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.



Rock Goes Techno with Nirvana Cover Album for Charity

On Saturday, October 23 Gray Area takes over Diplo’s Revolution on Sirius XM to host an eight-hour journey into the many realms of house and techno. The show pops off at 12 noon ET and thumps until 8 PM. OCHO features eight distinctive talents from the many reaches of house and techno including Luciano, Diplo, Blackchild, Tini Gessler, Vintage Culture, Will Clarke, Chelina Manuhutu, and AMÉMÉ.

OCHO marks the first time Gray Area will dive into the world of broadcasting. It exemplifies Gray Area's mission to unite the international house music community connecting the lines between its rich sub-cultures.

“Sirius XM plays an integral role in building the house music community in North America – which happens to also be Gray Area’s mission – by programming this genre of dance music on Diplo’s Revolution. We are very proud to collaborate on Ocho, a program featuring 8 hours of non-stop exclusive sets representing different sub-genres of house music played by both rising and established international artists, and look forward to other collaborative projects with our friends at Sirius XM to spread the love of house music across North America. Let there be MORE house!” says Michael Julian, founder of Seers – the dynamic venture behind Gray Area and other projects in the world of electronic music and live events.

Joey Sutera, Head of Live Entertainment adds, “We are committed to unifying house music culture around the world.”

Ocho airs on SiriusXM on Saturday, October 23, 2021. Listen here.



The Acts

Diplo

Leading the charge is global music icon, ferocious underground champion, and colorful personality Diplo. The ubiquitous and influential producer has touched every genre of music in his well-documented career. Diplo brings an expert level of curation and an encyclopedic knowledge of the culture of dance music to every set.

Luciano

Chilean-born, minimal techno kingpin Luciano has long been one of the genre’s most influential figures. His enchanting sets are informed by his Latin American heritage and always enliven the spirit.

Blackchild

Rising Italian DJ and producer Blackchild’s releases on Solid Grooves and Hot Creations have are supported by Fisher, Todd Terry, Marco Corolla, and Kenny Dope. He expertly blends the sticky funk of classic house with the low-end thump of tech house.

Tini Gessler

Relative newcomer Tini Gessler has made a sharp impact on the Spanish scene with her pumping deep tech house. She's earned vital residencies with Pacha Barcelona and Elrow. And she's flexed the legendary systems of Space and Pacha in Ibiza. Over the last year, she’s firmly asserted herself as a sought-after producer dropping records with the likes of Toolroom, Cr2, and Desert Hearts.

Vintage Culture

Vintage Culture has catapulted himself into the hearts of millions in recent years with a sound that brilliantly straddles the line between underground and mainstream. The Brazillian artist’s music has dominated dancefloors and radio with hits like “Slow Down,” “In The Dark,” and his remix with John Summit of Sofi Tukker’s “Drinkee” all streaming in the millions.



Will Clarke

Will Clarke’s move from Dirtybird Player to techno titan was a natural progression for the veteran English producer and DJ. His taste-making label All We Have Is Now bridges the gap between the nostalgia of the old-school and the intensity and weight of the new.

Chelina Manuhutu

Dutch-born Chelina Manuhutu brings with her the influence of a musical family. Her father was part of the Latin funk band Massada. Her chunky tech-house is full of stuttering percussion, brilliantly funky basslines, and the bubbling effervescence of a summer-time pool party.



AMÉMÉ 

West African-born AMÉMÉ transports his cultural heritage into all that he does. The leader of One Tribe, a global dance community, seamlessly blends compelling melody, sultry soul, and the driving rhythms of his homeland.



You can tune in to OCHO on SiriusXM here. For updates on set times, follow Gray Area on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Gray Area Partners With Diplo's Revolution for OCHO

After three reschedules, revelers will once again be able to gather under the Electric Sky for west coast festival juggernaut Insomniac’s 25th Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) October 22nd-24th. 

One of the greatest things about EDC is that there's something for everyone. Spread out over eight genre-rich stages, countless art cars, and side stages, the EDC line-up stratifies dance music representing artists from every possible corner of the culture. We've broken down some of the house acts that should be on your must-see list.




Claptone

Claptone has been active since 2012 and steadily gaining popularity since. I use the pronoun “they” not to be politically correct, but because until a couple of years ago, Claptone was believed to be one man. It turns out its two people. Both enigmatic artists don the iconic golden beak of the medieval plague doctor, black shirt, and white gloves. Which has often led me to think: What happens when they get picked up from the hotel or airport? Do they wear the getup the whole time? Looks aside, Claptone has consistently pumped out funky, chunky house and tech house for nearly a decade and has landed on the top 10's of some of the largest acts in the industry. 

