate curator of electronic music, delving deep into the sounds, artists, and scenes that shape the global EDM landscape. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### About this site URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/about/ Last updated: 2025-05-03T07:58:24.000Z **EM** is a dedicated voice in the world of electronic music, committed to exploring the evolving culture, sounds, and scenes that define EDM globally. With an ever-growing passion for innovation, **EM** brings fresh perspectives on everything from underground movements to the biggest mainstage anthems. Whether through in-depth artist interviews, genre spotlights, or festival coverage, EM strives to offer insightful content that resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers to the EDM world. At the heart of **EM's** mission is a belief in the power of music to unite diverse cultures and communities. Through this platform, **EM** is here to share the stories behind the beats, highlighting the artists, trends, and moments that continue to shape the future of electronic music. Join **EM** on this musical journey as we uncover the global influence of EDM, one beat at a time. ### 📩 Write to Us URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/writetous/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T09:06:18.000Z **Let’s connect.** Whether you're an artist with a new release, a label seeking the right spotlight, a PR professional with a compelling story, or a festival organizer looking to amplify your event — we’d love to hear from you. We’re passionate about supporting music that moves people and telling the stories behind the sound. If you have something fresh, bold, or emotionally resonant, don’t hesitate to reach out. **Contact us for:** - Track premieres or reviews - Artist features or interviews - Press and promo inquiries - Festival or event collaborations - Partnership ideas and creative projects ## **studio\[ \]electronicmusic.org** We read every message. Let’s make something unforgettable together. ## Posts ### SPAG Announces Free SPAG PACK 001 with Six Unofficial Bass Music Flips URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/spag-announces-free-spag-pack-001-with-six-unofficial-bass-music-flips/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T15:50:17.000Z *The artist formerly known as Spag Heddy returns to the remix culture that helped build his career with six free flips and bootlegs arriving September 2 on SoundCloud.* SPAG is returning to the foundations of his career with *SPAG PACK 001*, a collection of six unofficial remixes and bootlegs that will be released for free on SoundCloud on September 2. The concept is straightforward: tracks SPAG loves, rebuilt in his own style and handed directly to the fans who have followed his music throughout his career. For an artist whose early rise was closely connected to flips and remixes, the free pack also represents a way of giving something back to the community that helped establish his name. > “Dubstep gave me a career, and flips & remixes were a huge part of that journey. I've spent years taking tracks I love and turning them into something of my own. Now I want to give some of that energy back to the community that made this whole thing possible. Free flips & remixes.” — SPAG The release arrives during a significant year for Mischa Reining, who spent more than a decade performing and releasing music as Spag Heddy before adopting the shorter SPAG name earlier this year. The change was introduced with *Messiah* in March, followed by the *THIS IS: SPAG* EP in May. Rather than representing a complete break with his previous work, the new project has sharpened the characteristics that have always been at the centre of his music. The playful, colourful aesthetic associated with Spag Heddy has given way to something darker and more stripped back. SPAG's current sound leans into grit, distortion and raw energy, while the visual identity has been reduced to black, white and flashes of red through cutout collage and mixed-media artwork. Those visuals draw from punk and skate culture, favouring texture and imperfection over the cartoon-driven imagery of his previous era. Musically, the direction is similarly focused, with heavier and more uncompromising bass production at its core. *SPAG PACK 001* connects that new chapter with an older part of Reining's creative process. Long before the SPAG project, flips and unofficial remixes were an important part of how he developed his sound and reached audiences. Since 2011, Reining has built an international reputation around hard-hitting bass music, extensive touring and a catalogue that has earned support from artists including Skrillex, Excision, Subtronics and NGHTMRE. His career has also included official remixes for The Chainsmokers, Krewella and SLANDER, alongside major touring and support appearances with Zomboy, Flux Pavilion, Excision and Zeds Dead. Now, *SPAG PACK 001* takes that history back to its simplest form: making music from records he enjoys and sharing the results without a price tag. The six-track pack will be available to download for free via SoundCloud from September 2, giving fans another entry point into the darker, more focused direction of the SPAG project while reconnecting with the remix culture that helped shape Reining's career in the first place. --- [SPAG](https://soundcloud.com/spagheddy?ref=electronicmusic.org "SPAG") · [SPAG PACK 001](https://soundcloud.com/spagheddy/sets/spag-pack-001?ref=electronicmusic.org "SPAG PACK 001") ### Indian Spirit Festival 2026 Welcomes 25,000 Psytrance Fans from 67 Countries URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/indian-spirit-festival-2026-welcomes-25-000-psytrance-fans-from-67-countries/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T15:33:24.000Z *The German Psytrance festival brought more than 150 artists, six stages and a wide range of music, art and wellness experiences to Eldena, with tickets for the 2027 edition now on sale.* Indian Spirit Festival 2026 has wrapped up in Eldena, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, after bringing together 25,000 Psytrance fans from 67 countries for an international celebration of electronic music, psychedelic culture and community. Taking place from August 26 to 31, the festival featured more than 150 national and international artists across six stages and areas, making this year's edition one of the largest in Indian Spirit's history. The Sun Stage formed the centre of the main musical program, with artists including Astrix, Neelix, Vini Vici, Blastoyz, Ace Ventura, Berg, Ghost Rider, Omiki, Phaxe, Ranji and Morten Granau delivering sets across the festival. Over at the Moon Stage, the lineup explored further corners of the Psytrance spectrum with performances from Astral Projection, Avalon, Captain Hook, Electric Universe, GMS, Killerwatts, Tristan and Zyce. The festival also made room for the harder and more experimental side of psychedelic music. The Mushroom Stage featured artists including LSDIRTY, Dark Jochen, Acid Combo, Mentalecho, Psynonima and Z-Cat, while the Chill Out Stage, Fire Tent and newly introduced Nebula Stage provided more atmospheric and genre-crossing alternatives to the main dancefloors. Music was only part of the Indian Spirit experience. The festival grounds were transformed with large-scale decorations, LED parades, artist performances and fire shows, with a major fireworks display taking place on Saturday evening. Away from the stages, visitors could take part in a broad daytime program focused on creativity, movement and wellbeing. The Workshop Area offered activities including breathwork, Reiki, didgeridoo, handpan, flowerstick upcycling and Psychedelic Dino Painting, while the Yoga & Healing Area hosted yoga sessions, sound meditation, cacao ceremonies, massage and other healing practices. The Fire Place provided another space for participation, with juggling, balancing, flow arts, hula hoop and poi activities giving visitors an opportunity to get involved rather than simply watch. The combination of music, visual art, workshops and communal spaces has been central to Indian Spirit since its beginnings in 1999\. Over the years, the festival has developed into one of Europe's established gatherings for the international Goa and Psytrance community, bringing together audiences from across the world in the rural surroundings of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. With the 2026 edition now complete, attention has already shifted towards next year's festival. Indian Spirit Festival 2027 is scheduled to take place in Eldena from August 25 to 30, 2027. The presale for the 2027 edition began on September 1 at 6:00 p.m., with further details about the lineup and program expected to be announced at a later date. Tickets and further information are available through the official Indian Spirit ticket shop: [Indian Spirit Festival 2027 — Official Ticket Shop](https://indian-spirit.myticket.de/?ref=electronicmusic.org) ### Don Diablo Reworks A$AP Ferg’s Plain Jane for HEXAGON URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/don-diablo-reworks-a-ap-fergs-plain-jane-for-hexagon/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T15:46:48.000Z *Originally built as an unreleased weapon for his DJ sets, Don Diablo’s new version turns A$AP Ferg’s hip-hop anthem into a high-energy electronic collaboration.* --- Don Diablo has officially released his reworking of A$AP Ferg’s *Plain Jane*, turning one of modern New York hip-hop’s most recognisable tracks into a club-focused collaboration between two artists from different sides of the musical spectrum. Released today on Diablo’s HEXAGON label, the track began as something much less ambitious. Diablo originally produced his version purely for his own DJ sets while touring Saudi Arabia with Quavo and Metro Boomin, with no plans to release it commercially. That changed as the track continued to generate bigger reactions each time he played it. What started as a tool for his sets gradually became one of the standout moments in his performances, prompting Diablo to return to the production and refine it for an official release. The finished record brings Ferg’s unmistakable vocal together with Diablo’s energetic electronic production, creating a direct collision between hip-hop and the dancefloor. Rather than simply recreating the original, Diablo reshapes its energy for a club environment while keeping the character of the source material intact. > “I've always been a huge fan of Ferg, and ‘Plain Jane’ is an absolute anthem. I originally made my version as a weapon for my sets while I was touring through Saudi Arabia with Quavo and Metro Boomin. I never really intended to release it, but every time I played it, the reaction got bigger. It just kept growing organically until it became one of the biggest moments in my set. Since then I've been perfecting the record, so the fact that Ferg and I are now able to release it together as an official collaboration feels full circle. Sonically, it's the perfect marriage between where I come from as a producer and where my sound is heading next.” — Don Diablo The collaboration follows Diablo’s March release with Wiz Khalifa and continues a growing hip-hop connection running through his forthcoming *FLUX* album. The project has already featured collaborations with Wiz Khalifa, Bipolar Sunshine and Pink Sweat$, with *Plain Jane* adding another major name from the hip-hop world to the record. For Ferg, the collaboration revisits one of his defining records. Originally released in 2017, *Plain Jane* became a signature track in his catalogue and a lasting hip-hop anthem. The original version has surpassed 800 million streams on Spotify, while different versions of the track have collectively passed the billion-stream mark. That reach makes the new interpretation more than a simple remix. Diablo is taking a familiar hip-hop record and placing it inside the electronic world that has defined his career, while Ferg's original vocal remains at the centre of the track. The release also reflects the broader direction of *FLUX*, as Diablo continues to expand beyond the boundaries of his electronic roots and work with artists from different musical worlds. With *Plain Jane*, that crossover feels particularly natural: a proven hip-hop anthem, rebuilt as a record designed to hit with the same force on a modern dancefloor. --- ### Loco Dice Connects Hip-Hop Roots with UK Urban Energy on Eyes On Me URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/loco-dice-connects-hip-hop-roots-with-uk-urban-energy-on-eyes-on-me/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T13:59:11.000Z *The German DJ and producer draws on his early hip-hop background for a percussion-heavy cut that brings UK urban influences into the peak-time club.* --- Loco Dice returns with *Eyes On Me*, a new single that reconnects the German DJ and producer with the hip-hop foundations that shaped his early career, while pushing those influences into the territory of contemporary UK urban music and adventurous club sounds. Built around chunky drums, a lean low end and detailed sound design, the track takes a sample-driven approach that feels both rooted in hip-hop tradition and suited to modern dancefloors. Rather than treating the influence as a stylistic detour, Dice brings it back into the centre of his production, using rhythm and percussion as the main forces driving the record. That connection runs deep. Before establishing himself as one of house and tech-house's most recognisable figures, Dice was immersed in hip-hop in early-1990s Germany, working as both a DJ and rapper and opening for artists including Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube. The sample-first approach and rhythmic focus heard on *Eyes On Me* therefore represent a return to a musical language he has known since the beginning. The track also reflects Dice's longstanding interest in the UK sound. *Eyes On Me* brushes against grime and contemporary UK urban music without abandoning the physicality of his club productions. Its focus remains firmly on the dancefloor, with stripped-back low frequencies, heavyweight percussion and carefully positioned elements designed to translate on a large system. The connection between Dice's world and UK grime was already visible on the dancefloor earlier this year. In July, he shared the booth with grime heavyweight Skepta at Hï Ibiza's Club Room during his Más Tiempo residency, bringing together two artists whose respective sounds have developed from very different corners of club culture. With Skepta's blessing, *Eyes On Me* takes that meeting of worlds into the studio. The result isn't a conventional crossover record, but a track that allows Dice's hip-hop background, UK influences and modern club sensibility to occupy the same space. The release follows *Hold Up (You Feel That)* on Universal Music and extends an active period for Dice following his 2025 album *Purple Jam*. It also arrives as he continues a busy run of international performances, with dates across Europe and the US throughout the autumn. Among the upcoming stops are Dallas, Scottsdale and Los Angeles, alongside a Pacha Ibiza appearance with Mau P, a Milan show with Carl Cox and a performance at London's Ministry Of Sound. For Dice, *Eyes On Me* ultimately brings several parts of his musical identity together. The hip-hop instincts of his early years remain at the foundation, while the production is shaped for the kind of adventurous, peak-time dancefloors that have defined his career in house and tech-house. --- ### Topic Returns to His Roots with New Single Lucky Ones URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/topic-returns-to-his-roots-with-new-single-lucky-ones/ Last updated: 2026-08-21T16:39:03.000Z *The German producer teams up with newly formed duo carteblanche for a widescreen indietronic track built around summer freedom, friendship and doing nothing at all.* --- Topic is taking a different route on his latest single, *Lucky Ones*, teaming up with newly formed duo carteblanche for a track that brings his dance-pop instincts into a warmer, more indie-leaning space. The release follows a run of successful collaborations and reworks, including *TIK TAK* with SARRA, an official rework of Fatboy Slim's *Right Here, Right Now*, *Sorry Papi* with Becky G, and *Missing You* with Shimza and A7S. Rather than continuing directly along the Afro-influenced and Latin-facing path explored across some of those releases, *Lucky Ones* turns toward something more expansive and melodic. Built around an easygoing summer hook, the track combines driving dance production with widescreen synths and indie-pop songwriting. There is a clear indietronic character to the record, with the atmospheric, synth-led feel bringing to mind the broader territory of acts such as Empire of the Sun while retaining Topic's instinct for emotional melodies and club-ready momentum. At the centre of *Lucky Ones* is a deliberately uncomplicated idea: escaping with friends or someone you love, having nowhere to be and nothing to prove. That sense of freedom gives the track its relaxed character, turning it into the kind of late-summer record that feels designed to extend the season for a little longer. The song also represents something of a return to Topic's musical roots. Before exploring a broader range of Afro-influenced sounds, he became known for what was often described as “Melancholic Dance Music” — emotional or melancholic songwriting paired with a strong, driving beat. *Lucky Ones* brings that combination back while introducing the indie-pop influences that have increasingly caught his attention. > “*Lucky Ones* feels a little like going back to my roots. A few years ago, we used to call my sound ‘Melancholic Dance Music’ — emotional and sometimes melancholic lyrics, but always with a driving beat. After exploring a lot of Afro-influenced sounds over the last few years, I've recently found myself really drawn to indie pop. We actually wrote *Lucky Ones* almost like a song for a band first, without thinking about the dance production at all. I only turned it into a dance record afterwards. I think that combination of where I came from and where my sound has evolved to feels very much like where I'm at right now.” — Topic That original approach to the songwriting came from the collaboration itself. carteblanche met with Topic and A7S at the duo's London studio for several days of writing and experimentation, with *Lucky Ones* becoming the second song they created together. The duo describe the track as an attempt to capture the feeling of a pressure-free summer escape — spending time with friends or someone close and simply being content with where you are. The timing of the writing sessions, just before the duo left for a holiday themselves, helped shape the mood of the song. > “We met up with Topic and A7S at our studio in London where we had set aside a couple of days to write songs together and try out new vibes. *Lucky Ones* was actually the second song we wrote together. In the song we were trying to capture that feeling of no pressure escaping with your friends or someone that you love in the summer and just being content. We were just about to go on holiday ourselves which I think was probably influencing our mood. We've been big fans of Topic and also A7S for many years and we're excited about this collaboration.” — carteblanche The result sits somewhere between Topic's established dance sound and a more band-oriented approach to songwriting. Rather than beginning with a dance production and building a song around it, *Lucky Ones* started as a song in its own right before Topic transformed it into a dance record. That distinction gives the single its character. It retains the immediacy and rhythmic drive of Topic's productions while allowing more space for atmosphere, melody and the understated optimism at the heart of the song. With *Lucky Ones*, Topic isn't simply revisiting an earlier sound. Instead, he is connecting the emotional foundations of his early work with a newer interest in indie pop, resulting in a track that feels both familiar and like a natural next step. --- ### David Guetta to Bring Monolith Show to AIRBEAT ONE Festival 2027 URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/david-guetta-to-bring-monolith-show-to-airbeat-one-festival-2027/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T15:35:59.000Z *The French superstar will headline the festival’s 25th anniversary edition with his large-scale Monolith production on July 10, bringing the show to a festival in Northern Germany for the first time.* --- David Guetta is set to headline AIRBEAT ONE Festival 2027, bringing his large-scale *Monolith* show to the festival’s Mainstage in Neustadt-Glewe on Saturday, July 10. The announcement makes Guetta the first confirmed headliner for AIRBEAT ONE’s 25th anniversary edition, which will take place from July 7 to 11, 2027\. The festival will once again transform the airfield in Neustadt-Glewe, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with next year’s edition built around the theme “Australia.” The festival itself confirms the dates, location and Australia concept on its official website. Guetta will bring his *Monolith* production to a festival in Northern Germany for the first time. The show has already been presented at Stade de France, where three sold-out performances drew a combined 240,000 visitors, according to the festival announcement. Known for a career spanning more than two decades, Guetta has played a major role in bringing electronic music further into the mainstream. His work as a DJ, producer and songwriter has produced global hits and collaborations with artists including Rihanna, the Black Eyed Peas, Madonna, Kelly Rowland, Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, J Balvin and Bebe Rexha. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fc/17/fc172a84-607d-4a7d-962d-de07abacaef3/content/images/2026/08/ABO27_DG_2.jpg) Photo credit: AIRBEAT ONE For AIRBEAT ONE, the booking arrives as part of a particularly significant edition of the festival. The event began in 2002 and is marking 25 years in 2027, with the organisers promising a festival world inspired by Australia across the Neustadt-Glewe airfield. The festival’s Mainstage will once again serve as the centrepiece of the production, with AIRBEAT ONE describing it as a stage that is redesigned around the festival’s annual theme. With Guetta now confirmed as the first major name on the 2027 lineup, the announcement gives the anniversary edition a clear starting point. More artists are expected to follow as AIRBEAT ONE continues to reveal the lineup for its Australia-themed celebration. Tickets for AIRBEAT ONE Festival 2027 are currently available through the official festival website. [AIRBEAT ONE Festival — Official Website](https://airbeat-one.myticket.de/?ref=electronicmusic.org) ### Justin Hawkes Delivers Now or Never, an Immersive Drum & Bass Journey URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/justin-hawkes-delivers-now-or-never-an-immersive-drum-bass-journey/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T17:55:26.000Z *Experiential Drum & Bass, built end to end by one artist, mixed into a single continuous piece, and kept entirely human-created from the audio to the artwork.* --- Justin Hawkes has always approached drum & bass as more than a sequence of individual tracks. On *Now or Never*, his second album, that philosophy becomes the structure of the record itself: twelve chapters connected into one continuous listening experience. Described by Hawkes as “Experiential Drum & Bass,” the album moves through tech-driven drum & bass, future jungle, halftime, jump-up and expansive, progressive territory without breaking the narrative. Rather than treating the album as a collection of standalone singles, Hawkes builds it as a complete journey, with each section leading naturally into the next. The result is an album designed to be experienced from beginning to end. It carries the physical energy expected from a club record while leaving enough detail and atmosphere to reward headphone listening. The continuous mix also gives *Now or Never* a sense of momentum that is unusual in contemporary dance music, where albums are often constructed around individually consumable tracks. The project is equally personal in its creation. Hawkes wrote and produced every track, while also contributing vocals and lyrics across the record. He developed the album's visual world alongside photographer Chase Yaws and director Sadler Milbrath, creating a consistent aesthetic that extends beyond the music itself. That commitment to a human-made creative process is particularly significant in 2026, as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly present throughout music and visual production. For *Now or Never*, Hawkes chose to keep the project human-created across both its sound and imagery, treating the album's artistic identity as something to be deliberately shaped rather than automatically generated. > “‘Now or Never’ captures a complete cycle of time and transcendence; it narrates a continuous path of transformation within my life, and asks deep questions about the nature of core passions and their place in the soul. Consciousness is an infinitely complex, yet infinitely interconnected experience, and I wanted this album to love and hold that wonderful mystery. I'm hopeful that anyone who listens can find a part of themselves within this album, and help them realize and love the beautiful dichotomy of light and darkness which exists within us all.” — Justin Hawkes The album follows Hawkes' 2022 debut, *Existential*, but approaches its themes from a different direction. Where that record explored the tension between tragedy and harmony, *Now or Never* is concerned with passion and the way it persists through time — influencing memory, identity, instinct and personal transformation. Its twelve chapters represent different facets of that experience, including resistance, attraction, discovery, dance, healing, love and self-realisation. Together they form a broader meditation on what happens when an individual chooses to follow the things that matter most to them. That ambition also places *Now or Never* within a longer tradition of album-focused thinking in drum & bass. The genre is naturally associated with the DJ set — momentum, progression and the relationship between one track and the next — and Hawkes applies that same sense of movement to a studio album. For Hawkes, the result is both a personal statement and a contribution to the continuing development of North American drum & bass. As one of the American artists pushing the genre forward, he has increasingly helped establish a distinctive creative voice for the scene on this side of the Atlantic. *Now or Never* brings those ideas together in one sustained piece: twelve chapters, one continuous journey, and an album built around the belief that drum & bass can still function as a complete artistic statement. --- ### NURKO's debut album "Solstice" is a 19-track turning toward the light — and it arrives with a mission bigger than the music URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/nurkos-debut-album-solstice-is-a-19-track-turning-toward-the-light-and-it-arrives-with-a-mission-bigger-than-the-music/ Last updated: 2026-07-31T15:05:39.000Z *Emotional melodic bass, a wide cast of cross-genre collaborators, a full North American tour, and the launch of a mental health initiative built directly from the album's core themes.* --- There are debut albums that introduce an artist and debut albums that define one. "Solstice," the 19-track first full-length from cinematic melodic bass artist NURKO, is firmly in the second category — a body of work years in the making, built on emotional, melodic, pop-driven bass music and centred on an idea as simple and universal as it is personal: turning toward the light. The album moves through emotional transition, resilience, personal growth, and the tension between light and dark, drawing on the themes of healing, heartbreak, hope, and grief that have always sat at the core of NURKO's music and forged the deep connection with fans that has defined his career. It is, by any measure, an ambitious record — 19 tracks, a wide cast of cross-genre collaborators including Kiesza, iann dior, Micah Martin, Casey Cook, Crystal Skies, Amidy, Monika Santucci, VNDETTA, Stefan PVDS, and more — and it arrives as the work of an artist who has spent years earning the right to make something at this scale. > "I made 'Solstice' because I wanted to create something that felt bigger than just a collection of songs. This album came from a really personal place — the ups, the lows, the moments where you're trying to find light again, and the people who help you get through it. Over the years, fans have told me that these songs helped them through some of the hardest moments in their lives, and that's something I don't take lightly." — NURKO That connection between artist and audience has been building steadily. His collaboration with ILLENIUM and Valerie Broussard, "Sideways," reached the top 10 of Billboard's Hot Dance/Electronic chart and has drawn over 40 million streams — a record that demonstrated not just NURKO's technical gifts as a producer but his ability to craft music that reaches beyond the melodic bass world into something genuinely crossover. His 2022 debut EP "Arrival" carried him onto his first headlining tour, taking in rooms like New York's Webster Hall and Los Angeles' Hollywood Palladium, and established him as one of the most compelling live acts in his corner of electronic music. "Solstice" is the natural next step in that arc, and it arrives with the infrastructure to match: a full album-themed tour will be unveiled in October 2026 and officially launches in March 2027, with confirmed dates across Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Seattle, Portland, Toronto, Montreal, Dallas, New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, Atlanta, and more cities still to be announced. But the most significant thing NURKO is launching alongside "Solstice" may not be the tour at all. Thrive Together, a mental health initiative founded directly in connection with the album and the emotional narrative running through his music, takes the connection fans have long felt through his records and turns it into something tangible — community, awareness, resources, and support for those who need it. It is a logical extension of what his music has always done, and of the responsibility NURKO has clearly felt toward the people who have brought his songs into their hardest moments. The mission, in his own words, is simple: to make people feel less alone. If "Solstice" gives someone the language for what they are feeling, and Thrive Together helps connect them to support or community, then the album becomes something more than a debut record. It becomes a reason. **Thrive Together:** [**Website**](https://thrive-together.us/?ref=electronicmusic.org) ### Zuezeu steps into the light with "Weightless" — his brightest, most open-sounding record yet URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/zuezeu-steps-into-the-light-with-weightless-his-brightest-most-open-sounding-record-yet/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T18:28:32.000Z *Warm chords, driving percussion, a vocal built around one repeated plea, and a music video shot entirely in Hawaii: the Hollywood producer trades late-night tension for daytime release.* --- If "GO" was about attitude and pressure, "Weightless" is about the opposite — and the contrast is the point. Zuezeu's new single, out now, is the brightest, most open-sounding record he has put his name to: warm chords, driving percussion, and a vocal that circles one repeated plea — take me back — with the kind of emotional directness that his previous release deliberately avoided. Where "GO" operated in the darker, peak-time end of his sound, "Weightless" trades the late-night floor for the daytime main stage, swapping tension and attitude for release and openness without losing the groove that runs through everything he makes. The feeling at the centre of the track is a specific and familiar one: a moment when everything was light, free, and safe, and the pull to return to it. It's a universal sentiment, and "Weightless" carries it with a warmth and accessibility that marks a clear new direction for the Hollywood-based producer. The music video extends that spirit into the visual world. Filmed entirely in Hawaii, it leans on the islands' natural scenery — dramatic coastlines, clear water, volcanic landscapes — rather than heavy production or effects, letting the environment carry the escapist energy the song is built around. It's a straightforward creative choice that trusts the material, and it works precisely because of that simplicity. "Weightless" also arrives as part of Rockstars & Angels, the community founded by Zuezeu alongside Jaden Bojsen that opens up the reality of building a career in dance music — documenting everything from studio sessions and songwriting to life on the road, and using that transparency to encourage fans to chase their own ambitions. For an artist who has played mainstage at EDC Las Vegas 2024, sold out Parq Nightclub in San Diego, and taken his music to Tokyo and Seoul since debuting in 2020, the platform is growing — and "Weightless" is the kind of record that grows it further. ### Nature One 2026 opens its gates this week — and Fatboy Slim makes his festival debut at the Pydna Missile Base URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/nature-one-2026-opens-its-gates-this-week-and-fatboy-slim-makes-his-festival-debut-at-the-pydna-missile-base/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T14:24:37.000Z *"rave.now.together." — 350 artists, 20 stages, 60,000 people, and a former US missile base in the Hunsrück region ready to become a world of its own.* --- From July 30 to August 2, one of Europe's most long-standing electronic music festivals returns to the Raketenbasis Pydna in Kastellaun — and this year's edition carries a motto that says everything about what Nature One has always stood for: "rave.now.together." Three words, three pillars: the music, the moment, and the community. Sixty thousand people building a temporary world on a former US missile base in the Hunsrück region for four days straight. The 2026 lineup is one of the strongest in recent memory, and it opens with a genuine first: Fatboy Slim takes the OpenAirFloor stage this weekend for his Nature One debut, bringing his big-beat energy to a room that has been waiting for this moment for years. Alongside him, Paul Kalkbrenner, Sven Väth, Lilly Palmer, Alle Farben, Neelix, Paul van Dyk, I Hate Models, Holy Priest, and Schrotthagen headline a programme that covers the full emotional and sonic range of electronic music, while the SYNDICATE zone brings the harder spectrum to life through Angerfist, AniMe, Miss K8, Rebelion, D-Sturb, and Act of Rage. The complete timetables and site maps are available via the official Nature One app, and the official 2026 anthem — "Die Welt steht still" by Neelix — is out now on all major streaming platforms. For those making the journey, a few things worth knowing. The CampingVillage opens ahead of the festival itself, welcoming arrivals from Wednesday July 29 at 10:00 AM — two days before the music begins. Spanning 100 hectares, roughly the size of 150 football pitches, the site features over 70 CampFloors hosted by attendees themselves, with the official CampingVillage opening party kicking off on Thursday from 6:00 PM. The festival runs entirely on a cashless payment system: food, drinks, and merchandise are all paid for via the festival wristband, with credit topped up in advance through the app or event portal and any remaining balance refunded after the event. Free shuttle buses connect the festival grounds with Kastellaun throughout the weekend, and a dedicated shuttle from Koblenz Central Station runs directly to the Pydna Missile Base from Thursday to Sunday. Nature One has also increased its allocation of NextGeneration tickets for attendees aged 16 to 19 — and for the first time, these are available as day tickets at a reduced price for either Friday or Saturday. All tickets, including camping, are available online at [nature-one.de](https://nature-one.de/?ref=electronicmusic.org), with a box office also available on-site. Live coverage this year comes via ARTE and sunshine live, both of which will stream live across both nights of the event. ### Micah Martin and OddKidOut detonate "Burn Them All" — and it's the first taste of a debut album that refuses to pick a side URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/micah-martin-and-oddkidout-detonate-burn-them-all-and-its-the-first-taste-of-a-debut-album-that-refuses-to-pick-a-side/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T10:37:06.000Z *Heavy guitar riffs, jump-up drum & bass, screamed vocals, and a Rocktronic vision a decade in the making: "All I Need" arrives November 20.