Insomniac Records‘ very own BLOND:ISH is committed to bringing positivity to the music industry. In addition to being a producer, she is a record label head, environmental activist, Web3 enthusiast, and entrepreneur. She bridges the gap between artists and fans, uniting her community around meaningful causes.
She recently released her sophomore album, Never Walk Alone. The album features diverse music styles, from Afro-house to ’80s disco and psychedelic beats designed to inspire listeners to become their best friends. The album’s sunny and smooth vocal delivery perfectly blends with these styles, creating uplifting songs that aim to elevate the spirit and foster a sense of inspiration. BLOND:ISH reminds us that there are never any bad days or feelings of loneliness while listening to this album.
BLOND:ISH’s impact goes beyond creating albums that uplift and embrace the sunshine. She foundedBye Bye Plastic, a movement making a significant difference by eliminating single-use plastics from clubs and festivals. Her relentless activism, fueled by a passion for high-energy engagement, inspires many.
In addition to her environmental work, BLOND:ISH has also made history as the first woman to have a residency at Pacha Ibiza. Her Abracadabra event series launches May 21st and continues every Wednesday until July 30th. Before she heads to Ibiza, fans can feel the love at EDC Las Vegas and Electric Forest.
Keep up with BLOND:ISH’s love and high energy using the links below!
Deadmau5 brings fans his progressive, electro-house flare with his independent music label mau5trap. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, with everyone chasing love, Shae District and Veltri make their mau5trap debut with their latest single, “MINE.” The new track illuminates the groundbreaking, genre-bending artistry of Shae District and Veltri, weaving together intricate, shadowy themes with mesmerizing melodies. This dynamic collaboration delivers a powerful auditory experience.
Shae District reflects on his collaboration with Veltri in making “MINE,” sharing “To me, Shae District lives in an actual district. It’s themed in a future dystopian-esque world – think Bladerunner, Cyberpunk, Steampunk. ‘MINE’ is a song that energetically spotlights the youthful and rebellious people of this District. Sonically, the song is enlivening, stimulating, and aggressive, pulling themes from Gesaffelstein and Justice styles. It’s weird and dark but digestible to those outside the genre because of the vocals I added to the song. All of our visual branding reflects this as well. We onboarded a team of alternative actors to create these rebellious scenes to accompany the music.”
As 2024 comes to a close, the Moon Lvnding Fvm is reflecting on all the unforgettable sets that defined our year. From major festivals to hometown shows, we’ve danced, headbanged, and grooved our way across every corner of the US. Here’s a look at some of our staff’s favorite sets, festivals, and b2b performances from the past year.
What was your favorite set? Where was it and why was it your favorite?
Jessica Duncan – Assignment Director “Odezsa at Fulsom Field in Boulder, CO. This was the first time I was able to catch an Odezsa set since 2015 when they first began to blow up. The production was amazing, from fireworks to the full drum line and all the vocalists featured on their tracks. The set list covered every song I wanted to hear. The rain couldn’t stop us!”
Sam Wolloch – Chief Editor “Wooli at Electric Forest. I really enjoyed it because I was with my closest rave family on the grass field of Tripolee and Wooli played a ton of amazing new IDs. He was pumped up the entire set, and you could tell how much of his energy and passion went into its production.”
Troy Andrea – Staff Writer “Levity at Sunbar! Those boys bring such awesome energy to the stage. Their rapid blow-up this past year really just shows how success can find anyone. From having a USB at EForest to almost headlining festivals, they deserve all the hype, and their shows prove it.”
Grant Soffer – Staff Writer | Event Staff “Like many people are probably going to say, Tiesto at Groove Cruise was my favorite set of 2024. He played the headlining spot on the beach in the Bahamas and delivered the best hour of music I have ever experienced in my life. All of his song choices and transitions were immaculate, and the backdrop of the beautiful ocean and cruise ship made the setting even more beautiful. Being surrounded by 20 close friends, all smiling ear to ear and dancing our hearts out, made it even more special. That will be a set I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Kiana Kraft – Staff Writer “Kygo‘s headlining set at his own Palm Tree Festival in Oahu. Kygo is, and has been for a long time, my favorite artist. To finally get a chance to go to his festival in the perfect tropical place (he is the tropical house king) was so magical.”
Shae McCormick – Social Media Coordinator “Subtronics at Lost Lands. This was the final boss of Subtronics sets (so far). Old music, new music, all at Wompy Woods for sunset. He had the Cyclops Army going absolutely feral.”
