Title track ‘Cha Cha’ percolates and throbs, using a distinct vocal clip and exhilarating synth arrangements to create indelible memories. ‘Precious Unica’ brings in vocalist Lelah for a dour journey into our mind’s emotional centre.
‘Momentum Of The Arapaima’ merges unusual percussive elements with a moody bassline and an earworm vocal clip for ultimate dance floor effervescence.
Finally, ‘Majstor’ utilises minimal framework to awaken our primitive state, encouraging deep primal expression.
Cult favourite forest festival Planet Paradigm is back once again for third magical getaway. This one day trip goes down deep in the Groningen woods on May 23rd 2020 with the likes of Zip, DJ Masda, SIT (Cristi Cons & Vlad Caia), Onur Özer, Junki Inoue, Ferro B2B Benny Rodrigues, Abstract Division, Reiss, DJ Orchid B2B UlsT and many more all providing the stylish and stripped back soundtrack for a surreal intergalactic getaway.
VBX is hugely well respected in the underground dance world. The parties they throw in places like Amsterdam are always packed with proper music lovers thanks to the tasteful line-ups assembled. Each one mixes a crack team of residents with hot stars of the day and bona-fide legends. The team knows their local Amsterdam scene inside out and back to front and have a stylish minimal aesthetic to all they do, which means the music is always the main star. They know the best venues and put on legendary parties during ADE.
Meanwhile, once an abandoned warehouse, Paradigm is an important cultural hub located in a rural area of the northern Netherlands that has its own rich rave history. They also host their own wonderfully immersive festivals that create a space where you can be yourself and express yourself freely in a community with people from all walks of life.
Once a year these two behemoths come together to create a unique one-day opening to Planet Paradigm. This cultural phenomenon is a close-knit affair with real music lovers and has sold out each and every time. It always takes in headliners who contribute their own classy, left-of-centre sounds to help visitors reach a higher state of consciousness by triggering all six senses from sunup until way past sundown. The surroundings are mystical, too, with unconventionally designed stages such as the Forest Stage, Dome Stage, Romney Stage and Club all immersing you in an escapist realm that feels many miles away from everyday life.
Like last year’s showcase, aural and visual senses will be pleased in particular with all flavours of left leaning house, techno and electro from deep diggers like Zip and Onur Özer, Cabaret Records co-founder and Japanese favourite DJ Masda, taste making minimalists SIT (Cristi Cons & Vlad Caia), a live show from French wonderkid Sweely, mysterious Rotterdam techno talent Tafkamp, special back to backs from Paradigm and VBX legends like Ferro and Benny Rodrigues, with more from Abstract Division, Reiss, DJ Orchid B2B UlsT,Colin B2B Roy Lodder and much more.
After making a huge impression in its first year, the magical UNUM Festival returns to the Albanian Riviera from May 28th to June 1st 2020. The first wave of names for this sun soaked, naturalistic getaway include Raresh, Seth Troxler, tINI, Sonja Moonear, Dyed Soundorom, John Dimas, Priku, Praslea, Cap, Digby, Cesar Merveille with many more to be announced.
In 2019, UNUM made an immediate mark with its debut edition, that played out on the stunning Albanian Riviera with a world class line-up. The festival really shined a spotlight on the last untapped corner of Europe: Rana e Hedhun, in the town of Shengjin, on the idyllic Albanian coastline.
Now running even longer by starting Thursday and continuing non-stop until Monday, music plays both the day and night, so you can expect blissful sunrise and sunset parties, as well as a wealth of water sports, local culture, rich food and drink offerings and a music loving crowd from all corners of the world. There are also isolated bays and golden sand beaches to explore, and all with the stunning Albanian Alps as the backdrop. UNUM is the type of blissful and dreamy, organic and natural place, that feels undiscovered and hidden away from the rest of the world.
In 2020, there are once more three stages: The Beach Stage, which runs from sunrise until sunset, will be more experimental and chilled during the daytime, to give people a place to enjoy the surroundings. The Main Stage, which runs from sunset until dawn, and finally the Into the Pines Stage, which runs 24 hours a day and mixes world renowned names, regional artists and a mix of alternative and experimental musical styles, all in the shade of lush pine trees which infuse the air with their scent.
More than 50 international and local artists from across the house and techno spectrum will perform, such as Raresh, Seth Troxler, tINI, Sonja Moonear, Dyed Soundorom, John Dimas, Priku, Praslea, Cap, Digby, and Cesar Merveille.
