I'VE NEVER FELT LIKE 'I'VE MADE IT,' AND MAYBE THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT KEEPS MY FIRE BURNING.
STEP BY STEP: HER AMAZING STORY OF BREAKING THROUGH!
BENNY BENASSI
Moving Electronic Music Forward Since 2015
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
JOSEPH WENSELL
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE SHON MURDOCK
INTERNET TECHNOLOGY
KARIN HASLINGER
ART DIRECTION
JOSEPH WENSELL
CONTRIBUTORS AT LARGE
Catherine Strickland, Cory Royster, Desirae L. Benson, Erik L. Richardson, James Arena, Joseph Arthur, Karin Haslinger, Courtney Johnson, Leo Weaver, Matthew Washington, Tim Stark, Vladimir Jean-Philippe, Zach Miller
DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS issuu.com/beatselectormagazine
INSIDE SPRING 2026
ON THE COVER
BENNY BENASSI
In the summer of 2002, Benny Benassi and his cousin Alle Benassi changed dance music with their song "Satisfaction. " This track became a global club hit and set the standard for electro-house music. Its unique sound influenced dance floors worldwide and created a lasting impact on festival music. Benny's new album, "Feel The Bass," reflects a comeback by focusing on club sounds that emphasize low-end beats. Two decades after shaping the electro genre, Benny is not repeating the past but is instead creating a fresh vision for today's music scene, which he discusses in a Q&A with Joseph Arthur.
FEATURE
Q&A with JUSTĖ
Moving to a new country, not knowing the language, working through hard jobs and taking risks all of which put her on a path that naturally came together step by step, resulting in a global smash hit with "Turn The Lights Off" leading to a deal with Spinnin' Records, international festival bookings, and a future that looks increasingly bright, even in the dark. PG.40
DEPARTMENTS
14 INDUSTRY NEWS
» PAUL VAN DYK AND VANDIT LABEL GROUP LAUNCH VANDIT NEXT GENERATION.
» BMG AND CONCORD COMBINE TO CREATE WORLD’S LEADING INDEPENDENT MUSIC COMPANY.
» SPINNIN' RECORDS GERMANY LAUNCHES.
» MAHMUT ORHAN BACK AT CHINOIS IBIZA.
» MORTAL KOMBAT II ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK.
» TINLICKER ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN TOUR.
» GROOVE CRUISE SELLS OUT.
» CLIFFORD HARRIS , JR. AKA T.I. SUES CINQ MUSIC.
» ICELAND ECLIPSE FESTIVAL BEGINS AUGUST 11.
46 NEW MUSIC
FEATURING 15 NEW RELEASES FROM: DAVE LEE; JOHN 00 FLEMING; TONESHIFTERZ; FERNANDO LAGRECA; ENRICO SANGIULIANO; GETTER; LORENZO RAGANZINI; ACRAZE; SILLYGIRLCARMEN; THAYLO; BRENNAN HEART, HI-LO & PROJECT ZEITGEIST; JACK EMERY; HALIENE; JUNO REACTOR; VICTOR RUIZ.
Cover & Table of Contents Photography Courtesy of Benny Benassi
INDUSTRY NEWS
PAUL VAN DYK AND VANDIT LABEL GROUP
LAUNCH VANDIT NEXT GENERATION: A TALENT SCOUTING AND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Paul van Dyk and the VANDIT Label Group announce VANDIT Next Generation, a talent scouting and mentorship initiative designed to discover, support, and elevate the next generation of global electronic music producers. The program is set to bridge emerging talent with the international electronic music community, offering creative guidance, personalised feedback, and professional release opportunities.
VANDIT Next Generation will focus on the genres of Trance, Progressive House, Melodic Techno, Chill, Downtempo, and creative productions without a genre tag, providing artists with a unique opportunity to receive direct mentorship from one of electronic music’s most influential figureheads, Paul van Dyk. The participants will benefit from a one-on-one session, hands-on track development advice, and direct insights into refining their sound and artistic identity. Five standout producers will be selected to
join the exclusive mentorship experience personally with Paul van Dyk. Each artist will receive guidance and creative input with the opportunity to elevate their track to a professional release standard.
Selected tracks from the program will be officially released via the VANDIT Label Group, offering a career-defining moment for emerging talent and global visibility.
The program is open to emerging producers worldwide looking for professional feedback, long-term artistic growth, and a pathway to the global stage.
Artists are encouraged to apply, refine their sound, develop their identity, and take their music to the next level.
Submissions are now open. Applicants must share their strongest original track via Dropbox or Soundcloud link to demos@vandit.com, subject "VANDIT Next Generation," include a brief biography and introduction, whilst ensuring the production is of the highest possible quality according to their level of experience.
The deadline for entries will close on June 15th, 2026.
— E.D.
Paul van Dyk
INDUSTRY NEWS
BMG AND CONCORD COMBINE TO CREATE WORLD’S LEADING INDEPENDENT MUSIC COMPANY
BMG and Concord have announced a definitive agreement to combine their businesses, creating the leading independent music company in the world under the BMG name. This merger aims to combine their complementary strengths to offer better services to artists, songwriters, and partners, while maintaining an artist-first approach.
The merger occurs during a period of major changes in the global music market, where having scale, a global reach, and investment in technology is essential for competitiveness.
The new company will be a fully integrated global music entity covering music publishing, recorded music, theatrical rights, and digital distribution. This larger scale will allow for greater investment in creativity, technology, and talent, while preserving the entrepreneurial ethos important to artists and songwriters.
With music consumption rapidly changing in growing markets, the combined company expects to enhance its presence and develop partnerships with artists and songwriters, aiming to tap into new revenue sources across various platforms. They project reaching $1.2 billion in EBITDA by 2026, starting from over $730 million, through organic growth, mergers and acquisitions,
and synergies. Thomas Coesfeld, BMG's CEO and future Chairman of the combined entity, expressed excitement about merging the two teams and rosters at a pivotal time, noting that scale in rights ownership is vital for longterm growth. He emphasized the merger's role in accelerating their BMG Next strategy, which focuses on investing in artists and technology while being a preferred partner for creators.
Bob Valentine, CEO of Concord and designated CEO of the merged company, highlighted their shared dedication to supporting artists and creativity, stating that their enhanced scale will allow for increased investments without losing the independent spirit.
The companies have collectively invested billions in music rights and have a diverse roster that includes notable artists like Jelly Roll, Paul Simon, Lainey Wilson, and Tina Turner. They have both shown strong financial performance, with significant increases in EBITDA and cash generation.
Since 2021, BMG has invested over $1.5 billion in music rights and similar amounts in artist signings and technology, while Concord has invested more than $3 billion since 2020 across its various divisions.
After the merger, Valentine will be the CEO, and Coesfeld will become Chairman. A joint management team will oversee the new organization, headquartered in Nashville, with Berlin as the European base. BMG Publishing and Concord Records will be the names of the publishing and recorded music
divisions, respectively. The ownership will be approximately 67% Bertelsmann and 33% Great Mountain Partners, who will also receive a one-time payment of $1.16 billion.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to finalize in the second half of 2026, with terms not publicly disclosed. Legal and financial advisors are involved in the transaction process.
E.D.
INDUSTRY NEWS
SPINNIN' RECORDS
GERMANY LAUNCHES, BRIDGES LOCAL TALENT WITH SPINNIN’ RECORDS’ GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Warner Music Central Europe and Spinnin’ Records, the world’s leading dance music label, today announce the launch of Spinnin’ Records Germany. The new label creates opportunities for artists across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria (GSA), while also welcoming talent from around the world. Combining strong local expertise with Spinnin’s global reach and network, it offers
a platform for artists to grow in GSA and internationally. Artists already signed to Spinnin’ in other markets will continue to be able to work with the Berlin team. The launch kicked off with a major first release, “Awake Tonight”, the new collaboration between dance icons AFROJACK, David Guetta and Australian singer-songwriter Sia.
Spinnin’ Records Germany will offer artists direct access to Spinnin’s massive global ecosystem, including a digital reach of more than 40 million dance fans.
It also means regional artists are plugged into an integrated worldwide specialist dance infrastructure from day one and have access to Spinnin’s teams, who are based across the U.S., the UK, Benelux, Germany, and China.
