Alex Jukes
There is so much competition for your money these days in the festival market that a new event really has to standout.
Groove Island really did and came correct on its bold ambitions at the end of September.
Sam Felt, Oliver Heldens, Mark Knight, Chus & Ceballos, Leftwing:Kody and tens more and here are some for he top tracks we heard while dancing in the magical old ballroom, amongst other places.
Les Dunes Electroniques is back from November 16 – 17th in the beautiful desert landscapes of Ong Jmel, near Nefta in Tunisia. This one-of-a-kind festival goes down at the gateway to Tunisia’s Southern Desert, globally recognised as the setting of Luke Skywalker’s hometown, Mos Espa, in the original Star Wars franchise. The festival will also extend to the medina of Nefta and Tozeur and offer 30 hours of non stop music plus a multidisciplinary program that will make the whole region vibe to an electronic rhythm for three days amongst exceptional natural scenery. The latest additions to the stunning line-up include Luciano, Apollonia, Audiofly, Daox B2B MAOU, MoodKaze, Nicolas Lutz, Sama and SIS.
Musically, this will be an intoxicating affair with desert house pioneers like Do Not Sit on the Furniture’s Behrouz bringing his deep, emotive sound. Elsewhere, Benjemy and Lola face off for one of their unique live shows and Diynamic label regular Stimming (a master of intricate melodies and infectious grooves) will bring more of the same.
Luciano is the final techno legend and boss of Cadenza Records, French trio Apollonia will serve up a house masterclass, Audiofly are tech house titans and you can also look forward to a Daox B2B MAOU session, set from MoodKaze, sauced out breaks form cult favourite and famously deep digger Nicolas Lutz as well as more from Sama’, and SIS.
More live shows come from local tech innovator Kemist and Holland-based French duo Parallells, who bring their background in jazz and hip-hop as well as a real sense of melody to their shows. Add in the deep, ethnic sounds of Noy Ära and you have a truly eclectic, cultural soundtrack.
This stunning event is carried out with the strong support of the Tunisian Minister of Tourism Mr. René Trabelsi, Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts of the Republic of Tunisia and Governor of Tozeur, Mr. Aymen Bejaoui. Mr. Jack Lang, president of the Arab World Institute remains faithful to the Electronic Dunes as a godfather.
For tickets head to: https://www.traveltodoticket.com/produit/dunes-electroniques/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LesDunesElectroniques/?ref=br_rs
The biggest meet-up in the dance industry is just around the corner.
It’s a place to dance, do business and party in one of Europe’s best looking cities.
With so many parties to choose from, we round up the best of the best.
PIV Records ADE showcase
Thursday 17th October
Claire Amsterdam
On ADE’s Thursday the mighty PIV records claim their throne and will prove why they’ve been on everyone’s lips lately. After a mind-blowing year with shows all over the place and topping the Beatport charts with their infectious sound, tastemaker Prunk brings in his elite squad for demolition duties.
Line Up: Archie Hamilton, Chris Stussy, Prunk, Rossko, The Willers Brothers, DJOKO, Jesse Maas b2b Iris Menza, Ray Mono, Rossi – DJ
Dockyard Festival 2019 ADE
Saturday October 19th
Havenpark
https://dockyardfestival.com/dockyard-2019/
Dockyard Festival is known for showcasing the world’s best house and techno acts since 2014. It is an integral part of the annual ADE and a real meeting place for young talent, prominent artists and established labels. Each event is a theatre for the creative arts with next level music, visuals and light shows. Much of the crowd is made up of people who have been at Dockyard since day one when it was just a 4.500 person event, but today it will welcome 20.000 people at it’s ADE event as well as superstars from the scene.