This is a boutique event that offers the chance to experience a brand new and lesser known corner of Europe with a world class soundtrack. There are also pre-parties lined up from now until the festival in Berlin, Zurich, Geneva, Istanbul, Tirana, Skopje, and Belgrade.
The game changing Scottish dance event Terminal V has announced plans for its biggest ever event on Saturday April 11th 2020 in Edinburgh. Under the title of Terminal V: New Horizon, headlining across five spectacular stages will be Bonobo, Nina Kraviz, Charlotte De Witte, Richie Hawtin, Green Velvet, Floorplan, Eats Everything, I Hate Models, KiNK (LIVE), Ben UFO, Helena Hauff, Honey Dijon, Avalon Emerson, Rebuke, Octo Octa – Live, Moxie, Shanti Celeste and Lena Willikens amongst many more.
This much anticipated bi-annual event gets the festival season underway each year and has become an iconic staple of the spring calendar. It is set to raise the bar once more in 2020, with 20000 people in attendance across five main stages that will be dripping with next level lights, lasers, visuals and of course a giant sound system. By now, heart stopping production and deep, world class line-ups have become Terminal V’s calling card and this event will be no different. Unofficially one of the biggest such events anywhere in Europe, Terminal V: New Horizon is already unmissable.
First up is electronic maestro Bonobo, who is making his first appearance in the city for six years and always cooks up lush and emotive symphonies of genre-blurring sounds, while one years after his mesmeric show at Terminal V Easter 2019, Minus boss and techno icon Richie Hawtin plays once more, and critically acclaimed Trip label boss Nina Kraviz makes her long awaited Terminal V debut. Alongside her hard edged sounds will be Belgian’s techno tour de force and Kontext party and label head Charlotte de Witte, as well as Belgrade’s always on fire Tijana T, cult selector and Peach Discs boss Shanti Celeste and breakout star Saoirse.
From the cutting edge of the underground come the hard to define Lena Willikens, blistering DJ talent that is Avalon Emerson, Hessle Audio’s deep digging Ben UFO and dark technoist Helena Hauff who all bring real artfulness and fresh perspective to the DJ booth, as well as Chicago jack masters Green Velvet, long time Italian titan Luigi Madonna, the ever eclectic Geordie and Me Me Me boss Man Power and NTS’s first lady, Moxie. There will also be live shows from deep house’s most expressive star, Octo Octa, trance inducing grooves from Ejeca and plenty more to come.
Another returning favourite is Rebuke who turned in one of the most talked about sets at the Halloween rave, while I Hate Models is another Terminal V debutant, Detroit’s Robert Hood // Floorplan, the father and daughter team who bring rapturous gospel sounds to driving house and techno are exactly the sort of legendary act that make Terminal V so special, and Bulgarian techno wizard KiNK, floor filling favourite Eats Everything and Chicago original Honey Dijon also line up with a mixed bag of essential and authentic sounds.
Terminal V events always sell out, and always go down in history as all consuming celebrations of tech in a perfectly realised rave space that offers a wide range of moods and settings in one vital party.
After a decade of building up a reputation as one of Europe’s most forward looking electronic music festivals, Dimensions continues to build on its legacy with the news that in 2020 it will play out in the spectacular natural beauty of The Garden Resort, Tisno from 13-18th August, 2020.
With a continued devotion to the most vibrant club sounds and scenes around, the headliners for this latest exciting edition includes an array of mouthwatering appearances. These include a rare festival showing for Perlon boss Zip, electro authorities Helena Hauff and DJ Stingray, techno don Surgeon, and a special back-to-back between Stenny and Skee Mask, plus live performances from Overmono, Karenn, the debut of dBridge Presents Black Electric, Casa Voyager’s Kosh, midwest legend Titonton Duvante, Tikiman & Scion performing tracks by Rhythm & Sound, Freerotation’s Steevio & Suzybee, and much more.
Dimensions has always stood itself apart for a few key, but vital reasons: a dedication to exciting, adventurous programming, exclusive performances, debut live shows and a tasteful mix of red hot new school heroes and fascinating and enduring legends. Next level sound quality, a strict music-first spirit, and a continued nurturing of a close-knit community of labels and club partners will remain with a close connection to Dimensions roots in Leeds present and correct thanks to partnerships with Butter Side Up, Cosmic Slop and Tribe Records, plus new partnerships with Freerotation Festival, Nicolas Lutz’ My Own Jupiter and Helena Hauff’s Return To Disorder label featuring Croatian artists Le Chocolat Noir and Zarkoff plus many more to be confirmed.
