Earlier this week Dreamstate, Insomniac’s home for all things trance, announced Into The Sequence, a new psytrance event taking place this summer. The psytrance stage at Dreamstate Festival is called The Sequence so this is right on brand. Into The Sequence will take over the National Orange Show in Southern California from 6 PM to 6 AM on June 29. As it is a one-day event, it will only use the Orange Pavilion building instead of the entire NOS footprint.
Can you really have a psytrance event without having Vini Vici on the lineup? The duo will be there along with Ace Ventura, Astrix, Blazy, Ghost Rider, Ritmo, and trance legend Christopher Lawrence. Ace Ventura and Astrix will also perform as their combined project Alpha Portal. The only female-identifying artist on the lineup is the San Francisco-based producer Khromata. Based on the artwork alone, expect the stage design and decorations to be super trippy and psychedelic.
Both GA and VIP Tickets for Into The Sequence go on sale Thursday, March 28th, at noon PT. Follow Dreamstate using the social media links below to be the first to know when more details are released.
Put away those cowboy boots and dust off your pashmina because Deep Tropics, Nashville’s growing boutique EDM festival, is back for its sixth year this August 16 & 17. Bicentennial Park will host an impressive lineup featuring big names like Kaskade, RL Grime, and more. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and fostering community spirit, Deep Tropics looks to solidify its position as a prominent event in the East Coast EDM scene.
The first phase of the lineup consists of incredibly diverse sets. On Friday, Kaskade will take over the Meru Amphitheater while RL Grime throws down at Lotus Stage. Saturday features Sofi Tukker’s DJ set at Meru Amphitheater with Peekaboo rocking the Lotus Stage. DJ Drez will host the Deep Culture Amphitheater Experience leading attendees in breathwork, yoga, dance, and meditation from noon until 3 PM.
Though Phase 2 has yet to be announced, Deep Tropics has disclosed some additions to the lineup. Last week two rising stars in EDM, Tape B and Zingara, revealed their debut at the Lotus Stage. After these unexpected additions, fans anxiously await the remainder of Phase 2 to be disclosed.
Deep Tropics is dedicated to keeping its events zero-waste and climate-positive. It achieves these goals through Deep Culture, its non-profit organization that aims to bridge the gap between caring for ourselves, our community, and the Earth. Deep Tropics is not just a music festival, but a way for people to celebrate culture and community while encouraging attendees to foster a connection between themselves and their environment.
Tickets for Deep Tropics on August 16 & 17 in Nashville, TN are currently on sale on their website. Multiple ticket options are available: Tropical Traveler, the general admission ticket; Tropical Traveler Plus, which adds many benefits including pit viewing access, PLUS Lounge access, a private bar, and air-conditioned restrooms; and Tropical Traveler Platinum, the most expensive ticket option, which includes all the benefits of the Plus option as well as complimentary food and an open bar. Fans can also add the Eco Band to their order, directly supporting sustainability and Deep Culture initiatives. Please visit the Deep Tropics website below for additional information regarding tickets, location, sustainability efforts, and more.
Calling all space travelers! Prepare to blast off into a weekend of incredible dance music when PHXLIGHTS: Supernova returns to Phoenix Raceway on March 29 and 30, 2024. Building on the success of previous years, Relentless Beats‘ flagship festival promises a stellar experience with a lineup that will leave you starstruck.
Photo Credit: @luisdcolato
This year’s lineup features headliners from across the electronic dance music universe. Bassheads will rejoice with the inclusion of dubstep royalty Seven Lions and NGHTMRE. Prepare to witness a meeting of the minds with genre-bending b2b sets from Joyryde b2b Habstrakt and the dynamic duo of Deorro b2b Valentino Kahn.
Fans of future bass and melodic sounds can groove to the sets of Kaskade, Dr. Oliver Tree, and rising star Apashe. The party doesn’t stop there, with supporting sets from Alok, goddard., SABAI, Alleycvt, Levity, Mamba, Residuo, and more. No matter your music taste, there will be no shortage of immaculate vibes to dance to on both days!
