VNSSA continuously keeps the momentum going. After years of rising through the American DJ circuit, she has checked off another career box with an official remix of "These Notes In This Order" for Dirtybird boss Claude VonStroke. The remix comes with the massive remix package for Von Strokes Covid era album Freaks & Beaks alongside remixes from Nikki Nair, Shiba San, and Steve Darko.




VNSSA burst onto the scene in 2019 with club favorites "Word" and "Rave Grave" with Walker & Royce. While she was a new name to some, she'd spent years honing her skills in the LA scene and had already scored underground cred with releases on Box Of Cats, Psycho Disco, Dim Mak, and Country Club Disco.




VNSSA has since become a festival favorite. Her onstage presence matches her wonderfully eclectic catalog, often breezing from bottom-heavy tech house to joyous disco in one set.




We caught up with VNSSA to chat about her latest Dirtybird release, her upcoming performance at Dirtybird Campout, and more.









You've been a regular on Dirtybird over the years, with multiple appearances on compilations and your first single coming last year. However, this is the first time Barclay tapped you for a remix. How do you approach a remix for someone like him? Do you feel pressure to try and make it in the "Dirtybird style," or is it simply about expressing your take on the track?



I still cannot believe I got to do a remix for Claude VonStroke. He's been one of my favorite artists for so long. I was definitely feeling the pressure because I wanted to stay true to myself while also making something that he would like and that we would both play out at shows.



You're playing the upcoming Dirtybird Campout Festival. Given your association with the label, this festival is probably somewhat of a homecoming filled with friends and family. What does it mean to you to play this event, and how is it different performing at an artist/label-driven event versus other festivals?



Dirtybird Campout is my home away from home. In a way, it's just like summer camp. Every year you see the same friends (and meet a ton of new ones), catch up, hang out, and enjoy all the music and activities together again. It brings together some amazing people and music, and I'm so happy I got asked back to play again. It really is the most unique festival I've been to.



Can you tell us about coming up in Newport Beach? It doesn't seem like a place that one would necessarily associate with electronic music, yet we've spoken to a handful of DJs over the years from the area. What was your time like there, and how did you discover electronic music?



Growing up by the beach, I did a lot of surfing and riding my bike around at the beach. I went to a lot of surf, punk, and rock shows until eventually starting my own band with some friends, although we were more indie rock than anything. After a while, I started going to clubs and DJ shows at the local live music venue (Detroit Bar at the time) and just fell in love. I decided that I didn't want to be in a band anymore. I wanted to be the band. So I started DJing.



You DJed the local circuit for five years before scoring your first release on a label in 2018. This period in any artist's life often gets overlooked. It's easy to think your career starts with that first release, but the reality is you were grinding for years. Do you have fond memories of this time? Is there anything you miss from those early days? How do you feel the electronic scene on the west coast has changed since you first got your start out there?



I had a great time early on before releasing music. I was hanging out with all the other local DJs and learning new stuff constantly. I stopped getting booked in my local scene for a while, so I decided to start throwing my own parties. Every party had a theme. They were kind of like janky elrow parties, except confetti would eventually get banned.



You've managed to avoid being put into a box throughout your career. You've released music with an eclectic group of labels, from Dirtybird to Higher Ground. It seems that tech house is becoming increasingly popular every day. What's the biggest challenge in staying fresh with your music and consistently finding new ways to approach producing/DJing?



My music taste is always evolving, and I listen to just about everything. I think it's important to draw inspiration from other types of music, not just dance music. As the music I listen to transforms, so does the music I make. I hope to continue to keep changing and growing and stay out of a box.



2019 was a massive year for you. "Word" and "Rave Grave" with Walker & Royce received an incredible response and put you into the spotlight. Did you have a sense that these tracks were a little different? How did you meet Sam and Gavin?



I met Gavin and Sam in 2016 or 17 at a gig in my hometown. I opened for them a few times, and we remained in contact. I knew those tracks were different just from the amount of hype they were getting before they even came out. Walker & Royce have been a huge inspiration for me over the years and have believed in me from the start. I'm super thankful for their support and always love working with them. We currently have a few tracks in the works, so hopefully, you'll hear more from us soon!





In the last year or two, you've been releasing music at a higher rate, carrying the momentum and growing rapidly. What do you hope to accomplish in the next year or so of your career? Are there any long-term goals you have, such as starting a label or building out some crazy tour production?



I want to keep releasing music and honing my craft. I feel like I'm still learning new stuff, and I don't see an end to that. I hope to continue to tour more outside of the US. I'm touring Australia for the first time in October, and I'm so excited! Eventually, I'd like to take a live set on the road, but for now, I'm going where the wind takes me!



What are your favorite songs to play out right now?



Anything by Hannah Laing or Ben Sterling.




Do you have any pieces of hardware or software plugins you rely on frequently for producing?



My Novation Peak is my favorite synth at the moment, and U-he Diva.



What music do you listen to outside of dance music?



I listen to a lot of dream pop synth wave, indie rock goth punk. That's one genre.



Festival, large venue, or club?



Festival during the day. Large venue at night and club for the afters.



West Coast or East coast show?



Different vibes, but both are amazing. I can't pick



What advice would you give to an upcoming artist in an ever-crowded scene?



Be true to yourself and follow your own path.

VNSSA on Remixing Claude VonStroke and Dirtybird Campout

Nashville is frequented for its honky tonks and cowgirl-clad bachelorette parties, but soon enough, it may be a destination for eco-warriors too. That’s because Deep Tropics, a two-day gathering produced by Full Circle Presents, brings environmental visibility to Music City with the help of their parent 501c3, Deep Culture. What used to be a dream for the social impact organization is quickly materializing, and its leaders couldn’t be happier.




“Deep Culture started in 2019, originally as a vehicle to support the festival’s sustainability initiatives,” explains Joel Atchison, Deep Tropics’ co-founder and head of regenerative design. “Now we’re trying to map out what we’re doing so we can share that information with other organizers and festivals.”




Joel and his twin brother Blake Atchison are responsible for the nonprofit and its critically acclaimed electronic event, which in 2022 attracted over 5,000 attendees and featured high-energy sets from international acts like Tchami, Chris Lake, Vintage Culture, Wax Motif, and LSDream.




The colorful stage designs and art installations made from hempcrete and aircrete that cover Deep Tropics’ Bicentennial Park home each August are impressive on their own, but it’s the behind-the-scenes magic that makes this green-friendly party stand out in a sea of summer music attractions.





Among the most distinguishing factors are Deep Tropics’ green activities, which drive positive change on a global scale. In the past, the team has created rainwater catchment systems and produced biochar to promote soil health for local grounds, and that doesn’t even touch on what happens during the main event.




In 2022, Deep Tropics captured 2,819 pounds of post-consumer materials from the festival (including 650 pounds of compost). In total, they diverted a stunning 93.01% percent of the festival’s waste from the landfill — an effort made partly by their reusable “infinity cup” program and “Earth Guardian” volunteers who work on-site while bass rumbles in the backdrop.




Attendees also had the option to purchase "Green Disco Eco-bands” — bracelets made from organic, all-natural materials — the proceeds from which are now being used to plant a total of 23,150 fruit-bearing trees in Kenya later this year. An additional local donation of more than $2,000 went to Root Nashville and Tennessee Environmental Council. The agencies will plant 1,000 trees locally, including inside the municipal park where Deep Tropics takes place. The carbon sequestered, or offset, by these trees is expected to reach some 407 metric tons — a number that has positive implications for air quality far beyond the downtown metro area.






That said, Deep Tropics and its aforementioned outcomes wouldn’t exist without Full Circle Presents — the leading independent promoter of house, bass, and dance music events in Nashville. With more than 100 shows on its rosters annually, Joel sees an opportunity to leverage that existing infrastructure to build more mindful programming within the flourishing tourist spot.




“We’ll be curating events that are more in the health and wellness lane — we’re bringing epic sound baths and thought leaders and conferences to our city,” he shares excitedly with Gray Area of what’s still to come. “It’s all about exposing people to the righteous ideas of self, community, and planet. We want to encourage personal development and growth, while obviously taking care of the Earth, too.”




Joel is feeling particularly optimistic, and with good reason — he’s all in these days. After working for years as a partner for a local cannabis company, he recently decided to redirect his attention entirely to Deep Culture.




“I’m still a partner but I have officially moved out of my operational role,” he adds happily. “I’ll be doing a little consulting in September and then my plate’s all cleared.” Regarding the evolution of the nonprofit, he says there’s no better time than now to expand.




“We’re trying to do events all year around and find different ways to activate people,” he explains. “All of my favorite podcasters — I’m booking them, along with great teachers, doctors and philanthropists. We’re aligning with like-minded organizations, like-minded people and creating community, which is just desperately needed here.”






Full Circle Presents’ regular Decompress party is already a fixture of Nashville’s dance music ecosystem. Joel hopes to soon unveil sister events backed by the Deep Culture mission. Eventually, he wants to create a multi-day hybrid celebration that blends educational programming with shows and wellness activities.




