Summer Festival Guide

Germany’s Leading Open-Air Festival NIBIRII announces further names to complete lineup for 2025

April 17, 2025 by Alex Jukes

In August 2025, the legendary Bootshaus Cologne (Germany’s #1 Club – DJ MAG 2024) brings back its electrifying three-day festival, NIBIRII to a stunning lake setting in Düren, next to cities like Cologne and Aachen in Germany.

Date: 22nd – 24th August, 2025
Location: Düren, Germany

Website | Tickets | Instagram

NIBIRII Festival, promoted by the iconic Bootshaus Cologne, is Germany’s most essential weekender for GOA, Techno, and D&B fans, returning on August 22–24, 2025. With 60,000 people and over 100 acts, it will take place on over four stages across three days at the stunning Dürener Badesee in Düren. Tickets start at 164€, and on-site camping is available at https://nibirii.com.

NIBIRII is for electronic music lovers who want to experience a unique open-air festival at the swimming lake in Western Germany, next to cities like Aachen and Cologne (Köln). It takes place over three days. Each day can be booked individually from 06th of March 2025 on, allowing visitors to tailor their experience. Guests are welcome to bring their camping equipment to fully embrace the open-air festival vibe on all three days or rest and recover at local hotels.

The festival is all about celebrating music, getting to know people from all over Europe, experiencing freedom, having fun, and exploring nature, with perfectly curated DJs from all over the world. That’s been said, an excerpt from our line-up will be released by today.

NIBIRII 2025 presents an explosive roster of artists, covering the full spectrum of electronic music. AZYR sets the stage on fire with his relentless, high-energy techno, while I Hate Models delivers his signature blend of industrial grit, acid, and raw emotion.

Joining the lineup is rising Scottish DJ Hannah Laing, whose hypnotic mix of trance and hard grooves is set to ignite the crowd. Berlin’s techno powerhouse Kobosil brings his uncompromising, dark, and hypnotic sound. He has a signature style that guarantees intense dancefloor moments.

A special highlight: SHLOMO & Dyen go head-to-head in a hard-hitting set, fusing deep, driving rhythms with pure rave energy.

On top of that further names completing the line up include Autodrive, Avaion, Brigitte Belling, Carsten Halm, Danth, Dave Replay, Danth, Dave Replay, Delusional, DHALI, George aka Dr.Radsport, Gregor Tresher, Karla Blum, KBS, Kerstin Eden, Kevin Arnold, Laeti, Lawyn, Maddix, Makla, Mausio, Oliver Schories, Schrotthagen, Sekula, Snoritz, Sub Focus, Subtronics, SUSKA, Tanja Miju, Turno, Vagabund and YouNotUs.

The setting, Dürener Badesee, is a gorgeous recreational lake well-known for its serene setting and natural beauty. The lake is a designated swimming area, with clean, clear waters ideal for bathing during the warmer months all surrounded by lush greenery and trees and easily accessible by car or public transport.

NIBIRII has four specially designed, high spec and creative stages with vibrant decor and a focus on creating an otherworldly atmosphere. With its emphasis on unity and peace, the festival fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment and beyond music, there is plenty to explore to make the weekend even more of an adventure with art installations, workshops, and other interactive experiences.

Lineup (A-Z)

1991

A Little Sound

A.N.I.

Adrián Mills

AKKI

Alfred Heinrichs

Alignment

Andromedik

Andy C

Arcando

Autodrive

Avaion

Azyr

Bad Boombox

Bass Army

Borgore

Bou + B Live 247

Brigitte Belling

Camacho

Camo & Krooked

Carsten Halm

CARV

Clara Cuvé

Cleopard2000

Cloudy

CLTX

Danth

Dave Replay

Delta Heavy

Delta Labs

Delusional

DHALI

DJ Autobahn

DUBS

Dyen

Enaly

Eptic

Fabio Fusco

Falex

Fernanda Pistelli

Friction

Funk Tribu

future.666

George aka Dr.Radsport

Gonzi

Gourski

Gregor Tresher

Hannah Laing

Harriet Jaxxon

Heartbeat-A

Holy Priest

I Hate Models

Infected Mushroom (DJ Set)

Janis Zielinski

Jaycut

Jilax

Johannes Schuster

Jon Void

Kalte Liebe (Live)

Karla Blum

KBS

Kerstin Eden

Kevin Arnold

Killin’ Void

Kobosil

KORSE

KUKO

Laeti

Lawyn

Lyne

Maddix

Makla

Mandragora

Mausio

Mija

Mika Heggemann

Mischluft

Moment Es Scheppert

MR.BLACK

Neelix

Neon Graveyard

Nicom & Hyperion

Nogata

NOVAH

Odymel

Oliver Schories

Omiki

Outsiders

Pappenheimer

Per Pleks

Poltergst

PRADA2000

Reaper

Rebko

Rhytmox & Texo

RIKHTER (Live)

Schrotthagen

Sekula

Shlømo

Snoritz

Somewhen

Sonic Species

Sub Focus

Subtronics

SUSKA

Tanja Miju

Terra

Ticon

Tscherboo

Turno

Vagabund

Vegas

Vini Vici

YouNotUs

ZEUZ

THE GREAT ESCAPE ANNOUNCES FULL 2025 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

May 6, 2025April 16, 2025 by Anna Hyams

Today The Great Escape, taking place from 14-17 May 2025 in Brighton, unveils its full festival schedule for this year’s edition, which can be accessed via the official The Great Escape mobile app. The Great Escape mobile app helps fans navigate the mammoth line-up of 450+ artists and allows festival and conference-goers to build their own personal schedule. It also offers live updates on site and is available to download for free here.

