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Kappa Futur Festival announces the first wave of artists for its 2023 edition

Kappa Futur

This summer Italy’s iconic Kappa Futur Festival is back for its 10th edition and today announces the first wave of artists confirmed to take the stage. There’s some familiar faces, some DJs making their Kappa Futur Festival debut and with lots more to be announced, it’s already shaping up to be one of the most expansive and impressive line-ups to date.

Returning again for 3 days, the festival kicks off Friday 30 June with a whole host of top DJ talent. Highlights include Italian duo Tale Of Us presenting their much hyped Afterlife stage plus the long-awaited return of Black Coffee and Major Lazer who last played the festival in 2015. Major Lazer goes B2B with Major League for an unmissable set plus making their festival debut – supergroup The Swedish House Mafia hit the stage with a very special techno set, exclusively for Kappa Futur Festival.

On Day 2 – Saturday 1 July don’t miss Detroit legend Carl Craig live, and following a huge set on main stage last summer, Diplo returns for his only Italian performance of 2023 – to go B2B with the one and only Maceo Plex. Plus the iconic Fatboy Slim returns along with so many more…

Kappa Futur Festival 2023 lineup Phase 1

For the third and final day Sunday 2 July there’s another jam-packed schedule including Dennis Cruz B2B Pawsa, Chris Liebing live, and a very special appearance from the one and only Carl Cox, who for the first time ever brings his must see Hybrid Live set to Turin. A sight to behold with Carl spinning the tunes DJing and performing tracks from his recent new album – completely live.

Following last summer’s sell out festival (over 85,000 tickets sold), which for the first time extended from two to three days, the award-winning event returns to Torino’s Parco Dora for another weekend of celebrations. And there’s lots to celebrate… The 2023 festival will mark their 10th anniversary edition – an incredible milestone for any festival and testament to how popular Kappa Futur Festival has become and how it has managed to sustain its reputation as one of the world’s best music festivals.

The 10th edition will be their most ambitious event yet with top class production, an un-beatable line up and lots of special celebrations for the 10th birthday – more details coming soon. Plus returning for 2023, the acclaimed Art & Techno experience along with other irresistible Gold VIP + Hotel packages.

Guarantee your part in electronic music history and grab your 10th anniversary ticket now whilst they last!

Oliver Heldens does it again with latest track ‘Oops’ ft. Karen Harding

Oliver Heldens

The new release sees Oliver Heldens dig deep into his coveted musical arsenal, landing on a sound that is equal parts fresh and nostalgic. A melting pot of tastes, “Oops” is the full sonic package– led by an infectious melody and brought to even greater heights by a kinetic and downright funky bassline.

Accompanying Heldens on the release of “Oops” is none other than Karen Harding, who’s had a steady ascent in her career since her 2014 debut, “Say Something.” The rare vocalist whose talent shines through the often-heavy production of modern club music, Harding has a proven knack of lifting dance beats to radio hits.

Now alongside the masterful tastes of Oliver Heldens, the English singer takes her next steps to stardom, flexing her ability to carry a dancefloor delight with her upbeat and colorful vocals.

The new release rides the wave of momentum set off by Heldens‘ string of recent releases, including his remix of David Guetta and Bebe Rexha‘s ‘I’m Good (Blue), and his huge collaboration with Nile Rodgers and House Gospel ChoirI Was Made For LovinYou.”

On the HI-LO front, Oliver hasn’t been sitting still either, recently releasing “Nirvana” and “Samsara” with Reinier Zonneveld, the seventh collaboration between the two Dutchmen who continue to bring their innovative sounds to the techno scene. This collaboration contributed to HI-LO’s position as #1 best selling peak time Techno artist on Beatport over the last 12 months.

Listen to the track below.

Apollo Xo is here with a new remix of RÜFÜS DU SOL’s track ‘On My Knees’

DJ and music producer Apollo Xo is here with a new remix of Australian dance group RÜFÜS DU SOL’s track ‘On My Knees’.

The talented DJ and music producer, known for his genre-blending style and energetic sound is ready to make a ripple in the electronic dance music scene with his take on this powerful banger.

Apollo Xo’s career has already seen impressive milestones; like sharing the stage with VIP names like Diplo, DJ Snake and Kaskade, to headlining top clubs in the US, this Chicago-based DJ is a non-conforming force of nature, set to achieve new milestones and break boundaries with his signature style that merges elements from house, R&B, reggaeton, disco or UK bass, to name a few, having as a result; unique and mighty bangers.

