Winter Music Conference will return to Miami from March 24 to March 26, 2026, marking the 36th edition of the longest running electronic music conference in the world. This year’s event will take place at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Downtown Miami, which will serve as the official Miami Music Week hotel.



Arriving just days before Ultra Music Festival’s 26th edition at Bayfront Park, the conference once again anchors the start of Miami Music Week, bringing together artists, executives, labels, brands, and creators from across the dance music industry.



First launched in 1985, Winter Music Conference has long served as a meeting point for the culture’s business and creative communities. The 2026 edition introduces a refreshed format built around two dedicated programming tracks: Industry and Creators, designed to connect professionals working across music, technology, media, and live events.



The Industry Track focuses on the business behind the music, offering panels, workshops, and networking sessions exploring topics such as event production, marketing strategies, emerging technologies, and the economics shaping dance culture. Executives, promoters, and industry leaders will share insights alongside voices from tech, media, and adjacent creative fields.



The Creators Track shifts the spotlight toward DJs, producers, and digital creators. Attendees can expect artist led workshops, gear demonstrations from leading audio brands, and career development sessions aimed at helping emerging artists navigate today’s music ecosystem.



Beyond its educational programming, the Kimpton EPIC Hotel will transform into a central gathering hub throughout the week. Beatport Live will present a three day rooftop pool party series, bringing daytime performances and label showcases to the hotel’s panoramic pool deck overlooking Biscayne Bay.



WMC 2026 will also introduce a new A&R Pop Up Lounge, offering artists the opportunity to connect directly with labels and industry representatives. Expanded gear exhibitions and brand activations will also take place throughout the venue, giving attendees hands on access to the latest tools shaping music production and performance.



The conference will conclude on Thursday evening with the Bridges for Music × International Dance Music Awards Gala, a collaboration that brings together two longstanding institutions in dance culture.



Bridges for Music is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to music education and community development, known for its academy in South Africa and support from artists including Richie Hawtin, Skrillex, Martin Garrix, and Black Coffee. The International Dance Music Awards, established in 1985, remain one of the scene’s longest running award platforms, honoring artists, producers, and industry leaders across the genre.



The gala will feature award presentations, live performances, and fundraising initiatives supporting Bridges for Music’s education programs.



Throughout the week, the Kimpton EPIC will host daily rooftop pool events, turning the property into a social meeting point for artists, executives, and fans before Ultra Music Festival begins the following day.



WMC 2026 will follow a three day schedule:



Tuesday, March 24


Badge pickup and opening pool party



Wednesday, March 25


Panels, workshops, exhibitor showcases, networking sessions, and pool party



Thursday, March 26


Final programming sessions, closing pool party, and the Bridges for Music × IDMA Gala



Two badge tiers will be available for attendees. The WMC Access badge includes entry to all conference programming such as panels, workshops, and exhibitor areas. The WMC Pro badge also includes admission to the rooftop pool parties and select sanctioned Miami Music Week events.



With its return to Downtown Miami and expanded programming structure, the 2026 edition places a renewed focus on connection between the industry’s business leaders and the next generation of artists. As Miami Music Week approaches, Winter Music Conference once again sets the stage for the conversations, collaborations, and celebrations that define the week.

Winter Music Conference Returns to Miami for Miami Music Week 2026

At Ultra Miami, the main stage draws the massive crowds and the fireworks. But for many fans, the real destination sits deeper inside Bayfront Park. RESISTANCE is where the festival shifts into a darker gear, built around house and techno, heavier sound systems, and production that turns the dancefloor into something closer to a European warehouse rave.

RESISTANCE returns for the festival’s 26th edition from March 27 to March 29, bringing a dense lineup of house and techno talent across its two stages. The experience centers around two environments that shape the weekend.



The Megastructure is the beating heart of RESISTANCE. The towering covered arena has become one of the most recognizable techno stages in the world. Inside, lasers slice through heavy haze while towering LED panels wrap the crowd in light and shadow. Once night falls, the space feels sealed off from the outside world. It is dark, loud, and relentless in the best way possible.

A short walk away sits The Cove, a waterfront stage that opens up toward Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. The sound here leans toward melodic house and progressive sounds while still maintaining the underground spirit that defines the brand. During sunset hours it becomes one of the most striking views anywhere at the festival.



This year’s RESISTANCE lineup reflects the brand’s focus on pairing established names with rising artists and rare back to back sessions.

One of the most anticipated sets is Adam Beyer b2b Joseph Capriati, making its U.S. debut. Both artists have long shaped the direction of modern techno, and seeing them share a booth inside the Megastructure is likely to be one of the weekend’s defining moments.

Another standout arrives with Amelie Lens b2b Sara Landry, a world debut that brings together two artists known for driving techno sets that keep crowds locked in from start to finish. Landry will also step up for a solo performance during her HEKATE label takeover, marking her first appearance at Ultra.

Elsewhere, the festival continues its tradition of carefully chosen back to backs. Dennis Cruz b2b Seth Troxler will make its Ultra debut, pairing the Spanish tech house standout with one of Detroit’s most recognizable underground voices. Other special pairings include Argy b2b Mind Against, Colyn b2b Innellea, and Joris Voorn b2b Korolova, each promising a different shade of house and techno across the weekend.



The solo headliners add just as much weight to the lineup. Carl Cox returns once again to a stage he helped turn into a festival institution. Eric Prydz will bring his towering audiovisual performance style, while Boris Brejcha arrives with his recognizable minimal sound. The bill also includes Adriatique, Cassian, Deep Dish, Eli Brown, Massano, Miss Monique, Vintage Culture, and the legendary duo Sasha and John Digweed.

RESISTANCE also leans into label culture this year with curated stage takeovers from Amnesia Ibiza, The Martinez Brothers’ Cuttin Headz, Sara Landry’s HEKATE, and M2 Miami, each bringing their own roster and atmosphere to the festival.

Beyond the headliners, the lineup digs deeper into the underground with names like Juliet Fox, Kasia, Black Fancy, JOA, Mar T, M.O.N.R.O.E., Scenarios, ALT8, and Rivo, giving plenty of early day and late night sets worth catching.

The RESISTANCE experience at Ultra does not end when the festival gates close. The brand continues throughout Miami Music Week with its residency at M2 Miami, where many of the same artists play extended club sets deep into the night.

Now celebrating its tenth year as a global brand, RESISTANCE has grown far beyond a single stage at Ultra. Events in cities like London and Warsaw have drawn massive crowds, while its Ibiza residency at Amnesia remains a cornerstone of the summer season. Still, Miami remains the flagship moment each year, where the brand brings its full vision to life.



For fans of house and techno, the message is simple. If you find yourself wandering through Ultra looking for the place where the music hits harder and the crowd stays fully locked into the rhythm, you will probably end up under the roof of the Megastructure or staring out over Biscayne Bay at The Cove. That is where RESISTANCE lives.

A Guide to the RESISTANCE Stage at Ultra Miami 2026

While the joys of working in music are powerful, the path has not always been easy.

In Part One of our Women’s History Month series, we asked 11 femme DJs to share the best part about being a woman in music, highlighting themes of connection, community, and inspiration. Now in Part Two, we asked the same artists to speak candidly about the challenges they have faced in the industry.

From navigating stereotypes to working harder to be taken seriously, their responses shed light on realities that still exist today.

But these stories are not just about obstacles. They are about resilience, growth, and the determination to continue creating space for future generations of women in music.

Below, these artists share their honest reflections on the hurdles they have encountered along the way.



Deer Jade



“In the beginning there were definitely some prejudices. People assumed that because we are women we cannot do it as well, or that our success is not because of our talent. I would just smile and know deep down that I had to keep working hard and pour all my love into what I do until it eventually becomes undeniable.”

 

Shubostar



“The challenge comes from the contrast. After the gig, that privilege fades quickly, and the difference in how Asian women are treated becomes clear. That is why I feel a responsibility to stand up for and support other women.”

 

EMJIE



“I have definitely had to work harder to be taken seriously and to secure better slots. As a woman, you are easily underestimated and overlooked on lineups.”

 

JOPLYN



“There is often an invisible pressure to be agreeable, grateful, and easy to work with, even when you need to set boundaries. Learning to take up space without apologizing has been a journey.”

 



Marieme



“In the beginning, I approached my life as a woman in the industry with a mindset shaped by the obstacles I had heard about. I knew about them in advance and internalized them, and that became my biggest challenge. I went into situations not valuing myself and letting people dictate the direction I went in. I gave my power away.



When I changed my perspective and told myself, ‘I am going to decide my fate. I am limitless. I am forging my own path,’ I ended up in places where I was valued, where my gender was not even considered. I think that is the goal: to build and move forward instead of always feeling like you have to fight against something. I have realized that the energy I put out and what I believe about myself matter more than any systems that came before me."



VNSSA



“Misogyny.”



Mona Matsuoka



“Everyone faces challenges as a woman in the industry, but I have noticed that sometimes I have to be louder than the boys or they will not listen. It is a constant lesson when I am in a room with my male producers, reminding myself that I need to speak up more.” 





 

airrica



“Being treated like a quota filler, hearing things like ‘Wow, you are so great for a girl,’ or being spoken to as if I have no idea what I am doing. Yes, it still happens sometimes.”

 

Fátima



“What feels most challenging for me is this moment in time in the United States as a woman, a Latina, and a first generation immigrant. That intersection shapes how I move through the world, how I feel, and what I create. My existence itself is a form of resistance.



Making and playing music allows me to process, represent my culture, and help others do the same. Angela Davis once said there is no change without hope, and music fuels that hope for me.”