Additionally, The Great Escape announces its 2025 stage hosts including media partners BBC Introducing, Billboard UK, Clash, DIY, Dork, Notion, So Young, The Independent, Ticketmaster New Music, Upset, renowned brands including Download Festival, live agencies WME, ATC Live and independent record labels FatCat Records, Moshi Moshi, Nice Swan Records, Bella Union, PIAS, and many more.

Synonymous with new music discovery and acting as a springboard for rising artists, The Great Escape is the festival for new music. Playing host to over 450 up-and-coming artists and hotly tipped talent across 35+ walkable venues, alongside the music industry-led TGE conference, the festival will kick off the 2025 season from 14 – 17 May in Brighton, England. Tickets for The Great Escape festival start from £81.24 and are on sale here.

WEDNESDAY 14 MAY STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

For 2025, The Great Escape is expanding into the Wednesday of the festival and will feature four full days of music programming for the first time ever. To kick off the festivities, Platform B will once again be hosting The Great Escape’s special Opening Party on Wednesday 14 May at Jubilee Square including performances from Congratulations, SLAG, Goodbye, Bea Maher, asiedu, and REA.

Over at the Paganini Ballroom, BBC Introducing Sussex and Surrey will present performances from Lonnie Gunn, Frances Mistry, Bones Ate Arfa, and CURRLS, hosted by Melita, whilst Brighton based record label FatCat Records will showcase new artists including Water Machine, Heavy Lungs, Abdomen, TRAAMS, and Holiday Ghosts at Patterns, and fellow independent label Nice Swan Records will welcome Mount Palomar, Westside Cowboy, Stringrays, Fuzz Lightyear and Jagged Baptist Club to The Hope and Ruin.

Additionally, Wednesday will see renowned singer-songwriter and co-frontman of The Libertines Peter Doherty perform alongside eccentric post-punk six-piece Warmduscher, Welsh indie-punks Trampolene, Real Farmer, GANS, Vona Vella, Junior Brother, and Evan Williams, as part of a very special showcase from Strap Originals, Doherty’s own independent record label, to celebrate the arrival of Doherty’s new album Felt Better Alive. With a curated line-up of hotly tipped new artists, this separately ticketed show will take place at The Deep End as part of a The Great Escape Brighton Beach takeover.

THURSDAY 15 MAY STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

On Thursday 15 May, The Great Escape continues its city-wide celebration of new music with a further eclectic lineup of showcases across Brighton. At the Paganini Ballroom, BBC 6 Music and BBC Introducing are returning to the festival to present a hotly tipped selection of upcoming talent hosted by Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq and Emily Pilbeam, including Westside Cowboy, Holybones, The None, and Brighton’s very own Welly. So Young will take over Charles Street Tap with performances from Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Westside Cowboy, Rabbit Foot, Men An Tol, and Green Star. At Komedia, agency ATC Live will bring together a dynamic mix of new artists featuring Debby Friday, Adult DVD, Tyler Ballgame, Total Tommy, Woody, and Joshua Idehen.

Players hosts The Great Escape Presents, spotlighting genre-defying acts like Angry Blackmen, namesbliss, Demae, Kabeaushe, and She Her Her Hers, while iconic venue the Royal Albert Hall’s stage at Revenge will showcase corto.alto, Sirens Of Lesbos, Oreglo, and Common Goldfish. Over at Deep End, Ticketmaster New Music offers a jam-packed lineup including The K’s, Chloe Slater, Brògeal, Sunday (1994), Nxdia, Laurie Wright, and Florence Road. UTA’s industry showcase at The Arch will feature RUBII, Clara La San, Tough Cookie, Maleigh Zan, and Punchbag, while independent label Moshi Moshi return to Matinee Revenge with Nadeem Din Gabisi, Chinese American Bear, and Alice Costelloe.

The Great Escape Presents will also head to the Old Market for a diverse bill including Donny Benét, The Bug Club, TV Death, and Hello Mary. Patterns will see a full venue takeover from Clash, with upstairs performances by Up : Y, Franek Warzywa & Młody Budda, REDD., Curtisy, Disgusting Sisters, Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie, Loshh, Saina, and Jessy Blakemore, while downstairs the night continues until the early hours with Mount Palamar, Canblaster, Black Fondu, JD Cliffe, Grace Gachot, Chloe Qisha, Betty, Sex Mask, and Maya Delilah.

FRIDAY 16 MAY STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

As the weekend approaches, Friday 16 May brings another wave of standout showcases across the city, with a vibrant mix of breakthrough artists and established names lighting up Brighton’s best venues. LOUD LDN and TNAM.UK will join forces at Daltons for an exciting night featuring charlieeeee, Just For Fun, DellaXOZ, and SLAG. Over at the Old Market, The Independent will host a headline performance from legendary British rock band Skunk Anansie, offering a rare chance to see the iconic group in an intimate setting. The Arch will be taken over by Notion, presenting a cutting-edge blend of R&B, pop, and electronic with performances from Jordan Adetunji, Nia Smith, Akemi Fox, and Tay Jordan, alongside late-night sets from sim0ne, Mechatok (LIVE), Meyy, and Mina Galán.

