Festivals

Cross The Tracks Reveals Full Lineup for 2023

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They will join NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge), Yazmin Lacey, Masego, Kelis, Alfa Mist, Gilles Peterson, Roy Ayers, Ravyn Lenae, DOMi & JD Beck, Loose Ends, Hermanos Guitiérrez, CARRTOONS, Channel One, Son Little, Annahstasia and more

Cross The Tracks 2023

Tickets: https://www.xthetracks.com/

Date: Sunday 28th May, 2023

Location: Brockwell Park, London

Facebook / Instagram: @xthetracks

Cross The Tracks today announces its complete lineup for an unmissable one-day celebration in Brockwell Park, London on Sunday 28th May Bank Holiday 2023. No other festival offers such a quality mix of soul, jazz and funk with Ezra Collective, Liv.e, Sam Gellaitry, Nightmares On Wax (DJ Set), Emmavie, Alexander Nut, Ishmael Ensemble, Akemi Fox, muva of Earth, Sam Gellaitry, Adi Oasis, Zakia, Winnie, Kaidi Tatham & DJ Gilla DJ set, Ingrid Allman (Freez) live PA, Johnny Reckless, D. Vyzor, The Style Siblings, Abi Clarke, The Shejay, Mr Thing, Vanessa Freeman & Lyric L plus DJ Dibs and Disco Ballin’ now added to the likes of NxWorries (aka Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge), Kelis, Masego, Alfa Mist, Gilles Peterson, Roy Ayres, Children of Zeus, Yazmin Lacey, Son Little and tens more. Make sure to secure your tickets at https://www.xthetracks.com/.

These latest names bring more musical goodness with acclaimed British jazz quintet Ezra Collective leading the charge with their innovative fusion sounds. Featuring bandleader Femi Koleoso, bassist TJ Koleoso, keyboardist Joe Armon-Jones, trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi, and tenor saxophonist James Mollison the group has a real chemistry built up over years of playing live together. They’re as able to pump a dance floor as they are to offer suave home listening soundtracks so expect a fluid musical trip from this influential London outfit whose second album in 2022 saw them reach critically acclaimed new heights.

Liv.e infuses funk, soul and Southern hip-hop influences on top of hazy lofi production, while hot Scottish talent Sam Gellaitry has a vivid sound that plays with in-between sounds and hazy disco, layered vocals and jazzy rhythms. Add in a DJ set from the one and only downtempo, dub, Latin and world music maestro Nightmares On Wax, plus more from hip hop and soul singer, writer and producer Emmavie.

On top of that come Eglo label head and eclectic selector Alexander Nut, contemporary jazz outfit Ishmael Ensemble, broken beat innovator Kaidi Tatham pairs off with DJ Gilla for a special DJ set, there will be a live PA from Ingrid Allman (from acclaimed Brit-funk outfit Freez) plus much more from Akemi Fox, muva of Earth, Sam Gellaitry, Adi Oasis, Zakia, Winnie, Johnny Reckless, D. Vyzor, The Style Siblings, Abi Clarke, The Shejay, Mr Thing, Vanessa Freeman & Lyric L plus DJ Dibs and Disco Ballin’.

Aside from the music, Cross The Tracks offers plenty to explore from a rich creatives’ market to insightful talks, panels and workshops by charity partners. There is also a wealth of site art to bring the lush green apr to life and over 40 breweries from across South London, more than 40+ food and drink traders and specially designed stages. All this plays out with great facilities in Brockwell Park with plenty of bespoke bars, food vendors, luxury toilets for VIP access and lush chillout areas.

The final countdown has now begun to this carefully curated and tasteful celebration of soul, jazz and funk.

