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Astral Plane Festival Debuts in Spain for 2026 Total Solar Eclipse

By
Marco Di
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Astral Plane Festival

Astral Plane: Total Eclipse Festival is a brand-new festival taking place this summer in the mountains of Segovia, Spain with a program aligned with Spain’s 2026 total solar eclipse.

The festival’s inaugural edition will take place one hour from Madrid at La Pinilla Mountain Resorts in the Sierra Ayllón Mountain Range – strategically chosen for the best views of the astronomical event.

The Eclipse Set

Astral Plane Festival will be anchored by a centerpiece eclipse set aligned with the moment of totality. Keen to transform the celestial phenomenon into a transcendent cultural experience, who better to take charge than Detroit techno founding father Kevin Saunderson.

Kevin will play a 4-hour set, crafted specifically for this unique moment with the eclipse framed behind him – a truly once in a lifetime moment. But before then there’s a whole host of talent to get the party started with some of electronic music’s finest taking to the stages.

One of the scene’s most enduring and important figures Berlin icon Ellen Allien brings her electrifying performance to the festival, plus; Detroit electro pioneer DJ Stingray 313, British techno legend Luke Slater, the fierce and uncompromising Ben Sims, German techno powerhouse Lilly Palmer, Berlin’s Gerd Janson – one of the world’s most respected selectors, Irish house favorite Mano Le Tough, techno powerhouse Nicole Moudaber, and Dutch house maestro Ferreck Dawn.

Or:la, Dense & Pika, Eli Escobar, Jen Cardini, Eris Drew and Marie Madeleine round out a bill that spans the full breadth of house and techno.

Spanish representatives include homegrown hero Coyu, while the international underground is further represented by Georgian selector Salome, Japanese DJ Riria, Italian house craftsman Black Loops, Munich collective Toy Tonics, and rising names Ammara, Urumi, DJ Fuckoff, Anso, Deceit, Dr Dak, Hermetica, Jose Pushmann, Riviani and Santi complete the lineup.

Astral Plane: Total Eclipse Festival
Astral Plane Festival Lineup

The music will be spread across three stages:

The Eclipse Stage: the main stage, for the festival’s biggest acts.
The Mountaintop Stage: on a plateau overlooking Sierra Ayllón, accessible by ski lift or hiking.
The Starship Stage: for the festival’s up-and-coming acts.

During the day there will also be talks and workshops on the eclipse’s scientific and societal significance held prior to the musical programming – details tbc.

More on Astral Plane, the Total Solar Eclipse, and La Pinilla:

The August 12th 2026 total solar eclipse will be the first total solar eclipse to cross Europe this century. For those standing in the path of totality, day will become night, stars will appear in the sky, and the sun’s corona will emerge as a white halo around the black disk of the moon.

Astral Plane searched for a location in the path of totality with a high chance of clear skies on the day of totality, the capacity to welcome 10,000 attendees across three days of programming, and a main stage positioned to frame the Wednesday performances in a picturesque moment during the eclipse.

La Pinilla Mountain Resort
La Pinilla Mountain Resort

La Pinilla Mountain Resort meets all of these criteria, with an 80% chance of clear skies, a 12,000-capacity main stage with the sun as a backdrop, and a history of hosting multi-day music festivals on the mountain (Zamna Festival) and in town (Huercasa Country Festival).

Camping and glamping options will be available onsite. The towns of Riaza and surrounding areas offer various accommodation options, from camping to hotels and B&Bs. La Pinilla and Riaza are only an hour’s drive from Madrid, so attendees will also have the option to stay in Madrid, take a bus from Madrid to Riaza, and take a shuttle from Riaza to the festival grounds.

Astral Plane is conceived as a roaming festival, built to follow the shadow of the moon wherever it falls. Beyond this summer, the next editions plan to follow the 2027 eclipse crossing Southern Spain, North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and then 2028’s eclipse over Australia.