 

baby-g



"As both an event organizer and a DJ, navigating interactions with less approachable male venue managers and promoters when trying to secure shows can sometimes feel intimidating, especially as someone who can struggle with imposter syndrome. There have been moments where that has led to feeling underestimated or needing to prove my skills and versatility.



Over time, those experiences have helped me grow into a more intentional and confident artist, and supportive femme communities have reminded me to focus on collaboration and creating more inclusive spaces.”

 

Sasha Atlas



“I think smaller female artists still tend to be overlooked for bigger opportunities, which is why we have had to create our own spaces. It is getting much better though, and I am glad to be part of the next wave of female artists appearing on festival lineups and signing with great labels.”

11 Femme DJs on the Challenges of Being a Woman in Music

Do you remember the moment you fell in love with dance music?



I do.



It happened at XOYO the summer of 2013. I was newly single, 23, living in London and absolutely on one. Jackmaster was headlining and dropped Fatima Yamaha’s What’s a Girl To Do at 2am to a packed, sweaty dance floor. It was evangelical. I felt sucked into the magic of this electronic world. At that moment, I understood that electronic music is about so much more than rhythm and beats. It taps into something at the very core of humanity.


Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to report on the culture I love for a living. But, as the years crept along, one aspect of my job has got bigger and bigger and bigger until, this year, it’s officially become the majority of it. The way people consume journalism has changed. I spend way less time reporting, and way more time holding a little black box, making tiny little videos and checking my notifications for validation every 10 minutes.


These days I am not just a journalist, I’m also a filmmaker and presenter, which, luckily, I actually quite enjoy. The part I struggle with is spending hours making something I’m really proud of only for it to get buried by the algorithm. That part bums me out.



And I am not the only one wearing multiple hats. Every single DJ, producer, promoter, marketer, agent and manager is fighting the same battle. We used to have very separate roles in the music industry, but now we all have one thing in common: we are content creators. And, if we aren’t, we better become one stat. It begs the question:



Is it possible to be successful in the music industry without social media presence?



Unless you’re an anomaly like Helena Hauff, a vinyl-only DJ with no manager, press campaigns, social media account or smartphone, the answer seems to be a resounding no. That’s why creating engaging content for social media has officially become a bigger part of the job than the job itself.



On February 12th, DJ, producer and BBC Radio 1 host Jaguar shared a post on Instagram titled “I QUIT.”



“I just feel like we should all get a life and stop staring at our phones????” She wrote. “Is anyone else tired?? How can we accept that our vids are reaching fewer people than ever? I actually refuse to accept this. I’m done playing the game. I’m not an influencer. I’m an artist. I’m a broadcaster. It’s time for a change.”



It’s a sentiment many people in the music industry can relate to. Social media began as a way to stay connected to friends and family, but it’s now become far less social and way more promotional. In fact, a Financial Times study indicated a 10% drop in overall social media activity in 2025, with Gen Z shifting towards posting nothing at all, and only scrolling.



It’s partially because young people want to escape the clutches of the algorithm, but it’s also because their feeds are dominated by influencers and adverts. Morning Consult reports that many people feel their content isn’t relevant or interesting enough, and social media has changed its purpose to become a place for passive scrolling rather than active sharing.


So, people in the creative industries are left to battle it out against the algorithm, creating content with a 3 second hook to grab attention, rewarded for spectacle over talent. It means that many outstanding producers and DJs are flying under the radar as they may not have the confidence, will or skills to showcase their work in a palatable way for social media.



Artists, many of whom are often introverts, must now be performers, presenters, promoters and filmmakers on top of the actual job of DJing and producing.



Nikki Nair just wrapped up a four week residency at Phonox in London. It’s a legendary and highly coveted residency across four weekends, but comes with a caveat: the artist has to promote it.



Nikki Nair went down an interesting route. Part sarcasm, part earnest, he wryly introduced himself as a world famous DJ, documented his journeys from one gig to another in an impossibly droll way. It was genuinely funny – but it also highlighted the world we live in where DJs now have to be TV personalities to succeed.



Nikki managed to create content that felt true to his own personality while allowing his audience to get to know him, but the subtext is clear: he’d really rather not have to do this.



But what about the shy artists? The ones without a team to bounce ideas off? The people who aren’t natural marketers or don’t feel confident showing up on camera? Do they get left behind? Is there only room in this industry for a certain type of personality to succeed?



And, more importantly, is music really the most important factor in success — or is it charisma on camera?



These are the questions circling every music industry professional right now, and the conversation isn’t going anywhere. I can’t help but wonder whether, like Jaguar, artists will eventually grow tired of it and build a new ecosystem for themselves; one that doesn’t perform for an algorithm, but for the fans who wanted to connect with them in the first place.

Notes On: Artists Becoming Content Creators

AIRRICA’s path into music was not linear. Before committing to DJing and production, she was studying oncology and later working in tech sales, building a life that looked very different from the one she leads now. The shift was not impulsive. It came from constantly questioning what felt aligned and having the self awareness to change direction when music became more than a side pursuit.



Today, she is known for long sets that stretch past three hours, often landing in peak festival moments or sunrise slots where energy and pacing matter most. Her selections reflect both curiosity and nostalgia. She still keeps Junior Jack’s “My Feeling” close, credits disco as the era she would time travel back to, and leans on edits like Airwolf Paradise’s take on “Smack My B*tch Up” when she wants to lift a room instantly. Ibiza remains a place she feels deeply connected to, both for its history and its atmosphere.



Outside of music, structure plays a major role in her life. Gym sessions, climbing, hiking, and a daily vanilla oat milk latte are constants. She speaks openly about faith, growth, and learning to accept the highs and lows that come with building a career in music. There is self reflection in how she talks about her early material, her mindset, and the reminder to step back and recognize progress.



In the conversation ahead, AIRRICA discusses changing career paths, the records that shaped her, what keeps her grounded, and the perspective that continues to shape how she moves forward.





What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?


I’m really good at picking up languages just from being around them often. Italian and Arabic, for example. Spanish is my second language, and I speak it fluently.



If you weren’t a DJ/Producer, what would you be?


I think about this all the time. I was in school studying oncology, then moved into tech sales before becoming a DJ. But honestly, I think I’d own a few restaurants because I love dining experiences.



What’s the most memorable moment of your career?


I thought a lot about this question. I can’t choose just one moment because every show, conversation, and release has been a memorable building block on my journey.

Who’s an artist that inspires you right now?


Billie Eilish. I’m still obsessed with the Hit Me Hard and Soft album and the way it’s structured artistically.



What’s a track you play when you want to get the crowd hyped?


I have a “Smack My B*tch Up” edit from Airwolf Paradise that I think I play more than he does. It always creates an insane surge of energy.



What’s your go-to snack or drink before a show?


Always a vanilla oat milk latte because I need the caffeine, no matter what time of day. The Italians are probably cursing me. And some fruit, preferably mango or Sun Gold kiwis.



What’s your favorite city to play in, and why?


I’ll forever love playing on the magic island of Ibiza.



How would you describe your sound in three words?


Really good music.



What’s one non-music-related thing that makes you happy?


A sunset and an açaí bowl. That’s the recipe for happiness.



What’s a track that always brings you back to your roots?


Junior Jack – “My Feeling.” I will forever play this record. It’s full of nostalgia and happiness.



If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?


This is such a hard question, but I’d have to say Bob Marley.



What’s your favorite non-music-related hobby?


The gym, climbing, hiking. I love sports.



If you could time travel to any era of music history, when would it be and why?


Definitely the disco era. I yearn to be feral in Studio 54.



What’s a record that never leaves your crate or USB?
Junior Jack – “My Feeling.”



If you weren’t touring or in the studio, where would we find you?


Probably at the gym.



What’s a fun fact or hidden talent that has nothing to do with music?


I pick up languages quickly just by being immersed in them.



What is something simple that makes you smile?


My morning coffee. At night, I literally think about the coffee I’ll have in the morning. I guess I’m addicted.



When do you feel most at peace?


At the beach, somewhere isolated. Costa Rica, Goa, or somewhere in Mexico.



What are some things you forget but feel better when you’re reminded of them?


That the journey has highs and lows. You ride the highs, grow with the lows, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.



What’s something meaningful to you, but not necessarily to others?


Having God in my life will always be the most meaningful thing to me.



What personal prison have you built out of fear?


I don’t know. I should probably ask my therapist that one.



What’s something normal to you that other people find weird?


I’m not sure.



If you could compliment yourself, what would you say?


Get out of your head and look at how far you’ve come.



As someone who works with technology to write music, have you ever had a gut-wrenching moment where you lost a track?


Ironically, as I was answering this question, my external hard drive stopped working and I went into panic mode. It turned out to be just the cable. Thankfully, I’ve never had a serious technology issue.



What makes you cringe when you listen to your early material?


How obvious it is that I had no direction and was just trying everything while learning.



What do you find yourself obsessing over most in the studio?


Every perspective of building a track.



What is your favorite set time and duration?


I love playing over three hours. If I had to choose, peak festival time or after-hours. I love sunrise energy.



If you had the power to erase one musical genre, which would it be?


Even if I don’t like a certain genre, I think all music relies on each other. You travel, you’re exposed to new sounds, and influence grows from that.

The Making of AIRRICA

Sébastien Léger and Roy Rosenfeld have spent years refining their place in melodic house, both individually and now together through Lost Miracle. What began as a label founded by Léger in 2019 has grown into a shared project that reflects their musical instincts and long standing respect for one another. Today, Lost Miracle represents more than a catalog of releases. It is a platform for extended sets, focused curation, and a deeper connection with dance floors around the world.