Deep End will host newly announced media partner Billboard UK’s curated bill including headliners English Teacher, RabbitFoot, Daffo, Courting, My First Time, Westside Cowboy, and Polly Money. Meanwhile at the Paganini Ballroom BBC Radio 1Xtra will present an array of fresh talent including Hulton, Lola Moxom, and Billy Khan with host Angelle Joseph. At Revenge, Earth will bring together a genre-defying lineup with Getdown Services, Ruthven, Olive Jones, and Quiet Light, and tastemaker platform Pigeons and Planes will shine a spotlight on some of the most talked-about names in new music, including Arz, Kaicrewsade, Swank Mami, and Koteri.

AWAL’s showcase at Komedia will present a selection of its diverse roster, with James Marriott, Keo, Luvcat, Miss Kaninna, and Orlando all taking to the stage. DIY Magazine will bring their signature energy to Hortaio’s with a lineup featuring WELLY, Total Tommy, Mandrake Handshake, Ideal Living, and Paige Kennedy, whilst powerhouse label Transgressive returns to Chalk with an unmissable night featuring The Moonlandingz, HotWax, Miso Extra, The New Eves, and Greg Freeman, plus DJ Huw Stephens closing out Friday with a dose of raw energy and alternative brilliance.

SATURDAY 17 MAY STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

Bringing the festival to a thrilling close, Saturday 17 May rounds off The Great Escape 2025 with a final burst of bold new sounds. Over at Daltons, Global Local will present a genre-blending lineup featuring She’s Got Brass, Headmix, and Town of Cats. At Chalk, Brighton’s own CLT DRP will take the reins for a full venue takeover, performing alongside a fierce and unapologetic lineup that includes debasement, LIONSTORM, and The Darklings, promising a night of high-intensity live music and experimental punk.

The festival’s flagship Closing Party will be held at The Deep End, where Dork offers an unmissable send-off featuring a special 45-minute set from genre-bending provocateur LYNKS, alongside Piri & Tommy, and Kabeaushe, with more surprise guests to be revealed. Jubilee Square will once again come alive thanks to the MNX Stage, showcasing a forward-thinking lineup of future stars including Blue Lab Beats, Orla Rae, Dred, Hatter, Lori Asha, and REA. Additionally, acclaimed label Bella Union will host a stage at The Arch featuring Divide + Dissolve, Goddess and Cubzoa, and Kamran Kaur, bringing this year’s expanded four-day celebration of new music to an unforgettable finish.

The Great Escape’s official after-hours programme The Late Escape will run throughout the duration of the festival, spotlighting cutting-edge electronic and club talent. Running from 11:30pm to 4am across key Brighton venues, the line-up includes euphoric sets from Sim0ne, Mechatok, Meyy, Badger, IRAH, Mina Galán, Pretty Girl (DJ) and SWIM, with special guests still to be announced. Stand-alone tickets are on sale now, with TGE wristband holders granted access subject to capacity. Additionally, the legendary rock festival Download Festival will host a stage at Volks from Thursday 15 May until Saturday 17 May, featuring performances from artists including Luna Kills, Bruise Control, Twenty One Children, Mouth Culture, Artio, Wayside, Zetra, Karen Dió, JAYLER, Letters Sent Home, Last Train, Angel Number, LOWEN, Defences, BEX, James and the Cold Gun, and VOWER.

FULL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE REVEALED

The full schedule is also now available for The Great Escape’s industry-leading music conference. Joining a packed programme, newly announced sessions include The Money Trench podcast, with Mark Sutherland in conversation with Romain Vivien, Global Head of Music and President Europe at Believe and Alice McLean, Head of Label & Artist Solutions at Believe UK, as they discuss the company’s success developing artists and how to work independently in 2025.

Two big advocates for the music community within Westminster – Alex Sobel MP and Anneliese Midgley MP – will review the recent debates and discuss how the music industry can ensure its voice is heard within Parliament. And finally, Red Bull Records presents ‘Tapped In: The Power of Short-Form Content for Artists on the Rise’ – an insightful discussion with leading marketing experts diving into the strategies behind short-form content and the pivotal role it plays in helping artists break through the noise.

They join an incredible line-up of speakers including Skunk Anansie’s Skin, Rizzle Kicks’ Jordan Stephens and Cocteau Twins’ Simon Raymonde.

