Heading to Amsterdam for Music On Festival? Why not make the most of your trip? Beyond the beats at Meerpark, Amsterdam is packed with culture, cuisine, and unique local experiences. Here are our top 10 tips to elevate your weekend:

Explore Amsterdam-Oost

Meerpark is located in the trendy Amsterdam-Oost district. Arrive early or stay late to check out its cafés, bars, and laid-back vibes.



Dine at De Kas

One of Amsterdam’s most unique restaurants, De Kas serves fresh, farm-to-table dishes in a stunning greenhouse setting.



Visit NDSM Wharf

Hop on a free ferry to NDSM Wharf – an artsy former shipyard filled with street art, quirky cafés, and creative spaces.



Bike Around Like a Local

Rent a bike and experience Amsterdam the way locals do. Cycle along canals, through Vondelpark, or to nearby neighborhoods.



Catch Amsterdam Art Week

If you're staying longer, Amsterdam Art Week runs in May, featuring exhibitions, performances, and gallery tours throughout the city.



Relax at a Canal-side Café

After dancing all day, wind down with a coffee or local beer at one of the many charming canal-side terraces.



Take in Culture at the Van Gogh Museum

Spend a few hours admiring the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s works – a must-visit for art lovers.



Visit Keukenhof Gardens (Closing Weekend!)

If you’re in town early, catch the last days of Keukenhof Gardens and see millions of tulips in full bloom.



Refuel at Rolling Kitchens

Depending on your stay dates, the Rollende Keukens food festival at Westerpark is a food truck heaven – perfect for post-festival feasting.

Plan Your Accommodation Early

May is peak season. Book your hotel or Airbnb well in advance to stay close to both Meerpark and city attractions.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Amsterdam While at Music On Festival

Ibiza - an island of surprises. But, as a mecca of dance music and legendary DJ sets, venues across the island have hosted some of the most unexpected acts ever to grace clubland.

In 1987, the legendary Ku Club (now UNVRS) made history with one of Ibiza's most astonishing bookings: Queen's iconic frontman Freddie Mercury paired with acclaimed opera diva Montserrat Caballé. The unlikely duo premiered their operatic pop masterpiece 'Barcelona,' initially composed for the 1992 Olympics.This fusion of rock and opera cemented the performance as one of Ibiza's most iconic cultural moments.

Jumping ahead to 2004, another unforgettable moment unfolded at Space Ibiza when hip-hop superstar Sean "P. Diddy" Combs made an unexpected appearance. Despite his global fame, Diddy's attempt to rap over the music at the iconic venue proved ill-fated; the crowd quickly rejected the superstar, booing him offstage. This moment highlighted that in Ibiza, even star power cannot overcome musical mismatches!

The surprises continued into 2007 when Ibiza Rocks at Bar M booked indie rock phenomenon Arctic Monkeys. Known predominantly for electronica, Ibiza suddenly found itself embracing energetic, guitar-driven rock music. The band's performance received widespread acclaim, paving the way for an era of live music and rock acts at Ibiza Rocks Hotel for over a decade, seriously diversifying Ibiza's musical landscape.

In 2011, Amnesia Ibiza surprised everyone again by hosting iconic '80s band Duran Duran during MTV’s "I Want My MTV Ibiza" concert series. Hearing classic hits like "Rio" and "Hungry Like the Wolf" in a nightclub atmosphere was legitimately surreal, blending nostalgic pop-rock with Ibiza's electronic dance heritage. That same summer, the venue welcomed British alternative rockers Primal Scream, performing their seminal album 'Screamadelica' live!

Amnesia again showcased its willingness to break musical boundaries by bringing hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg to its stage, first in 2011 for the same MTV event, and again at Ushuaïa in 2014. The 2nd event was almost a disaster, with Snoop seemingly “stuck” in Vienna, however the venue broke curfew and stayed open for the star to start playing at 12:30 to avoid a disastrous no-show.

Perhaps Ibiza's most controversial booking was in 2013, when socialite Paris Hilton launched her "Foam & Diamonds" residency at Amnesia. Initially met with considerable skepticism and criticism from dance music purists, Hilton nonetheless drew significant crowds and sustained success, extending her residency for multiple seasons. Her surprising DJ career became an emblematic example of Ibiza's unpredictable allure.

Adding Hollywood glamour, actor Idris Elba made his DJing debut at Ibiza clubs around 2015, notably at Pikes with his Idris Rocks residency, as well as Pacha and later securing a residency at Hï Ibiza. His genuine passion for DJing and authentic skill set impressed both fans and critics, challenging stereotypes about celebrity DJs and earning him respect within the Ibiza music scene.

In 2019, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, performing as DJ Diesel, took over the decks at Ushuaïa Ibiza. Shaq’s powerful presence, coupled with an energetic trap and dubstep set, ended up being a hit.

Most recently, in 2024, iconic performer and fashion muse Grace Jones stunned Ibiza once more with a dynamic live set at Pacha’s retro-themed Flower Power party. Her flamboyant and theatrical performance reminded clubbers of Ibiza's enduring magic and ability to attract unique acts from across decades and genres.

These extraordinary bookings—from rock legends and rappers to Hollywood actors and socialites—underscore Ibiza's unique cultural openness and continuous evolution. Each unconventional performance enriches the island's diverse musical tapestry, proving again and again that Ibiza is indeed a place where absolutely anything is possible.

Ibiza's Most Unexpected Bookings Ever

If you're heading to Coachella this year, you're in for an unforgettable weekend of music, art, and festival magic. But what if I told you there’s so much more to explore beyond the festival grounds? Whether you want to recharge with nature, indulge in amazing food, or discover something new, the Coachella Valley has plenty to offer. Here are some ideas to make the most of your time while you're in town.



First, if you need a break from the crowds, Coachella Valley Preserve is a hidden gem. Just a short drive from Indio, this desert oasis is home to the stunning Thousand Palms Oasis, where you can take a peaceful walk through lush palm groves. If you’re into hiking, Rancho Mirage has scenic trails like the Jack Rabbit and Road Runner Trails, perfect for catching a gorgeous desert sunset. And if you want to take it to the next level, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will lift you up into the San Jacinto Mountains, where you can cool off and take in breathtaking views.

For those who love good food, Palm Springs is a must-visit. This city is packed with fantastic restaurants, whether you’re craving top-tier tacos, farm-to-table dining, or a fancy brunch with a side of people-watching.



If you’re down for a little road trip, Joshua Tree National Park is about an hour away and totally worth it. Think surreal rock formations, iconic Joshua Trees, and some of the best stargazing in the world. For something a little closer, check out The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, where you can see desert wildlife up close.

If you’re into golf, then you’re in luck - Coachella Valley is home to over 100 world-class golf courses. But if art and culture are more your vibe, there are plenty of local galleries and museums to check out, like the Coachella Valley History Museum, where you can learn more about the area's history.

Mix and match these activities to create your perfect Coachella experience. There’s so much more to explore beyond the festival, so why not make a trip out of it?

What else to do while at Coachella

1. General Festival Information

Will the lineup be the same both weekends?

Yes, the plan is for both weekends to have identical lineups, but set times and artist appearances are subject to change.

What time does the festival end each day?

The festival typically ends around 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and around midnight on Sunday, though these times may vary.

Is there an age limit for attending?

No, Coachella is an all-ages event. However, children under 5 can attend for free in General Admission areas, and you must be at least 18 to camp.

2. Tickets & Entry

When do tickets ship, and what if I don’t receive mine?

Passes usually ship in March. You will receive an email with tracking information once your order is on the way. If you don’t receive your pass in time, contact festival support.

Can I change my shipping address for my tickets?

Yes, you can update your shipping address before the deadline by logging into your Coachella account.

3. Festival Experience & Planning

Will I be able to see all the artists performing?

Not necessarily. With multiple stages hosting simultaneous performances and some areas having limited capacities, plan ahead and arrive early for must-see acts.

Will set times be posted in advance?

Yes, set times will be released on the Coachella Mobile App a few days before the festival. Keep in mind that times may change.

What is the best time to arrive?

Arriving early is recommended to avoid long entry lines. Carpooling is encouraged, and taking a shuttle is the fastest and easiest way to get in and out.

4. Travel & Parking

Is parking available at the festival?

Yes, there are free and preferred parking options, but spaces fill up quickly. Carpooling is encouraged to reduce traffic.

Are shuttles available?

Yes, shuttle services run from multiple locations, making travel to and from the festival more convenient. Shuttle passes must be purchased separately.

5. Camping & Lockers

What camping options are available?

Coachella offers car camping, tent camping, and premium camping options, each with different amenities. Showers and restrooms are available in the campgrounds.

Are lockers available at the festival?

Yes, General Admission attendees can rent lockers to store personal items, and VIP guests have access to special charging lockers.

6. What You Can Bring

What items are allowed and prohibited?

Allowed items include small bags, hydration packs, and empty water bottles. Prohibited items include weapons, illegal substances, drones, and outside food or beverages. Professional cameras without proper credentials are also not permitted.

7. Health, Safety & Festival Features

What health and safety measures are in place?

Medical tents are stationed throughout the festival, and security measures include bag checks and on-site security personnel to ensure a safe environment.

What else is there to do at Coachella besides music?

The festival features large-scale art installations, food vendors with diverse cuisine options, and immersive experiences throughout the grounds. There are also pop-up activations and brand experiences to explore.

What sustainability initiatives does Coachella have in place?

Coachella partners with organizations like Global Inheritance to promote environmental sustainability, including recycling programs, carpool incentives, and refillable water stations.

8. Streaming

Will the festival be streamed online?

Yes, Coachella typically offers live streaming of performances on platforms like YouTube, allowing fans worldwide to experience the festival remotely.

9. Electronic Music at Coachella

What are the best stages for electronic and dance music at Coachella?

Coachella has several stages dedicated to electronic music. The Sahara Tent is the largest, featuring high-energy sets from some of the biggest names in dance music. The Yuma Tent offers a more intimate, club-style experience with house and techno acts. The Do LaB Stage is known for its immersive environment, surprise performances, and a mix of bass, house, and experimental electronic sounds. Other electronic artists can also be found at the Mojave, Gobi, and the newer Quasar Stage, which focuses on extended DJ sets.