PHXLIGHTS: Supernova also promises an immersive experience beyond the music. Expect dazzling stage production, state-of-the-art lighting, and a vibrant festival atmosphere. With three stages—”The Mothership Stage,” “The Fallout Silent Disco,” and “The Invasion Stage”—there will always be something new to explore. Make sure to stop by each stage for the full experience and to discover new artists. You never know what you might find!
This festival is near and dear to the Moon Lvnding team—and not just for the brand symmetry. We cherish this event for allowing us to meet so many wonderful earthlings! Be sure to stop by one of our various booth locations to meet the Fvm.
Basscon, Insomniac’s home for hard dance, announced the 2024 dates for its two-day hard dance festival, Wasteland, yesterday in a social media post. Wasteland will return to the National Orange Show in Southern California on August 30+31, 2024.
The lineup features a few American hard dance acts Dead X, Geo, Hpnotic, Kreation, and Yosuf. For fans of euphoric hardstyle, Atmozefears, Coone, DJ Isaac, Dr. Phunk, TNT, and Wasted Penguins will be there to raise the vibes. Audiofreq, Code Black, Lauren Valentine, Omar Santana, Radical Redemption, and Vieze Asbak will be bringing the harder and faster-paced hardcore, rawstyle, and uptempo sets.
Happy hardcore is finally growing in the US and fans will be able to see some legends including Hixxy, Kutski, and Darren Styles. Hard techno has also been gaining popularity over the last year and Creeds and Domina will be two of the acts highlighting this subgenre.
RayRay is the wildcard on the lineup whose set could go in any direction from dubstep, to trap, to techno, to bass house. It will be interesting to see how she structures her set and if she embraces more hard dance than usual. Link is another act who’s set could cover a range of genres, since his most recent releases were psytrance, hard techno, and speed house. Two names that we didn’t recognize are the masked newcomer to the scene, Anoluxx, and Southern California local JayR.
No Insomniac event would be complete without some special sets that you won’t be able to see anywhere else. Bioweapon, the duo consisting of Audiofreq and Code Black, will be reuniting, and Frontliner will be playing a classics set. There will also be a Ben Nicky presents Xtreme set as well, which is almost guaranteed to be on any Basscon lineup these days.
Both GA and VIP Tickets for Wasteland go on sale this Thursday, March 28, at 10AM PT. Follow Basscon using the social media links below and sign up to receive text updates from Basscon to be the first to know when more details are released.
M3F, the McDowell Mountain Music Festival, has become a cornerstone of Phoenix’s vibrant music scene. This annual non-profit festival boasts a diverse lineup, attracting thousands of music lovers with its infectious energy and commitment to the community. The vibrant energy of M3F 2024 has faded, but the echoes of incredible music, unforgettable moments, and community spirit still linger. Get a glimpse into the Moon Lvnding team’s favorite moments from the festival.
It’s Murph by James Jimenez
The dance music rising star It’s Murph blew me away at M3F. Knowing a variety of his music but never having been to one of his live sets made this moment a great experience. The Spring Phoenix weather combined with a diverse musical selection from the artist made this set a highlight of the festival for me. The crowd was engaged and I was in the audience dancing and vibing!
Photo Credit: James Jimenez
The production for this set was eye-catching! This was my first M3F experience and I loved the production and the venue layout. Each stage had its charm and It’s Murph’s set is a prime example. It’s Murph’s visuals complemented the vibrancy of his music to create an enjoyable time.
Dominic Fike by Gunnar Bartsch
Dominic Fike excelled in Tempe, Arizona in 2023 at the Marquee Theater and his M3F set was even better! He plays his guitar and sings during his sets. One can feel the honesty in his voice as he opened up about life’s struggles and how music saved him. Throughout each song, it is evident that he is genuine and connected to every word, chord, and rhythm.
Photo Credit: James Jimenez
The crowd grew bigger and bigger with each song he played as his voice and guitar drew people to his stage. With his hits scattered throughout his set mixed with his older songs from Westcoast Collective, it made for a good set and mellow vibe to end Day 1 of M3F.