Léger’s career spans more than thirty years, with appearances at festivals like Coachella and Tomorrowland and a widely viewed Cercle performance at the Great Pyramids of Giza. Rosenfeld, based in Tel Aviv, has built his own reputation through releases on All Day I Dream, Lost and Found, Rumors, and Lost Miracle, earning support from artists such as Solomun, Dixon, and Black Coffee. 



Together, they have brought Lost Miracle showcases to cities including Buenos Aires, Medellin, Amsterdam, Montreal, and Colombo, building nights centered on musical flow rather than spectacle. For listeners in their twenties and thirties who value substance over hype, this is a grounded discussion about longevity, instinct, and the music that continues to matter years later.



What’s the most memorable moment of your careers?



Roy: We Are Lost Buenos Aires in 2020, right before the worldwide lockdowns.



Seb: Igloofest in Montreal in 2011, or more recently Loveland Festival with the entire crowd singing along to my track Hutchula.





Who’s an artist that inspires you right now?



Roy: Seb and Guy J.



Seb: Roy, and anyone who makes the good stuff themselves.



What’s a track you play when you want to get the crowd hyped?



Roy: Panko Day or my Rainchecks In Montreal remix.





Seb: Hutchula and our upcoming track All Night Long.





What’s your favorite city to play in, and why?



Roy: Argentina, Colombo, Medellin, and Montreal, because there are a lot of real music lovers. The emotion levels are always high.



Seb: Medellin, Amsterdam, Colombo, or Barcelona for the exact same reasons as Roy.



How would you describe your sound in three words?



Roy: Hypnotic, deep, groove.



Seb: Happy, colorful, groovy.



What’s a track that always brings you back to your roots?



Roy: Three Drives – Greece 2000.



Seb: Too many to mention. Not one specific track, anything old and funky, I guess.



What’s a record that never leaves your USB?



Roy: Epika by Guy Mantzur and Roy Rosenfeld.



Seb: Frankey & Sandrino – Acamar.





What do you find yourself obsessing about most in the studio?



Roy: Sound design. I feel very uncomfortable if I know something can be better.



Seb: I’m stupidly obsessed with “it has to be different” every time… but I end up doing the same thing anyway.



What is your favorite set time and duration?

Roy: 8pm to 11pm. I also like extended sets, around five to six hours.



Seb: 6pm to 9pm. Three hours is perfect.



If you had the power to erase one musical genre forever, which one would you abolish?

Roy: Reggaeton.



Seb: Reggaeton.

Inside Lost Miracle with Sébastien Léger and Roy Rosenfeld

March is a time to recognize the women shaping culture across every industry, and dance music is no exception. From late-night club sets to festival main stages, women behind the decks continue to leave their mark on scenes around the world.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we asked 11 femme DJs a simple but powerful question: What’s the best part of being a woman in music?

Their answers reflect joy, community, creative freedom, representation, resilience, and the deeply personal connection they share with the dance floor. While the industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: women are not just participating in the culture, they are actively shaping it.

Below, 11 artists share what makes this journey meaningful to them.



Deer Jade

“Being able to inspire other women to make and play music themselves is the best part. To give them the confidence to know it is absolutely possible and that they are good enough. Actually, way more than enough. They just need to trust themselves and go for it.”



Shubostar

“When I am at work, I experience a kind of privilege, a level of visibility and recognition I had never felt before as an Asian woman. Being at the center of attention and having people approach me first feels incredibly empowering.”



EMJIE

“Being able to share feminine energy with the crowd is the best part. When I play, I radiate love and higher vibrations, hoping it inspires the audience and connects us all.”



JOPLYN

“Honestly, the sisterhood. The women I have met in this industry are some of the most resilient, creative, and emotionally intelligent people I know. There is a quiet solidarity that feels very powerful.”


Mona Matsuoka

“I get to empower and inspire other women to speak their truth and live in their true feminine state. The deepest love comes from embracing that energy.”



Marieme

“I always say I do not work in the music industry, I work in the magic industry. As a woman, I get to turn my lived experience into art with a kind of honesty and intuition that feels like a superpower. I follow the signs and lead with love, and that always takes me to places that feel fulfilling for me and, in turn, magical for anyone experiencing the art.”



VNSSA

“The best part for me is helping create space for women to exist authentically in music. Every boundary we push makes it easier for the next wave of women. That is why the relationships with other women in this industry run so deep. We understand each other in a way no one else really can.”



airrica

“Being a role model for other women who want to step into music or other industries is very important to me. It is important that we always remember we are here to lift each other up.”



Fátima

“I truly love the spaces we create. There is a palpable feeling at femme, queer, and BIPOC events that feels joyful and expressive. When people feel safe and seen, they can be free, and that is refreshing for everyone, not just women. Many men compliment this energy when they attend our Sisters in Sound events. There is also a beautiful camaraderie when I meet or work with other women in music. So many of them carry a humility and graciousness that is deeply inspiring.”



baby-g

“Being part of a supportive network of femme artists who genuinely want to see each other thrive is the best part. I have been lucky to connect with many femme artists who are generous with their knowledge, open to sharing skills, and invested in one another’s creative journeys. Communities like Sisters in Sound have been especially meaningful, creating spaces where collaboration replaces competition and where artists can grow, connect, and feel supported within the scene.”



Sasha Atlas

"Always standing out on a lineup. Like any artist, the energy I bring will always be unique to me, but it is unquestionably a product of my experience as a woman."







This is just one side of the story.

In Part Two, these same artists speak candidly about the challenges they’ve faced, and how they continue to move forward in an industry that is still growing and shifting.

Stay tuned.

11 Femme DJs on the Best Part of Being a Woman in Music

In this series, we shine a light on up-and-coming collectives who are carving their own path while pushing underground culture forward.




At the centre of Lewisham, Catford, and the wider southeast London music scene is Sister Midnight, a community-driven venue, radio station and artist haven. More than just a space for music, this collective has created a cultural hub where inclusivity, experimentation, and grassroots creativity come first.




Community defines Sister Midnight’s ethos. A movement born from necessity during the pandemic when many local spaces shut down, it’s now become a blueprint for how underground culture can thrive outside the mainstream.




Origins and ethos




Founded in 2021 by Lenny Watson, Sophie Farrell, and Lottie Pendlebury, Sister Midnight started as a grassroots record shop and venue in Deptford before the pandemic forced its closure. The team quickly pivoted and re-established itself as a community benefit society, expanding into radio and using digital platforms to keep the scene alive. Their mission was, and remains, to create a home for emerging artists, DJs, and musicians, particularly those from underrepresented communities.




“For the last few years, the community down here has been blighted by the continual closures and losses of culturally important music venues,” Watson told Dazed in a 2021 interview.




Their initial plan was to save Lewisham’s Ravensbourne Arms by transforming it into a community-owned pub – however that fell through. Instead, Lewisham Council offered the Brookdale Club — a dilapidated social club dating back to the 1880s — on a ten-year rent-free lease. They’ve spent the last 5 years raising a target of £500,000 to revamp the space.




Their vision extends far beyond music. Sister Midnight plans to host breakfast clubs, children’s activities, and co-working facilities, alongside rehearsal and recording spaces. The yard will be used for record fairs and arts and crafts markets, while the kitchen will accommodate local food pop-ups.




Building a local and global family




What started as a single record shop has blossomed into a multifaceted collective. Sister Midnight FM just launched their programming for 2026, featuring shows that highlight emerging local talent, experiment with genre, and spotlight voices that often go unheard in mainstream media: “a genre-bending mix of sounds that reflect the breadth and spirit of musical output from Lewisham and beyond,” their press release reads.




Every decision — from programming to venue design to community partnerships — is filtered through a lens of integrity and accessibility to build a space where diversity is celebrated, experimentation encouraged, and music front-centre.




Their approach has fostered a sense of family. DJs, producers, and fans from across southeast London describe the collective as a place to connect, collaborate, and feel seen. The venue’s focus on inclusivity is reflected in the line-ups and in the planned design of the space itself.




The sound and the scene




Musically, Sister Midnight operates at the intersection of underground and avant-garde. The collective champions everything from house, techno, and drum & bass to experimental electronic and local grassroots sounds.




And this January, they finally did it. Sister Midnight announced they’ve reached their funding milestone and will begin construction on their space, due for completion in Autumn 2026. In February, Sister Midnight held a community meeting at Catford House to gather input from local residents on the development of the space.




“Now that work has started on site to renovate our building, we’re planning to host meetings like this more often so that everyone in our community has a chance to share their ideas for the venue and shape this space with us,” they shared on Instagram.




The vision includes live bands sharing a bill with DJs, spoken word performances intertwined with electronic sets, and community workshops running alongside late-night club nights.




Beyond the venue




The collective’s fundraising model — community shareholders contributing toward a shared goal — reflects its commitment to participation, empowerment and ownership. It’s all about creating something by and for the community.




Once completed, the space will serve multiple purposes: a professional rehearsal space, a community music hub, and a platform for experimental arts. The venue will democratize access to cultural infrastructure, allowing emerging artists to work, perform, and connect without the barriers often imposed by the mainstream music industry.




The future of community-led culture




As Sister Midnight prepares to open its doors in Catford, they’re determined to maintain authenticity while growing. “Everything we do is driven by our belief in the power of music to uplift, unite and affect positive change,” their website reads. “By working at a grassroots level and always democratically, we hope to make this a space for belonging, solidarity and experimentation.”