Are there surprise sets at Coachella?

Yes! The Do LaB Stage is famous for bringing out unannounced electronic artists and DJs, sometimes including big-name artists playing intimate or experimental sets. Additionally, artists from other genres sometimes drop in for surprise DJ sets, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on social media and the Coachella app for last-minute additions.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Coachella website and communications.

Coachella FAQs

If you’re heading to Miami Music Week (MMW), prepare for a nonstop marathon of house, techno, and everything in between. Taking over Miami from March 25-30, MMW is the biggest week of the year for dance music diehards, with day-to-night parties at clubs, pools, rooftops, and secret locations across the city. It’s that time of year when you wish you could clone yourself just to be in two places at once. 



You’ll have to pick and choose your battles, but no matter where you end up in the 305, it’s always special. Moments like these remind you why there’s no place in the world like Miami—and how is it that this Earth is 4.54 billion years old, yet we’re lucky enough to exist at the same time as Miami Music Week?



The week builds up to Ultra Music Festival, but the real magic lies in the events leading up to and surrounding it—six-acre raves at Factory Town, crisp sunrise mimosas on the Terrace at Space Miami, intimate sessions at Floyd Miami, and boat parties that never seem to dock. You’ll find yourself getting weird at Jolene in Downtown, hitting pool parties at the Sagamore Hotel, dancing under the lights at Toe Jam Backlot in Wynwood, and, of course, waiting for location drops for the famous Unmute parties. 



Expect to see top-tier DJs, rising underground talent, and unexpected b2bs in one of the most chaotic yet thrilling party environments imaginable. Every moment is an opportunity to dance, connect, and lose yourself in the music and mayhem. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned MMW veteran, this guide will help you navigate the madness and make the most of Miami’s wildest week for house heads.




Un_Mute teams up with ReSolute NYC and Desimana XP for a renowned Miami Music Week weekender on March 28-29, featuring the legend himself, Ricardo Villalobos B2B Raresh, Francesco Del Garda, Sonja Moonear, Fumiya Tanaka, and more. Two days, top-notch selectors, and pure underground energy. Tickets are available here.



The Martinez Brothers are set to headline DJ Mag Presents' Miami pool party at the Sagamore Hotel during Miami Music Week 2025. Kicking off the five-day pool party series on March 26, the event runs from 1 PM to 11 PM, with Mason Collective, HoneyLuv, SOSA B2B Max Dean, and Silvie Loto also joining the lineup. Tickets are available here.



Kick off Miami Music Week 2025 on The Terrace as Space Miami brings the heat Tuesday night into Wednesday afternoon. French DJ and producer Hugel, South African rising star Shimza, Turkish sensation Mahmut Orhan, and more will take over the decks for a proper one.

Tickets are available here.

Franky Rizardo is one of the most recognized names in house music, playing hundreds of gigs a year while adapting his sound to audiences worldwide. A staple at ANTS and elrow, he’s played top venues like fabric, Shelter, Amnesia Ibiza, and Sound. Now, he brings his brand series and label, FLOW, to The Ground at Club Space Miami on Wednesday, March 26th, alongside Manda Moor, Blackchild, Natalia Roth, and more for a night of house grooves. Tickets are available here.



What began as a radio show featuring Rossi. and friends spinning DJ mixes has grown into HOME//GRXWN—a must-attend event and record label making noise in the house music scene. Now, the British DJ and producer is bringing HOME//GRXWN  to Floyd on Wednesday, March 26, alongside Salomé Le Chat, Arapu, and more, for an intimate night at one of Miami’s most beloved nightclubs. Tickets are available here.



Another standout pick is Australian wild card Partiboi69 going B2B with the legendary Skream, joined by the elusive yet always electric Boyz Noize. Brought to you by Hard Selects, this special night takes over The Ground at Space Miami on Thursday, March 27. Tickets are available here.



GORDO’s TARAKA series has taken over cities worldwide, and now it’s Miami Music Week’s turn. On Friday, March 28, Toejam Backlot hosts one of the week’s biggest events, featuring Wakyin B2B Liva K, Maz B2B Alex Wann, DJ Tennis B2B a mystery guest, HoneyLuv B2B Tony Guerra, Victor Lou, and Gabe B2B AMBRXSE. This one is a MUST! Tickets are available here.



House Hats is back in Wynwood on Friday, March 28, for another must-attend function! Darius Syrossian B2B Edd lead the charge as co-headliners, joined by special guests TBA. The lineup also features LA and Miami favorites, including Russian artist Bingewatch, Jenessa Acosta, NYC-based DJ, producer, and Moledro label head Brant Wolff. Made in Kissimmee, Miami-based, and Colombian by blood, Dre Osorio joins the party alongside House Hats resident Tiddy and more. Tickets are available here.



Haven’t seen this name in a while, but it’s a welcome sight on this lineup—Japanese DJ and record producer Satoshi Tomiie with Tomoki Tamura are on schedule for Yoyaku x Slapfunk: Miami Music Week at Floyd Miami. Expect a night of top-tier selections alongside other exciting names, bringing a touch of Japanese culture to the dance floor. Join the fun on March 27! Tickets are available here.



Link Miami Rebels presents a true MMW experience, running Saturday night into Sunday afternoon with a stacked lineup. Expect sets from English DJ duo CamelPhat, German star Innellea, and a closing B2B from Henri Bergmann and the stunning Layla Benitez, along with many more carefully curated names for this marathon. Tickets are available here.



Get ready for one of the biggest, boldest, and most brolic lineups Miami has ever seen—this party is straight-up baller, and the chances of you wanting to leave? Slim to none. Some of the hottest names on deck include Peggy Gou, Chris Stussy, Dennis Cruz B2B Paco Osuna, and ANOTR B2B Marco Carola, with plenty more. 24+ only—so bring your dancing shoes, a back brace, Liquid IV, and your favorite shades, because this one’s going the distance. Tickets are available here.



Defected is the ultimate party for house music lovers in the heart of Miami!  Featuring a stacked lineup with Armand Van Helden, Dennis Ferrer B2B TSHA, and Eats Everything B2B Sam Divine, this is one event you can’t afford to miss. Skipping a Defected party during MMW should practically be a crime—so be there or be square! Tickets are available here.




Get ready to shine and sparkle as Glitterbox Ibiza brings its blend of house, disco, and feel-good energy to Miami Music Week. Known for its dancefloor-focused music and empowering atmosphere, this iconic event takes over the Sagamore Hotel for a poolside party like no other. Behind the decks? DJ Jazzy Jeff, Moodymann, and more. Tickets are available here.



The Texas techno queen herself, Sara Landry, has the North American techno scene in a chokehold with her gritty, hard-hitting sound—and now, she’s bringing her HEKATE party to Factory Town. A DJ Mag North America cover star, she rips the decks apart with a lethal USB and fierce energy. With hardstyle DJs slipping from the Top 100 this year, Sara Landry now reigns as the World’s No.1 Hard DJ, thanks to her blistering BPMs and the relentless power of her sound. Tickets are available here.



Ben Sterling is one of the hottest names breaking through the UK’s house scene—just ask Mixmag, who dubbed him part of the new school movement. With his perfectly quaffed hair and a gangster tracklist selection, he’s the mastermind behind Planet X and X Files, a brand and label inspired by his love for digging through files to uncover hidden gems. And the name? That came straight from a Looney Tunes Duck Dodgers episode, where the characters travel to Planet X—a nod to Sterling’s own search for the rare and unexpected in music.



Rolling up with him in the Chain Room will be Josh Baker, Rossi., Elliot Schooling, Beltran, and more for a proper one. Meanwhile, over at Cypress End, Hernán Cattáneo and Sasha will be serving up their own magic, while in true Music On fashion, Marco Carola will be running the show in the Infinity Room. This is one of those stage-hopping nights—so don’t even think about calling it early. Tickets are available here.



A true original, Pablo Fierro grew up on Tenerife, part of the Canary Islands, where he began studying music as a teenager. With the islands sitting off the coast of Spain near Africa, their rich cultural blend is reflected in his sound. Now, he’s bringing his "We’re Here" party to Factory Town, alongside a lineup of must-see events that make this a night worth checking out. Tickets are available here.



The one and only sexy and fiery queen, Indira Paganotto, crowned "Highest Climber" in the 2024 DJ Mag Top 100 DJs, is bringing her 'ARTCORE' party to Factory Town. 



One of Spain’s most iconic and recognizable artists, she’s guaranteed to throw down, while over at The Warehouse, Swedish techno legend Adam Beyer presents the powerhouse that is Drumcode. This one’s for those who love a proper techno pump—so let’s blow off some steam together in Hialeah. Tickets are available here.



Speaking of stacked, mouth-watering lineups at Factory Town, Miami Music Week is going out with a bang as elrow, arguably the best party in the world, takes over for a KAOS GARDEN-themed event.



Get ready for the wildest closing party of MMW—12 hours of nonstop music, chaos, and epic moments. This is where the real party happens—no rules, no limits, just pure madness from start to finish. Joining the mayhem are Tini Gessler, Patrick Topping, Matroda, Hugel, Chelina Manuhutu, and many more. Let’s close out this hectic week in style—or covered in confetti. Either way, be there and let’s party! Tickets are available here.



Haitian sensation Francis Mercier, founder of Deep Root Records, is bringing his Deep Root Tribe party to Factory Town at The Park. Recognized by Forbes, Billboard, and DJ Mag, his tracks frequently land on Tomorrowland One Radio and BBC Radio 1. 



That same night, over in The Warehouse, it’s all about relentless techno as Klangkuenstler presents Linear, featuring Chicago techno favorite Hiroko Yamamura, along with more names to look forward to. 

These two parties are day and night in terms of sound, making for the perfect excuse to stage-hop and keep things fresh. Tickets are available here.

Miami Music Week Madness: The 2025 Playbook

​​This Miami Music Week is shaping up to be one for the books, as per usual. Not only does it mark 25 years of Club Space, but it also brings another stacked week of the biggest artists in the world flying in to throw down, take over, and host their most beloved events.