Kate Nelson – Public Relations Director “Andrew Bayer at Sunbar in Arizona. He was touring his new EP, which has my all-time favorite song, ‘Places I Belong.’ It was a super high-energy set that flowed effortlessly between trance subgenres. I have a ‘Places I Belong’ tattoo, and I got to meet him and show it to him right before he went on!”
What was your favorite festival you attended?
Jessica – “I didn’t go to too many festivals this year; the only EDM festival I attended was Global Dance. For my full thoughts on it, check out my review from earlier this year.”
Sam – “Despite (or maybe because of) all of the weather difficulties, Elements 2024 was my favorite festival of the five fests I attended this year (Glow, Electric Forest, Secret Dreams, Elements, Lost Lands). The lineup was tremendous from Thursday to Sunday, and the vibes at the Friday renegades for those who weathered the storm were off the charts. The new layout at the Water Stage was outstanding, and I always love festivals that allow LSDream to have his Lightcode session on Sunday morning.”
Troy – “Lost Landswas awesome this year. The new Crater stage was so cool. I love how they bring the 360-experience to a new scale!”
Grant – “North Coast Music Festival in Chicago was and probably always will be my favorite festival. The layout of the venue is so well thought out, and there are endless activities and hidden adventures throughout the festival. Couple that with the amazing talent they always book on the lineup, and this becomes the perfect festival. All other festivals should be taking notes and copying their playbook.”
Kiana – “Coachella is my favorite festival and probably will be for a long time. I look forward to it every year. There’s nothing I look forward to more than dancing on the polo fields in the desert with the best music and the best people and planning fun outfits, of course.”
Shae – “Elements, Poconos PA. While the weather was a crazy experience, our group, Camp Happy Feet, came prepared for the unexpected and braved the storm with minimal damage. We made it out to the renegades night one to make up for the missed Friday of the fest, and they did not disappoint. Seeing Tape B three times in one night was a highlight; his b2b with Disco Lines, classic Car Tunes-Essie festival set at Club Renegade, and a special downtempo afters at Corporate Wooks. I also loved the art cars they had at the fest, like Harvey Disco Kitty at Fire Stage.”
Kate – “Dreamstate! The vibes are always incredible, and it has the friendliest crowd.”
What was your favorite b2b set you saw?
Jessica – “Worship (Sub Focus, Dimension, Culture Shock, 1991) at Mission Ballroom. This night was the epitome of drum and bass. I went with one of my good friends, and we absolutely lost our minds the entire time.”
Sam – “My favorite b2b of the year had to be the world debut of the 4+ hour extended club set by Waxtroda(Wax Motif b2b Matroda) at the world-famous Brooklyn Mirage. They kept the vibes high for the entire set, and the whole crowd was grooving to their sexy house beats.”
Troy – “Heritage b2b Drinkurwater at Bass Canyon! Their sound designs just complement each other so well, and it was such a fun set to be a part of.”
Grant – “My favorite b2b from this year was probably Subtronics and Level Up at Beyond Wonderland in California. Zeds Dead had a last-minute cancelation, so the couple stepped up to fill the spot. It was a much smaller crowd than a normal Subtronics set, but that didn’t stop him from giving one of the best performances I have ever seen. It was a great way to close out night two of Beyond Wonderland.”
Kiana – “IsoKnock (ISOxo b2b Knock2) at Coachella Sahara tent. These two were the most incredibly perfect duo to go b2b at Sahara, and the energy was insane for the entire set. Safe to say people were dancing and partying at that set.”
Shae – “Excision b2b Wooli, Lost Lands Prehistoric Stage. They served dubstep at Dubstep Disneyland, and I successfully coordinated the rave fam meet-up with friends from all over the country. We had everyone in the right place at the right time, and the drone show was so cool! They even did Becky’s (one of the dinosaurs) butthole in drones! Shoutout to Crater Stage though: the star of Lost Lands this year.”
Stay tuned to Moon Lvnding for more content as we close out the year. For those located in Arizona, Decadence 2024 is just around the corner, and it’s sure to bring some unforgettable sets. We’re hyped to be there and can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for dance music!
Electric Forest continues to enchant us as one of the most anticipated festivals of the year. The mystical Sherwood Forest awaits your return to Rothbury, Michigan for up to four nights of unforgettable magic June 20-23. The finalized E-Forest lineup includes Charlotte De Witte presenting Overdrive, BoogieT.rio, Goodboys, and many other artists set out to enchant souls.
Photo Credit: Official 2024 Sticker Design by Madison Fink
Renowned stage The Observatory will host the Deep In The Forest event, curating a special Odyzey Takeover on Thursday, June 20. Forest favorite, BASSRUSH, returns to the Tripolee stage for endless vibes this upcoming EF. The Carousel Club hosts the Pride Party Sunday followed by the Pride Stage Takeover. With soul-filling music and activities around every turn, the festival also features a menu of immersive food and drink experiences. The weekend is curated to ensure everyone has something to enjoy when they’ve “Gone To The Forest”.