“I see us having a night of partying, maybe some ecstatic dance with fun, festive components to it, but I really want the main focus to be on healing,” he elaborates.




While the ultimate look of Deep Culture and its forthcoming schedule is still taking shape, Joel is putting his money where his mouth is. “Since we established the 501c3, I just haven’t known exactly what exactly I was going to do with it,” he continues. “Now that I’ve decided that is what I’m going to be doing full time, I’ll be spending the rest of the year working on pitch decks and reaching performers. We plan to raise a half million dollars to make it happen.”




While a fat stack of cash is sure to bring the goal within reach, we’re betting it’s Joel’s passion that will push Deep Culture and its mindful vision over the finish line.

Deep Culture Deepens Social Impact in Nashville and Beyond

October in Ibiza is a month full of emotions as the season is officially ending. Closing parties are a tradition in Ibiza, just as the opening events are. Exclusively during three weeks this year, party lovers, artists, and seasonal workers get together to celebrate one last dance inside the clubs and let the festive atmosphere carry them away. We are celebrating the second closing week with a selection of some of the top fiestas.







Flower Power Closing Party | Pacha | Monday, October 3

We kick off the second week of closings featuring the last opportunity to enjoy the most genuine and oldest party on the island! Flower Power by Pacha was launched in 1980 by Piti Urgell and stands out from the musical landscape of Ibiza. Head over to the cherry club and listen to the original versions of rock and soul songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s by resident DJs Victor Nebot and Sergio Vicedo. You’ll find people of all ages dancing and singing along with flowers and a happy hippie spirit. Tickets for Flower Power closing party at Pacha

Follow Flower Power on Instagram | Facebook







SAGA by Bedouin Closing Party | Pacha | Wednesday, October 5

For the first time, Bedouin curated their own night at Pacha Ibiza under the name “A Wednesday Saga.” For the last dance this week, Bedouin brings Hoomance, a regular at Storytellers and Burning Man, alongside Swiss-Chilean legend Luciano, who will display minimal house with a Latin flavor. In addition, the multicultural duo plans to release their debut album later this year, so the Saga continues beyond their Ibiza closing event. Purchase your tickets for the A Wednesday Saga closing party

Follow Bedouin on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud




Paradise by Jamie Jones Closing Party| Amnesia | Wednesday, October 5

This season, Jamie Jones and Paradise’s switch from DC10 to Amnesia has been a match made in heaven. Entitled The Age of Love, every Wednesday Amnesia has been adorned with abstract neon shapes and futuristic dancers, bringing back the original Ibiza Balearic vibe of the historic venue. For the grand finale, the Hot Creation boss invites Nicole Moudaber, Joseph Capriati, and Amémé to The Terrace. The Club Room, named The Music Box, will be hosted by Alan Fitzpatrick b2b Richy Ahmed, Darius Syrossian, and more. Do not miss the last chance to experience The true Age of Love. Get your tickets to enjoy the Paradise closing party this Wednesday.

Follow Paradise on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud







ONE MORE dANTS| Ushuaïa | Saturday, October 8

Ushuaia has hosted over a hundred parties this summer and saved the best for last, ONE MORE dANTS. ANTS colony, The Night League's creation, and Ushuaïa’s flagship party take over on the final summer date this Saturday with a mind-blowing line-up. The global Afro house DJ Black Coffee will headline the party, performing outside a week after concluding his residency at Hï Ibiza. Cutting-edge Brooklyn duo, The Martinez Brothers, will join him with house and techno favorites Camelphat. Buy tickets to enjoy ONE MORE dANTS at Ushuaïa.


Follow ANTS on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud







Hï Closing Party | Hï Ibiza | Saturday, October 8

After Ushuaïa holds its One More dANTS closing event, Hï Ibiza begins its season-ending celebration across the street at midnight. Both venues opened the season with the Better Together party in late April and have selected the same day, once again, for a monumental final event. The World’s #1 club brings together several high-profile international artists, Peggy Gou, Anna, Anfisa Letyago, and some of the club’s most notable residents, including Vintage Culture, The Martinez Brothers, Damian Lazarus, and Paco Osuna. This promises to be one of the many highlights of Hï ’s longest and most successful season. Get tickets to experience Hï Ibiza's final party this Saturday

Follow Hï Ibiza on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud




The Masquerade by Claptone Closing Party | Pacha | Saturday, October 8

The mysterious German DJ with the golden mask brings his magic one last time this Saturday to the legendary club Pacha. The Masquerade is a party for the senses with the best house music and a fun and uplifting atmosphere. Expect a dance floor full of masked faces beneath the most fantastic lighting system, mystique décor, astounding dancers, and eye-catching performers. Claptone will bring special guests for the closing, so get ready to groove. Grab tickets to enjoy The Masquerade Closing event at Pacha.

Follow Claptone on Twitter | Instagram |SoundCloud







WooMooN Closing Party | Cova Santa | Sunday, October 9

Hidden in the countryside, among the Sant Josep hills, WooMoon has become the best alternative party in Ibiza. A spiritual fusion of art, theatrical performances, tribal music, food, and drinks are found at Cova Santa, a mix that celebrates its final ritual together. A day and night immersive experience with intense deep sounds from Valentin Huedo, Landikhan, Lalou, and Num feat Jo:ke, coinciding with Cova Santa’s last day open this summer on Sunday, October 9. Buy tickets for WooMoon and Cova Santa's closing party before they run out!

Follow WooMooN on Instagram | SoundCloud







Pyramid Closing Party | Amnesia | Sunday, October 9

The purest electronic music community reunites at Amnesia on Sunday for the second part of the Pyramid Closing. Headlining the party, Ricardo Villalobos will play back-to-back with his old friend Luciano, marking the pair’s last time playing together in Ibiza this season. tINI makes her first and last appearance at Amnesia as the special guest on the terrace, alongside Gianluca Pagoiani and resident DJ Mar-T. In the Club Room, get ready to enjoy proper techno by Lilly Palmer, Helena Hauff, and Circoloco regulars Tijana-T and FJAAK. Amnesia's in-house underground party is closing the season in style! Get Tickets to dance at the last Pyramid party of the season.




Follow Pyramid on Instagram | SoundCloud

Ibiza Selects (October 3 – October 9)

Last week, Scottish DJ and producer Jamie Roy passed away at 33. The sudden passing left a massive hole in the hearts of artists, fans, and the dance music community. One year ago this week, Roy released his breakout single, “Organ Belta,” on Patrick Topping’s label, Trick. The track was a force in the Beatport charts reaching number one in house. Even a full year after its initial release, it remained in the top 50 while continually seeing surges of improved position.



One year after its release and this tune is still an absolute roller. A turbocharged engine of percussive energy gives sturdy reinforcement to the attitude-filled bass line. The simple yet tasteful addition of that anchoring organ sample ensures that no one gets too lost in the sauce. Rapid fire synths at peak drop do their best to prove otherwise. This track is a can’t-miss addition to any DJ’s USB or enthusiast’s playlist.




In honor of Jamie’s passing, the Trick label is pushing fans to play and purchase “Organ Belta” in hopes of pushing the track back to Beatport #1. The label will also send all track sales proceeds to Roy’s family.




The young artist was truly just getting started. A regular in the eclectic Scottish scene, his reach had only recently extended to the house music Mecca that is Ibiza. 2019 marked his first residency on the White Isle at Nic Fanciulli’s Dance or Die parties at Ushuaïa. The next three years would see the up-an-coming Scott expanding his sound and brand across the globe. While we can only imagine what might have been possible for Jamie Roy, we know his relentless drive and immutable energy made an impact that will last a lifetime.

Remembering Jamie Roy: The Immutable Force Behind 'Organ Belta'

With enchanting vocals, anthemic hooks, and mesmerizing stage presence, Sofi Tukker – aka Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern - won the hearts of ravers at Ultra Europe this year. Taking place in Split, Croatia, this past July, the festival drew in vast swathes of fans from every corner of the globe.








The American duo's self-described "house-inspired jungle pop" has made a splash in recent years; their full-length Ultra Records debut, Treehouse, was nominated for a Grammy in 2018 and peaked at number 14 on Billboard's Independent Albums chart.



The pair released a steady stream of singles into the 2020s, including high-profile collaborations with John Summit, Icona Pop, Gorgon City, Amadou & Mariam, and Lady Gaga. This year, they dropped their highly anticipated sophomore album, Wet Tennis, which featured Turkish producer Mahmut Orhan and Halpern's father.




Hawley-Weld and Halpern met in Providence, Rhode Island while attending Brown University. After deciding to collaborate as a duo, they wrote their first song, "Drinkee," which became an international hit. The track featured lyrics adapted from a Brazilian poem sung in Portuguese (which Hawley-Weld studied in college), adding to its global appeal. Streamed millions of times and charting in multiple countries, the song received a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording.