With five venues running non-stop, the Link Miami Rebels crew is working around the clock—curating lineups, keeping the 24+ hour parties rolling, stocking up on black caviar and grilled cheeses, and making sure Factory Town is locked and loaded for some of the wildest event takeovers of the week. Meanwhile, The Terrace is getting its cO2 tanks refilled, adding new delicious drinks to their menu, and primed for sunrise, because let’s be real—the party never really stops.

We sat down with Club Space owner, Coloma Kaboomsky, to reflect on 25 years of greatness, creativity, and the evolution of one of the most iconic dancefloors in the world. Let’s dive in.



Club Space has been an institution in Miami for 25 years. When you look back at its early days, what was the initial vision for the club, and how has it blossomed over the years?

The initial vision for Club Space was centered around being DJ-centric and dance music-focused. It opened with an 8-hour marathon by Danny Tenaglia. Today, we have honed in on that vision and amplified it—now hosting 48-hour marathons, in line with the growth of Downtown Miami. Today, it is not just a club, but a cultural and social temple.

Miami’s nightlife scene has changed drastically since 2000. What has been the key to Space’s longevity in such a fast-changing industry? 

For us, staying relevant with the music and welcoming everyone who is polite has been key. Great music, great people. We spend a lot of time exploring alternative music and identifying who is pushing the boundaries of their craft as DJs. It all trickles down from music, which is the thread that weaves us together.



What are some of the most unforgettable moments in Club Space’s history—whether it's a legendary set, a milestone event, or a moment that solidified its place in Miami’s culture? 

There are too many to name—every weekend, a new one happens for someone. As an institution, our biggest moments have come from overcoming adversity. Our two toughest closures have led to our strongest comebacks: one after COVID in 2020, and the other following our building renovation in 2024.

Some unforgettable moments include:

The 2017 impromptu b2b in Basel with The Martinez Brothers and Luciano.

The first Paradise show during MMW 2018.

Every Solomun marathon, especially his 26-hour record.

Marco Carola’s 50th birthday this past February 2025.

Michael Bibi’s terrace debut during COVID.

Watching our residents evolve into masters.













From hosting underground legends to becoming an international dance music hub, what has been the most rewarding part of building Club Space into what it is today?

Club Space is a home—for arts, culture, dance, and, most importantly, for people. Whether you’re born and raised in Miami or new to the city, you can always make a friend at Space. That is an immeasurable value.

How has Club Space helped shape Miami’s identity as one of the world’s top destinations for dance music? 

Club Space is part of a beautiful ecosystem of clubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels that make Miami special. We’re lucky to be in such a welcoming, diverse, and beautiful city. That said, our programming and dedication to hospitality have definitely contributed to this ecosystem.





Miami Music Week & The Present-Day Club Space

Miami Music Week is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year for Club Space. How does the team approach curating such an intense lineup for the week?

We have an incredible team that builds and nurtures relationships with artists and their teams, ensuring that each act connects with our community. The process of curating Floyd, Ground, and The Terrace for what is really 11 days straight—including the weekend leading up to MMW and Miami Music Week itself—is long, with many moving parts. We work year-round to bring the best MMW experience possible.



With multiple venues under the Link Miami Rebels umbrella—Factory Town, Floyd, The Terrace, Ground, and Jolene—how does each space contribute to the overall culture of dance music in Miami? 

We are very fortunate to have these spaces, as they act as incubators for different tiers of talent. From 200-person intimate shows at Floyd to mid-size events at The Ground, to larger shows on The Terrace, and eventually massive stages at Factory Town.

By the time an artist reaches The Infinity Room, the next step is a slot at our annual festival, III Points. This system gives artists the space to develop their skills and fan base. Most importantly, it helps develop local talent, preparing them to perform on any dance floor in the world.



What’s the secret ingredient that keeps people coming back year after year?

It’s not a secret, if I tell you. But the key factors are:

Talent booking

Proper set times

Meticulous curation

Safe spaces

Hospitality that feels like home

Fair drink prices

Cool merch

…and more.

The Flow & Looking Ahead

What is the most rewarding part of the entire process of putting together a show, from planning to execution? 

The greatest reward is creating and fostering a community.

After a weekend of non-stop events, or following a successful Miami Music Week, what’s the first thing you do to unwind and recharge?

It has taken me a long time to learn that it’s not just about unwinding the week after MMW, but rather taking small moments to reset every day.

For me, the essentials are:

Exercise

Dancing, even when busy

Eating clean

Staying hydrated

Meditation



The week after MMW is still packed with work, so we only get a few days to catch up on sleep, go to the beach, and have a home-cooked meal with family before we’re back at it for the first weekend of April.

As you celebrate 25 years, what do you envision for the future of Club Space in the next 5, 10, or even 25 years? 

Our most important goal is for Space to outlive us all. We want to protect the mothership.

As always, Stay Rebel.



What advice would you give to the next generation of club owners, promoters, and music lovers looking to build something as long-lasting as Space?

Be honest.

Be kind.

Surround yourself with good people.

If you could sum up the spirit of Club Space in one sentence, what would it be? 

Stay Rebel.




Check out upcoming events for MMW at Club Space here.



Check out upcoming events for MMW at Floyd here. 



Check out upcoming events for MMW at The Ground here. 


Check out upcoming events for MMW at Factory Town here.



Check out upcoming events for MMW at Jolene here.

Club Space Turns 25: The Marathon Continues

Avision is a New Jersey-based DJ and producer who’s been dialed into music since he first got behind a pair of turntables at 12 years old. From opening for Victor Calderone at 18 to playing venues like The Brooklyn Mirage, Time Warp NYC, Space Miami, and Watergate Berlin, he’s been putting in the work for years. His releases on labels like Maceo Plex’s Ellum Audio, Drumcode, Hardgroove, and Truncate have kept his name in the conversation, with his debut album, In My Mind, getting a nod from DJ Mag UK.

Outside of music, Avision runs an event production company, a mobile pizza business, and a restaurant and bar in New Jersey. His Ground Rule Collective brings together events, clothing, art, and food—another way he keeps his roots in the scene while expanding his reach.

In this interview, Avision discusses his climb in the industry, his shift toward the house sound, and what keeps him pushing forward. From marathon open-to-close sets to the finer details of production, he has a deep respect for the art—and he’s just getting started.



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

Most people don't know that I own three other businesses alongside my music career, including an event production company, a mobile pizza company, and a restaurant/bar in New Jersey.

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

Good question. I'd probably get into something with baseball since it was an equal passion of mine growing up.



What’s the most memorable moment of your career?

The most memorable moment in my career, I would say, was the first time I opened for Victor Calderone at 18 years old. It just so happened that my wife was in the crowd as well—little did I know. We started dating six months after that show, and here we are, 11 years together, two years married, and a baby boy on the way.



Who’s an artist that inspires you right now?

I always take it back to my roots with guys like David Morales, Angel Moraes, Danny Tenaglia, Victor Calderone, MAW, Murk/Liberty City, Dennis Ferrer, and more. I feel like the music they all wrote was so timeless that I always find inspiration from it.

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

Goldtrix - Trippin (Avision 2025 Remix)

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

Double shot of espresso, please and thank you.

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

NEW YORK—it gives me all the reasons why I love doing what I do. Second, my home away from home, Montreal—Stereo specifically. It makes me feel like I'm in New York in the '90s. Mind you, it also has probably the best sound system and crowd in North America.



How would you describe your sound in three words?

Uplifting, Groovy, Deep

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

My family.

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



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

Michael Jackson, but realistically, I would love to write something with David Morales and take it back.

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

Yankees baseball or just baseball in general.



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

Late '80s into the early '90s. I was born in '93, but I missed all of those legacy years of nightlife and amazing music.

What’s a record that never leaves your crate or USB?

Tough one, but You're The One For Me - D Train. I always have that one ready after a long set.



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

Home or at my restaurant (more likely) lol.

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

I love making pizza—it's become an equal passion to music for me. Hence why I have a mobile pizza company and a restaurant.

What is something simple that makes you smile?

Coming home from a tour/show and seeing my wife pick me up.



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

I think the memory of having my son is going to be one I will never want to let go of.

When do you feel most at peace?

I feel the most peace when I come home from touring. Although I love to tour, there's no place like home.



What are some things you forget but feel better when you are reminded about?

How much people enjoy my music or a set. I'm really hard on myself to always push forward and never look back. It's a great feeling when someone shoots you a message or sees you at a show to tell you how much they love your work.



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

Quality. I really care about quality and not fitting the form as much. I feel like others don’t care as much sometimes. I know I'm not the only one, but I feel like it's less common.

What personal prison have you built out of fear?

I think I'm always afraid of NOT reaching my utmost potential, and that's why I work hard. I always feel like I can do better, and when things don't go the way I want, I become frustrated. afraid of reaching my utmost potential, and that's why I work hard. I always feel like I can do better, and when things don't go the way I want, I become frustrated.



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

I make beats a lot in my mouth, with my teeth. Totally normal for me, but definitely not the norm.

If you could compliment yourself, what would you say?

Nice work, keep pushing, and keep getting better.

From a production perspective, what’s the most expensive mistake you’ve ever made in an effort to put on a kick-ass show?

To be honest, I haven't really made an "expensive" mistake yet for a show, thankfully.



As someone who deals with technology and computers to write music, has there been a gut-wrenching story where you lost your music or the track/beats you were working on?

NO, thank God, not in years. Anything I lost prior probably wasn’t worthy of hearing LOL.



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

Probably the mixdowns and just how sloppy certain things sound.



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

I obsess over the things in the background more—the things that give tracks "ear candy." I love a well-produced track with an amazing atmosphere, great usage of effects, solid rhythm, and a strong melody.



What is your favorite set time and duration?

Open to Close, 6-10 Hours. Or, peak time into early morning.



If you had the power to erase & abolish one musical genre, which one would you abolish for all eternity?

Hard-Techno or whatever the hell they're calling it these days. It's hot shit. Someone had to say it. Sorry, not sorry.