Photo Credit: Electric Forest Website
One standout aspect this weekend is the handy dandy Electric Forest Photo Gallery. Tons of photos from the festival are uploaded for purchase to allow a personalized keepsake, so don’t be shy if you want to snap a moment or two to remember E-Forest! Download the EF mobile app to receive updates from HQ, view maps, check set times, and much more. To stay connected this festival season, follow the Electric Forest socials below and visit the official festival website!
Inclusion is an important value in the music community that is emphasized by music events worldwide. Accessibility and accommodations at festivals are at the heart of this by focusing on creating the best possible experience for all attendees. Today we will take a deep dive into how the beloved Electric Forest music festival addresses the needs of all its visitors.
For those who do not know, these accommodations are mandated by the American Disability Act or ADA. The ADA requires events and public spaces to have access options that allow a person with disabilities to use and enjoy the space in a way that someone without disabilities would. At concerts and festivals these accommodations are handled by an ADA team, and what is offered varies from show to show.
Naturally, Electric Forest had such a team and various access accommodations in 2023. This year, the options started out rough. The website stated that a dedicated campground entrance was to be provided. Upon arrival at 12:03 am Thursday morning we discovered that this was not the case. There were no signs directing to an access line and when approached, multiple staff members had no idea what we were asking for. Once we made it to the security checkpoint, a manager asked why we did not utilize the access line and we explained. The manager then pointed to the distant end of the checkpoints where the access checkpoint was. Not only was it at the far end without signage but it was also blocked from view by trailers and trees.
Once we made it past the security checkpoint, things did not get better. None of the ground crew knew either what Camp Access (ADA camping) was, or if they did, could not direct us to it. I only had a faint idea of how to get there because this was my second time attending the festival. Eventually, we were directed to a spot to park and wait for another manager, who then proceeded to tell us that ADA was closed so no one would direct us to the correct location and just pointed in the general direction.
After driving through multiple established camping areas, we finally found it—in chaos. Unlike every other campground with staff and fire marshalls directing people, there were no staff in the area. The campground was disorganized and more importantly, there were no staff checking to make sure people in the area had handicap placards or were the +1 allowed vehicle. We were lucky to find a spot along the fence line of the venue that was most definitely not supposed to be a camping area, but we set up camp next to other groups. In the morning our neighbors told us that although early arrival started Tuesday afternoon, not a single staff or security member was looking over Camp Access. We then discovered that the only accessible shower was not located inside Camp Access, but about a ⅓ mile from the edge of the campground, making them inaccessible to many individuals.
The Camp Access information desk finally opened at 12pm Thursday, roughly 48 hours after the first guest arrived at the campsite.
While the negatives were difficult to cope with, there were some positives. The first was the registration. Each ADA guest was assigned a number. This allowed people to replace their ADA wristbands if they lost them, but did not allow people to abuse the system and get multiple bands for their friends. This was effective because all ADA wristbands had to be scanned in and out of the venue like a regular wristband.
The ADA wristband allowed wearers and one guest to use the ADA line at the front entrance as well as the side entrances. These side entrances offered access to the best accommodation that Electric Forest had to offer, chauffeured golf carts to multiple points within the festival grounds. These carts were an absolute godsend. As a person with a mobility disability, the carts allowed me to cut at least half of my walking out of the equation for the entirety of the festival, allowing me to focus on the music and my friends instead of pain and discomfort. For the most part, security personnel at these side gates were informed that ADA guests would be using them to gain access to the golf carts. However, on Friday night the security manager was only allowing people in wheelchairs to use the golf carts, a call he had no authority to make. Thankfully we got into a golf cart after walking to a second side entrance and the driver brought the issue to his manager’s attention. I was told the next morning that the security personnel was re-briefed about who could and could not utilize the golf carts.
Another accommodation that many may be familiar with is the elevated seating and viewing platforms. These platforms allow people who may have a lower viewing angle to see the stage and enjoy the show, rather than be blocked by people in front of them. These stages also provide seating so that people, like myself, can take a moment to rest in a chair. These platforms also have the added benefit of some protection from the crowd to avoid being knocked over or pushed down.
Overall, I would give the accommodations of Electric Forest a C+. The ADA team was helpful and for the most part, things went well once they started working, however, the fact that Camp Access was disorganized and understaffed during the arrival period and the added complication that the only accessible shower was located a long way from Camp Access brings an otherwise great experience down a few notches.