As always, the traditional and much loved Opening Concert returns, this time atop the stunning St Michael’s Fortress in Sibenik with a live show from the one and only Floating Points. The world famous Sinai Sound System will be on hand to power after-parties at the world renowned open air space that is Barbarella’s, and The Sound Studio will offer talks, technology and more to make this an even more immersive and unique experience than ever.
The Garden Resort is a natural bay with a gorgeous sweeping beach and pine tree lined hills for a backdrop. It will all come alive with the signature Dimensions production and so expect all the boat parties, beach parties sand after parties you could wish for to keep you dancing for days.
Musically, Dimensions 2020 promises to be as widescreen as ever, with artists at the top of their game all representing. Mobile Berlin record shop The Ghost, techno royalty Surgeon, cult selectors who cross the line between techno, spacey breaks, electro and house such as Nicoals Lutz, Francesco Del Garda, Truly Madly, D. Tiffany,CCL, minimal tastemakers Margaret Dygas and Vera, Detroit kingpins such as electro dons Detroit in Effect, DJ Assault and house master Marcellus Pittman, the long time innovator DMX Krew (live), deep digging Brilliant Corners resident Donna Leake, eclectic selectors from Awesome Tapes From Africa, John Gómez and world famous Leeds party Cosmic Slop DJs, Berlin bass champ Darwin and her partner in crime re:ni, UK heroes Pearson Sound, Pangaea and Josey Rebelle, with many more to come.
EPIZODE is a unique coming together of music, art and culture in Vietnam’s most picturesque island getaway, Phu Quoc. The 11-day long festival kicks off after Christmas and ploughs through the hustle and bustle of the New Year with magical sunsets, gorgeous sunny days and endless chances to explore the culturally rich local island all with a world class soundtrack.
Over the last three editions, the festival has quickly attracted a friendly, culturally curious crowd looking for new experiences. In 2019, attendance rates doubled from previous years, with more than 10,000 people from 79 countries attending including ravers, industry folks and avid travellers who get lost in a dreamy environment that comes alive with next level production, gigantic sculptures, installations and light shows that make it an unreal artistic setting.
This year the festival will focus on green credentials with a new eco-initiative that will substitute plastic straws with organic ones made in Vietnam, introduce a cup-sharing system, reusable pocket ashtrays and a focus on educating the team, local partners and the audience about the responsibility that one can take to prevent the collapse of the ecosystem, through a series of advisory meetings, lectures, cleaning actions on the beach, in the forest, on the road and so on, all of which adds to the importance of Epizode Festival.
Artists include: ANJA SCHNEIDER, APOLLONIA, BEN UFO, CRAIG RICHARDS, GUTI, LEHAR, LILLY PALMER, LOCO DICE, LUCIANO, NICOLAS LUTZ, RARESH, RICARDO VILLALOBOS, wAFF, WILLIAM DJOKO & MANY MORE
In Summer 2020, Electric Gardens delivers its biggest and most diverse lineup yet for its 5th anniversary: Half a decade of cutting-edge producers and world-class DJs will be celebrated in Sydney’s shining Centennial Park on Saturday 22nd February 2020 including Armand Van Helden, DJ EZ, Craig David Presents T5, Nora En Pure, Gorgon City, Alan Fitzpatrick, My Nu Leng, Pan-Pot, Reinier Zonneveld live, Wilkinson and many more world class DJs and live shows.
Since a game-changing debut back in 2016, Electric Gardens has established itself as an essential boutique event for electronic music fans across the country. Electric Gardens 2020 continues the event’s tradition of presenting top-tier electronic artists and underground sensations; with dazzling stage production, generous set times and a pristine location. It’s careful curation that has seen the event become a staple for Australian fans over the past five years, and the milestone is a testament to Electric Gardens dedication to booking exciting electronic talent, while simultaneously steering clear of trend-dependent and novelty acts.
Set on the paradise island of Saint-Martin / Sint-Maarten in the Caribbean, featuring a wealth of international DJs and electronic music talent, SXM Festival prides it itself upon drawing the most discerning crowd of music lovers. A reaction to large, faceless festivals around the world, SXM sees an influential group of dancefloor aficionados – who value and respect the scene’s history and culture – come together in beautiful surroundings to dance together and experience the joys of one of the Caribbean’s most fun and friendly locations.