* --- There are artists who exist at the intersection of two worlds and artists who built that intersection themselves. Micah Martin belongs to the second group. "Burn Them All," his new single with OddKidOut out July 24, pairs heavy guitar riffs with jump-up drum & bass and Micah's aggressive, screamed vocals into something dark, physical, and built to detonate on a festival stage — and it arrives as the first proper taste of "All I Need," his 17-track debut album landing November 20 at the crossroads of electronic-dance and rock-metal music. Co-produced by OddKidOut and Shawn Mayer of pop-metalcore band Melrose Avenue on Hopeless Records, the track sets the tone for a record that captures exactly what Micah has spent the last decade building: a genuine, credible bridge between the biggest names in electronic bass music and the punk-rock and metal worlds he came up in. Few artists move between those two scenes without losing something in translation. Micah has turned that rare dual fluency into his signature. > "This track just screams attitude. It's the perfect blend of heavy guitar riffs and jump-up DNB. If the movie Fight Club was made today, this track would definitely be in it. It was an absolute honor working with OddKidOut and Shawn Mayer from Melrose Avenue on this track. I feel we all captured the essence of rock and roll with modern drum and bass." — Micah Martin The Rocktronic sound Micah has helped pioneer runs through the DNA of "All I Need" from start to finish. Across 17 tracks, the album carries the same duality that defines "Burn Them All" — electronic and rock not as two genres being forced together but as two native languages spoken by the same artist, fluently and without apology. The collaborator list reflects that range: OddKidOut, Flux Pavilion, and HIGHSOCIETY among the names joining Micah across the record, a roster that speaks to the cross-genre credibility he has built over years of moving between scenes that rarely overlap. November 20 is the date to hold. In the meantime, "Burn Them All" makes a more than sufficient case for why "All I Need" is worth the wait. > "It's chaotic, it's intentional, and it's the most honest body of work I have ever made." — Micah Martin --- ### AIRBEAT ONE Breaks Attendance Record: 210,000 Celebrate the “Netherlands Edition” URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/airbeat-one-breaks-attendance-record-210-000-celebrate-the-netherlands-edition/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T16:05:46.000Z *Four nights, three days, and a Dutch-themed festival production that turned Neustadt-Glewe into Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's third-largest city.* --- “Doei AIRBEAT ONE” echoed across the festival grounds at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday morning as the final beats thundered from the speakers of Germany’s largest electronic music festival spectacle. Over four nights and three days, 210,000 guests celebrated the 23rd edition of the mega festival in Neustadt-Glewe, setting a new attendance record. Visitors from all across Germany and more than 50 countries worldwide transformed the airfield into Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s third-largest city for 96 hours. Under the theme “Welkom Netherlands,” fans were treated to a gigantic festival production featuring numerous innovations. Towering above everything was the impressive Mainstage, measuring 180 meters wide and 45 meters high, designed as a giant bright-orange windmill. Other stages at the four-day open-air event also visually embraced the AIRBEAT ONE 2026 destination theme. The Terminal became an Amsterdam-style club, while the Harder Stage showcased a massive lion’s head, the historic emblem of the County of Holland. More than 350 DJs and artists performed across numerous stages, delivering over 465 hours of electronic music in all its forms. Many of the scene’s biggest stars made their way to northern Germany, including Scooter, Timmy Trumpet, Vini Vici, Will Sparks, and W&W. Techno took center stage on the Mainstage with performances by the three techno queens Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens, and Lilly Palmer, as well as Boris Brejcha. Hard techno was represented by Holy Priest, while Dutch hardstyle icon Brennan Heart delivered hardstyle at its finest. And of course, the annual must-see Mainstage set by Neelix once again captivated the audience. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fc/17/fc172a84-607d-4a7d-962d-de07abacaef3/content/images/2026/07/2026-ABO---Philipp-Mathes--PM502705_web.jpg) Photo credit: Philipp Mathes The Arena Stage featured some of the biggest international names in techno, including 999999999, Clara Cuvé, Kobosil, I Hate Models, and Schrotthagen. Fantasm’s hard techno set brought AIRBEAT ONE Festival 2026 to a powerful close. One of the festival’s standout highlights was the completely new Forest Area. Nestled in nature and connected to the festival grounds by a bridge, this unique retreat and experience space offered a special atmosphere and distinctive sounds on The Face stage — ranging from melodic techno to house music — presented by star DJs such as Claptone, MEDUZA, Kölsch, Korolova, and Wade. The Terminal stage was buzzing with energy thanks to performances by German dance music stars including Gestört aber GeiL, Le Shuuk, Plastik Funk, Die Gebrüder Brett, and Tiefundton. Legendary DJs such as ATB and Westbam further enriched the line-up in the tent. Located within the VIP Camping Village, the Butterfly Stage featured classic dance anthems from Aquagen, Cascada, Da Hool, Mental Theo, and Alex Christensen. Between 10:00 p.m. and midnight each evening, party acts such as Die Atzen, Mia Julia, Isi Glück, and Frenzy kept the crowd in high spirits. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fc/17/fc172a84-607d-4a7d-962d-de07abacaef3/content/images/2026/07/51---2026-ABO---Justin-SonderJSP01861---online_web.jpg) Photo credit: Justin Sonder Fans of harder sounds were especially well catered for, enjoying a powerful dose of Dutch talent. Artists such as Angerfist, Anime, Paul Elstak, D-Block & S-te-Fan, Ran-D, and Lekkerfaces represented the “Orange” contingent, while Da Tweekaz, Dr. Donk, Harris & Ford, and Sickmode completed the line-up. Presented by Indian Spirit Festival, the Second Stage hosted the crème de la crème of Goa and Psytrance, while also welcoming trance icon Paul van Dyk. The newly introduced Festival Plaza was extremely well received by visitors, seamlessly blending the camping and festival experiences. The Plaza became a central meeting point, combining food offerings, bars, relaxation areas, and dancefloors in one location. Emerging artists also had the opportunity to showcase their talent on the new stage, The Cube. Following a spectacular fireworks display at 1:45 a.m. on Saturday, which illuminated the skies above Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in orange, Dutch DJ duo W&W delivered the Mainstage closing set. Neustadt-Glewe and the entire region warmly welcomed guests from around the world and celebrated alongside them on Thursday, a day on which local residents are invited free of charge every year. The grand closing fireworks not only revealed the dates for the next edition but also unveiled next year’s theme. The festival’s 25th anniversary will take place from July 7–11, 2027, taking visitors on a journey to “Australia.” To mark the milestone anniversary, AIRBEAT ONE will introduce a fourth festival day for the very first time. On Wednesday, previously reserved exclusively for campers, the festival will officially open with a special program. Advance ticket sales begin on July 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. via [myticket.de](https://myticket.de/?ref=electronicmusic.org) . ### Loco Dice returns to Universal Music with "Hold Up (You Feel That)" — relentless, physical, and built for the room URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/loco-dice-returns-to-universal-music-with-hold-up-you-feel-that-relentless-physical-and-built-for-the-room/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T11:44:30.000Z *His first major release since the "Purple Jam" album, and a reminder of exactly why one of electronic music's most enduring figures has never lost his grip on the dancefloor.* --- There are DJs who adapt to the dancefloor and DJs who shape it. Loco Dice has spent over two decades doing the latter, and "Hold Up (You Feel That)," his return to Universal Music and first major release since his 2025 album "Purple Jam," wastes no time reminding you why. Built around dense, intricately programmed percussion and contagious spoken-word vocals from Alaina Arnez, the record runs at a brisk tempo and lives entirely through its rhythm section — no big melodic breakdowns, no concessions to easy release. Instead, it builds and releases pressure in the way that only a producer with a genuine feel for physical dancefloor dynamics can pull off: relentless, precise, and engineered for both the peak-time moment and the long, hypnotic stretch of a great DJ set. It's the kind of track that rewards a big system and a full room, and it arrives with the kind of confidence that comes from an artist who has been making exactly this kind of music — on his own terms, in his own way — for longer than most of his peers. That career began not in electronic music but in hip-hop. Born and raised in a multicultural household with Tunisian roots, Loco Dice was a young DJ in the early 1990s and a rapper who toured the world both solo and supporting Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube — developing the deep rhythmic sensibility that would later become the defining quality of his productions. The turn of the millennium brought a gradual shift toward electronic music, and from his 2002 breakout "Phat Dope Shit" onward, he has rarely left the conversation. His debut album "7 Dunham Place" arrived on his own Desolat imprint in 2008; "Underground Sound Suicide" on Ultra Music followed, featuring Giggs, Just Blaze, and Neneh Cherry; the club-focused "Love Letters" came in 2018; and "Purple Jam" on Universal Music brought the album count to four last year. His collaborators run cross-genre and cross-cultural — from techno icon Carl Cox to Italian rap giant Gué and German rap heavyweight Haftbefehl — and his DJ sets carry the same personality from underground basements to festival mainstages: Time Warp, Sunwaves, Coachella, and era-defining Ibiza residencies at Circoloco at DC-10, the Amnesia Terrace, and Space Miami among the landmarks. In 2007 he founded Desolat, releasing classics from Dubfire, Moritz von Oswald, Martin Buttrich, DJ Sneak, and Yaya, later expanding into the En Coleur and SB Recordings imprints. Beyond music, Dice's reach has always extended well past the booth: a PlayStation 2 game appearance in 2004, runway soundtracks for Marcelo Burlon at Milan Men's Fashion Week, fashion collaborations with Daily Paper and New Era, and his own clothing brand Seran Bendecidos all speak to a restless creative who has never been content to stay in one lane. "Hold Up (You Feel That)" is the latest chapter in that story — and with a new single and the touring to match, it proves once again that decade after decade, Loco Dice remains one of the most respected and relevant names on the global club circuit. --- ### Pretty Girl returns with the "Body Step" EP — and a year away has only sharpened the focus URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/pretty-girl-returns-with-the-body-step-ep-and-a-year-away-has-only-sharpened-the-focus/ Last updated: 2026-07-08T19:50:21.000Z *Two house records, a Prophet-5, a summer of dancing, and a deliberate step back that turned into the clearest artistic statement of her career so far.* --- Some artists take time off because they burn out. Pretty Girl took a year away because she couldn't answer a question — and the answer, when it finally came, produced the most confident music of her career. The "Body Step" EP, her first release in over a year, consists of two house records: the lead track "Body Step" and "Satisfy," both built around her own vocals, both living in the space she has spent years making her own — somewhere between the peak-time dancefloor and the comedown, between movement and feeling. "Body Step" itself began in a Tottenham studio with a Prophet-5 and took shape slowly across a summer of dancing, drawing on memories of dancefloors around the world. It's the kind of record that could only have been made by someone who genuinely loves dance music rather than someone who produces it as a strategy — and that love is audible in every bar. > "I have always found something quite profound in dance music: how it makes us move, why it makes us move, and how that makes us feel. When I'm dancing I feel free, and I feel connected to something I can't really explain. 'Body Step' started in a studio in Tottenham last year with a Prophet-5\. Then slowly, over a summer of dancing, the rest of the song came together, drawing on so many memories of dancefloors all over the world." — Pretty Girl The decision to step back was as deliberate as everything else about her creative process. Twelve months of going internal gave her the freedom to go deeper with her sound and rediscover the enjoyment of making music on her own terms — a reset that the EP makes tangible. That the return lands at what is already a high-water mark in her career makes it all the more interesting. Since Resident Advisor called her "a star in the making" in 2023, Pretty Girl has played Coachella, gone viral on Boiler Room, toured alongside Bonobo, remixed Romy and Fred again..'s "Strong," and signed to Mall Grab's Steel City Dance Discs — a run that turned a name made in Melbourne's clubs into one that now travels the full international circuit. The momentum carries straight into 2026: earlier this June she delivered a 90-minute mix for the RA Podcast as RA.1043, a series that Resident Advisor reserves for some of electronic music's most compelling personalities, and she enters this next chapter with new management backing, having signed with Leon Alexander and Jamie Porten at Red Light Management. > "A very important part of producing is knowing what you want, and when I found myself unable to answer that question I decided to go internal for 12 months. That time gave me freedom to go deeper with my sound and to really enjoy making music again, and I'm coming back with music that I feel so proud of, and music that makes sense to me right now." — Pretty Girl The project belongs to Melbourne-born musician, DJ, producer, and vocalist Emilia Predebon, an artist who has built a distinctly personal corner of the electronic music world entirely from the ground up. Her sound draws on Chicago house as a rhythmic foundation and layers it with gauzy progressive textures, trance-tinged lo-fi, UKG basslines, and her own introspective vocals — music that sits, as she has always put it, at the intersection of the club and the walk home. Three EPs — *Middle Ground* in 2021, *One Night, One Time* in 2023, and *Get Back to Me* in 2024 — alongside a Fabric Mix CD and a growing list of critical recognition have traced a clear upward line, and her live CV now includes All Points East, KOKO, Osheaga, Portola, Lost Village, Coachella, and Rock Herk among its entries. With a debut album in development and a live show that translates her studio craft into something visceral and very present, "Body Step" is not just a comeback — it's the clearest signal yet of where one of contemporary electronic music's most compelling artists is heading. --- ### Airbeat One 2026 reveals its full line-up — and Northern Germany's biggest electronic festival city is ready for the Netherlands URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/airbeat-one-2026-reveals-its-full-line-up-and-northern-germanys-biggest-electronic-festival-city-is-ready-for-the-netherlands/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T18:39:32.000Z *More than 350 artists, ten stages, a brand new Forest Area, and a country theme that promises to shape every corner of the site: Neustadt-Glewe Airfield is about to become something else entirely.* --- From July 8 to 12, 2026, Neustadt-Glewe Airfield transforms once again into Northern Germany's largest electronic festival city — and with the full line-up now revealed, the scale of what Airbeat One has assembled this year is hard to overstate. More than 350 artists from across the world will perform across ten stages under this year's country theme "Netherlands," a concept that will shape not just the spectacular Mainstage design but the lovingly crafted details spread across the entire festival site. The range of music on offer spans virtually every corner of electronic music: EDM, house, trance, techno, hardstyle, hardcore, hard techno, psytrance, and the greatest dance classics of all time all have a home here. Whatever brought you to electronic music in the first place, Airbeat One has a stage for it. The Mainstage headline roster is as strong as it has been in years. Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens, and Lilly Palmer — three of the most influential techno artists in the world right now — will all perform on the festival's biggest stage, joined by Boris Brejcha with his unmistakable high-tech minimal sound, and ARTBAT bringing modern melodic techno to Neustadt-Glewe. Timmy Trumpet brings his unique live performance energy, W&W deliver their charged blend of big room and trance, and Brennan Heart represents full hardstyle power. The deeper Mainstage bill extends to Meduza, Marlon Hoffstadt, Hannah Laing, Holy Priest, Vini Vici, Neelix, Marten Hørger, Will Sparks, Luca-Dante Spadafora, Scooter, and a long list beyond — an impressive mix of international superstars and scene favourites that gives the main stage room to shift moods across the full festival run. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fc/17/fc172a84-607d-4a7d-962d-de07abacaef3/content/images/2026/07/Amelie-Lens_10_ABO25-Jan-Heesen-JHS06307_onlline-2.jpg) ****Photo credit:** Jan Heesen The Arena Stage remains Airbeat One's home of uncompromising techno. Italian duo 999999999 arrive with their analogue live sound, while Charlie Sparks, AZYR, OGUZ, and Paolo Ferrara deliver maximum rave energy. I Hate Models brings the kind of emotional intensity few artists in the scene can match, Clara Cuvé impresses with genre-crossing vinyl sets, and Kobosil — one of the defining names of modern Berlin techno — joins Lee Ann Roberts, Nicolas Julian, Onlynumbers, Fantasm, Domina, Vieze Asbak, and more in turning the Arena Stage into a meeting point for the international techno community. One of the most exciting developments at Airbeat One 2026 is the arrival of the new Forest Area, anchored by a new stage called The Face, dedicated entirely to melodic techno and house. Meduza, Kölsch, Korolova, Innellea, and Wade headline the space — some of the most in-demand names in the genre worldwide — complemented by Layla Benitez, Max Styler, Laura van Dam, Einmusik, HNTR, Pretty Pink, and more. Alongside The Face, the new Festival Plaza hosts Groove Castle, a stage combining modern club sounds, melodic house grooves, and viral scene hits from George Radsport, Justin Tinderdate, Mika Heggemann, Paraçek, Trancemaster Krause, Hannah Laing, Pegassi, and others — a perfectly calibrated soundtrack for the space between festival feeling and club culture. The Terminal Stage handles the current chart hits, festival anthems, and national crowd favourites. ATB — one of the most successful German dance exports of all time — makes his Airbeat One premiere here, joined by Gestört Aber Geil, Niklas Dee, LUNAX, Le Shuuk, AXMO, Die Gebrüder Brett, LIZOT, and more. The Harder Stage, meanwhile, is exactly what its name promises: Angerfist, one of hardcore's biggest icons, leads a bill that includes D-Block & S-te-Fan, Da Tweekaz, Ran-D, Rooler, Sickmode, and Devin Wild for an uncompromising journey through every facet of the harder end of electronic music. On the Second Stage, trance and psytrance take over, with German trance legend Paul van Dyk heading a high-calibre international line-up alongside Andrew Rayel, Ben Nicky, Ace Ventura, Blastoyz, Omiki, Ranji, Ghost Rider, Phaxe, and Fabio Fusco. The expanded Butterfly Stage remains the emotional heartland for fans of dance classics, hands up, and party anthems — Cascada brings her world-famous hits, Alex Christensen presents legendary dance classics in a new guise, and Aquagen, DJ Quicksilver, Special D, Pulsedriver, Da Hool, Starplash, Mia Julia, Die Atzen, Frenzy, and Isi Glück round out a bill built entirely for those moments of pure, uninhibited nostalgia. And in 2026, Airbeat One also launches The Cube — a brand new stage dedicated to the stars of tomorrow, giving promising up-and-coming artists from Germany and Europe a platform that matches the festival's long-standing ambition to not just present the biggest acts of today, but actively develop the talents of the future. Full Weekend Passes are available now at [airbeat-one.de](https://airbeat-one.de/?ref=electronicmusic.org) for €197.99 including all fees, with a Next Generation Ticket for attendees aged 16 and 17 available at €108.90 for all festival days. With ten stages, new areas, expanded camping, and a country theme built into every corner of the site, Airbeat One 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious editions in the festival's history. Neustadt-Glewe in July — start planning. --- ### Marten Hørger delivers the official Parookaville 2026 anthem with "Rave" — and it sounds exactly like its name URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/marten-horger-delivers-the-official-parookaville-2026-anthem-with-rave-and-it-sounds-exactly-like-its-name/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T19:47:49.000Z *A hard, dancefloor-oriented house and tech-house cut, a festival that's become a second home, and a summer that keeps getting bigger for one of Germany's most in-demand producers.* --- When Parookaville commissions an official anthem, it needs to do one thing above everything else: sound like the moment it's soundtracking. With "Rave," Marten Hørger has delivered exactly that. Out now via Kontor Records, the track is built on a club-focused blend of house and tech-house with a hard, dancefloor-oriented beat and the kind of relentless peak-time groove that doesn't ask permission from the room — it just takes it. As the official anthem for Parookaville 2026, it will find its natural home when the festival returns to Weeze Airport on July 17-19, where Hørger will bring it to the stages alongside a lineup that includes Armin van Buuren, Charlotte de Witte, Fisher, The Chainsmokers, Steve Aoki, Boys Noize, Pendulum, and more. This year's edition also marks a first in Parookaville's history: with the World Cup taking place over the festival weekend, screens across the grounds will let attendees move between the dancefloor and the football without missing either — a collision of two entirely different kinds of collective euphoria that somehow feels completely fitting for a festival that has always been about bringing people together around shared intensity. > "Parookaville Festival has become a second home to me over the years. I'm incredibly proud and excited to deliver this year's official anthem." — Marten Hørger "Rave" arrives during one of the most productive and high-profile stretches of Hørger's career. Recent months have seen him move fluidly between solo work and major collaborative projects — from "Arizona" with Robin Schulz to Men Machine, his joint project with David Guetta, announced live on the Quasar stage at Coachella in April 2026\. That range is characteristic of an artist who has spent years building a sound broad enough to operate across very different contexts without losing its identity. DJ Mag simply calls that sound "The Future," and the numbers behind it are hard to argue with: 150 million streams on Spotify, the title of Beatport's most successful Bass House act of all time as of 2022, a place at number 88 in the DJ Mag Top 100, and a consistent ranking inside 1001 Tracklists' list of the 50 most influential electronic artists year after year. His collaborator list — David Guetta, Dillon Francis, Tchami, Apashe, Habstrakt, Sonny Fodera — reads like a map of where house and bass music currently intersect, and his festival résumé, which takes in Tomorrowland's mainstage, EDC's mainstage, Glastonbury, Burning Man, Shambhala, and Fusion, tells you he has long since graduated from promising name to main-stage fixture. "Rave" is the sound of an artist who knows exactly what a festival anthem needs to be — and has the experience to deliver it without breaking a sweat. --- ### Steve Aoki, Ely Oaks, and SACHA collide on "Gravity" — a fitting highlight for Dim Mak's 30th anniversary year URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/steve-aoki-ely-oaks-and-sacha-collide-on-gravity-a-fitting-highlight-for-dim-maks-30th-anniversary-year/ Last updated: 2026-07-03T12:01:40.000Z *Three artists at different stages of their careers, one up-tempo dance-radio record, and a collaboration that came together exactly as naturally as it sounds.* --- Thirty years into running Dim Mak, Steve Aoki has earned the right to be selective about what lands on his label's milestone anniversary. "Gravity," out now and co-produced with Austrian-born, Berlin-based festival force Ely Oaks and featuring Scottish singer-songwriter SACHA, feels like exactly the kind of record a label turns 30 with — an up-tempo, dance-radio-ready track that brings together three artists at genuinely different points in their careers and lets each of them be exactly what they are. For Aoki, a two-time GRAMMY nominee who has already moved through hip-hop and Latin rhythms in 2026 alone — via "Young" with BIA and Destroy Lonely, and a May collaboration with Farruko and Greeicy — "Gravity" adds another dimension to what has already been a busy and deliberately wide-ranging year. The common thread across all of it is Aoki's instinct for pairing his platform with artists who are genuinely on the rise, and on that front, his two collaborators here speak for themselves. > "SACHA brought an incredible song and vocal performance, and Ely's production gave it a huge emotional lift. We all share a love for records that can work both on a festival stage and in your headphones, and this track hits that balance perfectly." — Steve Aoki Ely Oaks arrives at "Gravity" in the middle of a genuinely remarkable stretch. His singles "Running Around" and "Borderline" have together crossed 320 million streams on Spotify alone, he holds the title of TikTok's most-followed DJ in Germany, and his touring calendar this year spans North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia with the kind of relentlessness that suggests demand is running well ahead of supply. His most recent release before "Gravity" was an official remix of Taylor Swift's "Opalite" for Republic Records and UMG — a commission that tells you exactly where his profile currently sits. SACHA, meanwhile, brings a catalogue that has crossed 140 million streams and a 2025 that included collaborations with both Armin van Buuren on "Set Me Free" and Alesso on "Destiny." "Gravity" is her first release of 2026, arriving mid-way through a 16-show run alongside Armin van Buuren that began in February — and it arrives as a record that showcases the kind of vocal and songwriting instinct that has made her a go-to collaborator for some of dance music's most established names. > "Working on this record with SACHA and Steve was such an amazing experience. To me, the record is the perfect blend of our three worlds. I'm really proud of this one." — Ely Oaks > "Getting the chance to work with Steve was a dream in itself. Pairing that with Ely's fresh perspective and infectious energy was the perfect combination. What they both brought to this song made it something truly special." — SACHA What makes "Gravity" work is precisely what all three artists point to when they talk about it: a record designed to function both on a festival stage and in a pair of headphones, with each collaborator's strengths pulling in the same direction rather than against each other. SACHA's songwriting and vocal anchored the track from the start; Ely's production gave it the emotional lift it needed to scale; and Aoki's experience and instinct shaped the whole into something cohesive. For Dim Mak at 30, it's a reminder of what the label has always done best — putting the right people in the same room and getting out of the way. --- ### Inside Nature One 2026: thirty years of rave culture, twenty stages, and a campsite the size of 150 football pitches URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/inside-nature-one-2026-thirty-years-of-rave-culture-twenty-stages-and-a-campsite-the-size-of-150-football-pitches/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T06:40:11.000Z *From July 30 to August 2, the legendary Pydna Missile Base in Kastellaun once again becomes the home of one of Europe's longest-running electronic music festivals.* --- Some festivals are events. Nature One is a place — and from July 30 to August 2, 2026, it returns to the legendary Pydna Missile Base in Kastellaun for another chapter in a history that stretches back three decades. Around 60,000 visitors are expected this year, with more than 350 of the world's leading DJs and live acts performing across 20 stages spanning the full spectrum of electronic music. The headline names alone tell you the scale of the ambition: Fatboy Slim, Paul Kalkbrenner, Sven Väth, Lilly Palmer, and Fantasm sit among the highlights of a line-up that runs far deeper than any single bill could capture. As tradition dictates, the festival officially begins on Thursday evening with the Opening Celebration at the CampingVillage, where around 100 privately hosted camp stages transform the grounds into what is, without much exaggeration, the most extraordinary camping experience in the world. Nature One's story began in August 1995 at Frankfurt-Hahn Airport, where Germany's first major open-air rave drew 13,000 techno pioneers who chose to dance beneath the open sky rather than inside a club. In 1996 the festival relocated to the former Pydna Missile Base, which has remained its home ever since, and by 1997 it had evolved into Germany's first true weekend rave festival with camping built in. The growth from there has been steady and, at points, staggering — the festival hit an all-time attendance record of 72,000 visitors during its 20th anniversary edition, "The Golden 20," in 2014\. Last year, Nature One celebrated its 30th anniversary under the motto "Celebrating30Years" and was subsequently voted Best Event of the Year in the FAZE Mag Readers' Poll — a recognition that reflects not just longevity but a festival that has continued to matter to the people who return to it year after year. > "NATURE ONE represents three decades of authentic rave culture. In 2026, we're once again demonstrating what makes this festival truly unique: a world-class line-up, a camping universe unlike any other, and a community that keeps people coming back year after year." The festival grounds officially open on Friday evening, and the 20 floors that follow showcase essentially every style of electronic music imaginable — techno, house, classics, hardstyle, hard techno, rawstyle, trance, and drum & bass — spread across outdoor stages, massive festival tents, and the former missile bunkers that give the site its singular character. Alongside the four main stages, including the iconic OpenAirFloor and the ten-mast Century Circus tent, the festival's renowned Club Floors deliver a more underground atmosphere, hosted by promoters, labels, and club operators from across Germany and Europe. Airport Würzburg, a fixture of the German techno scene for more than four decades and part of Nature One since 1998, returns this year with OGUZ, Sandra Romina, and Tommy Libera. Bootshaus, consistently ranked among the world's leading electronic clubs, brings two concepts to the site: BLACKLIST for bass music and drum & bass, and LOONYLAND for festival and mainstage sounds, featuring artists including Murdock, Captain Bass, Harris & Ford, AXMO, and Le Shuuk. Face2Face × OST rounds out the floor highlights with a mix of hardgroove, trance, bounce, and modern club sounds from Caiva, Prada2000, Trancestrudel, and DJ Achim Feuervogel. The 2026 line-up reads like a cross-section of where electronic music currently stands. Paul Kalkbrenner brings his celebrated live techno performances, blending melodic depth with driving rhythm; Fatboy Slim, the dance music legend behind timeless records like "The Rockafeller Skank" and "Praise You," continues to ignite festival crowds decades into his career; and Sven Väth, widely regarded as one of techno's founding figures, offers the kind of immersive, carefully crafted set that treats techno as a genuine cultural movement rather than just a genre. Lilly Palmer, shaped by Zurich's underground scene, has become one of the most in-demand peak-time techno artists on the global circuit, while Fantasm has emerged since 2023 as a defining name in hard techno, backed by millions of streams and a place in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs 2025\. Neelix returns as a long-time OpenAirFloor favourite known for surprise CampingVillage appearances, Holy Priest brings his masked, relentless hard techno sets, and I Hate Models blends hard techno, electro, post-punk, and EBM into performances that balance melancholy with euphoria. Alle Farben, with more than two decades in the scene, over two billion streams, and fifteen Top 10 hits, has called Nature One one of his annual highlights, and German cinematic techno duo Schrotthagen round out the bill with the kind of atmospheric, emotionally driven sets that have built their reputation. The complete line-up, featuring all 350-plus artists, is available at [**nature-one.de**](https://nature-one.de/?ref=electronicmusic.org) . But for many who attend, the festival's defining feature isn't a stage at all — it's the CampingVillage. Spanning roughly 100 hectares, an area equivalent to around 150 football pitches, the CampingVillage is where most visitors spend their four days and three nights, and within hours of arrival an entire temporary world takes shape. Up to 100 Camp Floors, built by festival-goers themselves, run their own sound systems for communities of hobby DJs and their crews. Foam cannons, inflatable pools, sofas, and beer pong setups become part of the landscape, and the atmosphere — whether you're celebrating with lifelong friends or people you met an hour earlier — carries a sense of openness and togetherness that has become as much a part of Nature One's identity as the music itself. CampingVillage tickets and accommodation options, ranging from Regular Camping and Silent Camp to Community Camp, are available now at [**nature-one.de**](https://nature-one.de/?ref=electronicmusic.org) . ### Timmy Trumpet lets the feeling lead on "Roses" — and it might be his most personal release yet URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/timmy-trumpet-lets-the-feeling-lead-on-roses-and-it-might-be-his-most-personal-release-yet/ Last updated: 2026-06-26T13:39:03.000Z *A warmer, more emotive side of the Australian icon, a Beatport-topping collaborator, and lyrics that found their moment before the year was ready for them.