It’s fair to say Sister Midnight is setting a new standard for how grassroots collectives can operate sustainably, ethically, and with wide-reaching impact. It’s a reminder that music can be a tool for connection, empowerment, and joy. And with so many UK grassroots venues closing their doors, Sister Midnight is a true model for the future of community-led culture.




For updates on their venue, radio programming, and community initiatives check out sistermidnight.org.

Collective Spotlight: Sister Midnight

Trace has become one of the most prominent house producers to emerge from Uzbekistan, building his reputation through releases on Hot Creations, Catch and Release, Hellbent, Repopulate Mars, and Nervous. His record “Taka Doom” marked a major breakthrough, earning steady support from Solomun and entering the Beatport Dance Chart top ten within days. Support from Pete Tong, Fisher, Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, Diplo, John Summit, Andrea Oliva, Nic Fanciulli, Cloonee, and Sonny Fodera has reinforced his standing across the international club circuit.



Still, the story behind the records is just as important. Many listeners are surprised to learn where he is from, often confusing Uzbekistan with somewhere else entirely. A turning point came during a night at Jamie Jones’ Paradise party in Amsterdam, an experience that reshaped how he viewed dance music and clarified the direction he wanted to pursue. 



In the studio, Trace prioritizes focus above all else, shutting out distractions and working until he reaches a state where ideas unfold naturally. In this conversation, he opens up about his background, the moments that changed his perspective, and the discipline that drives his output today.



1. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?


A lot of people don’t know that I’m from Uzbekistan. When they ask where I’m from and I tell them, they often respond with “Pakistan?” or say, “Oh cool, I’ve seen Borat,” even though that movie has nothing to do with my country at all.



2. What’s the most memorable moment of your career?


In 2019, I was in Amsterdam and went to Jamie Jones’ Paradise party. After that night, my entire perspective on dance music changed.



3. If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?


Definitely Marvin Gaye. I never get tired of listening to his album I Want You. I would honestly recommend it to everyone.



4. When do you feel most at peace?


When I’m feeling inspired and everything is flowing while I’m making music.



5. What do you find yourself focusing on most in the studio?


I try to stay fully focused and eliminate anything that could distract me. When you get into that flow state, it feels like the music writes itself. That’s the key to making great tracks.

Trace Breaks It Down in Five

In our Ones To Watch series, we highlight innovative producers pushing boundaries in dance music culture while carving out their own space.




LA-based AK Sports has been making waves that hit way beyond California’s coastline. Their hard, fast, fun techno sets and productions are heavily influenced by rave culture, and with an upcoming EP release on 240 Alles kM/H in March, AK Sports is a force in both live performance and production.




From Bondi to London




AK Sport’s journey into music began in Bondi, Australia, where she threw events and DJed. “I really learned how to read a crowd and get a dance floor going,” they tell Gray Area. “However musically it wasn’t creatively that inspiring.”




On the hunt for deeper creative stimulation, AK made the decision to relocate just before the pandemic.




“So I decided to hot tail it to London just before COVID and was able to cut my teeth at local underground radio stations.”




That’s where they got a taste of playing music that aligns with their own taste, not the crowd’s.




“I got to explore jungle and breaks and deconstructed club and really get into underground producers as well as be inspired by a thriving scene.”




The move refined AK's taste and laid the groundwork for the artist that would follow.




From London to LA




AK’s move to LA was unexpected, but ended up being a defining moment in their career. “I ended up in LA really by chance and truly found a place to launch the AK SPORTS project on a global platform,” they say.




There, she connected with Bianca Oblivion and Star Eyes, identifying a gap in the local scene and to launch an event series focused on UK sounds and global club music.




“We found a gap in the market and post-pandemic we kicked off our WARP MODE very FLINTA-forward event series downtown showcasing UK sounds and global club.”




The series had such strong vibes from the get-go, it led to a major milestone in the city. “This led us to the opportunity to throw LA’s first Boiler Room,” AK says. “And this teamed with releases on London-based taste maker labels is what truly helped kick off my global touring - a real DJ dream!”




Global Momentum




Over the past few years, AK Sports has taken her sound worldwide, expertly balancing respected underground clubs with major international stages including Glastonbury, EDC, Fusion, Miami Music Week and Tomorrowland.




For AK, achievement isn’t measured by lineups or scale, but the unexpected connections formed along the way. “Just traveling and finding out there’s fans in Serbia and regional China feels like an achievement,” says AK.




Despite the scope of their touring, AK remains candid about the challenges of an industry dominated by constant comparison and visibility metrics. “I will flag it’s hard to feel like you’ve achieved anything in this industry when there are DJs blowing up left right and centre,” they say. “Social media is so exhausting but I know I’ve been making progress every year - and that’s really the only measure of success you can use.”




Sound, Energy, and New Music




AK’s sets are defined by speed, intensity and genre fluidity. “My influences remain very European and UK,” they say. “I move between new hard techno and bounce, 2000s hardstyle and trance (but making it harder) and 90s happy hardcore - classic rave throwbacks.”




Their approach often blends contrasting elements, pulling from a wide spectrum of influences while maintaining a consistent sense of energy. “Lots of hybrids that feature psy to rap and different languages. It’s a mixed bag but I think the energy is there. It’s always about 160 BPM and over.”




If you’re going to see AK play for the first time, don’t expect to see any restraint. “Expect hard, expect fun, expect fast - and a plot twist,” they say. “I’m that DJ that’s jumping around on the table and passing out tequila shots.”




You might also catch them asking for a lighter and cigarettes and they’ve banned themselves from chatting on the mic. But it’s this playfulness and personality that makes them so easy to love, and this all carries into their upcoming EP on 240 Alles kM/H, set for release in March.




“I have a very fun EP rolling out fairly early next year that is really stepping into a way more playful side of techno than your typical hard-techno world,” they say. “I’ve always been multi-genre and this EP is really showcasing where my taste is at the minute. It’s a tasting plate of some really juicy genres.”




Connection and Challenges




AK’s idea of success is defined by shared experience rather than metrics. “When individuals tell me how my set made them feel, especially FLINTA people in safe and free places,” AK says. “Really it’s always a shared moment, shared catharsis that I have with the crowd.”




At the same time, they’re pragmatic about the realities of sustaining a global touring career. “Cutting through the noise [is hard] especially when social media is getting so much more competitive and overwhelming,” they say. “And touring expenses are a huge challenge as I do long haul flights to the EU often.”




So she’s considering relocating again, although LA currently offers a balance that works. “I just appreciate being a little closer to Australia in LA, and I’ve been out here for a minute,” says AK. “I’m grateful for American enthusiasm and support as well as the constant LA sun and nature.”




But if they had to choose a place to move, it would likely be Lisbon.




Advice for Emerging Artists




AK Sports is one of the most energising, compelling and authentic artists on the global techno circuit right now. So what’s their advice for baby DJs just starting out?



1. Taste comes first, then your skill comes with putting in the hours.



2. Follow your heart, your gut - don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Take risks.



3. Release music before it’s perfect - don’t wait till you have some magic EP that’s going to propel you into stardom just get started.”



4. Try not to give a fuck and just do it!!!!!!! Small steps are all part of the journey so JUST DO IT!!!!!”




For all their latest news, releases and events, follow AK Sports on Instagram

Ones to Watch: AK SPORTS

Mont Rouge’s rise has been fast, but it has not been accidental. Formed in February 2023, the Geneva based duo turned early studio chemistry into a touring project that has expanded across Europe and the United States in a short time. In just two years, they have surpassed 18 million streams and played more than 100 shows worldwide, a pace they admit they were not prepared for at first, but one that has pushed them forward at every step.

Their breakout came with “Voyage Voyage,” a collaboration with Francis Mercier and Coco that reached popped off on Beatport and crossed one million streams within days. Since then, Mont Rouge have continued to grow and evolve. 

Ahead of their next New York date on March 21st, Mont Rouge share how touring reshaped the way they write, what they look for when testing new music live, and why they avoid pre planned sets in favor of reading the room in real time.





Your project moved quickly from studio sessions to worldwide stages. What surprised you most about that early acceleration?


To be honest, we were so not ready for all of this to happen this quickly. But seeing a fanbase grow so fast, and people buying our merch, music, and tickets, and following us on our adventure was a real surprise and a motivation!



How’d you come up with the name ‘Mont Rouge’?


Well, we were looking for a name, and since we love skiing, we thought it could be a good idea to look for inspiration on the slopes. We were looking at the “Domaine des 4 Vallées” and found a summit called Mont Rouge, and the name kind of got stuck in our heads, so we stuck with it!



Do you approach writing differently when a track is meant for a large room versus a late night setting?


We usually like working on our tracks by having a solid vocal and then building the song around it so everything fits well. For the more late night or club weapons, we usually like to have a solid drum groove going and then build the track around that! But sometimes we also have a melody and or a chord progression that we did on the piano that comes first, so we start from there. It really depends on the vibe and where we want to take the track.



How has playing 100+ shows changed the way you think about arrangement and energy flow in your productions?


A big part of the people are sadly becoming pretty impatient and kind of want everything right away, so we try to do that while still keeping tension and making the people wait for a strong and impactful drop. But again, it depends on the track and the vibe we want to give it.



What’s something touring taught you that you couldn’t have learned in the studio alone?


Sleeping and resting is wayyy more important than we thought, haha. For the mood, our well being, and especially for musical inspiration. We are also lucky to be two, so we’re always there to push each other to the top.



How do debut shows in cities like New York and Los Angeles compare to playing closer to home in Europe?


The music industry is super different between America and Europe, in a good way. We can play records that wouldn’t fit a European audience and vice versa. We love experiencing both crowds. It’s always a different vibe.