Follow Claptone on Instagram | Spotify


Dom Dolla

Dominic Matheson—aka Australian DJ and producer Dom Dolla—has been busy over the last couple of years earning nominations and awards for his releases. His trademark sound can be heard on dance floor hits like "Take It," "Pump the Brakes," and 2019's Justin Martin sampling "San Frandisco." EDC is just one of the stops on his cross-country tour of the US, but his set at EDC on one of the largest stages CircuitGROUNDS is sure to be packed full of IDs. 


Follow Dom Dolla on Instagram | Spotify




J. Worra

J. Worra is the new kid on the block, but already making huge waves. Hailed as DJ Mag’s 2019 Breakthrough Music Producer of the Year she’s released on tastemaker labels such as Dirtybird, Club Sweat, Techne, Realm Records, and more. She's also become a sought-after remixer putting her spin on tracks by GRiZ, Gryffin, Gorgon City, Aluna George, Kaskade, and Deadmau5. She's a previously hidden treasure and you'll want to see this young master at work.

Follow J. Worra on Instagram | Spotify


Bijou

Bijou is recognized as one of the leaders of the G-house movement in America. By infusing the timeless styles of hip hop and classic house, BIJOU satisfies the craving for the thumping funk of house and the club-ready swag of hip hop. His production style is live enough for the underground and mean enough to hold down any main stage.

Follow Bijou on Instagram | Spotify


Oliver Heldens

Oliver Heldens is one of the very few performers who use their actual name. At the ripe old age of 26, he is regarded as a pioneer of future house, and one of the first to push it mainstream. Oliver Heldens burst onto the scene in 2013 (at age 18) with “Gecko.” It was picked up by none other than Tiësto, who later released it to Warner Brothers, and it peaked at #1 on the UK Top 40 charts. While most 18-year-olds are skipping school and drinking 40’s, Helden's was jet-setting and pumping out chart-topping hits. He has consistently released award-winning tracks and done remixes for Dua Lipa, The Chainsmokers, Katy Perry, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and more.

Follow Oliver Heldens on Instagram | Spotify


Black V Neck

After making music together for years, Miami natives Ian and Julian decided to form Black V Neck in 2017. These titans of weird and wonky house hit the ground running after being signed to Shiba San’s label Basement Leak and subsequently to Dirtybird. This duo keeps their schedule fully booked throughout the year dropping bouncy tech house around the way. You will want to see why they are so in demand right now.

Follow Black V Neck on Instagram | Spotify




Cut Snake

Cut Snake has an interesting story. They started as two surfers from Australia who traveled the globe and became fixated on tech house. After working together for a while, they parted ways to go solo. Leigh Sedly kept the Cut Snake moniker, and Paul Fisher continued producing as Fisher (yes, THAT Fisher). Cut Snake is known for a massive stage presence at shows and destroying dancefloors.

Follow Cut Snake on Instagram | Spotify

	

Duke Dumont

Okay, so Duke Dumont may be a household name with multiple Grammy Award nominations, but that doesn't mean he should be overlooked. He was mentored by former Major Lazer member Switch and came up writing remixes for pop stars. However the release of mammoth house stompers like "Need U(100%)" and "Won't Look Back" solidified his place as a bonafide star. His sets are a solid mix of big room beats, heart-stopping vocals, and bouncy basslines for a perfect combination fitting for one of the world’s largest stages.

Follow Duke Dumont on Instagram | Spotify


Lee Foss

Lee Foss brings a special blend of tech house, synth-heavy techno, and deep house. He has an astute ability to transition seamlessly between sub-genres raising and lowering the energy of the dancefloor as needed. He's proved his curation skills are expert level as well, the incredible catalog he's built at his label Repopulate Mars includes work from John Summit, Shiba San, CID, Martin Ikin, Dillon Nathaniel, and Cloonee. Lee Foss is a true tastemaker. 

Follow Lee Foss on Instagram | Spotify


VNSSA

VNSSA is another Dirtybird standout who has steadily carved a name for herself over the last couple of years. Her live sets cover all genres of house and techno, although don’t be surprised to hear some classic disco or booty breaks. VNSSA is a dynamic and wide-ranging producer who's unafraid to experiment and get a little weird. All in the service of rocking dancefloors. 

Follow VNSSA on Instagram | Spotify

















Add These 10 House Artists to your EDC Vegas Schedule

Time Warp, the iconic German festival, has just announed the by-day lineup for its US edition. The highly anticipated return to the States will feature the intense production that the brand is known for as well as a lineup that represents the breadth and diversity of underground house and techno. Spread out across two floors, this year's event will take place in a brand-new venue on November 19th and 20th.

Friday's lineup is all about back-to-back sets. The magic that happens when two artists get together on stage is undeniable. And these b2b sets are a unique opportunity to catch DJs lead you on a journey together, as the intense visual show heightens the experience beyond what you can imagine. Jamie Jones and Seth Troxler revive their b2b experience alongside a rare set bringing together two titans, Ricardo Villalobos and Craig Richards.

