Destination festivals have been all the rage in recent years. And Tulum was at the center of it all, where even through the pandemic, the party seemed to continue. Last year a brain trust of lauded promoters came to imagine a new festival experience in Playa Del Carmen called Departure. Conceived by Pollen Presents, The CityFox Experience, and Brooklyn Mirage, the five-day event promised an impressive lineup including Adam Beyer, Cassy, Lee Foss, The Martinez Brothers, Jamie Jones, and Dubfire. 

The rise of the Omicron variant has cast a shadow over the world as cases rise to unprecedented numbers. And as festival-goers made the journey to Tulum to escape the winter's chill, festival organizers were forced to postpone the opening day of the festival on Thursday.

Early today, festival organizers posted a social media update announcing the total cancelation of the festival. They said, "It is with an incredibly heavy heart that on the weekend of our show, after ten days of building and months of planning, we have been instructed that we cannot operate Departure."

The festival team has worked closely with local authorities in Playa Del Carmen. They stated that "with the recent severe rise in the cases of Omicron in the past few days, the Governor announced last night that Playa del Carmen is returning to yellow tier COVID restrictions and therefore we cannot continue with a show of this size as planned."

All tickets will be refunded, and Polen offered a $200 credit towards a future experience. Hotel bookings will not be affected for anyone who has already made the trip.  

The festival team went on to express, "it breaks our hearts that we can't put on the incredible experience that we had planned. For those that are already here, we sincerely hope that you can continue to enjoy the incredible location."

For more information on refunds, please contact Polen's live chat in the Pollen app or text 25931.

Departure Festival Cancelled Amidst New Covid Rules in Mexico

One of the best parts about live music is crowded spaces sharing community, freedom, and most of all, love for the dancefloor. In 2021 when restrictions began to loosen globally, dance floors again became packed and shined as a bright beacon of recovery.

SWG3, an arts center in Glasgow, hosts the city’s immense dance parties — post-pandemic tickets for club nights sold and had energy stronger than ever. Which got the team behind the art center thinking. What if the well-being dance floor supported the sustainability of the planet?

In partnership with TownRock Energy, SWG3 will begin installing an innovative and first-of-its-kind renewable heating and cooling system which recycles the body heat of attendees. The plan estimates a reduction of SWG3's total carbon output by up to 70% and is showing a high demand to be replicated.   



In 2019, managing partner of SWG3 Andrew Fleming-Brown expressed interest in exploring low-carbon energy systems for SWG3. As a result, the idea was born to capture the energy from the attendees and trap it into the ground for future use storage.  

Photo Credit: Michael Hunter

The Science Behind It: 

The human body produces about 100 watts of energy while resting. Vigorous dancing can quickly multiply that output by five or six. Dancing generates the same kinetic energy power as running, which is a decent amount of human control. 

To store the energy, TownRock developed an application for a heat pump custom to SWG3. It utilizes similar energy transfer to the standard household refrigerator; however, instead of cold to warm transfer, the process implemented in SWG3 will be warm to cold. The system is called Bodyheat, which will transfer the heat of dancing clubbers into 12 boreholes. This will turn a large cube of underground rock into a thermal battery storing the energy heat for venue temperature and water.   

The system development began in 2019. Then in 2020 fueled by pandemic shutdowns, the SWG3 team focused on a full-scale sustainability plan for the venue, setting the goal of achieving "net-zero" carbon emissions by 2025. 

When work resumed in the fall of 2020, Bodyheat is the central component of the plan. The first installation phase should be complete by early spring and provide heating and cooling to SWG3's two main event spaces. The final stage will offer hot water to the bathrooms and central heating, ridding the venue of its central boilers.   

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The Future: 

The system is not cheap as Bodyheat costs approximately ten times the amount of a conventional heating and cooling system. However, this will be recovered in full as it balances out the cost of energy bills within five years. 

With these statistics, this system has become extremely attractive to event spaces and businesses. Multiple spaces in different industries are exploring the technology behind Bodyheat. Interest is already building in Berlin and Scotland.

This is not the first use of dancing to generate sustainable energy. A Dutch company called Energy Floors developed a line of tiles almost a decade ago that converts dancers' steps into electricity installed at Club Watt in Rotterdam in 2008. Although in comparison, Kinetic dance floors make only small quantities of electricity. While Bodyheat will have a meaningful impact on carbon output.   

"We did not initially think that dance would be such a big part of this project," Fleming-Brown said. "But you need a visual language to communicate an idea, and it quickly became apparent that the emotional connection people have with live music and dance was a winning streak."

For nightclubs and events, environmental consciousness has been a theme in the community. The next logical step is this fantastic innovation that will enable us, party people, to do tremendous good for sustainability and the environment.

A Glasgow Venue is Creating Renewable Energy From Dancing

Next year in Frankfurt a new museum dedicated to electronic music.   

The Museum of Modern Electronic Music (MOMEM) previously planned to open in October but was postponed due to funding. It will now open its doors on April 6th, 2022.