With a strong focus on A&R and artist development, complemented by tailored marketing and distribution strategies that connect talent signed out of GSA with global opportunities, the launch reinforces Warner Music Central Europe’s commitment to Dance and Electronic music.
Niels Walboomers, President, Warner Music Central Europe and Spinnin’ Records, says: “The launch of Spinnin’ Records Germany marks a pivotal moment in our strategy to bridge the
gap between regional excellence and global stardom. By uniting the heritage of Spinnin’ alongside the creative energy and dance scene of the GSA region, we are creating something special. Starting this journey with a powerhouse release from AFROJACK, Sia, and David Guetta sets the bar to where we like it – at the very top.”
Marco Pantuso, Marketing Director, Spinnin’ Records, adds: “Spinnin’ Records has always been about the power of the global dance community. By launching Spinnin’ Records Germany, we’re evolving our ecosystem to ensure that the talent in the genre across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria has a direct pipeline to our global fanbases and artists. This is a world-class platform designed to amplify
club culture on an international scale.”
Kevin Segler, Dance Marketing Director, Warner Music Central Europe, finishes: “We believe in the power of local expertise and the impact of a global network. With the teams in Hamburg, Berlin, and Amsterdam working in lockstep, we’re providing a unique proposition for artists. Whether it’s a domestic hero or a global icon like Afrojack, Spinnin’ Germany is here to ensure electronic music remains the heartbeat of our markets.”
Visit www.spinninrecords.com for more information.
E.D.
LTR: AFROJACK, SIA, David Guetta
INDUSTRY NEWS
MAHMUT ORHAN BACK AT CHINOIS
IBIZA FOR 10
DATE RESIDENCY "SOUNDS LIKE PILLOW TALK"
After the overwhelming success of his debut Ibiza/Chinois Residency last year, Turkish international chart-topper Mahmut Orhan returns to Chinois, this time more than doubling the number of dates to 10 epic parties, bringing a packed line up spanning a
diverse range of sounds and a new name, yet with the same intimate party feel.
"Sounds Like Pillow Talk" is a party inspired by the pillows that have witnessed years of stories, travels and fleeting moments. Expect a whisper-warm, intimate dancefloor experience where every night tells a different story.
Over a decade of passion, creativity, and relentless dedication have gained Mahmut Orhan global acclaim, 2.4M IG followers, 2.2M monthly Spotify streams, and worldwide chart-topping singles such as "Feel," "6 Days" and "Swing." Orhan's journey took him from self-taught musician to celebrated DJ / producer specialising in deep house, nu disco & indie dance infused with diverse cultures & instruments. WIth a new album dropping this year, expect to hear many unreleased tracks at Chinois this summer.
Chinois’ sonic temple to the Spirit of Ibiza is the perfect setting for Mahmut’s multicultural sound, with the club’s dance-floor-first ethos and inclusive, diverse community.
Sited within Ibiza Gran Hotel in the heart of the scenic Marina Botafoch with its vibrant eateries and bars, within walking distance of Ibiza Town, Chinois welcomes locals & visitors alike to enjoy the world’s best resident and
Mahmut Orhan
guest DJs including: Francis Mercier, revered Haitian DJ/producer/ Deep Root Records boss (4.6M pm Spotify streams, 500+M total streams), 2025 Chinois‘ Solèy Resident, with melodic house/Levant rap with global sounds; also a returning Chinois Resident is SA’s Afro house/Afro tech maestro & Kunye brand boss Shimza.
France’s Rivo fuses melodic techno & Afro house; his viral remix of "You & Me" has 293M Spotify streams, while trio Avangart Tabldot "bring the groove" with diverse subgenres & artforms and their sought-after CRIB label/ events. Paris-based Dorian Craft mixes diverse
melodic vibes with Afro House, while rising star Morocco’s Lilya Mandre weaves her rich cultural roots into Deep/Melodic/Minimal/ Afro house.
Belgian Maxi Meraki and Swiss wunderkind Sebastian Konrad bring melodic house/ groovy basslines, Sweden’s Julia Sandstorm combines tribal, Latin & melodic house with blues, soul & rock n’ roll elements, and many more...
Visit chinoisibiza.com for more
E.D.
INDUSTRY NEWS
WATERTOWER MUSIC RELEASES
MORTAL KOMBAT II ORIGINAL MOTION
PICTURE
SOUNDTRACK
WaterTower Music has released the Mortal Kombat II Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, now available on major digital streaming platforms. The album features an original score by composer Benjamin Wallfisch and includes a new version of the
classic theme "Techno Syndrome," which has vocals by co-creator Ed Boon. An official music video for "Techno Syndrome" was released alongside the soundtrack.
Speaking about the track, the artist shared: “Mortal Kombat, it’s a classic. I was honored to be asked to make a cover of Techno Syndrome and be a part of its legacy. Doing a Cumbia version was a very fun and also a challenging experience. Cumbia is a very special rhythm and has the characteristic to be timeless—it connects across generations and that is very beautiful. I think the exercise of tropicalizing this iconic song is a very nice surprise to all the Latin fans of this video game, who have been part of this story for so long.”
The soundtrack aims to capture the energy and mythology of the film while reimagining a recognizable gaming theme for a new audience. Additionally, Waxwork Records will release deluxe double LPs of the soundtracks for both Mortal Kombat (2021) and Mortal Kombat II, with special colored vinyl options.
Before the full soundtrack release, WaterTower Music also shared “Mortal Kumbia,” a cumbiainspired version of "Techno Syndrome. " As part of the campaign, an interactive playlist generator allows fans to engage with the music through a “Test Your Might” mini game,
Benjamin Wallfisch
linking to the original video game's challenge mechanic.
“Scoring Mortal Kombat has been a truly special creative experience. It is a world of immense scale, intensity, and mythology, but what inspired me most was the emotion and humanity that [director] Simon McQuoid and the entire filmmaking team brought to it beneath the spectacle. In creating this music, I wanted to honor the legacy of Mortal
Kombat while bringing depth, feeling, and cinematic scope to its story. This album reflects the extraordinary work of so many brilliant musicians and collaborators, and I’m deeply grateful to all of them for helping bring it to life. I’m very proud to share this music, and I hope listeners enjoy experiencing it as its own journey.” Benjamin Wallfish
Visit waxworkrecords.com.
E.D.
INDUSTRY NEWS
TINLICKER ANNOUNCE
21-DATE NORTH AMERICA NEW LIVE SHOW & ALBUM TOUR
Electronic/live trio Tinlicker return to North America, with their debut as a fully live NL/ UK trio, for a 21-date North America tour
kicking off mid-September. A chance for transatlantic fans to enjoy the band’s fourth album, "Dreams Of The Machine" on stage at live-friendly venues, after their success and wild reception over 15 EU tour dates.
"Dreams Of The Machine" theme: the 14 eminently danceable tracks explore the impact of technology on our lives – Tinlicker’s organic use of live instruments, soulful vocals & lyrics, emotional indie guitar & orchestral elements, alongside superbly skilled technical production, make them ideally placed to creatively confront the issue: "How would a Machine dream? What are the boundaries between the physical and the digital world? Can we both exist in harmony, organic and digital, humans and machines dreaming together?" Tinlicker
The album sounds range from high-energy dance fuel to portentous dub techno, to aciddrenched monster drops, to singing indie guitar, to 90s synth and more, with Hero’s heartfelt voice… The band clearly can’t wait to share their new incarnation with American audiences: "We’re incredibly grateful for all the positive reactions to our new album 'Dreams Of The Machine.' Having finished the journey of our European tour we can't wait to create new memories in North America, to visit all these amazing cities and venues and most of all, to enjoy our concerts with every single one of you. Your energy, your support, and your love mean everything to us. Hope to see you in September/October!"
Tickets at https://laylo.com/tinlicker/na2026
E.D.
Tinlicker
GROOVE CRUISE 2027 SELLS OUT
AHEAD OF LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT!
Groove Cruise, Whet Travel’s flagship event and the world’s largest floating music festival, has revealed the lineup for its 2027 sailing, which will depart from Miami to Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island, Bahamas, from Thursday, January 21, to Monday, January 25, 2027 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. All 2,859 staterooms are already sold out, reinforcing the power of a 22-year independent brand that now routinely fills ships before a single artist is announced.
