Name: Solid Grooves
Start: 2022-08-25T23:00:00.000+02:00
End: 2022-08-26T07:00:00.000+02:00

Turkish-Italian DJ and producer Carlita served a spellbinding set for Cercle in Rome’s Cinecittà. Nestled in Europe’s largest movie studio and the hub of Italian cinema, imposing replicas of ancient roman temples surrounded the decks. Evolving from classy house to spellbinding melodic techno and beyond, Carlita succeeded in blending a variety of different emotions into her memorable performance.

Carlita packed her set full of unreleased heaters, including a stunning collaboration between herself and andhim, as well as tracks from LP Giobbi, Jasper James & Wallace, and more. Carnival vibes came courtesy of Sean Finn, DJ Wady & MoonDark, while a classic 80s spirit flowed from the likes of Arno Cost & Norman Doray. The set also featured the stunning lead track from Carlita’s most recent EP, Bon Trip.




To calm her nerves, Carlita always meditates for five minutes before she steps behind the decks. And unlike most of her other shows where she never preplans a set, she chose to prepare her tracklist in advance for her Cercle debut. The results speak for themselves: a crowd ecstatic and bubbling with life from start to finish. “The people were just amazing,” she explains. “It was very, very special.”




Born in Istanbul, Carlita is a classically-trained musician and multi-instrumentalist. First learning piano at the age of three before moving on to cello, bass, drums, and electric guitar, she experiments with a mix of live and electronic instruments in her productions. She first fell in love with DJing while studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London. From Israeli pop to 90s rock, Turkish psychedelia, and more, her musical influences continue to be broad, diverse, and exploratory.




In the coming months, Carlita will play at an array of clubs and festivals, including Brunch-In the Park #14 in Barcelona, Paradiso in Amsterdam for ADE, and III Points 2022 in Miami.




Follow Carlita on Instagram | Soundcloud | Spotify











































































Carlita Delivers a Cinematic Cercle Debut

We’ve made it to the weekend, and you know what that means: time for Gray Area’s Track Of The Week. This time we’re starting your weekend off with something raunchy and ready for the dance floor—Michael Bibi’s new remix of Guy Gerber and Albertina’s “Bocat.”



Gerber has served as one of the leading tastemakers in Israel for two decades. The myriad moods and melodies that make up his expansive library set him apart as an almost mythical figure in dance music. His eclectic tastes have led him to work with artists blazing their unique trails, artists like Albertina. The British/Caribbean artist has proven herself to be a Swiss army knife of music, a wiz behind both the mic and the board.



When it comes to beats, you know Bibi’s got you covered. The UK-based DJ and producer is among the best in the business and regularly shares some of the sauciest sounds via his respected label, Solid Grooves. This rework takes a digital knife to Albertina’s vocals weaving them amongst spacious percussion, deep acid lines, and pounding kicks, all while allowing Gerber’s delicious guitar riff to wind and skate through the air above.



This new remix comes courtesy of Guy Gerber’s label, Rumors. Bibi is joined on the Bocat (Remixes) EP by a deeply powerful reimagining by Tel Aviv up-and-comer OMRI.




If you’re vibing with Bibi’s prowling take on this exotic cut, you’ll surely want to make an effort to attend one of the stops on his traveling event series, ELOVATE. The British beat smith traverses the globe sharing some of the most robust rhythms in the game from London to Tulum and Buenos Aires. Get a taste of what’s to come by streaming Michael Bibi’s carnal new remix of Guy Berber and Albertina’s “Bocat” below.



Michael Bibi Gets Guy Gerber’s 'Bocat' Fit For The Dance Floor

The experience of dancing for the last time inside the super clubs of Ibiza is a singular experience. The last week of September and the beginning of October brings the final call for many of the most popular residencies at Ibiza's top venues. And while there are many closing parties to choose from, we're bringing you the ones you can't miss out on.