FULL LINEUP (A-Z)

NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge)

Alfa Mist

Ezra Collective

Kelis

Masego

Abi Clarke

Adi Oasis

Akemi Fox

Alexander Nut

Annahstasia

BCUC

CARRTOONS

Channel One

Chelsea Carmichael

Cherise

Children of Zeus

D. Vyzor

Disco Ballin’

DJ Dibs

DOMi & JD Beck

Emmavie

Gilles Peterson

Handson Family

Hermanos Guitiérrez

Ingrid Allman (Freez) live PA

Ishmael Ensemble

Johnny Reckless

Kaidi Tatham & DJ Gilla (DJ set)

Liv.e

Loose Ends

Lunch Money Life

Mr Thing

muva of Earth

Nightmares On Wax (DJ Set)

Ravyn Lenae

Roy Ayers (Farewell Tour)

Sam Gellaitry

Son Little

The Count

The Shejay

The Silhouettes Project

The Style Siblings

Vanessa Freeman & Lyric L

Winnie

Yazmin Lacey

Zakia

Dimensions Festival Reveals Full Lineup For 2023 

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www.dimensionsfestival.com  |  Book Tickets

DJ Bone, Helena Hauff Invites, DJ Stingray 313, Objekt, Anz, Dr Banana, Donato Dozzy, Hieroglyphic Being (live), The Ghost, Freakenstein, Josey Rebelle, Nicolas Lutz, Paquita Gordon, Roza Terenzi b2b D Tiffany, Truly Madly, XDB, Youandewan, Zip, Iration Steppas, Fumiya Tanaka, DJ Perception, Gene On Earth, Dyed Soundorom and tens more all play 

Memories from a historic 10th anniversary are still etched into the minds of all who attended, but today Dimensions looks forward to summer 2023. Croatia’s most forward thinking festival is back at new and already much loved home The Garden Resort in Tisno from 31st August – 4th September with another untouchable mix of cult stars, pioneering legends and new school talents as well as the famous boat and label parties, live sets, back-to-back exclusives, debuts and much more. For full information and tickets, head to www.dimensionsfestival.com. 

The sweeping secluded bay, towering pines and gorgeous sea views of Croatia’s Garden Resort has proven to be a perfect setting for Dimensions, which is all about high quality production, carefully curated line-ups and crowds of serious music lovers. It now has a real family feel built up over 10 previous editions that makes every dance a special one where musical memories are made and new bonds formed. Whether that’s while sailing out to sea on one of the array of hugely popular boat parties, baking in the sun as DJs drop warm beats on the beach, getting freaky at an afters or dancing under star-lit skies at the cult Barbarella’s Discotheque is up to you, but rest assured there is no finer place to spend your summer getaway.  

This summer, Dimensions has poured heart and soul into another rich and diverse musical programme that covers all shades of bass, house, techno, electro, garage, disco and plenty in between. Much of that will be overseen by the welcomed return of popular label and brand partners such as the one and only Fabric, Bristol label Dr Banana, Berlin mobile record store and DJ duo The Ghost, London party and label Butter Side Up, Welsh community minded gathering Freerotation, Leeds’ legendary Subdub, plus Maricas, Heels & Souls, Casa Voyager, Picnic, Outlaws Yacht Club and more. On top of that, 2023 sees the addition of new partners such as Scotland’s leading electro label Craigie Knowes as well as the psychedelic lovers from Club Cosmos. 

Some firm festival favourites and long-standing affiliates return including blistering techno from Helena Hauff, high speed electro from Detroit’s Stingray, heady house and minimal from The Ghost, tasteful eclecticism from Josey Rebelle and stylish spaced out electronic sounds from Hamish & Toby. 

In terms of debuts, Italian techno sculptor Donato Dozzy will play for the first time while Sugar Free and Peach play back to back for the first time on any line-up with further b2bs scheduled from Malika & Matthew Neequaye, Christian AB & Quest, Gene On Earth & Dyed Soundorom, Youandewan & Huerta, Masda & Evan Baggs, tINI & Doudou MD, and Roza Terenzi & D. Tiffany. 

Live shows are always a big part of Dimensions and this year Sweely, Z@p, Hieroglyphic Being, OCB aka Driss Bennis and Steevio all line-up while lovers of heavy weight bottom ends have plenty to look forward to as Mala, Iration Steppas, LTJ Bukem, Josey Rebelle, Tim Reaper, Om Unit and Tasha all bring their finest bass next to Skee Mask, Objekt, Anz, Bluetoof and others who will be repping a rich take on UK centric electronic sounds.