Over the course of two decades, Groove Cruise has evolved from a sailing of 125 friends into one of the most loyal and emotionally connected communities in live music. Now entering its 39th voyage, Groove Cruise is less a traditional event and more a recurring transformational journey at sea.
Jason Beukema, Founder and Chief Excitement Officer of Groove Cruise, says: “Most festivals need a lineup to sell tickets. Our Captains sold out Groove Cruise 2027 11 months in advance before a single artist was announced. What we’ve built over the last twenty-two years is so much bigger than a festival or just a lineup. It’s a living, breathing community (aka GCFAM) built on music, belonging, adventure, and transformation. The lineup matters in a huge way, and there are so many new and returning artists who are going to bring the best vibes and music that I couldn’t be more excited about. But the real story is the energy people feel when they step onboard and realize they’ve found their new family. That’s the Groove Effect, and GC27 is another big step forward for that movement.”
For 2027, Groove Cruise will stage the first ever private takeover of Royal Caribbean’s brand new Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Visit https://www.groovecruise. com for more information.
— E.D.
Photography: RUDGR
INDUSTRY NEWS
CLIFFORD HARRIS, JR.
SUES CINQ MUSIC OVER EXPLOSIVE MASTERS
DISPUTE
Atlanta rap legend Clifford Harris, Jr., aka T.I., a three time Grammy Award winner with nearly 20 nominations, is now at the center of a major legal battle that could reshape conversations around artist ownership and catalog valuation. Cinq Music is being sued by the rapper over what he claims is a massive and unjustified increase in the price required to buy back his music masters.
T.I., who has won Grammys for songs like "What You Know, My Love" with Justin Timberlake, and "Swagga Like Us" alongside hip hop heavyweights, has long been recognized as one of the architects of trap music. Over the course of his career, he has earned three Grammy wins out of 19 nominations, cementing his influence in the industry.
According to reports, the dispute stems from a 2017 agreement in which Cinq Music acquired a large portion of T.I.’s catalog. The deal allegedly included a clause allowing him to repurchase his masters at a later date using a set valuation formula.
However, when T.I. attempted to exercise that option, he claims the numbers no longer matched what was originally agreed upon. The rapper alleges the formula would place the buyback price between roughly 2.4 million and 3 million dollars, but instead he was presented with a figure reportedly exceeding 50 million.
The lawsuit accuses Cinq Music of disregarding the contractual terms and inflating the valuation, effectively blocking him from reclaiming ownership of his work.
Clifford Harris, Jr.
If proven, the case could raise serious questions about transparency and fairness in catalog buyback agreements. Masters ownership has become one of the most important and contentious issues in modern music.
As streaming continues to generate long term revenue, artists are increasingly fighting to regain control of their recordings. For someone like T.I., whose catalog helped define an era of Southern hip hop, the stakes are especially high.
Neither side has issued a detailed public statement on the case, but industry observers are watching closely. With a Grammy winning legacy and decades of influence behind him, T.I.’s legal fight is not just personal, it could have ripple effects across the entire music business.
S.M.
ICELAND ECLIPSE FEST
AUGUST 11-15,2026
On August 12 a total solar eclipse will darken the skies over Iceland for more than two minutes - the first eclipse on this mystical land since 1954 and it won’t happen again until 2196. (And it’s one of the longest totalities of this eclipse!).
Since ancient times eclipses have heralded change - powerful endings and beginningsas the Moon darkens the Sun’s light we stand in awe at the unfathomable nature of the universe and our part in it. This eclipse will be in the sign of Leo - the sign of the Heart, courage and the astrological ruler of the Sun.
On August 11 commences an extremely unique festival Iceland Eclipse in Sneafelsness peninsular, on the western tip of Iceland - a meeting of many worlds, tribes and traditions - music, science, art, wellness and more - unite and merge together to share, create, explore and celebrate a way of being.
The line-up of the festival brings together so many awesome people from art, music, science, wellness and beyond, merging a mind expanding cultural and creative heart centred gathering - just a few - Reggie Watts, Ayla Schafer, Alex Grey and Allyson Grey, Imogen Heap presents Him Gone Ape, Curawaka, Rick Doblin, East Forest, Nightmares on Wax, Daniel Pinchbeck, Bookashade, AWARË, Dave Clarke, Android Jones, Darren Aronofsky, Porangui, Sian Proctor, Snow Raven, Ida Engberg, and Kenny Dope.Amazing Icelandic acts like GusGus, Emilíana Torrini, Hjaltalín, Ásgeir, Vök, DJ. Flugvél og Geimskip and many more for you to explore.
FEELIN'
Photography Courtesy of Benny Benassi
FEELIN' THE BASS!
AN EXCLUSIVE Q&A WITH
BENNY BENASSI
Benny talks new album "Feel The Bass," where "Satisfaction" stands today as an all-time classic 20 years on, the lasting power of the "Benassi Groove," his recent return to performing vinyl-only sets and a few more surprises!
By JOSEPH ARTHUR
JOSEPH ARTHUR: It has been over two decades since “Satisfaction” took the industry by storm, and has been reworked by artists including David Guetta and ARTBAT. What does the track mean to you now, and how does that specific sound still resonate today?
BENNY BENASSI: "'Satisfaction' still works incredibly well today, partly thanks to the many remixes that have been made over the years. But the truth is that the track relies mostly on its essentiality. It's a very direct piece: a strong bass, powerful drums, and a very physical energy.
If you think about it, in a club, everything ultimately comes down to that: a groove that grabs you and makes you move. That kind of sound isn't tied to a trend; it's something more fundamental. That's why I believe 'Satisfaction' is still relevant today: it's simple, recognizable, and creates a tension on the dancefloor that always works, regardless of the time that passes."
JA: After defining and leading the electro-house scene for decades, how does “Feel The Bass” represent your creative music direction currently and for the future?
BB: "'Feel The Bass' very much represents who I am today. I'm happy that a certain electro sound has returned, with influences that take me back twenty years to that electro-house period that I played so much and that shaped me.
However, I've always been a fairly eclectic DJ. Outside the studio, I've always tried to capture the energy of the clubs and the people, and this naturally led me to mix different styles: from electro to house, all the way to more minimal or techno stuff.
This album is somewhat the synthesis of all these years. It's like a night out: you start one way, then you build up, the energy rises, then it drops and starts again. It's a journey. And that's exactly what I tried to bring into the tracklist of 'Feel The Bass': a mix of different influences that, when put together, make total sense."
JA: The tracklist for “Feel The Bass” features diverse names, from your collaboration with Felix Da Housecat on "Chicago Baby" to your work with Axis Zero on "Aku Aku.” How do you ensure your
signature "Benassi groove" remains consistent across such different styles?
BB: "Cohesion in collaborations stems first and foremost from a human connection. It often starts from friendship, from how well you click with another artist, from a genuine vibe. For example, with Felix Da Housecat, it was special: I wanted to make a track that carried the spirit of Chicago, and for me, he has always been a point of reference. When I thought of Chicago, I thought of him, of the early years of house music that only partially arrived in Italy. Being able to work together on 'Chicago Baby' was very natural and also a lot of fun.
At the same time, I like working with younger artists, as was the case with 'Aku Aku' featuring Axis Zero. There, we tried to reinterpret that electro sound that represented me years ago, but with a new sensibility. In other cases, like with Tobias on 'DISCOTEKA,' we started from one of his ideas and added our own elements, synths, basses, to bring the track into our world, without distorting it.
Generally speaking, my team and I worked like this on the whole album: each track has its own identity, but the goal was to make the overall journey make sense, maintaining consistency in the sound and the energy."
JA: Tell us about your recent collaboration with Fideles on “Just Like That.” It has been said that the track represents your evolution toward a more melodic techno feel with deep industrial soundscapes. Why did you decide to go in that (sound) direction for the track?
BB: "With Fideles, it was very natural to move towards something deeper and more atmospheric. They have a groovier, slightly darker sound, and that led us to work in that direction. In this case, I was interested in building more tension, rather than the classic immediate drop. We also had this vocal that we really liked, and we realized it worked better within a more melodic techno context. This allowed us to create a more journey-like, emotional track. It's a track that I see fitting better into a certain type of moment, for example in Ibiza, maybe at 6:00AM, rather than at a massive festival. It has a different energy, more subtle but very intense."
You were just honored with an ICON Award at Miami Music Week 2026. What does "icon" status mean to you?