Line Up: Dubfire, Eats Everything, Nic Fanciulli, Nastia, Mind Against, Len Faki, Recondite, Benny Rodrigues, Paco Osuna, Matador, Dvs1, Patrice Bäumel, Dax J, Ellen Allien, Monika Kruse, Ben Sims, Secret Cinema, Dense & Pika, Oscar Mulero, Joey Daniel, DJ Bone, Surgeon, Radio Slave, Sandrien, Pig & Dan, Olivier Weiter, Joran Van Pol, Lady Starlight, Marcus Worgull, Roberto Capuano, SQL, Roman Poncet, Jeroen Search, Fer Br, Alienata, Matrixxmann, Mitch De Klein, Vntm, Cailín, The Reason Y, Sama
Verknipt at ADE 2019
October 17th – 19th
Amsterdam Studios
After another fine year of parties all round the Netherlands, Verknipt return to Amsterdam Dance Event for a sixth season, once again offering three days of next level events. Running from Thursday October 17 – 19th at the very special Amsterdam Studios featuring the likes of Fjaak, Perc & Ansome, Randomer, B.Traits, Deborah de Luca, Marco Bailey, Solardo, Matador, The Advent, Egbert, Ø [Phase], Benny Rodrigues, Dennis Cruz, Latmun, PAWSA, Franky Rizardo, wAFF.
VBX Returns at ADE 2019
BRET, Warehouse Elementenstraat
October 17th – 20th
https://vbx.nu/
With ADE 2019 just round the corner, the time has come for leading underground promoters VBX to announce their always much anticipated plans: this year collaborating with brands like Sunrise, Awakenings, FRRC and Meoko they host five standout parties – including two of their iconic afters – at venues like Warehouse Elementenstraat, Bret, Veronicaschip and Lofi with world class names such as Craig Richards, Ricardo Villalobos b2b Raresh, Ferro, Nicolas Lutz, DJ Masda, Voigtmann, Reiss amongst others.
Carl Cox’s Awesome Soundwaves Showcase
Warehouse Elementenstraat
October 17th
awak.enin.gs/2Wv0kfm
Undoubtedly one of the globe’s most popular DJs, this ADE Carl Cox will be bringing his Awesome Soundwaves label to Elementenstraat for a very special one-off show alongside some of his favourite established and emerging artists. Expect killer live shows from the likes of Christopher Coe, Hannes Bieger, Julien Chaptal, Mat Playford, Reinier Zonneveld and Quazar, while on a DJ set tip, the likes of Acid Mondays, Alex Kennon, Chelina Manuhutu and of course, Carl himself are sure to excite.
Line Up: Carl Cox (live DJ/hybrid set), Christopher Coe (live), Hannes Bieger (live), Julien Chaptal (live), Mat Playford (live), Reinier Zonneveld (live), Quazar (live), Acid Mondays (DJ), Alex Kennon (DJ), Chelina Manuhutu (DJ)
Maceo Plex’s Lone Romantic
Warehouse Elementenstraat
October 19th
https://www.awakenings.com/en/events/2019/10/maceo-plex-x-lone-romantic/12482/
Following another summer of high-profile gigs, Maceo Plex is set to bring his Lone Romantic show to Elementenstraat this October with an expectedly impressive line-up in tow. Expect killer electro from the likes of I-F, The Hacker and Anthony Rother, Detroit business from the minimal mastermind Robert Hood, eclectic goodness from Young Marco, Ben UFO and Joy Orbison, house cuts from Irish party starters Brame & Hamo and special appearances by Maceo Plex under his Mariel Ito guide. This one should be special!
Line Up: Anthony Rother, Ben UFO, Brame & Hamo, I-F, Joy Orbison, Legowelt, Maceo Plex, Mariel Ito, Robert Hood, The Hacker, Young Marco
Sound-Fleet 2019 ADE Boat Party Programme
October 16th – 20th
http://www.sound-fleet.com/
One of the most intimate and capturing experiences of ADE, Sound-Fleet allows you to cruise below the Amsterdam skyline immersed in a variety of electronic sounds. The 2019 programme features showcases from Rejected, The Bliss Office, Shadows by Magdalena, Olivier Weiter & Friends, Muse by Lehar & Musumeci and more.
Acts include Steve Bug, Marcel Fengler, Josh Butler, Michael Mayer, Michel de Hey, Franky Rizardo, Dennis Quin, Edwin Oosterwal, Magdalena, HOSH, Tone Depth, GROJ (Live), SIMAO, 1979, Lehar b2b Musumeci, Agents Of Time (DJ Set), Phunkadelica (live)
Funk The Dam is brand new funk, soul & disco weekend in Amsterdam from Friday 8th November – Sunday 10th November, 2019.
The headliners for the debut edition include the legendary likes of Craig Charles, Crazy P (LIVE), Kon, Greg Wilson, Norman Jay MBE, Smoove & Turrell, Mixmaster Morris, Riot Jazz Brass Band and many more.