On top of this there will searing electro from Assault, Freakenstein, DJ Bone and Helena Hauff (who also brings her Presents concept with another hard-hitting line-up ), plus UKG and beyond with Dr Banana who return with a stellar takeover featuring Lady Passion, Perception, Enchanted Rhythms and more, while otherworldly explorations come from Sybil, Carl H, Simon Scott and GiGi FM. ISAbella brings her MARICAS party back to Tisno with a special takeover and you can expect mind bending sets from Nicholas Lutz, Onur Ozer, Unai Trotti and Raphael Carrau amongst many more. 

There’s still plenty to be announced including the unmissable after party programme at Barbarellas Discotheque. Last year’s takeovers included The Ghost x Limousine Dream, Truants and Planet Euphorique. Passes to all three nights are currently available from £30 via bit.ly/D23Afters. 

Let’s not forget the boat parties; 3-hour sessions on the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic with some of the finest artists, labels and collectives around. Details soon to be shared.

Dimensions is a must-attend festival for underground music lovers and it always sells out. Get your tickets early at www.dimensionfestival.com.

FULL LINEUP ANNOUNCED (A-Z)

Adam Pits & Lisene – Space Cadets, Albin, Aletha, Alex Kassian, Andy Luff, Anz, Bluetoof, Borys & Noizar, Bugs Groove, Carl H, CCL, Christian AB b2b Quest, Craigie Knowes, d.phylleia, David Martin, DJ Assault, DJ Bone (Electro Set), DJ Masda b2b Evan Baggs, DJ Perception, DJ Pipe, DJ Stingray 313, DJ Voices, Donato Dozzy, Donna Leake, Dr Baird, Dr Banana, Dr Rubinstein, Eich, Enchanted Rhythms, Enrica Falqui, Flo Dill, Francesco Del Garda, Freakenstein, Full Circle – Alexis Le Tan & Joakim, Fumiya Tanaka, Gabbs, Garrett David, Gene On Earth b2b Dyed Soundorom, GiGi FM, Hamish & Toby, Harri Pepper, Heels & Souls, Helena Hauff, Hieroglyphic Being (live), Inner Zone, Iration Steppas (live), ISAbella, Jack Wrenn, James Andrew & Charley, James Falco, Jaye Ward, Jen Harkness, Joe Delon, Joe Gill, Josey Rebelle, Junior, k means, Kold Faction, KRN, L.F.T., Lady Passion, Laidlaw, Lena Willikens, Liquid Earth, Lora Mipsum, LTJ Bukem & MC Lowqui, Lucy Cook, Mala, Malika, Mari.te, Matthew Neequaye, Matthias, Melody, Migz, Mother Earth, Neel, Nicolas Lutz, Nite Fleit, Objekt, OCB aka Driss Bennis (live), OK Williams, Om Unit, Onur Özer, Paquita Gordon, Paramida, Peach b2b Sugar Free, Pete Melba, Prosumer, Raphael Carrau, Rasho, Ron Obvious (live), Roza Terenzi b2b D. Tiffany, Sean OD, Selfhood, Simon Scott, Skee Mask, So-Fi, Steevio was (live), Sweely, Sybil, T. Jacques, Tasha, The Ghost, Tho & Loren, Tim Reaper, tINI b2b Doudou MD, Tony Neptune, Travis, Tristan Da Cunha, Truly Madly, Unai Trotti, Velvet Velour, Voigtmann, Vrm Vrm, XDB, Youandewan b2b Huerta, Z@p (live), Zip

PARTNERS

25 Years of Subdub, Butter Side Up, Cartulis, Casa Voyager, Club Cosmos, Craigie Knowes, DJ Stingray 313 Presents, Dr Banana, Fabric, Freerotation, Heels & Souls, Helena Hauff Invites, MARICAS, MUDD Show, Outlaws Yacht Club, Picnic, Planet Euphorique, Resident Advisor, SlapFunk, space•lab, Spaced, The Ghost, Tribe Records, Trommel.