UNUM Festival unveils their full 2025 lineup and Stage Splits

April 15, 2025 by Alex Jukes

https://unumfestival.com/
https://www.instagram.com/unumfestival/?hl=en

5 days and 5 nights of continuous music in the underground paradise

The next chapter of UNUM Festival 2025 has arrived. After a sensational first wave of artists, UNUM now elevates the experience with the full electrifying roster. Prepare for a convergence of underground icons, sonic innovators, and rising stars that will further solidify UNUM’s place as a destination for pure, uninterrupted musical bliss. As the sun rises and sets over the Adriatic, you’ll dance, connect, and immerse yourself in a world crafted for those who seek something beyond the ordinary. ÂME (LIVE) is set to mesmerize with a masterclass in melodic orchestration. Alongside them, icons such as BEDOUIN, BLACK COFFEE, CARLITA, DAMIAN LAZARUS, and DIXON will take you on sonic journeys that transcend time and space. Minimal enthusiasts are in for a treat, as PRIKU, RARESH, RHADOO, PRASLEA, and CRISTI CONS unite to deliver hypnotic grooves, while the enigmatic RICARDO VILLALOBOSjoins these artists for unforgettable sets that will resonate long after the festival ends. Techno, house, and experimental selectors like SETH TROXLER, SONJA MOONEAR, tINI, and DAN GHENACIA bring their own underground magic, ensuring every moment at UNUM is a sonic odyssey. The continuous music of these masterful artists will keep you moving, connecting, and immersed in the rhythm all weekend long.

UNUM is known for its unparalleled experience, where unfiltered sound, pristine nature, and acommunity united by an unwavering passion for underground culture converge in perfect
harmony.

Three Stages. One Journey.

● Pine Stage: The relentless soul of UNUM,where both legendary artists and rising stars
play for 5 days in a row
● Beach Stage: A raw encounter of sound and sea, where the music rises and falls with
the waves, blending into a perfect, untamed harmony
● Main Stage: The core of the night, where every drop hits harder, every beat feels
deeper, and the music takes full control.

Secure your place in paradise. Tickets are available at unumfestival.com.

See you where the music never stops.

Pacha Ibiza finalises Early Season Shows with Dixon, Mochakk, Kölsch, Honey Dijon, Âme, Loco Dice and more

April 15, 2025 by Alex Jukes

April – May 2025

Brilliantly diverse array of one-off parties are all booked in for the first weeks of the new season

Exclusive label showcases, back to back sets and all night longs kick of the season in style

Elevate your night with VIP and Priority Entry

Instagram | Website | Tiktok

The start of Pacha Ibiza’s bold and refreshed new sense is just weeks away and a world class array of international DJs are all lined-up to keep the music flowing well into summer.

No trip to the White Isle is complete without dancing under the iconic cherries at Pacha Ibiza. The island’s oldest and most authentic club has lined-up another sizzling season of sounds from returning favourites like Solomun +1, Marco Carola’s Music On, Flower Power, CamelPhat and Pure Pacha as well as new residencies like Sonny Fodera, Defected, Mau P’s Baddest Behaviour and BLOND:ISH’s Abracadabra.

Alongside those staples there are plenty of exclusive one-off events that mark out an early season run of unmissable parties. Playing are Ilario Alicante, Ben Sterling b2b Ale De Tuglie (29 April), Dawn Patrol with Maz b2b Antdot (all night) (30 April), Flow with Franky Rizardo, Max Dean, HoneyLuv, Calvin Clarke (1 May ), Kölsch, Ida Engberg, Angel Linde (2 May), Maccabi House with Adam Ten b2b Mita Gami (3 May), HOME//GRXWN. with ROSSI., Enzo Siragusa, Salomé Le Chat, Miller & Nicolau (4 May), Taraka with GORDO (6 May), Two & a Half Cats with Miguelle & Tons, Toman, Ii Faces, Matteo Dentone (7 May), Loco Dice, Fabrice (9 May), Dixon b2b Âme b2b Jimi Jules (11 May), Anjunadeep (12 May ), Honey Dijon, Kilimanjaro, DJ Holographic (13 May), Whomadewho, LP Giobbi, Jan Blomqvist Live, Angel Linde (14 May), Keinemusik (18 May), Mochakk (25 May), Roger Sanchez (26 May) and Bad Gyal (2 June).

29 April – Ilario Alicante, Ben Sterling b2b Ale De Tuglie

30 April – Dawn Patrol with Maz b2b Antdot (all night)

1 May – Flow with Franky Rizardo, Max Dean, HoneyLuv, Calvin Clarke

2 May –Kölsch b2b Ida Engberg, Kölsch, Ida Engberg, Angel Linde

3 May – Maccabi House with Adam Ten b2b Mita Gami

4 May – ROSSI., Enzo Siragusa, Salomé Le Chat, Miller & Nicolau

6 May – GORDO All Night

7 May – Two & a Half Cats with Miguelle & Tons, Toman, Ii Faces, Matteo Dentone

9 May – Loco Dice, Fabrice

11 May – Dixon b2b Âme b2b Jimi Jules All Night

12 May – Anjunadeep Ibiza; James Grant, Nicky Elisabeth, Rezident, Yotto

13 May – Honey Dijon, Kilimanjaro, DJ Holographic

14 May – Whomadewho, LP Giobbi, Jan Blomqvist Live, Angel Linde

18 May – Keinemusik (SOLD OUT)

25 May – Mochakk All Night

26 May – Roger Sanchez All Night

2 June – Bad Gyal, Mygal, Andrea Vandall, Sergio Vicedo

The DJ Awards announces new grand jury to select nominees for 2025

April 17, 2025April 14, 2025 by Alex Jukes

The DJ Awards proudly announces the formation of the Grand Jury, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bring greater transparency, and industry expertise to the awards process. This distinguished panel will play a pivotal role in shaping the categories, nominating artists and industry figures and ultimately ensuring The DJ Awards remain truly reflective of the global electronic music scene.