* --- Timmy Trumpet has never been an artist who does things by halves, but "Roses" catches him doing something different: slowing down enough to let the feeling lead. Out now, the new single is a melodic, club-focused track that steps away from the high-energy sound he's best known for in favour of something warmer and more considered — built for the dancefloor, but carried by emotion rather than force. It's a side of Timmy that has been emerging gradually across his recent output, following "Not A Place" with Ely Oaks and "All My Life" with John Martin and Frank Walker, but "Roses" pushes that emotive turn further than either of those records did. The timing is also unusually personal: Timmy had originally planned the track for later in the year, but moved it forward once its lyrics began to mirror exactly where he finds himself right now, following a newly announced change in both his musical direction and his personal life. That kind of decision — pulling a record closer because it suddenly means more — is not a calculated one, and the track carries that authenticity throughout. > "I was originally planning 'Roses' for the end of the year, but these lyrics reflect exactly how I feel right now so we bumped it up. Since announcing a new music direction and my separation, the love I've felt around the world has been overwhelming and inspiring. Everything really is coming up roses and it's thanks to the fans — so this one is for them." — Timmy Trumpet The collaboration behind "Roses" is one that took its time to arrive at the right moment. Bradeazy — the Beatport-topping producer behind "The Baddest," fresh off sold-out debut shows in LA and New York and with a headline Australia and New Zealand tour ahead — first caught Timmy's ear through his radio show, went on to support him on tour, and spent the better part of a year in conversation with him about making something together. The missing piece was the right voice, and they found it in Richard Judge, a vocalist whose previous work with Robin Schulz signals exactly the kind of melodic, emotionally grounded register "Roses" needed. The three debuted the record live at Timmy's Silo Dallas show before its release — the kind of room-first instinct that tells you everyone involved trusted what they had made. For bradeazy, the record pairs the momentum of one of dance music's fastest rising names with one of its most established. For Timmy, it's something more specific: a song that found its moment ahead of schedule, shaped by a chapter of life that is still unfolding, offered directly to the fans who have shown up for him through it. --- ### Hayden James and Bipolar Sunshine deliver peak-time precision on "For The Girls" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/hayden-james-and-bipolar-sunshine-deliver-peak-time-precision-on-for-the-girls/ Last updated: 2026-06-26T13:22:22.000Z *A lean tech-house groove, a vocal that carries real weight, and a session that finally made everything click — Australia's most-streamed electronic export is back.* --- Some records take a while to find themselves, and "For The Girls" is honest about that. The new single from Hayden James — one of Australia's most successful electronic exports, with over a billion streams across three albums — went through many different versions before a studio session with Bipolar Sunshine and Chris Lorenzo finally brought it into focus. The result, out now via broke Records, is a minimalistic, dancefloor-focused tech-house track that pairs a lean, hook-driven groove with late-night energy built for peak-time floors. It's Hayden's second release on the label following April's "One I Want," and it arrives carried by a vocal from Bipolar Sunshine whose deceptive simplicity does exactly what the best tech-house vocals do — it locks you in without ever overstaying its welcome. Hayden has described his reaction to the finished record as unlike anything he has felt toward an unreleased track before, and listening to "For The Girls," that response makes sense. It has the quality of a record that knows exactly what it is. > "This record went through so many versions, but it all finally came together in a session with Bipolar Sunshine and Chris Lorenzo. I've never had a reaction to an unreleased record like I've had with 'For The Girls' — I'm really excited to put this one out." — Hayden James The collaboration brings together two names whose CVs reach well beyond the dancefloor. Hayden's trajectory as one of Australia's most consistent electronic artists speaks for itself, but Bipolar Sunshine's credits are equally striking from a different angle: a Grammy-winning co-write for Beyoncé and WizKid, and a platinum single alongside DJ Snake — a range that tells you this is a songwriter who moves comfortably across the full spectrum of contemporary music without losing what makes his voice distinctive. That breadth is part of what makes him such a natural fit for a record like "For The Girls," which asks the vocal to do real work inside a deliberately stripped-back production. The groove makes space; the voice fills it. It's a simple formula executed with the kind of confidence that only comes from two artists who've both spent long enough in rooms like this to know exactly when something is finally right. --- ### Magnetised – DJ Sammy’s New Dance Track About a Toxic Attraction URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/magnetised-dj-sammys-new-dance-track-about-a-toxic-attraction/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T21:29:05.000Z *Heartfelt lyrics, modern dance energy, and a hook that pulls you back every time.* --- With his new single "Magnetised," DJ Sammy combines heartfelt lyrics with modern dance energy, telling the story of an intense attraction that remains impossible to resist despite all the warning signs. At its core is a relationship that constantly shifts between closeness, doubt, and loss of control: knowing that it will end painfully, yet still feeling compelled to return. The line "So tell me why I'm magnetised to you" perfectly captures this emotional conflict, making "Magnetised" an emotional dance track with a strong hook and compelling energy. > "So tell me why I'm magnetised to you." — DJ Sammy, Magnetised DJ Sammy is one of the world's most renowned DJs and producers. Having sold more than 20 million records and received numerous awards, he has secured a lasting place in the international dance scene. His breakthrough came in 2001 with "Heaven," a worldwide hit that sold more than two million copies across Europe and Australia. The track reached No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 before climbing to the top of the UK charts in 2002\. His follow-up single "The Boys of Summer" also soared to No. 2 in the UK charts. In addition to his chart success, DJ Sammy has been recognised for his DJ performances and was ranked among DJ Mag's prestigious Top 100 DJs. With "Magnetised," DJ Sammy once again demonstrates his ability to transform powerful emotions into infectious dance productions. The track tells the story of a cycle of attraction, distance, and new beginnings — and makes those emotions tangible through music. --- ### Zuezeu doesn't sit still — and neither does "GO" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/zuezeu-doesnt-sit-still-and-neither-does-go/ Last updated: 2026-06-21T15:03:08.000Z *The Hollywood-based tech-house producer is back with his sharpest, most attitude-driven release yet, and a music video to match.* --- If there's one thing Zuezeu has made clear across his releases, it's that he builds records for rooms that are already moving. "GO" his new single, takes that instinct and sharpens it into something more confrontational and direct than anything he's put out before. A tech-house cut built around a rolling, dancefloor-focused groove and a female urban spoken-word vocal, the track is engineered to keep the floor on its toes — constantly shifting gears rather than locking into a single loop, pairing club-ready energy with an attitude-driven edge that feels made for peak-time. It's a natural step forward from his 2024 debut album *More Life* and the steady run of releases that followed, but it lands with a different kind of confidence: tighter, harder, and less interested in easing anyone in. Following *More Life* and singles like "Girl in the Club" and "Love Is the Rhythm," "GO" signals a sharper creative turn for the Hollywood-based producer — one that feels less like an evolution and more like a statement. The track arrives with a music video that earns its place alongside the music rather than just illustrating it. Shot behind bars with Zuezeu cast as an inmate, the prison setting plays directly off the confrontational tone of "GO" wrapping the record in a visual world that carries the same edge as the groove underneath it. It's a smart creative choice — the kind that tells you an artist is thinking about the whole package rather than just the upload. For Zuezeu, who has spent the years since his 2020 debut building an international fanbase through shows across the US, Asia, and Europe — including a main stage set at EDC Las Vegas 2024 and dates in Tokyo and Seoul — "GO" feels like the record that consolidates everything he has been working toward and points clearly at what's coming next. With nearly 100,000 Instagram followers and a growing global presence, the platform is there. "GO" is the moment he uses it. --- Listen to "GO": ### Lizdek's debut album "DUALITY" turns creative tension into the whole point URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/lizdeks-debut-album-duality-turns-creative-tension-into-the-whole-point/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T14:31:04.000Z *The producer's first full-length confronts the friction between polish and chaos head-on — and the result is some of the hardest, most distinctive work of his career.* --- Most artists try to smooth over their contradictions. Lizdek built an entire album around his. "DUALITY," out now via MONTA Records, is the producer's debut studio album and the follow-up to his 2022 mixtape "Gemini," and it takes a question that has clearly been sitting with him for a while — the tension between the polished, commercial version of his sound and the raw, unfiltered visionary underneath it — and makes that tension the structural core of the record. The result moves between shoegaze, rage rap, and several strains of EDM without ever settling into a single lane, producing a run of hard-hitting tracks that live somewhere between clarity and noise, structure and spontaneity. It's an ambitious idea for a debut album to carry, but Lizdek has spent years building toward exactly this kind of duality, and "DUALITY" feels less like a stylistic experiment than a genuine statement of identity. > "DUALITY is the love triangle I've created between everything I love and have loved in music up until this point. Every track is a negotiation between structure and spontaneity, making for a true outline of my current experiences as an artist and human alike. The album is a mindset; through thick and thin, be exactly who you want to be, no matter how complicated it feels, and regardless of who's watching." — Lizdek The guest list reinforces that range. "HI-FASHION" brings together Ailow, Matt OX, and DJ Smokey; "INSANE" pairs Malixe with Oddly Godly; "Go Back" features SURF; and "MAJKO" features Yandrel — a collaborator roster that pulls from across the rap and bass worlds and mirrors the album's refusal to stay in one place for long. The record arrives on the back of real momentum for Lizdek, including a recent electro house collaboration with Habstrakt on Monstercat and ongoing support for his rework of Skrillex's "Push." That trajectory traces back to the earlier, more intricate and lush sound that first established him in electronic music, before he built a reputation as a regular fixture on Sable Valley with a fiercer, harder-edged side of his production. That duality has run through his catalogue ever since, and "DUALITY" is the first time he's made it the explicit subject of the work rather than just a byproduct of it. Along the way, his music has earned support from an unusually wide range of names across dance music, including Skrillex, Martin Garrix, Marshmello, DJ Snake, Flosstradamus, RL Grime, Four Tet, NGHTMRE, Space Laces, Habstrakt, and Kai Wachi — a list that speaks to how seriously his peers take the work, even as it continues to resist easy categorisation. Lizdek is also building out his live presence this year with a run of US shows, including a back-to-back set with ailow at a Brownies & Lemonade show in Seattle supporting RL Grime, Gryffin, and Wax Motif, alongside dates in San Francisco, Denver, and more still to be announced. "DUALITY" isn't just an album — it's an artist refusing to choose a side, and making the case that he shouldn't have to. --- ### Jaden Bojsen makes his Insomniac Records debut with "Erica" — and it's pure late-night tech-house URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/jaden-bojsen-makes-his-insomniac-records-debut-with-erica-and-its-pure-late-night-tech-house/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T14:23:37.000Z *Rubbery basslines, sparse percussion, and a spoken-word vocal instead of a hook: the LA-based artist's continued shift from pop frontman to dance music producer keeps gaining momentum.* --- Some debuts are loud announcements. "Erica" is the opposite — a stripped-back, late-night tech-house cut that earns its place through restraint rather than spectacle, and that restraint is exactly what makes it land. The track marks Jaden Bojsen's first release on Insomniac Records, arriving via the label's tech-house imprint Gotta Move, and it's built on rubbery basslines, sparse percussion, and squelchy synth textures, with a spoken-word-style vocal carrying the topline in place of a sung hook. It's a record that sits comfortably between tech-house, house, and a harder, urban-leaning edge, with a groove that never settles into one shape for too long — constantly shifting and building rather than looping in place. This is music made for the darker, later end of a set, where rhythm and attitude do the work that melody might do earlier in the night. For an artist whose career began in pop, the choice to lean this hard into texture and groove over hooks says a lot about where Jaden's instincts currently sit. > "My new song 'ERICA' is a fun, energetic House track that feels fresh, exciting, and unlike anything I've released before. While producing it, we had an amazing time in the studio because the vibe was so new and inspiring, yet it still kept that cool, signature energy. It's the kind of record I can easily imagine DJs everywhere playing, bringing people together on dance floors around the world." — Jaden Bojsen "Erica" continues a trajectory that has been building steadily. It follows Jaden's recent collaboration with David Guetta and his solo single "Lighthouse," both clear markers of an artist increasingly at home in dance music after years fronting US boy band New District, with whom he won the Golden Theme 2016 award for most popular boy band from BRAVO magazine. Jaden has also picked up individual recognition at a young age, including a US Teen Choice Award, and has played some of the best nightclubs and festivals across Europe, Asia, and the US, including Ultra Music Festival in Miami. He produces most of his music from his home base in Los Angeles, and his growing social media presence continues to draw attention from audiences well beyond the dance music world. Away from the studio, he finds his balance surfing in Malibu — but as a performer, songwriter, and producer with a genuinely rare range of skills, music remains, in his own words, a way of life. "Erica" is the latest proof of that, and a strong signal of where Jaden Bojsen's sound is headed next. --- ### Robin Schulz and Marten Hørger join forces for "Arizona" — and it lands right as Pacha Ibiza kicks back into gear URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/robin-schulz-and-marten-horger-join-forces-for-arizona-and-it-lands-right-as-pacha-ibiza-kicks-back-into-gear/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T11:07:30.000Z *Two of dance music's most reliable hitmakers meet at peak time, just as Schulz returns to the White Isle for his second consecutive residency season.* --- Some collaborations feel inevitable the moment they're announced, and "Arizona" is one of them. Robin Schulz — the most successful German solo artist of all time — has built his career on records that feel massive without ever feeling forced, and Marten Hørger, dubbed "The Future" by DJ Mag, has spent the last few years becoming one of the most trusted names in club and festival music for exactly the same reason. Out now via Warner Music, "Arizona" is their first official collaboration, though the connection between the two has been building for a while: Hørger delivered an acclaimed remix of Robin & Cyril's "World Gone Wild" back in December 2024, and the chemistry from that pairing clearly stuck. "Arizona" is built around a relentless four-on-the-floor groove with a peak-time punch that feels purpose-built for one room in particular — and as it turns out, that's not a coincidence. The timing here is everything. "Arizona" arrives just as Robin Schulz returns to Pacha Ibiza for his 2026 residency season, which kicked off on May 16 with nine dates running through to a closing date on October 3\. Following his debut residency on the White Isle in 2025, this second season finds Schulz leaning even further into dancefloor territory, and "Arizona" sets the tone for exactly that shift — a track engineered for Pacha's iconic main room, where the energy doesn't build slowly so much as arrive fully formed. For Hørger, the release lands during a genuinely electric stretch: he recently unveiled his new joint project Men Machine with David Guetta, announced live on the Quasar stage at Coachella in April 2026 — a moment that instantly made him one of the most talked-about names in the room. Pairing that momentum with Schulz's Ibiza return makes "Arizona" feel less like a single release and more like a meeting point between two artists operating at the absolute top of their games, at exactly the moment when the dancefloor needs them most. --- Listen to "Arizona": ### Roger Sanchez returns with "Spectrum" — his first album in twenty years, and worth every minute of the wait URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/roger-sanchez-returns-with-spectrum-his-first-album-in-twenty-years-and-worth-every-minute-of-the-wait/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T18:45:54.000Z *A Grammy-winning icon, a six-year labour of love, a triple-vinyl release, and a summer that's about to look very different: the house music legend is back.* --- There are artists who shape a genre, and then there are artists who help define what a genre sounds like to an entire generation of listeners. Roger Sanchez belongs to the second category without question. A Grammy-winning DJ, producer, and label head whose records have moved dancefloors across decades, Sanchez today releases *Spectrum* — his first studio album in twenty years. It has been six years in the making, built across studios and sessions spanning the UK, Spain, and the US, and previewed by three singles that have steadily raised the temperature ahead of today: "Grinnin'" with Fedde Le Grand, "Come My Way," and "Temptation" with Low Steppa featuring Ragdoll. The album's sonic DNA was significantly shaped by time Sanchez spent in Shoreditch, a period that left unmistakable UK summer influences running through the record's fabric. From there, *Spectrum* moves exactly as its title promises — across a full range of sounds, from driving club material and peak-time dancefloor cuts to more emotional, atmospheric moments, with lyrics drawn from Sanchez's own personal experiences rather than the kind of broad, crowd-pleasing abstraction that lesser records default to. The collaborator list is a statement in itself: Melanie C, Kele Le Roc, Chico Castillo, Kelli-Leigh, Carnao Beats, and Donae'O among them — a roster that spans genres, nationalities, and generations, and matches the anticipation that has been building around this record for years. > "I've been working on this for the past six years, so it's definitely a labour of love. This project is about music and frequencies and light: everything from the light to the soulful to the club-ready infrared, the emotionally-weighted ultraviolet. That's what 'Spectrum' is all about for me." — Roger Sanchez One of the album's standout moments is "How Do We Say Goodbye," created with Karen Harding — a vocalist and topliner whose credits include work with MNEK, Armand Van Helden, Rudimental, and Wilkinson, and whose reputation for delivering hooks that stick is well earned. Her vocal on the track brings both an irresistible melodic pull and a genuine sense of nostalgia, rising over a production that moves from trance-like ambience into a powerful, climactic drop — the kind of arc that reminds you why Sanchez built the reputation he has. Beyond the digital release, *Spectrum* arrives on red transparent triple-vinyl from June 26, designed for both the dedicated collector and the working DJ, with a limited-edition signed artcard and a download code for an unreleased bonus track completing the package. Sanchez is also taking the album on the road throughout the summer: his Flower Power residency at Pacha Ibiza brings a rotating cast of special guests from major house names to album collaborators and rising talents, while the wider schedule takes in major European festivals, Hacienda Classical sets across the UK, and appearances at leading clubs across the continent. After twenty years, the wait is over — and *Spectrum* makes clear it was never going to be anything less than worth it. --- ### Justin Hawkes announces "Now or Never" — the Drum & Bass album that refuses to play by anyone else's rules URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/justin-hawkes-announces-now-or-never-the-drum-bass-album-that-refuses-to-play-by-anyone-elses-rules/ Last updated: 2026-06-07T09:41:06.000Z *Twelve interlocking chapters, a Bandcamp-first rollout, and a brand new independent imprint: the American composer is making his most uncompromising statement yet.* --- Four years is a long time to sit with an idea — long enough to let it grow into something you couldn't have planned. Justin Hawkes spent those four years doing exactly that, and "Now or Never," his second album and the follow-up to his 2022 debut *Existential*, arrives as proof that the patience was worth it. Where debut albums announce an artist, second albums define them, and Hawkes has chosen definition on his own terms. Conceived as "Experiential Drum & Bass," the record is twelve interlocking chapters of cinematic storytelling — continuously mixed, loaded with hidden meaning, and designed from the first bar to the last with a level of intentionality that stands in quiet defiance of how most contemporary dance music gets made. The newest single "Stomp" is the latest preview of what's coming: a track that reaches back to the ancestral, ritualistic roots of dance and threads them into a modern, dynamic Drum & Bass framework, as if asking the listener to consider not just what makes them move, but why the instinct to move exists at all. It's an unusual question for a dance record to ask, and that's precisely the point. Hawkes is a softly spoken challenger to both musical and societal norms, and "Now or Never" is his most powerful answer yet to what a Drum & Bass album can — and perhaps should — sound like. > "I wanted every piece of this next album to feel like discovering myself again in a new light, letting go of the pressure to please or do something commercially comfortable in favor of creating nothing but the raw, core memories. Now or Never challenged the concept of my reality, and I am so excited to finally share it." — Justin Hawkes The ambition of the record extends well beyond the music itself. "Now or Never" will land first as a Bandcamp exclusive on July 31 under a Pay-What-You-Want model — a release strategy that is genuinely rare in contemporary dance music, and a deliberate act of trust in the community that has followed Hawkes's work. The full DSP release follows on August 14, giving listeners who care enough to seek it out a two-week window with the album before it opens to the wider world. That dual-window rollout is not a marketing gimmick; it is a statement about where Hawkes places the value of music and who he believes should be first in line to receive it. The album also marks the inaugural release on Drumcaste Collective, his newly launched independent imprint — conceived as the permanent home for his own catalogue and a broader platform that will sign and develop other Drum & Bass voices. Drumcaste Collective will operate as a generative-AI-free label, with a stated mission to champion originality, artist-led storytelling, and music that explores and expresses rather than generalises. In a moment when AI is rapidly reshaping how media gets made and consumed, Hawkes's decision to plant a flag around intentional, fully human creativity feels less like a policy position and more like a defining artistic value — one that runs through every layer of what "Now or Never" is trying to be. Taken together, the album, the imprint, and the rollout mark the arrival of one of the most distinct North American voices currently reshaping the global Drum & Bass conversation. Pay attention. --- Listen to "Stomp": ### LMNT 115 Goes Global With "Final Minutes" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/lmnt-115-goes-global-with-final-minutes/ Last updated: 2026-05-31T15:26:48.000Z The project's most ambitious collaboration yet pairs French Montana and Sofía Reyes on a cinematic dance-pop record that refuses to stay in one lane — and that's precisely the point. --- There's a specific kind of ambition that doesn't announce itself loudly — it just shows up in the choices. The studios you book, the collaborators you call, the year you spend shaping a single song until it says exactly what you need it to say. LMNT 115's "Final Minutes", the project's first single of 2026, is the product of exactly that kind of quiet, disciplined reach. Built across sessions in Australia, Los Angeles, and Mexico, the track brings together two names whose global footprints are hard to overstate: French Montana, the multi-platinum Moroccan-American rapper whose diamond-certified "Unforgettable" became one of the defining crossover records of the last decade, and Sofía Reyes, the Mexican pop force whose collaborations with Jason Derulo, Rita Ora, and Anitta have helped her rack up more than five billion combined streams worldwide. That's not a feature list — it's a statement of intent. "Final Minutes" arrives on the back of LMNT 115's most defining releases to date — work alongside Ky-Mani Marley, GRAMMY winner Daya, and Zak Abel — and signals a project actively accelerating toward something more expansive and, frankly, more interesting. > "It's the start of something I want to lean further into — less about fitting into a genre, and more about creating something that feels global, emotional, and timeless." — LMNT 115 What makes "Final Minutes" land differently from your average pop-rap crossover is the clarity of its emotional core. The track is built around a genuinely compelling concept — that the final minutes of anything are where character gets revealed, where everything gets decided, and where the willingness to keep showing up matters most. Sung primarily in English with bilingual flourishes from Reyes, who contributed a Spanish verse that adds real emotional texture to the record, the song sits at the intersection of cinematic dance-pop and something rawer and more personal. Both artists speak about the track with an intimacy that isn't just promotional polish — Reyes has spoken openly about how the song's message of starting over and pushing through found her at a genuinely difficult chapter in her own life, and that resonance bleeds into the performance. For LMNT 115, the record represents a creative threshold crossed: a year spent in studios across three countries, two worlds pulled together in the same room, and the kind of contrast that makes a release feel genuinely different from anything that came before it. "Final Minutes" isn't just a single — it's a recalibration. And by the sound of it, the trajectory from here only gets bolder. > "The message of 'Final Minutes' resonates with me on a personal level — this opportunity came during a difficult chapter in my life, one where I genuinely felt like I had to start over, push through, and surrender to the discomfort of the unknown." — Sofía Reyes --- Listen to "Final Minutes": ### Denis First's "Rocks & Clay" Is the Dance Music Reality Check We Didn't Know We Needed URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/denis-firsts-rocks-clay-is-the-dance-music-reality-check-we-didnt-know-we-needed/ Last updated: 2026-05-26T20:16:46.000Z There's a particular kind of dance music artist who uses the dancefloor as a mirror rather than an escape — and Denis First is increasingly making the case that he belongs in that category. The Miami-based producer's new single "Rocks & Clay" arrives as a deliberate pivot from the feel-good release energy of his previous track "La La La," swapping euphoria for something grittier, moodier, and a lot more honest. The premise is deceptively simple: a sharp-eyed look at a cultural moment where substance has taken a back seat to metrics, visibility, and the relentless chase for applause. The hook doesn't dress it up — "it's all about the money, it's all about the fame, it's all about the dollars, it's all about the game" — and that plainspoken directness is exactly what makes it hit. Underneath it all, Denis builds a warm, cinematic melodic house groove that feels tailor-made for the late-night drive or the dark dancefloor corner where you suddenly find yourself thinking too clearly. It's the kind of track that earns its atmosphere rather than borrowing it. What's worth noting here is how neatly "Rocks & Clay" fits into the broader picture Denis First has been quietly assembling. This is a producer whose discography runs through Sony, Atlantic, Ultra, Warner, Spinnin', and Universal, whose remixes have touched everyone from Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga to Calvin Harris and Ariana Grande — and who has somehow managed to build that kind of reach without sanding down his edges. Running alongside the music is First Forged, his immersive visual comic series, which signals something important: this is an artist genuinely invested in storytelling across formats, not just a DJ who slaps a concept on a press release. "Rocks & Clay" feels like a natural extension of that creative seriousness — a record that's willing to say something uncomfortable in a genre that often isn't, wrapped in production sharp enough to make you feel it before you've even processed the words. --- Listen to "Rocks & Clay": ### Helsloot brings his world to North America for the first time URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/helsloot-brings-his-world-to-north-america-for-the-first-time/ Last updated: 2026-05-31T15:54:52.000Z *Eleven cities, one debut solo run, and a watershed year already in full swing — the Dutch producer is arriving exactly on schedule.* --- There are artists who build a reputation quietly, record by record, from behind the boards, and then one day they walk out front and the audience is already there. Thomas Helsloot — better known simply as Helsloot — is having that moment, and North America is about to get its first proper taste. This May and June, the Dutch producer lands for an eleven-date headlining solo run across the US and Canada, and it arrives not as a tentative first step but as the centrepiece of what is shaping up to be the defining year of his career. The name might be new to some, but the music isn't: "Because You Move Me," his collaboration with Tinlicker, has quietly racked up over 600 million streams on Spotify alone, earned Platinum certification in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and Gold in Canada, France, and the Netherlands — the kind of slow-burning, cross-border streaming victory that tells you everything about how deeply the record actually connected. After a decade spent shaping sounds from behind the scenes and two years of deliberately sharpening his own artist voice, Helsloot arrives in North America rooted in melodic techno and disco but pulled sideways by hip-hop instincts that give his music a texture you don't often find in this corner of the electronic world. The tastemaker labels that have championed him — Get Physical, Anjunadeep, This Never Happened, Ritter Butzke — form a shortlist that reads like a map of exactly where the music sits: credible, emotive, club-ready, and not easy to box in. > "I've always felt the love from across the ocean. Now I'm getting to play all my songs for the first time in all these incredible places in North America. I'm also bringing lots of new music which makes this tour even more special." — Helsloot What makes this run feel like more than just a touring milestone is the momentum surrounding it. Helsloot heads into these dates fresh off *Body Language Vol. 27*, his 14-track artist mix for Get Physical's iconic series — the kind of commission you don't receive unless a label genuinely believes in where you're headed. His recent single with Beacon, "I Was There," picked up a rework from Booka Shade in April 2026, adding another respected name to the growing list of artists responding to his output. And the tour itself carries a secret weapon: a new single dropping in June 2026, with select North American dates offering audiences their first live taste of unreleased material before it sees a wider release. Earlier this year he supported Tinlicker across Europe; this summer brings first-ever appearances at both Awakenings and Tomorrowland. The trajectory is clear, and the North American tour is not a footnote in that story — it's the chapter you'll want to have been present for. Dates below. Don't wait on the tickets. --- Helsloot's North America Tour: May 15 - Three Top Lounge - Chicago, IL May 16 - Cinemagic Lab - Vancouver, BC May 17 - Newspeak - Montreal, QC May 22 - Zeyzey - Miami, FL May 23 - Tigres De La Noche - Washington, DC May 29 - Kingdom - Austin, TX May 30 - Town Hall Collaborative (Day Show) - Denver, CO May 30 - The Spotlight (Night Show) - Los Angeles, CA Jun 05 - Q Nightclub - Seattle, WA Jun 06 - Halcyon (Day Show) - San Francisco, CA Jun 06 - Quartyard (Night Show) - San Diego, CA ### Timmy Trumpet's "All My Life" is the life-affirming anthem his emotionally driven era has been building toward URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/timmy-trumpets-all-my-life-is-the-life-affirming-anthem-his-emotionally-driven-era-has-been-building-toward/ Last updated: 2026-05-31T16:05:29.000Z *Frank Walker and John Martin join forces with the Australian icon on a track about love at its absolute peak — and the moments that stay with you forever.