Defected Announces First Leeds Takeover in Five Years

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Gorgon City, Hannah Wants, Low Steppa, Sam Divine, Arielle Free all headline

Tickets: https://www.canvasyard.co.uk/defected-leeds

URL –  https://defected.com/leeds 

Website: https://www.canvasyard.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canvas.yard/

World renowned house label Defected is heading for a full takeover of Leeds for the first time in five years. On Coronation Bank Holiday Sunday, May 7th, key label associates and friends Gorgon City, Hannah Wants, Low Steppa, Sam Divine, Arielle Free and Rio Tashan will line-up at the all new Canvas Yard, a major event space with out-of-this-world production that will make for a true celebration of all things house. Head to https://www.canvasyard.co.uk/defected-leeds for tickets.

Defected is one of the longest running and most influential house labels in the world. It consistently serves up the most authentic sounds from deep to soulful to vocal, with a long list of essential festivals, key Ibiza residencies and a seminal ongoing mix series that very much defines the contemporary house landscape. 

This exclusive takeover will feature one stage with 10 hours of music from midday. It will be the largest event the label has ever thrown in the city with a wide range of street food and a chill out village making it the perfect Bank Holiday celebration. 

The venue is Canvas Yard, a brand new four year collaboration between Moda Living and New Citizens. It is a dedicated event space in the heart of the city that will be transformed with cutting edge audio-visual production and a powerful sound system to deliver the perfect soundtrack. 

Says Lance from New Citizens, “We’re pleased to announce our second event for Spring 2023 at Canvas Yard as we welcome house music royalty Defected back to Leeds for their first show in the city in over 5 years. With a huge line up joining us on a special bank holiday weekend, we’re all set for another fantastic event to celebrate the opening of our new venue.”

Providing the sounds will be chart-topping, hit-making house stars Gorgon City, the always innovative Low Steppa, Defected Radio’s longest running radio host and chunky house specialist Sam Divine, plus Radio 1’s rising superstar Arielle Free.

Hannah Wants’ recent hit ‘Cure My Desire’ was a standout Defected release of 2022 which peaked at #20 on Shazam UK Chart and was on the KISS FM playlist for 16+ weeks so expect to hear that one nice and loud. Last but not least is Rio Tashan, winner of Defected’s 2022 Unsung Heroes competition for new residents who has since made a major mark on the brand performing at Defected Croatia, Defected Malta and at their New Year’s Eve celebrations at Printworks. 

This is a rare chance to experience the full Defected experience in Leeds that you definitely won’t want to miss. 

SOCIALS

Tickets: https://www.canvasyard.co.uk/defected-leeds

Website: https://www.canvasyard.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canvas.yard/

Epic Pool Parties Announce Parties & Dates for Miami Music Week 2023

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March 22 – March 26, 2023

Epic Pool Parties are an essential part of any Miami Music Week experience and they are back with a bang from March 22 – March 26, 2023. Playing the super five day series at South Beach’s luxury hotel The Sagamore will be familiar friends and influential brands Defected, DJ Mag and Nick Warren’s The Soundgarden with more to come. Tickets for all parties are now on sale from www.theepicpoolparty.com where you can choose a five day pass with re-entry permitted and come and go as you please, or a single day ticket.

Epic Pool Parties rolled up to a new location last year and it was an instant hit with over 10,000 people attending across the week to hear DJs like Sonny Fodera, Chris Stussy, Danny Tenaglia, Sasha, Skream, Alan Fitzpatrick, John Summit, Vintage Culture, Eats Everything, Armand Van Helden, HI-LO and more. The Sagamore is in a prime oceanfront spot on South Beach with stunning art deco architecture and an irresistible pool around which there is plenty of room to dance. Every event runs from 1pm to 11pm so you can bask in the warm Miami sun as this luxury hotel becomes a grown up adult playground for five days only. Making it so is the signature production that Epic Pool Parties are so well known for, not least a loud, punchy Sound System and an array of immersive effects.