La Pinilla Mountain Resort
La Pinilla Mountain Resort

One ticket, one tree

For every ticket sold, we’ll plant a tree in La Pinilla or its surrounding nature reserves. The festival exists because of this landscape, the mountains that frame the eclipse, the clear skies, and the natural amphitheater of the Sierra de Ayllón. This commitment ensures the festival gives back to the environment that makes it possible.

Tickets from €165 on sale now.

Alok makes Hellbent Records debut with stacked two-track EP ‘My Own Thang’

By
Marco Di
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alok

Hellbent Records welcomes an unexpected name for its next statement as GRAMMY-nominated Brazilian music superstar Alok steps onto the imprint for the first time with ‘My Own Thang’, a collaboration-led EP that aligns with the label’s surging global presence.

One of the biggest names in electronic music, Alok’s arrival continues a shift in his sound, trading mainstage scale for club-focused cuts that align with Hellbent’s identity.

With a career spanning over a decade, the Brazilian DJ/producer has achieved milestones few can match – from surpassing a billion Spotify streams to performing to record-breaking crowds of 1 million or more around the world.

Now, he channels that experience into a dancefloor-driven two-track package alongside a cast of international talent, aligning with the sound that has propelled Hellbent to the forefront of the scene.

‘My Own Thang (To The Beat)’ opens the EP, a bustling collaboration alongside Nigerian-born Hip-House queen Sophiegrophy and Walker & Royce. Known for her sharp vocals and genre-blurring approach, Sophiegrophy rejoins Walker & Royce, the acclaimed US duo behind a wealth of influential releases on labels such as Dirtybird, Hot Creations, and Relief.

Alok My Own Thang
Alok – My Own Thang EP

The result is a direct, high-impact record between the four talents built on bold vocal presence, tight percussion, and simmering club pressure.

On the flip, ‘Grip Slippin’ sees Alok link with rising Brazilian InntRaw, who returns to the label following his breakout Beatport #1 collaboration with Cloonee ‘Stephanie’ and subsequent solo release ‘Night Hustle’. Together, the pair lock into a growling and driving groove loaded with energy, built on hooky vocals and a bassline that hits hard and heavy.

Marking a significant crossover moment, the EP highlights both Alok’s versatility and Hellbent’s expanding global reach, while also further strengthening the label’s ever-growing Brazilian contingent – another statement of intent from an imprint taking control in 2026.

Listen to the tracks below.

BYORN unveils “GENESIS,” marking a new chapter with debut release on Elysium

By
Marco Di
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BYORN returns with “GENESIS,” his first release in over a year and a powerful statement of intent for what lies ahead. Out now via his newly launched Elysium label, operating under Tomorrowland Music, the track signals the beginning of a bold new era.

As the first single from his upcoming album, set for release later this year, “GENESIS” lays the foundation for a deeply conceptual and immersive body of work.

Known for his emotionally charged and uplifting take on hard dance and techno, BYORN continues to push his signature sound into new territory.

“GENESIS” blends driving rhythms with cinematic textures and mythic undertones, creating a track that feels both expansive and intensely focused. Rooted in themes of transformation and ancient symbolism, the release captures the essence of his artistic identity while opening the door to a broader narrative.

With over 20 million streams worldwide and a rapidly growing global audience, the Belgian artist has carved out a distinct position within the modern hard dance landscape. His ability to merge raw energy with emotional depth has resonated strongly with listeners across the scene.

In 2024, he was named Beatport‘s best-selling hard techno artist, a milestone that further solidified his status as one of the genre’s most forward-thinking names.

BYORN GENESIS
BYORN – GENESIS

The launch of Elysium marks a significant step in BYORN‘s evolution as an artist. More than just a label, it serves as a creative platform through which he can fully realize his vision, both musically and conceptually. With “GENESIS” as its first release, Elysium immediately establishes a clear identity rooted in storytelling, atmosphere and impact.

Beyond the studio, BYORN continues to bring his immersive sound to the stage. On May 13, he will perform an all night long set at Fuse in Brussels, offering fans a rare opportunity to experience his music in its purest form.