As one of the longest-standing and most prestigious celebrations of electronic music we recognise excellence, The DJ Awards continues to honour the artists, clubs, festivals and industry professionals who shape the global dance music landscape.

To reinforce this commitment, a powerhouse of industry leaders has been assembled for this year. The DJ Awards Grand Jury will ensure a fair and data-driven selection of categories and nominees, provide expert industry insights, reflect current trends and achievements, by incorporating perspectives from a diverse, global panel.

The DJ Awards Grand Jury is composed of representatives from every key sector of the electronic music industry and members are selected based on their affiliation with leading businesses rather than individuals, which reinforces a collective and unbiased perspective.

The panel spans booking agencies, club operators, festival organisers, media, streaming platforms, PR agencies, record labels, and other essential industry institutions.

Each year, The DJ Awards Grand Jury will invite new members, ensuring fresh perspectives and ongoing relevance. The goal is to create a dynamic and respected institution that not only honours excellence but also advocates for the industry’s future.

The DJ Awards Grand Jury marks a new era for the awards, one that prioritises authenticity and expertise and reaffirms The DJ Awards’s mission to celebrate the true pioneers, visionaries and game-changers in electronic music.

Stay tuned for the unveiling of nominees, categories and special industry recognitions.

The DJ Awards Grand Jury (A-Z)

The DJ Awards Founders: Lenny Krarup & Jose Pascual

Booking Agencies: CAA, Wasserman, WME

Club Operators (America & Europe): Broadwick Live, Gospel NYC, Space Miami, UNO Malta

Club Promoters & Festival Organisers: elrow, Factory Town, Music On, Pyramid, Space (Miami), Superstruct entertainment

Ibiza Clubs: Amnesia, Chinois, Eden, Pacha, Hï Ibiza, and [UNVRS]

Industry Institutions: Association For Electronic Music, B:Electronic, Riot Noise, theHUB.Ibiza

Management Companies: Prime Culture, Purple Wall, Three Six Zero

Media & Digital Music Store: Billboard, Cercle, Mixmag, Traxsource, YouTube

PR Agencies: Jukebox, Listen Up, The Media Nanny

Radio: BBC Introducing, Ibiza Global Radio

Record Labels: Armada Music, Defected Records, Mindshake Records

Vendors: Dice, Ibiza Spotlight, Skiddle

Pacha Ibiza Unveils Its New And Exclusive VIP Experience

April 14, 2025 by Alex Jukes

Pacha Ibiza is redefining the VIP experience with a groundbreaking new booking platform that brings ease and exclusivity to those seeking to celebrate in style. Now, with just three simple steps, customers can effortlessly reserve their ideal table in the club’s most coveted areas – all within 90 seconds.

In what is a game-changing way to experience Pacha Ibiza, this innovative service allows guests to not only choose a zone, but the exact table to celebrate – so they are always right where the action is. This game-changing booking system redefines convenience in Ibiza’s venue scene. Unlike traditional methods that rely on time-consuming emails or phone calls, our innovative platform offers a seamless, instant, and hassle-free reservation experience—saving you valuable time while securing your perfect spot effortlessly.

What’s more, customers have the flexibility to pay however suits them based whether by card, digital wallet or Apple and Google pay. With no surprises or hidden fees, this VIP experience is as transparent as it is exclusive; with fixed pricing for all and a first-come, first-served approach and all the same experiences and benefits available to any concierges who may be booking for their clients.

Renowned for hosting legendary celebrations, Pacha Ibiza continues to set the standard for excellence with this revolutionary booking system. Designed for simplicity and flexibility, this seamless experience empowers guests to enjoy an unforgettable evening at the island’s most coveted venue.

From stunning views to unparalleled proximity to the music and entertainment, every detail has been designed to enhance the Pacha Ibiza experience.

Skunk Anansie – Birmginham O2 Academy 2025, REVIEWED!

April 8, 2025 by Anna Hyams

So Good

Tonight’s musical aperitif is a cheeky dip into the brat-punk pool of London artist So Good, backed up by band members in pink balaclavas, and singers in stompy doc marten boots. Frontwoman Sophie is decked out in pleated denim, neon pink socks and a matching Beret, spitting feminist anti-fascist lyrics with wild abandon – but giving distinct Leslie Knope’s Pawnee Goddess girl-guide energy.

© Anna Hyams Photography – Do not use without permission

I’m absolutely here for it, this infectious riot grrrl fun is coming back around, thanks (no thanks) to the state of the world around us right now, and we need more of it. “Her ex boyfriend is from Birmingham you know” Sophie points at one of her singers, “…so this one goes out to him, middle fingers up!” and the crowd obliges by joining in with the salute.

‘I Hate It Here’ about our repeatedly shit Prime Minister situation is very tongue in cheek funny, but also hits the nail on the head in so many ways. The line “…you ain’t stopped abortion just abortion that’s safe…” comes at a time where our news is full of professional victims hiding behind religion and free speech, to attack women in lawfully protected safe zones. Again, this kind of nonsense needs disrupting – and if it comes in the loud bright fun packaging of women’s rage-music, all the better in my opinion.

Just to break up the political discourse for a minute, “I heard a rumour that people from Birmingham have big dicks?” Sophie giggles before launching into ‘If I had A’ – a hilarious lament on penises and a very 70’s-porn twangy backing track.