MOMEM announced the project in 2015 and held a pop-up trial in 2018. The museum is under the stewardship of Alex Azary, a pioneering Berlin techno and electro artist who has produced music under several monikers for more than two decades. He was inspired to create the museum by Technoclub founder Andreas Tomalla aka DJ Talla 2XLC, who came up with the initial vision for the museum back in 2011.

The final design of the museum will feature exhibits, performance areas, and installations, as well as a library that will allow people to sift through a vast chronicle of electronic music history. 

One of the opening exhibits at MOMEM will feature an exposition of Sven Väth titled It's Simple To Tell What Saved Us From Hell. The show delves into the German techno Producer and DJ's private record collection, art, photographs, show flyers, and more.

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"There is no better opening exhibition for MOMEM. Because Sven Väth and Tobias Rehberger have each, in their own way, taken electronic music culture from Frankfurt to the world," said Azary on the opening of MOMEN.

The museum describes itself as "a place to explore, conserve and relive the historical dimensions and influences of Electronic Music. A journey from the beginning to the future. A place of continuous movement and transformation, turning from museum into stage into bar into academy. A reactive environment in the heart of Frankfurt. A museum not for visitors but for guests."

Visit the Museum of Modern Electronic Music website and donate here to learn more.

Museum of Modern Electronic Music Will Open In Frankfurt in April 2022

Grammy-nominated South African DJ and producer Black Coffee (aka Nkosinathi Maphumulo) has been named Executive Music Producer for a project directed by Hicham Hajji of the film Redemption Day. The upcoming feature film called God is a DJ. It focuses on two up-and-coming minority DJs in the electronic music space.

The movie follows a Jewish man and Moroccan imam who begin a partnership as a DJ duo. As they gain recognition within their local communities, the story details the tribulations of collaboration as a musical duo, how they learn to trust each other despite their cultural differences, and the trials of taking a musical act on the circuit.   

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With this film, producer Hajji stated that he "aims to bring this nice music to the world through the minorities that understand it."  

This is the second feature film project Black Coffee is helming the music for, after the 2017 film 2017's Wizard. And with the nuanced understanding he holds for the story of a POC navigating the music industry, he will undoubtedly impact the movie in the best of ways. 

The film is in the pre-production phase, with the release date still unknown.





Correction (1/5/22): A previous version of this story reported Black Coffee as the Executive Producer of the film. It has been updated to reflect his role as Executive Music Producer.

Black Coffee is Producing Music for a Film Directed by Hicham Hajji

Music collective Girls Don't Sync headlined at Liverpool's newly established venue STN LVP on opening night.

Presented by Mixmag and Coors, the first iteration of the Lab at brand new venue STN LVP featured sets from talented DJs and foundation.fm residents Matty Chiabi, G33, Sophia Violet, and Hannah Lynch. 

The GDS DJs welcomed Lucid and Beccas Vernon, who brought with them plenty of good vibes and house bangers for the crowd to enjoy.

The girl gang played an energetic session at the party's launch in true GDS style.

Kicking off the night was the inimitable Matty Chiabi, who brought the vibes with her mixing talent and irresistible Afrohouse selections—one particular highlight was Wande Coal's absolute house banger, "ISKABA."

G33 smoothly segued into Duke Dumont's "The Giver" and followed the track with some tech house and UK garage sounds to many clubgoers' delight.

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Sophia Violet brought the session's sound back into Afrohouse with Conducta's remix of Wiley's "Boasty," and Hannah Lynch drove the crowd wild with her percussive selections and detailed mixing.

The set features some of the freshest tech, afro house, and D&B cuts, mixed and specially curated by GDS' best talents. Tune in to the entire two-hour session on YouTube here.

If you're a local, you'll be happy to know that STN LVP will be hosting more in-house events and weekly livestreams soon with some of Liverpool's local talents and upcoming artists and DJs.

Stay tuned for more information on future events by following the venue's Instagram.

Watch: Girls Don't Sync in The Lab Liverpool

Ultra’s return to historic Bayfront Park in Miami gets a touch sweeter today with the announcement of the Resistance lineup. The underground house and techno off-shoot of Ultra has a well-documented reputation for curating forward-thinking lineups. And next March 25-27 they’ve upped the ante with an impressive array of world-class talent that spans the expansive diversity of the underground community.


The Resistance lineup gives some context to some of the incredible artists already announced on the Phase 1 lineup.  Melodic techno duo and Afterlife Records head honchos Tale Of Us join progressive titans CamelPhat, veteran and legend Dubfire, and Resistance champion Carl Cox who debuts his all-new three hours hybrid performance exclusively for Ultra Miami 2022.

What’s truly striking is the diversity in the rest of the lineup. The representation of fantastic women in house and techno can’t be undersold. And this year’s lineup includes venerated acts alongside exciting rising stars. Amelie Lens, ANNA, Anfisa Letyago, Nina Kraviz, Sama’ Abdulhadi, Ann Clue, Georgia Anjuli, and Nala will all take the stage.