Known for crafting journeys that go beyond the traditional club set, this performance is set to reflect the deeper narrative introduced with “GENESIS.”

As anticipation builds toward his forthcoming album, BYORN stands at the forefront of a new wave within hard techno and hard dance. With “GENESIS,” he not only marks his return but also sets the tone for what promises to be a defining year.

Listen to the track below.

Sick Individuals unveil their new single “Sunrise,” on Tomorrowland Music

By
Metodi Gogovski
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Sick Individuals

Sick Individuals unveil their brand-new single “Sunrise,” out now on Tomorrowland Music. Blending emotional depth with powerful progressive house energy, the track signals a confident return to the sound that first defined their global rise.

With numerous hit singles to their name and over 500 million global streams, Sick Individuals have firmly established themselves as a staple in the international dance music scene.

Their music continues to receive support from the industry’s biggest names, while their touring schedule spans some of the world’s most iconic festivals and venues, including Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival, Creamfields, Mysteryland, Ushuaïa and S2O.

Each year, the duo push their creative boundaries further, evolving their sound while staying true to their core identity.

Jim and Ray first met at the Dutch conservatory for music, where their shared passion for electronic music sparked an instant connection. Inspired by acts like Daft Punk, Axwell, Bingo Players and Swedish House Mafia, they went on to develop a distinct house sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Since officially launching Sick Individuals in 2009, their journey has been marked by high-profile collaborations with artists such as Alesso, Axwell, Hardwell and Nicky Romero, as well as official remixes for global superstars including Madonna, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Avicii, Tiësto, David Guetta, The Chainsmokers, Rita Ora and Icona Pop.

Sick Individuals Sunrise
Sick Individuals – Sunrise

At the heart of Sick Individuals lies a strong friendship and a shared creative vision. Their attention to detail and instinctive approach to production result in tracks that feel both fresh and authentic. Whether performing at massive festivals or intimate club settings, they consistently bring an infectious energy to every stage.

Their custom-built live concept, “THIS IS SICK,” further elevates their performances by synchronizing music and visuals in real time for a fully immersive experience.

“Sunrise” captures a deeply emotional yet powerful moment on the dancefloor, reflecting both connection and escapism. As the duo explain:

“Sunrise is one of those records that just stayed with us from the very first moment. Even after hundreds of hours in the studio, we never got tired of the chords or the energy, it just kept pulling us back in.

The track is about connection, about wanting to hold on to a moment a little longer while losing yourself in the music. From a musical perspective, it represents exactly where we are right now, emotional but still powerful enough for the biggest stages.” 

Early live reactions have already confirmed the track’s impact, with crowds instantly connecting to its uplifting yet melancholic energy.

Supported by some of the biggest DJs in the scene, “Sunrise” has been building anticipation across dancefloors worldwide. Now, with its official release on Tomorrowland Music, the duo are ready to share that feeling on a global scale.

With more new music on the horizon and a packed international tour schedule ahead, Sick Individuals continue to prove why they remain at the forefront of modern electronic music.

Listen to the track below.

Chris Avantgarde Drops New Single ‘Concrete Professional’

By
Marco Di
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Chris Avantgarde
Chris Avantgarde

Chris Avantgarde shares ‘Concrete Professional’, the latest single off his upcoming debut album Hyperreal, out now via his Hyperreal label. The track follows earlier cuts ‘Obsessed,’ ‘The Other Side,’ ‘Down For The Night,’ ‘Dale,’ and ‘Energy’.

‘Concrete Professional‘ leans into a sharper, more driving framework, with industrial textures and weighted basslines set against gritty, finely detailed synthwork. The track unfolds in a way that feels controlled yet constantly in motion, with a rapid-fire vocal interjection slicing through with its dancefloor-driven message.

Here’s what Chris Avantgarde had to say about the release:

“Been playing this one a lot, and excited to finally be putting it out. One for the clubs. It always goes off!” 