Experience Sofi Tukker in person as they continue to tour across North America and beyond, featuring shows at Emo's in Austin, House of Blues in Dallas, Hakkasan Nightclub in Las Vegas, and Dreamland New Year's Eve weekend in Miami.













Follow Sofi Tukker on Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud

Sofi Tukker Takes the 'Freak Fam' to Ultra Europe

ARC Music Festival returned for its second year at Union Park in Chicago this past Labor Day Weekend. The three-day festival by event production company Auris featured techno and house luminaries such as Carl Cox, Joseph Capriati, Boris Brejcha, Richie Hawtin, Chris Lake, and Fatboy Slim. And while the headliners represented an international melange of heavyweights, Auris was sure to pay homage to the locals and legends who have been instrumental in building the scene in Chicago and beyond. Derrick Carter, Mark Farina, Carl Craig, Gene Farris, Hiroko Yamamura, Dani Deahl, and DJ Heather were among the many Chicago-born artists who took the stage.



Emerging festivals have a lot of competition regarding stage design. ARC has established a unique artistic footprint over the last two years, proving that even new festivals can create memorable and immersive visual experiences.



The main stage, dubbed the Grid retained its industrial design with towers of shipping containers emblazoned with lighting looming high above the dance floor. The addition of pyro was a noticeable and welcome change over last year's production.



The elrow stage was arguably the most interesting from a design perspective, housing a DJ booth inside a blow-up sea monster while costumed performers, stilt walkers, and jugglers worked the crowd. Of course, no elrow party would be complete without hourly confetti blasts, all perfectly timed to the most epic drops. The area surrounding elrow shone a gorgeous hint of red after sunset while attendees packed in and raged in close quarters like something out of a movie.



Expansions, a beautiful stripped-down jungle-themed outdoor oasis, featured DJs like Giolli & Assia and Seth Troxler & Carl Craig playing sets
that slanted a bit more underground.



Finally, the ARC Car centered around art car (see what they did there) the Goodbus switched things up this year to significant effect. Last year, the DJs performed atop the bus creating issues for performers with sound bleed from the main stage. This year, they put the DJ booth on the ground creating a dancefloor in front of the bus. It made for a cozy atmosphere where up-and-coming local talents like Abigail & Zooey, Meesh, and Jaygee could throw down intimate sets for people looking to escape the madness of the other stages.



The production and logistics at ARC this year continue to exceed expectations and delight the masses. While the festival's footprint is small (you can quickly get around every stage in less than 15 minutes), there was minimal (if any) sound bleed across stages. The sound systems were pristine. And for an outdoor music festival in the heart of a bustling city like Chicago, there was never a moment where the music felt dull or quiet.



Above all, ARC shines for its expertly curated lineup of the finest in house and techno. High-profile artists like Charlotte De Witte, Adam Beyer, and Cirez D threw down proper techno on the main stage. Legends in the game like Carl Cox, Fatboy Slim, Dereck Carter, and Honey Dijon gave newer fans much-needed exposure to the foundation of the music we cherish today. In-demand artists like Gorgon City and Chris Lake were also sprinkled throughout, enticing younger fans to the festival.



ARC wasn't the only festival in town. Just a few miles away North Coast Music Festival featured a more mainstream-leaning lineup with Fisher, Kaytranada, Diplo, and Porter Robinson, to name a few. It could hardly be seen as direct competition, however. Instead, ARC's strong focus on the underground house and techno scene made it a clear choice for those looking for a more boutique festival experience. It might seem counterintuitive that these festivals would happen on the same weekend, but the healthy turnout at both proves the demand for electronic music continues to be strong. We predict ARC continuing to grow and look forward to what they have for us next year.

ARC Music Festival Remains Strong in its Sophomore Year

Whether you’re a diehard house fan or a mainstream music enthusiast, you’ve probably encountered the work of John Digweed. After all, his career spans four decades and has transcended the house music genre to influence pop culture from the ’90s to the present day.




English DJ, producer, label owner, and club promoter John Digweed began his career in music at the age of 15 in Hastings, England. In his early days, he saw quick success as the organizer of a series of successful club nights and raves at Hastings Pier. The parties featured high-profile guests such as Carl Cox and The Prodigy, making the young DJ’s taste and eye for talent apparent early on.




Digweed caught his big break seven years later in 1993 when he sent a mixtape to Geoff Oakes of Renaissance nightclub in Mansfield. Oakes was thoroughly impressed and extended an invite for Digweed to DJ at the British nightclub alongside his future collaborative partner DJ Sasha.




In 1994, the pair released Sasha & John Digweed’s Renaissance: The Mix Collection. The three-CD set gave listeners a taste of the intoxicating soundscape that Sasha & Digweed regularly delivered at Renaissance. The compilation also laid the foundation for DJ mixes to be supported by major marketing campaigns, from artwork commissions to heavily-funded promotions.




In an interview with Redbull, John described how groundbreaking the mix release was, saying, “Clubbers could now start to hear what the possibilities were for DJs outside of a club. It’s like, all right, you can transfer that experience onto a CD and still have it be as enjoyable as being in the club.” The release was a smash hit and is still considered one of the best DJ mixes of all time.




Sasha & Digweed gained popularity in the United States with the release of their Northern Exposure mix series from 1997-2000. They also became the first British DJs to hold a monthly residency at New York’s storied Twilo club. John described his success in New York, explaining, “I think Sasha and myself brought in a European sound, but with a New York influence.” During their legendary parties at Twilo, Digweed often played sets for over ten hours. He loved the crowd’s vibe, saying, “You’d have 4000 people in there going nuts, but they weren’t looking at us, and they weren’t all on their phones; they were just on the dance floor.”




In the late ’90s, Digweed was also busy collaborating and building his empire with fellow DJ and producer Nick Muir. Together, the two formed Bedrock, an onstage moniker for the pair and later the name of their production company and label. Bedrock landed in the UK. Top 30 with the track “For What You Dream Of,” featured in the iconic film Trainspotting. In 1999, Digweed premiered Bedrock Records with the release of the hit single “Heaven Scent.” He discussed his inspiration for the label with Forbes, saying, “I was being given so many tracks from DJs and producers who were asking me to pass them onto labels…so it really made sense for me to set up a label and find a home for like-minded DJs and producers.”




Throughout the 2000s, Digweed released an unbelievable amount of work, sometimes as many as three recorded mixes per year. From 2000 to 2011, the DJ began a weekly two-hour radio show called Transitions on the UK radio station KISS. Digweed continues to showcase his impeccable programming and ear for on-the-rise talent via the Transitions podcast, which now boasts over 900 episodes.




John Digweed also drew crowds in Brooklyn as a regular guest at Output until the club closed in 2019. He quickly fell in love with NYC, saying, “I always find the New York crowd brings the best out of me when I play. Output was a very special club.”




As a crowd favorite, he was invited to play the club’s closing night. Digweed played a historic set he felt was befitting of Output’s legacy. After listening to the recordings from the evening, Digweed decided to immortalize the party in album form. In 2019, he released Last Night At Output, an album mix containing six CDs worth of music from the evening. He has described the night as “one of his favorite NYC sets ever.”




Throughout his 40-year career, John Digweed helped popularize progressive house in the ’90s, and his prolific work essentially established the format of modern house music. His impact as a musician is undeniable, with DJ Mag voting him the World’s No 1 DJ in 2001 and appearing in the Top 100 DJs poll over a dozen times. On Saturday, Nov 26, 2022, fans can see John Digweed play again at Superior Ingredients, the evolution, and reimagination of Output. As for how John feels about returning to the city that never sleeps: “I always love coming back to New York. It’s a place that I feel is like a second home after so many years of playing there, and the crowd always gives me so much love.”

John Digweed's Lasting Love for New York

Gray Area founder Michael Julian Kovadlo discussed Gray Area’s new Doubleheader event series, building synergy between artists and fans in a high-energy back-to-back showcase

Think about last time you stumbled across an artist you’d later grow to love. An unknown opening act at a concert who completely blew you away. A DJ at a local bar that you dropped into on a weeknight. Discovery is fundamental to how humans experience the world. It applies to music, art, food, careers, relationships… the list goes on. I believe these “happy accidents” are the magic of the music industry. Sonically, we’re always searching for new and inspiring sounds, and tend to gravitate toward things similar to our current tastes but with a slight twist.

I’ve written before: Building a bolder and more vibrant dance music ecosystem means fostering a lifelong sense of wonder and discovery, for everyone. At Gray Area, our mission is to create opportunities for fans to discover new music and new artists intentionally. We do so, first, through digital content. Then, we connect the dots with live events where diverse audiences can naturally cross-pollinate — exposing fans to new artists, and artists to new fans.

With our new Doubleheader event series, we’re doubling down on that mission.