The lineup is also diverse in sound with a broad sonic footprint, from the grooving bassline of Dom Dolla and John Summit to the sweeping melodics of Hannes Beiger’s live performance. The pounding beats of Adam Beyer to the sun-soaked Beatport topping tech house of Solardo and the legendary progressive sonics of Sasha | John Digweed. The Resistance lineup overflows with talent. There’s so much there that you’ll never have to leave the revamped Resistance area of Ultra Miami.

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Resistance will take residence in a new section of Ultra’s fabled home on the park's northern perimeter. The new location allows house and techno fans to spread amongst multiple areas, including the Carl Cox megastructure and an all-new concept called The Cove. Beneath the palm trees overlooking Biscane Bay, Resistance fans will feel a hint of nostalgia for 2019’s Resistance Island.

Tickets on sale now at https://ultramusicfestival.com/tickets/miami/

Ultra Miami Unveils the Resistance Lineup for 2022

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

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

Dennis Ferrer

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

Follow Dennis Ferrer on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Yulia Niko

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

Follow Yulia Niko on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Tune in to Gray Area OCHO on December 11, 2021

Giolí & Assia

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

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

Dennis Cruz

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

Follow Dennis Cruz on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

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John Summit

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

Follow John Summit on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Dombresky

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

Follow Dombresky on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud



Archie Hamilton

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

Follow Archie Hamilton on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

Arielle Free

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

Follow Arielle Free on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud



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

Gray Area OCHO Returns to Diplo's Revolution in December

Over the weekend, we learned the devastating news that Louis Vuitton's designer and creative director, Virgil Abloh, tragically passed on November 28. His camp posted, "We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues." 

The visionary had been battling cardiac angiosarcoma—a rare form of cancer—over the last two years. The Medicine Journal reports, "Primary cardiac angiosarcoma is rare, but it is the most aggressive type of cardiac malignant tumor. When disease is confirmed it is often late in its stage resulting in a poor prognosis." 

Like Black Panther protagonist Chadwick Boseman, Virgil Abloh hadn't publicly stated he was dealing with the illness. His team added that Abloh "chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture."

Virgil Abloh was a mogul in every realm, never boxed into one category. And his work in each medium encompasses everything the world loves about hip-hop culture. So while he gained prominence for founding luxury streetwear brand Off-White in 2012, his love of art plausibly began with music.

Inspired by names like A-Trak, Benji B, Gilles Peterson, and the X-Men versus Invisibl Skratch Piklz scratch-battle series, Abloh began DJing house parties in high school. He tells HYPEBEAST, "The plan for me has always been to never formally define. I've always been into different genres of music, so playing [music] has been something I've been doing since high school. It's been 15 years now. I've been DJing since I was 18, 19, through high school and college. This has always been one of my favorite pastimes — representing different genres of music and bases of nightlife."

While a notable name in hip-hop, Virgil was no stranger to dance music. But although his roots are in Chicago, Detroit techno is what got his feet wet. He adds, "I'd transition from hip-hop scratching, in the vein of DJing, to listening to Gilles Peterson. I'd link my dad's fascination with jazz and soul to the hip-hop I was listening to. I grew up listening to hip-hop such as Common and Tribe Called Quest. House electronic music wasn't at the forefront, and it's a shame [seeing that] I'm from Chicago. I learned [about] Detroit techno [through] Benji B. For a kid, that was the way you learned in the '80s. There was no music education in those genres, just hip-hop."

Abloh released his first single "ORVNGE" with Boys Noise in 2018, becoming the titular track for a 3-song EP. From there, his DJ career finally skyrocketed. He shared his love of music by securing coveted gigs at Hi Ibiza, Tomorrowland in 2019, and a residency at XS Nightclub in Wynn Las Vegas. He seamlessly blended his passions into one and partnered with Pioneer to design a transparent CDJ-2000NXS2 and DJM-900NSX2 for his "FIGURES OF SPEECH" exhibition.

However, his music arguably would have never made it into so many of our playlists without Virgil's fashion career. The trendsetter interned at Fendi alongside Kanye West in 2009, paving the way for their early collaborative relationship. As Abloh's meteoric rise in the fashion industry began, he caught the attention of Louis Vuitton CEO Michael Burke. 

After Abloh was named the creative director for the brand (and the first African-American one at that), Burke told the New York Times, "I was really impressed with how [Virgil Abloh and Kanye West] brought a whole new vibe to the studio and were disruptive in the best way. Virgil could create a metaphor and a new vocabulary to describe something as old-school as Fendi. I have been following his career ever since."

But the way Virgil Abloh became a household name was through his trailblazing in streetwear after founding the iconic Off-White label. Known for its in-your-face branding, jam-packed with bold sayings in uppercase letters, highlighter yellow coloring, and clean, transparent materials, Off-White became a brand every hypebeast yearned for. The label's collaborations with IKEA and Nike were instant sell-outs. People lined up just for a chance to get their hands on a piece.

