Gray Area founder Michael Julian Kovadlo discusses the launch of Debut, a new event series aimed at creating value for the entire dance music community.




No single person or descriptor captures the breadth and beauty of the house music community. For a relatively young genre, born in Chicago some 40-odd years ago, house has permeated many corners of the planet in less than half a century.




House is a feeling. It speaks to the soul. Our community is a vibrant, vast, and wonderfully diverse tapestry woven together under the sonic banner of the genre that we love.




Gray Area’s mission has always been to unite the international house music community, bringing together all its sub-genres and sub-cultures to unify the dance floor. In doing so, creating an authentic, sustainable, and close-knit global house music community means building an ecosystem of value for everyone. From promoters to venues, fans to artists. All from the ground-up.




So, we’ve launched a new venture to help us further that mission.




Brought to you by Gray Area, Debut is a new series that expands upon our commitment to creating an even more exciting and curious community. The concept? Debut will bring established and up-and-coming artists to new cities they have never performed in or headlined. It will help expand their fan base and, in turn, allow fans to discover some of the most unique and energizing artists making a name for themselves worldwide.




Why are we investing our efforts in launching this series? Because we’ve seen the beauty, symbiosis, and immense value created when the house music community comes together and opens itself to collaboration.




Debut, by design, is meant for discovery. It’s a timeless concept. An artist always remembers their first time playing in a new market. And fans often remember the first time they see a new artist live who they’ll eventually come to love.




I’ve been working in the music industry, helping “debut” artists for over 25 years. I still vividly remember the raw energy of the dancefloor for Gabriel & Dresden’s first big show in New York at Club Spirit in 2005. Or, in 2001, when Tiësto placed a DJ booth in the middle of the dancefloor at Exit and took the crowd on a powerful journey, culminating with his remix of Sarah McLachlan’s “Silence.” I was fortunate to be a part of the organizing team for these, and many other shows throughout the years. Besides a long list of artists we’ve introduced to new fans, we were also honored to be trusted debuting the very first proper editions of event brands in the U.S, including our beloved elrow and Awakenings.




I believe that exposing people to new experiences and music is just as exciting and relevant today as it was in the 2000s and 2010s—and it creates value for everyone involved.




First and foremost, Debut is a vessel for artists and venues to take risks and experiment. Artists and their teams sometimes prioritize booking shows at “soft ticket” venues (venues with a natural and consistent audience), only touring to new cities and playing at new venues when there is a guaranteed crowd to fill the show. Debut, backed by the power of the Gray Area network, creates an ecosystem of support that will help catalyze and cross-pollinate creative talent in new cities.




Secondly, Debut provides a unique value proposition for “hard ticket” venues that may not have as naturally sticky of a fan base. The more first-time artists a venue can book and sell out, the more its natural fan base will grow—bolstering its reputation, helping sell more tickets, and building a broader and stronger base that helps the venue fill out its event calendar.




This is the intrinsic value of Debut. It’s not a marketing tactic or arbitrary name, it’s core to who we are at Gray Area. I genuinely believe that when you bring new experiences and artists to new cities, it matters. By helping artists find new fans, we are building a bigger house music ecosystem for all.




Though we’re just now formalizing the Debut concept, Gray Area has already been debuting artists in new cities this year, including Miss Monique and Illyus & Barrientos. Over the next three months, we have upcoming Debut shows in New York with incredible artists like SHIMZA, Jaguar, PARTIBOI69, Shermanology, and a tastemaking Dutch label, PIV Records. We plan to collaborate with our friends in other markets to bring Debut to many cities around the world.




Today, it’s hard to imagine a world where everyone “wins.” Venues launch new parties weekly. Promoters fight over ticket sales. DJs jockey for a bigger font size on the flyer. But as the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. We must remember what the dance music community has always been about: unity.




When we build a bigger dance floor, everyone wins.

[Op-Ed] Building a Bolder and More Vibrant House Music Ecosystem, For All

The women of progressive house and melodic techno are a formidable bunch. Not only are they inspired, but they’re innovative, evocative, and impressively industrious. These women are from all over the world and come from a menagerie of influence and inspiration. If it were possible, we’d celebrate every single one of them.




The 11 women on our list are an inspiration to fellow females and all burgeoning young producers in the genre. Between the lot of them, they’ve graced the biggest festival stages in the world, released magnificent music on the industry’s biggest labels, and made a name for themselves doing what they love. Let’s hear it for the girls.