Finishing up with a dose of blasphemy, ‘I Rewrote The Fucking Bible’ is the ultimate angry girl theme tune. There’s a hint of Lady Sovereign, a bit of Bikini Kill, and a lot of London. Straight on the protest playlist. So Good might already be my biggest band recommendation of the year, and it’s only April.

Skunk Anansie

It’s a packed-out shoulder-to-sweaty-shoulder affair in the O2 tonight, a sold out show for the return of Brit-rock royalty Skunk Anansie. The stage, moody with fog and blue lighting, centres on a drum riser crowned with black inflatable spikes. Drummer Mark Richardson makes his way to the centre of the sea urchin structure to immediate roars of appreciation from the crowd, as Cass and Ace take to the stage below.

The electric opening bars of ‘This Means War’ provide the perfect promenade for a duffel-coated Skin to enter the stage. Like some kind of menacing caterpillar waiting to break free, she bounces in on gigantic metal-plated boots, with a huge hood obscuring her face as she tears through the call-to-arms lyrics. Swapping into trainers and ditching the sleeping-bag for ‘Because of You’, we are treated to the soaring top notes Skin is famous for, the awed silence of the crowd as she holds an impossibly long note mid-song is truly something to behold.

Wearing a hybrid Adidas track top-turned tailcoat with the bouffant arms of a retro Nike shell-suit, and a swathe of leather and fabric kilt-ish skirts, Skin is known for her quirky stage dress – but this might be the one I would most like to own. It is hitting all the right nostalgia buttons for a fairly homogenously aged crowd – big up the 90’s teen crew, I see you all.

“Wonderlustre was released 15 years ago, this is the first single from that album… it’s called ‘God Loves Only You’. They’re loud. You know those Christian nationalists who think God loves only them? How can God love only you? With all the different races and genders?”

A huge roar of agreement erupts as Skin laments,

“They’ve aligned themselves with the far right, the KKK, fascism and Trumpism… which to me seems the opposite of religion. They want to go after immigrants, after women… the only way to defeat them is to go into our communities and families, and BRING EVERYONE BACK TOGETHER!”

“We are Skunk Anansie, we believe everybody is always equal. SMASH FASCISTS, SMASH RACISTS” comes the rallying cry. The following frenzy of the crowd serves a cathartic purpose for the pent-up anger and energy for the current state of the world, it’s obvious everyone needs this.

‘Weak’ is undeniably the anthem of the night, Skin’s voice is stunningly vibrant, perhaps better than I’ve ever heard her – but there is no vying for attention nor eclipsing of the band, who are non-stop pumping the energy as well. It may be as close to a perfect balance as I’ve come across in music, they just deliver on all fronts. The crowd is eventually singing along so loud that Skin gives over the spotlight to the voice of the masses.

Caressing the bald head of one of the security guards, before jumping down to the pit barrier to sing with the crowd during ‘Twisted (Everyday Hurts)’ it doesn’t take long before she has jumped into the melee full throttle.

Another Wonderlustre classic ‘My Ugly Boy’ keeps the hits coming with barely room to breathe, and the room is an absolute furnace with all the jumping. So much so that someone appears to have suffered a collapse near the middle of the room. Skin stops the show to check staff can get out to retrieve the person, and it’s all very quickly and efficiently done. Rolling onto a track from the new album (releasing on May 23rd – ‘The Painful Truth’) called ‘Animal’ – a full heavy metal moment, with a NIN-esque dirty beat behind it. I can tell this is going to be one of my most played albums of the year.

‘Yes It’s Fucking Political’ sees Skin calling for a circle pit, and the momentum of the night shows absolutely no sign of dropping. After a short exit, the encore houses another new one ‘Cheers’ which tiptoes the pop rock line in a very accessible way. I think this is going to be the one that draws in new Skunk fans for the 2020’s.

The iconic ‘Hedonism’ is followed by Led Zep’s ‘Whole Lotta Love’ for a bit of riffy fun while doing band introductions. ‘The Skank Heads (Get Off Me)’ gives another opportunity for Skin to dive into the crowd, in which she calls for “all the girls to the mosh pit!”. Closing out with “We’ll do one more. Something loud? Something fast? Something delicate?” as she puts it, is another new song ‘Lost and Found’ – a slow, but gorgeous almost operatic wind-down, to a furiously dynamic show. As they thank the crowd and send set-list paper aeroplanes shooting out to grabbing hands, I think I can safely conclude that this might rank as my top gig of 2025 already.

As the new ‘Lost and Found’ lyric goes “Heavy is the crown” – but Skunk Anansie are really out here, 31 years into their career – seemingly lifting that crown higher each time I see them.