The DJ introduces a spin on the original by RÜFÜS DU SOL, maintaining the main synth progression as a base layer, the reverberating and processed main vocals take the center stage, as the groovy and energetic beat breaks in. Growling pads and playful vocal chops play around as the drop hits, meeting a bouncy low-end, a groovy beat and the wobbly bass that definitely gets the party going.

This version keeps the mysterious vibe of the original, but adds the uplifting and flavorful touch of Apollo Xo, as the steady beat and infectious synths hit again, to meet the shuffled loop that precedes the powerful second drop that releases the party to its full potential.

With this remix, Apollo Xo continues to prove why his name deserves to be at the top of the list of DJs to follow, as he keeps dropping powerful hits that showcase his promising and impressive sound and style.

Listen to the track below.

EchoStorms are ready to start the year with an impressive new release titled ‘Hallucination’

Powerful DJ and music production duo EchoStorms are ready to start the year with an impressive new release titled ‘Hallucination’.

The gifted electronic music duo shares this new banger through top-tier label Nervous Records, and are set to conquer new milestones on their way to stardom.

The accomplished duo has already received the support of VIP names like David Guetta, James Hype and Tiësto, with releases on Sony, Atlantic and Stereohype, just to name a few, this talented duo has already topped the Beatport, Apple and iTunes charts, as well as, received extensive worldwide radio play and surpassing 6 million plays on major online streaming platforms; certainly, their success is only just begun.

Now, they introduce ‘Hallucination’ their latest smash production that will surely keep up with the exciting pace and success of the duo.

With a hard-hitting house beat, the track kicks off creating the perfect party vibe; breathy infectious vocals guide the track, as a growling bass line joins the intense riser, till the striking drop hits, featuring a shuffled energetic beat with playful pads, acid synths lines and mysterious sonic elements that perfectly fit the thrilling sonic landscape.

This track invites the listeners to join the energetic party as it showcases EchoStorms’ sensational and striking sound and style.

EchoStorms prove, once more, that they do not hold back, unleashing all their power and creativity with every release, placing their name at the forefront of musical acts in the electronic dance music world, as their fresh and unrivaled sound conquers dance floors and stages around the world.

Make sure to follow EchoStorms as they promise a year full of sensational hits and unmissable live shows that display the duo’s skills and talent in all its might.

Listen to the track below.

Pascal Letoublon teams up with ILIRA for a brand new single ‘Time After Time’

An artist that requires little introduction & as he continues to amass fans across the international dance landscape, French producer & DJ Pascal Letoublon first exploded onto the scene in 2020 – with the release of his breakout hit ‘Friendships’.

As the original hits over 125m streams at Spotify, along with the subsequent ‘Friendships(Lost My Love) ft. Leony now amassing more than 100m – Virgin Records, Germany welcome Pascal Letoublon back to the label & present his new collaboration with ILIRA.

Titled ‘Time After Time‘- the single sees Pascal Letoublon deliver another atmospheric production, that stays true to his uplifting & empowering signature sound – alongside singer, songwriter & power-house vocalist ILIRA. Together, the pair created a song that tells of longing, loyalty & strength – each an essential part in friendship, relationships & love.

With ILIRA previously working alongside Tiësto, Galantis, Alle Farben, Sigala, VIZE & Cheat Codes – to date she’s amassed over 400m streams across platforms & continues her international rise at pace. Recently commenting, ILIRA said of ‘Time After Time‘:

“The single makes me feel pure nostalgia. Whenever I hear the song, I see a whole movie in front of me and a warm love story – it’s been amazing working with Pascal on this record and I’m excited for the world to hear it.”

With the release of ‘Time After Time‘ kicking off 2023 in fitting fashion, Pascal Letoublon also promises more special moments, collaborations & singles for the year ahead – along with live sets that guarantee electrifying energy & his trademark intensity.

Stay tuned, as ‘Time After Time‘ lights up in the coming weeks.

Listen to the track below.

Federico Rosa is ready to introduce his latest production titled ’The Party Is Back’

Italian DJ and music producer Federico Rosa is ready to introduce his latest production titled ’The Party Is Back’. The track is being released as part of the compilation ‘Resolutions’ via the Dutch label Material. The compilation features tracks from different artists in the house and tech house genres.

The DJ known for his impressive style and powerful sound that has already received the support of the electronic dance music industry’s top names like Showtek, Axwell, Will Spark, Deeper Purpose, Michael Calfan and Joel Corry, among others, while not being a stranger to the charts in the recent past, he is ready to continue his accomplished and successful journey so far, introducing a new striking tech house banger that will definitely reach new heights and outdo his previous achievements.