1. Miss Monique

The eclectic mix of techno, trance, and progressive house that Miss Monique creates has racked up a severe online fanbase. The producer turned to her YouTube channel through the pandemic to connect with fans and play music. There, her Livestream sets have racked up millions of hits. She also has a fan-favorite podcast, Mind Games, where listeners are treated to a fresh DJ set every month.




2. Gioli and Assia

As two multi-faceted, creative women, Giolì & Assia started as an artist/manager duo. Assia was the practical, get-it-done accomplice to Giolì’s burgeoning sound as a DJ and producer. After opening their label, Diesis Records, and finally landing on a clear direction forward as the melodic techno / electro-pop duo Giolì & Assia. Their music is often flavored with a bit of the Middle East, adding hand pans, steel drums, and other fun instruments.






3. Korolova

Born in Kyiv, Olga Korolova is a rising superstar in melodic techno. Her visually stunning YouTube videos and intimate performances have earned her a mass of dedicated fans and critical acclaim. Melodic techno is a somewhat new direction for Ukranian artist who started her career in EDM. She feels that she's truly found her dance music calling now, evidenced by her domination of the club charts and support from industry luminaries. She even recently went back to back with Gordo on one of her livestreams.




4. Maya Jane Coles

Maya Jane Coles is usually involved in every aspect of her work. From writing, production, engineering, mixing, and even cover design. She has a vision. The London-based producer / DJ has collected a staggering three million followers on Soundcloud, 20+ magazine covers, and countless worldwide fans thanks to her effortlessly chic take on house and techno.




5. Sinca

Sinca has a multicultural and vastly artistic background. The Montreal native is a fast-emerging DJ and producer whose already been named a rising star in her field. Her debut release, the instrumental progressive house track “Mancora,” was picked up by UK label and global tastemaker Anjunabeats.




6. Anfisa Letyago

Anfisa Letyago debuted on the iconic Dutch label Spinnin’ Records in 2016 with “Stop Talking.” Her style is a mix between hard-hitting melodic techno and deep house grooves. In 2021, she officially launched her label, N:S:DA. Toss in a BBC Radio 1 Residency, an official Moby remix, and a digital Mixmag cover, and it’s apparent Anfisa is here to stay.




7. Giorgia Angiuli

Giorgia Angiuli is a classically trained musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist from Italy. Through her solo productions, she moves seamlessly between techno, house, and electro-pop. She’s also a big fan of toys. In addition to her dreamy vocals, during her live sets, she uses a theremin, toy flute, sax, trumpets, and just about any instrumental toy she can get her hands on.




8. Eli & Fur

This London-based duo created a truly mesmerizing sound. Eli & Fur marry mysteriously moody melodies with evocative vocals and cascading synths with a flair for dark, emotive dance anthems. With a steady stream of releases on their own NYX Music and seminal imprints like Anjunadeep and Sony RCA, they’ll undoubtedly continue to mesmerize dancefloors for years to come.




9. Dinka

Tamara Hunkeler, better known by her stage name Dinka, describes her sound as “Multicultural Dance Music.” The Swiss DJ taps influence from world music to add to her uplifting brand of progressive house. From 2007 - 2017 she couldn’t be stopped, snagging deals with both Anjunabeats and A State of Trance. Though we haven’t heard much from her since then, she’s still earned a well-deserved spot at the top.






10. Eleonora

The genre palette of Eleonora almost reads like a drink menu: dark pop, cold wave, downtempo, and trip-hop. And much like a good bartender, she blends it all seamlessly together. Her chill variety of techno lends itself well to her sultry voice, as apparent in tracks like “Awake.” Besides her experimental electro, she’s also fronted several inspired jazz projects.



10 Women of Progressive House and Melodic Techno

Ukrainian producer and progressive house DJ Miss Monique launched her record label — Siona Records, in 2019 to support the growth of aspiring progressive artists. In June of 2020, the label became one of the Top 10 best-selling progressive house labels on Beatport.



Here are five songs that best define the sounds of the outstanding Siona Records.




Miss Monique, Anima - Eclipse





Miss Monique released the superb single “Eclipse” alongside Anima—a spine-tingling track that builds in emotional intensity. The drums are rooted and rolling, with thunderous claps bringing drama and a mournful vocal layering in some pain. The melodies are, of course, well designed and broad, with cosmic energy that transports you to another world.




Silverpanda - Acid or Techno

DJ duo Silver Panda Bring fresh influences to their beats on “Acid or Techno.” Barreling drums and searing acid lines cut up the airwaves on this supersized tune with melodic chords that bring plenty of emotion. It is a track full of mysticism. “Say Nothin” rounds out the EP with a steamy vocal whisper layered over rickety progressive house drums.