When testing new music live, what signals from the crowd matter most to you?


Waiting for the drop and seeing people put their hands up or do a bass face is a key visual cue to see if a track works well and if people enjoy it or not.



Do you ever scrap tracks entirely after hearing them in a club, or does everything have a second life?


A lot of remixes we did for clubs usually get lost on the hard drives, but we sometimes repurpose them for original tracks when we find a nice vocal that fits it.



What kind of environment helps you make your best music right now?


We are always away, so being back in our hometown and our studio is where we can get the most creative and inspired.



Looking ahead, what feels more important in the next chapter: refining your sound or taking bigger risks?


Being in a sort of musical transition at the moment, we feel that refining our sound is taking a risk, haha.



If someone is seeing Mont Rouge live for the first time, what do you hope they walk away feeling?


Most people are buying tickets to listen to our music and to have fun. The most important thing for us is for them to enjoy their evening and to want to come back and party with us. That’s why we don’t prepare any sets, so we can read the crowd as best as possible and have people have the best night possible!



Who’s the last artist (outside your scene) you listened to on repeat?


For Jubesp, it would be Fred again.., whereas for Eszco, he has really been into Skrillex and SWEDM lately, with the last album and EP that just came out.



What’s one touring habit you swear by, and one you really should quit?


The one habit we swear by would be going to the gym as soon as we check in to the hotel. One habit we should get rid of as soon as we can would be smoking vapes and cigarettes on stage. We feel like it doesn’t give the best image, and obviously it’s bad for our health, lol.

Mont Rouge on 100+ Shows and What Comes Next

UP THE STUSS ON THREEE



Chris Stussy has the entire house music community sat and ready for something special this spring.



The Dutch DJ and producer has announced his debut album, Lost, Found & Forgotten…, landing April 3rd, 2026 via his own imprint Up The Stuss. For anyone who has followed him since day one, this feels like a moment that has been building for years.



Stussy is many things. He is the DJ your favorite DJ respects. The one promoters trust with peak time. The one whose sets leave rooms in awe from start to finish. He has become a reference point for modern house and minimal. There is a presence about him behind the decks that is hard to put into words. What sets him apart is how he genuinely cares about the set itself. No matter the city or the venue, he builds each night with purpose. 



Now he is telling a bigger story.



Lost, Found & Forgotten… spans 19 tracks divided into three chapters. Lost, Found, and Forgotten. Each section highlights a different side of Stussy while staying tied to one vision. 



Lost revisits sketches and ideas from earlier in his career, now refined and given the space they always deserved. Found leans into collaboration, opening the door to shared energy and fresh perspectives. Forgotten closes the project with deeper selections made for those who really listen, the heads who stay for the afters and know every B side.



The album is guided by the image of a kite. Movement and balance. Freedom with control. It mirrors how Stussy builds a set and how he builds a record. Emotionally open, but always grounded in rhythm and craft. The kite also reinforces the spirit of Up The Stuss, a label that has grown alongside him and helped establish a sound heard across dance floors over the last few years.



“This album has been a long time in the making, and I’m excited to finally share it with you,” Stussy says. He speaks about stepping outside his comfort zone, exchanging ideas, and letting go of expectations. It is clear this project means more than just a release date on the calendar. It represents where he stands right now as an artist.



For house lovers in their twenties, thirties, and forties, this is the kind of announcement that has us watching the clock tick from 11:59 PM to 12:00. His eye for fashion reflected in his own designs and merchandise, his work behind the camera as a photographer, his label, and the way he can take control of any room he steps into.



To mark the release, Stussy is also taking Lost, Found & Forgotten… on the road with a full album tour. Dates across Europe and the US are already locked in, including stops at Paradiso in Amsterdam, Gustave Eiffel Room in Paris, Alexandra Palace in London, Brooklyn Army Terminal in New York, and more. One special stop will kick off with an exclusive in depth interview in Dutch, where Stussy will speak about the ideas behind the record, his journey so far, and his vision for what comes next, followed by a DJ set to close the night.



This release is a statement from an artist who has already achieved so much, yet still feels hungry to explore. Everyone in the scene knows the name Chris Stussy. On April 3rd, we get to hear the full story.



Pre-order Lost, Found & Forgotten…, here.

Chris Stussy Is Finally Dropping a Debut Album

Love is different when your office is a DJ booth and your date nights happen backstage. Between festival runs, studio sessions, and sunrise sets, the scene has quietly given us some real love stories. Whether its shared lineups to shared last names, here are couples proving that romance and rave culture can go hand in hand.



Paco Osuna + Melanie Ribbe



Few love stories feel as fitting as this one. Spanish artist Paco Osuna, label head and one of Ibiza’s most respected techno figures, and Melanie Ribbe, former model, DJ, and founder of Agápe Musik, born in Germany and raised in Jamaica, celebrated their wedding in Ibiza surrounded by close friends and family. With years of shared shows, B2Bs, and studio work behind them, their partnership reads like a real scene love story, rooted in music, built on travel, and sealed on the island that connects them both.




Giolì + Assia



Italian duo Giolì and Assia, partners in music, life, and everything in between, began their journey in 2014 as an artist and manager team before evolving into one of electronic music’s most recognizable live acts. After launching their label, Diesis Records, and stepping fully into the spotlight as a duo, they also found themselves falling in love. 



Since publicly coming out as a couple in 2017, they’ve embraced their relationship with openness and pride, even in the face of pushback, including a canceled performance in Malaysia tied to anti LGBTQ+ policies. Today, they’re touring the world, selling out venues, and releasing major projects.




Charlotte De Witte + Enrico Sangiuliano



One of techno’s biggest heartthrobs, Belgian star Charlotte de Witte, and one of the most iconic female artists in the scene, is married to Italian DJ, producer, and sound designer Enrico Sangiuliano. Their chemistry is undeniable, especially when they share a stage. Their 2021 remix of “The Age of Love” has raked in over 100 million streams on Spotify, a release that felt like the perfect meeting point between two heavyweights.



Sam Divine + Cash Only



Defected queen Sam Divine is married to UK DJ and producer Cash Only, Matt Wilcox, and the two have intertwined both their personal and professional lives. They collaborate on their new label '555', where Wilcox serves as label manager, working closely alongside Divine behind the scenes. 



The couple met in Ibiza in June 2022 and have remained together ever since. In August 2024, Wilcox proposed during Divine’s set at Defected Croatia Festival, and the pair later tied the knot in Las Vegas.



Nico Moreno + Novah



French hard techno DJ and producer Nico Moreno is in a relationship with fellow DJ and producer Novah, also known as Elodie Sarrailh, and the two have become one of hard techno’s favorite couples. They are scheduled for a long awaited, five hour B2B set at Rave Rebels  in Brussels on April 3rd. A recent viral moment from Sonora Festival in France, where the two were caught mouthing lyrics and dancing together, only added to their growing fan favorite status.

Valentine’s Day: Power Couples of the DJ World

Spotify just dropped a major milestone: the streaming platform says it paid out more than $11 billion to the music industry in 2025, marking its biggest annual payout ever — and what it calls the largest single-year payment from any music retailer in history.

For dance and house fans, this is a reminder of just how much streaming now shapes the scene. Spotify’s Head of Music, Charlie Hellman, shared the numbers in a new company post, noting that payouts grew more than 10% year over year, bringing Spotify’s total payouts since launch to nearly $70 billion.



So where does that money go? Spotify says these payments flow to record labels, publishers, independent distributors, and royalty organizations — the groups responsible for getting music into the hands of artists and rights holders.

Hellman also positioned Spotify as one of the biggest engines behind the music industry’s growth right now. According to the company, Spotify accounts for roughly 30% of global recorded music revenue, and its payouts are rising faster than other income sources across the industry.

One standout detail: Spotify claims there are now more artists earning over $100,000 a year from Spotify alone than there were artists getting stocked in record stores during the peak CD era. In other words, the streaming model may be controversial, but it’s also creating new lanes for artists to build real careers — including in underground genres like house and techno that thrive on global discovery.

This announcement also arrives as Spotify continues to raise subscription prices in several countries, including the US, where Premium will increase from $11.99 to $12.99 starting in February. The company argues that as streaming audiences grow — now over 750 million paying subscribers worldwide across all platforms — payouts rise alongside revenue.

More clarity is expected soon when Spotify releases its Q4 2025 financial results on February 10. For context, in 2024 Spotify’s $10 billion payout represented about 60% of its annual revenue.



Spotify’s business is still expanding quickly: the platform reached 281 million Premium subscribers as of Q3 2025 and posted quarterly operating income of €582 million, up 33% from the year before. 2024 also marked Spotify’s first full year of operating profit.

For the house music world, these numbers underline one thing: streaming remains the main pipeline connecting club culture, global audiences, and artist income — even as the debate over fairness and sustainability continues.

Spotify Paid Out $11 Billion to the Music Industry

In her monthly Notes On column, music journalist Alice Austin shares her thoughts, reflections and analysis on dance music’s biggest talking points. With (dry) January over, Alice reflects on conversations around sobriety in dance music, drawing on interviews over the course of the month, and her own personal thoughts on wellness as the year unfolds.




In April 2026, it’ll be six years since I made the decision to become sober. While most people drank more during lockdown, I took it as an opportunity to re-consider my relationship with alcohol. As a purely social drinker, it felt like the perfect opportunity. I happened to be staying with my brother in Sydney when COVID hit, so I spent my mornings writing and my afternoons cycling along the Eastern Suburbs coastline, taking photographs and re-configuring. I had no idea what my life would be like without alcohol. In fact, I wasn’t sure who I was without it.