Chris Avantgarde Concrete Professional
Chris Avantgarde – Concrete Professional

‘Concrete Professional‘ adds another layer to Hyperreal‘s evolving architecture, offering a window into the themes and tensions that run through Chris Avantgarde‘s debut album. The release marks a moment of momentum for the artist, arriving as he stands on the verge of fully unveiling a project that balances precision and raw energy, structure and spontaneity.

With Hyperreal, Chris is not only defining his sound but bringing it to stages across North America, with upcoming stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco and an upcoming back-to-back set with Kevin de Vries at ARC Music Festival.

Listen to the track below.

Yohann Warren & Scarlett Deliver a Heartfelt Collaboration with “Think About”

By
Andry Bosk
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Scarlett and Yohann Warren come together for their new single “Think About” a track that feels as natural as it sounds. Built on honest emotion and subtle melodic energy, the release captures the kind of feeling that lingers long after the music fades.

Scarlett, who first gained recognition as a finalist on Swedish Idol 2013, brings a raw and expressive vocal performance shaped by real-life experiences and personal stories.

“My main source of inspiration is definitely life and different life stories,” she shares. Her tone carries both warmth and vulnerability, giving the track an intimate edge that draws listeners in from the first note.

Yohann Warenn and Scarlett

On the production side, Yohann Warren adds a cinematic and atmospheric touch, influenced by years of inspiration from festivals and defining moments in his journey.

“There’s something special about standing in the middle of a crowd, feeling the music with thousands of people you don’t know,” he says. That energy translates clearly into the sound of “Think About.”

The collaboration itself came together organically. After connecting online, the two quickly found a creative chemistry that made the process feel effortless. The result is a track that sits somewhere between a late-night reflection and a shared moment on a dancefloor.

At its core, “Think About” is about memories, connection, and the thoughts that stay with you long after a moment has passed.

Listen to the track below.

Adam Port & Sg Lewis Drop Their Highly Anticipated Track “Be The One”

By
Metodi Gogovski
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This tune was destined to be the one when Adam and SG Lewis met in Los Angeles in 2023. They hit it off immediately – why wait to collaborate on something when you can use the time in between Coachella weekends to go to a studio in LA together?

That’s where “Be The One” came to life. Refined and tested out in clubs in the months that followed, it’s finally seeing the light of day as a record that thrives on both artists’ mutual penchant for captivating hooks and heartwarming emotional depth. The single is available digitally and will be available on vinyl soon via Keinemusik.

The track captures lightning in a bottle: two globally respected tastemakers channeling a shared love of emotive dance music into something immediate, intimate, and built for that moment where night turns into morning.

Adam Port & Sg Lewis

With its hypnotic groove, longing lyricism, and undeniable hook, “Be The One” has already ignited dancefloors worldwide, commanding widespread acclaim. It now steps into the spotlight as the definitive collaboration that bridges underground credibility with crossover allure.

Adam Port Sg Lewis Be The One
Adam Port & Sg Lewis – Be The One

Here’s what SG Lewis had to say:

“I have been a fan of Keinemusik long before Adam and I met in 2023. Our mutual appreciation of emotive dance music made for a very natural collaboration process in the studio, and ‘Be The One’ was a result of wanting to create a song that soundtracks the moment on the dance floor when the sun rises.”

Listen to the track below.

North Coast Music Festival Unveils Stellar Phase Two Lineup for 2026

By
Marco Di
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North Coast Music Festival, Chicago’s largest independent music festival, continues its 16th anniversary rollout with the official Phase Two lineup announcement for 2026.

Set to return September 4–6, 2026 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, North Coast further solidifies its reputation as one of the most diverse and forward-thinking festivals in electronic music – and stands as Chicago’s only independently owned electronic music festival.