His highly energetic and powerful live performance style can be felt through his releases, and ‘The Party Is Back’ is not an exception, delivering the perfect amount of energy and power throughout the whole length of the track.

The Party Is Back’ starts off with a groovy, shuffled House beat that warms up the dance floor. Layers of vocal chops, synth stabs and other rhythmic elements keep the energy of this track going, as it releases into a refreshing drop where the party keeps going. Filtered bouncy basslines complete this impressive soundscape, as the pads and sonic elements that surround the track maintain the vibes up.

The Party is Back’ presents itself as a surefire dance floor anthem, that will certainly get everybody moving, as it displays Federico Rosa’s hard-hitting sound and groove that surely, doesn’t go unnoticed.

Don’t forget to follow Federico Rosa, as he pledges more astounding bangers in the near future, ratifying his name as one to follow closely, as his striking productions prove that his talent and skills are unparalleled.

Listen to the track below.

Paradise City Festival announces first names

The summer is coming closer, and so is the eighth edition of Paradise City. Besides its legendary dancefloor energy, the electronic music festival is famed for its lush green waterside location, professional organization, impressive stage design, and high-quality light and sound productions.

In anticipation of the festivities, the Paradise City team has now dropped the first part of the artist line-up.

In alphabetical order:

Adriatique – Aili – AliA & Driss Bennis – Aroh – Avalon Emerson – Christian AB & Quest – Dan Andrei – Eris Drew & Octo Octa – Folamour – Helena Hauff – JakoJako (live) – Lander & Adriaan – Leafar Legov (live) – Lola Haro – LSDXOXO – Nico Morano – Palms Trax – salute – Sara Dziri – Shanti Celeste – Vitess (live) – Vlada – VTSS & Nene H – Yulia Niko – Zouzibabe

Palms Trax and Folamour, two of Europe’s most popular in-demand DJs, are scheduled to unleash their brands of euphoric house and disco music on Paradise City‘s dancers. Fans of melodic house will be happy to see the return of Adriatique, while Helena Hauff and LSDXOXO will scratch the itch of every techno lover.

With VTSS & Nene H and Eris Drew & Octo Octa, the booking team has set up two highly anticipated back-to-back sets with some of the hottest names in rave music at the moment. Lastly, regular guests Lola Haro, Nico Morano and Sara Dziri will provide the signature dance vibes they have become famous for.

To host all this incredible talent, Paradise City will set up a brand new sixth stage with a modest capacity but aimed at providing nothing but high-energy sets.

Also new this year: an expansion of the night train program in cooperation with NMBS. In 2023, you can book a seat from Vilvoorde station back to Brussels, Antwerp, Mechelen Ghent, Leuven and Hasselt after the last beat. Finally, the campsite will receive a big upgrade too. This means more space per camper, upgraded camping services (like live performances, DJ sets or yoga sessions) and three healthy breakfast buffets included in the camping fee.

As a festival that prioritises keeping its ecological footprint as low as possible, Paradise City Festival is proud to have received the ‘Outstanding‘ label from A Greener Festival, a non-profit organisation that helps events become more sustainable and reduce their environmental impact. This highest possible rating confirms the event’s status as the greenest music festival in Belgium.

Exclusive Interview with DJ and producer SECR3T KEY from Cafe De Anatolia

Our team had the chance to catch up with the extremely talented DJ and producer SECR3T KEY to find out more about his music career.

Check out the full interview below!

1. Tell us more about yourself and your music career

My music career is my “Afterlife”. Let me explain – I spent most of my career as a tech-CEO, where I cofounded and ran a cybersecurity software business for 20 years and then, successfully sold, exited the business. Now I am semi-retired spending half of my time as an Advisor to private equity firms and their portfolio companies, and the other half, on my music career.

Music is my first love and I finally got a chance to pursue it. Over the past 3 years, I have been working very hard to develop my music production/DJ skills. While this is purely a pursuit of passion for me, I am very focused on my music career, spending around 40-60 hours per week over the past 3 years. I was also lucky to get the advise of mentors along the way, that has hugely shortened my learning curve. There is only so much one can learn on YouTube!

Now, I regularly DJ in the NY area clubs and events and have started to release my own music with labels.