Sven Väth presents Catharsis | Club Chinois | Tuesday, September 27

The founder of Cocoon, Sven Väth, will take the stage at the brand-new Club Chinois for one exclusive night this Tuesday. The German artist has heavily influenced Ibiza's dance circuit over the years. This season he has brought unique musical experiences through Catharsis (the name of his thirteen-track album) to the most essential venues playing every party as if it were his last. This will be the final chance to connect with the Ibiza legend this season, don't sleep. Buy tickets to enjoy the last Catharsis show by Sven Väth in Ibiza at Club Chinois.




Follow Sven Väth on Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud







The Martinez Brothers Closing Party | Hï Ibiza | Tuesday, September 27

The superstar brothers from the Bronx, Chris, and Steve Martinez, conclude their first-ever residency in Ibiza this week. The Martinez Brothers have led one of the hottest nights on the island this summer with their trademark sound that expertly blends techno and house with a distinct New York edge. Next door in the Club Room, Paco Osuna has offered exquisite and forceful techno sounds. Paco and the Martinez Brothers were accompanied by a carefully curated selection of talented DJs, making Tuesdays at Hï Ibiza a must-visit for all dance lovers. For Kerri Chandler, Guti, and Renato Ratier, join them for the final outing alongside a special guest to create a memorable grand finale.

Get tickets for The Martinez Brothers' closing party at Hï Ibiza.




Follow The Martinez Brothers on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud







FISHER Closing Party | Hï Ibiza | Wednesday, September 28

From the start of the season, it was obvious FISHER's headlining slot at

the #1 club in the world (as voted by DJMag) was going to be one of the greatest debuts in Ibiza this summer. The Aussie DJ and producer knows how to throw a party, and we have all danced to some of his tracks like "Losing it" or his latest "It's A Killa" (with Shermanology). FISHER will play all night long in the Theatre Room at Hï to conclude the season, while Vintage Culture drops an extended set next door in the Club Room.

Enjoy FISHER's last show at Hï this season




Follow FISHER on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud







Afterlife Day & Night | Hï & Ushuaïa Ibiza | Thursday, September 29

Italian music duo Tale Of Us present a final glorious show across Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza this Thursday, kicking things off in the open-air at Ushuaïa at 5 pm. The melodic techno pair play two headline sets in both venues (offering a b2b with Maceo Plex outdoors before midnight) and will be joined by Stephan Bodzin (live), Dixon, Mind Against, Sven Väth, Ben Klock B2B Marcel Dettmann, and many more. Purchase combined or separate tickets for Afterlife Grand Finale.




Follow Afterlife on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud







Solid Grooves Closing Party | DC10 | Thursday, September 29

Solid Grooves, the much-loved party and label with a distinctive deep tech soundtrack wraps up its first DC10 season this Thursday. Founder Michael Bibi joins label mates Dennis Cruz, PAWSA, Ben Sterling, and ANOTR and secret guests. The iconic underground venue DC10 has proven to be the perfect match for the groovers crew, so head over to the Salinas club and enjoy the last Solid Grooves of the year! Purchase your ticket for Solid Grooves Motel Closing party




Follow Solid Grooves on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud







Defected Closing Party | Eden | Friday, September 30

House music giant Defected is ready to close a fantastic season at San Antonio hotspot Eden. Defected has been at the forefront of the clubbing scene for more than 20 years and culminates its longest-ever season on the last day of September with Simon Dunmore, Mambo Brothers, Low Steppa, and many more. Head over to Defected closing party if you are looking for classic house music and uplifting vibes before the party season finally ends! Purchase your ticket for the Defected closing party at Eden.




Follow Defected on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud




elrow Closing Party | Amnesia | Saturday, October 1

elrow presents a new theme to close the busiest night at Amnesia properly. For the first time, elrow will present its most artistic and avant-garde theme: DELUSIONVILLE, a concept curated by the American contemporary artist Ron English. Metamorphic landscapes and anthropoid animals come to life exclusively at elrow's closing party. Amnesia and elrow have chosen one of the greatest representatives of clubbing culture to headline the show on the terrace, Fatboy Slim, alongside Eats Everything and elrow resident DJs Bastian Bux and Tini Glesser. The Main Room, renamed elrow City, will be occupied exclusively by Kölsch all night long. Dare to join the last elrow event of the summer in Ibiza and discover their new world! Buy your tickets for the elrow closing party and discover its newest theme.