Phase Two welcomes a new wave of talent across the electronic spectrum. Newly added artists include bass standouts Level Up and Sippy, UK garage and breaks innovator Interplanetary Criminal, rising genre-blending breakout Jigitz, and hard techno standouts Alignment, JSTJR, Angerfist, Jazzy, Nikolina and more set to turn the the fan-favorite Dome stage upside down, underscoring the festival’s continued commitment to showcasing both global leaders and rising underground talent.

This builds on an already impressive Phase One lineup featuring Fisher, GRiZ, Illenium B2B Slander, Levity B2B Tape B, Porter Robinson (DJ Set), Gryffin, Ganja White Night, Sammy Virji, BUNT, Crankdat, and Wooli.

In addition to its national and international bookings, North Coast continues to champion Chicago’s local scene, with 55+ local DJs added across the Firepit, Silent Disco, and Chill Dome stages.

This ongoing commitment to emerging talent reinforces the festival’s role as both a global destination and a platform for the next generation of artists, providing rising acts with meaningful opportunities to perform alongside some of the biggest names in electronic music.

North Coast Music Festival 2026 Lineup Phase 2
North Coast Music Festival 2026 Lineup Phase 2

Hosted by Collectiv Presents, North Coast continues to deliver a one-of-a-kind festival experience across the expansive SeatGeek Stadium campus. With six distinct stages, cutting-edge production, and a layout designed for comfort and exploration, the festival blends large-scale spectacle with intimate, curated environments.

Beyond the music, North Coast remains rooted in community and inclusivity, creating a space where all fans can connect, express themselves, and discover new sounds. From interactive art installations and roaming performers to immersive side quests and elevated food and beverage offerings, the festival continues to push beyond the traditional live music experience.

With additional artist announcements, special programming, and surprises still to come, North Coast Music Festival 2026 is shaping up to be one of its most dynamic editions yet – celebrating 16 years at the forefront of electronic music culture.

Tickets are on sale now, with limited availability remaining. Fans are encouraged to secure passes early and stay tuned for further updates in the coming weeks.

Here’s the full list of non-local DJs list is: Jigitz, Interplanetary Criminal, Level Up, Sippy, JSTJR, Angerfist, Nikolina, Jazzy, Byorn, DJ Dave, 33 Below, Diøn, Gravdgr, Dømina, Alignment, Dansyn, AYCH.

For more information and tickets click HERE.

Fun Business Days 2026 Welcomes 3,000 Leaders as Nightlife Moves Into Its Next Phase

By
Marco Di
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Fun Business Days
Fun Business Days

The global nightlife industry is entering a new phase, one defined by structure, scale, and strategic decision-making. That shift was on full display at Fun Business Days (FBD), which held its fifth edition in April, at the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia.

More than 3,000 professionals from across Europe and the United States came together, marking a significant milestone for an event that began just five years ago with 300 attendees.

As nightlife continues to evolve beyond its cultural roots into a complex, global business, Fun Business Days has positioned itself as one of the key spaces where that transformation is discussed, challenged, and shaped.

 

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A global industry in the same room

This year’s programme brought together leading voices from across clubs, festivals, artist management, and large-scale event operations, reflecting the growing interconnectedness of the industry.

On the Fourvenues Stage, Rocco Veenboer, founder, and Tim Middelesch, CEO of Awakenings, shared three decades of strategic thinking behind one of the world’s most iconic techno brands, offering insight into how long-term vision and community building drive global relevance.

In “Festival Ops: Running the show across markets”, Tamás Kádár, CEO of Sziget Festival; Alek El-Kazal, Project Director of Ultra Europe; and Bernd Dicks, Co-founder and CEO of Parookaville, explored how large-scale festivals navigate different regulatory environments while maintaining consistency in production and brand experience.

Artist management also took a central role in the conversation. In “Artist Management: Beyond music and talent”, where Rachel Strassberger (Black Eyed Peas), Chris Braun (Artbat) and Cristiana Votta (Black Coffee) discussed how artist careers have evolved into multi-layered business ecosystems, combining branding, community, and diversified revenue streams.

