Home Blog Page 22

Pacha ICONS Dubai Unveils First Names for 2026 Season

Dubai’s iconic Pacha ICONS series is back for an exhilarating first quarter of 2026 with an extraordinary lineup of world-renowned DJs set to play at the city’s premier beachfront destination, Playa Pacha at FIVE LUXE JBR.

Promising unforgettable nights of music, energy, and celebration, Pacha ICONS continues to deliver the signature Ibizan party spirit that has made it a must-visit experience for all music lovers.

Pacha ICONS is a multi-genre, open-air musical celebration, bringing the world’s biggest talent to Dubai’s stunning beachfront venue, Playa Pacha. With three glistening pools, a pristine beach and one of the largest LED screens in the region projecting dynamic visuals, each event is designed to create an immersive, high-energy experience that captures the magic of Ibiza right on the Dubai coastline.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by FIVE LUXE JBR (@fiveluxejbr)

The season kicks off in January with two consecutive nights from global sensations and Australian melodic masters RÜFÜS DU SOL, the first on 23 January alongside multidisciplinary trio Avangart Tabldot and then with Copenhagen’s ‘Dope Dance’ creators Tripolism on 24 January. That is followed by a powerhouse performance from house music king and Diynamic label head Solomun on 31 January.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @pachaicons

On 13 February, the internationally celebrated Music On series returns with Marco Carola b2b Franky Rizardo, East End Dubs b2b Max Dean and Ale De Tuglie who will explore all shades of house and techno.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Music On (@musiconofficial)

With decades of party expertise from the legendary Pacha Ibiza, Pacha ICONS promises another season of unforgettable nights, world-class music and unparalleled beachside brilliance.

Alongside the first names announced for 2026, Pacha ICONS has revealed a special show with Keinemusik at a new location – Bab Al Shams Arena.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Keinemusik (@keinemusikcrue)

Tickets available HERE.

Vintage Culture releases his highly anticipated track ‘Lost’

After months of high demand, ‘Lost’ is finally here. The track immediately evokes a sense of nostalgia while being crafted for the dancefloor – a balance that Vintage Culture and Gabss capture effortlessly.

It blends familiarity with a renewed touch, giving the track a fresh place within the electronic music landscape. With strong reactions at EDC, Tomorrowland Brazil, and dates across his global tour, the track has already become one of the year’s most anticipated releases.

Lost‘ marks the fourth release on Affairs and represents an important step forward for the label. Following ‘Feel the Rhythm‘ with ANNA, this release further establishes Affairs as a home for emotional vocals, detailed production, and meaningful global collaboration.

Vintage Culture Lost
Vintage Culture Lost

For Vintage Culture, Affairs is more than a label – it is a growing creative space shaped by connection and shared vision. With the arrival of ‘Lost‘, that vision takes another step forward, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Marco Carola’s Music On Announces First-Ever Malta Edition for 2026

Marco Carola’s Music On will launch in Malta for the first time on Saturday 1 August 2026 with what will be an unmissable regional debut for the internationally recognized brand.

The immersive event will take place at a previously unused location for large-scale electronic music events and will come with the signature sounds and forward thinking production that has helped make Music On one of the planets most recognizable techno brands.

Music On hosts events all over the world and leads from the front when it comes to carefully curated line ups of house and techno stars and production that always adds an extra special sensory edge to each party.

Next summer, Music On will bring the same attention to sound, atmosphere and programming, with further details on the venue to be revealed in due course.

Music On Malta
Marco Carola presents Music On Malta

Those summer editions have become a fixture of the calendar, consistently attracting a global audience of committed music fans and now those same fans have the chance to soak up the vibes in an all new and sun-kissed location in Malta, which has long had a throwing scene of its own.

The Malta line-up will be announced on 22 December, with presale tickets also going live on the same date.

Register in advance to receive first access to line-up announcements and the best-priced tickets.

Get a chance to perform at Tomorrowland Winter 2026

Tomorrowland Winter

The Tomorrowland Academy is launching a unique contest to get a chance to perform at Tomorrowland Winter 2026 by entering the Tomorrowland Academy DJ Competition.

People from all around the world can now participate and submit their mixtape in order to make their wildest dream come true and play alongside the world’s top artists.