Doubleheader is our new series based on an old concept: There is power in partnership. “Double header” is a term likely familiar to American audiences. In baseball, it’s when the same teams play two back-to-back games on the same day – one game flowing seamlessly into the next.

We’re bringing that same ethos from the stadium to the club. Doubleheader will pair together two artists with similar styles but distinct fan bases. One artist will play, the second will follow, then they will close out the party with an epic back-to-back (B2B) set.

Doubleheader stems from a lessen I’ve learned throughout my 20+ years in music: B2B sets are a recipes for sonic gold. When we bring together best of both artists, magic happens. I’ve been enjoying and booking B2B sets for a long time, but I’ll never forget one that blew me away and forever made me fall in love with the concept of back-to-back sets: I recall the pervasive energy at BPM Festival 2013, when tech house icon Dixon went B2B with German deep house juggernaut Henrik Schwarz. Despite the rain and winds in Playa Del Carmen, these two artists were a match made in heaven and delivered an incredibly memorable set.

Our love for B2B influenced us to curate an all B2B lineup at Awakenings Debut in North America at Manhattan’s legendary Hammerstein Ballroom. Open to close, it was only B2B sets for this Dutch techno powerhouse festival, including Adam Beyer B2B Ida Engberg and Nicole Moudaber B2B Victor Calderone. In 2018, our first open air elrow at Brooklyn Mirage saw an entire lineup of B2B sets. Yes, for 10 hours straights. Even more recently, we’ve been inspired by labels like PIV Records and their multi-artist “B2B2B2B2B2B” closing sets rotating through their entire roster.

With Doubleheader, when we put two artists with similar style but divergent fan bases on equal footing for a headlining show, they both win —introducing them to new fans and bolstering their reputations through playing a sold-out show as a co-headliner, which will create more and bigger opportunities for both Doubleheader artists. This fall, we’re proud to be kicking off our Doubleheader series with a pairing of two stellar artists, with elrow resident De La Swing joining forces with Cuttin Headz producer and DJ Jean Pierre.

Exposing people to new experiences and new music creates value for everyone. From fans keen to discover new artists adjacent to their interests. To venues eager to pack rooms and sell tickets. To DJs who can intermingle audiences to ultimately sell out venues. We want to lead in building a bigger community and a stronger dance music ecosystem, for all.

Because the reality is: The same love, camaraderie and unity that happens on the dance floor happens behind the decks and in the green room. Mutual respect. Beautiful friendships. And, above all, a love for delivering dance music to fans eager for discovery.

Op-Ed: Creating Valuable, Unifying Connections — On the Dancefloor and Behind the Decks

I'm currently listened to an advance stream of Honey Dijon's Black Girl Magic, and it's such a vibe; so grateful for Honey and all she brings to dance music. For this Week in House Music, we have the last stellar lead single from the upcoming album, a chill, vibey mix from Atish, and a celebratory classic from Fatboy Slim. Enjoy!

Best New Track: Honey Dijon & Channel Tres feat. Sadie Walker – Show Me Some Love [Classic Music Company, Sept. 27]

"Show Me Some Love" is the sixth and final lead single from Honey Dijon's upcoming Black Girl Magic album, due out November 18 on Classic Music Company. It's a collab with Channel Tres, a perfect marriage of their styles, both of which are housey, sexy, and together, fun a.f. It also features gorgeous vocals from Sadie Walker, which dance with Channel's confident bars atop a bouncing beat.

"I had a lot of fun working with Honey on this track, and it's been fun through each step of the process," Channel Tres stated in a press release. "It’s everything I love about underground dance music confident, and sexy."

Follow Honey Dijon on SoundCloud | Twitter | Instagram

Follow Channel Tres on SoundCloud | Twitter | Instagram

Follow Sadie Walker on SoundCloud | Instagram

Best New Mix: atish - [091] - august 2022 - surface tension

For the 91st edition of his mix series, New York-based house DJ Atish welcomes fall with a moody, groovy blend of downtempo vibes. Track IDs from the hour set include: Tea White's "Bread & Milk (Enchanted Mix)," Bookwood's "One Last (Fka Mash Glitch Dub)," boys be kko's "Lop Nor," and Orbital's "Are We Here (30 Something) (Dusky Remix)."



Follow Atish on SoundCloud | Twitter | Instagram

Best Classic Track: Fatboy Slim - Praise You [1998, Skint Records / Astralwerks]

"Praise You" is the jubilant third single from U.K. legend Fatboy Slim's second studio album, You've Come A Long Way, Baby, which also includes two more of his massive tracks,"Right Here, Right Now," and "The Rockafeller Skank." "Praise You" features a prominent sample of Camille Yarbrough's 1975 soulful "Take Yo' Praise," as well as a handful of other samples, including a test piano recording from JBL in 1973, and Steve Miller Band's "Lucky Man."

The Spike Jonze-directed music video features Jonze and the fictional Torrance Community Dance Group flash-mobbing a Los Angeles movie theater. The video is said to have cost just $800 to make and won three MTV VMAs in 1999. The radio edit of the song (the album version is about two minutes longer than the video and radio version) hit No. 1 on the UK Singles, Dance, and Indie charts.

Follow Fatboy Slim on SoundCloud | Twitter | Instagram

This Week in House Music: Honey Dijon, Channel Tres, Sadie Walker, Atish & Fatboy Slim

This past weekend, Portola Festival brought big rave energy to San Francisco's Pier 80. I was chuffed to be there, and seemingly all 30,000 festival-goers there were too. It featured a stacked lineup across dance music, incomparable to any event in the city in my rave lifetime.




Held in an active shipyard, the space served industrial vibes, plenty of room to dance, and a beautiful backdrop of the bay and rolling hills, with Karl the fog unfurling a stunning scene of fluffiness at sunset. Upon entering Portola on Saturday, I thought, "Why haven't we raved here before?"




The looks were on point, with Folsom Street Fair's kinky leather uniform providing sexy fashion influence. There were some creative signs and festi-poles, with the winning one reading: "Last year was better."





I began my Portola at the Crane Tent with DJ Holographic, thrilled to see the space swiftly fill out in just the second hour of the event. She played a bouncy set to get the positive energy flowing as the tent's large disco balls sparkled above us.



After getting distracted by the free margaritas and good company in the artist compound, I emerged to find tons more smiling faces. I caught the end of Jungle's joyful jubilee on the main stage, followed by Kaytranda's infectious beats and swag.


After, it was time to experience the Warehouse for Jamie XX, who filled the space with a high-energy mix ranging from his In Colour hits and more recent singles to Ludacris and UK garage.




As Flume closed out the main stage with his breaky beats rattling across the space, Bicep flooded the Warehouse with their euphoric rave dreamscape. I've seen their stunning live show three times this year, and it continues to entrance me with its simple-yet-impactful visuals perfectly adapted for the space.


On Sunday, I was on a mission to see more music than Saturday and find friends before losing cell service. I began with the adorable French disco funk band, L'Impératrice, who played a joyful set sending us to galaxies beyond with a closing song that sounded like space disco.


Yaeji was next on the main stage, clad in all-white, effortlessly swinging from Korean to English over playful beats. Her dancers added drama to her set, including her breakthrough hit "Raingurl," and a very cute, unreleased song.


While Kelly Lee Owens captivated the Warehouse with a set of slow-burning left-field electronica that slowly rose into trippy techno SG Lewis brought Sunday Funday disco vibes to the main stage. Clearly as stoked as we were to be there, he announced, "This lineup is fucking sick, I have no idea how I'm a part of it."




Channel Tres was next up in the packed Warehouse. The crowd shook their booties to his swaggy blend of house and G-funk. Another live dance act I can't get enough of, he sounded and looked great as he and his dancers moved confidently on stage.




The final main stage acts were two of my favorites, James Blake and the Chemical Brothers. During Blake's vibey, pulsing set, we found out it was his birthday (yay, Libras!) and sang to him (poorly) as he blushed. His emotional set was gorgeously set off by moody, smoky red and blue lights. He brought Atlanta rapper SwaVay for their 2021 collab "Frozen," also featuring JID, and closed with his piercing cover of Frank Ocean's haunting "Godspeed" (which he co-produced and co-wrote).

The Chemical Brothers were the perfect way to close a world-class, fun AF weekend in the city I became a raver in. The visuals enhanced the journey the lads took us on through their three-decade rein over electronica. It was one of the loudest sets of the weekend, activating whatever energy we had left in our bodies. After bringing out their giant rave robots for a dance, they paused briefly with a message on the screen reading, "Hold tight San Francisco." Proving why they are one of dance music's most sought-after live acts, they closed with the feels. "Swoon" swept over the speakers offering a mantra-like message fitting for the current chaos of the world: "Just remember to fall in love, there's nothing else."