World leading dance music bible DJ Mag kick off the series on Wednesday March 22nd with one of their famously raucous parties, Defected bring the best names in house music on the 22nd, then Nick Warren’s stylish prog sounds provide a serene experience on Friday 24th. Two more huge parties are to be announced for March 25th and 26th to close down the week in style.
VIP Packages include private cabanas, poolside tables and backstage passes with elevated bottle service, queue jump and designated staff to serve you. Tickets are limited and will sell out. Don’t be left out. www.theepicpoolparty.com
WED, MARCH 22 – DJ MAG – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/514335951677
THU, MARCH 23 – DEFECTED – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/514339341817
FRI, MARCH 24 – THE SOUNDGARDEN – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/514342581507

Soho Garden Dubai Announce 1st Line ups of 2023

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Joseph Capriati, Paco Osuna, Argy and more all perform
 
Dubai’s Soho Garden Meydan got off to a flying start in 2023 with standout sets from Marco Carola, Konstantin Sibold and Jamie Jones. The unmissable headliners continue in the coming weeks with Paco Osuna, Echonomist, All Day I Dream, OSTIL, Joseph Capriati and INNELLEA amongst more all set to play before the end of February. Head to www.sohogardenpalm.com for details.
Soho Garden Meydan continues to bring something truly fresh and authentic for underground music lovers in Dubai. It has many different spaces to explore and discover with immersive clubbing experiences in a range of different venues, each with cutting edge light and sound and their own unique musical offerings and atmospheres. From Playground’s intimate indoor club space that runs late to Black/Code, the largest nightlife venue in the UAE and one with spectacular production and beautifully urban and futuristic design, there is no venue like this in the region.
Next up on Jan 20th is Spanish techno star and Amnesia Ibiza mainstay Paco Osuna, then comes the quality Greek innovator Echonomist from labels like Innervisions and Watergate on the 21st, and on Thursday 26th is OSTIL, a master of melodic techno, minimalist and organic sound designs, while Coeus plays the 27th on the same day that Lee Burridge’s cult deep house label All Day I Dream also lines up. Jan Argy & Rafael Cerato bring the sleek tech house on the 28th, Metamorphosi party boss and towering Italia techno tian Joseph Capriati plays on February 4th and then on the 18th, as part of his acclaimed world tour, INNELLEA stops by for a very special show.
This is another mouthwatering run at one of the world’s fastest rising clubs.
LINE UPS
Jan 20 – Paco Osuna
Jan 21 – Echonomist
Jan 27 – All Day I Dream
Jan 26 – OSTIL
Jan 27 – Coeus
Jan 28 Argy & Rafael Cerato
Feb 4 – Joseph Capriati
Feb 18 – INNELLEA (World Tour)

UNUM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FIRST WAVE OF NAMES FOR 2023

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Six days of non-stop music, three stages, sweeping beaches and 80+ acts 