"'FEEL THE BASS' VERY MUCH REPRESENTS WHO I AM TODAY.
I'M HAPPY THAT A CERTAIN ELECTRO SOUND HAS RETURNED, WITH INFLUENCES THAT TAKE ME BACK TWENTY YEARS TO THAT ELECTROHOUSE PERIOD THAT I PLAYED SO MUCH AND THAT SHAPED ME."
—BENNY BENASSI
"THE BIGGEST SURPRISE AT THE START OF THIS YEAR WAS REALIZING HOW MUCH PEOPLE STILL WANT TO COME TO MY SETS AND HAVE FUN TOGETHER. IT STRUCK ME TO SEE HOW ENGAGED THE YOUNG CROWDS STILL ARE, HOW MUCH ENERGY THERE STILL IS AROUND CLUB MUSIC.
BENNY BENASSI
BB: "Being called an 'icon' feels a bit strange to me, to be honest. Also, because I still feel like someone who is learning. I like going around, listening to other DJs, especially the younger ones, and continuing to draw inspiration. I've never felt like 'I've made it,' and maybe that's exactly what keeps my fire burning. That being said, it's one of those major awards that stick with you. More than just for me, it's something that stands the test of time."
JA: After recently performing a vinyl-only set in Miami, do you see yourself doing more vinyl sets in the future?
BB: "I always enjoy playing vinyl sets. Partially because I'm involved as a partner and artistic director in a hi-fi bar in Italy, which is also a restaurant called THE RIFF, where I often play sets just for friends, in a very intimate setting.At home, I have a DJ setup and a massive record collection, so it's something that has always been a part of me.
I absolutely loved the Miami set: it was incredible to see even young kids standing there watching, curious. I was a bit rusty, I have to be honest, but I really had a lot of fun.
So yes, I think I'll continue doing vinyl sets, maybe not in the biggest venues, but in more intimate situations, after-parties, pre-parties, where that kind of experience makes even more sense."
JA: Tell us about your “Feel The Bass” album residency at the Marquee in New York City. What other cities are you most looking forward to playing in on this current tour?
BB: "I've been tied to Marquee and the Tao Group in general for a long time, so I will definitely be going back there soon, between Marquee and Tao Beach in Las Vegas.
Then I'll be in San Francisco, and during the summer, I'll return to Europe as well. I'll bring the set related to 'Feel The Bass' to various settings, for example in Mykonos, at Cavo Paradiso. In Ibiza, instead, I'll be a guest of some friends and artists, like Martin Garrix, Miss Monique, and ARTBAT, and I'll be playing this kind of set there too.
These are pretty much the main stops at the moment,
Photography: Matthew Perry
but the idea is precisely to bring this album's journey into different contexts.
JA: What music, whether an Album, EP, or Single, have you been listening to that continues to amaze you?
BB: "I listen to a lot of club music, partly because my job requires me to constantly prepare sets and stay updated. But then, when I travel, especially when I'm in my van, which I'm very attached to, I switch completely. There, I listen to more travel-oriented music, even more classic stuff: I often put on Pink Floyd, or Bob Dylan when I'm in a more introspective phase, or Neil Young while driving. Lately, regarding DJ sets, there are a few things that are really catching my attention: GENESI, for example, who always impress me with their energy and production. I also really like Prospa and generally that whole fresh UK scene.
It really depends on the moment, though: I go from heavy club music to completely different things, and that also influences what I end up bringing into my sets."
JA: What has been the biggest surprise for you personally and professionally so far this year?
BB: "On a professional level, the biggest surprise at the start of this year was realizing how much people still want to come to my sets and have fun together. It struck
me to see how engaged the young crowds still are, how much energy there still is around club music. Today, it seems like social media has taken up so much space, and what you show online matters heavily. But the truth is that when you're on the dancefloor, what really counts is the music and what you manage to convey. I felt this very strongly in Miami, during the album promo and the various sets I played; there I realized that real connection with the audience is still central, perhaps more than everything else."
JA: In August 2007, your remix of Public Enemy's "Bring the Noise” (Benny Benassi Sfaction Remix) was released and went on to win the Grammy for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. Do you continue to include the track in your sets?
BB: "It's a track I'm very attached to because it profoundly marked an important moment in my life and my career, also alongside my cousin Alessandro, who I worked with back then.
Yes, I still play it in my sets. Lately, I've also been testing out a mash-up, a bootleg made by a young Italian artist, and it's working really well. I would like to perhaps give it a new life, maybe even with a possible updated release. It's one of those tracks that you never really stop playing because it manages to create a strong reaction every single time."
NEW RELEASE SIDEBAR BENNY BENASSI
FEEL THE BASS | ULTRA RECORDS
A pioneer who helped define the global electro-house movement, Benny Benassi steps boldly into a new era with "Feel The Bass," his explosive studio album out now via ULTRA Records. A masterclass in the genre that he spear-headed and continues to do so throughout his illustrious career, it’s a combination of class, groove and grandeur, capturing Benassi at his most expansive; rooted in club culture, yet fearlessly forwardfacing.
Leading the release is focus track "Can I Feel?" with Rafael Cerato, a sun-kissed, diva-leaning anthem where soulful vocals rise skyward over rippling electro production.
Euphoric yet driving, it perfectly balances
emotion and impact as a certified dancefloor anthem.
The album journey as a whole commences with "Love Is Gonna Save Us" alongside ARTBAT, an intergalactic vocal mantra echoing on the title that then explodes into a colossal progressive-leaning drop, before "The Future" with Zamna Soundsystem and Laherte stretches house music into bold new dimensions, with whisper-soft vocals and a soaring waterfall breakdown.
Further on, "DISCOTEKA" with Tobias Gerard injects funk-soaked swagger that drips like honey with its nod to the classic era, yet remains of the moment with its stellar and fresh vision, as "Superstar" with Chris Nasty
Stream "Feel The Bass"
TRACKLIST
"LOVE IS GONNA SAVE US"
ARTBAT x Benny Benassi
"THE FUTURE"
Zamna Soundsystem x Benny Benassi x Laherte
"DISCOTEKA"
Benny Benassi, Tobias Gerard
"SUPERSTAR"
Benny Benassi, Chris Nasty
"CHICAGO BABY"
Benny Benassi, Felix Da Housecat
"JUST LIKE THAT"
Benny Benassi, Fideles
delivers ballroom attitude and street-level flair thanks to references to Brooklyn, home town heroes and legends alike, as bold declarations of “Yes, I am!” transform the track into a celebration of self-expression and identity.
"Chicago Baby" follows similar suit, seeing Benassi unite with house legend Felix Da Housecat for a future-classic call to arms. “Can we talk about house music? / You already know… It’s Chicago, baby!” ringing out over honeyed vocals and rich electro-squiggles of synth. The track bridges eras effortlessly, weaving the foundational spirit of house with the intensity of today’s club climate, accelerating with purpose as it unfolds. From the deeper pulse of "Just Like That" with
"SHADES"
Benny Benassi, Glowal, SQU4RE
"FEEL THE BASS"
Benny Benassi
"DEAD LIMIT"
Benny Benassi, Laherte
"AKU AKU"
Benny Benassi, AXIS ZERO
"CAN I FEEL?"
Benny Benassi, Rafael Cerato
"FEEL THE VIBE"
Benny Benassi, Constantin
Fideles, to the corrosive energy of "Shades" with Glowal and SQU4RE, the album maintains a relentless momentum, straddling multi-facets of Benassi’s work and proven dexterity right up to this day.
The title track "Feel The Bass" stands as its mission statement; glitching electro, towering builds and an undeniable low-end force, whilst collaborations with Laherte, AXIS ZERO and Constantin ensure the record closes on an uncompromising high.
With "Feel The Bass," Benny Benassi doesn’t just revisit the sound that made him a global force, he reinforces it for a new era, out now only via ULTRA Records!
THE AMAZING STORY OF BREAKING THROUGH!
STEP BY STEP:
JUSTĖ
Moving to a new country, not knowing the language, working through hard jobs and taking risks all of which put her on a path that naturally came together step by step resulting in a global smash hit with "Turn The Lights Off" leading to a deal with Spinnin' Records, international festival bookings, and a future that looks increasingly bright, even in the dark.