Norman Jay’s Good Times and Craig Charles are hosting boat parties that invite you to cruise through Amsterdam dancing to the best funk, soul and disco hits to ever be heard on a 600 capacity double decker party boat that will be kitted out with extra sound and lights and featuring a fully stocked licensed bar, making this one hell of a floating nightclub!
Elsewhere, from the cosmic disco funk of Crazy P’s spellbinding live show to the deeply dug out delights of Craig Charles via American crate digging sensation Kon and his love of disco, boogie and funk and on the Geordie trendsetters Smoove & Turrell and the uplifting sounds of the Riot Jazz Brass Band, this will be an ultimate soundtrack for funk and soul lovers of all ages.
There will also be Sensi Seed Museum tours, coffee shop yours and a bottomless brunch to enjoy.
Find out more on the Funk the Dam website.
Cymatiks is a collaborative event between acclaimed underground artists Agents of Time as well as creative innovation and design firm Hiveh and Sagrado Corp, who deal in high level entertainment with next level production. The project takes its name from Cymatics, the study of wave phenomena and vibration derived from the Greek ‘kyma’ (wave) and ‘ta kymatica ‘meaning’ matters pertaining to waves.
Cymatiks production will be a hybrid of a variety of forms, including immersive experiences, interactive video installations, 3D spaces, FX light sculptures, and vibrational objects. These pieces, expressed in both space and time, are heard, walked through, and seen so that the boundaries between art, music and performance are blurred. What’s more, each event is proceeded the day before by performing art popups and exhibitions in exclusive locations like StandART Moscow and Hangar Brussels, and will all be open to the public.
Sound is characterised by instrumentation and composition that stands out from the crowd, much like Agents of Time themselves. They give the project a unique identity and their sound is about rhythms and the bass. It’s not really melodies that structure this music, is more about new sounds and live sessions that make Cymatiks an immersive experience to all your senses.
The first event rolls into Hangar in Brussels, Belgium on September 28th for a spectacular 12-hour indoor festival with two rooms of music and audio visual experiments offered up by Agents Of Time live, Anna Nova, Apparat, Fideles, Floating Points, Michael Mayer, Red Axes, Amato (THE HACKER) & Adriani live, Danny Daze, Etapp Kyle, Golden Virgo and Tijana T. You can expect a forward thinking mix of avant-garde house and techno that will make for a truly immersive experience. After that there will be parties on April 20th in Beirut, Lebanon and January 4th in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, that continue to innovate and amaze, with line-ups to be announced.
This exciting new project is set to change the way we think about how music and sound can interact, and will very much redefine what it means to be lost in sound.
Find the event on Facebook for more information.
After more than 25,000 clubbers entered dozens of No Sleep Festival’s parties last year, all spread on various locations across the city in a continuous 48-hour run, this year has already seen countless ravers booking flights to Serbia’s hedonistic capital city.
Friday 8th and Saturday 9th November is when the action unfolds and now the final line-up is revealed to include fabric London and Bicep, Mind Against, Terry Francis, Anna Wall and Anastasia Kristiansen joining Amelie Lens and more in Serbia.
One of the world’s leading clubs and a symbol of London’s nightlife, fabric celebrates its 20th anniversary in Belgrade with a programme is led by Bicep, the Belfast-born duo, whose eponymous LP from 2017 found acclaim from all corners of the electronic music world.
Tickets and more info can be found online at Nosleepfestival.com.
It has been another mad year of parties old and new in Ibiza.
After weeks of non stop raving it all must soon come to an end but not before the famous closing parties.
Here are the best of them.
Together – Closing Party, Amnesia Ibiza
September 17th, 2019
Closing party line-up: Chase & Status, SIGMA, Wilkinson, My Nu Leng, DJ EZ, Gorgon City b2b Sonny Fodera, TECHNIK, CAAL, MK
Together Ibiza is a unique night out on the White Isle given that it has a world-class focus on bass heavy sounds from across the spectrum. Nowhere else on the island will you hear such super-sized sounds from such a long list of bass superstars, all with next level production, immersive light and mind blowing lasers across the Main Room and Terrace of the vast adult playground that is Amnesia. And just look at that for a Closing Party line-up!