Tickets

No underground festival in Europe is as cultured and uncommercialised as UNUM. This cult favourite gathering is a music and travel lover’s dream. It is famous for its secluded stages in a pine forest, 24 hours of non-stop music, three carefully curated and boutique stages with sun-kissed beaches backed by picturesque mountains. Soundtracking this special getaway from Thursday afternoon to Tuesday morningwill be house, techno and minimal specialists including Ricardo Villalobos, Dyed Soundorom,Rhadoo, Raresh, Praslea, Priku, Sonja Moonear, Margaret Dygas, tINI and Anthea amongst many more. In the lead up to the main event, there will be tantalising Road to Unum warm up parties across Europe in Manchester, London, Leeds, Derby, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, Ibiza, Istanbul, Athens, Bucharest, Munich, Basel, Geneva, Zurich, Rome, Venice, Napoli, to name a few. Head to unumfestival.com for full details and ticket info.
Unum is a festival with a knowing crowd, affordable prices and a notoriously warm community feel. Three previous editions have brought a charming and colourful selection of serious music lovers together to the hidden secret paradise of Rana e Hedhun, a quiet corner of Europe in the town of Shengjin on the picture-perfect Albanian coastline. It is here that all your senses will be tantalised by the rich array of local cultures and customs as well as uninterrupted sun, sea and world class sounds.
This part of the world is one of few stunning locations that is uncommercialised and as natural as can be. That lends the whole festival an organic feel unlike any other as you are left to plot your own movie-like trip: there is an array of heart-racing water sports, mouthwatering local food and drink offerings and plenty of  isolated bays and secluded woodland areas to explore.
The famously classy soundtrack at Unum comes across three stages which are all completely open air with no sound restrictions. The Pine Stage is one of the scene’s most iconic with towering pines all around the woodland clearing. It opens on Thursday and runs 24/7 non-stop with stage partners Animal Crossing,  Club Der Visionaere and After Caposile, while Monday is a special day into night family gathering with Slapfunk. 
The Main Stage on Friday and Saturday offers up the biggest headliners with sympathetic production and a real attention to top class sound systems, while various beach parties in association with Kunye, Shimza and Nordstern mean you get to really soak up the stunning sunsets and sunrises with perfect musical accompaniments provided by the DJ talent.
This year’s line-up is another tasteful selection of returning favourites and brand new names. There will be deep and emotive selections from Dyed Soundorom, Samuel Deep, Reiss, and John Dimas, hypnotic minimal styles from Ricardo Villalobos, Magda, Barem, Rhadoo, Raresh, Praslea, Cezar, Priku, John Dimas, Sonja Moonear, Margaret Dygas, tINI and Anthea with plenty more Shimza, Laolu, Boris Werner and Doudou MD with more to come.
The countdown is now on to another brilliantly boutique and blissfully beautiful UNUM festival.

LINE UP 
AAMIR
ALL SHADOWS
ANTHEA
BASSAM
BEDOUIN
CEZAR
DJEFF
DJULZ
DYED SOUNDOROM
FRANCO CINELLI
INGI VISIONS
JAY FASE
JOHN DIMAS
JULIAN ALEXANDER
LAOLU
LEKË
LIBURN
LIKATEK
MANU GONZALEZ
MARGARET DYGAS
PIFE
PRASLEA
PRIKU
QUENUM
RARESH
REAS
RHADOO
RICARDO VILLALOBOS
RIMBU
RRRRON
SAMMI FERRER
SAMUEL DEEP
SECRET 47
SHIMZA
SONJA MOONEAR
tINI
VITESS

Terminal V Completes Full Lineup

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This unique two day festival mixes up indoor and outdoor stages with world class headliners and high spec audio visual production

Dates: Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th April 2023

Location: Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Scotland’s untouchable electronic music festival, Terminal V, is back with another vast indoor and outdoor festival on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th April 2023. Across six stages with cutting edge production and world class sound, a mix of homegrown talent and global tastemakers soundtrack a truly action-packed weekend in Edinburgh. The likes of Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens, I Hate Models, Folamour, Alan Fitzpatrick, Ewan McVicar, Jayda G, Trym, Slam, Kettama, 999999999, Taahliah, Frazi.er, Boys Noize, Hector Oaks, and many more all play. Payment plans are available with final tickets on sale now and only a few special surprise guests to be announced.

The Royal Highland Centre and Showground in Edinburgh is the now legendary location for this globally renowned festival party. It is transformed with cutting-edge production, mind blowing visuals and two days of 11 hours non stop music. That comes across no fewer than six iconic stages spread both indoors and outdoors and each with its own look, feel and carefully curated line-up.

No event in Europe brings together so many top tier talents as Terminal V. From acid to peak time techno, cultured deeper sounds to sleek minimalism via party bangers, all bases are covered and then some by the best new names or finest in the game. That is reflected once again in April with many standouts set to perform.

For the first time ever Ewan McVicar plays b2b with Kettama so expect real fireworks while also on Saturday, are the likes of Amelie Lens, Charlie Sparks, I Hate Models Lena Willikens, Dan Shake, Prosumer, Eclair Fifi, Frankie Wah, Hector Oaks,Charlie Sparks, Ida Engberg, Slam (live), Farrago, Dana Montana, Chippy NonStop, Cera Chin, BLK, Big Miz, Aisha, Taahliah, Matt Guy and Luca Eck.