Portola Festival Debuts With Big Rave Vibes

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




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

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




Follow Sven Väth on Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud







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

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

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




Follow The Martinez Brothers on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud







FISHER Closing Party | Hï Ibiza | Wednesday, September 28

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

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

Enjoy FISHER's last show at Hï this season




Follow FISHER on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud







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

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




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Solid Grooves Closing Party | DC10 | Thursday, September 29

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




Follow Solid Grooves on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud







Defected Closing Party | Eden | Friday, September 30

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




Follow Defected on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud




elrow Closing Party | Amnesia | Saturday, October 1

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




Follow elrow on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud




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

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




Follow Storytellers on Instagram | SoundCloud

Ibiza Selects (September 26 – October 2)

Three things are certain in life: Death, taxes, and Four Tet redefining reality with music. On this latest episode of “What Will Kieren Hebden (aka Four Tet) Think of Next,” we see the UK producer take his talents to Chloé Robinson and DJ ADHD’s 909-driven, four-the-floor stomper, “Pax.”







Despite what many people think, a proper banger does not need excessive elements to get the party started. Robinson and ADHD prove their discipline as producers by using space to do just as much as the beat and the bass. Trust me, with an invigorating pulse like this, you’ll want as much breathing room as possible. Four Tet honors this energy, allowing his addition of swelling bass waves and timbre distortion to morph this tune into pure, unadulterated sonic stimulus.



This stand-out track comes off Chloé Robinson’s debut EP, Steamin, marking the full launch of her latest project. Formerly known in dance music circles for over a decade as Barely Legal, the Pretty Weird label head has always been a champion of diversified sounds. From polyrhythmic techno to face-melting dubstep, Robinson has been behind it all. No wonder she’s linked with renowned sonic explorer Four Tet.



Pretty Weird also supports DJ ADHD, a genre-blending UK-based up-and-comer. He’s emerged onto the scene only in the past year but has already gained support from established boundary pushers of sound like Robinson, Nikki Nair, and Villager.

Four Tet Revamps Chloé Robinson & DJ ADHD’s 'Pax'

This past July, São Paulo-born DJ and producer Fernanda Pistelli brought her signature mystical melodies and soundscapes to the crowds of Boom Festival in Portugal. Opening with a Native American Flute piece courtesy of Jessica Ariosi, she channeled waves of fuzzy synth and transcendental beats into a two-and-a-half-hour set. The video gorgeously captures the spirit of Boom Festival and Pistelli's sound, which brilliantly fuses a psychedelic aesthetic and the driving weight of techno,








"Boom is the festival I most admire for its purpose of awakening the world and bringing people together by sharing respect, love, and sustainability," Pistelli explains. "Playing at this festival was the realization of one of my biggest dreams!"




Boom is a transformational, multidisciplinary, psychedelic, and sustainable festival that happens every two years in Idanha-a-Nova, Portugal. Conceived in 1997 as a goa trance-psychedelic party, the festival has since evolved into a biennial global celebration of alternative culture. With a mantra of "Oneness, Music, Peace, Arts, Environment, Culture, and Love," Boom is globally recognized for its independence and leadership in sustainability.




Born and raised in São Paulo, Pistelli left Business Administration College in 2016 and moved to Australia. There, she took up residence at the prestigious Dragonfruit Label Party and one of Brisbane's biggest clubs, The Met.




After returning to Brazil in 2017, she played at the pre-party of Boris Brejcha's "Fckng Serious" event in São Paulo before going on to play at an array of established festivals and clubs worldwide. Pistelli's sound, which fuses elements of progressive house with psy-techno, is inspired by her philosophy on life.




"Life is cyclical, so we are constantly changing, and through music it is possible to find an axis that is in harmony with everything that exists, and that is the key to connect our mind to our body."




Follow Fernanda Pistelli on Soundcloud | Instagram

Follow Boom Festival on Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud

Fernanda Pistelli Channels Free-Spirited Energy to the Crowds of Boom Festival

For those who may have come across our pre-coverage surrounding the tenth anniversary of Dimensions Festival, which just passed from September 1-5 at the Garden Resort in Tisno, Croatia, what excited me most about the event was the unconventional and diverse lineup.




Apart from a small handful of artists like Octo Octa and DVS1, the roster was filled with DJs and live acts who feature far less often on the general festival circuit. It’s a lineup that rejects sameness, and when I had to put together my “Top 10 Artists” piece ahead of the festival, I had to do a deep dive to find most of those artists.




Little did I expect that attending the festival itself would be the deepest dive, and I discovered even more amazing new artists playing incredible music alongside the Adriatic Sea.




Across five days, I enjoyed a plethora of exciting and explorative sounds. Breakbeats, hardcore rave, deep techno, minimal house, and garage, all iterated in a fashion that blurred the parameters that define those titles in the first place.




The point of this festival was reveling in music that would not be found elsewhere, and all other aspects served that mission, full stop.




At each of the three primary stages (Cosmos, The Beach, and Olive Grove), the one side stage (The Haze), the boat party, and the after-hours at the legendary Barbarella’s Discotheque, the sound was immaculate.




Despite all the stages within the festival grounds being generally very close to one another, each provided a kind of orb where you felt surrounded by the vibrations.




Frequencies were evenly distributed from top to bottom, and whether you were tearing up the heart of the dancefloor to the infectious grooves of Liquid Earth at the Olive Grove or lounging on one of the several public hammocks among the trees on the outskirts of Cosmos while Helena Hauff and DJ Stingray demonstrated immaculate chemistry on the decks, the audio was crisp and clear.




This same musical expertise extended to the after-hours at Barbarella’s, which I attended Sunday night for the three-hour shared set from D. Tiffany and Roza Terenzi.




Neither of them were artists I discovered on-site (after hearing their phenomenal new collaborative album Edge of Innocence earlier this year), but they built a set that provided an aural narrative while adapting to the pristine outdoor atmosphere of Barbarella’s. It was like they were reimagining classic adventure stories like The Lord Of The Rings into house and techno beats.




Watching the circumferential view of the sky slowly turning from black to green to blue as the sun rose astride the giant disco ball, it felt like the dancefloor was a floating platform, lifted by nothing but the pure energy of the music and the people who channeled it into their bodies.




I appreciated this unfiltered, music-first approach even though that much emphasis did leave other logistical aspects of the festival lacking.




The food options were minimal and not of the best quality. The port-a-potties were almost unusable for most of the festival (thank god there were actual bathrooms in the lobby of the resort), and the only way to pay for anything on-site was by loading up a wristband with money.




I do understand the desire to keep things cashless. However, I’d already spent nearly three months traveling through Europe before attending the festival, and every establishment in multiple countries accepted contactless pay through my phone. So why not just do that?




So many people complained of being overcharged through the wristbands, and if you had excess money on your wristband, you could only get a refund in two small windows of time on Monday, September 5, and Tuesday, September 6. You needed at least 100kn on your wristband to get a refund, and each refund cost 20kn.




If you were leaving before September 5, the festival told you to “top up carefully.” I’ll leave you to decipher the meaning of that message.




My only hope is all the extra money they pocketed from the rigged wristband system goes into the budget for next year and delivers yet another first-rate lineup of electronic music that rejects the framework of the standard festival roster.




After leaving Dimensions, I have a whole new standard of both musical curation and discovery at festivals, which are by far what I value most in the experience—especially discovery. Having a fresh list of artists to search through on Bandcamp and Discogs is the best result of an event, and here are five artists I will soon add to my collections because of Dimensions:







Soichi Terada Live




For many years the class of dancers who generally flock to Dimensions criticized main-stage EDM artists for their antics behind the decks—standing on tables—throwing cakes. Essentially demonstrating a lack of focus on the craft of DJing.




And yet when the legendary composer, producer, and DJ, Soichi Terada, was leading his audience at the Beach Stage in synchronized dance moves during his live set, they simply could not get enough.




Sporting his classic Hawaiian shirt, Terada was emitting the same utter joy for music heard in his video game soundtracks for Ape Escape and his 2022 house LP Asakusa Light.




He would lift mini-machines from the table purposely placed within the crowd to show the effects of each touch of a button. There was not a more fun and engaging set throughout all five days of the festival.




Follow Soichi Terada on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter




Djrum

Vinyl records were a frequent sight at Dimensions. Because I saw Djrum at the fabriclive Boat Party on Saturday afternoon, where there was no separation between the decks and the dancefloor, I saw exactly what he was doing with them.




Vinyl selectors remain celebrated despite the continuing advance in DJ technology for two main reasons.




First is the selection of tracks that can only be found on wax. So many record labels sacrifice the accessibility and potential profit from digital releases to honor the music by releasing it only in the format of supreme quality.




Second is the tactile precision necessary to curate a seamless vinyl set. It requires placing the needle at the exact right place, dialing in the tempos to perfectly align, and adjusting the beats in the moment.




Djrum demonstrated his mastery of the elements on a boat sailing off the coast of Croatia, and to see it live in front of me was ineffable.




Follow Djrum on Facebook | Instagram




LCY

As I mentioned prior, a couple of the stages had free-to-all hammocks amongst the trees on the perimeter, and after a long Saturday of festival-ing, I found myself using one at the Cosmos stage.