Looking ahead of the 6th Tomorrowland Winter edition from March 21-28, 2026, music aficionados can now grab their chance to play at the iconic festival, simply by heading over to the Online Tomorrowland DJ & Producing Academy, becoming a member and submitting their mixtape before February 20, 2026.

Here’s some advice:

  • Submit a 30-45 minute mixtape and motivational video that truly represents you!
  • Dig deep into music databases to uncover hidden gems.
  • Keep transitions clean but engaging, ensuring long blends don’t make the mix dull.
  • Most importantly, be yourself – your mixtape should reflect your unique style and passion.
Tomorrowland Winter DJ Contest
Tomorrowland Winter DJ Contest 2026

Meet Ayden Loyde – Winner of the Tomorrowland Winter 2025 DJ competition

​Personal stories reveal the Academy as a place where dreams can become reality. Last year, Swedish DJ Ayden Loyde opened the Reflection of Love stage at Tomorrowland Winter as winner of the Tomorrowland Winter 2025 DJ competition. He delivered a magnificent mix of melodic techno & indie dance tracks and the high from this incredible journey hasn’t faded.

Here’s what Ayden Loyde had to say about his experience:

“Beyond excited to have performed my festival debut at Tomorrowland Winter 2025! I played at the Reflection of Love stage, celebrating the power of unity, high in the mountains of Alpe d’Huez.

This had been a dream of mine ever since I was a youngling. Most of all, thank you to Tomorrowland Academy for making a dream come true!” 

​The Tomorrowland Academy is Tomorrowland‘s educational DJ & producer platform that gives beginning and advanced DJs & producers the chance to take their career to the next level.

Since 2022, the Academy has supported musician enthusiasts of all levels with an extensive program that includes both physical workshops at events like Tomorrowland Winter and online courses in DJing, music production, performance presence, and personal branding.

Find all info about the Online Tomorrowland DJ & Producing Academy and its monthly membership on the official website.

Kappa FuturFestival Reveals First Names for 2026 Edition

Marking the beginning of another chapter in its storied legacy, Kappa FuturFestival has revealed the Phase One lineup for its 2026 edition.

From July 3–5, 2026, the three-day celebration will once again transform Torino’s Parco Dora into a global meeting point for music, design, and culture – a space where Italy’s creative pulse meets the forefront of electronic sound.

This first wave of Kappa FuturFestival 2026 artists underscores the festival’s reputation as an international meeting ground for creativity – bringing together established icons, rising innovators, and exclusive collaborations that capture the full spectrum of contemporary electronic music.

Phase one highlights include Solid Grooves co-founder Michael Bibi, KNTXT label head Charlotte de Witte, German techno veteran Sven Väth, Grammy-nominated Swedish House Mafia member Sebastian Ingrosso, and EXHALE founder Amelie Lens.

The lineup also boasts viral Brazilian phenom Mochakk, techno virtuoso Enrico Sangiuliano, and monumental collaborations from Ben Klock B2B Marcel Dettmann, to Paco Osuna B2B Nicole Moudaber, and STOOR Live (Colin Benders, Lady Starlight, and Speedy J).

Kappa FuturFestival 2026 lineup Phase 1
Kappa FuturFestival 2026 lineup Phase 1

Further depth includes UK heavyweights Skream B2B Fleur Shore, genre defying DJ and producer Avalon Emerson, Chicago pioneer DJ Rush, Romanian minimal master Rhadoo, and hard-groove powerhouses Dyen B2B Shlømo.

Italian vinyl innovators Adiel B2B Quest, Berlin’s electrifying Clara Cuvé, UK underground champion Jane Fitz, Spanish groove specialist Wade, and eclectic visionaries Erol Alkan B2B Confidence Man DJs will also each bring their signature energies to Parco Dora’s concrete playground.

Kappa Futur’s phase one lineup is rounded out by Anxhela, Basswell, Dawn Patrol, Greg Willen B2B Sizing, Mala, Nikolina, Objekt, Onlynumbers, Prunk B2B YOUniverse, and Serafina B2B Fumi, with many more names forthcoming.

The festival’s sprawling six-stage production spans techno, house, and experimental frontiers within the industrial relics and green expanses of Parco Dora – a site symbolic of Italy’s creative transformation.