Only two years after starting the brand, Abloh premiered at Paris Fashion Week. And in 2015, Off-White was named a finalist for the LVMH Prize— awarded to designers under the age of 40—calling back to Burke's eye on Abloh's career trajectory. In March 2018, Virgil became artistic director of Louis Vuitton's men's ready-to-wear line. And by the end of 2018, Off-White zoomed past Gucci to become one of the world's hottest labels based on sales and consumer loyalty.

Abloh's imaginative vision transcended any one art form, and he was always open to collaborating with creatives in every medium. For example, his work with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami was showcased in Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art and several of Murakami's galleries. He also had solo exhibits in Chicago, Tokyo, Boston, and Brooklyn.

Although Abloh is an indisputable genius, he didn't go without controversy. He received heavy criticism on his cover art for Pop Smoke's posthumous album Shoot For the Stars, Aim For The Moon. He was also under scrutiny for only donating $50 to bail funds and speaking out against looters during this generation's most significant civil rights movement. But there is something we can all learn from Virgil's mistakes. Always taking it in stride and never taking jokes too personally, he always used his critiques as a learning experience, with actions to back up his growth.

Through it all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered. Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design. He often said, "Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself," believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations.We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate Virgil's life.Virgil AblohSeptember 30, 1980 – November 28, 2021

On June 7, he Tweeted, "I appreciate the open mind, room to resolve the volume on my approach, grow, ultimately succeed and then lead. i can't get to be 100% in real-time without passing thru 99%. but we'll hit 100% for sure…"

Abloh effortlessly encompassed true artistry. And while we can list Virgil Abloh's accomplishments spanning fashion, music, and visual art, these are stops on the road map of his career. What makes him so impactful is how he touched the hearts of so many. He showed us that regardless of any measure of success, he was always open to having conversations, collaborating with others, and making room to learn and grow.

Remembering Virgil Abloh and His Artistic Legacy

The announcement of the Soundstorm Festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, sparked heated debate in recent weeks. The event billed as the largest festival in Saudi Arabia includes a lineup of house and techno's biggest names, including Adam Beyer, Amelie Lens, Carl Cox, Chris Lake, Eli & Fur, Black V Neck, Nora En Pure, Ricardo Villalobos, and Solardo. 

As reported by Selector News, "The 2019 debut of Riyadh festival MDL Beast drew significant backlash for having been funded by the government of Saudi Arabia, a regime associated with a long history of human rights grievances."

Berlin-based promoter Michail Stangl of CTM Festival first rang the alarm on Twitter, stating, "Sure there is no objective morality and all, but if you like money so much that you take it from a government that kills journalists and has the death penalty for being gay, you really should ask yourself some serious questions."

The house and techno community quickly pointed out dance music's early and continuing role in the social justice movement. Many expressed shock that the lineup also included techno pioneer and Underground Resistance founder Jeff Mills.

Mills responded to his fans and followers via Facebook post today. 

"By now and in the political events that have happened in the World over the past 6 years, most of you should know that it's senseless to judge citizens by their actions of their government. The same applies to judging an audience by the actions of a promoter or organizer. If that were the case, the World would have cut off diplomatic relations and isolated America during the whole Trump Presidency, banished all Chinese citizens or Russians for both their government's human rights crimes. And all Cuban people would be categorized as fascists," he says.

He addresses the issues surrounding the long list of human rights violations the Saudi government is known for, including arrests without due process, outlawing feminism, and the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. 

Recently public outrage has prompted the Saudi government to spend billions of dollars reinventing its image and cast the country as a prime tourist destination. The country has financed large-scale music events and booked top-line talents like Nicki Minaj and Justin Beiber, often paying them several times more than their regular booking fee. The government has also invested $500M into Live Nation in 2020, which has doubled in the last year, giving them a 5.7% share.

Mills urges his followers to put it all into perspective, arguing that despite the horrible track record of the Saudi government, the citizens should be allowed to dance and enjoy music.

"Yes, the Saudi Arabian government and the conditions they impose are primitive, violent and abusive and just out right evil, but it shouldn't cloud the idea and question why some there seem to think that by having such a large event and inviting DJs to play unrestricted might make some difference. Most of you can probably remember a time or an occasion in your past when you first realized the power of music and if you're reading this, it's likely that it happened while on a dance floor, listening to a DJ. What makes you think an event in SA would be any different? In fact, if there is any place where the people might need to mentally escape, it would be there. How could a Saudi Arabian dance floor be so different from yours?" 

Mills expands on how necessary music is to help heal a population that is so often in turmoil. He argues that boycotting events will only hurt the Saudi people and cut them off from an important cultural touchstone. Mills, an activist since the early days of techno, explains how engagement is a more powerful tool.