By Catherine Strickland
CS: There's something poetic and familiar about the beginnings of your story— moving to a new country without knowing the language, facing adversity, and then finding your voice through electronic music. Did you ever have a moment where you thought, "Maybe this isn't going to work out"?
JUSTĖ: "The most interesting thing is that I never planned to work in music. When I came to Denmark, I was just trying to build a life in a new country. Music came much later and very unexpectedly. Of course, there was a lot of uncertainty and moments when I did not know where life was leading me, but I never had a specific feeling of “everything failed,” because this path naturally came together step by step."
CS: At 23, you're already achieving things most artists dream about. How do you stay grounded when everything is moving so fast?
JUSTĖ: "I think what helps me the most is my family, because they know me for who I really am. Without my travels, I live in a small city where there is not too much noise around me in my daily life, I think that helps too."
CS: “Turn The Lights Off" has absolutely exploded globally—200 million views, 40 million streams, topping charts from Poland to the Netherlands. Did you ever imagine a speed garage track would be your breakthrough moment, especially after starting with melodic techno and psytrance?
"If
"Turn The Lights Off" was a person, what would their personality be like?"
"It would be a person who is very easy to remember. The type of person who comes up to you, starts talking, and stays in your head for a long time. A person whose charisma is simply contagious to everyone around!"
―JUSTĖ
JUSTĖ: "No, I really did not expect it. Everything happened very spontaneously and naturally. But I think sometimes the best things in life happen completely unplanned."
CS: The collaboration with Jaxstyle and Jon feels like a perfect storm. How did that partnership come together, and was there a moment during production where you thought, "This could be the one?"
JUSTĖ: "Jon introduced me to the music industry in general, and he also works with Jaxstyle, so he introduced us to each other too. He also suggested that we create this song together, so I am very happy about our project. Actually yes. Because everything was coming together very well and because we did everything quickly and at the right time, we felt
that this could really be that song."
CS: If "Turn The Lights Off" was a person, what would their personality be like?
JUSTĖ: "It would be a person who is very easy to remember. The type of person who comes up to you, starts talking, and stays in your head for a long time. A person whose charisma is simply contagious to everyone around!"
CS: You've got upcoming releases on Spinnin' Records in the pipeline. Without spoiling anything, are you staying in speed garage territory, or are we going to see you explore other sonic landscapes?
JUSTĖ: "For now I am definitely staying in the speed garage direction, because I found myself
in this sound and I really love this energy. We are creating a lot of new music in this style, but every song will still have its own character and different vibe. Later in the future, of course, I want to have more variety and to explore different musical elements, but right now speed garage feels very closest to me."
CS: You've got a packed summer with festivals and club shows across Denmark, Sweden, and Poland. What are you most excited about, and what are you most nervous about?
JUSTĖ: "I think I am most nervous about whether people will really like my music and if I will meet their expectations... And what excites me the most is good crowd energy and the feeling when you see that people are truly enjoying your music!"
CS: What's a song—any genre—that you've had stuck in your head recently that has absolutely nothing to do with electronic music?
JUSTĖ: "'Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)' because it was one of the old hit songs that I played at my last show. People were singing together and it made me really happy."
CS: What do you want people to know about you that they might not learn from streaming numbers or chart positions?
JUSTĖ: "I would like people to know that I spend a lot of time working on my inner self. I love nature, I believe in God, and I am much more introverted than I may seem."
CS: If you could send a message back to the version of you who first arrived in Denmark, what would you say?
JUSTĖ: "Girl, you will have to go through a lot during these years, but all of it will only make you stronger and prepare you for the beautiful things that are coming now. So stay strong and stay grounded, because everything will be great!"
"I would like people to know that I spend a lot of time working on my inner self. I love nature, I believe in God, and I am much more introverted than I may seem." ―JUSTĖ
NEW MUSIC
DAVE LEE
REMIXED WITH LOVE SELECTED WORKS
ZR RECORDS / AVAILABLE NOW STREAM
Dave Lee has spent decades refining the art of the remix, and "Remixed With Love" remains his most celebrated body of work and is widely regarded as the gold standard for disco reworks – created from original master tapes with the care, musicality and deep knowledge that only he can bring.
Very few producers are trusted with material of this heritage; fewer still deliver results that become the definitive modern versions.
For years, the original vinyl editions have been regularly fetching collector prices on the secondary market. Now, for the first time since those releases sold out, a brand-new vinyl-only edition brings together eight of the most requested mixes in one essential vinyl double pack.
This isn't a repress…Because the original licences expired, repressing the earlier albums wasn't viable.
Instead, Dave Lee went back to the source and secured a new one-time deal with Sony Music (who own Philly Int, Arista, Columbia, Epic, RCA) to press a strictly limited selection of his Sony-owned remixes.
The result is "Remixed With Love – Selected Works," eight timeless classics, respectfully reworked with Dave Lee's signature musical touch featuring The O'Jays, Patti LaBelle, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Phyllis Hyman and more.
DAVE LEE
NEW MUSIC LP
JOHN 00 FLEMING THE
LOST TRIBE
JOOF RECORDS / AVAILABLE NOW STREAM
The Lost Tribe, the brand new full-length album from globally respected electronic music artist John 00 Fleming, is out now via JOOF Recordings. Spanning 18 original productions, and marking his first album release in over six years, the project stands as one of the most expansive and
uncompromising works of his career, reinforcing his position as a leading voice in forward-thinking electronic music.
Arriving at a landmark moment that coincides with 40 years of DJing and production, The Lost Tribe is not a retrospective; it is a statement of intent. Across its full runtime, the album rejects the constraints of modern, fast-consumption music culture, instead embracing depth, progression and storytelling. Each composition unfolds with
patience and purpose, and is designed to be experienced as part of a wider listening journey rather than in isolation. Built from original productions, and collaborations with Paul van Dyk, Astral Projection, Ovnimoon, Calantha and vocalist Jason Luke, The Lost Tribe showcases Fleming’s signature approach: richly layered sound design, evolving arrangements, and cinematic scope. Across its extensive run time, the album moves fluidly between driving, hypnotic passages and more introspective
moments, reflecting both artistic confidence and emotional depth. The concept behind The Lost Tribe speaks to a growing global audience seeking a deeper connection to electronic music culture. In an era shaped by short-form content and algorithm-driven trends, the album serves as both a refuge and a unifying statement: a reminder of the long-form journeys, shared experiences and boundary-pushing creativity that defined the genre’s foundations.
The project also carries personal significance. Created during a period of reflection and transformation, the music reflects resilience, clarity and renewed perspective. That emotional undercurrent runs throughout the album, adding weight and authenticity to its sonic ambition.
John 00 Fleming’s career has long been defined by independence and innovation. From the early days of the UK rave movement to performances at some of the world’s most respected festivals and underground institutions, his influence spans generations. Known for extended DJ sets that prioritise narrative and progression, he continues to challenge convention while remaining rooted in his core philosophy.
Through JOOF Recordings, Fleming has also built a global platform for forward-thinking electronic music, cultivating a community centred on artistry, integrity and creative freedom. With The Lost Tribe, John 00 Fleming delivers a release that is both timely and timeless; an album that invites listeners to step away from the noise and reconnect with the power of immersive music.
JOHN 00 FLEMING
NEW MUSIC LP
LORENZO RAGANZINI
TECHNO REBELS
HEX / AVAILABLE NOW STREAM
Lorenzo Raganzini uses music to find comfort in chaos and unpredictability; rejecting societal norms and leaning into the subversive concept of being a "rebel," his electric stage presence and industrialalternative aesthetic are polarising to some, but to the kindred spirits who follow his
work – it’s a world where unity, individuality, energy, and self-expression matter more than fitting in. Representing a natural evolution back towards the techno sound that originally drew him into the club scene, the new album is about going deeper into what feels right, realigning to his roots. For the last decade, Raganzini has been carving a niche for himself whilst driving the legendary HEX brand, but 2025 saw the Italian artist refocus his creativity on his solo project, beginning with his first live performance of the “Techno
Rebels” album at a headline show in Berlin.
Following a particularly tumultuous period of life, Lorenzo felt compelled to capture the raw emotions of a series of experiences that will shape the next chapter of his journey, as such, the album project is rooted in storytelling, both figuratively and literally.