2. How would you describe your style of music?

This is a tough one – I am still figuring out my “sound/style of music.” Intentionally, I have been working on different styles/genres of music, to broaden and improve my production skills. My friends tell me that I have my own signature/sound when it comes to my tracks, but I am yet to figure that out!

What I do strive for, is to create music, that is soulful and something people can vibe to or dance to. Meaning, I would like people to have an immersive experience and “wear the music” when they listen to my music.

3. Where do you find inspiration?

From people! I love to bring a smile on people’s face when they listen to my music. I have found so much joy in my life through music, I would love to give back to the extent I can.
Being able to create and share music is such a privilege – that in itself is an inspiration!

4. Describe how music is important to society

Music is a universal language that touches and connects people in so many ways. It brings people and communities together – where they share a common goal of joy, peace and harmony through music. Music heals people in ways that even modern medicine can’t!

5. What is the best time of the day to create music?

I have always been a night-owl. My most productive and creative time is between 10PM – 3AM. I also find myself being very pragmatic in the mornings, after my first cup of coffee – I find this time to be the best to evaluate the music I created the night before. Sometimes I find the music to be as good as I thought it was the previous night…but many times, I am like “what is this?!!” and I rewrite it. This is probably one of best recommendations I can give to other artists – to take a break after a long session and come back to it, with a fresh mind and re-listen.

6. Who are your musical influences?

So many! My favorite producers span across many different genres – I like them because of their versatility and uniqueness, and their willingness to take risks. Avision (my mentor), Maceo Plex, Catz and Dogs, Tal Fussman, Nandu and Denis Cruz. And in the mainstream pop-music world, I like A. R. Rahman (Indian/Bollywood), Michael Jackson, Madonna, to name a few that are top of mind. As far as DJs, Solomun, Dixon, Damian Lazarus and Bedouin are some of the most creative DJ’s that are constantly evolving and play music that connects with my soul!

7. What is the most difficult thing about being a musician?

It is everything else that the musician needs to worry about, other than creating music! The marketing, PR, social media, managers, etc., and oh, did I mention guestlists?! End of the day, as a musician, you must think about being a business and a brand. You must be creative but still run it like a business to be successful. I am still learning the music industry and uncovering my creative-self and I have a long way to go.

8. What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

Signing with a popular label like Cafe De Anatolia is definitely one of them. The other being that my debut EP “Fuego” that I launched with my original track and remixes by producer Dolbytall, made it to #1 in Top 100 releases on Beatport. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my music career.

9. What are your latest releases?

Fuego EP – released November 2022

10. What is your connection with Cafe De Anatolia?

When I got done with my track “Rusty Boat,” I was looking for a note-worthy label that focuses on organic house / downtempo music. Cafe De Anatolia is certainly one of top labels in this genre and was an obvious choice for me. I am super excited and pleased that they selected our EP as well.

11. Are you working on something new?

Always! I am constantly creating music – every day, every week! (Even when I am not in my studio). I didn’t want to release one EP and then wait to create the next one, as these things (especially getting a label signed) takes time. I made sure I had a pipeline of tracks ready to go, that I feel are label-release-worthy, and then released my first EP. I am constantly adding to this portfolio and now started reaching out to labels that might be a fit.

12. Where and when is your next performance?

I have planned a release party of this “Rusty Boat EP” that we will release with Cage De Anatolia. The event will be held at one of my favorite places called Lou Lou’s, in Manhattan, New York, on Jan 19, 2023.

13. What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?

Wait, wait, wait!! As a producer, we are all anxious to get our music out there. I thought the first track I made, was the best track ever and I wanted to release it. Now, when I look back on it, I realize how wrong I was. Best advice I got, was from my mentor Avision, who asked me to wait till I was ready. And, when I launch, to have a pipeline of tracks ready to go, so you don’t release one and have a big gap between releases. Best advice, ever!!

14. What’s your process for dealing with performance anxiety?

It is actually good to be a little nervous before or during a performance – it means that you care! The way I deal with it is to tell myself that I am here to have fun. There is no such thing as a perfect performance – mistakes can happen and will happen. The key is to learn from it, move forward and have fun. I try to connect with my audience early in the session, feed off each-other’s energy…and then everything flows smoothly from there for me.

15. How did Covid19 changed the terms of music industry? How did it affect you?

Covid19 was a huge disrupter to the music industry – while it affected many events during the heat of the pandemic, it was actually a blessing to the music industry. Many music lovers found time to learn how to become a DJ or to produce music or figure out other ways to get engaged with the music industry. I believe there is a DJ in every music lover!

