Anatomy Of A Trend: Slap House

Alok, real name Alok Achkar Peres Petrillo, is the most listened to Brazilian artist in the world. Growing up in a family of electronic musicians, it’s no surprise the heights that Petrillo has reached— to be specific, #4 on the prestigious DJMag Top 100 DJs list, the second most followed electronic artist on Instagram with 28 million followers, 20 million monthly Spotify listeners, amongst so much more. With a lifelong musical background, magnetic personality, and signature “Brazilian Bass” sound, Alok deservingly sits at the forefront of electronic music.

Petrillo has touched nearly every dance music chart, from the Billboard Dance 100 and Billboard’s 100 Best DJs in the World to Spotify’s Top 100 Global and Forbes Brazil’s 30 Most Influential Brazilians, on top of holding the title of the “Best DJ in Brazil” awarded by House Mag.

The flaming Brazilian artist has been releasing music since 2012 and now has hundreds of projects under his belt, with over a dozen new tracks this year alone. He’s collaborated and lent his remix skills to some of the biggest stars in music, including The Rolling Stones, Jason Derulo, Tove Lo, Ed Sheeran, and John Legend. His remix of Meduza’s “Piece of Your Heart” got him nominated for an International Dance Music Award in 2019.

Also in 2019, Petrillo launched his own imprint called Controversia Records, a sublabel of the world-leading dance label Spinnin’ Records. He also founded the label UP Club Records to showcase up-and-coming artists.

With consistent releases and a constant tour schedule, Petrillo dedicates his life to his craft. He’s performed countless shows all around the world for over a decade and even conquered 36 shows in a single month. He’s hit nearly every major festival, including Tomorrowland, EDC Las Vegas, and Lollapalooza, as well as consistently touring around the world.

Now, in 2022, Petrillo continues touring the world, hitting countries like Greece, Poland, Spain, Italy, Monaco, Morocco, and, of course, Brazil. He also currently has a residency at the renowned super-club Hï Ibiza, playing six shows across the summer.

Brazil

electro house

pop nacional

slap house

Alok

Germany

melodic house

Ben Böhmer

german techno

hamburg electronic

melodic techno

minimal techno

Solomun

Netherlands

dutch trance

pop dance

progressive house

trance

Armin van Buuren

Belgium

acid techno

belgian techno

dark techno

electra

Amelie Lens

big room

dutch house

progressive electro house

Hardwell

Sweden

Swedish House Mafia

France

dance pop

David Guetta

United States

Steve Aoki

dutch edm

Martin Garrix

Charlotte de Witte

Job Jobse

brazilian techno

ANNA

Kevin de Vries

house

Eric Prydz

Australia

Cassian

belgian dance

belgian edm

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike

Tomorrowland is one of the world’s largest and most iconic electronic music festivals, held annually in Boom, Belgium. Since its inception in the mid-2000s, it has evolved from a modest one-day event into a multi-weekend extravaganza that draws hundreds of thousands of “People of Tomorrow” from around the globe. Each summer, the festival transforms the De Schorre park into a magical wonderland where music and fantasy converge amid elaborate stages and massive crowds.

Each edition of Tomorrowland is built around an immersive theme that influences everything from the décor to the Mainstage design. Over the years, the festival grounds have been turned into fairy-tale forests, enchanted kingdoms, and underwater worlds. Iconic Mainstage sets - from the giant open book of the “Book of Wisdom” to the carnival-style wonders of “Amicorum Spectaculum” - have set new benchmarks for festival production. Enormous moving stages, pyrotechnics, and synchronized light shows create a multi-sensory experience.

Tomorrowland boasts an unparalleled lineup of electronic music talent across all subgenres. Its stages have been headlined by superstar DJs like 

, and so many more. With dozens of stages hosting hundreds of artists, the festival caters to tastes ranging from house and techno to trance and hardstyle. Beyond the music, the atmosphere fosters a sense of global unity - attendees wave flags from every corner of the world, and Tomorrowland’s motto “Live Today, Love Tomorrow, Unite Forever” is reflected in the crowd’s camaraderie. This celebration of diversity and togetherness has become central to Tomorrowland’s identity, turning the event into a cultural melting pot.

Tomorrowland’s success in Belgium led to international editions carrying its spirit abroad. 

 in the French Alps is a snowy spin-off blending a ski holiday with an EDM festival at the Alpe d’Huez resort. 

 brought the festival’s magic to South America, drawing huge crowds to Parque Maeda in São Paulo and uniting fans from over 60 countries. These offshoots mirror the flagship’s elaborate staging and top-tier lineups, extending Tomorrowland’s global reach.

Tomorrowland’s growth from a local Belgian event into a global phenomenon exemplifies how music can transcend borders and unite people. Its high-production spectacle and emphasis on storytelling have set new standards, inspiring other music festivals worldwide. Through its aftermovies and live broadcasts, Tomorrowland has helped push electronic dance music into the mainstream. Today, it stands not just as an annual festival, but as a symbol of global unity and the transformative power of music.