* --- There's a clear arc forming in Timmy Trumpet's recent work, and "All My Life" is its most powerful point yet. Earlier this year, "Not A Place" with Oaks sat with the quiet ache of personal love lost — an unusually intimate record for an artist whose name is synonymous with festival-sized energy. "All My Life" doesn't abandon that emotional honesty; it answers it. Where the previous record circled around absence, this one is about arrival — the kind of life-defining moment people spend years chasing, the night that changes everything and stays with you long after the music stops. To carry that feeling, Timmy reached for two collaborators who could meet the brief from very different angles. Canadian producer Frank Walker brings an emotive, melodically-driven sensibility honed across his debut album *ORIGIN*, adding a fresh sonic perspective to the record that feels both complementary and genuinely new. And for the vocal, there was only one name: John Martin, the Swedish singer and songwriter whose voice anchored Swedish House Mafia's era-defining anthems "Don't You Worry Child" and "Save the World" — records that didn't just top charts but became the emotional shorthand for an entire generation of dance music fans. Martin connected with the track immediately, and in a key creative move, reworked parts of the lyrics to pull the song beyond Timmy's own personal story and toward something universal: the feeling of finally arriving at what you have been dreaming about. > "My last record 'Not A Place' centred around personal love lost, so I wanted to follow it with the story of that love at its peak. The moment I had been waiting for my whole life. John's ability to capture emotions that last a lifetime really comes through in the record. I couldn't be more proud of how it all turned out." — Timmy Trumpet What makes "All My Life" land as more than a well-executed collaboration is the fact that everyone involved was genuinely invested in the same idea. Frank Walker has spoken about the record as a bucket-list moment — not just working with Timmy, but getting to create something alongside John Martin, an artist whose work with the Swedes helped shape Walker's own musical DNA. That mutual respect bleeds into the track itself, which carries Timmy's instinctive festival energy without ever feeling like a formula. Martin's vocal does what only a handful of voices in this world can do: it takes a feeling that's deeply personal to the people who made the record and makes it feel like it belongs to whoever is listening. That's the difference between a song about a moment and a song that *becomes* the moment — and "All My Life" is clearly aiming for the latter. > "'All My Life' brings together all my favourite things about electronic music; Timmy's anthemic energy, John's powerhouse vocals, and my emotional melodies. Adding in John Martin's incredible voice really took this one next level — I can't wait to share this one with the rest of the world." — Frank Walker --- Listen to "**All My Life**": ### Topic Is on a Roll — and "Sorry Papi" with Becky G Might Be His Biggest Move Yet URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/topic-is-on-a-roll-and-sorry-papi-with-becky-g-might-be-his-biggest-move-yet/ Last updated: 2026-04-28T16:43:28.000Z If you've been paying attention to Topic's release schedule lately, you'll know the German DJ and producer isn't exactly taking a breather. Hot off last month's "Missing You" — a genuinely intriguing cross-genre link-up with Shimza and long-time vocal collaborator A7S that nudged his signature melodic house sound into Afro-tech terrain — Topic is back immediately with something that feels like a gear shift in the best possible way. "Sorry Papi," out April 24 via Universal Music, pairs him with none other than Becky G, the multiplatinum Latina powerhouse whose cultural footprint at this point is practically impossible to overstate. It's a bold, confident step, and the fact that the track is sung entirely in Spanish signals that Topic isn't just chasing a feature here — he's genuinely expanding his sonic world. What makes "Sorry Papi" land so well as a concept is the way it reflects exactly who Becky G is right now. The track is framed as a playful but pointed female empowerment anthem — a refusal to perform for anyone's approval but your own — and it couldn't be better timed. The single drops just one day after Becky G receives the Global Impact Award at the Latin Women in Music ceremony on April 23, a moment that underlines her status as a genuine cultural force, not just a pop star. Fresh off her recent single "MARATHON" on RCA, she arrives here with real momentum. Combine that with Topic's own upward trajectory, and you've got a release with a combined social reach of over 100 million followers behind it from day one. On paper that's a marketing stat, but in practice it means this one is going to travel — and if the music delivers on the promise of that lineup, Topic's 2026 is shaping up to be one for the books. --- Listen to "Sorry Papi": ### Don Diablo Links With East Africa on "Lete Sound" — Music With a Movement Behind It URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/don-diablo-links-with-east-africa-on-lete-sound-music-with-a-movement-behind-it/ Last updated: 2026-04-06T10:22:47.000Z Global electronic music artist **Don Diablo** releases "**Lete Sound**," a fresh **Afro** house collaboration infused with his signature futuristic production style. The track creates an international platform for **Tanzanian** singer **Ben Pol** and **Kenyan** rapper **Juliani**. Blending **Afro** house rhythms with **East African** musical influences, it symbolizes unity, optimism, and cultural exchange. The release also marks the beginning of Don **Diablo**'s support for **Restore Local** \- a growing movement championing locally led ecosystem restoration across **Africa**. Earlier in his career, he supported youth-focused initiatives such as **Dance4Life**, contributing to **HIV/AIDS** awareness. More recently, he partnered with **JustDiggit** on the "**Stream To Regreen**" campaign, releasing a track with **Ty Dolla $ign** where streaming revenues directly supported landscape restoration projects. "**Restore Local**" supports **Africa**'s broader ambition to restore degraded landscapes at scale, contributing to climate resilience, biodiversity recovery, and stronger local economies. The single is the first in a forthcoming three-track **EP**, "**Restore Local Sessions**", through which **Don Diablo** aims to amplify awareness and engagement around restoration by connecting global audiences to local action on the ground. The release of "**Lete Sound**" also represents a creative side quest for **Don Diablo**, as his focus shifts toward his forthcoming studio album "**FLUX**", while **Restore Local** forms part of his philanthropic focus for 2026\. The album was recently introduced with the launch of "**Go Home With A Stranger**," his collaboration with **Wiz Khalifa** and **Chri$tian Gate$**. More than a musical release, "**Lete Sound**" marks a new chapter in connecting global culture with local restoration efforts, using sound and storytelling to build momentum behind a movement already reshaping landscapes across the continent. --- ### Timmy Trumpet Goes to a Deeper Place — And It Might Be His Best Work Yet URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/timmy-trumpet-goes-to-a-deeper-place-and-it-might-be-his-best-work-yet/ Last updated: 2026-03-30T19:05:36.000Z **After six months of silence and a period of real personal upheaval, one of dance music's most recognizable forces returns with something he's never quite shown before: genuine vulnerability.** There's a version of Timmy Trumpet that the world already knows intimately — the horn-wielding, festival-conquering force of nature whose records are practically engineered for the kind of moments where 80,000 people lose their minds in unison. That Timmy isn't going anywhere. But "Not A Place," his first release in over six months and arguably his most significant in years, makes the case that there's considerably more going on beneath the spectacle. The six-month pause wasn't writer's block or scheduling — it was deliberate, a conscious step back to reassess both his sound and what he actually wanted to say with it. The timing is inseparable from the context: Timmy recently confirmed his separation from a long-term partner of over a decade, a rupture that has quietly reshaped the emotional DNA of everything he's been building toward. What emerges from that period isn't a stripped-back acoustic pivot or a clean-slate rebrand — it's still unmistakably a Timmy Trumpet record, layered harmonised horns and large-scale energy intact — but this time there's a weight behind it that hits differently. Heartbreak, absence, emotional exposure: the feelings are real, and they land that way. The choice of collaborator here is anything but incidental. Oaks is the project of Swedish singer-songwriter Winona Oak, an artist who has quietly built one of the most impressive feature résumés in electronic music — credits alongside Martin Garrix, Tiestö, Robin Schulz, The Chainsmokers, and BUNT. among them — and whose voice carries a particular kind of haunted clarity that's hard to manufacture. On "Not A Place," that vocal doesn't just sit on top of the production; it anchors the whole thing, giving the track an emotional centre of gravity that earns every sonic escalation around it. Timmy himself has been disarmingly open about what that collaboration meant in practice: *"Winona was able to capture what I was going through in real life with a level of depth and sensitivity that's incredibly rare. What she's done with 'Not A Place' is pure poetry."* That's not the language of a satisfied artist ticking boxes on a press release. That's someone describing a creative relationship that genuinely reached something. What makes "Not A Place" a marker rather than just a single is the intent behind it. Timmy has been explicit that this isn't an isolated moment of emotional candour — it's a statement of direction. *"This is the most vulnerable I've ever felt sharing my music with the world. Everything I release this year, every lyric, every beat, every record, is coming from a real place. It's personal, and it's probably not what people expect."* In a corner of music where emotional depth is often treated as a liability — where the safest move is always the loudest move — that kind of declaration takes a certain confidence. But Timmy Trumpet has never really been short of that. The question his next chapter answers is whether the audience that came for the energy will follow him somewhere more interior. On the evidence of this record, they'd be missing something if they didn't. Listen to "Not A Place": **Timmy Trumpet**'s forthcoming dates: Apr 17 – **Electric Mountain Festival** – Sölden, Austria Apr 17 – **Fun Radio Ibiza Experience, Accor Arena** – Paris, France Apr 18 – **Mosaic Festival** – Barcelona, Spain Apr 25 – **Azteca Estudios** – Mexico City, Mexico May 01-03 – **Landstreff Stavanger** – Norway May 02 – **Duplex** – Prague, Czech Republic May 15 – **The Salt Shed** – Chicago, IL, USA May 22 – **Marquee** – New York, NY, USA May 23 – **The Ritz Ybor** – Tampa, FL, USA May 29 – **SILO** – Dallas, TX, USA May 30 – **Marquee Dayclub** – Las Vegas, NV, USA Jun 04 – **Hakkasan Nightclub** – Las Vegas, NV, USA Jun 07 – **Moorea Festival** – La Chapelle-Blanche-Saint-Martin, France Jun 10 – **Ushuaia** – Ibiza, Spain Jun 12 – **ING Silesia Beats** – Chorzów, Poland Jun 26 – **Garorock Festival** – Marmande, France ### Toneshifterz Returns With "Ravers Revolution" — A Recalibration More Than a Comeback URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/toneshifterz-returns-with-ravers-revolution-a-recalibration-more-than-a-comeback/ Last updated: 2026-03-23T20:07:18.000Z Fifteen-plus years deep into the harder styles movement and Toneshifterz is still asking the right questions. "Ravers Revolution" arrives not as a victory lap or a nostalgia exercise, but as something rarer and more interesting — a genuine creative reckoning. The album was born out of reflection: listening back to early productions, recognizing threads that had never fully been pulled, and realizing that the sound he's chasing now was quietly embedded in his work all along. What's changed is the clarity and the craft to execute it. The premise is sharp and the timing feels right. Hardstyle has pushed itself toward maximum extremity over the past decade — more explosive, more intense, more everything — and Toneshifterz isn't rejecting any of that. He's simply asking what got left behind in the process, specifically the sense of continuous movement, of living inside the energy rather than just bracing for the drop. "Ravers Revolution" is his answer. The album makes that argument through its collaborations as much as its production choices. "Clarity," reimagined alongside Darren Styles, layers euphoric melodic work over high-energy foundations — a pairing that makes sense on paper and delivers on it in practice. "Harder Styles United," the official anthem for Knockout Outdoor 2025, does exactly what a genre-uniting mainstage record needs to: it commands the space without alienating anyone. "Body Move" with TwinTigerz channels the kind of peak-time dancefloor intensity that younger producers are bringing to the scene right now, while "Give It All" — a collaboration with Brennan Heart under their new joint project "Project Zeitgeist" — earns its place as the album's centrepiece. That track distils the genre-fusing ambition of the whole project into a single statement: the blend of early hardstyle's drive, hard techno's flow, and the emotional explosiveness that harder styles has always done best. Toneshifterz puts it plainly himself: "This album isn't about chasing trends, it's about the genesis of this 'new' sound which was something I already started long ago." That framing matters, because it repositions "Ravers Revolution" as an act of trust rather than reinvention — trust in instinct, in muscle memory, in the raw connective tissue between where he started and where the culture is heading. The revolution in the title isn't a declaration of war on the genre's identity; it's a challenge to its formula, a reconnection with what made harder styles culture magnetic in the first place. For an artist navigating the weight of a fifteen-year legacy while genuinely pushing forward, that's a difficult line to walk. On this album, Toneshifterz walks it with conviction. Listen to "**Ravers Revolution**": [I AM HARDSTYLE](https://soundcloud.com/iamhardstyle?ref=electronicmusic.org "I AM HARDSTYLE") · [Toneshifterz - Ravers Revolution (Album)](https://soundcloud.com/iamhardstyle/sets/toneshifterz-ravers-revolution?ref=electronicmusic.org "Toneshifterz - Ravers Revolution (Album)") ### Don Diablo Announces "FLUX" Album With Wiz Khalifa-Featuring Single "Go Home With A Stranger" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/don-diablo-announces-flux-album-with-wiz-khalifa-featuring-single-go-home-with-a-stranger/ Last updated: 2026-03-22T11:11:02.000Z Don Diablo has never been the kind of artist who announces something quietly, and "Go Home With A Stranger" is no exception. Out March 20, the new single pairs him with Wiz Khalifa and Chri$tian Gate$ in a collaboration that simultaneously drops the first official signal of his forthcoming studio album "FLUX" — the third and closing chapter of an album trilogy that started with "FUTURE" and continued through "FOREVER". It's a loaded release in the best possible way: a track that functions as both a standalone statement and the opening move in a larger story. The Don Diablo sonic fingerprint is unmistakably there, but bringing Wiz into the picture stretches the frame in a direction that feels genuinely fresh rather than forced. These are two artists with devoted, distinct fanbases, and when the chemistry works — which it does here — the crossover stops feeling like a feature and starts feeling like a meeting of equals. What gives the release its real weight, though, is the context Don has been building around it. Last year's collaboration with Nelly Furtado already hinted that he was operating in a wider creative headspace, and his CONTROL ALT DΞLETΞ project showed a willingness to push deep into drum & bass territory — serious genre exploration, not just aesthetic tourism. "Go Home With A Stranger" absorbs all of that restless curiosity without losing the thread that's always made Don's music immediately identifiable. He describes "FLUX" as a bridge between the world his listeners already know and the one he's stepping into, and you can feel exactly that tension in the single — reflective in its emotional undercurrent, forward-looking in its construction. It's the sound of an artist who has spent real time with a record, and it shows. Don himself hasn't been shy about what this moment means to him, and the conviction behind his words lands differently when the music backs it up. "This song feels like a bridge between the Don Diablo world you've known and the one I'm stepping into," he says, "past and future colliding in sound and spirit." That's not just album-cycle talk — it maps directly onto what "FLUX" appears to be: a closing statement on a trilogy that has charted his artistic evolution across three distinct eras, and a simultaneous opening onto whatever comes next. With "Go Home With A Stranger" setting the tone, the appetite for the full album is already there. Don Diablo has spent years proving he can hold a room; now he's making the case that he can hold an entire era. Listen to "Go Home With A Stranger": ### Jaden Bojsen Drops "Lighthouse (The Sound Of Ammolite)" — And It's a Statement URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/jaden-bojsen-drops-lighthouse-the-sound-of-ammolite-and-its-a-statement/ Last updated: 2026-03-22T10:28:47.000Z There's a particular kind of artist who never quite fits the box you try to put them in, and Jaden Bojsen is starting to feel like one of them. Fresh off last month's collaboration with David Guetta on "Upside Down" — a pairing that turned more than a few heads in the dance music world — the Los Angeles-based DJ and producer is already back with "Lighthouse (The Sound Of Ammolite)", a new solo single that dropped March 20\. The quick turnaround isn't just impressive logistically; it signals something more deliberate. Where "Upside Down" was a co-sign moment, a chance to stand next to one of electronic music's biggest names and hold his own, "Lighthouse" pulls the camera back to Jaden alone — and what you see is an artist with a clear and confident sense of direction. The timing couldn't be more calculated either. "Lighthouse" makes its live debut at the season opening of Europa-Park on March 25, one of Europe's most iconic entertainment destinations and the continent's second-largest theme park resort after Disneyland Paris. It's the kind of stage that demands spectacle and rewards artists who can blur the line between club energy and mainstream appeal — exactly the territory Jaden seems increasingly at home in. Pairing a new record with that kind of platform isn't luck; it's the move of someone who understands how to build momentum and make a release land beyond just the streaming numbers. What makes Jaden's story genuinely interesting, though, is how unconventional the road here has been. Before the DJ bookings, before the Guetta collabs and the Green Velvet remixes, Jaden was the frontman of New District, a US boy band that earned serious teen-era recognition — including the Golden Theme award from BRAVO magazine in 2016 as the most popular boy band of the year, alongside a US Teen Choice Award. That kind of background tends to get written off in dance music circles, but in Jaden's case it's arguably his edge. He knows how to perform, how to connect with a crowd, and how to make music that crosses over. His later studio work with Birdy only reinforces that instinct for melody and emotional range, sitting comfortably alongside his club-minded productions. Not many producers carry that full spectrum, and fewer still know how to deploy it with this kind of timing. Between his Ultra Music Festival appearances, his growing social media reach, and a lifestyle split between LA's studio culture and surfing in Malibu, Jaden Bojsen has quietly assembled the profile of an artist built for a wider spotlight. "Lighthouse (The Sound Of Ammolite)" feels like the release where those threads start to pull together in a meaningful way — polished enough for the big rooms, personal enough to actually say something. If "Upside Down" introduced him to a new audience, "Lighthouse" is the track that tells them who he actually is. The breakout moment, if it hasn't already arrived, is starting to feel inevitable. --- Listen to "Lighthouse (The Sound Of Ammolite)": ### Topic, Shimza & A7S on "Missing You" — 2026's Most Unexpected Dance Crossover Is Also One of Its Best URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/topic-shimza-a7s-on-missing-you-2026s-most-unexpected-dance-crossover-is-also-one-of-its-best/ Last updated: 2026-03-31T20:36:42.000Z **When a multi-platinum hitmaker and a genre-defining Afro-tech pioneer end up in the same session, the results tend to speak for themselves.** Few would have called this one. Topic — whose track record of emotionally charged, radio-shaping dance productions has quietly made him one of the most reliable architects of the modern mainstream sound — and Shimza, the South African DJ and producer who has spent years both pushing Afro-tech to its forward edge and expanding its cultural footprint through his Kunye universe, aren't an obvious pairing on paper. And yet "Missing You," out March 13 via Helix Records and Universal Germany, earns that surprise entirely. Arriving as Topic's first release of 2026, the track bridges peak-time impact and late-night tension in a way that could only come from two producers who understand both registers deeply — Topic bringing the melodic weight and emotional architecture that has underpinned some of dance music's biggest crossover moments, Shimza bringing the rhythmic complexity and cultural texture that continues to set his productions apart. Completing the picture is A7S, the voice behind global anthems like "Breaking Me" and "Your Love (9PM)," whose delivery here provides exactly the kind of emotionally anchored centrepiece a record like this needs. His is a voice that carries its own kind of gravity, and on "Missing You," he uses it precisely. What makes the release more than a one-time alignment is the context around it. Shimza arrives on the back of a hot run of Helix-linked releases, and "Missing You" takes that momentum up a notch — one of his most high-profile collaborations to date, arriving just as he prepares to bring his Shimza&Co concept to Miami during Miami Music Week, a setting that should feel tailor-made for a record that operates at exactly this kind of intersection. More significantly, this isn't where the Topic-Shimza story ends. The two are already deep into further joint material set to surface later in 2026, which reframes "Missing You" less as a standalone crossover experiment and more as the opening statement of a genuine creative partnership. In a landscape where unexpected pairings often exist purely for the press cycle, that's a meaningful distinction — and a reason to pay close attention to whatever comes next. --- Listen to "Missing You": ### How a TikTok Scroll Became "Girl In Ibiza" — WITH U and Joshua Baraka's Unlikely Origin Story URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/how-a-tiktok-scroll-became-girl-in-ibiza-with-u-and-joshua-barakas-unlikely-origin-story/ Last updated: 2026-03-31T20:29:45.000Z **A studio clip, a late-night DAW session, and a platform reply that turned into one of 2025's most irresistible cross-continental collabs.** If there's a more honest encapsulation of how music gets made in 2025 than this, it's hard to think of one. Hamburg duo WITH U were doing what most of us do in the evening — aimlessly scrolling TikTok — when a studio clip from Ugandan breakout Joshua Baraka stopped them cold. The melody he was humming, offhand and apparently unplanned, had that thing: the instant-lock quality that separates a topline from a great topline. Rather than simply double-tapping and moving on, WITH U did something about it — opened their DAW that same night, built a production around the vocal fragment, and posted their take back to the platform as a reaction. Joshua saw it, loved it, and what could have been a fleeting moment of internet appreciation became a genuine creative partnership and, as of this Friday March 13 via German imprint Crash Your Sound, an official release. *"What started as a random scroll turned into 'Girl in Ibiza,'"* the duo said — and somehow that sentence is both completely mundane and kind of miraculous at the same time. What makes the story more than just a good anecdote is that the record itself holds up to it. "Girl In Ibiza" doesn't sound like a track that was assembled across timezones via social media DMs — it sounds like something built in a room where everyone was already vibing. Joshua's vocal is warm and immediately ownable, carrying that quality where you feel like you've heard it before even on the first listen, while WITH U's production slots in around it with the kind of melodic, groove-led confidence that speaks to years of understanding how a record needs to feel rather than just sound. The result lands somewhere between sunlit escapism and genuine emotional pull — easy enough to soundtrack an open-air terrace set, but grounded enough to travel beyond it. Joshua put it simply: *"It felt fresh, it felt right."* Sometimes the most accurate critical assessments come from inside the studio. There's also something worth noting about what this collaboration represents beyond the song itself. The collision of European electronic textures and East African warmth isn't a novelty here — it's the point, and it works precisely because neither artist is stretching to meet the other. WITH U bring the melodic architecture of Hamburg's club-leaning production scene; Joshua brings an instinctive vocal presence that has been turning heads well beyond Uganda's borders. Neither element flattens the other. The Ibiza reference in the title could easily read as a marketing shortcut — sun, escapism, the universal dance music shorthand — but in context it earns its place, capturing the effortless, carefree pull of a record that genuinely sounds like it arrived fully formed on a warm evening when no one was trying too hard. In an era of calculated cross-genre moments, "Girl In Ibiza" has the rare quality of feeling entirely uncontrived. That tends to be the difference between a record people stream and one they actually remember. --- Listen to "Girl In Ibiza": ### Bitwig Studio 6 Is Here — And It's the Update Your Workflow Has Been Waiting For URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/bitwig-studio-6-is-here-and-its-the-update-your-workflow-has-been-waiting-for/ Last updated: 2026-03-23T20:28:14.000Z Bitwig has always had a reputation for thinking differently about how a DAW should work, and Studio 6 doubles down on that philosophy in all the right places. The headline addition is a completely overhauled automation experience — and for anyone who's spent time wrestling with automation curves in any DAW, this one lands hard. The new Automation Mode gives you direct, intuitive access to your curves, while improved gestures, spread and hold behaviors, and full automation clip support bring the whole system in line with how Bitwig already handles audio and note clips. That last part is the real leap: being able to set independent loop points, slide contents in time, and stretch automation clips the same way you'd treat any other clip in the session fundamentally changes how expressive and flexible your arrangements can be. It's the kind of feature that sounds incremental until you actually use it, and then you can't imagine going back. The structural and compositional tools in Studio 6 are equally worth paying attention to. Clip aliases are a genuinely smart addition — drag a clip as an alias instead of duplicating it, and any edit you make to one instance ripples across every version of that pattern instantly. For anyone building music with evolving loops and repeated sections, that's a workflow game-changer. The project-wide key signature system is another one to flag: it feeds directly into the piano roll, drives six note-shifting devices, and can be modulated or automated across your entire project, which opens up interesting possibilities for key-aware composition that most DAWs still don't handle this elegantly. Pair that with improved Expression editing and the ability to select and edit multiple clips simultaneously in the Detail Editor Panel — with note and audio lanes displayed side by side — and Studio 6 is clearly pushing toward a more unified, less fragmented editing experience across the board. And then there's the interface itself, which has been quietly but meaningfully refined throughout. Tweakable grid appearance, dynamic track headers, smoother navigation — none of these are headline features, but they're the kind of polish that adds up over a long session and makes the difference between a tool that drains your energy and one that gets out of your way. Bitwig Studio 6 is available now, and it's free for all Bitwig Studio, Producer, Essentials, and 8-Track users with an active Upgrade Plan as of August 27, 2025\. If your plan is current, there's genuinely no reason not to jump in. [Releases](https://www.bitwig.com/previous%5Freleases/?ref=electronicmusic.org) ### James Hype Resurfaces a Ten-Year-Old Demo and Turns It Into His Next Big Record URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/james-hype-resurfaces-a-ten-year-old-demo-and-turns-it-into-his-next-big-record/ Last updated: 2026-03-23T20:39:14.000Z There's a particular kind of confidence in releasing a song that's been sitting on a hard drive since 2016, and James Hype has earned every bit of it. "Be Mine," out March 6th, is the follow-up to last year's "Waterfalls" — a track that racked up over 500,000 daily Spotify streams, pushed toward 100 million total plays, and cracked the UK Top 50 while cementing Hype's profile well beyond the dance music bubble. The new single was originally recorded with Daecolm nearly a decade ago, but it took the momentum of "Waterfalls" and a fresh set of ears to bring it back to life in the right way. The result is something that feels both considered and inevitable: a track built around a powerful vocal hook, club-ready synths, and the kind of melody that lodges itself somewhere deep and refuses to leave. Over 6,000 pre-release TikTok creations before the thing even officially dropped suggests the instinct to revisit it was the right call. What makes "Be Mine" interesting as a follow-up is how deliberately it shifts register. Hype built his reputation on live energy — no pre-recorded sets, everything performed in the moment, a commitment to the live format that's genuinely rare in a scene where laptop performances dominate. "Waterfalls" channelled some of that kinetic forward momentum. "Be Mine" is quieter in its ambitions, more patient, a story of longing rather than release. It's a smart move for an artist with 3 billion combined streams and 6 million social media followers, because it shows range rather than repetition. The production is precise in the way that Hype's work consistently is — nothing wasted, everything placed — but the emotional core here is given more room to breathe than you might expect from one of electronic music's most high-octane live performers. The timing of the release also feeds into a bigger picture that's shaping up to be a serious year for Hype. He and MEDUZA will co-headline their OUR HOUSE residency at Hï Ibiza from May 27th through September 30th, one of the most coveted slots in the Ibiza calendar and the kind of booking that reflects where he sits in the global dance music landscape right now. "Be Mine" arrives as the opening statement of that build-up — a single designed to connect across streaming platforms and social feeds while still holding up on a proper soundsystem. For an artist who has spent years proving he can do both, that balance is becoming his signature. Listen to "Be Mine": ### Ely Oaks Remixes Taylor Swift — And Opens 2026 Like He Means It URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/ely-oaks-remixes-taylor-swift-and-opens-2026-like-he-means-it/ Last updated: 2026-03-05T10:32:24.000Z **From 280 million combined streams to an official Republic Records release, the Berlin-based Austrian is moving at a pace that's hard to ignore.** Some artists have a breakout year. Ely Oaks had a breakout *campaign*. The Austrian-born, Berlin-based producer spent 2025 methodically building one of the more convincing cases in dance music — not through hype cycles or algorithmic luck, but through records that actually stuck. "Running Around" is closing in on 150 million Spotify streams. "Borderline" is already past 130 million. Combined, that's north of 280 million plays on a platform where most artists never sniff those numbers on a single track. He closed the year with more high-profile moves — a remix of James Hype's "Waterfalls" and a headline collab with Elle King on "Ex's & Oh's" — and then, in case anyone needed further confirmation that 2026 was going to operate on a different level entirely, came the announcement that would have any producer doing a double-take: an official Ely Oaks remix of Taylor Swift's recent single "Opalite," out via Republic Records and Universal Music Group, landing globally on Spotify February 20th. That's not a fan edit. That's not a SoundCloud rip. That's one of the most powerful music labels on the planet handing you the keys. On the remix itself, Ely has been refreshingly candid about the pressure — and the process. *"The moment you get the task to remix a Taylor Swift single is very special. Firstly it's a huge honor, secondly you sit there and realise that this needs to be perfect. It's easy to overthink here, I threw away a lot of the initial ideas. It's a very big challenge to add something to a song that's already so great. It took a few tries to finally get something that actually felt like a spark to me. Extremely happy that the end product made it to the official EP and so excited to hear what all of the fans think about it!"* That kind of honesty is rare, and it says something about where Ely sits as an artist right now — confident enough in his craft to admit vulnerability, and disciplined enough to keep scrapping drafts until the idea earned its place. The result is a remix that doesn't try to compete with the original so much as carve out its own emotional lane within it, which is exactly the right instinct when you're working with source material that carries that kind of cultural weight. The timing, intentional or not, is immaculate. The "Opalite" remix dropped just days before Ely kicked off his North American tour on February 27th — a run that's already selling out across Boston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Denver, Vancouver, Calgary, and beyond. Before even hitting the States, he spent the first half of February in Australia, playing Dreamstate festivals and sweeping through Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane with the kind of international itinerary that signals an artist operating on a genuinely global footing. That North American run now has the kind of release moment behind it that most touring artists can only dream of — a major-label drop on a major artist's project, arriving right as the tour machine fires up. For Ely Oaks, 2026 isn't a new chapter so much as a logical escalation. The streams were already there. The credibility was already built. Now the platform is catching up. Listen to "Opalite (Ely Oaks Remix)": ### Jaden Bojsen & David Guetta Turn Diana Ross Upside Down — And It Works URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/jaden-bojsen-david-guetta-turn-diana-ross-upside-down-and-it-works/ Last updated: 2026-03-05T10:23:28.000Z **When two proven hit-makers reunite with a 1980 classic in their hands, the result is exactly the kind of floor-filling moment dance music lives for.