I had some major concerns. Would magazines still hire me to write about nightlife? Would labels and promoters want me to write about their club nights if I wasn’t partying? Would I even want to go to clubs anymore? Will I miss out on all the fun? Will everyone think I’m boring?

In the Northern Hemisphere, January is for sure the worst month of the year. Everyone is recovering from December, which for many of us (in the UK especially) is packed full of after-work drinks, club nights, pub nights, and that strange week between Christmas and New Year where time stops making sense and we go out every night.

Then, once the final firework has flared out and the last party popper pulled, it’s time to crawl into our caves and swear off alcohol, human interaction and fun for the full month.

Dry January is an inaccurate representation of sobriety. I tried it once or twice and had zero fun. I was experiencing withdrawal, lonely because I didn’t trust myself to socialise, and it was freezing cold, cloudy, and rainy (in the UK).



I was so relieved when February finally rolled around and I was released from prison, my bank account recovered, the hangover a distant memory and spring on the way. I was ready to crack open a bottle of wine and enjoy life again. 

When I quit alcohol in April 2020, I felt pretty rough for the first 2.5 months. I was anxious, tired, overthinking, and felt like a horse on ice at the pub. “You’re the fun one then,” the bartender said as I ordered my first alcohol-free beer, confirming my worst fears that everyone thought I was boring. It wasn’t an easy time. But I’m here to tell you that was not the sober experience, that was just the transition.

The actual experience began one sunny day in Melbourne almost three months to the day that I’d had my last drink. I needed to take a new DKNY jumpsuit to the tailor, the kind of chore I used to dread and put off for months. This time, I bounced to the tailor. I felt great – sparkly, energised, productive. I felt new. The way I used to feel before I drank regularly, back when I was a child. 



That’s when I glimpsed the reality of long-term sobriety for the first time. Yes, I would miss the hedonism of big nights out and after-parties, but I couldn’t ignore the improvement in my mood, my sleep, my writing, my communication. Before, I was my best self in the pub, two pints deep. Now, I was chatty and buzzed on a daily basis without any booze.

It took a while to build up my social battery. At first, I got tired after spending more than a couple of hours in a big group of friends. But after about one year, my energy came back, and now I regularly stay out til 3 or 4am on nights out.

This January, I spent several hours speaking to major dance music artists about their sobriety journeys. I spoke to Sam Divine, who told me about the events and addictions that led to check herself into rehab in early 2025. I spoke to Jumpin’ Jack Frost, who told me how he spent the majority of his career totally sober until his mid-30s, when things escalated and he found himself smoking crack cocaine. I spoke to Tony y Not, who, like me, sat more on the social addiction spectrum, and I spoke to hrdvsion, who told me that alcohol became an aggressive attempt to overcome his social anxiety, especially in nightclubs.



I also interviewed three wellness practitioners about burnout within dance music for Gray Area’s magazine. We spoke about the need for more wellness and healing spaces for folk working in nightlife, and they shared an inspiring range of workshops that help nightlife professionals prioritize health and wellbeing and manage the pressure that comes with working in this industry.

I found all of these conversations nourishing. Feedback on the articles has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’m proud I’m able to bring these conversations to the fore.



And that’s exactly why I’m writing this column as we move into February. It’s for anyone who’s just wrapped up a hellish dry January, and feeling unsure about whether to keep going or default back to old habits. There’s no judgement either way, but science says it takes about three months to feel the full benefits of sobriety. Perhaps once you get there, you won’t want to go back.

So to answer my earlier questions: Do magazines still hire me to write about nightlife? Yes. Do labels and promoters want me to write about their club nights? Yes. Do I still want to go to clubs? Yes. Do I miss out on all the fun? Some of it. Does everyone think I’m boring? I hope not.

Notes On: Dry January and Dance music

January Wellness: Izzy Naud Wellbeing




This January, we’re spotlighting dance-music-adjacent wellness practices that offer grounding and sustainable regulation for creative bodies and minds. As conversations around burnout, nervous system regulation and the demands of tour life intensify, Izzy Naud Wellbeing has emerged as a powerful voice that draws from decades of practice in movement, energy and martial arts. And the best part? She translates her knowledge into practical tools for our high-stimulation industry.




Lived experience, not trends




Founded in 2021, Izzy Naud Wellbeing sits at the intersection of Chinese martial arts, preventative health and performance psychology. Unlike trend-led wellness, her work is rooted in lived experience. She has a long relationship with Tai Chi, Qi Gong and martial arts rooted in her heritage, combined with firsthand knowledge of the toll the music industry can take.




Before launching Izzy Naud Wellbeing, Izzy’s relationship with wellness was shaped by over 25 years of practice in Chinese martial arts where she learned how to harness movement, energy and disciplined flow.




“I'm a Tai Chi master and a Qigong facilitator,” she says. “I’ve been teaching since 2014 and practicing Chinese martial arts since 2000, so that's over 25 years of practice.”




Growing up with the cultural influence of martial arts cinema, Izzy was drawn to the physical energy and ethos of kung fu. “I'm Chinese and grew up in the 80s, so it was all about Bruce Lee,” Izzy says. “So this was my influence, and in 2000 I joined a gym where they had all sorts of classes, but kung fu stuck.”




Izzy explains there’s a big difference between the internal and external arts. “Tai Chi and Kung Fu, they belong to this family called Wushu. And this is Chinese martial arts, and Kung Fu is more external, while Tai Chi is more concentrated in moving the vital energy inside our body.”




This lineage, rooted in internal movement, breath and energetic awareness, became the foundation for a practice that later evolved into targeted wellbeing support for electronic music professionals.




Burnout as a turning point



Izzy’s mission is personal. After working in the electronic music industry for a decade, hosting a podcast, promoting artists and launching an Artist Management Agency, she hit a wall.




“Back in 2011 I was experiencing burnout,” she says. “At that time, I didn't have healthy habits, which led me to the mental health hospital. I had a psychotic episode, and I had nobody to talk with. It felt very lonely, and I found out who my friends were.”




From that low point, she reoriented her life and career toward health as the central value, a shift that would later inform every aspect of her coaching work.



Building Izzy Naud Wellbeing


When COVID-19 hit and the industry faced a collective existential stress, Izzy saw what many were beginning to articulate: artists and professionals were struggling. With income, with touring cancellations and with sustained pressure, resulting in mental health crises and burnout.




“And before that, the passing of Avicii opened the conversation about mental health in the electronic music industry and this was kind of a wake up call,” Izzy says.




This crystallised her vision: combining body-centric practices, martial arts wisdom and systemic support for those who give so much of themselves to the nightlife industry.




“I realised I can join my two passions, which are Chinese martial arts, wellness and electronic music,” she says.




Izzy Naud Wellbeing officially launched in 2021, offering a suite of coaching, movement practices and personalized programmes designed to help professionals master their health rather than simply react to crises.


Between  Movement and Music


Rather than positioning itself as a conventional wellness brand, Izzy Naud Wellbeing has a broader vision: one that sees health and creativity as intrinsically linked.




“So my vision is to help electronic music artists and professionals become masters of their health and well being,” Izzy explains.




Her clients come from all corners of the electronic music industry, including DJs, producers, songwriters and tour managers, and with a wide range of challenges: stress, anxiety, insomnia, performance pressure or early signs of burnout. Izzy meets each client with bespoke tools and practices aimed at prevention, regulation and resilience.


Personalized Coaching with Impact


At the heart of her offering is the Return to Flow programme, (formerly Back on Track) a 12-week health and wellbeing coaching journey tailored to each individual’s needs.




What makes Return to Flow distinctive is its integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, Tai Chi, Qi Gong and personalized fitness training, adapted to travel, late nights, erratic sleep after gigs and performance schedules.




Participants in the programme report reduced stress and better sleep, as well as a sustained sense of balance and energy that supports creativity, stamina and overall wellbeing.


And Izzy’s much-loved Beat the Burnout checklist helps industry folk stay on track even in the most high-stress situations.


Speaking, community and industry engagement

Public speaking is another crucial pillar in Izzy’s work, and a way to bring these practices into broader industry conversations, attending Amsterdam Dance Event each year to discuss wellbeing in the industry.




“My best times are when I do public speaking,” she says. “In 2024 I gave a talk about burnout, and last year I was on a panel talking about the pressure in the music industry and how to find balance.”


She also regularly facilitates Qi Gong workshops and speaks at For The Love And Health Of House, an event series run by addiction specialist Michèle Kelder which aims to connect individual wellbeing to structural awareness around creativity and sustainability in dance music.




Movement, Flow, Creativity


For Izzy, the relationship between Chinese martial arts and artistic flow is physical, emotional and cognitive. “I think they have a strong similarity with music and creativity, because we are in the flow with both,” she explains.




Tai Chi, in particular, mirrors the creative process: continuous movement, centred awareness and dynamic presence. “Just like the creative process,” Izzy says.




These practices offer something the music world genuinely needs: a body-based path out of overthinking, stress and mental exhaustion.


What’s Next


Izzy will continue to expand in 2026 with online workshops, group programmes and media projects. Her monthly Sound Mind Sound Body Zoom workshops explore yin and yang energy and offer practical exercises musicians can use backstage, in the studio or during travel. She’s also preparing a podcast based on interviews from IMS and ADE, bringing voice to diverse wellness stories.




A new group programme, The Pillars of Flow, will focus on sleep, nutrition, exercise and stress management, the four foundations essential for sustained creative output.




