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

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”

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!

Tony Romera returns to Toolroom with ‘Waste My Time’

World-renowned DJ and producer Tony Romera returns to Toolroom with ‘Waste My Time,’ a sleek, groove-led house cut driven by captivating vocals.

The Frenchman has a been a staple in the label’s output over the last 3 years, with his releases earning continued support from Four Tet, Green Velvet, Carl Cox, Gorgon City, Eats Everything and many more.

Waste My Time’ is a more vocal-led cut compared to Romera’s usual releases yet still holds his signature sound which makes for another peak-time moment while retaining undeniable crossover appeal.

Tony Romera Waste My Time
Tony Romera – Waste My Time

A natural fit for Toolroom, this release reinforces Tony Romera’s reputation for crafting forward-thinking, dancefloor-ready records.

Listen to the track below.

Hardt Antoine returns to Crosstown Rebels with ‘One More Night’

Hardt Antoine

A warm, late-night glow pulses through ‘One More Night’, as Hardt Antoine returns to Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels for his first original release on the label, adding to his captivating remix of Henri Bergmann & Wentink’s ‘Guardian Angel’ in 2024. Anchored by Charlotte OC’s striking delivery, the track draws on the pull of classic disco and modern club sensibilities, balancing introspection with pure dancefloor drive.

“I fell in love with the track instantly when Hardt Antoine played me the instrumental,” says Charlotte OC.

“Within minutes of hearing it, I’d already sent him a vocal idea, and once we got into the studio, everything just fell into place. Vocally, I wanted to capture the emotion of someone who’s realized their worth – the kind of feeling you hear in a lot of late-70s disco, especially with artists like Donna Summer.”

On remix duties, Greek DJ/producer Echonomist reshapes the original into a blissful voyage, layering skippy rhythms and shadowy textures for an emotive late-night ride. Rounding out the release, ‘Dreamstate’ offers a complementary original from Hardt Antoine, leaning further into his melodic instincts with a fluid, atmospheric groove.

Hardt Antoine Charlotte DC One More Night
Hardt Antoine, Charlotte DC – One More Night

Hardt Antoine’s output and sound draws on his French and Jamaican heritage, weaving house, techno, soul, and 80s influences into a sonic identity defined by rich melodies and groove-led songwriting.

With releases on the likes of Innervisions and Kompakt, and performances at Circoloco, Junction 2, fabric, and Panorama Bar, he continues to build a global presence rooted in both club impact and musical depth.

Meanwhile, Charlotte OC brings her distinct vocal talents to Crosstown for the very first time. Following a return to her hometown of Blackburn and a renewed creative focus, her recent work leans into raw, self-assured songwriting, blending vulnerability with strength – qualities that sit at the heart of ‘One More Night’.

Listen and pre-order below!

Avision delivers his first full statement on Ground Rule Records with his ‘Out Of Control’ EP.

Avision doesn’t just represent New York; he channels it, loud and unapologetically. Having laid the groundwork, the Staten Island-born artist delivers the first full-length statement on his newly minted Ground Rule Records imprint as he closes April with his ‘Out Of Control’ EP, bringing together six tracks already making serious impact across global dancefloors.

More than a collection, it captures the wide scope of his sound – from slick techno-leaning touches and groove-led house to flashes of vibrant disco and deeper, late-night moments, all rooted in the energy of the city that has shaped him.

The EP’s foundation has been building in plain sight. ‘Out Of Control’, ‘Goes Like This’, ‘Reach’, and ‘Baby Tell Me’ have each carved out their own lane over recent months, becoming staples in sets from a wide spectrum of artists, from Honey Dijon and David Morales through to Damian Lazarus and Peggy Gou.

Now unified, they form the backbone of a wider project, music that works across rooms, styles, and generations without losing its identity.

Two new cuts now complete that picture. ‘Risky’ leans into late-night instincts. It’s rolling, tension-filled, and crafted around a fluid groove, primed for those deeper moments when the energy shifts but never drops.

Cómo Se’, on the other hand, brings a different kind of movement: warmer, looser, and rhythmically driven. With nods to Latin influences and swing that feels effortless but controlled, it’s a track that reflects the city’s cultural crosscurrents as much as its club heritage.