The acclaimed Art + Techno Experience also returns in 2026, offering a four-day immersion of curated gallery tours, fine dining, and luxury accommodations that blur the lines between art, lifestyle, and sound.

Ranked 6th Best Festival in the World by DJ Mag (2025), Kappa FuturFestival now stands as a defining pillar of Italian culture, attracting audiences from over 150 countries and generating more than €30 million annually for the local economy.

Stay tuned for more lineup names to be announced in 2026. Fans can revisit previous editions through 40+ exclusive DJ mixes recorded live at the festival on Apple Music, including sets from Vintage Culture B2B Beltran, Tiësto, Adam Beyer, Seth Troxler, Fatboy Slim, Carl Cox B2B Nicole Moudaber, and more.

2025 live sets from Charlotte de Witte, OGUZ, Adam Beyer B2B Maceo Plex, Vintage Culture B2B Beltran, and Meduza are also available now on YouTube with more coming soon.

Tickets for Kappa FuturFestival 2026 available HERE.

Novah and Nico Moreno unite for a historic All Night Long performance in Brussels

Novah returns to homebase Belgium for a unique headline performance with French techno force Nico Moreno, on April 3 at Rave Rebels in Brussels.

For the first time ever, the duo – celebrated as one of techno’s most renowned power couples – will share the stage for a five-hour set. Their All Night Long performance promises to set ravers ablaze with a unique underground celebration that ramps up the night’s intensity like never before.

The bold fusion of two kingpins in today’s scene, Nico Moreno B2B Novah, is not going unnoticed. Together, they embody a rare fusion of force and finesse – a shared vision forged on and off the dancefloor. That energy has never been unleashed behind the decks as one, until now.

Nico Moreno B2B Novah
Nico Moreno B2B Novah Rave Rebels

​From Antwerp’s underground, Novah is a driving force known for her intense energy, genre-fluid sound and commanding presence behind the decks. Her breakout single ‘Papi‘ exploded into a global anthem, amassing more than 5.5 million streams. The anthem laid the groundwork for Novah‘s latest release ‘ACID,’ on Tomorrowland Music.

In 2025, the techno superstar has dominated dancefloors worldwide with 168 shows, including a standout performance at the Gathering stage at Tomorrowland. Constantly pushing both sound and boundaries, Novah was featured in the Spotify EQUAL program in 2025.

In 2026, Novah heads to Tomorrowland Winter and has an exciting slate of music and projects lined up for next year. The Belgian hard dance prodigy is a powerhouse to be reckoned with.

Nico Moreno broke barriers with 2025 Tomorrowland Mainstage debut. ​Ever since he released the breakout banger ‘Purple Widow‘ in 2019, French DJ and producer Nico Moreno has remained a key artist in the hard techno scene. This summer, he reached a career-defining pinnacle, stepping onto the Mainstage at Tomorrowland for the first time.

“It was my goal, I did it!” says Nico Moreno. “It’s a consecration for me but also for our generation and our music style.”

​Tickets available HERE.

Yves V and Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman team up for “You & I” on Tomorrowland Music

Yves V

Prepare to be swept away by the irresistible groove of “You & I”, the latest collaboration from Belgian big-room powerhouse Yves V and Swedish progressive house duo Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman.

This vibrant track layers playful keyboard melodies, rhythmic finger snaps, and whimsical whistle lines, paired with heartfelt sing-along lyrics that lift listeners into an idyllic dreamscape.

Globally acclaimed DJ Yves V, known for electrifying the stages of Tomorrowland, Sensation, ADE, and Mysteryland, infuses the track with his signature big-room energy. Swedish duo Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman bring their progressive house expertise, resulting in a seamless fusion of festival grandeur and radio-friendly appeal.

The creation of “You & I” was an exercise in pure musical fun. Here’s what Yves V had to say about the release:

“When we started working on this track, we wanted to capture that feeling of being completely lost in the moment: dancing, smiling, singing along. It’s all about happiness and energy.” 

Yves V Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman You & I
Yves V and Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman – You & I

Swedish duo Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman, known for their festival-ready progressive house productions, bring melodic depth and rhythmic precision to the collaboration, creating a perfect balance with Yves V‘s big-room sensibilities.

Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman added:

“To be honest, those old vibes and leads are the best, just give you that genuine feel of happiness. The energy between us and Yves V really brought the track to life.” 