In a scene increasingly reckoning with sustainability, whether in our careers, bodies or mental health, Izzy’s work shows us how to integrate flow into daily life.




In her own words, this is about “becoming masters of health, not just art” – a shift that marks the difference between burnout and brilliance.




For all her latest news and events, follow Izzy Naud wellbeing on Instagram.

January Wellness: Izzy Naud Wellbeing

This January, we’re spotlighting dance-music-adjacent wellness practices that offer grounding, restoration and long-term sustainability beyond the dance floor. As conversations around burnout, nervous system regulation and longevity continue to gain momentum in electronic music, Elemental Resonance has quietly been doing this work long before it became mainstream.

Founded by Tracie Storey (aka Tensuhi) in 2012, Elemental Resonance operates at the intersection of sound, consciousness and embodiment, bridging club culture with ancient wisdom systems and modern neuroscience. Rooted in lived experience rather than trend-led wellness, its work speaks directly to artists, creatives and music industry professionals navigating high stimulation, irregular rhythms and constant output.





Lived experience, not trends



Before launching Elemental Resonance, Tracie's relationship with wellness was shaped not by life on the road.

“Before launching Elemental Resonance, my relationship with wellness was more of a lived experience,” she tells Gray Area. “I spent many years working internationally as a DJ and sound designer and sought out practices that helped me regulate and restore balance.”

She has a monthly residency on London radio station ROVR, and is practitioner and co-curator of ’The Art of Areté’ which is part of IMS - 2026 line-up will be announced soon.

Touring life eventually prompted a deeper reckoning. “I had an epiphany whilst on the decks in Jakarta and I knew I needed to go deeper into the world of vibrational sound,” she says. “I became deeply curious about how sound affects us on a vibrational level, how it affects our nervous system, emotions and mental state.”

That curiosity led her into studying Vibrational Sound as a therapeutic modality, alongside breathwork, Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine. “Not as trends, but as essential tools,” she explains. “It was a big and difficult decision to change my lifestyle but one I understood more deeply later down the line.”





Building Elemental Resonance

Elemental Resonance officially emerged in 2012, born from a moment of introspection.

“It basically emerged from a personal need for recalibration,” she says. “After years of touring and working on high frequency, my body and nervous system began asking for something different.”

Moving away from a professional DJ career wasn’t easy, but it felt unavoidable. “I had to pivot from my professional life as a DJ, which was far from an easy choice but something more profound was calling.”

As her training deepened, so did her understanding of sound’s potential beyond performance. “As I trained in vibrational sound therapy and Qigong, I experienced profound shifts and realised how powerful sound could be when used as a modality rather than as performance, but as medicine.”

At the time, Elemental Resonance was offering something totally unique. “The platform was born 15 years ago, nothing like it existed at the time,” she says. “It was a way of bringing my experience of dance music culture, consciousness, sound therapy, education and embodiment into a more creative space.”



A bridge between club culture and consciousness



Rather than positioning itself as a traditional wellness brand, Elemental Resonance is guided by a broader vision.

“Elemental Resonance was born as a bridge between my experience of club culture and consciousness,” she explains. “It’s more of a vision rather than a mission.”

At its core, the work supports people in search of change. “It helps people return to coherence within their bodies, nervous systems and work more deeply with their energy systems.”

Using sound, frequency and movement, Tracie blends ancient wisdom systems with modern neuroscience and lived experience. The focus is not stimulation, but regulation; resilience rather than optimisation.



Who the work is for



While deeply rooted in electronic music culture, Elemental Resonance serves a varied community.

“I work with a wide range of communities, including electronic music professionals, creatives, cultural leaders, corporate wellness spaces, and individuals navigating stress, burnout, perimenopause, or life transitions,” she says.

There is a strong emphasis on people operating at high creative or cognitive output, whose nervous systems are often pushed to their limits by their work.



Milestones and key moments

Over the years, Elemental Resonance has quietly built a substantial legacy. Standout moments include releasing the Elemental Resonance meditation album on Basement Jaxx’s Celestial Being Records; hosting the first Power of Sound panel at Brighton Music Conference and later at ADE in 2018; facilitating workshops and sound immersions internationally; and building a long-running community through Inner Vision Mondays, a monthly meditation series, now in its sixth year.

These moments reflect a practice that has grown organically, sustained by community rather than hype.



What Elemental Resonance offers



And the work itself is intentionally broad and deeply bespoke.

“I offer one-to-one sessions, group workshops, online courses, retreats, and Vibrational Sound Training programmes,” Tracie says.

Sessions include vibrational sound therapy, Qigong workshops, nervous system regulation practices, meditations and sound harmonisations. “All sessions are bespoke and tailored to what the client is going through,” she explains, “which could be mentally preparing for a hospital operation or a personal meditation to help them with anxiety or sleep.”

Why electronic music professionals turn to TCM

For those working in electronic music, the appeal of Traditional Chinese Medicine is intuitive.

“Most people working in the music industry are exposed to high sensory stimulation, irregular sleep patterns, and constant travel,” she says. “Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic framework that addresses root causes rather than symptoms, and mirrors how people in the industry already understand rhythm, flow and energy.”

Crucially, it offers something many people are missing. “Most people don’t need more stimulation; they need nervous system regulation,” Tracie explains.



Unexpected Shifts

One of the most surprising outcomes for clients is the speed and depth of change.

“Many people are surprised by how quickly they experience clarity and spaciousness, not just relaxation,” Tracie says.

Often, the process reveals needs people didn’t know they had. “When the nervous system settles, creativity comes back online,” she explains. “When people address themselves as a living, breathing instrument, it helps them to find the spaciousness within which helps them progress with all aspects of their life; work, relationships, friendships, family, creativity.”



Looking Ahead

In 2026, Elemental Resonance will enter a new phase of expansion.

“I’m expanding Elemental Resonance into deeper educational pathways, including more in-depth Vibrational Sound Therapy Training which combines online study with in-person immersion and certification,” Tracie says.

Alongside this, Tracie will continue speaking at international conferences, developing retreats, soundscapes, more meditations and collaborative projects at the intersection of sound, neuroscience and consciousness.

In a scene increasingly reckoning with sustainability, whether in our bodies, minds, or creative careers, Elemental Resonance feels less like a wellness trend and more like a long-established response to questions electronic music is only just beginning to ask.

Check out Elemental Resonance’s free videos here and for more updates, follow Tracie Storey on Instagram.

January Wellness: Elemental Resonance

HILLS have built their momentum the hard way: consistent output, steady touring, and a clear understanding of what works on a dance floor. Formed by longtime friends Dave and TC, the duo have grown from uploading weekly remixes and edits into artists backed by some of the most recognizable names in dance music. Their catalog includes releases on Catch & Release, REALM, AETERNA, and Repopulate Mars, while their rework of Playboi Carti’s “EVIL J0RDAN” reached #1 on 1001Tracklists’ most-heard chart. Their most-streamed record to date, “Dreams” with Italian producer ANYMA, marked a turning point in pushing their sound to a wider global audience.



Behind the scenes, HILLS operate with a mix of focus and humor. They’re self-described food obsessives who plan their touring days around meals as much as soundchecks, spend downtime on the golf course, and are constantly refining details in the studio—sometimes to the point of losing unfinished tracks by forgetting to save them. Their musical roots stretch beyond house, shaped early on by hip-hop and records that stuck with them long before DJ booths and festival stages entered the picture.

In this interview, HILLS talk candidly about career highs like playing UNVRS alongside Fisher and Anyma, the pressure of turning passion into a profession, and the small habits that keep them grounded while touring nonstop. From missed opportunities and technical mistakes to family, downtime, and the realities of life on the road, the conversation offers a clear look at who they are beyond the decks—and how they’ve gotten to where they are now.



What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?


We’re both big foodies. Every city we land in, the first thing we do is check reviews and hunt down the best spots to eat.



If you weren’t a DJ/producer, what would you be?


Honestly, Dave would probably be a chef. TC would most likely be a manager or agent.



What’s the most memorable moment of your career so far?


Playing at UNVRS with Fisher and Anyma.



Who’s inspiring you right now?



There are a lot of great artists right now. We’ve been really into underground acts like No Static, Juntaro, and Welker, along with bigger names like Mike Dean and Chris Lorenzo.



What’s your go-to pre-show snack or drink?


Go-to snacks are Sour Skittles and Jolly Ranchers. Drinks are Peroni and Coke.



How would you describe your sound in three words?

Sound in three words: energetic, underground, loud.



What’s one non-music-related thing that makes you happy?


Eating good food and playing golf.



What’s a track that always brings you back to your roots?


This might sound weird, but when we first heard “Changes” by Tupac, it was the first rap song we ever listened to, and it really stuck with us at a young age.



If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be? 



Michael Jackson.



What’s your favorite non-music hobby?


Outside of music, golf—trying to get better at it.



If you could time travel to any era of music history, when would it be? 

Probably the ’80s, just to experience the hair metal era.



If you weren’t touring or in the studio, where would we find you?


At home, just relaxing.



What’s a fun fact or hidden talent that has nothing to do with music?



Golf. Slowly improving.



What’s a memory you never want to let go of?


The first big festival we ever played, where the crowd just felt endless.



When do you feel most at peace?


On stage, or when we’re with our family.



What’s something you forget, but feel better when reminded of?


How lucky we are to be able to do music for a living.



What’s something meaningful to you that might not be to others?


Family time and having real downtime.



What personal prison have you built out of fear?


Worrying too much about what other people think.



What’s something normal to you that other people find weird?


Flying to China for one night, then turning around and flying straight back to the U.S.



If you could compliment yourself, what would you say?