** If you were tracking the stream counts late in 2024, you already know what Jaden Bojsen and David Guetta can do together. Their collaboration "Let's Go" quietly became anything but quiet — racking up over 200 million Spotify streams and cementing a creative chemistry that felt too good to leave as a one-off. So when the two reunited for "Upside Down," their follow-up built around Diana Ross' timeless 1980 classic, the anticipation was real. What they've delivered is a crisp, club-engineered tech-house rework that doesn't just borrow the source material's magic — it reconstructs it entirely for 2026 dancefloors. Rather than leaning on nostalgia as a crutch, Jaden and Guetta tighten the groove, strip back the sentimentality, and let that instantly recognizable vocal do what it's always done best: pull you in. The result sits in a lane that feels genuinely fresh for Guetta, whose recent output has increasingly flirted with the more underground-leaning end of the spectrum, while still carrying the undeniable hallmark of what makes this duo click when they're locked in together. What makes Jaden Bojsen's rise in dance music so compelling is how unconventional the road here actually was. Before stepping fully into his producer era — before the DJ sets at Ultra Music Festival Miami, before the 4 billion-plus TikTok views, before the credits alongside Birdy and the remix for Green Velvet — he was the frontman of New District, a US boy band that earned BRAVO's Golden Theme 2016 as the country's most popular act in the genre, plus a US Teen Choice Award to go with it. That performer-songwriter instinct didn't disappear when he pivoted to production; it sharpened it. Now based in Los Angeles, where he splits his time between the studio and surfing sessions in Malibu, Jaden brings a rare dual fluency to his work — the emotional intelligence of someone who has stood onstage in front of thousands, combined with the technical ear of a producer who understands exactly how to engineer a moment. That combination is not as common in dance music as you might think. "Upside Down" is, at its core, a masterclass in knowing what not to touch. The Diana Ross vocal carries four-plus decades of cultural weight, and lesser producers would either over-engineer around it or bury it in the mix trying to prove a point. Jaden and Guetta do neither — they let it breathe, frame it in a taut, driving tech-house arrangement, and trust the listener to feel that collision between the timeless and the contemporary. It's nostalgic at its core but engineered for peak-time. And in an era where so much dance music either chases pure novelty or leans too heavily on heritage, finding that balance is the real flex. This one lands on the right side of both. --- Listen to "Upside Down": ### Mike Williams and Oaks Channel Raw Emotion Into Festival Anthem "Better Now" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/mike-williams-and-oaks-channel-raw-emotion-into-festival-anthem-better-now/ Last updated: 2026-01-31T18:31:36.000Z There's a special kind of magic that happens when a studio session transcends the usual professional rhythm and becomes something genuinely cathartic. For Mike Williams and Oaks, "Better Now"—their new single dropping January 30, 2026 via Be Yourself Music—was born from exactly that kind of moment. Created during a writing session in Stockholm with songwriter Max Adrian, the track represents one of those rare creative alignments where the energy, the conversation, and the music all locked in at once. The Dutch producer has been teasing it relentlessly in his live sets, most notably at his sold-out ADE event "Storylines," where early plays sparked the kind of crowd reaction that makes DJs instantly know they've got something special. "This track was born during one of the best writing sessions I've ever had," Mike Williams explains. "Everything just clicked - the energy, the conversations, the songwriting. We've made a lot of music together, but this one felt different from the start. I've teased it in my sets for a long time, and people went absolutely crazy every time, both live and online. That's why this track means so much to me." For Oaks, the song carries even deeper weight. "'Better Now' was written with Mike during a time when everything felt emotionally heavy for me," they share. "We let the song sit in the discomfort - the weight of loving someone you can't fix and the quiet strength it takes to finally walk away. Performing it acoustically at ADE was a truly special moment, and I'm so happy to finally share this one with the world." That emotional core—the idea of loving someone you can't save, and the bittersweet relief that comes with finally letting go—gives "Better Now" a narrative depth that transcends typical festival fare. What makes the track compelling is how it manages to exist in two spaces at once: intimate enough to resonate on a personal level, yet anthemic enough to unite thousands of people on a festival field. Mike Williams has always had a gift for blending heartfelt songwriting with his signature melodic sound, but here the balance feels particularly refined. The track doesn't shy away from the hurt; instead, it transforms it into something uplifting, a reminder that sometimes moving forward is the strongest thing you can do. With "Better Now," Mike Williams and Oaks have crafted something that feels both timely and timeless. It's a snapshot of a specific emotional moment, but it's also a reminder that the most powerful music often comes from the most vulnerable places. And judging by the crowd reactions we've already seen, they're not the only ones who needed to hear it. --- Listen to "Better Now": ### LE YORA Build Their Own Universe Ahead of Coachella With Radiohead Rework URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/le-yora-build-their-own-universe-ahead-of-coachella-with-radiohead-rework/ Last updated: 2026-02-01T09:00:29.000Z With a Coachella 2026 slot already locked in, LE YORA are arriving at the start of the year as something more expansive than your typical DJ-producer project. This is a three-artist collective—SOMMA, JEWELS, and YUMA—building a self-contained creative world that spans music, design, fashion, and visual art. Their distinct backgrounds shape everything they do: YUMA and SOMMA bring Germany's precision, meticulous planning, and deep club culture, while JEWELS injects an American perspective rooted in pop, rap, and street-level energy. The result is a sound and identity that pulls from different worlds at once, balancing underground weight with broader cultural references, structure with instinct. What makes it work is that it all feels intentional, authored, lived-in—like they're not just making dance music, they're building an entire aesthetic language. Connected first through Discord, the trio have built their momentum entirely organically, bypassing the standard underground label circuit in favor of developing LE YORA as its own universe. Music, visuals, and creative direction aren't treated as separate components here—they're one language. Their aesthetic draws as much from rock attitude and hip-hop storytelling as it does from fashion and streetwear silhouettes, shaping not only what they play but how they move, dress, design, and communicate. They shoot, direct, and edit their own music videos, design their own magazines and artworks, and are currently developing a clothing line that extends their world beyond sound. It's the kind of multidisciplinary approach that feels rare in electronic music, where most artists hand off creative control to outside teams. On January 30, 2026, they release "EVERYTHING IN ITS RIGHT PLACE"—a house/tech-house rework of Radiohead's iconic original—reconnecting with singer-songwriter MAGNUS (a former part of the LE YORA orbit) for a new version built for the dancefloor without losing the song's hypnotic weight. "Together with MAGNUS, we reunited to cover Radiohead's iconic 'Everything In Its Right Place,'" the trio explains. "Reimagined through our signature lens of atmosphere, scale, and gravity, the track fuses driving rhythms and ethereal soundscapes with MAGNUS's haunting vocal interpretation, pushing boundaries while remaining faithful to the original's introspective, hypnotic essence. It's our way of paying respect to a timeless record while reshaping it into something that feels expansive, immersive, and true to who we are today." The track has already landed some serious early support. Diplo played it in India on December 30, 2025, by the Ganges River—a pretty iconic co-sign in itself—and it's since picked up backing from The Blaze, Joseph Capriati, Adriatique, Mita Gami, Tripolism, Robag Wruhme, Richie Hawtin, and more. That's not just a random list of names; it's a strong signal that LE YORA's sound is resonating across different corners of the electronic music world, from melodic house to techno purists. The fact that such a diverse range of top-tier DJs are championing the track suggests they're tapping into something that transcends genre silos. Formed in 2021, LE YORA have been quietly building toward this moment—crafting a multidimensional project where every release, every visual, every design choice reflects their commitment to innovation and authenticity. For them, music is the lifeblood, but the larger experience reflects a cultural zeitgeist that spans multiple creative verticals. Their mission as tastemakers, curators, and artists is to share a powerful revival of culture and experience that's meant to be lived both in-person and in your headphones. With Coachella on the horizon and a steady stream of releases planned, 2026 is shaping up to be the year LE YORA's self-built universe fully takes form. --- Listen to "EVERYTHING IN ITS RIGHT PLACE": ### B Jones Finds Strength in Motion With Uplifting New Single "Glow Up" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/b-jones-finds-strength-in-motion-with-uplifting-new-single-glow-up/ Last updated: 2026-01-31T18:17:54.000Z Sometimes a song means one thing when you write it and something entirely different by the time it's released. For Spanish dance music force B Jones, "Glow Up"—her new single out now via Dutch powerhouse Black Hole Recordings—has become both a stylistic evolution and an unexpectedly personal declaration of resilience. Written back in 2025 while she was already dealing with intense back pain, the track has since taken on deeper meaning following her recent hospitalization and subsequent lymphoma diagnosis after a spinal cord tumor biopsy. But rather than dwelling on the darkness, "Glow Up" does exactly what its title suggests: it rises. Musically, this is B Jones pushing her sound into new territory. The track leans harder into trance influences than we've heard from her before—faster tempo, wider-open melodies, and a driving pulse built for those peak-time moments when the entire crowd lifts off together. It echoes the high-intensity energy she's become synonymous with during her Tomorrowland Mainstage performances in recent years, but there's something more focused here, more intentional. It's not just about the drop; it's about the journey toward it, the build, the moment when everything clicks into place and you realize you're capable of more than you thought. Lyrically, "Glow Up" captures the idea of finding inner power when life gets heavy—and for B Jones, that message has become impossibly real. She was already in pain when she wrote this song, already pushing through discomfort while continuing to perform and tour. That context makes the track's uplifting energy feel less like escapism and more like defiance. It's a reminder that strength isn't always about powering through unscathed; sometimes it's about choosing to keep moving even when everything hurts. "'Glow Up' is more than a song to me," B Jones shares. "It represents an inner strength that emerges in difficult moments and, at the same time, the process of rebirth through them. Like everybody now knows, the last period has been very hard for me. I was in a lot of pain. But even in these dark moments, making music always gave me strength, and writing lyrics means speaking directly from my soul, sharing my true emotions openly with the world. This track was written from the understanding that facing challenges with courage can become a source of light. What may feel like the end is often the beginning of something deeper and more meaningful." There's a rawness to those words that cuts through the usual artist-statement platitudes. This isn't promotional copy; it's someone processing trauma through the only language that makes sense to them. And in an industry that often demands constant productivity and performative positivity, there's something quietly radical about B Jones using her platform to acknowledge pain while still offering hope—not as a manufactured narrative, but as lived experience. "I hope this song helps others reconnect with their own strength, to remember that no matter which difficulties or challenges you are facing, there is a powerful energy within you that can make you realize and overcome the impossible," she continues. "We all have the ability to rise, to transform, and to bring out the best in ourselves - because the best version of us is simply who we truly are." "Glow Up" arrives as both a stylistic milestone and a statement of intent. For B Jones, it's proof that even in the hardest seasons—when your body betrays you, when the future feels uncertain—you can still create, still transform, still find moments of transcendence on the dancefloor. The track doesn't pretend everything is fine; instead, it suggests that maybe the point isn't to wait until you're healed to keep moving. Maybe the movement itself is part of the healing. And in a scene that often prioritizes spectacle over substance, that kind of honesty feels like its own kind of glow up. --- Listen to "Glow Up": ### Kozlow's "Pleasure Pack Vol. 1" Captures the Raw Energy of NYC's ANTHR FCKNG PARTY Scene URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/kozlows-pleasure-pack-vol-1-captures-the-raw-energy-of-nycs-anthr-fckng-party-scene/ Last updated: 2026-01-18T19:25:14.000Z There's a particular kind of alchemy that happens when a party becomes a movement, and when a movement becomes a platform. Kozlow—the classically trained violinist turned underground dance music provocateur—has been quietly building that alchemy in New York City for years through his ANTHR FCKNG PARTY (AFP) events. Now, with the launch of his AFP label and the arrival of "Pleasure Pack Vol. 1" on January 9, he's documenting what's been happening in those sweat-soaked rooms and translating it into something tangible. This isn't your typical label compilation. "Pleasure Pack Vol. 1" is a snapshot of a living, breathing scene—music that's already been battle-tested on AFP dancefloors and artists who've proven themselves in the rooms that matter. The roster reads like a who's who of the AFP ecosystem: Mona Matsuoka, Rachel Winters, Jasa, Tolga, CHASKE, and Kristos, plus a fresh cut from Kozlow himself titled "Bark." These aren't random picks or playlist fodder—they're working DJs who move crowds, hold residencies, and represent the sound of what's actually happening in NYC right now. "I started the 'Pleasure Pack' VA series to show what we've actually been building in real life, not just online. It's about the crew," Kozlow explains. "All the artists featured are working DJs who are in the rooms, playing our parties, moving dancefloors, and DJing all over the city on any given night. This is the music we're playing and listening to right now in NYC. It's about shared taste, trust, and tracks that have already been pressure-tested at our parties. The Pleasure Pack name and the condom artwork reflect how we think about releases. They should be functional, meant to be used, and ideally not disappointing. The series will keep popping up throughout the year as a way to spotlight the artists who feel central to where AFP is headed." That last bit—the condom artwork, the emphasis on function over hype—tells you everything about Kozlow's approach. There's a refreshing irreverence here, a rejection of the overly polished, algorithm-friendly dance music industrial complex in favor of something grittier and more honest. The compilation format becomes a quarterly platform to highlight the people who power AFP's events across North America, with new volumes rolling out every few months as an ongoing documentation of the scene's evolution. For those unfamiliar with Kozlow's backstory, the journey is kind of wild. He's a classically trained violinist who's shared stages with Carl Cox, Green Velvet, Cedric Gervais, and Alesso, and DJ'd direct support for heavyweights like Carlita, DJ Tennis, LP Giobbi, Diplo, John Summit, and SG Lewis. His production credits include work with Scott Storch, FunkFlex, King Von, and Burna Boy—basically, he's got range. These days, he holds monthly NYC residencies at Outer Heaven and Gospel, where his sets weave live violin with left-field house selections in a way that shouldn't work but absolutely does. But it's AFP—ANTHR FCKNG PARTY—where Kozlow's vision really comes into focus. What started as a scrappy DIY NYC party with a strict no-lineup, no-phones policy has grown into something larger: a cultural movement that drew over 10,000 people in 2025 and is now expanding into a full-fledged label. The ethos remains unchanged though—community, chaos, raw energy. It's about creating spaces where the music and the moment matter more than the Instagram story, where trust is built through shared experience rather than follower counts. To celebrate the release and his new track "Bark," Kozlow is hosting a launch party at Outer Heaven on January 10—because of course the best way to mark a compilation rooted in real-world dancefloor experience is to throw another one. "Pleasure Pack Vol. 1" isn't just a label debut; it's proof that in an era of hyper-curated playlists and algorithmic recommendations, there's still space for scenes built on trust, taste, and tracks that actually move bodies. And honestly? That feels like something worth protecting. --- Listen to "Pleasure Pack Vol. 1": [ANTHR FCKNG PARTY](https://soundcloud.com/anthr-fckng-party?ref=electronicmusic.org "ANTHR FCKNG PARTY") · [Pleasure Pack Vol. 1](https://soundcloud.com/anthr-fckng-party/sets/pleasure-pack-vol-1?ref=electronicmusic.org "Pleasure Pack Vol. 1") ### Klangkarussell Return to Live Performance With Immersive "Kaleidoscope" Tour URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/klangkarussell-return-to-live-performance-with-immersive-kaleidoscope-tour/ Last updated: 2025-12-20T17:39:44.000Z After more than a decade behind the decks, Austrian electronic duo Klangkarussell are finally stepping back into the spotlight—literally. Fresh off the release of their second album "Petrichor" (out November 7 via Bias Beach Records), Tobias Rieser and Adrian Held have announced "Kaleidoscope," an ambitious live tour that promises to transform their cinematic soundscapes into a fully immersive stage experience. For fans who've been craving a proper live show from the duo, this is the moment they've been waiting for. The "Kaleidoscope" tour isn't just a run of album playback dates—it's a complete reimagining of what a Klangkarussell performance can be. Rooted in the themes of renewal, introspection, and emotional connection that pulse through "Petrichor", the show is designed as a continuous live journey rather than a traditional setlist. Think less "here's the next song" and more "let's take you somewhere." It's a bold move that mirrors the album's own delicate balance between club euphoria and intimate, almost meditative reflection. What makes this particularly significant is the context. Klangkarussell have spent the better part of the last decade honing their craft as DJs, playing festivals and clubs across Europe while building a devoted following. But "Kaleidoscope" marks their long-awaited return to live performance—a format that allows for something fundamentally different. Here, the duo can reshape their music in real time, exploring dynamic transitions, evolving arrangements, and those crucial moments of stillness that get lost in the relentless energy of a DJ set. The production itself sounds genuinely spectacular. Created in collaboration with ZEAL—the lighting and visual production studio behind shows for Bicep and Sub Focus—"Kaleidoscope" is being billed as a visually stunning experience that matches the duo's mesmerising soundscapes beat for beat. The setup features dynamic lighting elements that surround the performance area, shifting and rotating during transitions to alternately reveal and obscure Rieser and Held. It's theatrical without being gimmicky, designed to pull you deeper into the hypnotic world of colour, texture, and rhythm that defines their sound. Spanning major European cities throughout spring 2026, the tour positions "Petrichor" not just as a recorded body of work, but as something living and breathing—meant to be felt collectively, in motion, on stage. There's an intentional philosophy here: the album exists in one form on record, but "Kaleidoscope" allows it to evolve, expand, and respond to the energy of each room it fills. For a duo who made their name with the sun-drenched, folk-tinged house of tracks like "Sonnentanz" back in 2012, this feels like a natural progression into more ambitious, album-oriented territory. "Petrichor"—named after that earthy scent that rises when rain hits dry ground—is all about transformation and rebirth, and the "Kaleidoscope" tour extends that metaphor into the live realm. It's about creating space for the music to breathe, shift, and reveal new layers each time you experience it. If you've been following Klangkarussell's journey from breakout hit-makers to mature electronic auteurs, "Kaleidoscope" represents a pivotal chapter. It's a statement of intent, a promise that they're not content to rest on past glories or play it safe. Instead, they're pushing themselves—and their audience—into uncharted territory. And honestly? That's exactly the kind of risk that makes live music worth showing up for. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fc/17/fc172a84-607d-4a7d-962d-de07abacaef3/content/images/2025/12/kaleidoscope.jpg) ### The Final Piece of the Puzzle: LMNT 115 and Ky-Mani Marley Ignite "Fuse" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/the-final-piece-of-the-puzzle-lmnt-115-and-ky-mani-marley-ignite-fuse/ Last updated: 2025-12-20T17:19:23.000Z If you’ve been tracking the electronic scene over the last year, you know that **LMNT 115** doesn’t just release tracks; they build worlds. Since surfacing in November 2024, the enigmatic Australian duo—comprised of the charismatic songwriter **Z** and the technical wizard **Fab**—has traded human faces for high-octane animated personas and a cyberpunk aesthetic that feels like *Akira* meets a 4:00 AM Ibiza sunrise. Today, they’ve officially completed their first major transmission. Closing out their debut EP, ***Isotope***, the duo has unleashed **"Fuse",** a collaboration with reggae royalty **Ky-Mani Marley**. It’s the perfect bookend to a debut year that has already seen them rack up over 10 million streams. ### A Collision of Worlds Coming off the heels of their high-energy November hit "Paradise" with Daya, "Fuse" takes a slightly more introspective turn without losing the duo’s signature club-ready polish. It’s a track built on "dark pop-dance textures," but the secret sauce here is Ky-Mani Marley. His voice carries a "lived-in resilience" that grounds the duo’s futuristic production in something deeply human. Regarding the track's deeper meaning, the duo shares: > "'Fuse' is a song about rediscovery. It came from moments when life feels heavy... We wanted to remind ourselves that the spark is still there, if you're willing to look inward and reignite it. Having Ky-Mani Marley bring his voice and energy to 'Fuse' was incredibly special." --- ### The *Isotope* Journey The release of "Fuse" marks the completion of the *Isotope* EP, a five-track collection that plays like a "who’s who" of modern vocal powerhouses. From the breakout debut **"Close To You" (ft. Sadie Rose Van)** to the soaring **"Out Of The Dark" with Zak Abel** and the rhythmic **"Holding On To Us" (ft. Brando)**, the EP is a masterclass in collaborative chemistry. LMNT 115 views this body of work as their definitive "statement of intent." They aren't just producers; they are curators of a specific, cinematic mood. > "'Isotope' has been in the making for a long time," the duo explains. "Collaborating with voices we admire and have listened to for years was surreal... This EP feels like the clearest reflection of who we are in this moment." ### Who is LMNT 115? Named after the theorized "Element 115" fuel source, the duo has leaned heavily into a **Gorillaz-style** anonymity. By using custom-designed avatars, they’ve shifted the focus away from their own egos and onto a narrative inspired by anime, manga, and cyberpunk cityscapes. Sonically, they sit in that sweet spot between the massive, accessible hooks of **Calvin Harris** and the moody, atmospheric depth of **MEDUZA**. It’s music meant for big speakers, but it holds enough emotional weight to work in your headphones on a rainy night. ### What’s Next? As 2025 draws to a close, *Isotope* stands as one of the most cohesive electronic debuts of the year. It’s a project that balances the "shimmer" of top-tier production with a "grit" that feels authentic. With "Fuse" pointing toward a hopeful, upward trajectory, the mystery of LMNT 115 is only getting more interesting. If this was just the "fuel" for the fire, 2026 is going to be an absolute blast. --- Listen to "Fuse": ### Elderbrook Breathes New Life Into "Bette Davis Eyes" With Intimate Hotel Room Sessions Cover URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/elderbrook-breathes-new-life-into-bette-davis-eyes-with-intimate-hotel-room-sessions-cover/ Last updated: 2025-12-11T16:58:39.000Z There's something beautifully lo-fi about the idea of a Grammy-nominated artist setting up shop in a hotel room between tour dates, armed with nothing but a mic and a melody. For Elderbrook, it's become something of a ritual—a creative outlet born from the strange liminal spaces of life on the road. And his latest offering, a stripped-down reimagining of Kim Carnes' 1981 smash "Bette Davis Eyes," proves that sometimes the most captivating productions are the ones that strip everything back. Released as part of his ongoing YouTube series "Hotel Room Sessions," this isn't your typical cover. Elderbrook's version opens with his signature dusky vocals—clear, expressive, and achingly vulnerable—floating over minimal organic instrumentation that feels like it's being whispered rather than performed. As the track unfolds, the production gradually blossoms, wrapping euphonious layers around his voice without ever overwhelming it. The result is a feelsy, sing-along-ready interpretation that lets the iconic lyrics shine with fresh emotional weight. "I've been doing these Hotel Room Sessions for years now," Elderbrook explains. "Whenever I'm traveling for shows, I end up with so much extra time in hotel rooms, so I thought I'd find something productive to do. The Bette Davis Eyes cover stood out to me, and people really connected with it, which brings us here. This is the first Hotel Room Session that I have released outside of YouTube." The track marks the third in a triumphant trifecta of recent singles from the British artist, following October's collaboration "Teardrop" with Jan Blomqvist and April's "Waterfall" with Ahmed Spins. It's clear Elderbrook is in a prolific phase, channeling his restless creative energy into a string of releases that showcase his evolving sound while staying true to his emotive, genre-blending roots. Since exploding onto the global stage with 2017's "Cola" (his breakout collaboration with CamelPhat), Elderbrook has built a career defined by emotional depth and sonic exploration. Three acclaimed albums—"Why Do We Shake in the Cold?" (2020), "Little Love" (2023), and "Another Touch" (2024)—have cemented his reputation as an artist who refuses to be boxed in, amassing over 2 billion streams worldwide and collaborations spanning Diplo, Black Coffee, Vintage Culture, and Bob Moses. But it's his live show that really tells the story. Whether he's commanding Coachella's Sahara Stage, selling out Red Rocks Amphitheatre, or touring alongside heavyweights like Jungle, RÜFÜS DU SOL, and ODESZA, Elderbrook brings a dynamic, visceral energy that translates the intimacy of tracks like "Bette Davis Eyes" into arena-sized catharsis. With a run of standout live dates on the horizon, there's never been a better time to catch him in action. --- Listen to "Bette Davis Eyes": **Elderbrook**'s forthcoming shows: Dec 12, 2025 - **A.I. Warehouse** \- Washington, DC Dec 13, 2025 - **Marquee New York** \- New York, NY Dec 14, 2025 - **We Belong Here** \- St. Petersburg, FL Jan 14, 2026 - **AO Live** \- Melbourne, Australia Feb 05, 2026 - **Igloofest Montréal 2026** \- Montréal, Quebec Mar 06-07, 2026 - **M3F Festival** \- Phoenix, AZ Mar 18-22, 2026 - **SXM Festival** \- Marigot, Saint Martin ### LMNT 115 & Daya's 'Paradise' Is the Focus Track Their Debut EP Deserves URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/lmnt-115-dayas-paradise-is-the-focus-track-their-debut-ep-deserves/ Last updated: 2025-11-28T20:15:21.000Z LMNT 115 are having quite the debut year. Since launching their project just a year ago, the London-based producer collective has been steadily building momentum with each release, but "Paradise"—their brand-new collaboration with GRAMMY-winning artist Daya—feels like the moment everything clicks into focus. Arriving today via Quasar Music and set as the focus track from their forthcoming debut EP *Isotope* (December 12), this fourth single is a masterclass in emotional dance music done right: progressive house grooves meet euphonious melodies and Daya's absolutely mesmerizing vocals, creating something that feels equally at home in a sold-out arena or echoing through your headphones during a late-night drive. The timing here is perfect, too. Daya's been on an incredible run lately—fresh off her 2025 album *Til Every Petal Drops* and riding high after her collaboration with Dom Dolla ("Dreamin") won her an ARIA Award for Best Dance / Electronic Release, she's clearly in her element when it comes to dance music right now. On "Paradise," her sultry, sirenous voice perfectly captures that cinematic tension the track is built around: two souls forever close but never quite touching, locked in that exquisite push-and-pull of longing that never quite breaks. The production builds with precision, each element adding another layer of anticipation, before that soaring, heartfelt drop just completely unleashes everything that's been simmering beneath the surface. It's the kind of release that hits you in the chest. "This song is a special one for us," LMNT 115 share about the track's significance. "We knew as soon as we wrote it that we wanted it to be the focus single of the EP. It ties everything together sonically and having Daya on the track, who we've been fans of since 'Don't Let Me Down,' just brought it home for us." That reverence for Daya's artistry really shines through in how the production serves her voice—there's a respect here, a genuine collaboration rather than just pairing a big name with a hot track. Daya herself echoes that sentiment: "'Paradise' is the kind of euphoric dance song that feels like it fits the high-octane energy life so often carried these days. It's a little different from my recent releases, but it also feels like a fresh callback to my earlier songs. I hope people love it." And that's really the genius of "Paradise"—it manages to be both nostalgic and completely current at the same time. There's something about the melodic sensibility and the way Daya's vocals soar that does evoke those early breakout moments of her career, but the production is unmistakably contemporary, polished to a shine and packed with the kind of emotional intelligence that separates great dance tracks from merely good ones. With its high-octane energy and cinematic atmosphere, "Paradise" isn't just a single drop; it's LMNT 115's statement of intent heading into *Isotope*. If this is what they're leading with, the debut EP could be something truly special. Stream "Paradise" now across all platforms, and mark your calendars for December 12 when *Isotope* arrives in full. --- Listen to "Paradise": ### Klangkarussell Return With Their Most Ambitious Work Yet URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/klangkarussell-return-with-their-most-ambitious-work-yet/ Last updated: 2025-11-07T19:57:00.000Z More than a decade after *Netzwerk* turned them into global dance music favorites, Austrian duo Klangkarussell have finally unveiled their long-awaited second album—and *Petrichor*, out today via Bias Beach Records, proves the wait was worth it. This isn't just a victory lap; it's a complete reimagining of what Klangkarussell can be, weaving together 13 tracks that oscillate between club-ready euphoria and deeply personal storytelling about resilience, family, and transformation. Where their debut cemented their reputation with chart-smashing hits and undeniable dancefloor impact, *Petrichor* goes deeper, finding that sweet spot between emotional resonance and the kind of euphoric release that makes you want to lose yourself on the dancefloor. Opener "Truth Begins" featuring Blazey sets the tone perfectly—hypnotic arpeggios and cinematic breakdowns that feel equally at home on a festival main stage or in your headphones at 3 AM—and yes, that's Olympic gold medalist Anna Gasser in the striking music video. Then there's "Ride," a gloriously unexpected detour into neon-soaked 80s disco territory that shows the duo isn't afraid to play with their sound, its pulsing synths and carefree energy offering one of the album's most delightful left turns. But it's in moments like "Cross The Border" with Bloom Twins where *Petrichor* reveals its true depth, tackling the weight of family life during Ukraine's wartime reality with heartbreaking sincerity. "The Tide" featuring Elmar layers haunting vocals over lush, flowing production, while "Sun Went Down, Sky Went Dark" with GIVVEN and Senes blends melodic and Afro house into a bittersweet, sunset-ready anthem that captures that magic hour feeling perfectly. The album's collaborative spirit shines throughout, with contributions from Blazey, GIVVEN, Bloom Twins, Oliva, Redward Martin, Elmar, Marieme, and Senes adding distinct textures without ever overshadowing the duo's signature blend of organic warmth and electronic precision. "We wanted this album to feel like a journey through our world—the highs, the struggles, the quiet moments, the big ones," Klangkarussell explain. "'Petrichor' is about renewal, about finding beauty in change, just like the smell of rain after a storm." And if all this wasn't enough to get fans excited, the duo have announced they're developing a brand-new live show for 2026—their first in over ten years—which feels like the perfect next step for an album this cinematic and emotionally expansive, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their already storied journey. Listen to "**Petrichor**": ### "Kozlow's 'Find a Way' Proves ANTHR FCKNG PARTY Is Building Something Real" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/kozlows-find-a-way-proves-anthr-fckng-party-is-building-something-real/ Last updated: 2025-10-31T20:43:02.000Z If there's one thing Kozlow has proven since launching ANTHR FCKNG PARTY, it's that underground house music doesn't need to choose between grit and accessibility—and "Find a Way," his hypnotic new collaboration with rising Canadian duo ForgiveMeTommy! dropping October 31, is the latest evidence in that argument. Coming off the heels of "Cowboy Killers" from earlier this month (you know, that wild country-tinged house track with the actual crow sounds), this new single finds the classically trained violinist-turned-underground instigator leaning deeper into his signature fusion of melodic tension and raw club energy. **"'Find a Way' has a bass line that'll knock your socks off — whether you're in a club or pretending your living room is one,"** Kozlow explains, and honestly, that deep, rolling bassline paired with percussive synths and catchy vocals hits exactly like he's describing—it's the kind of track that makes you want to rearrange your furniture to create a proper dance floor. What makes this particularly exciting is how AFP has been quietly building serious credibility with early support from heavy hitters like Mau P, Skream, Solomun, CamelPhat, Jamie Jones, and Marco Carola—that's not a list you accidentally stumble onto, that's earned respect from the underground elite who know real when they hear it. **"This one came out of a session with ForgiveMeTommy! and (the boys up in Montreal) — absolute chaos merchants who always make everything sound hotter,"** he shares, and you can hear that controlled chaos throughout the track's dirty, driving progression. Remember, this is the same guy who's performed alongside Carl Cox at Burning Man multiple times, DJ'd support for Carlita, DJ Tennis, and John Summit, and somehow also found time to collaborate with hip-hop legends like Scott Storch and Burna Boy—that cross-genre fluency is all over "Find a Way." The track captures the essence of what AFP stands for: music that thrives equally on the dance floor and through headphones, which is crucial in an era where underground house needs to work both in intimate club settings and on streaming platforms. With his monthly NYC residencies at Outer Heaven and Gospel already serving as testing grounds for these releases, plus upcoming dates at Mean Red (Oct 25), ANTHR FCKNG PARTY at White Lodge (Nov 1), and Outer Heaven (Nov 8), Kozlow's basically created his own ecosystem where he can road-test tracks, build community, and release music all under the AFP umbrella. **"It's a dirty, driving record with bite, and I'm hyped to unleash it on AFP,"** he says, and that confidence is totally justified when you consider how his party series has pulled over 10,000 attendees in the past year with its "no line-up" and "no phone" policies that force people to actually be present in the moment—a radical concept in 2025's oversharing dance music culture. Listen to "**Find a Way**": ### Ely Oaks Transforms Elle King's "Ex's & Oh's" into Hardstyle Powerhouse URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/ely-oaks-transforms-elle-kings-exs-ohs-into-hardstyle-powerhouse/ Last updated: 2025-10-29T20:01:38.000Z If you thought Ely Oaks was just going to coast after dropping that massive James Hype "Waterfalls" remix earlier this month, think again—the Berlin-based Austrian is already back with "Ex's & Oh's," and this time he's tackled Elle King's 2014 blues-rock banger that racked up Grammy nominations for Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song. Remember when we talked about Ely's ability to balance commercial accessibility with underground club energy? Well, this is that skill set on full display, taking King's gritty guitar riffs and powerhouse vocals and completely reimagining them for 2025 dancefloors with serrating synths, pounding basslines, and a driving hardstyle rhythm that hits like a freight train. The original had swagger for days, but Ely's version transforms that attitude into full-throttle club energy that's been absolutely destroying his sets all summer long—and with over 12 million monthly Spotify listeners hanging on his every release, you know this thing is about to go nuclear. **"Absolutely honored, after 11 years since the original release, to be able to launch a 2025 version of this legendary song together with Elle King,"** Ely shares, and you can hear the genuine respect for the source material in how he's preserved those playful, disco-infused vocals while surrounding them with his signature hardstyle production. **"I've been playing this version in my sets for almost the whole summer, and it's been a highlight since. Can't wait to have this finally out."