"There are people in SA right now that are in desperate need, suffering, afraid, isolated, victimized, traumatized, abused and have been killed for what they believe in. Some of you seemed to think that it's a good idea for international DJs to boycott and not go which would further isolate the young people there. That, we (all of us) in Electronic Dance Music don't care about them - it's their problem. I'm positive there isn't a single DJ booked for this event that agrees with the SA government and what they're doing, but yet, some try to connect DJs as if they're somehow complicit. That's outrageous, but hey, it's social media - anything goes! Until we fact-check, right? There can be isolation or dialogue. Both have proven to be effective. "

Jeff Mills Responds to Concerns over Saudi Arabia's Soundstorm Festival

While everyone is still reveling in the collective buzz from GRAMMY-nominated trio RÜFÜS DU SOL's new album, Surrender, and their recent US tour dates, the group announced a new festival to take place in Mexico in 2022. The group announced they will bring their other-worldly soundscapes to the pristine beaches of Tulum for Sundream Tulum, an immersive, four-day experience on March 10-13, 2022, presented in partnership with Papa Playa Project. 

The closely curated lineup showcases an international bill of electronic music's most illustrious stars, including Bob Moses playing a club set, fellow live electronic icon Monolink, and eclectic, experimental pop trio WhoMadeWho.

The Australian masters of deep melodic beats also called on frequent collaborator Cassian, Diynamic music's Magdalena, prolific Dutch remix king Eelke Kleijn, and fellow Aussie brother-sister duo Lastlings. Recent Rose Avenue signing Paraleven will also join the diverse lineup alongside Mexico's Sante Vie and Life and Death upstart Carlita. 

Attendees can look forward to uninterrupted music, including not one but two performances from RÜFÜS DU SOL. They are showcasing their diversity with both a tear-inducing live performance and a DJ set. They've also planned a host of wellness activities to restore the body and soul, including yoga, meditation, and breathwork. 

Passes and travel packages are on sale now at www.sundreamtulum.com.

Rüfüs Du Sol Announces Immersive Festival Experience

Gray Area makes another step in its mission to “unify and strengthen the House Music community around the world,” today by partnering with Spotify for an official editorial playlist on the streaming platform. Gray Area Guest List launched with over five hours of house and techno from the forward-thinking and creative voices that are defining the myriad sounds of underground dance. 



Spotify’s Guest List playlists allow noted brands and artists to take over an official editorial playlist curating it from top to bottom precisely to match that brand’s unique footprint. And the Gray Area list is lovingly selected to reflect the future of dance music.



Included are songs from Gray Area Spotlight featured artists QRTR, LP Giobbi, Vintage Culture, and Will Clarke. Alongside bonafide legends like Ricardo Villalobos, Miss Kittin, Maya Jane Coles, Anja Schneider, Guy Gerber, Steve Bug, The Martinez Brothers, Joseph Capriati, Jamie Jones, Louie Vega, Pig & Dan, Royksopp, and Maceo Plex. 2022 GRAMMY Award nominee Black Coffee, Repopulate Mars boss Lee Foss, Drumcode front-man Adam Beyer, and Godfather of House Frankie Knuckles are also featured.


The Gray Area Guest List is a great way to get familiar with the sweeping sonic footprint of house and techno. Too often, we get stuck in our own lane, and the beauty of dance music is that it encompasses an array of shifting moods and aural textures. So take yourself on a journey through the expanse of underground dance music, turn up the volume and Let There Be More House Music.

Gray Area Takes Over Spotify's Official Guest List Playlist

A new artistic venue and musical space opens in Brazil next month. Surreal is a super music complex in an unprecedented 92,000 square meter event space located in the beautiful beach city of Camboriú.  

The promo videos of this space are breathtaking. The grounds feature multiple stages, bars, and food locations. It’s like a year-round festival in the making.   

"Very soon, everyone will be able to experience the surreal sensations that the new complex will offer." says founder Renato Ratier.   

Surreal was founded by the builders of D-Edge clubs in Rio de Janeiro and managed by Ratier, who has immense experience leading legendary clubs. 

He shared about the space, "I spent ten years working hard and intensely, contributing to Warung's Beach Club growth to deliver the best possible experience. I now believe that my mission, along with the entire team was fulfilled. But music has been running through my veins since I was a child, so I am committed to continuing to grow electronic music in Brazil."



Surreal's three-day opening party is slated to begin on the 26th of December this year with over 30 heaters on the bill, featuring the likes of Agents of Time, HOSH, Wehbba, and Yaya. A further 33 events for 2022 are scheduled. Shortly after they will host the new installment of BPM Brazil.   

The website for Surreal with promo videos of the space can be viewed here. You can purchase tickets for all the events scheduled at Surreal here.

Brazilian Superclub Surreal Slated to Open in December

After an unforeseeable two-year hiatus, the world’s leading indoor techno festival makes its monumental return to the states. On November 19th and 20th, Time Warp US will transport attendees to another dimension with its otherworldly attributes and spellbinding soundscapes spanning two modernized dance floors in a brand new Brooklyn location. 

Recognized for its entrancing lineups packed with techno’s finest, and cutting-edge audio and visual production design, this industrialized area in the city that never sleeps hosts the perfect underground environment for a beaming techno-infused celebration of this caliber. 