A Chat with Avision: A Life in Music, a Mind on the Future

Activations for Women’s History Month

Femme House, the non-profit organization dedicated to creating equity in music, has announced an extensive lineup of programming for Women’s History Month. The initiatives span SXSW in Austin and Miami Music Week, featuring educational workshops, artist showcases, mentorship opportunities, and community-driven events. A major highlight of this year’s activations is the launch of the inaugural Femmy Awards, set to take place on March 27 at Miami’s Palm Tree Club in partnership with Billboard. The awards will honor influential figures who have significantly contributed to the electronic music industry.



The Femmy Awards: Honoring Dance Music Trailblazers

The inaugural Femmy Awards aim to celebrate industry leaders who have played a pivotal role in advancing representation and equity in electronic music. And guess what...Gray Area is up for a nomination. 



Pioneer Award: Recognizing lifetime achievements, this award will honor DJ Lady D, celebrated as Chicago’s House Music Queen, and DJ Minx, a Detroit techno icon and the founder of Women on Wax. Both artists have shaped the industry for decades, paving the way for femme, non-binary, and LGBTQ+ artists.



Voice of House Award: This category honors vocalists who have defined generations of dance music. The inaugural recipients are Barbara Tucker and Crystal Waters, two legendary figures whose voices have become synonymous with house music.



Producer of the Year: Sara Landry receives this distinction for her outstanding contributions to electronic music production and sound design. Her work continues to influence and inspire emerging producers globally.



All proceeds from the Femmy Awards will directly support Femme House's initiatives, ensuring the continuation of their educational programs and community efforts.



SXSW Activations: March 10-11, 2025

Femme House kicks off its Women’s History Month programming with W PRESENTS x Femme House at SXSW on March 10. The event will be hosted at the W Austin Living Room, featuring performances from Femme House co-founder LP Giobbi, as well as Riva and Bianca.

On March 11, Welcome to The Femme House x W Austin will serve as an interactive space for artists and industry professionals. The day will include workshops, hands-on experiences, and networking opportunities. Key highlights include:

A fireside chat with LP Giobbi, HERMIXALOT, and Amy Corbin of C3 Presents

A Marketing & Entrepreneurship Q&A with Caren Kelleher and Gold Rush Vinyl

A Synth Playground powered by Ableton

A professional headshot station and personal branding resources

Mental wellness programming in partnership with Backline

These activations provide a space for emerging artists to learn, connect, and gain access to industry professionals in a supportive environment.



Miami Music Week: March 26-28, 2025

In addition to the Femmy Awards on March 27, Femme House will host Femme Friday at W South Beach on March 28. This full-day event will focus on mentorship, networking, and panel discussions with top industry professionals. Now in its third year, Femme Friday continues to be a vital resource for artists looking to gain deeper insight into the music business and production.

Femme House Radio & Online Programming

Throughout March, Femme House will also expand its reach through online programming, including:

A free Ableton workshop with Chief Education Officer mini bear, covering synthesis, sound design, and production techniques.

Femme House Radio, airing Wednesdays at 8 PM PT on SiriusXM Electro BPM Channel 52. Hosted by LP Giobbi and HERMIXALOT, the series will spotlight artists from LP Giobbi's yes yes yes label.

A social media campaign highlighting the contributions of femme and non-binary artists throughout history.



About Femme House

Founded in 2019 by LP Giobbi and HERMIXALOT, Femme House is a 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to fostering inclusivity in the music industry. Through mentorship, scholarships, and community-building, the organization has provided education to over 15,000 students globally and raised over $1 million to support underrepresented voices in music.



With a comprehensive month of programming across multiple platforms, Femme House continues to build spaces where underrepresented artists can thrive. For more details and to RSVP for events, visit the Femme House website.

As part of FEMME HOUSE’s mission to create equity in music, all proceeds from The Femmy Awards will directly support FEMME HOUSE programming. For tables and tickets, head to DICE.

Honoring Industry Leaders: The Femmy Awards MMW Debut

Tucked away in a quiet industrial corridor between East Williamsburg and Bushwick, 99 Scott is the kind of venue that feels like a discovery. Located at 99 Scott Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237, the space exists within a rapidly shifting arts district where warehouses once filled with loading docks and factory equipment now house music venues, art studios, and experimental food spaces.



Despite its somewhat off-the-grid appearance, the venue is easy to reach. It’s just a five-minute walk from the Jefferson Street L train station, which connects to Manhattan in about 15 minutes. For those driving in, the venue sits near Flushing Avenue and Morgan Avenue, though as with much of Brooklyn, parking is limited. The space is also fully ADA accessible, ensuring all guests can navigate comfortably.

A Place Where Sound and Community Intersect 

What makes 99 Scott’s location special isn’t just its industrial-meets-artsy aesthetic but the fact that it shares its block with some of Brooklyn’s most interesting creative spaces. Right next door is Honey’s, a bar and meadery operated by Enlightenment Wines, known for its fermented honey-based cocktails. 



On the other side is Bunker, a Vietnamese restaurant that has grown from a tiny hole-in-the-wall to one of the area’s most celebrated eateries. Also on the same street is Smallhold, an indoor mushroom farm, and several design studios, adding to the creative energy of the area.



Just a short walk away is the heart of Bushwick’s nightlife scene, with popular spots like Roberta’s Pizza and various underground bars and galleries making it easy for attendees to turn their night at 99 Scott into a full experience. This mix of industrial grit and cultural hotspots makes the venue feel like a natural extension of Brooklyn’s underground arts and music scene.



An Event Space That Can Transform

Part of what makes 99 Scott stand out is its flexibility. The venue was designed to accommodate events that feel intentional and unique, rather than just being another rental hall. This philosophy is reflected in its indoor-outdoor layout, which allows events to flow between different spaces. The Great Room, with its soaring 20-foot ceilings and steel-framed windows, offers the raw energy of a warehouse, while the 8,000-square-foot courtyard provides a lush outdoor setting for more relaxed, open-air gatherings.



The intentional curation of its event calendar has helped 99 Scott build a reputation as a space that feels fresh every time you walk in. Whether it’s a DJ-driven warehouse night, an art-forward gala, or even an ice-skating rink pop-up, 99 Scott continues to shape Brooklyn’s cultural scene—one event at a time.

99 Scott Ave: A Street with Its Own Rhythm

Right at the edge of East Williamsburg and Bushwick, 99 Scott is a space where music, culture, and creativity collide. A former warehouse turned high-energy event hub, this spot has been home to legendary parties, mind-blowing DJ sets, and nights meant for the books. Whether you’re here for a marathon set or a wild afterparty, 99 Scott is where dance music lovers come together to lose themselves in the sound.



A Space Built for the Scene

99 Scott is a playground for music heads and party people, offering a seamless flow between raw industrial vibes and open-air energy. Whatever the occasion, there’s a space to match the mood.

The Great Room is the heart of it all—5,000 square feet of pure warehouse energy, with exposed wood beams, concrete floors, and enough space for 800 people to dance until sunrise. If you’re into high-production shows, immersive visuals, and sound that hits just right, this is where it happens.



The Courtyard Garden is an 8,000-square-foot outdoor oasis, perfect for open-air sessions, festival-style parties, and vibey day-to-night transitions. Once just an empty lot, it’s now a lush escape that brings together the best of nature and nightlife.



For something more intimate, the Daylight Studio (Fabr Studio) offers an 800-square-foot spot with a skylight and in-ground plants, giving it a fresh, organic feel. It’s the go-to for pre-show hangs, private sets, and content shoots that capture the essence of Brooklyn’s underground.



A Home for Dance Music Culture

Since opening in 2016, 99 Scott has been a key player in Brooklyn’s underground scene. Co-founders Molly McIver (Frieze Art Fair) and Wells Stellberger (formerly of Marc Jacobs) envisioned it as a hybrid space where music, fashion, and art all come together. Once an unmarked warehouse on a dead-end street filled with garbage trucks, it’s now a staple in NYC nightlife.



Before it became what it is today, 99 Scott even hosted the Brooklyn Mirage pop-up—setting the stage for the city’s most iconic dance floors. With soaring 20-foot ceilings, massive casement windows, and an industrial edge that keeps it raw, this space is built for music lovers who live for the night.

Where the Best in Music Take Over

From underground techno to high-energy house, 99 Scott has hosted some of the most respected names in the game. Ben UFO, J. Worra, Honey Dijon, Peggy Gou, Kaytranada, John Summit, and Mau P have all taken over this space, each bringing their signature sound to a crowd that knows how to move.



But it’s not just about the music—99 Scott has transformed into an ice-skating rink, a music conference space, and a backdrop for immersive brand experiences. The venue has even gone as far as turning into a literal ice-skating rink for a winter event, letting partygoers glide across the floor under flashing lights and booming sound. 



It has also hosted an adrenaline-fueled fight night, with a boxing match taking center stage, proving that this space can transform into just about anything. It’s a place where creativity meets community, making it one of Brooklyn’s most sought-after destinations for large-scale parties, pop-ups, and next-level cultural experiences.



Size, Sound & Production Flexibility

With the capacity to hold 2,500+ people across multiple spaces, 99 Scott is one of the biggest independent event venues in Brooklyn. Whether it’s a massive warehouse rave, a sunset party in the courtyard, or a high-concept live show, the venue’s production capabilities make sure every detail is dialed in.



Step Inside 99 Scott

Aside from being a venue, 99 Scott has become a movement. A place where the music is loud, the energy is electric, and the experience is one you won’t forget. Whether you're on the dancefloor for a sunrise set or vibing in the courtyard with a drink in hand, 99 Scott is where the magic happens.

Rave Nights or Fight Nights? The Many Lives of 99 Scott

In our City Beats series, we explore underground scenes in cities worldwide, both past and present – and this week, we’re diving into how Popcorn in Brussels in the ‘70s defined the sound of European house and techno music today.




The Significance of Club Popcorn




Most will cite Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, or London as the birthplace of Europe’s techno scene. But some will say it started in Ostend, Belgium, in the 1970s. Today, this small coastal town, located about 10 miles west of Antwerp, is known for its neoliberal architecture. But back then, it was synonymous with Club Popcorn, a converted farmhouse originally used for Sunday afternoon dance contests.