I was swaying among the trees, gazing at the stars, while the most cacophonous and seductive rhythms exploded out of the speaker’s thanks to LCY.




It took me a few minutes to register what was happening during their set. It almost didn’t sound like music at first—just sonic additions to the busy soundscape of the festival.




But after adjusting my ears a bit, I realized LCY simply understands how to channel the unpredictable, avant-garde energy of John Cage into UK-born electronic music.




Even if I had wanted to research their music before the festival, it wouldn’t have prepared me for their set. They have eight tracks total on their Spotify, and yes, those eight include everything from IDM breaks to ambient snapshots, but what they played at Dimensions was bigger than any genre.




The best way to describe it is through action. I had no choice but to get up off the hammock, put my earplugs as far into my ears as possible, and plant myself right in front of the speaker stack. Theirs is music that needs to be felt.




Follow LCY on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter




SHERELLE

Throughout the festival, from the boat party on Saturday to walking to get food on Sunday, I kept running into this slick-dressed Black woman who emanated cool. She reminded me of a character from The Matrix in the best way possible. Like she could slow down time at her will, start running on the walls, and lay the smackdown on anyone who was causing trouble.




Sunday night, I found out that person was none other than SHERELLE. The London-based DJ, producer, radio host, and label boss had the closing slot at the Cosmos that evening and, in 90 minutes, demonstrated why she prefers to describe herself as a “high-speed raver.” Techno, jungle, juke, and footwork were all cranked up to 11 during her set, and she never missed a beat.




Follow SHERELLE on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter




OCB a.k.a. Dennis Briss

For the final night of the festival, Morocco-based record label Casa Voyager and label boss Dennis Briss hosted the Cosmos Stage.




Briss chose to perform under his new project OCB, which was through and through electro, a sound aesthetic that extended to most of the other artists at the Cosmos that evening. Except OCB took electro roots and watered them with his label-curator energy.




It always felt like he was playing electro, even if it didn’t sound like it at some points, a fact that demonstrates the kind of all-encompassing versatility of every artist who performed at Dimensions in 2022.




Follow OCB on Instagram

Dimensions Festival 2022 was a Deep Dive Into the Depths of Dance Music

September is traditionally when most Ibiza closing parties appear on the events calendar. However, seeing that this is the longest summer season to date, we get to extend those closing parties for more than three weeks. If you’re a dance music lover, making room for one last dance at one of Ibiza’s mega clubs should undoubtedly be at the top of your bucket list.



There’s a reason the White Isle’s clubs rank among the top in the world. And in 2022, the island has reestablished itself as the scene’s epicenter, bringing the best international DJs weekly. In terms of numbers, over 1.3 million passengers arrived at Ibiza's Airport in July, an increase of almost 50% over July 2021, when the coronavirus cut the season short, and clubs weren't even allowed to open until October. And while Ibiza is a popular destination for travelers of all kinds, this record-breaking year indicates that thousands arrive looking for a once-in-a-life party experience.


This year some hotels, beach clubs, and restaurants remain open for the whole month of October, so entertainment is still on the agenda in Ibiza. For loyal clubbers and party lovers, this time of the year is particularly magical, the weather is perfect, and the attitude and mood of the DJs, workers, and residents is relaxed and a little nostalgic.


We've gathered our recommendations for the best parties during closing month in Ibiza.







Hï Ibiza

Proclaimed the world’s #1 club by DJMag in 2022, Hï Ibiza transformed itself into a must-visit on the island in just a few years. Run by The Night League, both Hï and Ushuaïa (Hï's sister venue) have proved to have the best lighting, sound, and production on the island. Both venues have attracted many of the best DJs in the world, hosting their dream weekly residencies.




On Tuesday, September 27, The Martinez Brothers' debut headline residency draws to a close. The boys are bringing American DJ and house producer Kerri Chandler and Argentinian-born Berlin-based Guti, who will perform live. Looking after the Club Room for the last time, Spanish techno stalwart Paco Osuna brings Renato Ratier and a secret special guest for the occasion.









The first headline residency for Australian superstar FISHER ends on Wednesday, September 28. He will play all night long in the Theatre, and Brazilian DJ and producer Vintage Culture will host the Club Room.









Afterlife, led by Italian duo Carmine Conte and Matteo Milleri, known professionally as Tale of Us, take over Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza with a day-to-night Grand Finale on Thursday, September 29, making it the most historic Afterlife closing ever.









David Guetta brings his unique dance sounds to the Future Rave closing party on Friday, September 30, alongside Morten, Idris Elba, and more guests in both rooms.


South African pioneer Black Coffee’s residency concludes on October 1. He first took up his residency at Hï Ibiza in 2017, and he is ready to close the season in style with fellow Drake producer &Me and DJ Kabila. Damian Lazarus will be shutting the Club Room doors too.









Sunday, October 2, brings the last chance to dance at Glitterbox under Hï Ibiza’s roof this summer, serving up house and disco sounds plus an exceptional and immersive atmosphere.









Hï Ibiza will also host a glorious closing party led by some of the club’s most iconic residents, such as The Martinez Brothers and Tale Of Us. In addition, an avalanche of dance icons will join them, including ANNA, Peggy Gou, and Anfisa Letyago, to celebrate Hï’s most successful year since its inception in 2017.






Ushuaïa Ibiza

Hï Ibiza’s sister venue, Ushuaïa, first opened in 2011 and has revolutionized Ibiza again this year. Exclusive one-off events, the best DJs in the world, and trend-setting production have positioned Ushuaïa Ibiza as the sixth of the Top 100 Best Clubs worldwide. Since the beginning of September, the open-air beach club has shut down many of the party residencies. F*** Me I’m Famous, its most-in-demand event guided by David Guetta, will be the last to close on Monday, October 3.




The infamous ANTS Colony is responsible for the final party of the summer. On Saturday, October 8, One More dANTS wraps up the season with a massive house and techno line-up and three special back-to-backs right before the Hï Ibiza Closing Party on the same day.

















DC10

The Mecca for ravers located on Salinas road will close out with the unrivaled Circoloco festival on Monday, October 10, running from 6 pm to early the next morning. The Circoloco and DC10 closing party features 23 artists celebrating 23 years on the radar, a must for all fans of an authentic Ibiza clubbing experience.









The old hangar has been home to some big names on the scene this summer, such as Carl Cox, Amelie Lens, and Patrick Topping, who all celebrated their closing parties in late August. In addition, London record label Solid Grooves has hosted 17 thriving Thursdays at the club and invite underground music lovers to the final dance on Thursday, September 29.










Club Chinois

The island's newest spot, Club Chinois, located in Marina Botafoch (previously Heart Club and Restaurant), opened in June, hosting renowned artists and headlining entertainers. The last parties scheduled for its first-ever Ibiza season are Catharsis by Sven Väth on Tuesday, Colours by Themba on Wednesday, September 28, and Luciano on Saturday, September 30.




The first week of October brings Moon Harbour's exclusive showcase on Tuesday, October 4, A Starry Night by Satori on Thursday, October 6, and the following week, La Troya closes a short season on Monday, October 10.




UNA by Ida Engberg wraps up on Tuesday, October 11. Then, Boho Experience by Camilo Franco starts at Beachouse open-air club during the day on Thursday, October 13. And at midnight, the Colombian DJ and guests move to Chinois to conclude the season.




On Friday, October 14, We're Here by Pablo Fierro brings positive and happy tropical beats one last time to Chinois. And on Sunday, October 16, the decadent new nightspot celebrates its first-ever grand finale.













Amnesia

Amnesia, one of the oldest clubs in Ibiza, opened in the 70s and has always hosted the longest closing ceremonies, regularly stretching for more than 12 hours. Forget dancing until sunrise; you'll be grooving well into the next afternoon on the Terrace.




But before Amnesia’s official farewell party, elrow will close out the venue's busiest night on Saturday, October 1, with a brand new theme, Delusionville. Paradise—run by Jamie Jones and the Hot Creation crew— finalize The Age of Love, their first ever season at Amnesia, on Wednesday, October 5. And Amnesia's in-house brand, Pyramid, celebrates for two nights Sunday, October 2 and October 9.




Last but not least, the day chosen by the San Rafael nightclub to celebrate its “Not Just Another Closing” event is Saturday, October 15.

Ending with a note of nostalgia, Amnesia announced big beat pioneers, The Chemical Brothers (Ed Simons and Tom Rowlands), who will make their one-and-only appearance in Ibiza this summer on the infamous Terrace. Cuartero, Eats Everything, Marco Faraone and Jamie Jones will take over the Terrace in the AM hours. The Main room will host techno figures such as Nina Kraviz, Luca Donzelli, Kobosil, and more to be announced.