In “Stronger together: The artist-manager formula”, Indira Paganotto and her manager Alex Avanzato shared the strategic model behind their project, from international residencies to the expansion into fashion and creative direction.

 

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Beyond content, a space for real connection

Beyond the sessions, Fun Business Days continues to stand out as a place where the industry connects beyond formal structures. Operators, promoters, artists, booking agencies, and technology companies shared two days of continuous interaction, turning networking into a core part of the experience.

“Five editions in, seeing more than 3,000 people in one space openly sharing how they run their businesses, exchanging ideas, and building relationships is exactly what we created Fun Business Days for. After this edition, it’s clear this space is more necessary than ever.” says Alberto, CEO of Fourvenues and Co-founder of Fun Business Days

Lane 8 and Kasbo have dropped their first-ever collaboration, “World Is Mine”

By
Alex Gelevski
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Lane 8

Globally celebrated producer Lane 8 and acclaimed Swedish artist Kasbo come together for “World Is Mine,” a deeply immersive new collaborative single arriving via This Never Happened. The release marks a natural creative intersection between two artists known for their emotional depth and melodic sensibility.

“World Is Mine” unfolds sonically with a sense of quiet momentum, blending Lane 8’s expansive, club-rooted sensibilities with Kasbo’s intricate, introspective sound design. Built on layered textures, subtle rhythmic progression, and beautiful melodic elements, the track captures a feeling that is both intimate and widescreen – equally suited for solitary reflection and shared dancefloor moments.

The release arrives following a year of massive, sustained fan anticipation. “World Is Mine” has been circulating within the This Never Happened community under various fan-given aliases, with listeners tracking its evolution across live sets and online discussions.

Having been debuted to great fan buzz across the first half of 2025 in Lane 8’s ‘Childish’ album tour, the track was christened “superman” in many ID-hungry Reddit threads, a mis-hearing of the songs “soothe my mind” lyrics.

Lane 8 Kasbo World Is Mine
Lane 8, Kasbo – World Is Mine

Kasbo first played the track during his debut three-hour sunset set at Mishawaka Amphitheatre in September 2025, where it became an immediate standout moment. Since then, it has continued to build momentum across live performances, fan communities, and platforms like Reddit, where active threads have documented the track’s journey across its various iterations.

The track then opened Lane 8’s Winter 2025 Mixtape in December, where it was quickly identified by fans as the long-teased Kasbo collaboration, further fueling speculation and excitement. That sustained grassroots energy has translated into tangible demand, positioning “World Is Mine” as one of the most anticipated releases within the This Never Happened ecosystem to date.

For Kasbo, “World Is Mine” continues a new creative chapter defined by openness and instinct, following a period spent off the road reconnecting with music and daily life in Stockholm. The single also follows his debut This Never Happened release “All This Time,” which arrived earlier this year.

For Lane 8, the collaboration further expands the ethos of This Never Happened: a platform built on presence, emotional connection, and music designed to resonate beyond the moment.

Kasbo Lane 8
Kasbo and Lane 8

Here’s what Kasbo had to say:

“When I first started the idea with BJOERN we both felt we had something special. I sent the idea over to Lane 8 who just made sense of the track, when I heard his version I felt like I finally understood the song and what it was.

In the end it became something really special and an interesting blend between our two worlds. Seeing the reactions live and online has been such a treat and something I’ve never seen before on a track I’ve been a part of. So excited to finally have it out in the world.”

Lane 8 shares, “I feel really grateful to be a part of this record. Kasbo and Bjoern both brought so much magic to the song and all I tried to do was put an exclamation point on that magic. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a humming hotline hit? I hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it and playing it out over the last year.”

Over the past decade, Lane 8 has carefully built one of dance music’s most committed fan communities through This Never Happened, cultivating a community centered on deep listening and distraction-free experiences.

In parallel, Kasbo has built a worldwide following through his cinematic, emotionally driven productions, amassing over 600 million global streams. Together, “World Is Mine” brings their own worlds into unison.

Listen to the track below!

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