Saturday will be dominated by live performances from KiNK, Reinier Zonneveld, and hardware kingpin Stephen Bodzin. The DJ set lineup is just as intense with performances from Adriatique, Paula Temple, Nina Kraviz, and one of Time Warp's original residents Richie Hawtin.

Tickets for Time Warp US are still available but expected to sell out.

Time Warp US Lineup by Day has Arrived

You don’t have to travel to Europe for the ultimate house and techno experience in the United States, but you might have to go to New York City for Cityfox. The Zurich bred company moved to Brooklyn in 2012, finding its home at Avant Gardner. This October 29 and 30, Cityfox returns to Avant Gardner for its first multi-day event to celebrate Halloween!

As usual, the lineup is stacked with over 30 names you’ll recognize: Hot Since 82, Vintage Culture, Nora En Pure, and Lee Burridge are just some of the few names that we’re hyped to see. Not only will there be the quintessential DJ sets, you can also expect live performances from Justin Marchacos, Recondite, Tim Englehardt, and WhoMadeWho.

If you haven’t been to Avant Gardner yet, it’s a venue you can’t pass up going to. In 2019, it was nominated as Best Club’ in the 2019 International Dance Music Awards. Aside from being one of the largest—80,000 square feet, to be exact—music hotspots with the largest global talent, you can always expect an immersive experience that takes you into another world. AG hosts 4 venues in one: Brooklyn Mirage, Great Hall, King’s Hall, and Lost Circus—all will be open for this year’s Cityfox.

Prepare yourself for two days and four stages full of music, food (vegan and gluten-free options, too!), and visuals so good you’ll be thinking about it until next Cityfox Halloween. And while you’ll be in the city that never sleeps, you will be able to rest. The event will have lounges you can kick back in if you’re tired from hours of dancing and going from room to room, taking in everything Cityfox has to offer.

Get your tickets here and check out the full lineup below!

Headline image: DJ Hell at CityFox Halloween 2019 | Photo Credit: Alive Coverage

Cityfox Takes Over Brooklyn For Halloween Weekend

Europe’s ever-changing rules on indoor events have been hard to keep up with, but when the news broke that Berghain would be reopening its doors on October 2, everyone was excited to see things return to the new normal. Clubs around each country were opening and closing when spikes of the newer COVID-19 variants, but Berghain hadn’t been active since the first global shutdown in March 2020.

Berlin began letting people in once again back in September, and while lines outside of these exclusive clubs aren't out of the ordinary, New York Times reported that the wait would sometimes be hours. 21-year-old Joe Friedrich told the publication, “It’s like waiting in line to ride a roller coaster.”

Long waits and swift denials of entry have long been the norm at the famous Berlin institution. 

We took to social media to see what people were saying about how it went this weekend. Unshockingly, people waited around six to seven hours to try to get into Berghain. 

Twitter user Gonçcalo Trindale says, “Someone at work waited seven hours, from midnight till 7am, to get into Berghain this weekend. Someone else also waited seven hours, DIDN'T get in, so he went home, had a nap, went back, waited three more hours, and then got in. The DEDICATION!!!!”




Here’s what other people are saying:

Maybe this weekend will be easier, but probably not. Until then, you can catch us on Berghain Trainer, the interactive game that emulates a bouncer who analyzes your body language and responses to see if you can get in.










Long Lines at Berghain Have Returned

UK-based mobile ticketing app DICE has just made a huge move. Five days ago, Tech Crunch reported that the company raised $122 million in Series C funding from SoftBank Vision Fund 2, after being valued at $400 million for its innovative discovery and ticketing platform. 

Yanni Pipilis of SoftBank Investment Advisers said, “We believe DICE’s technology has the capability to transform the future of live entertainment.”

Now, days later, it has been confirmed to Resident Advisor, that the app has acquired the legendary Boiler Room.

"My experience when talking to Phil [Hutcheon, founder and CEO of DICE] was inspiring and he immediately recognised how important Boiler Room is, and how much potential we have. I believe deeply that the best way for Boiler Room to evolve is by partnering with a company that values what we are today, and provides the tools we need to grow into the future—we play to our strengths and they to theirs. DICE's belief in 'powering' us but allowing Boiler Room to remain our own independent entity, all of this will enable us to move into a new era and be the best version of ourselves."

-Blaise Belville, Founder of Boiler Room | Press Release

The press release also says that it believes the partnership will, “drive additional revenue to artists, rights holders, collectives, festivals, and clubs.”

Boiler Room has been a leading platform in showcasing top global talent in dance music since 2010. The London-based online broadcasting company has expanded internationally, garnering over 3.5 billion minutes of music by 2015, according to The Guardian. With DICE’s acquisition, it’ll be interesting to see what changes will be made.

This story was first reported by Resident Advisor.

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