The club became so popular, and the crowds so lively, that it gradually expanded to occupy the surrounding outhouses and barns, eventually transforming into a sprawling cultural hub that attracted partygoers from all over Belgium. As the space grew, so did the music, and American soul tracks took on a distinctly Belgian twist when DJs started playing them 8 BPM slower than usual to encourage the dancers to keep grooving.




The DJs Championing the Sound




One of these DJs was Gibbe Govaert. A dedicated digger, Govaert spun his funk and soul discoveries every weekend at Club Popcorn to over 3,000 ecstatic partygoers. The atmosphere was sweaty, raw, and queer – and unlike anything else in Europe at the time. In interviews, he describes the energy at Popcorn as electrifying. The audience would lose their minds when he dropped tracks like “Comin’ Home Baby” by Mel Tormé or Sam Fletcher’s “I’d Think It Over,” so he played them multiple times a night. Unbeknownst to him, he was laying the groundwork for a new Belgian subculture that would come to define global club culture.




Popcorn in Brussels




Club Popcorn inspired a wave of clubs across the country, several of which opened in Brussels. Brussels is an open-minded city, so venues and party-goers embraced the slow groove and raw energy of Popcorn’s sound, which blended funk, soul, and experimental beats.




Despite its popularity, Popcorn had some competition, and in the mid-'70s, it was eventually overshadowed by the rise of disco. But it didn’t vanish entirely. It left behind a lasting influence for slow grooves and musical experimentation, so when the '80s arrived and punk and anarchist synth-pop bands like Telex and Pas De Deux began to push back against mainstream disco culture, Belgium’s underground scene was primed for the shift.




From Disco to New Beat




These bands introduced 4:4 dark-wave, anarchistic music, heavy on synths and reverb into Brussels’ psyche. The bright, optimistic ‘70s were over, and Europe was on edge. The Cold War was intensifying and people were eager to release their pent-up tension.




In 1985, the Belgian band Front 242 coined the term EBM (Electronic Body Music) to describe their No Comment EP, and just like that, a new genre was born. Bands like Throbbing Gristle, Cabaret Voltaire, DAF, and Die Krupps helped propel EBM into the spotlight, merging industrial effects and synths with 4:4 beats to create music for people to get lost in.




New Beat seemed to emerge overnight. Even the key figures debate whether it began in Brussels, Antwerp, or Ghent, but one story stands out. In 1987, at Brussels’ Ancient Belgique club, DJ Dikke Ronny (aka ‘Fat Ronny’) played A Split-Second’s EBM track “Flesh” at 33 BPM instead of 45, and the crowd completely lost it. New Beat was in the building.




Popcorn's influence played a pivotal role in shaping the Brussels scene, particularly as it laid the groundwork for the New Beat and acid house movements that would soon take over the nation's capital. That’s how Brussels became a hub for the emerging electronic music culture of the late '80s and early '90s.




New Beat to House to Techno




Because New Beat had been Belgium’s most popular genre for close to a decade, by the ‘90s the Brussels scene was eager to receive the sounds of Detroit and Chicago as they made their way across the ocean. Musically speaking, it wasn’t a dramatic shift when New Beat evolved into house. Soon, Brussels was transformed into a hotspot for Europe’s emerging acid house scene.




In the ‘90s, a unique wave of Belgian techno began to emerge. Producers like Frank de Wulf, Maurice Engelen, Oliver Adams, and Nikki Van Lierop led the charge with a hard and fast sound that would set the foundation for modern techno.




Then Fuse opened in Brussels in 1994, which gave the city’s techno heads and artists a place to call home. Today, it’s one of the world’s longest-running and most prestigious clubs. Since opening its doors, the venue—a former 1920s cinema—has played a key role in shaping the European techno scene. A small "wall of fame" in one of its back rooms showcases a list of legendary artists who graced its stage in the 1990s, including Carl Craig, Richie Hawtin, Aphex Twin, Daft Punk, and even Björk in 1997.




The Underrated Heart of Europe’s Underground




Brussels is often overlooked on the European techno stage. It’s a laid-back city, which is perhaps the reason why so few people know of its rich musical history. But it’s played a pivotal role in global club culture, and shaped the sound of house and techno as we know it today.

City Beats: Brussels

In our City Beats series, we explore underground scenes in cities worldwide, and this week, we’re spotlighting Port Louis, Mauritius.




The Heart of Mauritius’ Underground Music Scene




Mauritius is a tropical island in the Indian Ocean, best known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant culture. However, beneath the idyllic tourist landscape a thriving underground music scene pulses with creativity, rebellion, and subculture, and Port Louis, the bustling capital of Mauritius, is at the heart of this artistic movement.




This scene was championed on the world stage in November 2024, when Boiler Room set up shop in Port Louis to showcase the talent the island has to offer as part of their ‘System’ series, which spotlights sound system culture worldwide.




The line-up featured a huge range of talent, from DJ GREG to rap/singer duo Caro and Wendiva to rap crew Joker Cartel, gliding from sega to shatta to dembow to dancehall. Many of these artists showcased the popular music emanating from the island today, but arguably the most viewed and talked about set of the night came from Babani Soundsystem.




Port Louis’ Musical Revolution




Since they formed in 2017, Babani Soundsystem has helped shape the cultural landscape of Port Louis, all while retaining the ancient soundscapes of the island. Their music is rooted in the rhythms of the Indian Ocean and champions the percussion and melodies indigenous to Mauritius.




By fostering strong connections with some of the oldest musicians and artists still active on the island, Babani Soundsystem’s mission is to maintain the rhythm and authenticity of traditional sounds while blending them with contemporary influences.




However, the Babani concept expands far beyond Babani Soundsystem. Babani was founded by Avneesh Bacha in 2017, a Mauritian event producer and artist with more than two decades of experience in the music and entertainment industry. Babani encompasses a range of various projects, including Babani Records, Babani Soundsystem, event production, art and visual design, and a recording studio.




As a result, Babani quickly grew into an island-wide collective dedicated to preserving the island's musical heritage.




Babani Records not only focuses on new releases but also works to revive forgotten tapes from the island's past, acting as a bridge from the Indian Ocean to the world, all while exploring and preserving the distinctive rhythms of the region.




Preserving Mauritius’ Musical Heritage




“Babani was an idea that grew bigger than me,” Avneesh says. “We teamed up with a guy on Reunion Island who has the biggest record collection on the Indian Ocean. So we started approaching these artists to re-issue their music.”




Many of the artists they approached haven’t heard their own music since they recorded it, and didn’t have copies themselves. So Babani Records revives, reclaims and archives forgotten music of the island so it can never be lost.




“The Babani project is our passion project and showcase,” Avneesh says. “We include art, visuals, and sound under that umbrella.”




The word Babani refers to a traditional Mauritian drum, and the collective’s primary goals are to channel the authentic and raw sound of the streets of Port Louis, connect with the youth, and showcase the power of the sound system culture. That’s exactly what they did with their Boiler Room set, playing a percussion-infused set mixed with electronic elements such as synths, stabs, kicks, and basslines.



Another notable Boiler Room performance belonged to GREG. He’s arguably Port Louis’ biggest musical export, currently residing in France, and his set was so high energy it cut halfway through – because the stage broke. He’s a resident of La Creole in Paris and regularly releases on Boukan Records, which showcases high energy club music with an eclectic twist.




GREG is just one of a growing number of internationally recognized artists from Mauritius. The energy and musical history of the island gives DJs and producers a unique edge that sets them apart, all of which was showcased in their unforgettable Boiler Room.




The Growing Influence of Mauritius on the Global Music Stage




The underground music scene in Port Louis is rich with diversity and creativity, and Babani is one of its most influential forces. Through their commitment to promoting authentic, boundary-pushing music, the collective has become a beacon for the youth and music lovers in Mauritius.




With their ability to blend reggae, dub, and electronic influences, Babani Soundsystem exemplifies the power of cultural fusion in shaping a unique and dynamic sound, deeply rooted in tradition while remaining modern. And thanks to the Babani project, the underground music scene in Port Louis has become an exciting space for innovation and artistic expression on the global stage.

City Beats: Port Louis, Mauritius

In our Ones To Watch series, we spotlight exciting new producers who are shaking up the game and progressing dance music culture while they do it.




Rory Gilmore, better known by his stage name Body Clinic, is a London-based artist from the North of Ireland. With a style that spans everything from tech-house and UKG to progressive, his sound is anything but ordinary. Today, he’ll share insight into his musical journey, his impressive production portfolio, and his big plans for the future.




The Beginning




At just 21 years old, Body Clinic has an impressive body of work by anyone’s standards. He was born and raised in Bangor, a small city just south of Belfast, and grew up in a musical family. “My parents ran an Irish Trad [Traditional Irish] festival in Belfast that eventually moved to Bangor,” he says. “I grew up with artists staying with us, so I was always around it. And then I started playing drums 10 years ago, and played in cover bands in pubs.”




One night, Rory’s sister threw a house party and a friend left their decks behind. “I used them over the weekend,” Rory says. “And I just loved it and knew that was what I wanted to do.”




Although he grew up listening to rock, punk, and jazz, he was instantly drawn to house music. He secured his first gig when he was just 14 at a pub in Bangor—when it was technically illegal for him to be there. Soon after, he tried his hand at production and started building towards the artist we know today.




From Bangor to Belfast to London




When Rory was a teen there wasn’t much going on in Bangor, so a few friends decided to launch a club night called Jungle Book Legion. That’s where Rory was booked to DJ repeatedly, and where his sound began to form. From there he got bookings at Belfast institutions Thompsons and Shine and then started throwing his own events. “I held them in The Bone Yard in Belfast and invited Jordan Nocturne and Twitch, and it was class,” he says. “It’s difficult to play unless you have your own event, so that gave me a chance to play.”




Belfast is a small city with very few clubs and many extremely talented artists—optmst, Plain Sailing, Bicep, Holly Lester, and Hammer, to name just a few. So Rory decided to relocate to London to find more opportunities to play and grow as an artist.




Body Clinic’s Production Journey




Rory launched the Body Clinic project in 2023, after creating and releasing a variety of genres under a different alias for several years. “I released everything from jazz to techno,” he says. “I was experimenting and trying to find out what I wanted to do.”