** What's particularly smart about this move is the timing—we're seeing this pattern where Ely drops a high-profile remix (like the James Hype collab), then immediately follows up with something that showcases his own creative vision, keeping that momentum rolling while his name is hot. For someone who TikTok crowned as Germany's #1 most-followed DJ, this back-to-back release strategy is textbook modern dance music marketing, and it's clearly working since his collaborative hit "Borderline" with LAVINIA already climbed to #35 on the UK Singles Chart. The fact that he's been road-testing "Ex's & Oh's" in his festival sets—from Coachella to Tomorrowland—means this isn't just a studio experiment; it's a certified crowd-destroyer that's been earning its stripes on the biggest stages in electronic music. Between his viral single "Running Around" crossing 100 million streams, his official remixes for Marshmello and Nate Dogg, and now this Elle King reimagining, Ely Oaks is proving he's not just riding the wave of viral success—he's strategically building a catalog that works across streaming platforms, festival main stages, and underground club basements simultaneously. **Listen to "Ex's & Oh's":** **Forthcoming dates:** Oct 31 - **Boo Seattle** \- Seattle WA Nov 01 - **Escape Halloween** \- San Bernadino, CA Nov 06 - **Soundcheck** \- Washington, DC Nov 07 - **Car Park** \- Brooklyn, NY Nov 08 - **EDC Orlando** \- Orlando, FL Nov 14 - **Hulakula** \- Warsaw, Poland Nov 15 - **Home Nightclub** \- Leeds, UK Nov 21 - **Midway** \- San Francisco, CA Nov 22 - **Dreamstate** \- Long Beach, CA Nov 28 - **Club Stereo** \- Bielefeld, Germany Nov 29 - **Kraftwerk** \- Rottweil, Germany Dec 06 - **Stanton Ski Open** \- St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria Dec 12 - **Creamfields Asia** \- Bangkok, Thailand Dec 18 - **Lucky Thursday** \- Melbourne, Australia Dec 19 - **The Deck** \- Shep, Australia Dec 20 - **The Deck** \- Traralgon, Australia Dec 24 - **Dive** \- Geelong, Australia Dec 26 - **D1** \- Melbourne, Australia Dec 26 - **Mango** \- Melbourne, Australia Dec 27 - **Sidebar** \- Sydney, Australia Dec 27 - **Bellavista** \- Sydney, Australia Dec 30 - **Rolling Meadows Festival** \- Christchurch, New Zealand Dec 31 - **Tamworth** \- Sydney, Australia ### Mike Williams Returns to His Roots with Future House Anthem "All My Life" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/mike-williams-returns-to-his-roots-with-future-house-anthem-all-my-life/ Last updated: 2025-10-17T18:49:17.000Z There's something poetic about Mike Williams dropping "All My Life (In My Heart)" on Future House Music this Friday—it's his first release on the label that discovered him in nearly a decade, and his first under his actual name since those WLLMS days that feel like a lifetime ago in dance music years. The Dutch producer has teamed up with Swedish hitmaker Philip Strand, who's been quietly racking up Billboard #1s and collaborations with everyone from Galantis and Armin van Buuren to JVKE and Icona Pop, to craft a track that feels like the exact moment in a video game when the hero finally claims victory. Those cinematic piano chords—Mike's signature move, always starting every track on the keys—collide with digitized basslines and lyrics that pulse "all my life I've been waiting for this, you're in my bloodstream dancing to my heartbeats," creating an enthusiastic, futuristic anthem that's pure melodic euphoria. **"Good to be back with the guys who discovered me and my sound. 'All My Life' brings back the timeless melodies future house brought us,"** Mike reflects, and you can hear that full-circle energy radiating through every bar. The timing couldn't be more perfect—this track is positioned as Mike's official ADE anthem and will take center stage at his highly anticipated "Storylines 2025" event during Amsterdam Dance Event on Friday, bringing things back to where it all started for one of dance music's most melodic storytellers. Since his 2017 breakthrough with "Feel Good" alongside Felix Jaehn (sitting at over 160 million Spotify streams), Mike's been consistently delivering both club bangers and radio-friendly hits like "The Beat" (83M streams) and "Wait Another Day" with Mesto (over 110M), all while maintaining that recognizable piano-driven sound that's landed him slots at Ultra, Tomorrowland, Parookaville, and pretty much every major festival you can name. What makes this collaboration with Philip Strand particularly interesting is the Swedish producer's rock music background and his ridiculous track record—two Billboard Dance/Mix Airplay #1s, over 650 million streams, and that "Roll The Dice" collaboration with Armin that dominated US Dance Airplay in 2023\. Mike's been grinding non-stop, flying from Taiwan to Nepal to China while somehow still finding time to lock himself in studios from Blaricum to Ibiza to Stockholm, and **"the response from the crowd at shows and online has been insane,"** he says, which honestly tracks because this thing sounds like it was engineered specifically to make festival crowds lose their minds. Whether you've been following Mike since the WLLMS era or you're just discovering him now, "All My Life (In My Heart)" is proof that sometimes the best move forward is reconnecting with the sound that launched you in the first place. Listen to **'All My Life'**: ### Yellow Claw's "Blood For Mercy" Gets Remastered as Trap Roars Back URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/yellow-claws-blood-for-mercy-gets-remastered-as-trap-roars-back/ Last updated: 2025-10-17T18:38:05.000Z Ten years ago, when big-room house had festival crowds in a chokehold and most producers were chasing the same EDM formula, Yellow Claw dropped "Blood For Mercy" and bet everything on a sound that labels literally told them not to make. Now, as the Amsterdam duo celebrates a decade since their groundbreaking debut with a fully remastered edition dropping October 17 on Diplo's Mad Decent, it's wild to see how their gamble didn't just pay off—it helped architect an entire movement that's surging back harder than ever. The original 2015 release captured trap's first great wave with absolutely stacked features: Ty Dolla $ign and Tyga on "In My Room," Flux Pavilion on "Catch Me," Tiësto and Kyler England on "Lifetime," plus Pusha T and Barrington Levy dropping bars on "Nightmare"—a roster that reads like a who's-who of mid-2010s bass music royalty. Born from Soundcloud uploads and inspired by pioneers like Skrillex, RL Grime, Diplo, and Flosstradamus, "Blood For Mercy" was Yellow Claw's declaration that they weren't just riding the wave, they were creating their own tsunami. **"Many of the songs on 'Blood For Mercy' are a testament to the time we came up when the trap genre was first making waves and inspired us greatly,"** the duo reflects, remembering how American DJs started playing their tracks before they'd even set foot in the States. **"It all started when we saw the DJs there play our songs. Not long after, we got booked to play shows ourselves. That was just off of our Soundcloud stuff."** But here's the kicker—when they decided to make a full album to prove they were more than just Soundcloud producers, the industry pushed back hard: **"People at labels even told us: 'why don't you make big room? It's much easier to get big.' But we followed our hearts instead and did what we thought was fucking cool."** That risk-taking spirit paid off massively, and now as trap experiences a full-blown renaissance with a new generation of artists, Yellow Claw's six massive b2b shows with Flosstradamus in 2024 and their upcoming full North America trap tour in March 2026 prove they're not just celebrating history—they're actively shaping trap's next chapter. These remastered tracks hit different now, proof that sometimes the most dangerous move is trusting your gut when everyone's telling you to play it safe. Listen to the album: [Yellow Claw](https://soundcloud.com/yellowclaw?ref=electronicmusic.org "Yellow Claw") · [Yellow Claw - Blood For Mercy (10th Anniversary 2025 Remaster)](https://soundcloud.com/yellowclaw/sets/yellow-claw-blood-for-mercy-10th-anniversary-2025-remaster?ref=electronicmusic.org "Yellow Claw - Blood For Mercy (10th Anniversary 2025 Remaster)") ### Elderbrook and Jan Blomqvist Unite for Emotionally Charged "Teardrop" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/elderbrook-and-jan-blomqvist-unite-for-emotionally-charged-teardrop/ Last updated: 2025-10-29T20:06:26.000Z When two of electronic music's most emotionally intelligent artists come together, you know something special is brewing. British GRAMMY-nominated producer Elderbrook and German melodic techno pioneer Jan Blomqvist have joined forces for "Teardrop," dropping October 10 via Elderbrook's Mine Recordings, and it's exactly the kind of sophisticated, heart-on-sleeve dance music both artists have built their careers on. If you've been following Elderbrook since his career-defining "Cola" with CamelPhat shook up the scene in 2017, you already know he has an uncanny ability to make electronic music feel deeply personal—and with three acclaimed albums and over 2 billion streams under his belt, he's proven that emotive production never goes out of style. Blomqvist, meanwhile, has been quietly revolutionizing live electronic performance from Berlin's underground to Coachella's main stages, blending live vocals and instrumentation with atmospheric techno across nearly 1,000 shows worldwide. "Teardrop" opens with haunting vocals floating over a gently undulating bassline, immediately establishing that melancholic-yet-hopeful vibe both artists have mastered—it's the kind of production that works equally well at 3am in a Berlin basement or watching the sunset at Burning Man. The track unfolds into a euphoric journey that balances groove and introspection in equal measure, showcasing the sophisticated sound design and heartfelt lyricism that have made both artists festival favorites and critical darlings alike. Elderbrook's recent touring with heavyweights like RÜFÜS DU SOL, ODESZA, and Jungle, plus his collaborations with Diplo, Black Coffee, and Vintage Culture, positioned him perfectly for this meeting of minds with Blomqvist, who just wrapped a sold-out world tour following his successful 2025 album MUTE. With Blomqvist's newly launched Disconnected label pushing vocal-driven melodic electronica and Elderbrook continuing to refine his boundary-pushing approach, "Teardrop" feels less like a one-off collaboration and more like the inevitable intersection of two artists who've been on parallel paths toward making dance music that actually means something. This is electronic music for people who want to feel something real while they're moving their feet. Listen to "Teardrop": ### Ely Oaks Transforms James Hype's "Waterfalls" into Festival-Ready Weapon URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/ely-oaks-transforms-james-hypes-waterfalls-into-festival-ready-weapon/ Last updated: 2025-10-03T17:18:26.000Z Austrian-born, Berlin-based producer Ely Oaks is riding an unstoppable wave of momentum into October with his explosive remix of James Hype's "Waterfalls ft. Sam Harper & Bobby Harvey," out October 3\. Fresh from the massive success of his breakout single "Running Around," which has surpassed 100 million Spotify streams and earned a coveted spot in Spotify's Songs of Summer 2025 campaign, Ely continues to prove why he's become one of dance music's most versatile rising forces. The remix showcases his ability to take a soaring progressive vocal-driven track and inject it with heart-pounding, close-to-hardstyle energy that's built for the biggest festival stages. The Kitzbühel native's connection to the original track made this remix particularly meaningful for him. **"I already heard this record a lot on my TikTok, so I was 110% motivated when the request came in to make my own version of it. Absolutely in love with this vocal and a big honor to have an official remix out for the legend James Hype,"** Ely reveals. His transformation of "Waterfalls" demonstrates the unique sweet spot he occupies in electronic music—balancing commercial accessibility with underground club dynamics while maintaining the raw energy that's made him TikTok's #1 most-followed DJ in Germany. With over 12 million monthly Spotify listeners and nearly 1 million followers across TikTok and Instagram, Ely Oaks has cultivated a global fanbase through his fusion of viral-driven creativity and heavyweight productions. His collaborative hit "Borderline" with LAVINIA climbed to #35 on the UK Singles Chart and #17 on the German Singles Chart, while high-profile collaborations with Alok ("Tsunami") and Timmy Trumpet ("Sound Of Da Police") have further cemented his crossover appeal. This latest official remix for James Hype—following previous remixes for Marshmello and Nate Dogg—confirms that Ely Oaks isn't just creating viral moments, but building a legitimate career as one of dance music's most sought-after producers capable of delivering both streaming hits and dancefloor destruction. ### Kozlow Gets Playful with Country-Tinged House Track "Cowboy Killers" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/kozlow-gets-playful-with-country-tinged-house-track-cowboy-killers/ Last updated: 2025-10-03T17:06:01.000Z Following his underground house debut "Untitled" on his ANTHR FCKNG PARTY label, Brooklyn-based producer and classically trained violinist Kozlow is already back with "Cowboy Killers," a playful sonic departure that drops October 3\. Where his inaugural release honored the raw fundamentals of tech-house, this second offering takes a more adventurous route—fusing funky basslines and four-on-the-floor energy with twangy guitar licks, cheeky vocals, and even the unlikely addition of an actual crow. The cinematic house cut proves Kozlow's creative vision extends far beyond traditional underground sounds. The inspiration struck during an unexpected source: Stagecoach Festival, where Kozlow found himself captivated by country and western aesthetics. **"Cowboy Killers came together after I got back from Stagecoach Music Festival a few years ago. I had the greatest time at the festival and left wondering how I could fuse country / western themes with modern indie dance production,"** he reveals. The track came full circle during a backyard production session in Venice, California, where an unusually vocal crow living in his friend's yard became an organic part of the recording. **"I was working on my laptop in my buddy's backyard in Venice, CA, and this crow, who appears to live in my buddy's backyard, was being pretty vocal with his thoughts on the record, and suddenly these three elements made perfect sense to me - the bird, the guitar, the groove. And of course, a silly vocal to bring the whole thing home."** With his monthly NYC residencies at Outer Heaven and Gospel, where he seamlessly blends live violin performances with left-field house selections, Kozlow continues to carve out a distinctive niche in the underground scene. His unconventional background—having performed alongside Carl Cox, Green Velvet, and Alesso, while also collaborating with hip-hop heavyweights like Scott Storch, FunkFlex, and Burna Boy—gives him a unique perspective on genre-blending that "Cowboy Killers" perfectly exemplifies. As with all AFP releases, the visual identity remains integral to the art, with cover artwork and party posters created by NYC film photographer Abi Polinsky, who serves as creative director for the label. --- Listen to "Cowboy Killers": ### CamelPhat and Marten Lou Unite for Melodic House Masterpiece "Save Me" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/camelphat-and-marten-lou-unite-for-melodic-house-masterpiece-save-me/ Last updated: 2025-09-28T16:09:45.000Z Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated UK duo CamelPhat have joined forces with German melodic house sensation Marten Lou for "Save Me," a cinematic collaboration that showcases why both artists have become defining voices in contemporary dance music. This collaboration emerged from authentic artistic admiration, as CamelPhat recognized Lou's talent early in his career and became vocal supporters of his emotive sound before his meteoric rise to 5.5 million monthly Spotify listeners and over 80 million catalogue streams. Rather than relying on flashy effects, "Save Me" demonstrates their shared commitment to groove, atmosphere, and raw emotional depth. The track itself is a masterclass in melodic house construction, featuring dreamy soundscapes that ebb and flow like ocean tides while razor-sharp synths and driving basslines create the foundation for deeply vulnerable vocals. The emotional core centers on themes of loss and dependence, with lyrics like "Who's gonna save me when you're gone? / I'm only barely hanging on" delivering an emotional punch wrapped in peak-time energy that's simultaneously fragile and fierce. Both artists arrive at this collaboration riding waves of summer success—CamelPhat concluded their third season-long residency at Pacha Ibiza with sold-out performances, while Marten Lou dominated over 45 shows across 14 countries, from Coachella and Tomorrowland to Hï and Ushuaïa Ibiza. The duo even performed "Save Me" together at Pacha Ibiza before a packed crowd, proving the track's dancefloor potency. As both continue their individual global tours through the end of the year, "Save Me" is perfectly positioned to soundtrack the season's closing nights and cement this collaboration as one of melodic house's standout moments. ### Kozlow Launches ANTHR FCKNG PARTY Label with Underground House Anthem "Untitled" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/kozlow-launches-anthr-fckng-party-label-with-underground-house-anthem-untitled/ Last updated: 2025-09-12T17:02:56.000Z NYC-based artist Kozlow is bridging the gap between classical training and underground house culture with the September 12 launch of his ANTHR FCKNG PARTY (AFP) label and debut single "Untitled." This unique venture stems directly from his celebrated monthly NYC pop-up series of the same name, which has drawn over 10,000 attendees in the past year alone through its distinctive "no line-up" and "no phone" policies. As a classically trained violinist who attended Vanderbilt on a performance scholarship, Kozlow brings an unconventional perspective to house music, having shared stages with electronic luminaries Carl Cox, Cedric Gervais, and Alesso, including notable performances at Carl Cox's Burning Man sets in both 2022 and 2024. "Untitled" serves as the perfect inaugural release for AFP, embodying the label's commitment to authentic underground house music. The track is a hypnotic tech-house offering that showcases Kozlow's ability to blend classical musicianship with modern electronic production techniques, having crafted the music at legendary NYC studios including Electric Lady Studios (founded by Jimi Hendrix) and Germano Studios/The Hit Factory. His background performing at high-profile events, including Kevin Hart's private parties, demonstrates his versatility in reading crowds and understanding what moves people on the dance floor. The ANTHR FCKNG PARTY concept represents more than just a label launch—it's Kozlow's vision for revitalizing underground dance music culture in one of the world's most competitive music markets. **"Born from parties, ANTHR FCKNG PARTY champions the raw energy and creative freedom that define real music. Our debut release 'Untitled' is a hypnotic tech-house cooler that blends modern sensibility with a driving authenticity. It's a reflection honoring the basics that House music is built on and an ode to an era of more raw, classic sounds in the dance scene,"** he explains. The success of his events, including selling over 1,000 tickets for the AFP opening week at The Edge venue at Hudson Yards, proves there's a hungry audience for authentic underground experiences. Kozlow's long-term vision extends beyond individual releases, positioning AFP as a cultural movement within New York's dance music ecosystem. **"To that point, the core of dance music is community and authenticity, and our goal is to spotlight impactful artists and experiences. Since starting AFP, the NYC-based monthly pop-up has been held at top venues and DIY locations across NYC, which has hosted over 10,000 attendees in the last year alone,"** he continues. **"The vision is follow in the footsteps of other legendary party series but with a twist - become a stronghold for culture with its experience and create a platform for undeground music to thrive. Ultimately, AFP seeks to bring light to the underground: to prop up the next generation of artists and dance music while going back to the fundamentals of what makes a really good fckng party."** With "Untitled" setting the foundation, AFP promises to become a significant force in nurturing the next generation of house music talent. --- Listen to "Untitled": ### Restricted and Junkie Kid Unleash Hardstyle Mayhem on "Pump This Party" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/restricted-and-junkie-kid-unleash-hardstyle-mayhem-on-pump-this-party/ Last updated: 2025-09-12T16:45:03.000Z Australian hardstyle titan Restricted has joined forces with Mexican producer Junkie Kid to deliver "Pump This Party," a relentless hardstyle assault set for release September 12 on REVIVE RECORDS. The collaboration showcases everything that makes hardstyle irresistible: hammering percussion, distorted synths, and commanding vocals that bark "Oh yeah, you want to rock now… Pump this Groove, Pump this Party." This is the kind of high-octane production that transforms underground warehouses into pressure cookers and sends mainstage festival crowds into absolute chaos, embodying the raw industrial energy that both artists have become synonymous with. The timing couldn't be more perfect for this explosive collaboration, as both producers are riding waves of unprecedented momentum. Fresh from their sold-out Wasteland performance in Los Angeles and Restricted's conquest of European stages across Portugal, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Italy, the duo has returned to the Americas to continue spreading their industrial rawstyle gospel. Restricted's recent EDC Vegas 2025 debut became the stuff of legend when his Saturday night closing set drew such massive crowds that fire marshals had to intervene, with his stage surpassing capacity within minutes of his performance beginning. For Restricted, "Pump This Party" represents a perfect storm of creative chaos and calculated madness. **"If ADHD was a track, it would be this. With all 3 drops, all we wanted was to make them completely different, but still make them fit in one track while keeping it exciting and energetic,"** he explains. **"We took influence from early hardstyle (artists like Showtek, TNT) and merged with industrial/raw elements, old school vocals, and too many fake drops. Have been loving to play this one out over the summer and is always a highlight in our sets."** Meanwhile, Junkie Kid brings his signature Mexican flavor to the collaboration, revealing the playful dynamic between the producers. **"Working with Rhys on this one was so much fun, since we use the same DAW we are always talking about how bad or good the DAW is, haha. So we finally decided to finish this collab; we have been working on it for months now,"** he shares. The release of "Pump This Party" positions both artists for even greater heights as Restricted prepares for his upcoming Teletech Festival appearance in the UK, having already sold out solo headline Teletech events across Manchester, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane—moving an staggering 17,000 tickets in mere minutes. **"I love how it came out, a total crowd hyper. I'm pretty sure this is not gonna be our only collab together. But in the meantime, enjoy this banger,"** Junkie Kid concludes, hinting at future collaborations between these two hardstyle forces. With "Pump This Party" serving as their first official partnership, this cross-continental alliance promises to shake the hardstyle world to its core. --- Listen to "Pump This Party": ### Justus Launches Just Records with Future Rave Anthem "You Are My X" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/justus-launches-just-records-with-future-rave-anthem-you-are-my-x/ Last updated: 2025-09-08T15:36:28.000Z Dutch electronic music talent Justus is marking a pivotal moment in his career with the September 5 release of "You Are My X," a high-energy future rave track that simultaneously launches his new imprint Just Records. While some might perceive him as a newcomer, Justus has quietly built an impressive resume featuring collaborations with industry titans Kaskade, Steve Aoki, and Armin van Buuren, alongside official remixes for David Guetta. His festival credentials are equally substantial, with performances at Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, and Creamfields, including a recent support slot for Calvin Harris at Ushuaïa and headline shows in New York City and Los Angeles just last month. "You Are My X" represents the sound and vision that Justus wants to champion through his new label venture. The future rave anthem embodies the genre's signature blend of euphoric melodies and driving basslines, showcasing the producer's ability to craft emotionally resonant dance music that works both on massive festival stages and intimate club settings. The track serves as a perfect introduction to what audiences can expect from Just Records, combining accessible melodic hooks with the underground energy that has made future rave one of electronic music's most exciting developments. The launch of Just Records represents more than just another artist-owned label—it's Justus's vision for complete creative autonomy after years of working within the constraints of major imprints. **"Launching Just Records feels like a natural next step for me. Over the past years I've been lucky to release on some of the world's biggest labels, but I also wanted to create a home where I can release music with complete creative freedom,"** he explains. This independence allows him to explore new sonic territories while maintaining the artistic integrity that has defined his collaborations with some of dance music's biggest names. Justus envisions Just Records as more than a typical vanity label, positioning it as a platform for experimentation and talent development within the future rave scene. **"For me, it's not just about putting out tracks, it's about building a platform with its own identity, a place where I can experiment, showcase new talent, and share music that truly represents what I play and believe in,"** he shares. **"Just Records is my way of shaping a sound and story that goes beyond individual releases, and I'm really excited to see where it leads. I can't wait to share what's next, Just Records it is."** With "You Are My X" setting the tone, this new venture promises to be a significant force in shaping future rave's continued evolution. ### Don Diablo Breaks New Ground with Authorized Fleetwood Mac Revival URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/don-diablo-breaks-new-ground-with-authorized-fleetwood-mac-revival/ Last updated: 2025-08-29T17:44:23.000Z Don Diablo has secured an unprecedented victory in electronic music by obtaining official approval from Fleetwood Mac to rework their beloved 1987 hit "Little Lies," marking the first time in history the legendary rock band has permitted a dance producer to incorporate their original recordings. Released through Warner Records/Major Recordings, this groundbreaking collaboration preserves the band's distinctive vocal harmonies while introducing Don's characteristic uplifting sound design and a pulsating bassline that bridges decades of musical evolution. The result is a track that honors the source material while creating something entirely fresh for today's dance floors. For Don Diablo, this project represents a deeply personal achievement rooted in his musical upbringing. "Fleetwood Mac's music has been part of my life since I was a kid, so getting the honour to officially remake 'Little Lies' feels surreal," he reveals. The Dutch producer's dedication to perfecting the track is evident in his approach—he's been road-testing the remix in his live performances for an entire year, gauging crowd reactions and fine-tuning the arrangement. "I've been testing out the track in my sets over the past year and the reactions have been incredible. I'm beyond excited that it will now finally see an official release and I can share it with the rest of the world," he explains. The track's official debut comes at the peak of Don Diablo's successful summer circuit, having energized crowds at premier destinations including Nameless Festival, Medusa Festival, and Amnesia Ibiza, alongside standout club performances at Echostage in Washington DC, The Church in Denver, and Exchange LA. His recent tour stops have spanned from Los Angeles State Historic Park to The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City and Opium in Barcelona, with "Little Lies" consistently emerging as a crowd favorite across these diverse venues and audiences. This collaboration represents a cultural bridge between rock's golden era and electronic music's current dominance, potentially setting a precedent for how classic artists might embrace contemporary reimagination of their work. As Don Diablo prepares for his upcoming global tour dates, "Little Lies" stands as both a celebration of musical heritage and a bold step forward in cross-genre collaboration. The track's success could signal a new era of cooperation between legendary rock acts and electronic producers, proving that innovative reinterpretation can honor the past while creating something entirely new for future generations. --- Listen to "Little Lies": ### Serge Devant Launches "This Moment" Label with Cinematic Trilogy Vision URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/serge-devant-launches-this-moment-label-with-cinematic-trilogy-vision/ Last updated: 2025-08-08T18:19:38.000Z NYC-based house music legend Serge Devant is making history in the music industry with the launch of his own label "This Moment" and its debut single "Solace" featuring Camille Safiya, set for release on August 7\. What makes this launch extraordinary isn't just the music—which includes a remix package from Seth Troxler and Nick Morgan—but the unprecedented cinematic narrative that connects it to Devant's past work. "Solace" serves as a continuation of the story from his single "Fearing Love" released a decade ago, featuring the same vocalist Camille Safiya and the exact same actors Eric Michael Cole and Christine Donlon, creating what appears to be the first-ever decade-spanning music video trilogy in electronic music history. The visual component of "Solace" elevates the project to cinematic heights, shot by Tobias Deml, who serves as Director of Photography for legendary filmmaker Luc Besson (known for "The Fifth Element" and "The Professional"). Deml has since become an established filmmaker himself, directing HBO documentaries and shooting Besson's latest films, bringing a level of visual storytelling rarely seen in electronic music. "This has been in motion for a while now. I've been quietly building something - a platform, a label, a brand. Not to chase a trend but to give music the space it deserves," Devant explains. "This isn't a label for hype. It's a label for time, for quality, for storytelling - through music and film." The concept stems from Devant's deep appreciation for the golden age of music videos and his desire to revive substantial visual storytelling in electronic music. "I grew up on MTV and VH1, watching music videos that had weight and substance. These days that feels like a lost art. Building a world around music visually isn't as common in the industry anymore - and wanting to change that," he reflects. When "Fearing Love" won a film festival over a decade ago, it sparked something profound in Devant, igniting his passion for the complete creative process from casting to editing. The decision to continue the story with "Solace" came naturally when he reached out to the original actors ten years later and they enthusiastically agreed to participate. The ambitious project doesn't end with "Solace"—Devant has confirmed that the label's next single will continue the narrative, completing an unprecedented trilogy that spans over a decade. "With 'Solace,' I wanted to continue the story. I reached out to the same actors from 'Fearing Love' - ten years later - and they were all in. That was the sign to keep going," he says. This approach represents Devant's vision for "This Moment" as more than just a record label, but as a platform dedicated to creating meaningful connections between music and visual art, bringing back the intentional, substantial music video experience that once defined the industry. --- Listen to "Solace": ### Don Diablo Returns Home with "Amsterdam" - His Monstercat Debut URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/don-diablo-returns-home-with-amsterdam-his-monstercat-debut/ Last updated: 2025-08-01T19:01:33.000Z Multi-platinum Dutch DJ and producer Don Diablo has made his highly anticipated debut on Monstercat with "Amsterdam," marking a significant moment for both the world's #15 DJ and the renowned Canadian label. Released under his CONTROL ALT DΞLΞTΞ alter-ego, the track represents a sonic departure from his usual style, blending cinematic melodies with distorted vocals over drum & bass production infused with grime influences. Coming hot on the heels of his sold-out North American tour that hit major cities including Denver, Montreal, Chicago, Washington DC, San Francisco, New York City, and Toronto, "Amsterdam" serves as both a creative evolution and a heartfelt tribute to his roots. The timing of the release couldn't be more poignant, coinciding with Don Diablo's upcoming homecoming performance at Amsterdam's iconic Paradiso venue on September 19\. This marks his first return to the city since selling out AFAS Live in 2018, with the artist trading stadium-scale production for a more intimate throwback to his origins. "I've always been a big fan of Monstercat, so releasing my first CONTROL ALT DΞLΞTΞ record with them feels like the perfect match," Don Diablo explains. "This new track is called 'Amsterdam,' it's high energy, emotional, and a heartfelt tribute to the city I grew up in and still deeply love. Honestly, this might be my favorite CONTROL ALT DΞLΞTΞ record so far." The Monstercat debut continues what's shaping up to be a prolific year for the Dutch futurist, following his standout collaboration with Nelly Furtado and his debut on Australian tastemaker label Sweat It Out. This year also marks the 10-year anniversary of his groundbreaking HEXAGON imprint, cementing his status as one of dance music's most forward-thinking forces. Known for genre-pushing hits like "On My Mind" and "Cutting Shapes," Don Diablo has built an impressive collaborative portfolio with global superstars including Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Madonna, The Chainsmokers, and Coldplay. With a packed summer schedule featuring festival appearances at Sziget, Untold, and Medusa, plus additional dates in Ibiza and Barcelona, Don Diablo shows no signs of slowing down. The CONTROL ALT DΞLΞTΞ project has become one of his most exciting creative journeys this year, allowing him to explore new sonic territories while maintaining the innovative spirit that has made him a trailblazer in electronic music. "Amsterdam" on Monstercat represents not just a label debut, but a full-circle moment for an artist who continues to push boundaries while honoring his roots. **Don Diablo's forthcoming dates**: Aug 01 - **Sunrise Festival** \- Kołobrzeg, PL Aug 02 - **Nuit Blanche** \- Colmar, FR Aug 06 - **Sziget Festival** \- Budapest Iii. Kerület, HU Aug 07-10 - **Untold Festival** \- Cluj-napoca, RO Aug 07-11 - **Medusa Sunbeach Festival** \- Cullera, ES Aug 08 - **Amnesia Ibiza** \- Eivissa, ES Aug 22 - **Moments Festival** \- Tallinn, EE Sep 12-14 - **Riverside Festival** \- Gatineau, QC Sep 19 - **Paradiso** \- Amsterdam, NL ### Robin Schulz and Steve Aoki Finally Unite on Club Banger "Bloodtype" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/robin-schulz-and-steve-aoki-finally-unite-on-club-banger-bloodtype/ Last updated: 2025-08-01T18:46:58.000Z After sharing festival stages and backstage moments for over a decade, DJ/producer titans Robin Schulz and Steve Aoki have finally delivered their first studio collaboration with "Bloodtype," featuring London-based producer LAWRENT. The track marks a darker, more club-focused direction for Schulz, who leans harder into electronic territory than he has in recent memory. Following his May release "Freaking You Out" with NERVO, this new offering showcases a controlled storm of erupting basslines, blown-out white noise, and frenzied beats that feel like "someone ripped out the fuses in the engine room." The production captures the raw energy that defines both artists' live performances, with Aoki's signature intensity perfectly complementing Schulz's refined production sensibilities and LAWRENT's distinctive sound design. Lyrically, "Bloodtype" paints a vivid picture of club romance, with flashes of light and locked eyes across the dance floor leading to the hook: "Imma give you my bloodtype / Baby, you're just my bloodtype." The topline is delivered with an icy, slightly distorted vocal that dances between cool and commanding, creating what the artists describe as "a short-circuit at 130 BPM." Schulz, Germany's most successful international solo artist with over 20 billion streams and 15 #1 hits, brings his decade of experience to the collaboration. The Osnabrück native has earned over 850 international gold awards and maintains 30 million monthly Spotify listeners, making him the most-played artist on German radio. Meanwhile, two-time Grammy-nominated Steve Aoki contributes his cross-genre expertise from nine studio albums and collaborations with everyone from BTS to Linkin Park, alongside his role as founder of the trendsetting Dim Mak label that launched acts like The Chainsmokers and Zedd. LAWRENT, the Paris-born, London-based producer, adds his billion-stream expertise to the mix, having recently scored major successes with "End Of Time" alongside Lucas & Steve (#1 on US Dance Radio) and "Euphoria" with Armin van Buuren and Alok. "Bloodtype" is already a staple in Schulz's current festival circuit, from Tomorrowland to his Ibiza residency at Pacha, proving that this long-awaited collaboration was worth the decade-long wait. The track is now available everywhere via Warner Music. ### jigitz Captures Lightning in a Bottle with Montana-Made EP URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/jigitz-captures-lightning-in-a-bottle-with-montana-made-ep/ Last updated: 2025-07-25T16:54:05.000Z Electronic music producer jigitz is preparing to release his highly anticipated 8-track EP on July 25, following an unconventional creative process that took him from the streets of New York City to the dusty plains of Montana. The Albuquerque-born, NYC-based artist has become a viral phenomenon since restarting his career in 2023 after a five-year hiatus, blending breakbeat, house, future garage, and ambient sounds into a distinctly American electronic narrative that defies easy categorization. The upcoming EP was crafted in an unusual recording environment that perfectly encapsulates jigitz's maverick approach to music-making. "I quit my job and went straight to Montana with my manager - who's also my best friend - and Aire Atlantica, somewhere none of us had ever been," jigitz explains. "We hit Best Buy, grabbed the biggest speakers we could find, then returned them after we finished the EP. Everything about emigrant Montana felt cowboy-coded: the rented F-150, the borrowed boots, dusty bar TVs flickering rodeos in the background while we made dance music." This creative retreat marked the first time jigitz collaborated with another producer, with Aire Atlantica becoming what he describes as "part of the jigitz band for a moment." The artist's rise to prominence has been meteoric since his 2023 comeback, anchored by the viral success of "tell you straight" from February 2025, which has amassed over 25 million streams and spawned remixes from notable artists including Ely Oaks, Inji, Badger, Killen., and Louis The Child. The track spent multiple weeks on the Billboard Dance Chart and recently re-entered Billboard's Hot Dance/Electronic chart, cementing jigitz's position in the electronic music landscape. His distinctive live performances, featuring boiler room-style sets and frequent collaborations with Rockette Paige Litle, have become viral sensations on TikTok and helped establish his unique artistic identity that seamlessly blends high-energy electronic music with unexpected theatrical elements. With his EP drawing inspiration from '90s country music—including a track titled "All My Exes Live in Brooklyn" that riffs on the George Strait classic—jigitz continues to push boundaries and defy genre conventions. "My manager cooked for us, played A&R, and got quietly sad when the Knicks lost," he recalls of the Montana sessions, capturing the intimate, collaborative spirit that defines his work. As he prepares for a massive tour spanning major venues from Lollapalooza to Webster Hall, jigitz represents a new generation of electronic artists unafraid to blend seemingly disparate influences into something entirely their own. --- Listen to the "All My Exes Live in Brooklyn" EP: **jigitz**'s forthcoming dates: Aug 01 - **PRYSM Nightclub** \- Chicago, IL Aug 03 - **Lollapalooza** \- Chicago, IL Aug 10 - **Splash House** \- Palm Springs, CA Sep 26 - **The Grand** \- Boston, MA Sep 27 - **DEF** \- Atlanta, GA Oct 02 - **The Den** \- Portland, OR Oct 03 - **Fortune Sound Club** \- Vancouver, BC Oct 04 - **Substation** \- Seattle, WA Oct 10 - **Club Vinyl Basement** \- Denver, CO Oct 11 - **Rouge Room** \- Las Vegas, NV Oct 17 - **Flash** \- Washington, DC Oct 18 - **Webster Hall** \- New York, NY Oct 24 - **1015 Folsom** \- San Francisco, CA Oct 25 - **EQ** \- San Diego, CA Oct 26 - **Wicked Oak** \- Burnet, TX Oct 30 - **Hulaween** \- Live Oak, FL Nov 01 - **Night We Met** \- Nashville, TN Nov 05 - **Mod Club** \- Toronto, ON Nov 06 - **Axis Club** \- Toronto, ON Nov 08 - **Don Quixote** \- Los Angeles, CA Nov 14 - **ZeyZey** \- Miami, FL Nov 15 - **Dusk Music Festival** \- Tucson, AZ Nov 21 - **Newspeak** \- Montreal, QC ### Dimitri Vegas, David Guetta, and Loreen Break New Ground with Drum & Bass Debut "Pum Pum" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/dimitri-vegas-david-guetta-and-loreen-break-new-ground-with-drum-bass-debut-pum-pum/ Last updated: 2025-07-18T18:50:06.000Z Electronic music heavyweights Dimitri Vegas and David Guetta are venturing into uncharted territory with their latest collaboration "Pum Pum," marking their first-ever foray into drum & bass alongside two-time Eurovision winner Loreen. Set for release on July 18, this unexpected genre pivot represents a bold creative risk from artists known for dominating the festival main stage circuit, with Dimitri Vegas stepping away from his usual partnership with brother Like Mike to explore new sonic landscapes alongside his frequent collaborator Guetta. The collaboration showcases the artistic chemistry that has developed between Dimitri Vegas and David Guetta over multiple releases, with "Pum Pum" marking their fifth joint effort. "Excited to team up with David again - I think this is already our fifth release together! I've always been a huge fan of Loreen, so creating something special with her was a real privilege. Super happy we finally get to share this one with our fans," Dimitri Vegas explains. The Belgian producer, known for platinum hits like "Higher Place" with Ne-Yo and "Instagram" with David Guetta and Daddy Yankee, brings his festival expertise to the breakbeat-driven soundscape that defines drum & bass. Swedish powerhouse Loreen, fresh from making Eurovision history as the first woman and second person ever to win the contest twice, embraces the genre's raw energy with characteristic artistic fearlessness. "What I loved about creating 'Pum Pum' was the pure freedom of it, no rules, just energy and instinct. Working with David and Dimitri on something so unexpected, so raw and full of movement, felt like stepping into a new dimension. It's hypnotic, primal, and made to move both your body and your spirit," she shares. The multi-platinum artist, whose emotionally charged vocals have powered billions of streams across hits like "Tattoo," "Is It Love," and "Euphoria," finds new expression within the rapid-fire rhythms and bass-heavy foundation of drum & bass. The unexpected collaboration arrives as David Guetta continues his reign as electronic music's most prolific hitmaker, recently earning "Producer of the Year" honors at the BRITs for his continued success working with global superstars including SIA, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber. With legendary tracks like "Titanium," "When Love Takes Over," and "Memories" in his catalog, Guetta's decision to explore drum & bass alongside Dimitri Vegas and Loreen signals a willingness to push creative boundaries even at the peak of his career, promising fans an entirely new dimension of dancefloor energy. --- Listen to the new release: ### HYPATON, Norma Jean Martine, and Henri PFR Unite for Nostalgic Dance Floor Anthem "Outta My Head" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/hypaton-norma-jean-martine-and-henri-pfr-unite-for-nostalgic-dance-floor-anthem-outta-my-head/ Last updated: 2025-07-18T18:36:15.000Z Italian producer HYPATON continues his meteoric rise in the electronic music scene with his latest vocal house offering "Outta My Head," a collaboration that brings together Berlin-based American singer-songwriter Norma Jean Martine and Belgian electronic music heavyweight Henri PFR. The track, set for release on Warner Music on July 18, serves as a cheeky homage to Kylie Minogue's iconic 2001 hit while maintaining the fresh, forward-thinking sound that has made HYPATON a standout signee of David Guetta's roster. The collaboration emerged from organic connections within the electronic music community, with HYPATON and Norma Jean Martine first meeting at a David Guetta-hosted writing camp in Los Angeles last year. "With Norma Jean Martine, we met at a writing camp hosted by David Guetta in LA last year. Afterwards, she sent me some tracks and I was blown away. That voice! And then we found out she's half Italian – the connection was instant," HYPATON explains. The Italian producer, who has already garnered over 300 million streams with his La Bouche "Be My Lover" rework, discovered an immediate creative chemistry with Martine that transcended their shared heritage. For Norma Jean Martine, who has previously collaborated with electronic music titans including Alok, Steve Aoki, and Jax Jones, "Outta My Head" represents a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary dance floor energy. "'Outta My Head' is a track I'm so proud of - blending that classic dance-floor energy with a touch of nostalgia. There's a subtle nod to Kylie in there, but with a fresh twist. It's all about that feeling of being stuck on someone you just can't shake - I've been there," she shares. The track's emotional core explores the universal experience of being unable to escape thoughts of someone special, wrapped in an irresistible vocal house production. Henri PFR, one of Belgium's most successful electronic music exports, rounded out the collaboration after connecting with HYPATON through WhatsApp before meeting in Ibiza. "The moment we played the first version, we knew it had something special. It just clicked. So proud of how this one turned out," Henri PFR notes. With HYPATON's upcoming performances at Ministry of Sound, Ushuaïa Ibiza, and Parookaville's Main Stage, "Outta My Head" arrives as the Italian producer builds momentum with what he describes as enough finished material to fill his entire 2026 calendar, marking just the beginning of his artistic journey. --- Listen to "Outta My Head": **HYPATON's forthcoming dates**: Jul 20 - **Parookaville (Main Stage)** \- Weeze, DE Aug 15 - **\[UNVRS\]** \- Ibiza, ES Aug 25 - **The Ushuaïa Club** \- Ibiza, ES Aug 30 - **Franzensfeste Fortezza** \- Fortezza, IT Sep 12 - **\[UNVRS\]** \- Ibiza, ES Sep 19 - **Ministry of Sound** \- London, UK ### B Jones and Alok Deliver Hypnotic Tech House Journey with "Left To Right" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/b-jones-and-alok-deliver-hypnotic-tech-house-journey-with-left-to-right/ Last updated: 2025-07-18T18:18:20.000Z Spanish superstar B Jones and Brazilian electronic music titan Alok have crafted something truly special with "Left To Right," a mesmerizing tech house collaboration that showcases the profound artistic connection between two of the scene's most compelling performers. Released July 18th via Tomorrowland Music, this track serves as the perfect precursor to B Jones's fourth consecutive Tomorrowland Main Stage performance on July 19th, followed by her Library Stage appearance on July 25th. The collaboration represents a meeting of kindred spirits, with both artists bringing their distinctive cultural perspectives to create a track that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. Following B Jones's recent debut EP "Mainstage vol. 1" and her successful collaboration with NERVO, this partnership with Alok marks another significant milestone in her rapidly ascending career trajectory. ## A Spiritual and Sensual Tech House Experience > "Working with Alok has been a magical experience," B Jones reflects. "His energy is electrifying, his musical vision is unique, and there's something deeply human about the way he connects - both with his audience and with the artists around him. Alok isn't just an extraordinary talent; he's also one of the most generous people I've had the chance to work with. He's always ready to lift others up, to collaborate, to create space for new voices." This generous spirit translates directly into the music itself. B Jones describes the track's hypnotic power: "From the very first note, the track pulls you in with a hypnotic, an almost tribal rhythm that flows like a spell. The vocals dance on the edge between sensual and spiritual. The buildups are filled with tension - like something about to erupt - and when the drop finally hits, it feels like a release. It's not just a drop: it's a breath turned into sound." ## Brazilian Meets Spanish in Electronic Harmony Alok's perspective on the collaboration emphasizes the immediate chemistry between the artists: "B Jones brings an infectious energy, and that's exactly the vibe we captured in this track, launching alongside my summer tour across Europe. I hope people connect with this vibe and dance to it on dance floors around the world." This mutual respect and creative synergy has produced a track that transcends typical collaboration boundaries. The tech house foundation provides the perfect canvas for both artists to explore themes of desire, control, and surrender, creating what B Jones describes as "music to let go to. To feel without thinking. To surrender to the moment." ## Perfect Timing for Tomorrowland Triumph The release timing couldn't be more strategic, arriving just one day before B Jones's historic fourth consecutive Tomorrowland Main Stage performance. As the first Spanish artist to grace the Tomorrowland mainstage back in 2022, her continued presence at the festival's most prestigious stage represents remarkable consistency at the highest level of electronic music. Her 2024 achievements include entering DJ Mag's Top 100 at #94 and maintaining an impressive touring schedule across the world's most prestigious festivals, including EDC Mexico, Lollapalooza Berlin, Neversea, Mysteryland, and Creamfields. Her residencies at David Guetta's Future Rave at HÏ Ibiza and legendary Ushuaïa Ibiza appearances alongside Kygo and Tiësto have solidified her position among electronic music's elite performers. ## A Track That Speaks to the Soul "Left To Right" represents more than just another high-profile collaboration. As B Jones eloquently explains, "The melodic lines are minimal but powerful; every word is a heartbeat, every pause, a caress. This song speaks of desire, control, and surrender of bodies moving in sync, of souls daring to rise higher." This depth of artistic vision, combined with Alok's masterful production sensibility, creates a tech house experience that works on multiple levels - from intimate club settings to massive festival stages. --- Listen to "Left To Right": ### LMNT 115 and Zak Abel Transform Adversity into Uplifting House Anthem "Out Of The Dark" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/lmnt-115-and-zak-abel-transform-adversity-into-uplifting-house-anthem-out-of-the-dark/ Last updated: 2025-07-11T16:51:53.000Z The mysterious Australian cartoon-inspired duo LMNT 115 continues their meteoric rise with "Out Of The Dark," a powerful house collaboration featuring British singer-songwriter Zak Abel. Released July 11th, this marks the third single from LMNT 115 since their November 2024 debut, pairing their futuristic production style with Abel's soulful vocals to create an anthem about resilience, gratitude, and personal transformation. The collaboration represents a perfect synthesis of artistic visions. LMNT 115, comprised of writer/lyricist Z and producer/musician Fab, draws inspiration from anime, artificial intelligence, and futurism, while Abel brings his experience collaborating with electronic music heavyweights including Kygo, Alan Walker, Avicii, Steve Aoki, and Alok. Their combined perspective creates a house track that balances emotional depth with dancefloor appeal. ## Finding Light in Life's Darkest Moments "Hitting rock bottom can spark transformation and self-belief," explain LMNT 115\. "This is a tribute to choosing authenticity over perfection and finding victory in simply staying true to your own path." This philosophy perfectly complements Zak Abel's personal journey, as he reflects: "'Out Of The Dark' is a song about being grateful for the difficult times because I wouldn't be where I am without them. Everyone has their own individual journey to make, and this is a celebration of mine." The track's message resonates particularly strongly given Abel's advocacy for mental health awareness through his ambassadorship with charity CALM. His openness about mental health struggles and identity themes adds authentic emotional weight to the collaboration, while LMNT 115's anime-influenced aesthetic provides a unique visual framework for exploring these universal themes. ## Mysterious Origins, Undeniable Impact LMNT 115's name derives from Element 115, the mysterious substance rumored to power UFO spacecraft, symbolizing the "incredible, undeniable force" that drove childhood friends Z and Fab to create music together. After years of life distractions, their official launch on November 15th, 2024, proved their instincts correct. Their debut single "Close To You" generated nearly 3 million Spotify streams and 1 million YouTube views, while February's "Holding On To Us" surpassed 2 million Spotify streams and 1.4 million video views. This rapid success positions them alongside artists like Marshmello, MEDUZA, Calvin Harris, and Loud Luxury sonically, while their cartoon-inspired aesthetic recalls The Gorillaz' innovative approach to artist identity. The duo's influences spanning anime, artificial intelligence, urban grittiness, and resilience against injustice create a distinctive creative framework that sets them apart in the crowded electronic music landscape. ## Established Excellence Meets Emerging Talent Zak Abel brings significant industry credibility to this collaboration. His breakthrough came with Gorgon City's UK Top 20 hit "Unmissable," leading to a BMG signing and a career blending soulful vocals with R&B and pop elements. His 2021 release "Be Kind" achieved European airplay success and US Hot AC Top 30 placement, while his collaboration with Kygo on "For Life" featuring Nile Rodgers has amassed over 120 million streams in its first year. Abel's experience performing across over 25 countries during the Kygo World Tour, including his appearance at the King's Coronation in 2023, demonstrates his ability to connect with diverse audiences. This international perspective, combined with LMNT 115's fresh approach to electronic music, creates a collaboration that feels both globally relevant and authentically personal. "Out Of The Dark" represents more than just another house track; it's a testament to the power of authentic artistic collaboration and the universal human experience of overcoming adversity through creativity and connection. --- Listen to 'Out Of The Dark' : ### Don Diablo Explores Deeper Musical Themes with "The Devil Works Hard" on Sweat It Out URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/don-diablo-explores-deeper-musical-themes-with-the-devil-works-hard-on-sweat-it-out/ Last updated: 2025-07-11T16:43:40.000Z Don Diablo continues his promised sonic evolution with "The Devil Works Hard," a striking departure that sees the Dutch electronic music veteran partnering with Australian label Sweat It Out for the first time. Released July 11th, this collaboration with Aussie producer Tseba represents a bold step in Don's previously announced "Don Diablo 2.0" transformation, delivering on his commitment to explore deeper and darker musical themes while maintaining his signature playful approach. The unexpected label partnership marks a significant moment in Don's career trajectory. Sweat It Out, home to recent releases from Purple Disco Machine, What So Not, Wax Motif, Crooked Colours, and Yolanda Be Cool, provides the perfect platform for this sonic exploration. The Australian imprint's reputation for genre-bending releases and underground credibility aligns perfectly with Don's artistic evolution. ## A Playful Approach to Dark Themes Despite its provocative title, "The Devil Works Hard" showcases Don's ability to blend darker conceptual themes with his characteristic playful house music sensibilities. The track's melody remains distinctly uplifting and accessible, seamlessly incorporating Don's future house imprint while venturing into new sonic territories. This clever juxtaposition demonstrates his maturation as a producer, proving that artistic evolution doesn't require abandoning the elements that made him successful. The collaboration with Tseba brings an authentic Australian underground perspective to Don's evolving sound palette, creating a bridge between his established future house foundation and his desire to explore more complex thematic content. The result is a track that feels both familiar and fresh, maintaining dancefloor appeal while pushing creative boundaries. ## Strategic Artistic Evolution This release fulfills Don Diablo's April promise to push his sound into uncharted territories, moving beyond straightforward festival anthems while retaining the infectious energy that established his global reputation. "The Devil Works Hard" represents more than just a stylistic experiment; it's a calculated artistic risk that demonstrates his ability to evolve thematically without sacrificing his core musical identity. The timing of this release coincides with Don's extensive July touring schedule, which includes performances across Romania's Neversea, Quebec City, Chicago, Washington DC, San Francisco, New York City, Toronto, Saudi Arabia, and Barcelona. These diverse markets will serve as the perfect testing ground for this nuanced approach to his new musical direction, allowing him to gauge audience reactions across different cultural contexts. ## Beyond the Dancefloor Don Diablo's artistic evolution extends far beyond music production. His multifaceted creative approach has seen him break records in the fine art world through SuperRare, secure prestigious auction placements at Sotheby's, and exhibit at renowned venues including the Venice Biennale, Art Dubai, and Art Basel. His 2023 HΞXAVERSΞ installation transformed urban spaces in Hong Kong and Shanghai, while his 2024 immersive piece ARCADΞ premiered at London's Moco Museum. This creative diversification provides crucial context for understanding his musical transformation. An artist comfortable pushing boundaries in visual art, fashion collaborations with Disney, Lucasfilm, and Netflix, and pioneering NFT work is naturally positioned to take similar risks in his musical output while maintaining commercial appeal. ## A New Chapter in Electronic Music Innovation "The Devil Works Hard" arrives at a time when Don Diablo's influence extends well beyond his #15 position on DJ Mag's Top 100 list. His collaborations and remixes for artists including Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Mark Ronson, Travis Barker, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Madonna, The Chainsmokers, and Coldplay have demonstrated his ability to adapt his sound to different contexts while maintaining his distinctive creative voice. This new single suggests that Don's next phase will be characterized by sophisticated thematic exploration rather than dramatic sonic departures. The Sweat It Out partnership opens doors to underground credibility while preserving his mainstream appeal, positioning him uniquely in an electronic music landscape that increasingly values artistic depth alongside dancefloor effectiveness. As Don continues his global tour dates through July, "The Devil Works Hard" promises to be the soundtrack to his most nuanced creative period yet. --- Listen to 'The Devil Works Hard': ### Tujamo, DJs From Mars & ALEX LNDN Unite for Tech House Anthem "Everyone Listens To Techno" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/tujamo-djs-from-mars-alex-lndn-unite-for-tech-house-anthem-everyone-listens-to-techno/ Last updated: 2025-07-10T17:19:35.000Z German electro-house powerhouse Tujamo has delivered another dancefloor destroyer with "Everyone Listens To Techno," a collaborative tech house weapon featuring Italian mashup masters DJs From Mars and rising French talent ALEX LNDN. Released via Dutch tastemaker label Future House Music, this tri-continental alliance showcases the genre's global appeal while creating a hypnotic club heater built for both underground venues and festival mainstages. The collaboration brings together three distinct artistic perspectives unified by their shared understanding of what makes dancefloors move. Tujamo's festival-tested production expertise, honed through massive hits like "Drop That Low" (nearly 250 million Spotify streams) and "Boneless" (over 150 million streams), provides the backbone for a track that balances accessibility with underground credibility. ## A Meeting of Electronic Music Minds "Super happy to have another dance floor weapon with my boys DJs From Mars and Alex LNDN," Tujamo shares. "This one's been one of my secret weapons live lately." This enthusiasm reflects the organic chemistry between the three producers, each bringing their unique strengths to create something greater than the sum of its parts. DJs From Mars contribute their legendary mashup wizardry and Tomorrowland Mainstage experience, while ALEX LNDN adds his distinctive underground pulse that has already earned heavy support from David Guetta and secured a steady presence in Beatport's Mainstage Top 10\. This combination of mainstream appeal and underground authenticity creates the perfect foundation for a tech house track that works across multiple contexts. ## Tech House for the Festival Generation "Everyone Listens To Techno" centers around its infectious vocal hook, with the phrase "nowadays everyone listens to techno" weaving through a gritty, groovy bassline and minimal techno rhythms. The track's genius lies in its ability to radiate festival-sized energy while honoring the genre's shadowy club roots, creating a bridge between commercial appeal and underground authenticity. The production showcases the evolution of tech house as a genre, incorporating elements that work equally well in intimate club settings and massive festival environments. This versatility reflects the current electronic music landscape, where the boundaries between underground and mainstream continue to blur, creating opportunities for tracks that can satisfy both worlds. ## International Collaboration, Universal Appeal The partnership between Tujamo, DJs From Mars, and ALEX LNDN represents more than just a strategic collaboration; it showcases how electronic music continues to thrive as a global language. Each artist brings their own regional perspective to the mix, creating a track that feels both internationally minded and authentically rooted in the underground club scene that Future House Music has consistently championed. Tujamo's track record speaks for itself, with collaborations alongside Steve Aoki, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Kid Ink, Taio Cruz, Salvatore Ganacci, and Laidback Luke, plus remixes for Justin Bieber, David Guetta, Tiësto, Major Lazer, Skrillex, Diplo, Nicki Minaj, Robin Schulz, Lil Wayne, and Hugel. This extensive experience in crafting both original productions and high-profile remixes provides the perfect foundation for a tech house track that feels both familiar and fresh. "Everyone Listens To Techno" arrives at a moment when the genre's popularity has reached new heights, making its title more prophetic than playful. The track serves as both a celebration of techno's cultural dominance and a masterclass in how established artists can successfully navigate genre boundaries while maintaining their distinctive creative voices. ### B Jones Launches ARRYBA Music with Groundbreaking "Mainstage EP Vol. 1" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/b-jones-launches-arryba-music-with-groundbreaking-mainstage-ep-vol-1/ Last updated: 2025-07-04T17:56:40.000Z Spanish electronic music trailblazer B Jones is making her boldest artistic statement yet with the launch of her own imprint, ARRYBA Music, and its inaugural release, "Mainstage EP Vol. 1." The three-track collection, dropping July 4th, represents both a personal milestone and a strategic move to amplify Spanish-speaking talent on the global dance music stage. This debut EP serves as the perfect prelude to her upcoming collaboration with Brazilian superstar Alok and her highly anticipated Tomorrowland mainstage performance this summer. The timing couldn't be more significant for an artist who has consistently broken barriers throughout her career. From becoming the first Spanish artist to grace the Tomorrowland mainstage in 2022 to securing her place at #94 in DJ Mag's Top 100 in 2024, B Jones has methodically built a foundation that now supports her transition into label ownership and cultural leadership. ## A Declaration of Purpose and Identity "Releasing my debut EP on ARRYBA is one of the most emotional and pivotal moments in my career," B Jones explains. "It's more than just music - it's a declaration of identity, growth, and purpose. This EP represents not only a new chapter for me as an artist but also a major leap forward for ARRYBA as a platform to empower and unite Spanish-speaking talent across the world. We're building a global movement, and this is just the beginning." This vision extends far beyond personal achievement, positioning ARRYBA Music as a vehicle for cultural representation in an industry where Spanish-speaking artists have historically been underrepresented at the highest levels. The label's mission aligns perfectly with B Jones' role as a spokesperson for female DJs and her appearances at significant forums including the International Women's Day Congress and the Spanish Congress of Equality. ## From Festival Stages to Label Boardrooms The "Mainstage EP Vol. 1" arrives as B Jones continues her remarkable festival circuit dominance, with 2025 confirmations for Tomorrowland Winter, Tomorrowland Belgium, and Tomorrowland Brasil already secured. Her recent collaborations have demonstrated her versatility and industry connections, working with Steve Aoki on "Beautiful," Stadiumx on "Don't Forget," and Dubdogz on "Warrior." These partnerships have established her as a sought-after collaborator capable of bridging different electronic music communities. Her residency at David Guetta's Future Rave at HÏ Ibiza, along with performances at legendary venues like Ushuaïa Ibiza alongside Kygo and Tiësto, and her weekly pool party residency at Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, have provided the perfect testing ground for the tracks that now comprise her debut EP. The festival and club environments have shaped these productions into the mainstage-ready anthems they've become. ## Building a Global Movement The strategic release of "Mainstage EP Vol. 1" positions B Jones at the intersection of artistic achievement and cultural advocacy. Her track record with major labels including Tomorrowland Music, Sony Music, Spinnin' Records, Universal Music, and Dim Mak has provided valuable industry insights that now inform ARRYBA Music's approach. The label represents more than a business venture; it's a platform designed to elevate Spanish-speaking artists who have long deserved greater representation in electronic music's upper echelons. With her upcoming Alok collaboration on the horizon and a summer packed with major festival appearances, B Jones is leveraging her peak career momentum to create lasting change. The "Mainstage EP Vol. 1" serves as both a personal artistic statement and the foundation stone of what promises to be a significant cultural movement within electronic dance music. --- Listen to "Mainstage EP Vol. 1.": [EM](https://soundcloud.com/emusicio?ref=electronicmusic.org) · ["Mainstage EP Vol. 1." – B Jones](https://soundcloud.com/emusicio/sets/mainstage-ep-vol-1-b-jones?ref=electronicmusic.org) ### Ahmed Spins and Ankhoï Unite for Infectious Deep House Anthem "Mood" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/ahmed-spins-and-ankhoi-unite-for-infectious-deep-house-anthem-mood/ Last updated: 2025-07-04T17:40:37.000Z After successfully marking his return from a three-year hiatus with his April collaboration alongside Elderbrook, Ahmed Spins continues his creative momentum with "Mood," a vibrant deep house offering that brings together Moroccan talent and international artistry. The track, released July 4th, sees Ahmed joining forces with fellow Moroccan producer and Deep House Bible co-owner Ankhoï, while enlisting the vocal talents of Caroline Byrne, whose impressive portfolio includes collaborations with Gorgon City, Diplo, LP Giobbi, and TSHA. The collaboration represents more than just a strategic partnership between producers; it embodies the communal spirit that has made Deep House Bible events legendary across the global dance music circuit. The track's organic development from a pre-show ritual to a fully-realized anthem speaks to the authentic connection between the artists and their audience. ## From Backstage Ritual to Global Release > "This track has been our go-to anthem within DHB before every show - something to get us in the mood before our shows," explain Ahmed Spins and Ankhoï. "We wanted it to feel as sunny and full of energy as the good vibes we share during our events. It ended up becoming a dancefloor weapon, and we're thrilled to share it with you! We hope you love it as much as we do." This organic evolution from personal ritual to crowd favorite demonstrates the track's undeniable potency. The fact that both producers have been incorporating "Mood" into their Deep House Bible party sets, where it has consistently generated explosive crowd reactions, validates its effectiveness as a dancefloor catalyst. The anticipation surrounding its official release has been building steadily among the DHB community and beyond. ## A Testament to Perseverance and Multicultural Influence Ahmed Spins' journey to this moment reflects a remarkable story of persistence and cultural fusion. Growing up in Morocco before studying finance at Northeastern University in Boston, Ahmed's multicultural experiences have shaped his distinctive sound. His early career was marked by relentless determination, sending weekly demos to labels and creating new aliases when his emails went unread. This perseverance eventually paid off when his friend Guillaume connected him with Moroccan legend Mr. ID, leading to his debut single "Sawa" in 2020. The breakthrough came with his "Anchor Point EP" on MoBlack in 2022, which generated over 100 million streams on Spotify alone and fundamentally transformed his career trajectory. His multi-instrumental abilities on piano, guitar, and drums continue to inform his production approach, adding organic textures to his electronic compositions. ## Deep House Bible's Global Expansion The release of "Mood" coincides with Deep House Bible's continued international expansion, with upcoming events planned for Montreal, St. Tropez, Cairo, and Costa da Carpacia. The