Follow elrow on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud




Storytellers Pangea Closing Party | Cova Santa | Sunday, October 2

A day trip by Storytellers (the team behind WooMooN) finalizes the season with Pangea. The closing is the last opportunity to take an active role in the fairytale world they've created while dancing to an extended set by Red Axes and Audiofly b2b Deer Jade. The event begins outdoors at 6 pm at Cova Santa and follows indoors from midnight till sunrise. Get tickets to enjoy Pangea by Storytellers at Cova Santa.




Follow Storytellers on Instagram | SoundCloud















Ibiza Selects (September 26 – October 2)

Desert festivals might be some of the hardest to come by, and not just because those barren spaces are few and far between. Raving in 100-degree weather is just something that most people wouldn’t dream of, and it might seem even more improbable in such a remote location. So, why do ravers take to these arid sandscapes to dwell in the desert for days on end?

Despite the unforgiving environment, desert landscapes make for some of the best festivals in the world. Often without any towns or cities within earshot for miles, the lack of noise licenses allows for larger than average sound systems with no time constraints. Deserts also provide a completely blank slate meaning they can play host to any kind of creativity or blueprint, whether stages, art installations, or campsites. After dark, once the heat settles over the planes or dunes, it’s high time to let loose, and party as the dry daytime air subsides, creating the perfect starlit setting for any eager raver.

So, with that, let’s dig into some of the best desert festivals across the globe - and no, it’s not just Burning Man!




Monegros Desert Festival, Spain



We’re kicking off this list in Europe - an unusual spot considering the continent’s vast greenery. In the dusty region of Aragon, Northern Spain, a growing community sets up shop in the Monegros Desert, where the eponymous festival takes place. By day, festival-goers take shade under enormous fairytale-esque mushrooms, later lit up by trance-inducing lights transforming the space into a psychedelic oasis. Monegros Desert Festival is known for its prodigious lineup too. Promising one of the most exciting performances of the year as Wu-Tang Clan take to the stage in July 2022, accompanied by a slew of DJs including Adam Beyer, Charlotte De Witte, Seth Troxler, Maceo Plex, and more. This year’s event falls on July 30 for a full-frontal 24 hours.

Website | Instagram | Tickets







Transahara, Morocco



Over in the Sahara Desert, early summertime event Transahara kicks off this year on May 13th-17th deep in the barren zone amongst the “mythical dunes of Merzouga.” With a traditionally psytrance lineup, this South Moroccan festival is a great escape for fans of higher-tempo tunes. Yet, previous lineups have included house and techno artists whose soundscapes fit for the mystical desert environment like John Aquaviva, Nitin, Matt Caines, and D-Nox. Due to the fragility of the ecosystem surrounding the venue, the festival is capped at 1500 and accommodations in one of five hotels and camps nearby. Accommodations are quite reasonable ranging from $30-80 a night. Transahara beautifully fuses art, music, and culture for a grand celebration under the starlit sky every spring. 

Website | Instagram | Tickets




Burning Man, Nevada

Photo Credit: Michael Holden



Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without Burning Man. It might be the first one that comes to mind when you think of desert-based festivals, but many don’t know the full ins and outs of this unusual event. As thousands of people - 80,000 to be exact - make the pilgrimage each year to Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, festivalgoers land in the barren metropolis of Black Rock City surrounded by art installations, burning structures, adventurous outfits, and a heck of a lot of bicycles. Black Rock City doesn't have traditional stages, the music is instead hosted by sound camps that each add their own artistic aesthetic to the dusty environment. Soundcamps like the fire-laden Opulent Temple, Debouchaerous day party Distrikt, and Carl Cox led Playground have hosted some of the biggest names in house and techno, including Carl Cox, The Martinez Brothers, and Joseph Capriati.