Time Warp US never ceases to astonish, but this year’s highly-anticipated production welcomes some extraordinary b2b performances and live acts that will add an unusual touch to the already alluring festival. 

What makes Time Warp so special is its unwavering devotion to techno, consistent authenticity, and sense of community throughout each installment. If you’re planning on attending next weekend, read on to gain more insight on seven Time Warp US b2b sets and live acts you don’t want to miss!

 

Ben Klock b2b Marcel Dettman

 

German techno titans Ben Klock and Marcel Dettman will bring a taste of that true Berlin sound everyone just can’t seem to get enough of. The Berghain club mainstays and resident DJs never fail to stir up a crowd with their flawless chemistry on the decks, always fusing their slightly distinct approaches to techno in the most harmonious manner. After catching a glimpse of their recent b2b set at Secret Project Festival during ADE last month, there’s no doubt this upcoming performance will leave attendees begging for more. 

 

 

Seth Troxler b2b Jamie Jones 

 

Fans were already thrilled for a Seth Troxler solo set since he was announced on the lineup in phase one. A few weeks ago, the festival curators unveiled that he would be playing alongside Welsh Hot Creations label boss Jamie Jones, an unexpected—yet welcome— surprise. After living in dance music-savvy cities like Detroit, Berlin, London, and Ibiza, Troxler has established himself as one of underground house and techno’s most iconic artists. Combined with Jamie Jones’ innovative soundscapes, this is one dynamic duo you won’t want to skip out on. 

 

 

 

 

 

Mink b2b O.Bee




Brooklyn native Mink has made a name for himself across NYC’s thriving music scene with his groundbreaking performances and all-encompassing compositions. Slated to take the stage next to Istanbul-born Brooklyn-based O.BEE, the two talented musicians will enlighten festival-goers with their rebellious, forward-thinking sounds during their unified Time Warp US debut. Both known for incorporating classic New York flavor into their sets, there’s a reason these two flourishing acts were enlisted for the festival this time around. 

 

Ricardo Villalobos b2b Craig Richards

 

Ricardo Villalobos has been fond of all things music from a young age, and it displays on every single note and melody he shares with fans across the globe. Born in Chile but raised in Germany, the acclaimed DJ and producer is inspired by both countries’ musical histories and is now acknowledged as a leading pioneer of the minimal techno genre. The Time Warp veteran returns alongside nightlife prodigy Craig Richards, whose diversified musical background and captivating techno ensembles mesh perfectly with Villalobos’ exotic beats. While it’ll be hard to top their 2019 b2b set, we’re excited to see these two live in action again.

 

KiNK (Live)

 

Bulgarian artist KiNK wears various hats within the industry but is particularly praised for his state-of-the-art, experimental live performances. The blooming DJ, producer, and beatmaker uses intricate analog machines in conjunction with CDJs when performing on stage, and each performance portrays his impressive sound mixing capabilities and musical expertise in the most alluring manner. KiNK will bring his passion for mixing and his live futuristic techno sounds to Brooklyn as he debuts at Time Warp next weekend!

 

 

Reinier Zonneveld (Live)

 

Reinier Zonneveld is living proof that you can turn your dreams into reality if you give it your absolute all. The self-taught Dutch musician’s decision to drop everything and dedicate all of his time and effort to solely creating techno has surely paid off. Zonneveld’s mesmerizing sonic elements are influenced greatly by his never-ending love for classical music and life-changing warehouse rave experiences, and he brings these devotions to life exquisitely during each live performance. Only he can master intertwining deep and melodic tones with heart rate-inducing acid techno in a live setting. 



 

 

 

Stephan Bodzin (Live)

 

Always humming to the beat of his own drum, Stephan Bodzin has established his own uniquely curated corner of techno. The renowned instrumentalist has headlined some of the world’s most influential venues and festivals, always captivating fans with his ethereal, mind-altering soundscapes. For those who’ve witnessed any of his live sets, it feels like you’re in a dream. A true storyteller on the dance floor, Bodzin portrays his authenticity and impassioned artistic vision flawlessly through each hypnotic melody and live performance. 

 

Aside from these peculiar b2b sets and live acts, all the other remarkable artists on this year’s Time Warp US lineup have a story of their own to tell through their individual mind-bending sounds, so make sure to indulge in as many different performances as possible throughout the festival. There’s a reason why Time Warp made its way across the Atlantic to New York City a few years back, and we’re just as thrilled as you are for its massive return!

For more information on Time Warp USA including time slots, full lineup, and tickets visit their website.

Catch These Stunning B2Bs and Live Sets at Time Warp USA

Vinyl has been a household music staple for decades. And made a significant comeback recently as artists regularly drop vinyl releases within their catalogs.  Lenco just released a new turntable, the Lenco LS-55, that is perfect for any vinyl enthusiast. This sweet device has the power to digitize your vinyl records and save them on flash drives, which is clutch if you have a collection of gems you would like to quickly digitize.