With its infectious, feel-good energy, “You & I” is a standout anthem guaranteed to get audiences moving, anywhere and everywhere.

Listen to the track below.

Les Plages Électroniques Announces First Wave of Artists for 2026 Edition

Les Plages Électroniques is France’s most iconic beach festival and now it unveils the first wave of artists set to perform at its landmark 20th anniversary edition next August in Cannes. Returning to the sands of the Côte d’Azur, the festival continues its legacy of blending world-class electronic talent with a uniquely Mediterranean atmosphere.

7 August 2026 will see Martin Garrix headline. He is one of the world’s most influential EDM superstars, known for global chart-topping hits and headline performances at the biggest festivals worldwide and will be joined by Nico Moreno, a leading force in the new wave of industrial techno, recognized for his fast, hard-hitting sets that dominate underground stages across Europe.

Mosimann is next and is the Swiss DJ, producer and vocalist celebrated for his hybrid live sets and genre-blending approach, merging house, pop and electronic performance.

8 August 2026 welcomes Multi-platinum producer and global dance icon Marshmello whose crossover hits have earned billions of streams and collaborations with the world’s biggest artists.

Then comes Belgium‘s Amelie Lens, one of techno’s most powerful modern figures, known for her hypnotic, high-energy sets and commanding presence on the world’s largest stages.

Chart-topping French rapper PLK also brings his signature melodic flow and sharp lyricism to the Riviera while Vladimir Cauchemar is a producer and performer known for his flute-driven trap sound and visually striking aesthetic.

Les Plages Électroniques 2026 Lineup
Les Plages Électroniques 2026 Lineup

9 August 2026 sees DJ Snake present Pardon My French as the global superstar returns to the Croisette with his famed PMF collective, bringing high-energy bass, trap and dance music to close the festival.

This summer marks two decades since Les Plages Électroniques began as a small local gathering in 2006. Today, the festival welcomes more than 60,000 attendees from around the world and presents over 90 artists annually across six stages spanning the beach, rooftops, the Palais des Festivals and the open sea.

Set between the Bay of Cannes and the Croisette, the festival has become a defining symbol of summer in the South of France with an immersive experience from beach sunsets to late-night afterparties inside the Palais.

The 20th anniversary edition will celebrate the festival’s heritage while pushing forward with enhanced production, new stage concepts, special collaborations and commemorative moments honoring two decades of creativity and connection.

In August 2026, the Croisette will once again transform into one of Europe’s biggest dancefloors as the countdown begins for the festival’s most anticipated edition yet.

Fatboy Slim Releases ‘Satisfaction Skank’ With The Rolling Stones

img via Exit Festival

In a landmark collaboration that collides two seismic moments in British music and bridges generations in one explosive track, DJ and producer Fatboy Slim joins forces with UK music royalty The Rolling Stones on ‘Satisfaction Skank’, released through Southern Fried Records and ABKCO Records.

Long considered one of the most iconic “unreleased” tracks in dance music, this legendary mashup, built from two of the most recognizable songs ever recorded, finally receives an official release after more than decades of featuring in Fatboy Slim‘s sets.

After more than 20 years of fans from both The Rolling Stones and Fatboy Slim asking for the track to be officially released, both artists agreed the stars had aligned and the moment had finally arrived.

Norman was entrusted with the original stems of the generation-defining anthem, which were delivered in an armoured van, a testament to the importance, rarity, and cultural value of the source material. He then fully recreated and rerecorded the track, transforming it into a no-holds-barred dancefloor weapon while retaining the stadium-scale power of the original.

Speaking on the release, Fatboy Slim says:

“Over countless years I have always dreamed of an official release for this mash up. It has been a favorite in my DJ sets for over a quarter of a century, I can confirm it is thoroughly road tested and fit for purpose….”

Fatboy Slim Rolling Stones Satisfaction Skank
Fatboy Slim x The Rolling Stones – Satisfaction Skank

In May 1965 Keith Richards wrote the iconic riff to ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction‘ in the middle of the night on a home tape recorder while The Rolling Stones were on tour in Clearwater, Florida.