Setlist

This Means War
Charlie Big Potato
Because of You
An Artist Is an Artist
I Believed in You
Love Someone Else
God Loves Only You
Secretly
Weak
I Can Dream
Twisted (Everyday Hurts)
My Ugly Boy
Animal
Yes It’s Fucking Political
Tear the Place Up
Little Baby Swastikkka

Encore:

Cheers
Hedonism (Just Because You Feel Good)
Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin cover)
The Skank Heads (Get Off Me)
Lost and Found

Egg London Celebrates 22 Years with Levi London Debut

April 7, 2025 by Alex Jukes

Egg London Celebrates 22 Years with Levi London Debut

Egg London entered a fresh era under the leadership of Chapter 1 Creations last autumn. At the same time, the venue underwent a major renovation to enhance the clubbing experience with stylish upgrades across the Loft, Middle Floor, and Garden arenas. The freshly tuned new sound systems include the d&b Audiotechnik in the main room, the updated KV2 Audio system on the middle floor, and a reconfigured Funktion One in the Loft so you can be sure of top-tier sound clarity throughout the 1000-capacity space which is housed in a former Victorian warehouse.

Since taking over Egg London in February 2024, Ali Bee & Sen Jay have focused on elevating the brand and venue. “Despite industry challenges, we remain committed to our community, local council, and promoters while embracing fresh talent and new brands. To adapt, we’re hosting day parties, exploring diverse music, organizing corporate events, and renovating the venue. On April 25th & 26th, we celebrate our first year and Egg London’s 22nd birthday with Chapter One, marking a new era for this iconic club”

In addition to the much-anticipated LEVI debut, Egg London has a stacked lineup of incredible shows coming soon including Chris Watson on 5th April, a Molly Mouse showcase on 12th April, Mums Against Donk on 16th May, Trance Sanctuary’s sold out day party on Saturday 3rd May, a Peach showcase on Saturday 10th May, Saturday 17th May UKG Brunch Showcase day time party on Saturday 17th May, Sickick return on Saturday 14th June, Legacy host a club showcase on Saturday 5th July, Astrix on 18th October with Out Of Orbit & Outsiders and French house star Bob Sinclar will also play a date that will be revealed soon.

With these upgrades and its carefully curated bookings, Egg London continues its legacy as a cutting-edge space while maintaining its historic charm as it heads into another year as one of London’s most important spaces. For more info and tickets – egglondon.co.uk

Best House & Techno Festivals 2025

April 1, 2025 by Alex Jukes

Festivals these days offer some of the most immersive and high-energy experiences in the world.

From industrial warehouses to stunning open-air locations, these festivals bring together top-tier DJs, cutting-edge production, and passionate crowds like never before.

Here are some of the best house and techno festivals.

Sunice Festival – Winter Edition

April 17th–20th

St. Moritz, Switzerland

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Sunice Festival is a breathtaking four-day escape to the world renowned winter paradise of St. Moritz, 1,800 meters up in the Swiss Alps. This mix of music, winter sports, luxury lifestyle and adventure takes place from 17 – 20 April. A range of tickets from GA to VIP and exclusive hospitality packages are available now. Playing year are Alex Wann, Argy, CamelPhat, Jaden Bojsen, Levi, Lilly Palmer, Marten Lou, Mason Collective, Reinier Zonneveld, Rivo and Shimza.

Terminal V

19th & 20th April

Edinburgh

Website | Instagram | Facebook

The real daddy of techno festivals, this one. It takes place in Edinburgh across multiple stages with cutting edge light and sound. 40000 raves attend in all, and there are stages for newly emerging talents as well as plenty of top-tier legends, Playing this year are the likes of 999999999, Adrián Mills, ALT8, Azyr, Benwal, Biia, Clara Cuvé, Cloudy, Deborah De Luca, Funk Tribu, Kettama, Kyle Starkey, Oguz and more.

Sunny Side Festival 2025

16 – 18 May

Malta

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This world-class mix of rising stars, legends, and cutting-edge talents from across the house and techno spectrum will feature CARISTA, Dungeon Meat, Felipe Valenzuela, Hamish & Toby, Harry Mccanna, Magda, Margaret Dygas, Maxime DB, Sam Bangura, Sonja Moonear and many more. It is a sun-kissed escape with great Mediterranean vibes and a keen and up for it crowd.

Upclose Festival
Spaarnwoude-Park, The Netherlands
17th – 18th May, 2025

Images | Artwork

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Upclose, the newest festival by Awakenings and an ode to the dance floor, captures the raw essence of dance floor culture: sweaty, steamy, and intimate, where the front row feels like the only row and every beat connects the crowd. Building on the incredible momentum of its first, sold-out, edition, this year’s festival dives even deeper into the progressive and niche edges of techno, curating an experience for those who live and breathe this side of the genre.

Artists Include: 999999999, Ben Klock, BIIA, Carl Cox, DJ EZ, Joseph Capriati b2b Jamie Jones, Kobosil, Sara Landry, Traumer & more

Medaina Festival

Petra / Wadi Rum, Jordan

May 21 to 26, 2025

Website

The inaugural Medaina Festival will be held from May 21 to 26, 2025, at Jordan’s breathtaking Petra and Wadi Rum sites. This multi-day celebration blends music, art, gastronomy, culture, and sustainability, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most stunning and historic locations.

The lineup features artists such as Ame, Aline Umber, Bedouin, Ben Sterling, HVOB, Jimi Jules, Mind Against, Patrice Bäumel, Rolbac, Sonja Moonear, and more.

OFFSónar

10th-15th June

Spain

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Taking place in Barcelona’s historic Poble Espanyol, OFFSónar runs alongside the famous Sónar Festival but offers a more intimate, underground vibe. Hosting showcases from labels like Innervisions and Drumcode, it attracts major techno names such as Dixon and Adam Beyer. Its location and affordability make it a perfect electronic music escape.