It all fell into place when he turned his hand to UK house. “It’s a spectrum, but my sound is progressive house moving towards old-school tech house,” he says. As soon as he landed on that sound he hit the ground running. In a very short amount of time, he released on HARDLINE, Piff, Goddezz, 39 Records, and Duality Trax.




In just one year, he dropped 19 tracks, 7 releases, and 4 vinyls. In 2024 he played major festivals across the UK, made his Boiler Room debut, and won support from names like LUXE (Boiler Room, Rinse FM), Papa Nugs (Rinse FM), Jamz Supernova (Selector Radio), Jaguar (BBCR1), Yaeji (NTS), Jennifer Cardini, and more.




The Body Clinic project has been off the ground for less than two years and Rory’s already shared the stage with Denis Sulta, Amelie Lens, and Yung Singh. His DJ sets have taken him all over the UK from the Isle of Man to Scotland, and his tracks regularly receive air-time on Rinse FM and BBC R1 and write-ups in DJ Mag, Clash, District Magazine, Hot Press, and FourFour Magazine.




And there’s no slowing down for Body Clinic. He just released an EP with fellow artist Wigs titled Body Wigs and released “159 Revolutions Per Minute” on Holly Lester’s Duality Trax, a label he’s proud to be part of. “I love the label and that was a goal of mine,” Rory says. “Holly does so much for the music industry in Northern Ireland, so it was a real privilege.”




Looking Forward




“I have two EPs signed and one in the works,” Rory says. “I’ve got an EP coming out on Papa Nugs’ label so I’m really excited for that, and one on ec2a as well.”




Rory says he’s always been productive, but since he streamlined his sound and launched the Body Clinic project he’s become unstoppable. And with just about every bucket list label checked off his list and a full summer of bookings lined up, there’s no doubt Body Clinic is all set to make even more waves in 2025.

Ones to Watch: Body Clinic

In this series, we spotlight up-and-coming collectives who are paving their own way while driving the culture forward.



Femme Bass Mafia is on a mission to redefine the global bass scene through artistry, activism, and inclusivity. The DJ and production mentoring programme for FLINTA folk (Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Transgender, and Agender) are known for their powerful performances, boundary-pushing sounds, and unwavering commitment to creating space for marginalized genders and voices. So let’s take a closer look at the crew leaving an indelible mark on the global underground landscape.




How Femme Bass Mafia began

The seed of the idea for Femme Bass Mafia was planted in the brain of Lilia van Beukering, aka Dangermami, in 2020. She was stuck at home in Berlin during lockdown, surrounded by post-it notes of hopes, dreams, and ambitions. One that stood out was learning how to DJ, but her experiences working in the music industry were hardly encouraging.




“I was only working with male artists, and I couldn’t see myself asking any of them for help,” Lilia told Crack Magazine in a 2023 interview. “My flatmate was inviting friends over to play records, but only the guys would spin and the women stayed on the couch. I tried a few times to practice with men, but they would say stuff or do things that wouldn’t feel right. Like standing behind me breathing down my neck, or saying in patronizing tones, ‘Oh no, love, you shouldn’t touch this button.’”




Nevertheless, she bought a second-hand set of Pioneer CDJ850s, borrowed her flatmate’s analog mixer, and spent lockdown teaching herself how to mix. She was drawn to booty bass, footwork, and UK bass, and soon started reaching out to other women with the same taste. “Having a crew of friends and the notion of community was so far away from me at that time,” she says. “I hadn’t found my roots in Berlin yet – my real family. I was trying to find where I belong.”




She launched Femme Bass Mafia by herself in November 2020, and kicked off proceedings with Berlin club institutions Paloma and Crack Bellmer, who allowed her to use their space and equipment to host training sessions. Then she teamed up with Berlin-based radio stations Refuge Worldwide and HÖR Berlin to give graduates a space to showcase their new skills.




“I reached out to Luz1e (FBM’s Community, Education & Content Coordinator) on Instagram,” Lilia says. “We had a few friends in common. I invited her over to my house to eat guacamole. She was like, ‘I’m in.’ I saw Marie play at Crack Bellmer, so I was like, ‘I have this project I want to talk about.’ She came to my house, and we ate cake. Food is real magic! I knew DJ Fuckoff from friends of friends; she called me and was like, ‘Yo, I want to be in babe!’ in her New Zealand accent. Suddenly, we had courses on performance and how to use your voice during DJ sets.”




A Platform for Diverse Voices

What makes Femme Bass Mafia particularly unique in the underground scene is their dedication to inclusivity. They champion non-binary and gender non-conforming artists, ensuring the collective is a space for all marginalized identities in electronic music. They’re committed to giving space and a voice to those sidelined in an industry that historically prioritizes male artists, producers, and DJs.




Since 2021, Femme Bass Mafia has run dozens of DJ workshops and expanded their repertoire to teaching production which runs between three and six months. They call their graduates Bass Angels and regularly run club nights, mix series, radio takeovers, and one-off training events and workshops. They’re committed to creating safer spaces for their community, challenging the gender norms often associated with bass music, all while ensuring that creativity and artistic expression are valued over traditional notions of "success" in the industry.




All about the Bass

Femme Bass Mafia champions the various subgenres of bass music, including dubstep, grime, trap, drum and bass, and experimental bass. Their community play and produce music characterized by heavy basslines, intricate rhythms, atmospheric soundscapes, and vocal samples. As a community, they focus on themes of resilience, independence, and social justice, using club nights and radio take-overs to amplify the social causes they care about. Within that, they advocate for gender equality, racial justice, and LGBTQIA+ rights.




In September 2024 they celebrated four years of existence with a Europe-wide tour, with FBM graduates such as EMA and LazerGazer playing at some of the continent’s most prestigious underground clubs. The crew also hosted workshops, panels, radio shows and listening sessions in London, Paris and beyond.




The collective is dedicated to inspiring future generations of artists by providing mentorship and resources for women and gender minorities. So it’s fair to say Femme Bass Mafia is not only transforming the sound of underground music but paving the way for a more equitable and progressive music industry.




To keep up to date with this crew, make sure you follow Femme Bass Mafia on Instagram.

Collective Spotlight: Femme Bass Mafia

The Ibiza season is almost here, and the island is already buzzing with some major residency announcements that are bound to make this summer one for the books. Whether you're heading to the island for the first time or returning for another epic season, there’s no shortage of amazing parties to check out. From iconic venues like Hï Ibiza, consistently ranked among the top clubs in the world, to the grand opening of the brand-new UNVRS club, and the historic Pacha, we've handpicked 12 must-visit spots for you and your crew this summer.




Mondays at Amnesia: Ben Hemsley and Kettama

Amnesia Presents is leveling up Mondays this summer with two exciting new residents: Ben Hemsley and KETTAMA. From June 23rd to October 6th, 2025, these two powerhouses will take over the iconic Terrace at Amnesia Ibiza. Ben Hemsley, one of the hottest names in the scene, has built a loyal fanbase and had massive headline shows across the UK, breaking sell-out records. He’s ready for his debut full-season residency at Amnesia, with 16 dates lined up. Following his huge success last summer, he’s bringing even more heat this year.



KETTAMA, the Irish dynamo, whose music caught the attention of Mixmag and DJ Mag, has seen his rise in the scene skyrocket. He’s shared stages with Patrick Topping and Armand Van Helden, and sold-out shows across Glasgow, Aberdeen, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The combination of these two standout artists makes Mondays at Amnesia a must!



Tickets can be found here! 



Tuesdays at Chinois: Appetite

Nestled in the heart of Ibiza's iconic Marina Botafoch and just a short walk from the legendary Pachá, Club Chinois attracts a mix of partygoers, celebrities, and high-rollers from all over the world. London’s underground party, Appetite, is returning for another season at Chinois, with six exclusive events lined up throughout the summer. Known for showcasing some of the biggest names in the underground house and minimal scenes, last year's Appetite sessions featured the likes of Skream, Josh Baker, Archie Hamilton, and more behind the decks.



For 2025, Appetite is bringing fresh energy with a series of one-off dates, starting with the opening party on April 24th, followed by events on May 27th, June 17th, July 29th, September 2nd, and September 30th. As Club Chinois continues to establish itself as one of Ibiza’s most intimate and forward-thinking venues, Appetite is sure to bring an elite vibe to its underground setting.

Tickets can be found here! 

Tuesdays at Amnesia: Eastenderz



Eastenderz, the influential label and party series founded by London's East End Dubs, has announced a major 12-week residency at Amnesia Ibiza for the 2025 season. What began as an intimate event in East London has grown into a well-known name across Europe’s top clubs, including a successful four-show run at Amnesia's sister venue, Cova Santa, last season. This residency marks a huge step for Eastenderz, with even more exciting plans in the works. 



The brand has earned praise for championing emerging talent, with artists like ALISHA, Max Dean, Luke Dean, and Wheats gaining exposure through its platform. Fans are already eager to see who they’ll be booking for this summer's events.




Tickets can be found here! 

Wednesdays at Amnesia: Resistance

RESISTANCE is returning to Amnesia Ibiza for the 2025 summer season, after a successful run at Privilege from 2017-2019 and recent events at M2 Miami. The iconic party, known for its memorable moments like the Sasha and John Digweed reunion, will take over Amnesia every Wednesday from July 23rd to September 17th.



Leading the 2025 residency are Adam Beyer and ARTBAT, who will alternate between the Main Room and Terrace each week, alongside a lineup of guest DJs yet to be announced. For more details and tickets, check out RESISTANCE's website.

Tickets can be found here! 

Wednesdays at Pacha: BLOND:ISH Presents Abracadabra



BLOND:ISH is set to make history as the first woman to hold a residency at Pacha Ibiza in the club’s 50-year history, starting this May. The Canadian DJ and producer will bring her indelible Abracadabra party to the iconic venue for eleven Wednesdays, from May 21 to July 30, 2025.



Known for her irresistible energy behind the decks and insane track selections, BLOND:ISH is ready to showcase her sought-after sound at Pacha, alongside big names like Solomun, Mau P, and ANOTR this summer.