Space Food - Distance

The talented duo, Vladimir and Leonid, stormed in with “Distance.” Its pure and atmospheric melodies will teleport you to an idyllic location with magnificent panoramic views. It's an ideal listen at a pre-party chill by the pool or somewhere by the seaside.




Cherry UA - Rebel

Cherry (UA) came through with yet another robust flavor of melodic techno, “Rebel,” six and a half minutes of sleek, brightly lit grooves. The flashy synths add real drama as rising pads and prickly beats fill you with the urge to move. The whole tune is sure to make a massive impact on the floor.




Audiense, S. Birin - Ether

Russian DJ, and producer Audiense, teamed up with S. Birin for the powerful production of "Ether." The track breathes a fresh sound characterized by its unique synthesis that carries through the entire track.









5 Songs That Define Miss Monique's Siona Records 

Progressive House tastemaker and Siona Records label head Miss Monique is currently at the top of her game. Arguably one of Kyiv’s top electronic artists, Miss Monique is best known for her unique talent in blending the most eclectic techno rhythms with classic trance and progressive tunes.




The Ukrainian DJ’s popular livestream sets have helped propel her further into the spotlight, connecting her with thousands of new fans worldwide. She’s performed at iconic spots like DJ Mag’s No.1 Club in the World Hi Ibiza and mammoth festivals such as Tomorrowland and ADE.




Even amidst an increasingly blinding DJ gig schedule, Miss Monique continues to release DJ sets from stunning locations. Here are five of the most beautiful Miss Monique live streams.







1. Miss Monique Live @ Radio Intense 31.01.2017






This set from her former weekly slot at Radio Intense is her most popular live set, with over 12 million views.

Carrying solid tracks by Pete K, Pryda, Solid Stone, Sebastian Weikum, and others, Miss Monique combines melodic techno with darker progressive sounds in a seamless mashup.




2. Miss Monique - Special B’day Podcast 2022

Following traditions, Miss Monique celebrated her birthday with her listeners during a livestream where she played some of her favorite tracks. Ben Kim, Roger Shah, Anyma, and Cherry are among some of the features from this special birthday mix.




3. Miss Monique - Siona Records: 2nd Anniversary Live Mix

Playing from the beautiful beaches of Tulum, Mexico, Miss Monique released this set to celebrate an incredible two-year journey with her label Siona Records. This mix is jam-packed with the incredible releases from her unstoppable label featuring Space Food, XANDL, Hijack, Cherry, and loads more.




4. Miss Monique - YearMix 2021

Miss Monique gives perfect transitions in head-bopping melodies while playing from sunny Rixos Sharm in Egypt. Incorporating bangers from Artbat, David Guetta, Maceo Plex, Cristoph, Yotto, and many more, Miss Monique travels to exotic destinations within the rhythm in our minds.




5. Miss Monique - Siona Records: 3rd Anniversary

Miss Monique shares newly released and unreleased tracks from her well-established record label, Siona Records, while showing off magnificent views from the world’s most infamous party island, Ibiza. This incredible set features releases from Silver Panda, Alex Sol, Weekend Heroes, and more.







































5 of Miss Monique's Most Stunning Live Streams

Miss Monique (real name Olesia Arkusha) is hailed as one of the most popular female progessive house artists in Europe. And indeed, the Ukrainian-born DJ/producer’s breakout hit, “No Fear” secured this title, earning her nods from the likes of Paul Oakenfold, Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk, and Gareth Emery.

With a long list of performances across Europe, as well as in clubs in South America, Asia, and the Middle East, Miss Monique has established herself as a global act. The United States—though perhaps a bit slow to the game—isn’t missing out either, with regular Miss Monique appearances at Miami clubs and venues like Threehouse and the Musette Yacht. She’s also performed in Ibiza—gracing the same lineups as Tchami, Malaa, and David Guetta—and at global destination festivals like Tomorrowland and LMF Festival.

In 2019, Arkusha founded her own label, Siona Records, with the goal of providing a platform for Ukrainian talent to break into the world of progressive house. In January 2022, the label achieved the status of top selling progressive house label on Beatport, even beating out genre titans like Above & Beyond’s Anjunabeats and Eric Prydz’s Pryda Presents.

In the press, she’s been featured on Beatport’s editorial platform, Beatportal, as well as in DJ Mag España. Garnering more popularity by the day, Miss Monique is also known for her live sets, posted to YouTube, and for her podcast, Mind Games, where she posts new, exclusive DJ sets every month.