Awakenings

July 11th – 13th

Hilvarenbeek, The Netherlands

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For over 27 years, Awakenings has been a must-visit festival for true techno fans. Attracting around 300,000 visitors annually, it has remained a leader in the scene since 1997. Known for its world-class production and electrifying atmosphere, Awakenings consistently delivers top-tier lineups featuring Azyr, Ben Böhmer, Ben Klock, Carl Cox, Charlotte de Witte, Chris Stussy, DJ Rush, Funk Tribu, Marrøn, Miss Monique, The Martinez Brothers, 999999999, and more. It’s an unmissable celebration of cutting-edge techno.

Paradise Festival

2nd August

London

Website

This one day event comes from the man behind the Paradise party in Ibiza, Jamie Jones. He is a real house king with a range of sounds from deep to tech and he will play as well as lots of the acts you would expect from Paradise in Ibiza. Cutting edge production is also praised to make this a hot new addition to the calendar.

Les Plages

Cannes, France

8-10th August

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This one on the South coast of France keeps growing better each year. All there days sold out in 2024 and in 2025 expect more with 60,000 attendees, 90 artists and performers and music still on the beach of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes as well as on a stage over the water. Artists Include Charlotte De Witte, Eric Prydz, Peggy Gou, Tiësto, Booba, Luidji, Francis Mercier, Jersey, Kungs, Purple Disco Machine and more

Mysteryland

Haarlemmermeer near Amsterdam

22nd – 24th August

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Legendary for its out of this world production and towering stage designs, Mysteryland is as colourful as it gets for 15000 attendees. This year the truly global affair welcomes Adriatique, Eric Prydz, Fisher, Hardwell, Oliver Heldens, Indira Paganotto, Marlon Hoffstadt, Patrick Mason & more to a lush site of sparkling ponds, rivers, and forestry hills of the Floriade terrain near Amsterdam.

BEONIX

Limassol, Cyprus

19th – 21st September, 2025

Website | Tickets | Instagram

BEONIX Festival returns to Cyprus for an unforgettable electronic celebration. Held at the ETKO venue in Limassol, the festival has quickly gained recognition as a must-attend event for electronic music fans and now in its fourth year it grows again with this year’s lineup featuring renowned artists such as Adriatique, Anfisa Letyago, Dubfire, Avision, Carlo Lio, David Moreno, James Zabiela, LNTX, Saraga, Spartaque, Tania Vulcano, Xavi Emparan, and Yulia Niko, ensuring an electrifying atmosphere for all attendees.

Ministry of Sound & Lab54 team up on April Fools Stunt paying homage to UK Rave Culture

April 1, 2025 by Alex Jukes

Club Culture x Pop Up Culture: The legendary nightclub and anti-club party specialists unite, championing the evolution of club culture.

On March 19th, London’s legendary Ministry of Sound joined forces with pop-up specialists Lab54 to host a first-of-its-kind secret party—in the women’s toilets. Now, revealing the secret collaboration, Ministry of Sound and Lab54 are announcing the start of an on-going partnership with more pop-ups to come. Kicking off on May 4th, Lab54 will return to the site of the ‘break-in’, minus the bolt cutters, to host the first in a series of Toilet Takeovers.

Late on a mid-week evening, Lab54 and 100 accompanying ravers ‘broke’ into the venue, armed with balaclavas, sound systems, and a trolley load of alcohol, with footage from the event spreading virally across social media and reaching 15 million views so far. Experts in the unconventional, Lab54’s ‘anywhere but a club’ ethos has led founder, Joe Gordon, and the lab-community, to party all around the world, from castles to arcades to bagel shops, hotel rooms to yachts and beyond.

Inspired by the enduring spirit of club culture, the inaugural party witnessed the unlikely marriage between the ‘Anywhere but a club’ specialists with one of the UK’s most iconic venues to spark conversations around the ever-evolving nightlife landscape. United in their combined reverence for community, the event paid homage to where Ministry, and rave culture itself, started some 35 years ago.

Says Lab54 founder Joe Gordon, “I think the paradigm shift we’re seeing in nightlife at the moment makes it important for clubs like Ministry to work with communities like ours to help reflect this in their offerings to ravers and what better way to do that than going back to their roots and pranking the online rave community!”

Since its inception in a disused bus garage in Elephant & Castle, Ministry of Sound has continued to evolve and shape the capital’s nightlife industry, maintaining its revolutionary attitude. Today, the iconic venue continues to pave the way for superclubs to support the modern raver, with accessible £5 tickets, sober raves, and 3 brand-new in-house club nights launched: Smoove, URGE, and Disco Daddy.

Says Ministry Group’s Managing Director Caitlin McAllister, “Club culture has always been about pushing boundaries, and the intersection of pop-up culture with establishments like Ministry of Sound is a reflection of how the industry is evolving. There’s an irony in a pop-up ‘breaking in’ to a club but that’s exactly the point – we need to bring new ideas to our spaces.”

Landing on the bank holiday weekend, the first official Ministry x Lab54 Toilet Takeover party will see the club’s loos transformed once more on Sunday 4 May. More details, dates and events to be announced – keep your eyes peeled at; @ministryofsound @lab54_uk