The turntable itself has a classic wooden finish for a visually appealing look. But the best part is Lenco's incredible features which make it a must-have for collectors. It is decked out with built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, built-in phono and RCA outputs, and an Aux input to offer the utmost versatility. It is topped off with a passive radiator to improve bass frequency for your listening pleasure.

It is priced right at $148 USD, comparable to most decent record players on the market, with zero added functionality offered with the Lenco LS-55. It is a pretty sweet deal and a great gift idea for the approaching holiday season. 

Check it out here on the Lenco website.

The Lenco LS-55 is a Dream for Vinyl Enthusiasts

Chicago is the birthplace of house music and an incubator for hip-hop hitmakers, yet the city remains divided over how it views its musical legacy.

In November, a forthcoming documentary titled It's Different In Chicago is slated for debut at the Black Harvest Film Festival and global streaming. This film uncovers the animosity between house music fans, "house heads," and conscious rap fans, otherwise known as "backpackers." A new documentary to be released in November explains the enmity between two of the city's music scenes.

Directed by David Weathersby, the film explores how this divide manifests through the lens of numerous Chicago-native industry professionals who provided their first-hand impressions. They touch on how Chicago hip-hop and house are still locked in an ongoing boundary battle for respect at home and abroad.

Weatherby told the Chicago Sun-Times, "Chronicling this and chronicling it from the people who are taking part of it, makes it, so it's accurate before it becomes a topic that somebody outside starts coming in. They might come in with a preconceived notion of Black Chicago. I wanted to have the people who are a part of it have their say first."

While making the documentary, Weathersby uncovered a recurring idea that Chicago natives must choose between house music and hip hop. Behind it is a perceived belief that Chicagoans needed to make a binary choice, pledging to one of the city's legendary scenes, which tends to be relative to factors that root down to the culture around each music scene rather than the music itself. This documentary tells a story about two unique and often opposing worlds.   

In most instances, house vs. hip hop was not necessarily based solely on music. The decision on what scene a person fell under generally was about the culture around the specific genre of music—rooting back to sexuality, gender, and geographic neighborhood.   



Weathersby sees the upside of this divide: the fact that Chicago has numerous musical roots, each of which is worth exploring in its own right. These roots have spread far beyond Chicago—each scene in this rich culture feeds into each other to build a one-of-a-kind sociocultural dynamic. A testament to the city's diversity of culture and its influence on the culture behind the music.

"Chicago has enough of a musical and cultural load, so you can have a difference – also among the house. Some people are Frankie Knuckles people and others like Ron Hardy," says Weathersby. He aims to show the nuances that distinguish Chicago from other cultural landmarks. The aim is to truly highlight the scenes' creators and the blood, sweat, and tears put in to build these respective global entities and how they work together to build the musical epicenter, Chicago. 

The film will be available to stream starting November 24th.   




(Movie Trailer: https://vimeo.com/513068405)

'It's Different in Chicago' Chronicles Two Divergent Music Scenes in Chi Town

Love International, one of Europe's most revered music escapes, has unveiled the line-up for its fifth anniversary, slated to take place next July 13-19 at The Garden Resort in Tisno, Croatia, recouping after a two-year pandemic-induced break.  

The week-long event attracts excitement with adventure lovers worldwide for musical inspiration and fun in a beautiful landscape curated by leading DJs and artists across the electronic music spectrum. Packed with island parties, epic sunrise sessions, and all-night discos, this is a marathon event with plenty to enjoy!  

As in years past, Love International 2022 has lined up an eclectic selection on their program of old and new heavy hitters. Including Crazy P Soundsystem, Horse Meat Disco, Avalon Emerson, Chaos in the CBD, and Red Axes.   

There will also be a series of b2b sets highlighted on the bill, including Shanti Celeste b2b Saoirse b2b Moxie b2b Peach. As well as Axel Boman b2b Kornel Kovacs b2b Pedrodollar.   

Also unique to this year, the organizers are teaming up with EarthPercent to utilize the event as a forum to address climate change and invite attendees towards better practices at music festivals.   

Love International has Tickets and lodging options available now on the event website. This is one you do not want to miss.

Love International Festival Drops 2022 Lineup

After the postponement of the 2021 edition, The BPM Festival: Costa Rica is back for 2022 with a vengeance. The 15th-anniversary is set to take place over seven days on January 12-18 in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, will be an epic showcase of some of the hottest names in house and techno with the backdrop of tropical paradise. 

The BPM Festival unveiled phase 2 today, unleashing more heat with the addition of even more lauded artists gracing the bill. Audiofly, Diplo, DJ Minx, DJ Tennis, and Stefano Norferini are all set to perform. They’ve also announced a performance by WhoMadeWho with a unique live set and a special reunion set by Art Department.  

The first drop of the lineup included a stacked lineup of legendary names such as Carl Craig, Dubfire, Hernan Cattaneo, Jamie Jones, Loco Dice, Luciano, Matthias Tanzmann, Michael Bibi, Nicole Moudaber, Paco Osuna, and a BPM debut from Ricardo Villalobos. But they clearly had more in store for attendees of this legendary festival.   