Website | Instagram | Tickets




Ragasthan, India

Previously dubbed ‘India’s craziest music festival’, Ragasthan has a lot to live up to - and it does. The three-day camping event takes place in the medieval trading town-turned-desert of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, just off the border of Pakistan. Boasting a lineup of both electronic and indie music, India’s top-tier festival also includes cinema screenings and fly-by art on top of late-night DJ sets from the likes of Christ Burstein, Bemet, and more amongst the mystical landscape. Ragasthan takes place each year in February to ease away those winter blues.

Website | Instagram | Tickets




AfrikaBurn, South Africa



Burning Man's sibling festivals are called regional burns. Founded on the same 10 Principles of Burning Man (Radical Inclusion, Gifting, Decommodification, Radical Self-reliance, Radical Self-expression, Communal Effort, Civic Responsibility, Leaving No Trace, Participation, and Immediacy) they give the worldwide community a chance to relish in its spirit closer to home.

Afrikaburn is the second largest regional event after its sibling festival Midburn in Israel. And it's a worthy contender. Originally taking place on Stonehenge farm, AfrikaBurn later moved to South Africa’s Quaggafontein, where it sets up a similar event with the same ethos as Burning Man. The experiencial festival is said to be a ‘playground without politic’ bringing together the South African Burner community. This year’s event kicks off in the Western Cape province on April 25th until May 1st.

Website | Instagram | Tickets




Desert Daze, California



California’s Desert Daze Festival has consistently had one of the better lineups over the past few years in the arid, mountainous destination of Lake Perris. Though more a beach than a desert festival, this dry setting has previously hosted the likes of Floating Points, Boards of Canada, Flying Lotus, plus a few pop, rap, and rock numbers. Desert Daze takes place annually toward the end of the year to avoid peak summertime heat, but with a lake just metres away, there’s always room for a quick dip. Expect some more magic in the desert this year from September 30th until October 2nd.


Website | Instagram | Tickets




Sandbox, Egypt



Sandbox is a once-in-a-lifetime event taking place mid-summer. As the sun hangs low over the Gouna Red Sea next to Egypt’s El Gouna desert, almighty lineups including Folamour, Palms Trax, Mella Dee, Sweely, and more play to intimate crowds. The desert plane hosting Sandbox sits next to the turquoise waters of the red sea, making it the perfect respite for anyone seeking some time away from the unforgiving heat. This year’s dates are currently unconfirmed, although you can bank on a glorious weekend somewhere in mid June.

Website | Instagram

Day Zero, Israel



Finishing off our selection is Israel's Day Zero festival hosted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Masada, not to be confused with the festival’s second event held in the jungle of Tulum. As termed by the festival itself, Day Zero is ‘a convergence of mysticism, music, natural wonder and apocalyptic sentiment’, set amongst the scenic desert space in the heart of Israel. Here, you can find a bill of impressive house and techno artists from all over the globe with previous residents including DJ Tennis, Black Coffee, Four Tet, and Dennis Cruz amongst others. Day Zero celebrates 10 years this year kicking off on September 23rd, 2022.

Website | Instagram | Tickets



Desert Festivals to Visit Around The World

In October, Gray Area launched OCHO, an eight-hour journey through the global sounds of modern house and techno. In partnership with Diplo's Revolution and Sirius XM, listeners expanded their sonic palates with a day of diverse music and fresh beats. On December 11, 2021, OCHO returns to the airwaves with a new lineup featuring Dennis Ferrer, Yulia Niko, Gioliì & Assia, Dennis Cruz, John Summit, Dombresky, Archie Hamilton, and Arielle Free.

The lineup of innovative and forward-thinking artists is another shining example of Gray Area's mission to unite the international house music community and draw lines between its rich sub-cultures and sub-genres.