Taking an unconventional approach to writing the music, each track title on the album represents a different chapter of a
story which was written by hand before Lorenzo even set foot in a studio. Detailing the sights, sounds, feelings and even the architectural fabric through text, Lorenzo then replicated these stories through sound; a deeply personal and cathartic process that puts authenticity at the heart of every creative decision.
“This album is my life in sound. Each song is a real moment of my life. Frozen in sound so I never forget who I was in that exact phase. The last years were intense, fast, messy, beautiful. I didn’t want those emotions to fade, so I turned them into music. No features, no outside hands. Just me, in the studio, building my world from scratch.” Lorenzo Raganzini
A conscious production choice sees the album focus on feeling over speed; by fine tuning the BPM, Lorenzo ensures that each track is designed to be danced to – a soundtrack to long nights and a new era that chooses art and fulfilment over external pressure or trends.
Following what feels right identifies the sonic direction of the album: it’s heavy and uplifting, dark yet heartfelt. With clear references to the broken beats of the early rave era, Raganzini weaves in the signature industrial and metal flavors that have become calling cards within his productions and delivers an anthemic statement of intent.
A clear message underpins the project: nothing here is invented, everything is lived a complete creative expression without compromise; a total freedom to create.
LORENZO RAGANZINI
NEW MUSIC LP
TONESHIFTERZ RAVERS REVOLUTION
I AM HARDSTYLE / AVAILABLE NOW STREAM
Arriving after more than fifteen years at the forefront of the harder styles movement, the album captures an artist in transition, honoring the foundations of rave culture while consciously reshaping his sound for a new era. "Ravers Revolution" is more than a continuation - it is a recalibration of every-
thing he is working towards. The impulse behind the album stems from reflection. Toneshifterz recognized echoes of his early DNA within this movement, and that realization became the foundation of "Ravers Revolution."
The album is anchored by a series of highprofile collaborations and festival-ready highlights. "Clarity," covered and re-created with Darren Styles, delivers euphoric melodies layered over high-energy production. "Harder Styles United" serves as the official anthem for
Knockout Outdoor 2025, uniting the global harder styles community with a commanding mainstage statement.
Elsewhere, "Body Move," produced with young risers TwinTigerz, channels peaktime dancefloor intensity, while "Give It All," a collaboration alongside Brennan Heart in their new passion project called "Project Zeitgeist," stands as the album's spotlight track, embodying the genre-fusing direction at the core of "Ravers Revolution." The album blends the drive of early Hardstyle with
the flow and movement of hard techno, while retaining the emotional power and explosiveness that define contemporary harder styles.
The project reflects a conscious decision to prioritize movement, danceability, and physical energy, creating music that is not only powerful but also immersive. The "revolution" is not about abandoning genre identity - it is about challenging its formula and reconnecting with the raw spirit that made harder styles culture what it is today.
"I started asking myself whether I was evolving with the culture, or just repeating what had once worked. In many ways, this album is a return. When I listened back to some of my early productions, I realised the DNA of what I'm doing now was already there years ago. The difference is that now after so many years, I see it clearly, and I have the experience to execute it properly. Hardstyle became very extreme and explosive over the years, which I love.
But I also missed the feeling of continuous movement on the dancefloor. I wanted to bring back that sense of flow, where people don't just wait for the drop, they live inside the energy.
Melodic music will be here to stay, and that's a fact, I will always make music that encapsulates that feeling of euphoria. This album isn't about chasing trends, its about the genesis of this 'new' sound which was something I already started long ago. It's about trusting instinct, reconnecting with who I was when I started, and pushing it forward. That's the real revolution."
Toneshifterz
TONESHIFTERZ
NEW MUSIC LP
FERNANDO LAGRECA
MOTION TACTICS
ANTHROPOLOGY/ AVAILABLE NOW STREAM
Uruguayan-born and Barcelona-based since the early 2000s, Fernando Lagreca has spent the better part of the last two decades developing a singular presence within Europe’s electronic underground.
A dedicated hardware practitioner, his work
sits at the intersection of hypnotic and groovy techno, analog experimentation and live performance—eschewing laptops in favor of a tactile, machine-driven approach that foregrounds spontaneity and sonic imperfection.
His productions have repeatedly entered the Beatport Top 100, including a #1 position in the Raw / Hypnotic Techno chart with the two-tracker Kosmonaut EP on M4rlow Records. But it is perhaps in the live
environment where his work finds its most immediate form: improvised hardware sets that blur the line between studio composition and club functionality.
His long-standing relationship with Techno has been shaped not only through his artistic output, but also through his broader involvement in the industry as a manager, booker and publisher.
This 360-degree experience not only
underlines his deep understanding of the electronic music ecosystem, but also reinforces his relevance within today’s scene.
And yet, despite this long-standing relationship with the genre, none of his previous albums had been fully devoted to Techno. Until now. Until “Motion Tactics.”
Lagreca does not define this new release as a conventional “album.” Instead, it is conceived as a collection of interconnected tracks and sound explorations, rooted directly in the language of Techno.
A body of work that fully reveals its meaning when experienced from start to finish: rhythmic explorations — hence the title — that move between groove, subtle electro influences and, at the core of the project, Techno itself, ranging from more mental territories to classic, dancefloor-focused nuances.
“The initial purpose,” Fernando explains, “was to create sound banks for upcoming live shows aimed at the dancefloor, but after several studio sessions, I realized I had more than enough material to turn them into full tracks.”
Fernando Lagreca
Out of this organic process emerged “Motion Tactics,” a release that captures the essence of his hardware workflow, his rhythmic drive and his personal vision of contemporary Techno — designed both for the club environment and for focused, immersive listening.
FERNANDO LAGRECA
NEW MUSIC EP
ENRICO SANGIULIANO
ABSENCE
NINETOZERO / AVAILABLE NOW STREAM
Audaciously innovative sound designer/ producer/live artist Enrico Sangiuliano reaches #0 in his countdown from ‘NINETOZERO’ on his eponymous ephemeral imprint, triggering its built-in autodestruct by the release of provocative 3-track EP "Absence," out now on vinyl & digital.
The digital EP will also feature an edit of "Step Into The End."
"With ‘Absence’ we come full circle, back to the womb of nothingness but charged with the echo of everything we have experienced. It is an ending, yes, but also an invitation. A new kind of silence is born, shaped by the memory of every frequency we unleashed."
Enrico Sangiuliano can thrill listeners with his music, but dares to challenge, to trust them.
Main track "Step Into The End" is a full-on barrage of trustworthy techno danceability & energy, bookended by soulful violin, high horns & sirens, with spoken incantations as if summoning to a sacred rite. A ten-minute timeless dance track as "all we’ve learned converges into a single point where presence & silence merge."
Title track "Absence": The (Techno Codeesque) Voice speaks of sound, space, absence, trace...the track’s background noise is the
almost- silence of his studio ‘through a magnifying glass..." His breathing can just be heard in the recording. Melodic, beautiful, free-form chords in the middle section act like a breakdown in reverse.
"A provocation, a track of silence, incidental noise. A tale of a story that just finished, but also a background for a story to be shaped. No one is intentionally performing for us. Here, the responsibility and work of listening is on you, to figure out what you can hear and what to make of it, to craft your own soundtrack based on the sounds that surround you, beyond the track.
You can perform your own version yourself.
Close your eyes and just listen. Engage with your environment. Be present. Expand your senses. Enjoy absence.."
‘The Aftermath’: a 40-second provocative coda. A snatch of stirring conversation signing off the EP and label alike.
NEW MUSIC EP
GETTER
DOOM 2
BASS RUSH / AVAILABLE NOW STREAM
Where chaos, distortion, and unrelenting lowend collide, a full-force dubstep onslaught takes shape. Getter’s sophomore EP “DOOM 2” is a high-octane sub-heavy statement, blending a tightly engineered sonic framework with an exacting, powerful use of auditory embellishments, out now via
Insomniac’s Bassrush. The “DOOM 2” EP arrives as Getter pushes deeper into his bass music resurgence, following the release of lead single “UNORTHODOX” with SVDDEN DEATH.
Across the EP, Getter presents a tightly focused catalog of work that explores the outer limits of his sound, leaning into tonal abrasion, tension, and high-impact arrangement across every cut.
Kicking things off, the package opens with
“MURDA,” where Getter and Zoey808 craft a menacing, sci-fi-leaning heater, fusing alien soundscapes and gritty texture with a hammering tempo and crushing, headbangfueled rhythm.