The festival consists of curated showcases packed with unique lineups that attendees will not want to miss. These powerhouse parties are hosted by Detroit Love, Luciano & Friends, Martinez Brothers led label Cutting Headz, Jamie Jones Epic Paradise party plus many more. The event will take place day and night giving festival participants to catch various epic lineups in close proximity.   

Two-day passes for The BPM Festival Costa Rica are on sale now and moving fast with Tier Two 3 day, and 7 day passes available with lodging packages available. Head over to their website for more details and grab your passes and to the BPM Tulu website for lodging.

BPM Festival Costa Rica Unveils an Electrifying  Phase 2 Lineup

The CityFox Halloween Festival returns to Brooklyn's adored venue, Avant Gardner this Friday and Saturday. The long-anticipated Halloween spectacular is CityFox's first Halloween event since 2019 and promises to be their largest and most enchanting to date. The spine-chilling lineup features an array of house and techno’s top talent and most electrifying rising stars over two ghastly nights of tricks and treats.

Zurich-born, Brooklyn-based CityFox is one of the most lauded event producers in the game. Their combination of underground sensibilities and intense attention to detail is the driving force behind events that seduce the spirit and tantalize the senses. Their transformation of a gritty industrial space in East Williamsburg into the award-winning Brooklyn Mirage is a testament to their ability to build mesmerizing worlds to explore. 

Now in it its third year, the festival will undoubtedly be a feast for the senses. Combining larger-than-life deco, state-of-the-art sound, and—of course—fire for an unforgettable return to Halloween celebrations.

CityFox's reputation for expert curation is well documented. Each event always combines the best established and emerging talent for a journey through the wide breadth of dance music. This year revelers will enjoy the sounds of legendary acts like British progressive pioneer John Digweed, architects of Detroit techno Carl Craig and Kevin Saunderson, and GRAMMY Award-winning minimal techno hero Dubfire.

Cityfox Halloween Festival Tickets are almost gone, get yours now!

Also slated to perform are Drumcode mainstay and passionate advocate for social justice Ida Engberg, Billboard chart-topping Brazillian artist Vintage Culture, and Afterlife regulars Fideles, Innellea, Mathame, and Stephen Jolk. West African-born, Brooklyn-based AMEME will bring his scintillating afro-inspired electronic beats. And Cassian who mixed RÜFÜS DU SOL's albums Bloom and Solace will draw from his diverse sonic palate for a rousing set.

CityFox core artist Juston Marchaco has been teasing the live version of his emotive melodic techno via Instagram. German artist and Innervisions mainstay Recondite’s slant towards the dark and eerie will provide the perfect atmosphere for a Halloween performance. And the Copenhagen experimental pop trio WhoMadeWho will undoubtedly bring a fresh and unexpected vibe to CityFox.

CityFox Halloween promises to be a memorable and historic return to form for CityFox, an organization that has quickly become a fan favorite and an example of how to elevate the underground.

Limited tickets are still available for CityFox Halloween Festival here

Feel the Fright at CityFox Halloween Festival in New York

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







Jamie xx

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




Nicola Cruz

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







Black Coffee 

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










Peggy Gou

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




Maceo Plex

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




Patrick Topping

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




Cristoph 

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




Michael Bibi

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




Fjaak 

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







Danny Daze 

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

Get Familiar With the House and Techno Artists of iii Points Festival

On October 1 electro collective TECHROW gave us a treat—not a trick—with Come as You Are: Nirvana Reimagined as House & Techno. The album holds 27 tracks created in remembrance of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain’s death 27 years ago: a number spookily significant to him, as the musician tragically joined the 27 club. 

Co-producer of the project Jonathan Hay told GRAMMY.com, "When you dive into it, you can tell the band was so tight. You can feel the core values that he had. The more you dig deeper into Nirvana, you see their messages and beliefs and everything else. I think this will be cool to bring people into that awareness. There's more here than people know about."

To honor the late legend and gay rights advocate, they’ll also be donating a portion of the proceeds to LGBTQIA+ organizations. TECHROW has chosen GLAAD, who’s been a leader in shifting the stigma of HIV and AIDS since 1985, as well as Recording Academy’s MusiCares, which focuses on supporting the mental health of artists to donate to. 

Hay also said, "[Kurt Cobain] was a supporter of LGBTQ+ when it wasn't politically correct to be so. He's about love and positivity, which is what house music is all about. So, it just made sense for us."

Come as Are: Nirvana Reimagined is produced by Jonathan Hay and Cain McKnight but includes credits by names in the electronic music community The Knocks, JPatt, 41X, Sara Cooper, trumpeter Maurice Brown (who has worked with Anderson .Paak), and Chip E. who co-produced Frankie Knuckles’ first album.

You can listen to it for yourself here and appreciate the iconic 90s band’s tracks in a new light, as we honor the life of Kurt Cobain.