On Sunday, the quality keeps coming with the likes of Charlotte De Witte, 999999999 , Alan Fitzpatrick, Boys Noize, Enrico Sangiuliano, Folamour, Francois X, Eclair Fifi, Frazier, Marco Farone, Jayda G, Shlomo, VTSSm Stella Bossi, Stephen Brown, Nancy (live), Rebuke, Jennifer Loveless and many more all play.

 Tickets always sell out for Terminal V. Don’t miss out!

Amsterdam Tastemakers VBX Celebrate 10 Year Anniversary With Epic Party and European Tour 

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The opening party kicks off with Voigtmann, Praslea, Reiss, Zip, Ion Ludwig, Francesco del Garda and more….
Amsterdam’s cultured VBX party has now been at the forefront of the underground for a decade so naturally the crew is to celebrate this momentous occasion in epic fashion. On March 18th they are to throw a 2-day bender across some of their favourite hometown clubs: Loft, Lofi and Bret are firm favourites with house heads and much loved VBX selectors including Francesco del Garda and Voigtmann will be matched up with pioneers of the genre like Zip and Praslea. Fresh faces such as Junki Inoue and Malika will also join as will local pillar of the scene and resident Reiss with more parties to come in London, Paris, Barcelona, Zurich, Athens, Berlin, Dhermi and Sofia.


From their first official event under the VBX banner on the 25th of August 2012 up to summer 2014, the crew went through a process of learning by doing. Different locations, combinations of sounds and the likes were all part of the process that made their search for their sonic and cultural identity so rewarding. The first milestone came in the form of hosting during ADE 2014 at Warehouse Elementenstraat. Ricardo Villalobos, Raresh, Zip and Fumiya Tanaka all featured but the party didn’t stop when the club closed. As the saying goes “full power, no shower, afterhours!” And so it was that the party continued for what seemed like an eternity at Cruquiusgilde. The charming ‘Cruq’ became the first real VBX stomping ground and a crucial part of their story. It was a place of freedom, diversity and expression that allowed resident DJs to hone their skills and like-minded souls to connect on the dance floor. It was the genesis of a real scene. 


After the closure of Cruquiusgilde in 2016 the VBX crew found new homes in the purpose built club Shelter and Bret; the red shipping containers turned restaurant fitted with an L-Acoustics sound system for the occasional event. In the years that followed, both venues gained international notoriety mainly due to ADE and Kingsday benders with VBX and their brothers and sisters from other misters Slapfunk. The momentum became perpetual and the culture expanded and flourished. 


In the here and now Amsterdam has one of the highest concentrations of quality clubs, events and line-ups in the world. VBX are the city’s standard-bearers for classy minimalist sonic sorcery and have inspired many in their own country and abroad to reinterpret the learnings and create for themselves. Consequently, a kind of diversification in sound palette and culture without restrictive border drawing can be experienced. A scene in active evolution.


After the grand kickoff in March, VBX will take flight all over Europe, and even further afield.  Those infatuated by their special sauce will soon get their fair share in London, Paris, Barcelona, Zurich, Athens, Berlin, Dhermi and Sofia with many more to be confirmed. Please fasten your seatbelts, prepare for a thrilling ride and keep your eyes peeled for details through VBX social channels and their mailing list.
Saturday Daytime
18th March 2023
Amsterdam
Voigtmann
Praslea & Reiss
Malika
Saturday Night
18th March 2023
Amsterdam
Zip
Ion Ludwig
Francesco del Garda
Christian Ab
Sunday
19th March 2023
Amsterdam
Makcim
Junki Inoue
Frank Haag
Doudou MD
Alexia Glensy

Polygon Live’s Stage Technology Blows Artists and Fans Away at Recent Festivals

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After two back-to-back shows at Soundstorm in Saudi Arabia and Wonderfruit in Thailand, Polygon Live has established its position at the cutting edge of live 3D experiences. In everything it does, it continues to redefine how we interact with live music.
A short survey conducted during the festivals revealed that 70% rated Polygon an 8, 9 or 10 out of 10 for live experiences, and over 60% of people would seek out a festival that had a 3D space now that they had seen one. “It’s hard to go to another stage once you’ve experienced Polygon,” one respondent said, while another added, “I think this is the best live experience I’ve ever had in my life”.