Dennis Ferrer

New York-born house music legend Dennis Ferrer heads the lineup. Ferrer established his footprint in the 90s as part of the early New York techno and gospel house scene. The genre-defining producer has throughout the years continued to push the envelope with a wide-spanning output that includes hits like "Hey Hey," "Sinfonia Della Notte," and "Whisper" with Disciples and James Yuill.

Follow Dennis Ferrer on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Yulia Niko

Yulia Niko's worldly sound is likely a result of her travels. The Russian-born artist discovered dance music in Sochi, wrote her breakthrough music in Greece and New York, and finally settled in Berlin, where she became a resident of the iconic Watergate nightclub. Her Detroit-inspired deep minimal tech has received acclaim from Jamie Jones and Lee Foss and earned her releases on Get Physical, Crosstown Rebels, and Objektivity.

Follow Yulia Niko on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud



Tune in to Gray Area OCHO on December 11, 2021



Giolí & Assia

Multi-hyphenate's Gioli & Assia combine their deep-seated background in live instrumentation and traditional music for a lush, passionate melodic experience like no other. What started as a manager/ client relationship has grown into a creative partnership that has developed beyond their imagination. Assia's lilting vocals float over the top of scintillating sonics that exemplify the lengths to which techno can be pushed.

Follow Giolì & Assia on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Dennis Cruz

Dennis Cruz is a singular force in house and techno. By the time the Spanish DJ and producer was 17, he'd already been in the studio with hip hop artists and rock bands crafting hits. However, he found a home in dance music weaving together thumping basslines, Latin-tinged beats, and a wide array of musical influences. Named the Beatport Most Charted Artist of 2016, his music draws support from icons like Jamie Jones, Joseph Capriati, Roger Sanchez, and Marco Carola.

Follow Dennis Cruz on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud



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John Summit

John Summit has been on a two-year tear, dropping hit record after record and dominating the festival circuit. Incredibly, the Chicago-based DJ broke through amid the pandemic with "Deep End" on Defected—the longest-running Beatport #1 of 2020. He has since collaborated with everyone from Gorgon City to Sofi Tukker and has seen releases on the industry's most lauded labels.

Follow John Summit on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Dombresky

Dombresky has established himself as a dynamic purveyor of classy, uplifting, vocal-driven house music. The French-born, LA-based artist has dominated the Spotify playlists and festival stages in 2020 with landmark performances at Lollapalooza and EDC Vegas. And future classic releases on Insomniac, Armada, and Toolroom.

Follow Dombresky on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud







Archie Hamilton

In 2019 Archie Hamilton released his debut album Archive Fiction, a milestone and breakthrough moment for the producer who'd already spent years grinding and building his two record labels, Moscow Records and Moss Co., from the ground up. His rough and tumble basslines and floating synth work were the first signal that a new brand of European house music maestro was taking over the game.

Follow Archie Hamilton on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Arielle Free

BBC Radio 1 presenter, producer, and DJ Arielle Free has risen to be an influential tastemaker in dance music. Often referred to as Scotland's answer to Annie Mac, she's diligently spent years creating her own space in dance music. Aside from being the daytime ambassador for Radio 1's iconic dance programming, her career as a DJ exploded in 2020 with performances at Printworks, Parklife, Glastonbury, and Creamfields.

Follow Arielle Free on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud



Tune in to Gray Area Presents OCHO on December 11 from 12 PM to 8 PM ET.







Gray Area OCHO Returns to Diplo's Revolution in December

We’re just days away from Miami’s infamous iii Points Festival. Since its debut in 2013, it’s won praise for its musical diversity, cultural art collaborations, and eye-popping art installations. iii Points offers a wide range of musical acts from hip-hop, pop, mainstream/ rock, and dance. Here are picks for the top house and techno artists to catch while you're in Miami.







Jamie xx

A forward-thinking beatmaker and producer helped shape the sound of the late 2000s and beyond with his English indie group the xx. As a solo artist, he tempered the restraint of his other work with his reverence for dance music's power to move bodies and hearts. His artful blend of kinetic and atmospheric is equally innovative and evocative.