Following suit, Getter and SVDDEN DEATH unloads a warped, adrenalized record on “UNORTHODOX,” weaponizing blown-out basslines and infectious vocal adlibs through mind-bending auditory construction, culminating in an eerie, suspense-laced end
sequence that lingers long after the final drop. At the EP’s core, Getter and Space Laces step into the ring on “HEAVYWEIGHT” with a colossal, mainstage-ready clash. Opening on haunting, distant melodies that coil suspense before erupting into punishing low-end and pulse raising hype calls, delivering a true centerpiece climax of “DOOM 2” that captures the EP’s scale, precision, and commanding energy.
“HEAVYWEIGHT” captures both artists operating at maximum impact, setting off a blistering, arena-ready floor-shaking weapon primed for the rail, the pit, and the largest stages in the world.
Diving deeper, “EYE OF ZAPHO” finds Getter tapping Moody Good for a hypnotic, dystopian groove cycling warped lyrical chops through mechanical, machine-like low-frequency drive before stripping back into a stark, isolating outro that spotlights the song’s finely constructed sound design.
Closing it out, Getter deploys “LUNG” as a finely tuned, momentum-driven finale. Nestling layered topline audio craftsmanship beneath commanding production elements while activating industrial-grade FX and sharply segmented arrangement work to amplify velocity and carry the compilation to a powerful finish.
Beyond the studio, Getter continues to dominate stages with appearances alongside SVDDEN DEATH and upcoming performances at EDC Las Vegas, Forbidden Kingdom, and Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge.
NEW MUSIC EP
JACK EMERY
EVERLAST
PURIFIED RECORDS / AVAILABLE NOW STREAM
Diving deeper into the core of his musical identity, Emery delivers a sweeping, cinematic release that seamlessly balances delicate atmospheres with soaring melodic peaks across "Everlast," "Up & Down’"and "Rise."
Delivering timeless creations that work
their magic both on and off the dancefloor, he continues to refine his signature sound, rooted in emotional storytelling, immersive textures and dynamic arrangements.
Speaking about the release, Jack mentioned, "I'm so excited to showcase a more diverse side of my sound in my third EP, 'Everlast.' The 3-track EP spans both melodic elements as well as a clubbier, more energetic side to my music which I'm thrilled to share via Purified Records."
Jack Emery
Known for his signature blend of deep basses, captivating melodies, and emotional vocals, Jack Emery has emerged as a key figure in the melodic house and techno scene.
Making his mark as a label mainstay on Nora En Pure’s Purified Records, his standout performances include sets at top venues across the United States, including Mission Ballroom, Purified Miami Music Week, Purified San Diego, Belly Up Aspen, 1015 Folsom, and The Marquis Park City. Jack Emery's music
has seen support from Nora En Pure, Meduza, Sultan + Shepard, Pretty Pink, and Mees Salomé. Coming off his key accomplishments in 2025, including being named #21 in Sirius XM's "Chill Worthy 30 of 2025", Jack Emery is one to watch in the coming months.
Visually echoing the emotional depth and soaring scope of the "Everlast" EP, the artwork features a mesmerizing aerial photograph of an Icelandic glacier by Jan Erik Waider (@northlandscapes). As glaciers rapidly disappear, the Ice Memory Foundation works to preserve their legacy before it is lost.
Through international scientific collaboration, the organization extracts and safeguards ice cores from endangered glaciers, storing them in Antarctica as a permanent archive of Earth’s climate history. By protecting these frozen records, Ice Memory preserves vital data for future research while raising awareness about the urgency of climate change and the fragile beauty of the planet’s cryosphere.
Based in Hamburg, Germany, Jan Erik Waider is a fine art photographer renowned for his abstract portrayals of northern landscapes.
Focusing on water, ice and intricate natural patterns, his work reveals the beauty found in the world’s most subtle details. Looking to help further protect the planet? Explore Only One, the action platform for the planet, on a mission to restore ocean health and tackle the climate crisis - with the power of the people.
JACK EMERY
NEW MUSIC EP
SILLYGIRLCARMEN
EASE
PVCLB / AVAILABLE NOW STREAM
sillygirlcarmen aka Carmen Johnson’s Sun & Sound Detroit imprint releases its first ever vinyl, 4-track VA EP ‘Ease’, out April 17th for Record Store Day. A ‘vinyl conversation’ between Detroit & Chicago’s house heritage via deep house, jazz roots, and forwardlooking soul, ‘Ease’ embodies the spirit
of collaboration, community, and crossgenerational artistry ably represented by Glenn Underground, Coflo, Jon Dixon, Kevin Reynolds & sillygirlcarmen herself.
sillygirlcarmen represents the new wave of Detroit creativity; raw, fearless, and deeply rooted in the city’s house lineage. She blends her emotive vocals, deep grooves and shimmering electronic textures to connect heart, dancefloor and heritage. She cofounded Sun & Sound Detroit label as a
platform both to showcase her music and spotlight other artists’ soulful innovation & underground integrity.
Glenn Underground-"Dive (Into The Deep)" the Chicago legend & Strictly Jaz Unit cofounder combines deep house, freeform jazz & soul, here in a jazz-infused, laid-back, hypnotic melange of house beat, synth chord riff, rippling arps, with a whisper of disco in the bassline and 80’s electro in the high, singing strings.
Coflo x sillygirlcarmen-"Never Forget (That Feelin’)" East Bay CA-based Coflo combines Hawaiian & Portugese roots with a global reach. A collaborative skipping house beat, pattering percussion & melodic jazz synth piano embrace sillygirlcarmen’s soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics… emotional storytelling, movement & connection.
Jon Dixon-"Saturday At Northland": Detroit’s modern jazz & techno fusionist, rooted in long study and prestigious performance of classical & jazz piano both in orchestral and electronic contexts, employs his keyboard virtuosity in a thrilling wave of melodic piano improvisation & complex lively percussion, combining sheer craft with spiritual heft.
Kevin Reynolds-"I Got Music,": from an Irish/US Detroit family, producer/live artist Reynolds blends techno, jazz, soul, from influences as diverse as 90s underground techno, Kraftwerk & John Coltrane, and roles/performances in multiple prestigious venues & positions. Here, a stealthy beat & Kraftwerk-evoking robotic electro synth theme are joined by a dual vocal used as a riff, while clusters of piano chords flower into jazz motifs.
The release of ‘EASE’ heralds sillygirlcarmen’s upcoming North American tour inc. Detroit’s iconic Movement Festival. Look out for solo releases from herself and more, as Sun & Sound Detroit gears up for a future filled with sun-shiny events and brand collaborations.
NEW MUSIC EP
THAYLO
ECHOS OF DAWN
PLAYY. RECORDS / AVAILABLE NOW STREAM
French electronic artist Thaylo released his latest EP "Echoes of Dawn" on 8 May 2026 via PLAYY. Records. To date, Thaylo boasts 6.2 million streams on Spotify alone, with his superlative soundscape garnering support from the likes of global superstars including Solomun, Martin Garrix, Nora En Pure, and
he’s also released music on prominent labels Colorize, Purified and Kontor.
Born and based in Grenoble, France, Thaylo knew he was destined to be a DJ and producer the instant he first watched the Tomorrowland aftermovies.
From that point on, he dedicated himself to creating his own music, driven by the dream of one day hearing his racks played on such iconic stages - or better yet, performing them
himself. Renowned for his live performances show-casing his captivating melodies, infectious rhythms, and innovative sonic blueprint.
Additionally, Thaylo produces, mixes and masters his own music, while he’s influenced by a vast array of artists including M83, Ludovico Einaudi and Solomun.
Thaylo crafts a sound that traverses the boundaries between melodic, progressive,
and deep house, sure to be enjoyed by fans of the above as well as those of John Digweed, Saint Vie, and Jan Blomqvist.
The 5-track EP showcases Thaylo’s artistic growth in a profoundly holistic manner, and feels like a full circle moment for the rapidly rising artist.
The EP, which was specifically crafted for live performances, is sure to ensnare fans of RÜFÜS DU SOL, Adriatique and Ben Bohmer.
Across the EP, Thaylo brilliantly creates a narrative driven by emotion, tension and release. This is mirrored in the EP’s title track, which also serves as the opening track, as it holds a dreamlike, psychedelic atmosphere underscored by siren-like vocals and a magnetising melody.