During Covid, many actually got a chance to try it out. Easier access to music, technology, resources to learn and practice DJing and music production has never been greater. I won’t be surprised if the next big DJ/Producer started as a “bedroom DJ” during the Covid19 era, that decided to make music as his/her next career and made it BIG!

Personally, for me, I had already exited my cybersecurity software business and was planning to pursue music anyways. But what Covid did do, is that it put the rest of music industry events at a pause, and gave me a head start to catchup, as much as I could…with little to no distractions.

16. Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?

A few, that have helped me –
a. Dream big but work hard! There are no short cuts here – you have to put in the time, to learn the trade and the business side
b. Be different / unique – making the same kind of music that is out there is not rewarding
c. Challenge the status quo – this is when creative and disruptive things can happen
d. Be open to criticism – seek feedback from people you trust. Don’t send music to friends who will just say things to please you. Yes, you need some of those, to keep you going, but you will need a good critic to improve.
e. Look for a good mentor – one that teaches you how to fish!
f. Don’t just network with people in the industry, build meaningful relationships with them.

Cyazon is back with yet another powerful banger titled ‘Tech’

Cyazon is back with yet another powerful banger titled ‘Tech’. The DJ and music producer known for his signature style and impressive sound that blends a cyberpunk aesthetic and the sounds of genres like Dubstep or Electro-House with a futuristic twist; Cyazon is surely a name to follow.

Following the success of his hard-hitting releases like ‘Artificial Tears’ and ‘Netrunner’ featuring Becko, ‘Falling For You’, and most recently, ‘ARC’, through top-tier labels like FiXT, Bass Rebels and Monstercat and his time in the studio working on new productions and polishing his already remarkable skills, Cyazon is set to surpass previous achievements with a fresh and mighty sound that can’t be overlooked.

His innovative style that creates a futuristic, sometimes, dystopian, but legendary world packed with remarkable sounds created by the music production mastermind.

With a cinematic, uplifting and epic sound, ‘Tech’ displays the whole range of Cyazon’s genius, with a piercing and infectious main synth line, pads and sonic elements that add an ethereal and stimulating vibe that intensifies to reach the powerful and striking drop. With a revved up beat, growling pads and synth lines that glitch, explode and takes the listener into a full-speed sonic journey filled with adrenaline and a hard-hitting sound.

This new release further proves, once more, that Cyazon’s name deserves a top spot on the list of groundbreaking artists making their own way in the music scene, while taking the Electronic music world by storm, as each release on Cyazon’s catalog shares his unique and cutting-edge vision, as well as his passion for music and boundless talent.

Don’t forget to follow Cyazon as he continues to bring forward innovative music packed with his own style and sound that is definitely worth to follow.

Listen to the track below.

Synthsonic present their forthcoming debut multi-genre album, titled ‘Iconiq’

Welcome to the wonderful world of Synthsonic, as they present their forthcoming debut multi-genre album, titled Iconiq – Scheduled for release in February ’23.

Synthsonic is the brainchild of London underground veteran producer Carl Nicholson, who with three decades of experience & over ninety releases on some of the world’s biggest Trance factions, came with an idea to break down the need for specific genre journeys, that seem to be the flavour of today’s somewhat stale and overused market.

Gone are the days when a DJ/Producer would throw caution to the wind for the sake of the art itself and create a piece that was totally against, but still somehow with the grain & Carl Nicholson set out to change this. The album itself took over two years to complete and consists of no less than eight different dance genres over 65 mins. With Carl determined to use only the best of the best to realise his vision, it was never going to be an overnight romance.

It turned out a truly iconic debut album if anyone could see one, and was painstakingly, yet lovingly crafted by true masters in their field – including Carl (MagikMuzik/Black Hole Recordings), Dave Parkinson (Happy Mondays/Tiesto/Mark Knight), Paul Skelton (Mauro Piccotto/FSOE), Renny Carroll (Never Forever) &NikiMak (Warner Bros/Ministry Of Sound).

In addition, guest vocal performances are provided by Eileen Jaime (who’s worked with artists incl. the late Avicii) & Sarah Howells (London based soulful artisan, who’s worked with Trance titans including John ‘O’ Callaghan & Simon Patterson). All this is then topped off with a sprinkle of Ronnie Scott‘s regular, Leo Richardson on the tenor sax – to polish off what can only be described as a truly unforgettable journey & love affair.

Stay tuned, as Iconiq touches down globally in the coming weeks.

Listen to the tracks here.

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