Cova Santa

Born and raised in Ibiza, WooMooN kicked off a few years ago in the beautiful surroundings of the Amnesia-owned Cova Santa venue. A conceptual event that presents nomadic sounds fused with performances, art, nature, food, and magic. The WooMooN closing party coincides with Cova Santa’s last day open this summer on Sunday, October 9.

















Pacha

Until 2018 (with the change of ownership), Pacha was the only club that remained open year-round in Ibiza for residents and off-season tourists. Nevertheless, Ibiza’s most iconic club is officially the last venue to close the party season over two weeks in October. Beginning on Monday, October 3, with the legendary Flower Power party, followed by Bedouin’s newest residency, “A Wednesday Saga,” on October 5, and the enigmatic DJ and producer Claptone closes up The Masquerade on Saturday, October 8.




The following week, Marco Carola carries out the unbeatable Music On Marathon for more than 12 hours on Friday, October 14, kicking things off at Destino Resort during the day and continuing the party at Pacha from midnight into the morning. For real party animals!




Firmly established as the king of Sundays in Ibiza, Solomun takes over the venue for the very last time with Boys Noize as his +1 guest on Sunday, October 16, which marks the last chance to enjoy one of Ibiza’s leading parties this season.

The Gray Area Guide to Ibiza Closing Parties 2022

We are entering the end of September, when the closing parties traditionally start to appear on the events calendar. However, since we are living the most extended season to date, we will be celebrating the final dance well beyond this week. Here is a selection of the best events to consider while in Ibiza.










La Troya | Club Chinois | Monday, September 19

Not new to the venue, La Troya previously held residence at Club Chinois predecessor HEART and will lead Monday nights during September. La Troya was born in Ibiza in the 70s and has become one of the most famous polysexual parties in the world. Always close to the island’s LGBT community, it welcomes all kinds of people looking to have a wild night and surprises every week with flamboyant themes and provocative performances. This Monday, September 19, La Troya presents a classic theme, Babilonia, with music by resident DJ Oscar Colorado, Franco Moiraghi, and Julian Fox. 




Follow La Troya on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud







Repopulate Mars Closing Party | Eden | Tuesday, September 20

One of the leading parties in the San Antonio area is celebrating the end of a very successful debut season on the island. Lee Foss’ Repopulate Mars imprint celebrates a highly recommended closing party this Tuesday, September 20, at the iconic super club, Eden. The Chicago native invites Joshwa, Mason Maynard, Miane, and a special guest for the last stop on Mars to drop some intergalactic underground house. Do not miss the chance to travel to the red planet for the last time with Lee Foss and friends. Tickets to enjoy Repopulate Mars: The Closing Party at Eden




Follow Repopulate Mars on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud







Solomun at Ibiza Port | Wednesday, September 21

The island’s favorite free open-air event in the heart of Ibiza Town is happening this Wednesday evening! Solomun first debuted this iconic performance powered by Pacha back in 2014 as an appreciation for the warm welcome received on the island. It takes place in the emblematic old port of Ibiza. Solomun brings his Dynamic party formula to the White Isle with a four-hour set for the island’s families, children, and party-goers as the sun sets. This unique outdoor session by one of Ibiza’s most-in-demand DJs has become a tradition, and after two years’ pause, it promises to be one for the books!



Listen to the newest “Momentum” playlist by Solomun:



Follow Solomun on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud








All Day I Dream Closing Party | Cova Santa | Thursday, September 22

Owned by Lee Burridge and Matthew Dekay, the All Day I Dream party series ends this Wednesday afternoon in Ibiza. Melodic progressive house and techno tunes have blessed the speakers all summer at the magical Cova Santa open-air venue. Have a taste of the music style by listening to Burridge’s favorites here, and do not miss the last chance to enjoy magical daytime vibes. Get tickets for the All Day I Dream Closing Party at Cova Santa.



Follow All Day I Dream on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud







Afterlife Closing Party (Part I) | Hï Ibiza | Thursday, September 22

Melodic techno duo Tale Of Us begins this week’s season-closing journey at Hï nightclub. One night just isn’t enough for the Afterlife bosses, so they are taking the party into next week with a special day and night event. Afterlife is about psychedelic sounds, dimmed lights, minimal production, and the iconic Afterlife figure hanging upside down above the DJ booth. For one last time, the Italian masterminds and very special guests will captivate the crowd with their distinctive music style. Get tickets for the Afterlife closing party on September 22 at Hï.




Follow Afterlife on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud







Drumcode Ibiza | Amnesia | Friday, September 23

The first Drumcode show in Ibiza happens this Friday at the meeting point for ravers in San Rafael superclub, Amnesia. The Swedish techno label and event series run by Adam Beyer will take over the entire venue, bringing us the best underground techno around. Beyer himself will be returning to close out the party with Anna, Bart Skils, and Kölsch getting the dancefloor nice and warm for him. Label favorites Layton Giordani, Lilly Palmer, Raxon, and Rebūke, will take over the Main Room. Enjoy one of the finest techno showcases this season! Enjoy Drumcode’s one-off show in Ibiza this Friday at Amnesia.




Follow Drumcode on Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud







Flower Power Outdoors | Cova Santa | Saturday, September 24

One of the oldest Ibiza residencies and the flag bearer for the island’s ethos of peace and freedom celebrates the last gathering between the hills at Cova Santa this Saturday at 7 pm. Flower Power is a tribute to Ibiza’s origins with a soundtrack made of tunes from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, offering a getaway from what you’ll typically hear on a day out in Ibiza. The venue will be decked out in hearts, flowers, peace signs, and a crowd dressed up to match. Enjoy happy, hippie vibes at Flower Power outdoors this Saturday




Follow Cova Santa on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Ibiza Selects (September 19-25)

A mainstay in the global tech house scene, English DJ and producer Cloonee heated things up at Space Miami earlier this month with eight hours of groovy rhythms and Latin flavor. With The iconic venue packed to the rafters, he rocked a set that spanned tunes from Ben Stirling, Daniel Orpi, Sera de Villalta, a Bad Bunny edit, and more.









Cloonee's career rose to new heights after gaining his first Beatport Tech House #1 with "Be Good To Me'" in 2019. Having dropped a series of thumping releases through established imprints such as Solardo's Sola, elrow, Sonny Fodera's Solotoko, La Pera, and Lee Foss's Repopulate Mars, he finished 2019 as Beatport's 8th best-selling tech house artist.




He followed up the success of that year with the release of "Like What" on his imprint CLNE, which again climbed to #1 on Beatport's Tech House Chart. Later in 2020, the legendary Chris Lake signed Cloonee to Black Book Records and introduced him on the label with the hit single, "What Ya Want."




Days after a sold-out show at Quantum Brooklyn this November, Cloonee will take the helm on The Roof of Superior Ingredients. He's also set to play at Firefly Music Festival 2022 in Delaware, and Pacha in Ibiza.

Cloonee Rocks A Flawless Sunrise Set at Space Miami

Whether you’re a casual listener or die-hard fan, any house music enthusiast has heard the name John Summit. The Chicago native is the hottest up-and-coming name in dance music, headlining the biggest festivals and clubs around the world, topping Beatport charts, and even starting his label, Off The Grid. He’s been behind some of our favorite tracks, including his 2021 collab, “Witch Doctor,” with UK mainstay Nic Fanciulli.



This tune casts a powerful spell from beat one. Organic percussive kits tap out the vigorous beat for our hearts and our feet to follow. As the pulse grows within, entrancing vocal chants imbue this beat with mystifying energy that will not be denied. You can try and resist the siren song to the dance floor, but you’ll only be prolonging the inevitable. The witch doctor’s spell captivates listeners, taking hold of their souls through the power of house music.



We love a good collab here at Gray Area, and “Witch Doctor” is a great example of why. Fanciulli and Summit bring fundamental pieces to this tune that are crucial to the final product. Nic’s legendary rhythm work is perfectly in sync with John’s unquestionable ear for a hook, creating a roller that would become one of Fanciulli’s Saved Records’ most streamed songs of the year.



Follow John Summit on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Follow Nic Fanciulli on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter.

Fall Under The Spell Of John Summit And Nic Fanciulli’s 'Witch Doctor'

After a two-year hiatus, East Africa’s essential electronic music festival Nyege Nyege is back. Nyege Nyege translates to the “uncontrollable urge to dance”. With over 200 shows internationally, the festival and its associated labels and collective have defined the vanguard of new sounds emerging from the Continent.



This year’s festivities will take place between the 15th and the 18th of September on the Nile’s shores, near Itanda Falls, in the heart of the Busoga region, a few kilometers from Jinja town in Uganda. Nyege Nyege focuses on merging African genres with electronic music, instilling a constant need for innovation and with a diverse lineup, this festival serves as a showcase for the potential of African music. Here are some of the acts to look out for at this year's edition of Nyege Nyege festival.