"Hidden Sky" highlights Thaylo’s darker, introspective energy, which features a sweeping bass and restless yet consistent rhythm.
"Dewfall," stands as a masterclass in tensionbuilding which impeccably balances expansion with restraint, and features a stuttering synth arrangement creating a sense of curiosity and profound anticipation.
The closing track, "Not A Dream" ends the EP on a lighter, upbeat note. The vocals create a hypnotic, hazy atmosphere, while Thaylo’s intense and precise sound design elevate the track to unchartered heights.
THAYLO
NEW MUSIC SNG .
ACRAZE
WHATCHA DO TO ME
INSOMNIAC RECORDS / AVAILABLE NOW STREAM
ACRAZE has demonstrated his versatility through genre-blurring house cuts alongside commercial artists Don Toliver, Joey Valence & Brae, Lil Mabu, Goodboys, Sam Smith and Kim Petras. His breakthrough single "Do It To It" achieved certification in 14 countries— platinum status in the US, Australia, Canada
and the UK—and was named "Dance Song of the Year" in 2022 at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. His music has been championed by DJ Snake, John Summit, Chris Lake, Zedd, Malaa, Gordo.
Originally from Staten Island, ACRAZE is on track to become a member of the Billions Club—a platinum-certified producer living up to his reputation as a global phenomenon with a dynamic approach to house music that keeps dancefloors in a daze. His debut single
on Insomniac Records, "Whatcha Do To Me,"is a tech house track designed to send crowds head-first into a frenzy.
Fresh off his run of standout sets during Miami Music Week, where his live sets drew nonstop momentum throughout the city, “Watcha Do To Me” captures ACRAZE at his commanding, crafted for intimate late-night club marathons, festival main stages, and everything in between. The song’s hushed and hypnotic vocals bewitch the crowd with
with their funky rhythmic swing, emphatic grunts, and shouts full of soul. Deep, rumbling LFOs oscillate with a fuzzy warmth as crisp drum patterns and shadowy atmospherics amplify the ensnaring essence of its groove. Equal parts explosive and hypnotic, “Watcha Do To Me” further cements ACRAZE’s reputation as a master of tech-house.
“Excited to get this new sound I've been working on out into the world. I hope you guys love this one!” ACRAZE.
NEW MUSIC SNG .
HALIENE
SOLAR WAVES
BLACK HOLE RECORDS / AVAILABLE NOW STREAM
With her recent collaboration with Ilan Bluestone, "Eclipsed By You," continuing to build momentum across streaming platforms and dancefloors worldwide, Grammynominated singer-songwriter HALIENE returns with her newest release, "Solar Waves." Radiant, immersive, and emotionally
transportive, "Solar Waves" is one of HALIENE’s most musically distinctive records to date.
Built on an asymmetrical rhythmic structure, the track subtly shifts between mixed-meter from the opening to the final evolution.
A delicately processed classical harp chord that underpins the groove, giving the production an organic, fluid undercurrent. Combined with airy synth textures and restrained percussion, the result is a surreal,
weightless sensation. That celestial lightness contrasts with the song’s deeply personal origin.
“I wrote Solar Waves while recovering from a major surgery last summer, during a season when I felt incredibly lost musically,” HALIENE recalls. “I couldn’t sing the way I normally do because my body was still healing, so I recorded the demo softly and breathily. What began as a limitation ended up giving the song an intimacy we fell in love with. At a time when I
felt disconnected from my voice, writing this record brought my joy back and reminded me that creativity always finds another path.”
Following close on the heels of "Eclipsed By You," HALIENE’s second release in as many months, "Solar Waves" is available now on all streaming platforms.
NEW MUSIC SNG .
BRENNAN
HEART,
HI-LO & PROJECT ZEITGEIST
ADAGIO FOR STRINGS
HILOMATIK / AVAILABLE NOW STREAM
Three major names in electronic music come together for a powerful new take on one of the most recognizable records in dance music history. Brennan Heart, HI-LO, and Project
Zeitgeist (alter ego of Australian hardstyle act Toneshifterz) unite on “Adagio For Strings,” out now via HILOMATIK - delivering a modern reinterpretation of the legendary Tiësto classic.
Looking at the track through a 2026 lens, the trio reshape the iconic melody into something darker, heavier, and built for today’s dancefloors. While the emotional core that made the original so memorable remains intact, this version leans into driving techno
rhythms and hard dance intensity. The result is a track that balances nostalgia with modern production. Brennan Heart brings his unmistakable hard dance energy, HI-LO adds a raw techno edge, and Project Zeitgeist contributes a cinematic touch that amplifies the composition's drama. That track has already been supported by the likes of Armin van Buuren (live), Space 92 (live), Maddix (live), Nifra (live), and Lilly Palmer.
"What do you do with one of the most iconic
records in dance music history? I have been playing and messing around with different versions of this Tiesto classic over the years, as you may have heard in my sets, but when Brennan Heart sent me a collab idea for a proper hard techno rework of ‘Adagio for Strings,’ I knew this one would really stand out and would be perfect for 2026! I had a lot of fun working on this one with him and Project Zeitgeist, and it’s been amazing to see all the reactions to this banger at the shows! " - HI-LO
NEW MUSIC SNG .
JUNO REACTOR
'MONA LISA OVERDRIVE (REAKY REAKSON REMIX)
METROPOLIS RECORDS / AVAILABLE NOW STREAM
In a powerful convergence of cinematic legacy and contemporary electronic music artistry, Juno Reactor (aka Ben Watkins) have released a stunning new remix of their iconic track "Mona Lisa Overdrive" as a single today. Originally composed and scored for the 2003
reimagined by the Slovenian DJ and producer Reaky Reakson.
“The track has always held a special place for me, as it was the very first piece I was asked to write for 'The Matrix Reloaded,’” states Watkins. "Reaky has given it a fresh intensity and perspective that feels both respectful and boldly new. To hear it now, years later, transformed through someone else’s passion and imagination, is a rare and rewarding thing. I hope you enjoy this new version as much as I
have enjoyed thundering it out to dance crowds.”
Reaky Reakson now steps into that legacy with fearless creativity. Known for his explosive production style, he has delivered a remix that collides brilliantly with the symphonic power of the original. The result is a high-impact reinterpretation where precision techno energy meets Juno Reactor’s epic orchestral architecture; like two speeding vehicles converging in perfect control.
Rather than merely revisit the track, Reakson amplifies its DNA: driving percussion, razorsharp synth work and cinematic tension push it into a new dimension designed for modern dancefloors while preserving the monumental spirit of the original work.
With"‘Inside The Matrix" bringing renewed attention to the groundbreaking artistry behind the franchise, the timing of this reinterpretation could not be more fitting.
NEW MUSIC SNG .
VICTOR RUIZ
ALONE
VOLTA / AVAILABLE NOW STREAM
Victor Ruiz returns with "Alone," the second single taken from his forthcoming debut album "VICTOR." The full project arrives on his own VOLTA imprint on July 10, quietly signalling a redirection in perspective for the Brazilian-born, Lisbon-based artist. Long associated with a peak-time strain of techno,
Ruiz begins to move toward something more open and unguarded here, where atmosphere and sensation take precedence over force and immediacy. Where previous releases have been rooted in physicality and club energy, "Alone" operates in a different space entirely, offering something wholly exposed, melodic and emotionally direct. There’s no rush toward impact here -instead, the track unfolds with patience. A bed of fluid, evolving percussion carries the piece forward, while a delicate piano motif anchors it with
a quiet sense of clarity. Above it, a soft, almost weightless vocal line moves in and out of focus, never dominating but always present - weaving itself into the fabric of the track. It’s subtle but deeply intentional, with every element placed to create space - not just sonically, but emotionally. Conceptually, "Alone" sits at a pivotal point within the album’s narrative - built around birth and existential isolation. The understanding that we enter the world alone, not as tragedy but as something direct and unavoidable.
That shift brought a very real internal friction - questions around relevance, identity and whether moving in a new direction meant losing what came before. That tension runs through the track as an internal dialogue: doubt on one side - "am I still relevant, should I continue?" - and a more instinctive response on the other - "I make what I want." "Alone" doesn’t try to resolve that conflict, it simply holds it in place - letting uncertainty and conviction exist side by side.