Tickets can be found here! 

Thursdays at Pacha: Defected

Defected is making its highly anticipated return to Pacha Ibiza for the summer of 2025, marking a major homecoming after a 13-year hiatus. The iconic house music brand will take over Pacha every Thursday from May 8th to October 2nd, reclaiming the legendary residency it held from 2005 to 2012. 



The residency will take over from Robin Schulz's Pure Pacha night and join a stacked Pacha lineup that includes Camelphat, Music On, and early-season shows with Solomun b2b Mau P, ANOTR, Purple Disco Machine, and Keinemusik. With tickets starting under $40, this residency is set to be one of the most major events of the summer.


Tickets can be found here! 

Thursdays at Akasha: Sven Väth Presents T.R.A.N.C.E.



Sven Väth is launching his T.R.A.N.C.E. residency at Las Dalias & Akasha, focusing on the powerful forces of transformation, connection, and ecstasy that music can unlock. Running throughout the season, the residency promises a series of nights filled with transformative sounds, unifying rhythms, and an atmosphere that elevates the crowd. 



T.R.A.N.C.E. is about celebrating the primal energy of music and the joy of shared experiences. Don’t miss this chance to witness an epic journey through the essence of house and techno.


Tickets can be found here!

Fridays at Hï: Joseph Capriati Presents METAMORFOSI



New for 2025, the Hï Ibiza Theatre will be transformed for Joseph Capriati’s residency, METAMORFOSI, celebrating the power of music to inspire personal and collective change. This residency marks a new chapter in Capriati’s artistic journey, inviting you to experience his evolution as an artist.



With a focus on high-quality music, Capriati has curated a lineup featuring both established stars and up-and-coming talent across various electronic genres. The production will feature a mix of nature and futurism, symbolizing growth and transformation, inspired by the metamorphosis of a butterfly.

Catch Joseph Capriati Presents METAMORFOSI every Friday at the Hï Ibiza Theatre from July 4th to October 3rd.



Tickets can be found here!


Saturdays at UNVRS: elrow

In 2025, elrow teams up with Ibiza’s groundbreaking "hyperclub," [UNVRS], to put on a residency that promises to change the clubbing experience. Starting June 7th, elrow will bring its iconic themed parties to [UNVRS] every Saturday until October 4th, with immersive shows and stunning stage designs enhanced by the venue’s cutting-edge technology. 



The lineup will feature four reimagined themes—Hallucinarium, Kaos Garden, Nowmads, and Sambowdromo—each offering a sensory overload of creativity. A surprise fifth theme will close out the season during the Closing Party.




Sundays at UNVRS: Carl Cox



The King of Ibiza, Carl Cox, returns to Ibiza for a highly anticipated residency at [UNVRS], the new “hyperclub” opening on the site of the former Privilege, once the largest club in the world. This marks his first Ibiza residency since ending his legendary 15-year run at Space Ibiza in 2016. Cox will take over a regular Sunday night slot at [UNVRS] from June 22 to September 21, 2025, with his residency being the first to be announced at the new venue.


Tickets can be found here! 

Sundays at Pacha: Mau P Presents Baddest Behaviour

Mau P is bringing his party, Baddest Behaviour, to Pacha Ibiza for his first residency this summer. Known for hits like “Metro” and “Drugs from Amsterdam,” the Dutch DJ and producer will take over the iconic venue every Wednesday, from the opening on August 6th to the closing on October 8th, 2025.



Expect an exciting atmosphere as Mau P plugs his lethal USB into the decks of the cherry club. Tickets and VIP tables are available now, so don’t miss out on the upcoming summer nights at Pacha.


Tickets can be found here! 

Sundays at Amnesia: Pyramid

Pyramid, one of Ibiza’s top underground parties, is returning to Amnesia for another season of Sunday night madness from June 8th to October 5th. The residency will feature a stacked lineup of the hottest house and techno acts in the game, keeping the island’s rave spirit alive.



The opening party will kick off the summer with Josh Baker b2b Rossi., Deborah De Luca, Nina Kraviz, and more, with additional big names expected throughout the season. Pyramid joins Do Not Sleep, Eastenderz, Resistance, and Bresh on Amnesia’s 2025 roster, with Ben Hemsley likely to be announced soon. Sundays at Amnesia are set to be unmissable.


Tickets can be found here!

Top 12 Ibiza Residencies You Can’t Miss This Summer

No Hype, No Ego—Just Music: An Interview with Robyn Balliet

In 2017, the legendary DJ Paul Oakenfold transformed Everest Base Camp into the world’s highest dance floor. Imagine this: at an altitude of 5,380 meters, he streamed a live performance of epic progressive house beats on Facebook. It was a moment that not only raised funds for charity but also captured the world’s attention. But here’s the kicker—despite this remarkable achievement, Nepal’s dance music scene has been struggling to keep the momentum going. Why?



Nepal has always been a haven for free spirits. Back in the 1960s, it was known as "Hippie Heaven," a place where legal cannabis and adventurous travelers created a bohemian energy that still lingers. Fast forward to the turn of the millennium, and you had secret psychedelic raves in the jungles beneath the Himalayas, and underground house/techno nights in Kathmandu. This is where things get interesting.



Meet Pravin Rayamajhi, a Berlin techno evangelist and a Tresor disciple who returned to Kathmandu in 2003. He transformed a bungalow from 1905 near the Royal Palace into an upscale restaurant that secretly doubled as a dance music haven. "It was rebellion," he recalls, explaining how dance music offered an escape during Nepal’s civil war. 



Then there’s Biraj Bahadur Bista, a prog-house disciple who got hooked on Sasha & Digweed’s mixes during his college days in the U.S. in the 1990s. He dove into Kathmandu’s underground dance music scene and, in his 30s, made a remarkable transition to become the Minister of Science and Technology. Enter Ranzen, the sorcerer of Nepal’s music scene, whose unforgettable musical collaboration with Paul Oakenfold at Everest Base Camp continues to resonate.




In 2017, Oakenfold and Ranzen, along with a crew of intrepid ravers, embarked on a 10-day trek to Everest Base Camp for SoundTrek. This high-altitude mission aimed to raise awareness of climate change and funds for global charities. "Moments like that only happen when the spiritual forces align," Ranzen recalls. 



For Oakenfold, it was "life-changing." This incredible journey is captured in the documentary *SoundTrek: A Music Journey to Mount Everest* (2021), which chronicles Oakenfold’s milestone as the first DJ to perform at EBC. The same year, an album featuring 21 stirring tracks was released, now available on Spotify.



Fast forward to today, and Nepal’s dance music dream is still on pause. Political instability and rising populism have intensified the suppression of cultural expression, with dance music often dismissed as "Western decadence." But the spirit of electronic music refuses to die. Ranzen is leading this renegade revival, headlining mega gigs and curating the Bhoomi Folk Festival. Bista, once a politician, has shifted gears to full-time activism, arguing that the government is ignoring a major tourism opportunity: the fusion of legal cannabis and electronic music. "Goa’s government is investing in a permanent electronic music zone," he points out. 



Meanwhile, Rayamajhi sees electronic music as an economic catalyst for Nepal, especially with the governments of Goa and Thailand investing to attract international dance music festivals—Tomorrowland is coming to Thailand in 2026.

The stars are aligned, and the world is ready to rave in the Himalayas. One policy shift could trigger the music industry's Revolution 2.0 in Nepal. Will Nepal seize this opportunity and become the next global dance music hotspot? The potential is undeniable.

Nepal: From Hippie Heaven to High-Altitude Raves

In our Ones To Watch series, we spotlight exciting new producers who are shaking up the game and progressing dance music culture while they do it.




When Patrick Pache launched the ATRIP project in 2022, he had a clear vision: to create a musical ecosystem rooted in inclusivity and community that champions the emotional side of dance music.




The Story Behind ATRIP




Born in Poland and raised in Munich, Patrick grew up surrounded by nature. As a teen, he moved with his family to southwest London, where he found himself in the leafiest part—Richmond.




“It’s very green, super safe, but at the same time unbelievably boring,” Patrick says, chatting from his home studio. “I wasn’t exposed to music, and Richmond is to blame for that.”




The seeds of Patrick’s music taste were planted back in Germany when his father would play 50 Cent and The Prodigy on long drives to football matches. An uncle introduced him to trance and hardcore, and after that he wasn’t able to contain his curiosity. So at age 11, he downloaded production software to figure out how it was all made.




Patrick never lost that curiosity, and spent his teen-hood and early twenties neck-deep in London’s bass-heavy underground, equally inspired by Benga and Coki as he was by Avicii and Skrillex.




He studied business management at university and started working for an A&R company, all while releasing his own productions and DJing at house parties and small clubs. Patrick quickly learned the ins and outs of the music industry, and although he was getting booked to play shows and produce popular tracks, it felt like something was missing. Then, when COVID hit, he took the opportunity to make music only for himself, and not long after that ATRIP was born.




The ATRIP Project




ATRIP’s first release came in the form of “FÜR IMMER” in 2022. His sound emerged fully formed – emotional, contagious, and irresistibly danceable. The UK influence shone through, underscored by a clear international direction. The subsequent singles – “Elsa,” “Salt,” and “Me + You” – only confirmed this, and these three universally relatable dance music tracks shot into the stratosphere and took the ATRIP project along with them.




And his gig calendar followed suit. There’s a particular energy at ATRIP shows – the crowd seem particularly euphoric, dancing without self consciousness. And a big reason for that is the community at the heart of the ATRIP project.




“It’s essential to me to curate a space with maximum openness,” Patrick says.




He solidified this concept after the release of his first TANZPARTEI mixtape in 2023. He had a gig lined up in Hackney, and a couple of days before several people messaged him separately to say they were worried about going alone and not knowing anyone. So he started a WhatsApp group.




“Now, if I play a show in London, there’ll be 50 people in the pub before, they’ll make friends in there and we’ll go to the show together,” Patrick says. “Some of those people have become true friends of mine.”




That is exactly the energy ATRIP carries into his shows. “That excitement, openness, and curiosity is really important to me,” he says.