1. Otim Alpha

Over a decade ago, Otim Alpha started reinterpreting Ugandan Acholi wedding songs with frenetic electronic beats and traditional instruments. The result gave birth to fast-paced poly-rhythmic music ready for dancefloor madness known as Acholitronix. He is always a favourite at the Nyege Nyege Festival.

Follow Otim Alpha on Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud



2. Hibotep

Born in Somalia, Hibotep grew up in Ethiopia but is based in Kampala, Uganda, where she moved to find her twin sister Hoden, who also plays under the name Houdini. Based on the principle that rules are made to be broken, Hibotep's art is then shaped by this philosophy. and her DJ sets naturally reflect this rebellious side. A key figure at the Nyege Nyege Festival, she connects baile funk, gqom, techno, reggaeton, and uptempo delirium in a delicous contemporary collage.

Follow Hibotep on Instagram | Facebook | Soundcloud



3. Kampire

Kampire ('Kampi-reh') is one of the biggest names in the underground electronic music scene in Kampala, Uganda. Kampire’s vibrant bass-heavy sets have transported her to clubs & festivals across the world. As a core member of the Nyege Nyege collective, she is definitely one to look out for.

Follow Kampire on Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud



4. Slikback

Nairobi-born, Slikback makes forward-thinking club music that eludes genre limitations. Mixing influences ranging from techno, gqom, and trap to soundscapes, deconstructed electronics and traditional pan-African percussion. His music and DJ sets can most succinctly be described as fierce and unique. Also known for experimenting during his live sets and for adapting his sound to the space he performs in, Slikback continues to transform his style channelling moods and colors into visions via transcontinental dancefloors.

Follow Slikback on Instagram | Twitter | Bandcamp



5. DJ Travella

Hailing from Dar Es Salaam – the economic capital of Tanzania – is DJ Travella. Producing since he was fifteen, DJ Travella embodies the new wave of Singeli producers. This style of electronic music at the crossroads of several cultures (Arabic, Indian, African) was born about ten years ago in Tanzania.

Borrowing from taarab, kwaito, Tanzanian hip hop, and soukouss, it is inspired by the traditional vanga polyrhythms of the Zaramo tribe and ultra-fast techno rhythms from 180 to 300 BPM. DJ Travella is bound to have the people dancing as he creates a contemplative universe.

Follow DJ Travella on Instagram | Spotify



6. Zakente

Born in Angola, but living in Portugal since childhood, Zakente started his career as a producer around 2010.In the last few years he has emerged as a leading artist in the afrotech and future afro house sound with residencies in Ibiza and a busy release schedule. Zakente will be making his East African debut at Nyege Nyege 2022 in September.

Follow Zakente on Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud







7. DJ Znobia

It's no exaggeration to call Angolan DJ, producer and MC Znobia the most important African electronic musician alive. Since the mid 1990's DJ Znobia has pioneered the sound of Kuduro and it's slowed down cousin Tarraxinha throughout the continent and the world with productions for the likes of Diplo, MIA, and many more. Be sure to join DJ Znobia for a special live set at Nyege ‘22 for the first time in East Africa and the first time DJ Znobia performs outside his native county in over a decade.

Follow Znobia on Instagram | Soundcloud



8. Authentically Plastic

As a DJ, producer and artist based in Kampala, Uganda, Authentically Plastic’s sound is necessarily political. They run a roving, riotous, club night in Kampala called ANTI-MASS which opens up space for femme, queer, and experimental artists in an increasingly repressive social climate. Risk-taking in this political environment informs Authentically Plastic’s sound, which has an accelerated, densely layered, improvisational feel. Their sets can be described as dark and playful, using gqom, vogue, and techno as a base for exploring other unknown sounds.

Follow Authentically Plastic on Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud



9. Phatstoki

Phatstoki is a DJ from Johannesburg, South Africa. She is the co-founder of Pussy Party, a group that gives a regular platform to queer femme and woman Dj’s and Artists. Phatstoki is one of the most intuitive DJs reading the room perfectly, timing the drop, and leaving dancefloors defeated and hungry for more.

Follow Phatstoki on Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud



10. Turkanax

Turkana is a South Sudanese DJ and producer who grew up in a refugee camp in Kakuma, in the Turkana region of Kenya. It was here that she got her stage name. She delivers hard-hitting sets that wave the flags of South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda, colliding visceral techno and experimental African sounds.

Follow Turkana on Instagram | Soundcloud

10 Acts at Nyege Nyege Festival Proving the Strength of the African Dance Music Scene

Tasha Blank is a dancefloor alchemist. The founder of New York’s buzzy BODY LVNGUAGE parties, Blank seeks to connect us all to our universal consciousness through the power of uninhibited dance. We spoke with the DJ and educator about her BODY LVNGUAGE brainchild, her DJ academy, and the ways she finds magic in the everyday.




Hi Tasha, great to speak with you! Let’s start at the beginning. Walk me down your path to where you are now as a DJ, educator, and founder of party collective BODY LVNGUAGE.




The love of music and hunger for movement has always been there. I trained as a dancer as a tween and teen, but the further I went down that track, the more depressed I was. I couldn’t find the love anymore, so when it came time for college, I stopped dancing and chose academia. That choice just spiraled me down more. I was trapped in my head, totally disconnected from my body, and ultimately had a mental and physical health crisis.




I decided to change everything. Less than a year later, I landed at Burning Man, where I found the kind of dance I didn’t know I’d been looking for my whole life. The level of freedom and pure unbridled creativity I touched on the playa catalyzed a new path of learning everything I could about music, dance, trauma, healing, ritual, medicine, neuroscience, community, and culture building.




I changed my whole course of study to support this new path and formed the conceptual framework for everything I still do today. This is a big part of what we teach in Powerhouse DJ School. From there, it became about figuring out how to catalyze the kind of magic I knew was possible in the real world. The more I do, the more experience I gain. The more I teach and coach, the more I have to learn and practice.




BODY LVNGUAGE claims to be “an ancient future party ritual”—what does this mean to you?




Ancient because our species was born for this. Future because ours depends on it. Humans have been gathering to communally dance for prayer, ritual, celebration, release, and healing since we could clap our hands together.




Connecting with ourselves and each other in full-bodied expression belongs in our everyday life. As the world gets more chaotic and the structures we used to take for granted unravel, it’s time to reclaim the power that lives in our bodies that rises up every time we grant ourselves permission to unleash. At BODY LVNGUAGE, we serve it up in a context that’s fun as fuck and brings us back to our sense of belonging at the same time.




As a DJ, do you ever feel confined by the expectations of genre from partygoers? How do you navigate the fine balance of honoring your own creativity while serving the vibe of the party?




I think vibe is more important than genre. While I usually keep things uptempo, I tend to go all over the map. So we cultivate an environment where folks are down for the ride. They want to end up somewhere new at the end of the night. They trust me to play music for their bodies, which gives me the freedom to do exactly that.




I know a few rules come with a BODY LVNGUAGE party—no drinks on the Dance Floor, No Phones Anywhere, Love & Respect Above All. How did you develop these three tenets, and why are they so important?




When I started going out to clubs, all I wanted to do was dance. But you can’t do that with a drink in your hand or a phone in your face. It’s extra tricky to do that in a room where you don’t feel you can trust everyone around you. We needed some ground rules to signal that we were doing something different from the regular club scene, and these three solved the worst vibe killers out there.




When did you sense the connection between meditation, spirituality, and music?

When I look back, it’s always been there. It really hit me that first Burning Man in 2007. Dancing stopped being this fun thing I liked and became a straight shot to the universal intelligence and creativity moving through my body. Spiritually stopped being a cool idea and became the experience we have when we remember who we really are together. The deep self that lives in the body, below the head, independent of who we think we are and linked up to everything we’re made of, is pure gold, and dance is the quickest way I’ve found to come home.




As an artist, how do you push yourself to keep growing?

All I have to do is go out and dance or hear music, whether that’s at a club, festival, or show. I always leave super jazzed to jump into the next creation. My students inspire me so much. Our first international cohort of Powerhouse DJ School hasn’t even graduated yet, and their mixes are blowing me out of the water. Now that I’m teaching and mentoring upcoming DJs, it’s not just about me anymore. I want to keep getting better for them.




Who is the most influential person in your life that helps you on your path?




I have so many teachers and mentors, incredible colleagues, teammates, and advisors. If I had to name an MVP this year, it goes to my partner-in-crime and BODY LVNGUAGE DJ Maro. She came to me about 18 months ago wanting to learn to DJ and slayed it so hard. She was DJing festivals and clubs within six weeks of our work together, so we decided to start a DJ academy. We’ve done so much this year, and we’re just getting started. We added eight new rockstars to our team, are getting ready to open enrollment for next year’s Powerhouse DJ School, and are planning our launch in my new home of Las Vegas and a US tour for 2023.




What can we do to cultivate everyday magic in the music industry?




I think so often we forget to actually do the thing we love just because we love it when it becomes our job. Music is the closest thing we have to actual magic on planet earth. So how do we cultivate it? Dance.

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