The dazzling line-up that performed at Polygon was similarly blown away. Pioneering electronic artist Viken Arman described the Polygon space as “by far the best stage ever made”, and psychedelic house producer Mita Gami loved its “perfect sound, hypnotic lighting, and floor full of love”. Brazilian DJ Reple said it was “definitely the most special show I’ve ever done so far. Closing this stage was a dream come true.”

Polygon is made possible by a team of groundbreaking sound, lighting, engineering and design professionals. Together, they build a hemispherical truss and rig it with a system powered by L-Acoustics’ trailblazing L-ISA technology. L-ISA allows the artist to place and move individual elements of the mix around or above the audience, in a 360-degree dome of sound. The result is an intimate, unique experience that brings a feeling of connection to audience and artist alike.

Hosted by MDL Beast, Soundstorm is the largest music festival in the Middle East. In early December, it welcomed approximately 700,000 people through its gates over three days. For the first time since Polygon came into being in 2018, representatives from L-Acoustics, the manufacturer behind the sound technology Polygon uses, were able to see the system in action at Soundstorm. Laurent Vaissié, CEO of L-Acoustics, had this to say:

“Polygon has taken the electronic music festival to an art form. Their commitment to providing the absolute best, multi-sensory environment is revolutionary and a transcendental experience that every serious dance music lover needs to experience. We are thankful to share and support their vision through L-ISA’s immersive content creation and full 360 system deployment at Soundstorm and Wonderfruit. Polygon is leading the way for curated music experiences, we can’t wait to see where they will take it next.”

Says Polygon CEO Nico Elliott, “Soundstorm was an opportunity to bring our team members back together after the pandemic and see where our innovation and creativity had taken us in those years. It was a blank canvas — our favourite kind of space.”

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Wonderfruit — a celebration of art, music, food and ideas — holds a special place in Polygon’s heart as it was the place where Polygon first came to life. “Seeing Wonderful return in late 2022 for the first time since Covid was a meaningful moment for us all,” Elliott adds.

Soundstorm and Wonderfruit were Polygon’s post-pandemic launchpad. From here, the team is intent on bringing its space to the world, and revealing to music lovers the true power of a technically state of the art, creatively infinite, and exquisitely curated stage.

Photography:

Wonderfruit 2022 Media Highlights
MDL Beast Media Highlights

Video:
Polygon Live 3D Sound Explained

We Belong Here Festival Finalises Line-up

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Kaskade, Themba, Lane 8, Yotto and James Hype complete the bill
Common Ground Presents: We Belong Here is not your average festival: this newly expanded two day getaway offers a boutique experience at Miami’s stunning Virginia Key Beach Park. The final line up includes headliners Korolova, Themba Kaskade Redux (3 Hour Set), Lane 8 (3 Hour Sunset Set), James Hype (Sunset Set), Gioli & Assia, Calussa b2b Malone, Francis Mercier, Chapter & Verse, Yotto, Luke Alexander, Bryan Softwell and Lucky Rose. Tickets start at $159 for full weekend VIP Admission and are available here.
We Belong Here is about enriching your soul as well as tickling your earbuds. It is a positive, life-affirming experience with a warm and friendly crowd reflected by an equally diverse line-up. The breathtaking location is an 863-acre barrier island with expansive wetlands, scenic beaches and sweeping views of the bay, all with the Atlantic breaking on the beach and spine-tingling sunsets. It will be transformed into a pop-up club with sophisticated production across three unique stages.
Chief amongst them is the circular stage known as the first ever 360 experience. It is a unique way to be fully immersed in music as you dance at the centre of the action with sound all around. The high quality amenities are open to all and include lounge seating and trailer style restrooms for a truly lux experience.
The cultured line-up is completed with the likes of Weissmann, Damelo, DCAL, Tessla, Ross, Ora, DJ Zev, Stello, Stixx and many more.
The stunning scene is now set and all thoughts have turned to that first magical dance at We Belong Here. Make sure you are part of it by getting your tickets here.