In Dec 1999 in another on the road eureka moment, at the Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC, Norman Cook playfully fused his then-fresh hit  ’The Rockafeller Skank‘, the trailblazing single from You’ve Come a Long Way Baby, with Keith‘s iconic guitar riff and Mick‘s rebellious vocal into something more than the sum of its parts. The mashup left audiences unsure whether Fatboy Slim was a band, a DJ, or something entirely new.

Satisfaction Skank‘ is a once-in-a-lifetime, high-octane mashup that fuses rock and dance across generations; Despite coming from different eras, the two tracks share a deep musical DNA: a relentless, forward-driving energy built around signature repeating riffs that meld Keith Richards‘ fuzz-guitar hook with Fatboy Slim‘s chopped-and-scratched vocal motif.

The raw analogue crunch of The Stones circa 1965 sits perfectly alongside the sample-driven, hyper-modern production of 1998, and for this release, Norman subtly lifts ‘Satisfaction‘ into a contemporary dance-floor tempo without losing its original swagger, creating a rich analogue-meets-digital texture that taps into the timelessness of both recordings.

Tom Furse has created the accompanying video for the track which combines photos from Michael Spencer Jones‘ iconic photo Archive with cutting-edge AI technology.

Fatboy Slim x The Rolling Sones
Fatboy Slim The Rolling Stones

The resulting video leans fully into the 1960s. As a member of The Horrors and someone with deep roots in music history, Tom wanted to rebuild the world of the Stones as they were in 1965, when “Satisfaction” first arrived, bringing the full original lineup back to life through modern visuals and AI led craft.

Another visual has been made by London-based video director Elliot Gonzo, known for his distinct hyper-real style, conceived the idea for his video by imagining Norman dropped into a surreal fantasy world where he could finally appear alongside The Stones.

He pictured the perfect setting as the final night of the Big Beat Boutique and drew heavily from the aesthetic of the Build It Up, Tear It Down video, which became the creative launchpad for his vision.

The source imagery for both visuals come from Michael Spencer Jones‘ incredible archive of Rolling Stones photography. These images form the backbone of the visuals – fueling Tom Furse‘s AI-powered recreation of 1965 and inspiring Elliot Gonzo‘s surreal, club-tinged fantasy reinterpretation.

Listen to the track below.

Pacha ICONS announces Keinemusik for a major one-off Dubai show in 2026

Pacha ICONS presents Keinemusik for a major one-off Dubai show on Saturday, 28 March 2026, marking the Berlin-based collective’s first-ever desert performance in the UAE.

Stepping beyond its signature Playa Pacha venue at FIVE LUXE JBR, this special edition will take over the vast Bab Al Shams Arena – one of the region’s most striking open-air settings. With its otherworldly desert energy and elevated large-scale production, the show promises to be an unmissable, once-in-a-year experience.

Pacha ICONS brings the legendary music experience of Pacha Ibiza to audiences beyond the island. Created under FIVE‘s vision following its acquisition of the brand, Pacha ICONS translates the iconic Ibiza atmosphere into global destinations, including both Playa Pacha in Dubai and Destino Five Ibiza.

The series has become renowned for its fusion of world-class DJs, high-spec production and immersive audio-visual storytelling. Each edition captures the signature atmosphere that defines both Pacha Ibiza and FIVE – transformative moments, powerful narrative-driven sets and experiences guests carry with them long after the night ends. This ambitious desert showcase further underscores FIVE’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining nightlife in the Middle East.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Keinemusik (@keinemusikcrue)

The full Keinemusik trio – &ME, Rampa and Adam Port – will headline the event, following Rampa and Adam Port‘s standout Pacha ICONS debut in April 2024. Formed in Berlin and celebrated for their soul-steeped, percussive sound, the collective has played a defining role in shaping today’s melodic and Afro-influenced house music.

Their label has produced multiple global anthems, including Adam Port, Stryv and Malachiii‘s chart-dominating “MOVE,” which became a viral sensation across clubs and social platforms worldwide.

Famed for their marathon sets and magnetic rhythmic energy, Keinemusik consistently draws full-capacity crowds across the globe. Their Dubai desert debut will be no exception. Bab Al Shams Arena will be reimagined with expansive staging, immersive lighting and high-impact visuals designed to amplify the trio’s emotionally charged sound – setting the stage for a high-energy open-air experience unlike anything else in the region.

Tickets available HERE.

Latest Articles