That duality sits at the heart of Avision’s position right now. As one of the few artists operating comfortably between generations, he bridges the gap between New York’s foundational figures and its new wave, equally at home alongside long-standing icons like Victor Calderone as he is among the artists shaping today’s global circuit.

It’s a role that goes beyond DJing; it’s about maintaining a lineage, carrying forward a sound, and reintroducing its essence to new audiences to allow them to discover what New York club culture really means. Ground Rule Records – and the wider Ground Rule Collective project – are a direct extension of that mindset.

Uniting music, events, and culture, it reflects the deep-rooted connection to his city in its purest form. From sold-out events at Superior Ingredients to a growing presence across disciplines, it’s less about nostalgia and more about momentum, pushing New York forward while staying rooted in what made it matter in the first place.

This isn’t an artist chasing trends, hype, or big moments. Instead, he’s consciously building something with weight, purpose, and longevity. Six tracks in, and it’s already clear that this is a project that doesn’t just reflect the city that shaped him, it reflects where both he and the city are heading next.

Listen to the tracks below.

Mozambo and Antdot revisit a modern soul classic with ‘Wish I Didn’t Miss You’

Mozambo Antdot

Mozambo and Antdot revisit a modern soul classic with Wish I Didn’t Miss You, a respectful club interpretation shaped for late-night floors while keeping the emotional clarity of the source intact.

For Mozambo, the original has long been a personal touchstone. Reworking it was approached as preservation rather than reinvention, keeping the sentiment recognizable while translating it into a contemporary dance setting. Antdot’s contribution adds subtle rhythmic detail and low-end weight, giving the track range across both intimate and larger systems.

Recently, during a B2B set with Nic Fanciulli at [UNVRS] Ibiza, legendary producer and DJ Carl Cox, who played a remix of the track featuring the same iconic Angie Stone vocals for many years, was caught off guard by the Antdot and Mozambo rework. His reaction upon hearing the refreshed version of the hit quickly went viral on social media.

 

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Angie Stone’s recording remains one of the defining soul releases of the early 2000s. Her writing carried gospel roots into modern R&B with unusual directness, and Wish I Didn’t Miss You in particular became a rare crossover moment that resonated across radio, clubs and sampling culture.

Stone’s voice balanced strength and vulnerability without theatrics, which is precisely what made the record endure well beyond its chart life. The new version stands as a tribute to that legacy, acknowledging its influence while introducing it to a new context.

Mozambo Antdot Wish I Didn’t Miss You remix
Mozambo, Antdot – Wish I Didn’t Miss You remix

Here’s what Mozambo had to say about the remix:

“This remix is very special to us because the original has been part of our lives for years. Two years ago in Ibiza we rediscovered it while digging and we had this idea: we wanted to play it in our sets, but to reinterpret it with our own sound.

For us it’s also connected to the legacy of Ibiza, especially that iconic Carl Cox moment at the Space closing in 2016. We’ve watched that video so many times, it always gave us goosebumps.

We were scared to touch it because it’s such a masterpiece, but one day we started the project and everything flowed naturally.

The goal was to pay tribute to Angie Stone and to that Ibiza spirit, keeping the emotion of the vocal. It’s really a sunset and closing record, an homage and a dream turned into reality.” 

Across 2025 and into 2026, Mozambo have moved into a more defined phase of their project, with a steady run of releases, wider international bookings and the growth of their Jungle Disco label clarifying their musical identity.

The period has seen them refine a sound that connects heritage influences with contemporary club language, placing them more firmly within the global circuit.

The single lands as a joint release between Dawn Patrol and Mozambo’s own Jungle Disco imprint, marking a meeting point between the duo’s club-focused output and the label’s broader melodic direction.

Mozambo play Hi Ibiza 28 May for Dawn Patrol.

Listen to the track below!

Patrick Topping debuts on Metamorfosi with his ‘Love Me’ EP

Patrick Topping
Patrick Topping

Joseph Capriati’s Metamorfosi Records invites global tastemaker Patrick Toppping with his propulsive ‘Love Me’ EP, out 24th April 2026.