You’re following your passion.



From a production perspective, what’s the most expensive mistake you’ve made?


We once passed on a collaboration that went on to go platinum and rack up over a billion streams. That one hurt.



Have you ever lost music due to technology issues?


All the time. We’ll get deep in the zone, forget to save properly, clean up our computers, move samples—and suddenly things are missing because we forgot to “collect all and save.”



What makes you cringe when you listen to your early material?


Not really cringe, but it’s funny listening back to tracks we once thought were absolutely insane.



What do you obsess over most in the studio?


We focus on different things. One of us is super detail-oriented and can spend forever obsessing over a hi-hat or small details most people wouldn’t even notice.



What’s your favorite set time and duration?


Ideally around 11:30 PM to 2 AM, but it really depends on the room. In Miami we just played from 2 AM to 5 AM and it was wild—so it’s all about the vibe.



If you could erase one musical genre forever, what would it be?


That’s tough. Honestly, we love all music, so that’s hard to answer.

HILLS Q&A: Offstage Habits and Onstage Moments

Detroit Love is a party series with history behind it, the kind you can feel on a dancefloor before anyone even touches the mixer. At the center is Carl Craig, one of Detroit’s most influential techno producers and a cultural force whose work helped turn a local sound into a universal language. That legacy lands in Brooklyn on January 31st, when Detroit Love kicks off a weekend takeover at Superior Ingredients.

Detroit Love is his way of presenting Detroit to the world on Detroit’s own terms: proud, layered, and impossible to reduce to one genre, one era, or one trend.  Craig has done that not just through ideas, but through records, a catalog packed with classics, including his widely loved edit of Inner City’s “Good Life,” a track that’s reached millions of streams and still hits like a reset button on any room.



Detroit’s sound didn’t come from nowhere

Detroit techno wasn’t born in a vacuum. It grew out of a city built on music that already knew how to hit emotionally and physically — Motown, soul, jazz, funk, gospel. Carl Craig grew up in a working-class home where music mattered. His father delivered mail, his mother taught school, and the house was full of sound. That foundation shaped him.



As a young artist, Craig was pulled in two directions at once: the futuristic electronics of Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode, and the local revolution happening in his own backyard — the work of Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson (the Belleville Three), Detroit’s original techno innovators. Craig wasn’t only inspired by them. He saw proof that Detroit could invent something new and send it everywhere.



Early releases, early impact

Craig’s first records helped establish him as more than a talented producer — they showed he already had a point of view. His early releases “Breakdown” and “Evolution,” put out under the aliases Psyche and BFC, gained cult status in underground scenes across the U.S. and Europe. 



They didn’t sound like copies of what was popular. They sounded like Detroit: mechanical, emotional, and forward. And like many of the city’s great builders, Craig didn’t wait for someone else to create the platform. He made it himself.

Planet E: Detroit with no boundaries

In 1991, Craig launched Planet E Communications, starting with 69 – Four Funk Jazz Classics. It was a mission statement. Planet E wasn’t about keeping techno inside rigid rules — it was about letting it expand. The label became a home for music that stretched into house, jazz, funk, and left-field electronics, while staying rooted in Detroit’s DNA.



Planet E also became a powerful platform for other Detroit artists. Over time, it supported names like Moodymann, Stacey Pullen, and Kenny Larkin — artists who carry Detroit’s legacy in very different ways. That’s part of Craig’s long game: building community, not just building a catalog.

Innerzone Orchestra: when techno got jazz bones

If you want proof that Craig never saw techno as a closed system, look at Innerzone Orchestra, founded in 1992. The project blended electronic music with jazz expression and live musicianship, and it produced one of his most celebrated tracks: “Bug in the Bassbin.” 

It’s the kind of record that reminds you Detroit isn’t only about speed or pressure — it’s also about depth, swing, and musical knowledge.

From there, Craig kept expanding. By the mid-’90s, releases like Landcruising pushed his sound further into mood and world-building — music that didn’t only work in a club, but could also hold up as a full listening experience.



Detroit Love: the culture, not the hype

Craig launched Detroit Love in 2014, and it’s important to understand why it mattered. Detroit had been talked about for years like a myth or a ruin — a city people borrowed from without always respecting. Detroit Love became Craig’s answer: a cultural platform and event series designed to spotlight Detroit’s depth, show its full range, and reshape the way the world speaks about it.



That’s why Detroit Love gets treated like something bigger than nightlife. It isn’t built around gimmicks. It’s built around values: strong curation, real connection, and Detroit pride without dilution. Detroit Love events are known for lineups that feel intentional — not only big names, but artists who represent Detroit’s spirit, whether through techno, house, disco, soul, or deeper cuts that don’t fit neat categories.

Why Moodymann belongs in this story

Detroit Love also makes sense because of who’s connected to it. Moodymann (Kenny Dixon Jr.) is one of the most charismatic and uncompromising figures in house music — and one of the loudest voices when it comes to preserving the Black roots of dance music.



His catalog runs through labels like Planet E, Peacefrog, KDJ, and Mahogani Music, and his sound pulls from soul, jazz, blues, and house with an instantly recognizable touch. Tracks like “Sunday Morning” and “Shades of Jae,” plus albums like Silentintroduction and Moodymann, helped define an era — not through polish, but through feeling and truth.



When Detroit Love brings together artists like Craig and Moodymann, it’s more than a booking. It’s Detroit speaking in its own voice.

Legendary because it’s real

Detroit Love has impact because it doesn’t treat Detroit like branding. It treats Detroit like a living culture. Craig’s work — from Planet E to Innerzone Orchestra to Detroit Love — has always been about building worlds that stay connected to their roots while still moving forward.



That’s why the name hits. Detroit Love isn’t nostalgia. It’s a reminder that Detroit didn’t just influence dance music — it helped define it. And when the series lands somewhere like Brooklyn for a full weekender, it isn’t just another party on the calendar.

It’s Detroit showing up in full.

Carl Craig and the Story of Detroit Love

If you’ve been going out long enough, you know the feeling: a room that used to be everything starts slipping. The sound isn’t hitting, the layout feels cramped, the lights are tired, and the magic that made it legendary starts fading. But 2026 is shaping up to be a real turning point — because some of the most talked-about venues on the planet aren’t just doing “updates”… they’re fully rebuilding what the experience is supposed to feel like.

From full shutdown renovations to complete ownership takeovers and ground-up reworks, these spaces are betting on the future of nightlife — louder systems, smarter layouts, sharper production, and more room to actually move. We put together five clubs getting major renovations for 2026 — and why each one is worth keeping on your radar.



1. Ministry of Sound (London)



Ministry isn’t playing around with this one. The iconic London institution is undergoing what it calls its biggest transformation since opening in 1991, timed with its 35th anniversary — and the main room is coming back at the end of January looking (and sounding) completely refreshed.

The biggest change: they’re retiring the legendary Martin Audio system and bringing in a custom four-point KV2 sound setup. Add in a lowered DJ booth that’s closer to the crowd, a layout built for different stage formats (including 360 setups), and an upgraded lighting/video design — and “The Box” is basically getting rebuilt for the next generation of nights.



2. Brooklyn Mirage (New York)



Brooklyn Mirage is entering its “new era” phase — and not subtly. The venue was bought by FIVE Holdings (the Dubai-based group behind Pacha), and sources say it’s aiming for a summer 2026 return with multiple shows already in motion.

What’s interesting is the direction: instead of going straight into the mega-futuristic rebuild people expected, Mirage may be scaling back for 2026 and returning to a more stripped, open-air vibe closer to the original 2015 concept. The bigger, flashier rebuild — with wraparound LED madness — looks more like a 2027 move. Either way, this isn’t just a refresh… it’s Mirage deciding what it wants to be again.



3. XOYO (London)



XOYO is officially back in action. After a full refurbishment under new ownership, the Shoreditch staple is ready to reopen its doors with its first party in the revamped space on January 31st, featuring Fleur Shore, Kiidoo, and St David.

The club has been rebuilt with brand-new sound, new lighting, upgraded production, and refreshed walls, floors, and stage structures — a real top-to-bottom renovation instead of a quick facelift.

The goal feels obvious: bring XOYO back to the kind of room where the best DJs actually want to play again. If you’ve missed that proper gritty, late-night London club energy, this renovation reads like a statement — they’re rebuilding the experience, not just fixing the paint and calling it a relaunch. 





4. Borgata (Atlantic City) 



Atlantic City nightlife is getting a serious upgrade in summer 2026. Borgata is transforming the former Premier Nightclub space into a brand-new 18,000-square-foot entertainment venue, built in partnership with Big Night (the group behind Big Night Live, The Grand, and Memoire).

Premier had a strong run, but this is bigger than a rename — it’s a total reinvention of the space, designed for concerts, DJs, special events, and year-round programming. With Big Night involved, expect high production and big-booking energy. Borgata’s basically trying to level up from “casino club night” to a legit destination venue.



5. Zouk (Singapore)



Zouk Singapore is doing a full shutdown renovation across all three of its Clarke Quay venues — Zouk Mainroom, Capital, and Phuture — starting in early 2026, with the full project expected to wrap by June 2026. It’s a bold move, but the upgrades make it make sense.

They’re upgrading all speaker systems to concert-grade tech, expanding capacity from 3,000 to 3,500 people total, and adding huge visual upgrades like a 12-meter-wide high-resolution LED wall in the Mainroom. The Mainroom is also getting a modular layout with movable acoustic walls, so the space can shift depending on the night — from intimate shows to full-scale event mode. It’s Zouk betting hard on what nightlife looks like next.

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