Lineup includes:Bedouin, Blond:Ish, Britta Arnold, Cassy, Chaim, DJ Tennis, Enzo Siragusa, Holmar, Jade (CA), Jan Blomqvist (Live), Jenia Tarsol, Loco Dice, Luca Bacchetti, Maga, Maher Daniel, Marco Carola, Parallells (Live), Ricardo Villalobos, Rony Seikaly, Sabo, Sainte Vie (Live), Serge Devant, Sonja Moonear, Unders, wAFF, YokoO
On 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.
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. 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. 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.
Lineup Includes: The Martinez Brothers, Sasha & John Digweed, Damian Lazarus, Bedouin, Andrea Oliva, Artbat, Boris, Brina Knauss, Carlo Lio, Cassy, Chelina Manuhutu, Cocodrills, Culoe De Song, Davide Squillace, Denney, Fiin
Guy J, Hector, Hugo Bianco, Ilario Alicante, Popof, Rodriguez Jr. (live), Technasia & many more
Envision is the world’s biggest eco friendly festival, a 7 day wellbeing and music experience held on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast where the jungle meets the ocean. There’s a big focus on yoga: classes run all day in two ‘yoga temples’, with top teachers from around the world. Expect workshops on anything from permaculture to natural remedies and astrology, while music – across four stages – will be provided by local and international live acts and DJs. 2020 will mark the 10th year anniversary of Envision, so expect bigger and longer celebrations for this special global landmark event.
In an effort to leave a positive footprint, Envision hosts a reforesting program which has planted more than 12,000 trees over the last 8 years. To protect the environment and cut down on waste, ALL single use plastics and outside alcohol are banned, while vendors serving foods onsite pledge to uphold Envision’s commitment to buy locally grown produce for an authentic dining experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Lineup includes: Rufus Du Sol, Tipper, Clozee, Monolink, Yokoo, Be Svendsen, Random Rab & many more
LXM Festival
Lisbon, Portugal
https://lxmfestival.com/
December 13, 14, 15th
So, it happens and we present something that we have definitely been settling since 2004, is the biggest event of LXMUSIC to date, an event only possible now, after 14 years of affirmation and sharing with Lisbon and the world the best of the universe of the world. electronic music. There were hundreds of artists above the thousand who shared with us and built the foundations, paths, new starting points for the present and the future.
The LXM Festival is based on an adult, concerned and responsible concept, which aims to affirm and believe electronic music as an expression and as an art form, no doubt. It is also a sample for the new generations; what is expected again; what is there to explore.
The LXM Festival also emerges based on the evolution of technologies and science. The venue for the event, the Parque das Nações International Fair of Lisbon, is located in Nova Lisboa, where the best means and accessibility are located, constituting as a reference of technological development, with road, rail and air communications. few minutes from each other.
Les Dunes Electroniques was founded in 2014 as a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts of the Republic of Tunisia. After three years away, the festival makes a welcome return in 2019 from September 21-22nd. The action goes down at Ong Jmel, near Nefta, 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. This unique musical adventure will serve up 30 hours of uninterrupted music from the Tunisian, French and international electronic scenes with more than 30 artists on the bill.
An unprecedented format, an exceptional natural scenery, a strong representation of the Tunisian youth … all the ingredients are gathered to make this third edition unforgettable, in the process providing a unique experience to the public of DUNES ELECTRONIQUES.
Artists include: Axel Boman, Apollonia, Nicolas Lutz, Luciano, Behrouz, Stimming and many more
Project Sound
Tulum, Mexico
https://www.facebook.com/projectsoundmx/
January 5th / January 6th
Cult and long established promoters Project Sound invite you to spend the New Year with them, deep in the mystic jungle of Tulum, Mexico at their specially built new club, Templo Xunanha. This organic structure will come alive with Mayan spirits and world class sounds from Solomon, Maceo Plex, Ame and Dixon.
Project Sound have been creating special, high quality events at the Riviera Maya for more than 12 years. They are always respectful of the magic of the Mayan land and put together tasteful line ups in unreal locations, always with a focus on world class sound and production.