A defining force in modern dance music, the 2022 DJ Mag ‘Best British DJ’ has headlined the world’s most renowned festivals and clubs, including Creamfields, The Warehouse Project, Drumsheds, Hï Ibiza, and DC10, while his Trick imprint has helped shape global club culture, championing fresh emerging talent.

Now making his Metamorfosi debut, Topping homes in on the label’s ethos, serving up a refined yet driving two-track EP that manifests creativity and a deeper connection to the dancefloor.

Patrick Topping Love Me EP
Patrick Topping – Love Me EP

Title track ‘Love Me’ is a high-impact, rave-ready cut that fuses disco nostalgia with a peak-time intensity where chiming chords and infectious vocal hooks meet quirky synth lines and a pounding bassline.

On the flip, ‘Here We Go’ sees punchy drum work, rolling low-end pressure, and echoing rap vocal snippets combine into a brooding, no-nonsense club weapon.

Patrick ToppingLove Me’ EP drops via Metamorfosi Records on 24th April 2026.

Tracklist:

1. Love Me
2. Here We Go

Listen and pre-order the EP below!

Mesophonic returns with his first original release of 2026, “Hellcat”

Mesophonic

Rising Denver producer Mesophonic returns with his first original release of 2026, “Hellcat,” out now on all streaming platforms. Inspired by his love of cars, speed, and high-energy sound design, the track delivers a relentless, bass-heavy ride that mirrors the intensity and adrenaline of its namesake.

Blending aggressive dubstep drops with revving, engine-like textures and cinematic build-ups, “Hellcat” captures the feeling of pushing things to the limit – both musically and creatively.

The record reflects a new level of confidence and identity for Mesophonic, continuing to evolve beyond his early breakout moments into a more defined, high-performance sound.

Mesophonic Hellcat
Mesophonic – Hellcat

Hellcat” arrives as a natural next step following a breakout 2025 that saw Mesophonic transition from viral sensation to emerging live act.

After first gaining national attention when Shaquille O’Neal (DJ DIESEL) brought him onstage at Denver’s Mission Ballroom, the moment came full circle later that year when Mesophonic returned as an official opener for Shaq the Halls, marking his debut performance at the iconic venue.

 

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With growing support across the bass music community—including co-signs from artists like Kyral x Banko, G-Rex, and MportMesophonic continues to build momentum both on stage and online. “Hellcat” further positions him as a young artist not just participating in the scene, but actively shaping his own lane within it.

Listen to the track below!

Avicii’s ‘Levels’ Takes the Top Spot in Tomorrowland Top 1000

Tomorrowland One World Radio

This year’s edition of the One World Radio Tomorrowland Top 1000 once again showcased the global power of dance music, blending timeless classics with modern anthems and reflecting the ever-evolving sound of the scene. From nostalgia-driven favorites to breakthrough hits, the list captured the true DNA of Tomorrowland.

Avicii‘s legendary track “Levels” emerges as the ultimate anthem, uniting generations of dance music fans. The track was previously named a favorite by artists like Joel Corry and NERVO during their time at Tomorrowland‘s One World Radio studio at Tomorrowland Winter.

Beyond the Top 10, several artists dominated the chart, with Martin Garrix leading the way with 43 entries, followed by Tiësto with 41 and David Guetta with 34. Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike stood out as the most represented duo with 23 tracks, while Swedish House Mafia led among trios with 18 appearances.

This year’s Tomorrowland Top 1000 also highlighted remarkable chart movements and fresh entries. KETTAMA secured the highest new entry with “It Gets Better (Forever Mix),” while Chrystal and NOTION achieved the biggest climb, rising an impressive 609 places with “The Days (NOTION Remix).”

Tomorrowland Top 1000 2026 Winner
Tomorrowland Top 1000 2026 Number 1 Avicii – Levels

The list spanned decades of electronic music history, from “The Age of Love” (1990) as the oldest track, to a new wave of artists making their mark high up in the chart. At the same time, a resurgence of classic trance sounds confirmed that the genre’s roots remain stronger than ever, with renewed support for artists like Ferry Corsten and early Tiësto productions.