label-community-events hybrid has established itself as a significant force in the deep house scene, having showcased during Miami Music Week in March and attracting renowned artists including Bedouin, Blond:ish, Dennis Ferrer, Lee Burridge, LP Giobbi, Marco Carola, and Seth Troxler. Ahmed's recent performances at major festivals including Electric Forest, EDC Las Vegas, Coachella, and Ibiza's UNVRS opening party have further solidified his position in the international dance music landscape. With "Mood" now available worldwide, the track promises to extend the Deep House Bible experience to dancefloors far beyond their curated events, carrying the label's signature blend of warmth, energy, and cultural authenticity to a global audience. --- Listen to "Mood": ### Don Diablo Channels Heartbreak into Sonic Innovation with Latest CONTROL ALT DELETE Single URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/don-diablo-channels-heartbreak-into-sonic-innovation-with-latest-control-alt-delete-single/ Last updated: 2025-06-29T17:04:11.000Z Don Diablo has taken an unexpected yet captivating turn with his latest release under his CONTROL ALT DΞLΞTΞ alias, delivering what may be his most emotionally charged work to date. "Let Me Go (Find My Way)" marks a significant departure from his signature future house sound, diving deep into drum & bass and jungle territories while exploring the raw complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery. ## A Deeply Personal Journey Through Sound The track represents a vulnerable chapter in the Dutch producer's artistic journey, drawing from his longest relationship and the personal struggles that accompanied his relentless pursuit of success. This introspective approach showcases a different side of an artist known primarily for his dancefloor anthems and chart-topping collaborations. ## Breaking New Sonic Ground > "Let Me Go (Find My Way) is one of the most emotional and personal records I've created under my CONTROL ALT DΞLΞTΞ alias," Don Diablo explains. "Next to some of my favorite drum & bass records, I've been drawing inspiration from different genres for this one and really pushed myself sonically to create something emotional, futuristic, and otherworldly." The single demonstrates Diablo's versatility as a producer, seamlessly blending the frenetic energy of jungle with atmospheric elements that create an otherworldly sonic landscape. This genre exploration represents a bold creative risk for an artist who has built his reputation on a distinctly different sound, yet the execution feels natural and authentic rather than forced. ## The Intersection of Success and Sacrifice Beyond its sonic innovation, "Let Me Go (Find My Way)" serves as a meditation on the often-overlooked costs of ambition. The track's lyrical content delves into the tension between personal relationships and professional drive, examining how the pursuit of success can sometimes leave little room for genuine human connection. This thematic depth adds weight to what could have been simply another genre experiment. Instead, Diablo has crafted a piece that resonates on multiple levels, offering both innovative production techniques and meaningful storytelling that speaks to anyone who has grappled with similar choices. ## A Multifaceted Creative Force The release comes at a time when Don Diablo continues to expand his artistic footprint beyond music. His ventures into fine art have garnered international recognition, with works exhibited at prestigious venues including the Venice Biennale and Art Basel. His HEXAGON fashion line has collaborated with major entertainment properties, while his pioneering work in the NFT space has broken sales records and established him as a digital art innovator. This creative diversity provides context for the artistic boldness displayed in "Let Me Go (Find My Way)," suggesting an artist unafraid to push boundaries across multiple disciplines. As Diablo continues his extensive touring schedule through summer 2025, this latest release offers fans a glimpse into the more introspective side of one of electronic music's most dynamic creators. **Don Diablo**'s tour dates: Jun 28 - **Los Angeles State Historic Park** \- Los Angeles, CA Jun 28 - **Exchange LA** \- Los Angeles, CA Jul 03-05 - **Stavernfestivalen** \- Larvik, NO Jul 04-06 - **Neversea Kapital** \- Constanţa, RO Jul 09 - **FEQ** \- Québec City, QC Jul 11 - **Ramova Theatre** \- Chicago, IL Jul 12 - **Echostage** \- Washington, DC Jul 18 - **The Midway** \- San Francisco, CA Jul 19 - **The Rooftop at Pier 17** \- New York City, NY Jul 20 - **Cabana Pool Bar** \- Toronto, ON Jul 24 - **AFT\_r** \- Riyadh, SA Jul 25 - **ONYX Arena** \- Jeddah, SA Jul 26 - **Amnesia** \- Agde, FR Jul 30 - **Opium** \- Barcelona, ES ### Hard Dance Legends Darren Styles & Toneshifterz Transform Zedd's "Clarity" into Hardstyle Anthem URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/hard-dance-legends-darren-styles-toneshifterz-transform-zedds-clarity-into-hardstyle-anthem/ Last updated: 2025-06-28T17:57:19.000Z UK hardcore icon Darren Styles and Australian hardstyle powerhouse Toneshifterz have officially released their long-awaited hard dance remake of Zedd's beloved 2012 classic "Clarity." After years of playing various edits in their festival sets, the collaboration has finally received official clearance and will be released via Dutch label Be Yourself Music, bringing one of electronic music's most cherished tracks into the hard dance realm. ## From Club Edits to Official Release The journey to this official release has been years in the making. Both Darren Styles and Toneshifterz have been incorporating their own interpretations of "Clarity" into live performances for years, with festival crowds responding enthusiastically to the harder, more energetic versions. The lengthy clearance process that typically accompanies high-profile remakes has finally concluded, allowing fans to own the track that has become a staple of their live shows. Zedd's original "Clarity," featuring Foxes, became a defining moment in electronic music history, reaching multi-platinum status and earning a GRAMMY Award for Best Dance Recording. The track's emotional vocals and soaring melodies created a template that has influenced countless producers, making it a natural choice for reinterpretation within the hard dance community. ## A Quarter-Century of Hard Dance Excellence With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Darren Styles has truly stood the test of time in the unforgiving world of electronic music. The UK producer has been responsible for numerous anthems including "Pretty Green Eyes," "Heart of Gold," "You're Shining," and "Heartbeatz," with several tracks reaching the UK Top 20 Singles Chart throughout his illustrious career. Darren's solo breakthrough came in 2008 with his debut album "SkyDivin'," which entered the UK Album Chart at number 4 and sold over a quarter of a million copies. His mix compilations have moved well over 1 million copies over the past 15 years, cementing his status as one of hardcore's most commercial success stories. ## Festival Circuit Dominance As the first UK Hardcore artist to play the world-renowned EDC Las Vegas back in 2013, Darren has become a staple on the festival's Basscon stage every year since. This groundbreaking achievement opened doors for harder styles of dance music at major American festivals, paving the way for the current hard dance renaissance in North America. Over the past two years, Darren has achieved some of the most significant moments of his career, ticking off debut performances at Europe's biggest festivals including Tomorrowland, Parookaville, Defqon 1, and Creamfields. These milestone appearances have introduced his high-energy sound to massive new audiences across the continent. The producer's global reach extends beyond festivals, having sold out legendary venues such as The Exchange and Academy in Los Angeles, plus performing to 20,000 people at the sold-out Knockout Circuz events in Sydney, demonstrating the international appetite for his brand of euphoric hardcore. ## Australia Meets UK Toneshifterz brings their own pedigree to this collaboration, representing the strong Australian hardstyle scene that has produced numerous international stars. The partnership between these two hard dance powerhouses from opposite sides of the globe showcases the genre's truly international appeal and the collaborative spirit that drives the scene forward. ## Timeless Appeal in New Form The decision to officially release their "Clarity" interpretation reflects the enduring power of Zedd's original composition. By translating the track's emotional core into the harder, more festival-ready sound that defines both artists' styles, Darren Styles and Toneshifterz have created a version that honors the source material while serving the needs of contemporary hard dance floors. This official release via Be Yourself Music ensures that fans who have been recording live versions from festival streams and bootleg sources can finally access the studio-quality version that has been years in development. --- Listen to the vibes: ### Iman Hanzo Embraces New Beginnings with Warner Music Debut "Phakama" URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/iman-hanzo-embraces-new-beginnings-with-warner-music-debut-phakama/ Last updated: 2025-06-28T15:06:54.000Z German artist Iman Hanzo is set to mark a pivotal moment in his career with the release of "Phakama," his debut single on Warner Music, dropping June 27th. The track's title, meaning "rise" in Zulu, perfectly encapsulates the artist's journey of quiet transformation and spiritual growth that has shaped both his music and his approach to life. ## The Meaning Behind "Phakama" "Phakama" represents more than just a musical release—it symbolizes new beginnings and growth from deep within, embodying what Iman describes as a "quiet triumph." This philosophy runs counter to the often ego-driven nature of the music industry, instead focusing on authentic personal development and artistic evolution. The track serves as both a sonic representation of his inner journey and a milestone marking his transition to a major label. The significance of this moment extends beyond the recording studio. Iman is simultaneously launching his own festival on July 12th, featuring an impressive lineup that includes Claptone, Jaden Bojsen, WITH U, and naturally, Iman himself. This dual achievement—major label debut and festival curation—demonstrates his multifaceted approach to building his artistic platform. ## A Journey of Self-Discovery Iman Hanzo's recent musical evolution has been deeply influenced by his commitment to mental health and spirituality. His travels to China, Vietnam, Iceland, Egypt, and Nordkapp represent more than typical artist touring—they were deliberate journeys of self-discovery, healing, and creative inspiration. These experiences have informed not only his musical direction but also his approach to sound design and instrumentation. This introspective approach to artistry reflects a growing trend among electronic music producers who are incorporating mindfulness and spiritual practice into their creative process. Iman's willingness to openly discuss mental health and personal growth adds depth to his artistic narrative, creating a more meaningful connection with listeners who may be on similar journeys of self-discovery. ## Visual Storytelling The cover art for "Phakama" carries its own powerful story, featuring a photograph of Iman taken six years ago in Hamburg's Stadtpark. The image captures a moment of calmness and inner strength, serving as a visual bridge between his past self and current artistic evolution. This choice to use a historical image rather than a contemporary photo reinforces the track's themes of growth and transformation over time. The Hamburg setting is particularly meaningful, as the city has long been a cultural hub for electronic music in Germany. By choosing this location for the cover art, Iman connects his personal journey to the broader German electronic music landscape that has influenced his development as an artist. ## Afro-Deep-House Evolution Musically, "Phakama" showcases Iman's exploration of Afro-deep-house, a genre that naturally aligns with his spiritual and cultural interests. The style's emphasis on organic rhythms, deep basslines, and atmospheric textures provides the perfect sonic canvas for expressing the introspective themes that drive his artistry. This genre choice also reflects the global nature of his recent travels and experiences. Afro-deep-house's roots in African musical traditions, combined with contemporary electronic production techniques, mirrors Iman's own synthesis of traditional spiritual practices with modern artistic expression. ## New Chapters The timing of "Phakama" represents a convergence of personal and professional milestones for Iman Hanzo. His signing to Warner Music provides the platform and resources to reach new audiences, while his upcoming festival demonstrates his vision as both an artist and curator. The combination of major label support and independent festival creation suggests an artist who understands the importance of maintaining creative control while accessing broader distribution networks. As "Phakama" prepares for its June 27th release, it stands as more than just another electronic music single. It represents the culmination of years of personal growth, artistic development, and spiritual exploration, packaged into a sound that speaks to both individual transformation and collective celebration. ### Ginton Reimagines African Classic "Kalabancoro" with GRAMMY Icons Richard Bona and Salif Keita URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/ginton-reimagines-african-classic-kalabancoro-with-grammy-icons-richard-bona-and-salif-keita/ Last updated: 2025-06-20T17:07:26.000Z Dutch house producer and guitarist Ginton is set to release his deeply personal reimagining of "Kalabancoro," the iconic African anthem originally recorded by GRAMMY-nominated legends Richard Bona and Salif Keita in 2003\. The modern version, dropping June 20th via Decca Records (Universal Music), represents both a tribute to Ginton's musical heroes and a bridge between generations of African musical excellence. ## A Song Born from Conflict, Renewed for Today The original "Kalabancoro" emerged during a tumultuous period of war and unrest, crafted to give voice to those suffering in silence. More than two decades later, Ginton's interpretation aims to honor that powerful message while breathing contemporary energy into the timeless composition. The track features the untouched, soul-stirring vocals of both Richard Bona and Salif Keita, whose combined seven GRAMMY nominations and one win speak to their enduring influence on world music. > *"* I've looked up to Richard Bona for as long as I can remember, Ginton reflects. As a young, aspiring musician, his bass playing, musicality, and the emotion he pours into every note made a huge impact on me. So when I was invited by the label to remix a track from a selection of legendary African artists, and I saw Richard's name on the list - I didn't have to think twice. It was an immediate 'yes'.*"* > The producer's connection to the material runs even deeper.*"* When I saw that the track was Kalabancoro, I got goosebumps. The original song, released in 1998, features the incredible Salif Keita - another icon whose voice carries so much depth and soul. 'Kalabancoro' was written during a time of war and unrest, with the intention of giving a face and voice to the people who were suffering in silence. That message, that spirit, still feels incredibly relevant today.*"* ## From Conservatory to Drake Collaborations Ginton's journey to this moment began at Rotterdam's prestigious Conservatorium, where he immersed himself in jazz guitar while drawing inspiration from legends like Santana, Jimi Hendrix, and The Wailers. This classical foundation would prove instrumental in his later success producing for some of the world's biggest artists. The breakthrough came with his co-production work on Drake's "Tie That Binds" from the certified platinum, Billboard #1 album "Honestly, Nevermind." This high-profile collaboration opened doors to work with Lojay, Rico Nasty, and Ape Drums of Major Lazer, while also contributing to Gordo's "Candid Zone" featuring Leon Bridges on the "Diamante" album, which peaked at #3 on Billboard's Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart. His viral collaboration with Stonebwoy, "JEJEREJE," became a TikTok sensation with over 300 million views and reached #1 on Shazam's Global Worldwide Chart, demonstrating his ability to create music that resonates across cultures and platforms. ## A Full-Circle Moment For Ginton, working on "Kalabancoro" represented more than just another remix project. > "I wanted to honor that message and emotion while also bringing the track into the now. I didn't want to 'flip' it just for the sake of a remix. My goal was to breathe new energy into it without losing its essence. Obviously, I kept the vocals untouched as they're absolutely timeless." > The creative process flowed naturally. "The bones of the track came together in about an hour. That's how right it felt. It just flowed." But the true highlight came when Ginton met his hero in person after Richard Bona's show in Amsterdam. "We talked about music, staying inspired, touring life, and just the heart behind creating. Sitting across from someone who shaped so much of my musical path—and sharing this project with him - was surreal. It felt like a full-circle moment. A dream I didn't even know was possible when I was starting out." ## Building Bridges Through Music Through his label imprint Woody Trees, Ginton has cultivated a roster that reflects his commitment to cross-cultural collaboration, housing partnerships with industry leaders like MoBlack, Francis Mercier, Maz, and Antdot, alongside Afro Pop stars Tekno and Mr. Eazi. This approach to bridging musical worlds finds its most meaningful expression in "Kalabancoro." "This project means the world to me," Ginton concludes. "It's a tribute, a thank you, and a conversation with the voices that paved the way - while adding my own to the mix." The reimagined "Kalabancoro" will be available on all major streaming platforms June 20th via Decca Records (Universal Music), offering listeners both a window into African musical heritage and a glimpse of how contemporary producers can honor the past while creating something entirely new. [Ginton](https://soundcloud.com/gintonmusic?ref=electronicmusic.org "Ginton") · [Kalabancoro (Extended Version)](https://soundcloud.com/gintonmusic/kalabancoro?ref=electronicmusic.org "Kalabancoro (Extended Version)") ### R3HAB Drops “Rise or Fall” for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/r3hab-drops-rise-or-fall-for-fatal-fury-city-of-the-wolves/ Last updated: 2025-06-28T15:13:59.000Z Electronic music artist R3HAB continues his prolific 2025 with the official single release of "Rise Or Fall," a high-energy track originally produced for the highly anticipated fighting game Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. Set to drop on all major streaming platforms this Friday, June 13th via SNK, the single marks another milestone in R3HAB's busiest festival season yet. ## Gaming Meets Electronic Music "Rise Or Fall" was initially featured in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, which launched on April 24, 2025, marking the first new entry in the legendary Fatal Fury series in 26 years. The game, available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, has garnered attention not only for its innovative REV System gameplay but also for its impressive musical collaborations with world-renowned electronic artists. R3HAB joins an elite roster of electronic music titans contributing to the game's soundtrack, including Alok, Alan Walker, Steve Aoki, Afrojack, and Artbat. The Dutch-Moroccan producer actually contributed multiple tracks to the project, with "Rise Or Fall" being accompanied by "Running on Empty" and "No Consequence" in the game's musical lineup. > *I'm excited to release my first single from the FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves soundtrack,"* R3HAB shares. *"Video games are a big part of my personal story, so projects like this are always energizing and exciting for me. I'm honored that Fatal Fury trusted me with three records on this one. 'Rise Or Fall' is a step into a newer sonic territory for me, and I love how it turned out. Hope you love it too.* ## R3HAB's Continued Success As Spotify's Most Discovered Artist with over 12 billion total streams and more than 1.1 billion streams in 2024 alone, R3HAB continues to dominate the electronic music landscape. The Dutch-Moroccan producer has earned over 100 Diamond, Gold, and Platinum certifications while maintaining a Top 20 position on DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs chart since 2017\. With 15 million monthly Spotify listeners and collaborations ranging from Ava Max to Tiësto, plus official remixes for Taylor Swift and Drake, R3HAB's versatility shines through projects like Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. ## Breaking Boundaries "Rise Or Fall" represents more than just another single release; it showcases the growing intersection between electronic music and gaming culture. As gaming soundtracks become increasingly important in the music industry, R3HAB's contribution to Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves positions him at the forefront of this evolving landscape. The single will be available on Spotify and all major digital streaming platforms starting Friday, June 13th, giving fans who experienced the track in-game a chance to add it to their personal playlists while introducing new listeners to R3HAB's dynamic sound design. ### Ableton Live 12.2 Set for June 11 Release with Major Workflow and Creative Enhancements URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/ableton-live-12-2-release-date-new-features/ Last updated: 2025-06-04T17:49:15.000Z Ableton has announced that Live 12.2 will officially launch on June 11, 2025, bringing significant workflow improvements and creative tools to the platform. Available free to all Live 12 users, this comprehensive update streamlines key creative processes while introducing new devices and enhanced functionality that expands Live's creative possibilities across all editions. ## Bounce to New Track: A Long-Awaited Workflow Revolution The standout feature in Live 12.2 is the new Bounce to New Track functionality, addressing one of the most common requests from the Ableton community. Users can now bounce clips or time selections from any MIDI or audio track—complete with all processing—directly to a new audio track with minimal effort. For those looking to commit entire arrangements, the Bounce Track in Place option converts whole tracks to audio, making it easier to free up CPU resources or finalize creative decisions. This addition represents a significant step forward for Live's workflow efficiency, particularly for producers working with complex sessions or limited processing power. ## Auto Filter Gets a Major Overhaul Auto Filter, a cornerstone effect since Live's inception, has received its most substantial update yet. The revamped device introduces creative filter types including Vowel, DJ, and Comb filters, expanding beyond traditional low-pass and high-pass options. The modulation section has been completely redesigned for greater precision, complemented by new mixing controls and real-time visualization that provides immediate visual feedback. The enhanced Auto Filter will also make its way to Ableton's hardware ecosystem with the Move 1.5 update, ensuring consistency across the platform. ## New and Enhanced Creative Devices Live 12.2 introduces several new Max for Live devices while upgrading existing ones: **Expressive Chords** brings MPE-enabled chord exploration to Intro, Standard, and Suite editions. This device allows musicians to discover chord progressions intuitively, operating outside traditional key constraints while supporting both MIDI and MPE controls for more natural expression. **Roar** receives significant enhancements with a new Delay routing mode and Dispersion filter type. The addition of external audio and MIDI sidechain capability allows users to control feedback pitch in Note mode, expanding its modulation possibilities. **Meld** gains a Chord oscillator that generates full chords from single MIDI notes using four sawtooth waves. The synth's scale awareness helps maintain harmonic coherence while new modulation options for chord shape and inversion provide additional creative control. A new Scrambler LFO effect further expands Meld's sonic palette. **Enhanced Compatibility** comes to Spectral Resonator and Resonators, both now supporting Live 12's scale awareness and tuning systems for more sophisticated harmonic control. ## Browser Redesign Improves Content Management Live's Browser has undergone a comprehensive redesign focused on efficiency and organization. The new Quick Tags panel enables direct tag viewing, editing, and assignment within the Browser interface, streamlining content categorization. The Filter View has been simplified while making previously hidden features more accessible to users. Customization options have expanded significantly, allowing users to assign custom icons to labels and user folders in the sidebar. The Browser now supports multiple metadata columns simultaneously, providing more information at a glance and improving the overall browsing experience. ## Push Integration and Enhanced Creative Workflows The update includes significant enhancements specifically designed for Push users, most notably the introduction of Follow Actions functionality. This powerful feature enables complex arrangement structures and creative transitions directly from Push, opening up new possibilities for live performance and studio composition. Users can now sketch intricate musical progressions and create suspenseful transitions with greater ease and precision. These Push-focused improvements demonstrate Ableton's commitment to their ecosystem approach, ensuring that hardware and software work seamlessly together to enhance the creative process. ## Creative Possibilities and Community Resources Ableton has partnered with Attack Magazine and ELPHNT to showcase the creative potential of Live 12.2's new features through dedicated tutorials. These resources demonstrate practical applications including building interesting progressions with Expressive Chords, applying filter-house-inspired phasing and formant effects using the redesigned Auto Filter, and utilizing Spectral Resonator's scale awareness to shape rhythmic textures. The tutorials also explore Roar's enhanced capabilities, including its new Delay routing mode and MIDI input functionality for bassline creation, as well as advanced techniques for arrangement structuring using Follow Actions on Push. ## Availability and Release Information Live 12.2 will be available on June 11, 2025, at no additional cost to all existing Live 12 users. The update represents a significant milestone in Live's evolution, addressing long-standing user requests while introducing innovative features that expand the software's creative potential for producers, performers, and composers across all skill levels. The update represents Ableton's continued evolution of Live as both a creative tool and professional production platform, addressing long-standing user requests while introducing new creative possibilities that expand the software's appeal to both newcomers and veterans alike. ### Calvin Harris: From Deep House to Balearic Bliss URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/calvin-harris-from-deep-house-to-balearic-bliss/ Last updated: 2025-05-24T15:58:21.000Z Calvin Harris has been a defining force in dance music, churning out hits that get people moving while constantly tweaking his sound to stay fresh. Two tracks that capture his range are *How Deep Is Your Love*, his 2015 collaboration with Disciples, and *Blessings*, his 2025 single with Clementine Douglas. Released nearly a decade apart, these songs show Harris’s knack for crafting anthems that resonate, from the pulsing club energy of deep house to the sun-drenched chill of Balearic vibes. Let’s explore what makes each track unique and how they reflect Harris’s evolution as a producer. In 2015, *How Deep Is Your Love* took over the airwaves. Working with the London trio Disciples, Harris nailed the deep house sound that was huge at the time. The track runs at 122 BPM in E Minor, with a steady four-on-the-floor beat, a thumping bassline, and crisp hi-hats that scream late-night club energy. Ina Wroldsen’s smooth, uncredited vocals are the heart of the song, pushing the rhythm with that unforgettable line—“How deep is your love? Is it like the ocean?” Her voice drives the track’s hypnotic groove, making it both emotional and danceable. The production is clean and simple, with subtle synth chords and light pads that keep the focus on the beat and vocals. It’s no surprise it hit number two on the UK Singles Chart and racked up over a billion streams. This was Harris at the peak of the 2015 deep house scene, blending underground vibes with pop appeal to create a song that worked everywhere, from festivals to radio. Then, in May 2025, Harris dropped *Blessings* with Clementine Douglas, a track that feels like a warm Ibiza sunset. Clocking in at 130 BPM in B Minor, it moves away from the intense club beats of his earlier work for a relaxed Balearic sound. The song’s swaying groove, built with energetic guitar strums, gentle shakers, and shimmering synths, evokes a beachside party vibe. Douglas’s soulful vocals are the standout, telling a heartfelt story with lines like “You are my blessing” that bring emotional depth and a personal touch. Her singing adds warmth and connection, making the track feel like a moment of gratitude. The production is less polished than Harris’s older hits, giving it a raw, organic charm that’s perfect for summer nights. Already a favorite for warm-weather playlists, *Blessings* captures the laid-back spirit of Ibiza’s early dance culture. [Calvin Harris](https://soundcloud.com/calvinharris?ref=electronicmusic.org "Calvin Harris") · [Blessings](https://soundcloud.com/calvinharris/blessings?ref=electronicmusic.org "Blessings") So, how do these tracks compare? They’re different flavors of Harris’s talent, each tied to its time and style. *How Deep Is Your Love* is a deep house classic, shaped by the 2015 club scene. Its tight rhythm and Wroldsen’s rhythm-driven vocals create a hypnotic, emotional vibe that’s perfect for packed dancefloors. The E Minor key and 122 BPM give it a moody yet uplifting feel, with a sleek production that hits hard. *Blessings*, on the other hand, is Harris chilling out, embracing the Balearic style with a looser, more natural sound. At 130 BPM in B Minor, it’s a bit faster but feels more relaxed, with Douglas’s storytelling vocals adding a soulful, personal layer. While both tracks are emotional, Wroldsen’s voice in the older track pushes the beat forward, keeping the club energy high, whereas Douglas’s singing in *Blessings* draws you into a narrative, making you feel the warmth of the moment. These songs show Harris’s journey. In 2015, he was riding the EDM wave, blending deep house with pop to dominate clubs and charts. By 2025, he’s tapping into the nostalgic, soulful vibe of Balearic music, inspired by Ibiza’s roots. Both tracks highlight his skill at pairing with vocalists who bring something special—Wroldsen’s rhythmic drive in *How Deep Is Your Love* and Douglas’s heartfelt storytelling in *Blessings*. What ties them together is Harris’s knack for melodies that stick, whether you’re dancing in a club or swaying by the sea. In the end, *How Deep Is Your Love* and *Blessings* show why Calvin Harris stays on top. One’s a deep house banger that defined 2015, the other a Balearic gem that lights up summer 2025\. They prove he can keep evolving while always giving us something to feel and move to. ### Don Diablo Is Coming Back to North America with a New Show and Fresh Energy URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/don-diablo-is-coming-back-to-north-america-with-a-new-show-and-fresh-energy/ Last updated: 2025-05-17T19:59:04.000Z It’s official — **Don Diablo** is heading back to North America, and he’s bringing a completely new experience with him. The Dutch future house icon just announced his return with a message full of excitement and energy: *“I’m beyond excited to return to North America with a brand new show, fresh energy, and lots of unreleased heat.”* Fans can expect more than just a regular tour. Don is coming through with **new music**, **new visuals**, and that signature **HEXAGON** sound that’s made his shows such a unique experience. Whether you've seen him live before or this will be your first time, you're in for something special. He’s not just playing the hits — he’s bringing the future. *“HOUSE is the FUTURE and the FUTURE is HOUSE,”* he says — and he’s clearly ready to prove it on stage. With unreleased tracks in the mix and a high-energy production designed to push boundaries, this tour is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the year for dance music fans across the continent. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fc/17/fc172a84-607d-4a7d-962d-de07abacaef3/content/images/2025/05/don_05171747066085.jpg) **Get ready, North America — Don Diablo is coming for you. See you on the dancefloor.** ### Don Diablo Releases “Freek Like Me” and Announces HEXAGON 2.0 URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/don-diablo-releases-freek-like-me-and-announces-hexagon-2-0/ Last updated: 2025-05-03T15:54:14.000Z A decade into shaping the sound of the future, **Don Diablo** is turning the page on a new chapter. With the launch of **HEXAGON 2.0**, the iconic producer and label head is shifting gears — focusing on fewer releases, elevated curation, and deepening the connection between music and listener. Leading the charge is **“Freek Like Me,”** a gritty club anthem built around a catchy spoken vocal hook, layered over upbeat piano chords and a driving bassline. The track pays homage to oldschool house with flashes of UK garage energy, wrapped in Don’s signature futuristic production style. > *“What started as a remix that hit number one on Beatport turned into something way bigger than I ever imagined,”* says Don. *“Over the past ten years, HEXAGON has grown into a global platform — not just a label but a movement, a family, and a launchpad for new talent.”* Since its inception, HEXAGON has become one of the most influential labels in dance music, with collaborations spanning **Major Lazer, Robbie Williams, MK, Jamiroquai, Galantis, Gucci Mane**, and **Felix Jaehn**. Don’s own *FORΞVΞR* album crossed a billion streams, and in 2020, he was named the most supported producer in the world by 1001Tracklists — built largely on HEXAGON releases. Now, as the label hits its 10-year milestone, Don is making it clear: it's not just about growth, it's about **evolution**. > *“We’re entering a new era where quality needs to win over quantity. ‘Freek Like Me’ marks the start of HEXAGON 2.0 — a chapter where every release is more intentional, more meaningful, and designed to truly connect with people, not just feed the algorithms.”* Musically, he’s calling the new direction **NeoNostalgia** — a fusion of the classic house vibes he grew up with and cutting-edge sound design. It’s a callback to the roots of Future House, injected with a modern twist. > *“HOUSE is the FUTURE, and the FUTURE is HOUSE,”* Don emphasizes. *“But beyond the music, my mission is to blur the line between the DJ and the crowd. I want to break the fourth wall and create a space where we’re all in it together.”* With HEXAGON 2.0 now in motion, and “Freek Like Me” setting the tone, **Don Diablo is not just redefining his sound — he's reimagining the dance floor.** And after ten years of shaping the scene, he’s more inspired than ever to lead the next generation. Listen here: [Don Diablo](https://soundcloud.com/dondiablo?ref=electronicmusic.org "Don Diablo") · [Freek Like Me](https://soundcloud.com/dondiablo/don-diablo-freek-like-me?ref=electronicmusic.org "Freek Like Me") ### Coming soon URL: https://www.electronicmusic.org/coming-soon/ Last updated: 2025-05-03T08:09:10.000Z We’re just getting started. Soon, you’ll find exclusive stories, artist spotlights, event coverage, and deep dives into the beats and culture driving EDM forward. From the underground to the mainstage—this space is for the sound. Stay tuned, and get ready to explore the global pulse of electronic music.