Tomorrowland

De Schorre

Tomorrowland 2025 - Weekend 2

electronic trap

DJ Snake

australian house

deep groove house

Dom Dolla

Tiësto

AFROJACK

Mita Gami

Alesso

United Kingdom

drum and bass

jungle

uk dnb

Andy C

Annicka

big beat

classic house

deep house

disco house

filter house

speed garage

uk dance

vocal house

Armand Van Helden

tech house

uk tech house

Ben Sterling

Rossi

bass house

Biscits

deep disco house

BLOND:ISH

Kaskade

southstar

Mau P

chillwave

indietronica

instrumental hip hop

wonky

TOKiMONSTA

 (EDC), originally founded by Pasquale Rotella as an underground warehouse event in Los Angeles, has grown into one of the most iconic electronic dance music festivals globally. From humble beginnings, EDC has evolved into a celebration that attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees, most notably at its flagship event held annually at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The festival blends music, art, and spectacle, creating a mesmerizing experience often described as dancing "under the electric sky."

At the heart of EDC's appeal is its remarkable production quality. Each edition transforms venues into fantastical neon-lit worlds, featuring massive, intricately designed stages equipped with cutting-edge sound and visuals. The festival is famed for its awe-inspiring main stage, Kinetic Field, where elaborate lighting, pyrotechnics, and large-scale installations create unforgettable moments for attendees. Beyond the main stage, diverse musical genres fill multiple themed areas simultaneously, offering something for every taste—from house and techno to trance, dubstep, drum & bass, and beyond.

Over the years, EDC has hosted performances by the world’s top-tier electronic artists, including renowned names like 

. These headliners consistently draw massive crowds, solidifying the festival’s reputation as a premier platform for electronic music’s most celebrated acts. But EDC is more than just music; the festival's immersive environment includes dazzling art installations, interactive sculptures, and roaming performers. Guests can explore towering neon-lit structures, ride thrilling carnival attractions, and encounter costumed entertainers weaving their way through the crowd.

Beyond Las Vegas, EDC's atmosphere and message of unity have spread worldwide, with festival editions held in Orlando and Mexico, and one off events taking place globally, from Brazil to South Korea. Each event embodies the festival’s core values of peace, love, unity, and respect—commonly known as PLUR—fostering a sense of global community among electronic music fans. This emphasis on inclusivity and creative expression resonates deeply within EDM culture, contributing to the festival’s lasting impact.

Today, Electric Daisy Carnival continues to set the standard for electronic music festivals globally, continually raising the bar in festival experiences. With its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and unparalleled production, EDC remains a shining beacon in dance music culture, drawing countless fans to celebrate life and music together beneath the iconic glow of its electric sky.

Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Electric Daisy Carnival 2025

schranz

Carl Cox

South Africa

south african house

south african pop

south african pop dance

Black Coffee

latin tech house

microhouse

minimal tech house

Maceo Plex

Steve Angello

downtempo

electronica

jazztronica

nu jazz

trip hop

Bonobo

uk house

Sam Divine

Hannah Wants

Patrick Mason

uk funky

Rudimental

Türkiye

Carlita

industrial techno

Kobosil

deep euro house

hard techno

raw techno

Klangkuenstler

Helena Hauff

Sara Landry

french techno

I Hate Models

Francis Mercier

Franky Wah

Palestine

arab electronic

palestinian alternative

Sama’ Abdulhadi

Finland

finnish edm

Yotto

jazz house

Barry Can't Swim

SONA

Fiona Kraft

Desna

Airrica

MARRØN

 is a renowned summer music festival held annually at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia. Since its inception in 2000, the festival has grown from a student-led movement advocating for democracy and freedom in Serbia to one of Europe's most prominent music festivals. The event typically takes place over four days in July, drawing hundreds of thousands of music enthusiasts from around the globe.

The unique setting of the Petrovaradin Fortress, a historic structure overlooking the Danube River, adds to the festival's distinctive atmosphere. Exit Festival features a diverse lineup of artists across multiple genres, including rock, electronic, hip-hop, metal, and reggae. Renowned international acts such as The Prodigy, Arctic Monkeys, and David Guetta have graced its stages, alongside emerging talents and regional artists.

Beyond the music, Exit Festival is celebrated for its commitment to social and environmental causes. It has consistently used its platform to promote positive social change, advocating for human rights, environmental sustainability, and regional cooperation. Initiatives like the Green R:Evolution campaign, which aims to make the festival eco-friendly, reflect its dedication to sustainability.

The festival's vibrant cultural program includes workshops, art installations, and performances, creating a holistic experience that goes beyond music. With its rich history, stunning location, and progressive ethos, Exit Festival has earned numerous awards, including the Best Major Festival title at the European Festival Awards.

Exit Festival stands as a testament to the power of music and culture in fostering community and driving social change, making it a must-visit destination for music lovers and activists alike.

Alok

Articles

Other artists