Nicola Cruz

Latin American DJ and producer has always been captivating. His creative process involves a careful curation of life, nature, and sound to form a unique vibey rhythm that speaks to his roots. Intertwining the siku into his melodies, a wind instrument of Andean origin, is highly symbolic in ancestral rituals. Cruz continues to expand his vision towards new stories and other cultures as sources of inspiration. 







Black Coffee 

The South African DJ and producer built his career gradually over nearly two decades crafting a unique jungle house signature sound inspired by his cultural heritage and a love of house music. On the decks, he’s a perfectionist and delivers a euphoric performance each time he steps on stage. In 2010, he attained the Guinness World Record for longest-ever DJ set with a non-stop 60-hour set. As a producer, he’s collaborated with a wide range of artists including Usher, Diplo, Elderbrook, and David Guetta. He’s led the charge for an influx of talented artists from Africa and is arguably the continent's largest dance music export.










Peggy Gou

Hailing from South Korea, DJ and producer one of the leading ladies in house and techno. Gou became internationally renowned for her energetic sets and acclaimed tracks such as “It Makes You Forget (Itgehane),” “Starry Nigh”, and “I Go.” Her vibrant, joyous productions echo vintage deep house and post-disco without sounding like throwbacks.




Maceo Plex

A legend in the techno scene, Eric Estornel has produced and performed under numerous aliases like Maetrik and Mariel Ito. It’s under his Maceo Plex moniker that he is most well known for. The Miami-based DJ and producer played at countless iconic festivals and released a slew of records, singles, projects, and is the owner of Ellum Audio. His sound is dramatic and elegant, an aesthetic you can hear on the ambitious “Solar,” named after his son. He’s adept at mixing dark, more sci-fi-influenced tones with moving melodies. A true master of the craft who always performs with quality.




Patrick Topping

Hailing from England, the savvy DJ and producer has contributed a constant flow of positivity to the music scene he loves so dearly. He’s known for vibrant tech-house tracks such as “Be Sharp Say Nowt,” “Forget,” “Rocket Fuel,” and the infamous collab with Green Velvet “Voicemail.” Equally talented as a DJ, Patrick has attained international status as a headline act. His illustrious discography, blossoming label TRICK, and affiliation with party brands such as elrow prove he is at the top of his game. As he continues to inject his energy into refining his craft and building his crew of talented acts, Patrick is entering a new level of artistry.




Cristoph 

Inspired by the progressive sounds of musical legends like Sasha and Digweed, Christoph has developed his take on melodic house that’s as emotional as it is dance floor ready. He mastered his craft on vinyl and then developed a sound that gained the notice of Eric Prydz. In the last few years tracks like “Sleepless Nights,” “Out of Reach,” and “Breathe” with Camelphat have catapulted him to the top of the charts. He continues to release more music along with his radio show Consequence of Society. 




Michael Bibi

A certified icon of the underground scene, the English producer has crafted countless killer tracks. His raw passion for music began at a young age. Bibi has carved out and established a distinct signature sound translating into support from some of the industry’s biggest names. He’s also got a signature haircut that’s often imitated, but never quite duplicated. Bibi's unique production style and off-the-wall vocals are the keys to his success. 




Fjaak 

The German duo is known for their driving, energetic tracks ranging from house to storming warehouse techno. They are also known to toss in an occasional U.K. garage, dub, or breakbeat hardcore tune for good measure. The weed-loving duo consists of Felix Wagner and Aaron Röbig, who commonly perform in dark dungeonous settings, so iii Points will be a unique opportunity to experience a slice of rave in the sunshine. Filled with grit and sensuality, their tracks are all composed entirely on analog equipment. 







Danny Daze 

The Miami native is known for mixing classic electro, Detroit techno, and funk with glistening 80s-90s vibes. Daniel Gomez makes raw and authentic tracks supported by many of the other pristine techno artists who will also be playing at the festival. His radical approach to preserving music’s integrity while breaking its boundaries may seem volatile, but it’s not random. 






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