Resistance Ibiza – Closing Party, Privilege Ibiza
September 17th, 2019
Closing party line-up: Carl Cox, Adam Beyer, Sasha, John Digweed, Layo & Bushwacka, Charlotte de Witte, Dense & Pika, Hot Since 82, Deborah de Luca, Luigi Madonna
RESISTANCE Ibiza has stormed the White Isle once again this summer. Taking into account the quality of the DJs on offer, that should perhaps come as no surprise. Filling out a 10,000 capacity club each Tuesday is no mean feat, but with Carl Cox, Adam Beyer, Sasha, John Digweed, Layo & Bushwacka, Charlotte de Witte, Dense & Pika, Hot Since 82, Deborah de Luca and Luigi Madonna all locked in for the Closing Party, it’s a feat we’re confident they’ll achieve once more.
Do Not Sit On The Furniture – Closing Party, Heart Ibiza
September 17th, 2019
Closing party line-up: Behrouz, Franky & Sandrino, BONDI, Valentin Huedo
Acclaimed Miami house party Do Not Sit On The Furniture returns to Heart Ibiza for its closing party on September 17th.
This party is in association with Heart Factory and promises to be another unique and intimate gathering that you cannot find anywhere else in Ibiza. Do Not Sit is known for its spiritual sound and warm atmospheres, friendly, in the know crowds and classy soundtrack that comes from the day’s finest DJs.
Guests include Franky & Sandrino, BONDI and Valentin Huedo, of course Behrouz will bring his own thoughtful, immersive house grooves and make sure the whole club is under his magical and melodic spell as he tells another of his musical stories.
ONE NIGHT STAND – Closing Party, DC-10
September 20th, 2019
Closing party line-up: Better Lost Than Stupid, 2vilas, Cap, Dyed Soundorom, Felipe Bravo, Hanfry Martinez, Hector, ISBEL, Javier Carballo, Praslea, Real Gang Soundsystem (Miller – Real Gang & Nicolau – Real Gang), Rossko, Spokenn (Ferro & Reiss), Traumer, Adam Chappell, Smythy
One of the most talked about and exciting new parties in Ibiza once again proved just that this summer. As ever with One Night Stand, the closing party is jammed full of talent from the house, techno and minimal scenes. What’s more, this party also represents their 3rd birthday, so it looks as though they’ll be blowing out the candles in esteemed fashion.
WILDCHILD – Closing Party, Heart Ibiza
28th September, 2019
Closing party line-up: SPECIAL GUEST TBA, Smythy B2B Jamie Mannion, Dave Mantra B2B Jeremy Weeks, Santanna B2B Dave Lubin, Andy Baxter B2B Too Fine
Having already put on some of the most talked about events over the past few years such as One Night Stand, Pure Carl Cox, LiFT and more, Game Over’s WILDCHILD at Heart Ibiza has proved another runaway success at the Ibiza Town club. Taking inspiration from the early days of the 90’s block party culture right through to the modern day madness of house music that emerges in its many shades from the backstreets and warehouses of London, Paris, Amsterdam, Chicago, Berlin, New York and beyond. Line-ups for this one are announced week-on-week, so keep your ears to the ground for what’s to come.
Planet Claire – Closing Party, Octan Ibiza
September 29th, 2019
Closing party line-up: Apollonia (all night long) + more TBA
What a year it’s been for Apollonia, who this summer embarked on their first ever White Isle residency — and doing so in some style. Taking over Octan every Sunday, the boys brought a veritable array of underground guests to Playa d’en Bossa, with Anthea, Francesco del Garda, Nicolas Lutz, Doc Martin and Mark E Quark a taste of the calibre of acts who lined up alongside them. As is their forte, the house and techno-loving trio (consisting of Dan Ghenacia, Shonky and Dyed Soundorom) is sure to blow out the candles on another successful Ibiza season in some style, taking over Octan’s famous LAB room for an all night session that’s sure to feature the boys at their best. If discerning, uncomprosoming sounds are your thing, consider this one a must-visit.
Octan – Closing Party
October 6th, 2019
After a much talked-about debut season, Octan now announces a very special closing party on Sunday, 6th October. Headlining this unmissable final hurrah will be Octan residents Steve Lawler and Apollonia, who will be joined by the likes of Darius Syrossian, Derrick May, Stefano Noferini, Shonky, Leon, John Aquaviva, East End Dubs, Seb Zito, Lauren Lo Sung, ANOTR, Reelow and a host of top-drawer Octan DJs.