After that on January 5th is Solomun’s world renowned +1 concept makes the trip over from its home in Ibiza and will see the Diynamic label founder play with Maceo Plex, the space techno pioneer behind the Ellum Audio label, all amongst the incredible nature of the jungle.
Then, on January 6th, masters of deep house emotions and Innervisions founders Âme and Dixon will play back to back for an extended all night set that will find them go into every corner of their record bags to serve up a truly enchanting set.
These three parties are set to be historic night in the heart of the Mexican jungle that will be talked about for years to come.
Abu Dhabi’s luxury private resort Zaya Nurai Island is to give itself over to a high-class music festival that will take place on 22nd to 23rd November 2019. At NuraiFest there’s something for everyone, no matter what time of the day; from pool parties in different corners of the island to sunset beach parties, all culminating with the famous VIP Estate party and world-renowned DJs such as Audiofly, Steve Lawler, Tiga, wAFF, M.A.N.D.Y., Satori live and Serge Devant performing on both days.
This will be an immersive and dream-like island experience like no other. It is where reinvigoration, music culture and relaxation seamlessly intersect as you dance on flawless white sand beaches and soak in translucent azure waters under a golden island sun. Ignite your sense of adventure, this is not déjà vu; this is something you’ve never seen or felt before.
Artists include:Audiofly, Steve Lawler, Tiga, wAFF, M.A.N.D.Y., Satori live, Serge Devan & more
SXM Festival has revealed who will headline from March 11-15 2020 on the Caribbean Island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten.
In line with SXM Festival’s wide reaching curation, the deeper side of the Burning Man influenced house and techno scene will find its place once again on the beaches of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. Bedouin will bring their mystic sonics to the event following a massive season for their Saga party in Ibiza. Blond:ish will return to the event following a Happy Bay triumph in 2019. Phase one also includes Israeli export and SXM favorite Chaim alongside YokoO, Luca Bachetti, Holmar, Sabo, Jan Blomqvist, Parallells, Sainte Vie and more.
The heights of the European underground will be on full display at SXM Festival, represented by the likes of the inimitable Ricardo Villalobos, Music On! boss Marco Carola, Panorama Bar resident Cassy and the eclectic sounds of Sonja Moonear. New SXM favorite Enzo Siragusa will make his return to the festival while fashion-forward tech house master Loco Dice is welcomed for his first session on the island.
The international showcase continues with the likes of Crosstown Rebels mainstay Serge Devant, Lebanon’s Rony Seikaly, UK shapeshifter wAFF, and ambitious Berliner, Britta Arnold.
The means by which these performances are spread across five days of peaks and valleys remains the true magic of the SXM Festival experience. Each set is thought of as part of an emotional odyssey taking travelers on a rhythmic journey through the natural beauty of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. Attendees may find themselves dancing on the idyllic shores of Happy Bay at sunset, partying at a premiere nightclub until dawn, then being swept away for a Boat Party at or a popup sunrise soirée looking over the Caribbean. The ebb and flow of the event is what retains its uniqueness, with each bespoke performance just a quick trip away from luxury villas and world-class hotels in which to rest for the day ahead. Each aspect of the programming aims to build towards its infamous emotional crescendos like the exclusive clifftop Villa Party and peak time at Happy Bay.
Since the devastating impact on the island by a series of 2017 hurricanes, SXM Festival has furthered its connection with the island and its dedication to the needs of the local community. In 2018, the festival created the Two Bunch Palms and Les Amis du SXM Festival Foundations with the immediate mission to raise funds to help those affected by Hurricane IRMA and as a future vessel to give back to causes important to the development and health of the island. The 2019 festival saw fans and artists join forces with both local governments to rebuild recreation areas, cleanup the island’s renowned beaches, and raise money for the year-round betterment of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten.
Moga Festival is a stunning event in many ways – the food, the music, the local customs and traditions and talented artists, as well as the beautiful setting.
Essaouira in Morocco is crazy-historic and has been used as The Red City in Game of Thrones. Palm trees and lush sunsets, beautiful sand beaches and old stone buildings ooze real atmosphere and the hot sun makes it a real desert escape.
Music plays out on four different stages, there are 6500 people in all from many different countries and top sets from the likes of Behrouz, and Praslea, and many more all make it hugely memorable.
The crowd is friendly and in the know and help make this a truly absorbing experience.
We were there and here are some of the best photos.
Photos by Oli Riley Photography, Juliet Airs and Momo Filali
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.
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.