A clear wave of nostalgia ran through the ranking, with beloved tracks continuing to resonate alongside today’s biggest releases. Meanwhile, emerging artists such as Marlon Hoffstadt and KI/KI signaled the rise of a new generation shaping the future of dance music.

Entirely shaped by votes from the People of Tomorrow, the Tomorrowland Top 1000 remains a true reflection of the global community. From the very first track “The Beginning” by Pryda, to the final number one, the Tomorrowland Top 1000 once again proved the timeless power of music to connect people around the world.

Fans can relive the full Tomorrowland Top 1000 experience this weekend on One World Radio and on the Tomorrowland app, alongside the official playlist on Spotify. Allowing listeners to revisit their favorite anthems anytime, anywhere.

The final Top 10 is as follows:

Avicii – Levels
Swedish House Mafia, John Martin – Don’t You Worry Child
Sebastian Ingrosso, Tommy Trash, John Martin – Reload
Martin Garrix, Bonn – High On Life
Sebastian Ingrosso, Alesso, Ryan Tedder – Calling (Lose My Mind)
Dimitri Vegas, MOGUAI, Like Mike – Mammoth
OneRepublic, Alesso – If I Lose Myself (Alesso vs OneRepublic)
Hardwell – Spaceman
David Guetta, Sia – Titanium
Armin van Buuren – Blah Blah Blah

Tomorrowland’s CORE makes U.S. debut in Los Angeles

Belgium’s globally renowned festival concept lands at LA State Historic Park for the first time, as Tomorrowland and Insomniac bring a high-end audiovisual universe to the U.S. electronic scene.

Tomorrowland‘s CORE makes its U.S. debut in Los Angeles, marking its first entry into the North American market. May 2nd and 3rd, CORE lands in LA for the very first time, as Tomorrowland joins forces once again with Insomniac to bring one of its most immersive and forward-thinking stage experiences stateside.

Following their standout collaboration on the UNITY shows in Las Vegas, the two live entertainment powerhouses now introduce American audiences to CORE a distinct creative universe that has grown into one of Tomorrowland‘s most celebrated concepts.

Known for its cutting-edge audiovisual design, curated underground sound, and deeply immersive atmosphere, CORE has built a global reputation with editions in Belgium, France, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and upcoming expansions including Melbourne (Australia) later this year.

CORE Tomorrowland
CORE

Its arrival in Los Angeles marks a significant moment: for the first time, U.S. audiences will experience a concept that has, until now, remained exclusive to the Tomorrowland ecosystem.

Set in the iconic Los Angeles State Historic Park, just minutes from Downtown LA, the event transforms one of the city’s most unique open-air venues into a fully immersive electronic music environment, blending large-scale stage design, next-level production, and a carefully curated lineup that bridges global icons and underground tastemakers.

The debut LA edition features a forward-thinking lineup with several artists making their first appearance on the CORE stage, including Four Tet, Hannah Laing, Mija, Eric Prydz and Mall Grab, the latter currently gaining global traction with “Just The Way You Are.”

They are joined by Malugi, known for his high-energy, feel-good house sound, and LA-based Masha Mar, a key figure in the city’s underground scene and an advocate for inclusive, community-driven club culture. Global house icon Honey Dijon returns to CORE, alongside Benwal, following a standout performance at CORE Medellín earlier this year.

CORE Los Angeles 2026 Lineup
CORE LA 2026 Lineup

Further expanding its creative footprint, CORE also continues to grow as a label and platform. Just ahead of the event, Mija will release her new single “Dance Like You Mean It” with Florian Picasso on CORE Records, highlighting the project’s evolution beyond a stage into a broader cultural movement.

Belgium’s influence remains present, with artists including Oscar and the Wolf, Samm, Capoon, Emilija, and Kneiz reinforcing the international DNA at the heart of CORE.

With its U.S. debut, CORE brings a new layer to Los Angeles‘ festival landscape, introducing a Tomorrowland-born concept that blends world-class production with a carefully curated underground sound, and setting a new benchmark for immersive electronic events in the States.

Watch the official announcement below!

CORE Los Angeles

Date: May 2 & 3

Opening hours: 01:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Location: Los Angeles State Historic Park, California, USA

Minimum Age: 21+

CORE Los Angeles 2026 tickets available HERE.

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