This summer has seen Apollonia launch their first residency Planet Claire to critical acclaim, as well as some serious Warrior sessions from Steve Lawler. Both of those firm favourites return to play the closing party, while Detroit techno legend Derrick May also lines-up.
Fellow techno titans Stefano Noferini and Plus 8 co-founder John Acquaviva will bring their big bag of tricks, Darius Syrossian will rock the place with his edgy house, and first class dub tech from Shonky, Leon, Fuse associates Seb Zito and East End Dubs, plus Lauren Lo Sung, ANOTR and Reelow and will close things out in style. Kicking off at 7pm with a barbecue on its famous terrace and going all the way through until 7am, Octan’s Closing Party offers one last chance in 2019 to experience something truly different and utterly music-focussed on the White Isle.
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Solomun +1 – Closing Party, Pacha
October 13th, 2019
Closing party line-up: Solomun, Keinemusik (Rampa, &ME, Adam Port)
Without doubt Ibiza’s most successful residency of the last few years, Solomun’s +1 party will come to a close this year on 13th October, with the Diynamic boss inviting the Keinemusik crew along for the ride. Already this year, Solomun has played host to the likes of Peggy Gou, Denis Sulta, Tijuana T, DJ Seinfeld, Maceo Plex, Mano Le Tough, Tale Of Us, Dixon, Luciano, Chloé, me, DJ Koze and Moscoman, solidifying his reputation as the island’s most popular contemporary DJ.
December 6th and 7th, 2019, attendees of Heart Festival at Wynwood Factory will have the unique opportunity to experience the return of a legendary concept.
From their first show in September 2015, Heart Nightclub provided the city of Miami with unforgettable live techno, house, and electronic performances. In addition to winning multiple industry club awards such as DJ Mag Best North American Club, DJ Mag Top 100 Clubs 2018, and several Best Dance Club Miami & Afterhours, the playground of sound was beloved for its unpredictability – which included legendary bookings and extended performances such as Joseph Capriati’s record-setting 26.5-hour long set, The Martinez Brothers’ 24-hour musical journey, Solomun’s impromptu 14-hour performance, and countless inimitable music moments.
For Art Basel 2019, the team behind Heart Nightclub is reawakening the beloved brand as a 2-day, 63-act, genre-bending festival at the beautiful Wynwood Factory.
The lineup features top-tier techno staples such as The Martinez Brothers, Sasha & John Digweed, Damian Lazarus, Cassy and Bedouin, but also brings live performers and creative up-and-comers, such as Rodriguez Jr.
Designed by the experienced team behind Heart Nightclub and Humans Alike, Heart Festival at Wynwood Factory features over 60 of the best electronic DJs and live performers utilizing three distinct rooms and one open-air lot, each featuring a top-of-the-line sound system and a distinct energy.
Two-day passes are currently on sale for a chance to listen to the greatest lineup of Art Basel 2019 and be part of a one-time rebirth of one of the greatest clubs in electronic music history.
Ticket Link: https://factory.electrostub.com/event.cfm?id=210868
Epizode Music and Art Festival returns for a much-anticipated fourth edition from December 27, 2019 – January 7, 2020.
The latest names have been revealed and include Behrouz, Ben UFO, Carl Craig, Christian Loffler, Egyptian Lover, Jamie Jones, Kiasmos (DJ set), Luciano, Moodymann, Nastia, Petre Inspirescu, Raresh, Red Axes, Rhadoo, Richy Ahmed, Satori and Sonja Moonear.
Aside from the above names, the festival will draw on further local and international talents such as Alci, Anna Nova, Bnh, Cabanne, Chaim, Cinthie, Denis Kaznacheev, DeWalta & Shannon, Digby, DJ Masda, Djebali, Edward, EllI, Fideles, Given, Janeret, Jenia Tarsol, Konstantin, Konstantin Sibold, Leafar Legov, Map.ache, Matias Aguayo, Molly, O.Bee, Panthera Krause, Patrick Topping, Phoung Dan, Ranishe Niyaak, S.A.M, Trikk, Varhat, Vera, Vlada, youANDme and Zendid.
Head to the Epizode website for more.