Patrick sees the ATRIP project as bigger than himself – a community-driven concept that’s open to everyone. This shines through in his TANZPARTEI mixtapes, of which he’s released two so far. He holds intimate launch events in subterranean venues around London, which have become just as important to the ATRIP project as the music itself.




ATRIP unapologetically treads the line between pop and dance music. 2024’s “Rainbow” topped Beatport’s dance/pop charts, with “Friday (Alone Right Now)” hot on its heels. Now, the entire dance music world is locked in – he’s featured on BBC Radio 1, sold out fabric and played international festivals Desert Air, Into The Woods, and Secret Garden Party.




So with everything he’s achieved so far, what are Patrick’s hopes for the future? “This year I want to embark on my third mixtape and start that process,” he says. “But there’s only so much control I have over these things so instead of trying to define every single element of my future and my career, I'd rather just trust my gut, and take every decision as it comes.”




He may trust his gut, but Patrick’s work ethic is unparallelled. At the beginning of each year, he creates a list of attainable goals and faraway dreams, sticks them up on his wall, and works his way through what he can. “At the end of the year I look through the list to reflect on what I’ve achieved,” he says. “And I try not to beat myself up on what I didn’t.”

Ones To Watch: ATRIP

In this series we spotlight up-and-coming collectives who are paving their own way while driving the culture forward.




PullUp Recordings

PullUp Recordings’ rise has been unconventional to say the least. The UK-wide crew based largely around South Wales started as a birthday event in 2019 at now-closed Cardiff nightclub Undertone. That evolved into a nation-wide community, complete with run clubs, an annual festival, a label, and millions of streams.




Founded by Sam Southan and John Lewis when they were just 18 years old, PullUp Recordings champions the best of bass music, with a community of DJs, producers and dancers. They release a wide range of genres on their label, ranging from D&B to dancehall, UKG to UK house.




Their social media looks all fun and games, but this crew takes their work very seriously. John works non-stop managing the label and events, while Sam has passed on major career opportunities to be closer to the label in its hometown of Cardiff.




Since their debut release in 2020 they’ve grown exponentially, creating their own unique culture and platforming some of the UK’s most exciting new talent, all while giving the Welsh underground a much-needed boost.




Today we’ll spotlight some of PullUp’s biggest achievements, their core values and what makes them unique.




New Artists

At the heart of PullUp Recordings is the label. They’re committed to releasing the best of UK bass music, championing high-energy dance music while spotlighting fledgling producers. As a result, PullUp has become a launchpad for emerging talent, with artists like SMG, BSEARL, Arkala Dre, and Kippo growing alongside the label.




PullUp Recordings gives their community opportunities to DJ at their events alongside established artists, and they don’t stick to one genre, instead championing a particular energy. So expect to hear feel-good house alongside dark D&B, all connected by the same charismatic, and energising thread.




Pop-Ups

Just like the rest of the UK, Cardiff has been badly affected by the closure of small nightclubs. But that’s just pushed PullUp Recordings to get creative. They throw pop-up raves in skate shops, skate parks, burrito bars… you name it. The closure of small clubs has pushed them to fill up bigger spaces, and they regularly throw sell out shows at The Vaults in Cardiff. Their ultimate dream is to do the same at Printworks in London.




GemFest

Just like everything else PullUp-related, GemFest developed organically. It started as a 21st birthday party for crew mate Gemma Curtis in a field in Ross-On-Wye on the border of England and Wales. She wanted to celebrate with a private festival with 500 friends, and invited EJ Kitto, Burt Cope and James Hireath to perform.




Gemma organized everything, even down to finding the field for the festival. “I literally went round this neighborhood, saw a field I liked and asked who it belonged to,” Gemma told One More Thing in a 2024 interview. “I found out, emailed them and the wife of the farmer called me and said, ‘What a great idea!’ From that we knew we could do something. We have a venue, we have DJs, we can do this!”




It was such a success they decided to turn it into a real-life festival. So in June 2024, PullUp Recordings presented the very first GemFest. It’s now become an annual affair, with the next festival scheduled for June 2025. They’ve invited underground royalty like Phibes, Pola & Bryson and Oppidan to perform, as well as tons of their mates. Tickets are air-punchingly affordable at £50 ($51.00 USD) each, and the vibe is very DIY – just how they like it.




Run Clubs

Burnt out from their previous events roles, John and Sam decided to launch the run club as a reaction to dance music’s bender culture. They threw their first event in 2024 in Cardiff and now have chapters all around the UK – and it’s done wonders for community-building.




John says that people who joined the run club have since come to their raves, which they would never have done otherwise. “They didn’t think it would be for them but because of the social angle, they’ve come along and found out they really enjoy it,” John told One More Thing in 2024. "I think so much of that is down to the fact most people are connected and know each other so it is a really big group of friends. It’s the same with the pop-ups.”




Now health and wellness are a central pillar to this community and helping them grow a loyal following despite the challenges in UK club culture. So it’s fair to say that this crew is paving their own way, and taking their whole community with them.

Collective Spotlight: PullUp Recordings

Rune Reilly Kölsch, known mononymously as Kölsch, has made a profound impact on the dance music world with his introspective and deeply personal music style. From performing at the peak of the Eiffel Tower to the floors of Ibiza’s Space, Kölsch has ticked off a massive number of successes in the industry. Growing up in Denmark, a country known for its broad musical influences, Kölsch absorbed a wide range of sounds from Drum & Bass to Indie. The long, dark Scandinavian winters played a massive role in developing his emotive sound, which he refers to as "Scandi noir." His albums, notably '1977', '1983', and '1989', are narratives of his life, encapsulating memories from childhood travels to early teenage years.



In the studio, Kölsch blends technical proficiency with tangible elements from his vast record collection, proving his hands-on approach to music production. His muses often come spontaneously—from snippets of overheard conversations to deep personal experiences—informing both his tracks and thematic album explorations. A collaboration with Coldplay transformed "A Sky Full of Stars" into a poignant expression of longing, emphasizing his skill in reinterpreting existing music to evoke new feelings. This connection shines in his live performances, where he adapts his sets to reflect the spirit of the venue and its surroundings, making each show a special experience for the audience. Our interview reveals the layers of his artistic persona and offers a glimpse into the mind of a musician who interprets the world through a distinctly melodic lens.




How has your experience growing up in Denmark influenced your musical style and production choices?

Growing up in Denmark influenced me in many ways. The scene here was and is tiny, so the musical influences were always very broad. I've been hugely inspired by everything from Drum & Bass to Indie over the years. The biggest takeaway from being in Denmark is the long dark winters. Most of my music is very emotional, and that stems from there. Scandi noir, if you will.



Can you describe your artistic flow when you start a new track or album?

That's two very different processes. An album starts with a feeling. An idea lingers and slowly comes to light, something I need to express and see come to light. My album 'I Talk to Water' was about the passing of my father, so all my albums stem from personal memories.



A track is more of a spontaneous process. It can be something I only make for DJ sets; it can be something that is inspired by a moment. It doesn’t always have to be so serious.

How do you approach collaborations with artists from different musical backgrounds, like Coldplay?

I always try to add another dimension to an original piece. With Coldplay, I wanted the song to take on a different meaning. The original is very hopeful and optimistic. I felt it could be a song about longing and feeling lost. I used the vocal in a slightly different way, and rewrote the music behind it. It's fascinating how context can change the meaning of music.



What was it like performing atop the Eiffel Tower, and how did that setting influence the performance? Do you have another bucket list location you’d like to play at?

The Eiffel Tower was something. My stepmom is French, so Paris has always held a very special place in my heart. I used to visit every summer, and a lot of my early life memories stem from there. The pure resilience of the city has always inspired me so much. I vividly remember performing quite closely after the terrorist attacks and just feeling this act of defiance. 



The Parisians refused to be scared and partied even harder. I'm guessing this must have been very similar in New York after 9/11. My set at the Eiffel Tower was an ode to the city. I released the track 'Left Eye Left' at the same time, a comment on the act of no revenge and resilience.



Your albums often have personal significance, especially noted in their titles like '1977' and '1983'. Could you share more about the significance of these years in your life?

As mentioned, all my albums stem from personal experience. My first trilogy is about growing up. '1977' revolves around early memories from my childhood. 



'1983' processes traveling with music during my early years. Finally, '1989' centers on my early teenage years, just before I got into making music. 



It was all an exploration of early influences. I've always been fascinated by the tendencies we have to incorporate the most minute influences in our taste. An example is an old organ I played with at my aunt's place. That sound holds so many memories and is a core value of who I am.



What gear or software do you find indispensable in your music production?

A boring answer would be the laptop, but sadly that is very true. I have a perfect replication of all the hardware I have in my studio on my laptop, so it is easily interchangeable when I return to my studio. Another element I have been exploring a lot lately is my record collection. 



I've been deep diving into sampling drums and small elements from obscure records that are long gone from streaming platforms. There is so much amazing music out there.

How do you prepare for a live set, and do you prefer festival stages or club environments?

I always focus a lot on creating a special experience for the city/venue of the performance. I'll create special edits or versions of tracks for that moment. A great memory was a NYC show some years back, where I felt the urge to play Stooges—I Wanna Be Your Dog. That song has always been pure New York to me. Thankfully, it was a shoe-in, and the crowd exploded.



What’s the most unexpected source of inspiration you’ve encountered in your career?

Second-hand conversations, I think. Plucking a combination of words from someone passing by you mid-sentence. May seem random, but often it can be poetic. Something really special. One of my favorites is still, “Give me back those words.” No clue what the context was, but an amazing saying nonetheless.



If you could remix any track from the 80s, which one would it be and why?

So many goodies. If I had to choose one, it would have to be 'Hypnotic Tango' by My Mine. It always struck me as being super underrated. Love that song.



Which one of your hats is your favorite to wear?

I only have one type of hat, as we started manufacturing them some years back. My favorite color would have to be the Yves Klein blue.

To wrap up, if you could only play one of your tracks to someone who's never heard your music, which one would you choose and why?

I would say listen to 'All That Matters.' It is such a beautiful and touching song. Troels Abrahamsen wrote the lyrics for his kids and told me many years later. The song has taken on a life of its own and feels more relevant than ever.