DRAMA by James Kitamura
DRAMA was one of the most unique acts at M3F 2024. It is the multicultural collaboration between producer Na’el Shehade‘s chic Chicago house-infused production style and vocalist Via Rosa whose soulful delivery is inspired by the improvisational nature of jazz and playful patterns of hip-hop and bossa nova.
DRAMA brought the energy from the jump and was one of the highlights of the weekend. During their 5pm set at the Daydream stage, DRAMA performed various hits and deep cuts from Gallows, Dance Without Me, and their newest album Till We Die. Later that evening, Na’el and Via came back out on stage during Gorgon City’s nighttime set and surprised the audience with a live performance of their 2021 smash hit “You’ve Done Enough.”
Gordo by James Kitamura
Gordo came to party at his M3F set. His Latin roots fused perfectly with the Arizona vibe, creating an instant connection with the crowd. He kicked things off with a great one-two punch of “Hombres y Mujeres” and “Kill For this Shit” which got the crowd bumping and jumping. A heartfelt shoutout to the late Young Dolph paid respect for his fellow artist. Then Gordo unleashed the heat with some exclusive, unreleased tracks that left everyone wanting more. Gordo’s set flew by in a flash of heat and good vibes.
Lane 8 is famous for his unique “This Never Happened” event series, which adopts a strict no-phone/no-camera policy to allow the audience to get lost in the music and live in the moment. As Saturday night’s closing act, Lane 8 took the stage with his signature blend of melodic house and deep beats, captivating the audience with his emotive soundscapes and infectious rhythms.
Although festivalgoers were not required to tape over their phone cameras upon entering, Lane 8 kept the audience engaged throughout and had the crowd dancing from start to finish. His headlining performance at M3F served as a fitting conclusion to the weekend. It was a testament to his status as a leading figure in the electronic music scene, leaving fans in awe.
Conclusion
As the dust settles on M3F 2024, the performances and connections forged under the desert sky linger on. The festival was more than just music. It was a celebration of community, a testament to the power of shared experiences, and a reminder of the joy that music brings to our lives.
Each writer’s unique perspective added a different point of view to Moon Lvnding’s M3F mosaic, showcasing the diverse tapestry of emotions and experiences that make this festival so special. We eagerly await the next opportunity to lose ourselves in the magic of M3F and dance beneath the desert sun alongside fellow music lovers.
Chicago, the birthplace of house music, will once again host the ARC Music Festival at Union Park in Chicago’s West Loop from Friday, Aug 30 to Sunday, Sept 1. John Curley founded ARC Festival as a beacon for house music lovers. 2024 marks its fourth year honoring the genre that originated just miles away at The Warehouse. The ARC Festival 2024 lineup seamlessly blends iconic pioneers with cutting-edge innovators, creating an enticing tapestry that celebrates the past, present, and future of electronic dance music.
“If you’re looking for a real house music experience, come get it from the source!” – ARC 2023 Aftermovie
Trailblazers and Visionaries
Union Park will host seasoned legends and emerging talents, with acts like Armin Van Helden, Charlotte de Witte, Disclosure, Kaskade, Dom Dolla, Honey Dijon, Mau P, and more. The house/techno titans Carl Cox and Green Velvet will come together for the first time in 15 years and just the second time ever for a back-to-back set that promises to be iconic. Their last time playing together was at EXIT Festival 2009!
Photo Credit: ARC Music Festival // Jordan Landwehr
A Diverse Tapestry Of Sound
One of ARC Festival’s defining features is its ability to seamlessly blend an eclectic mix of musical styles, drawing inspiration from global and local influences. Whether you’re swaying to the hypnotic beats of techno from Berlin, grooving to the rhythms of disco from New York, or immersing yourself in the sounds of house music from Chicago, this festival offers something for every musical palate. ARC Festival unites electronic music lovers over Labor Day Weekend, guides them back to the origins of the sounds they love, and helps develop the next generation of electronic music enthusiasts.
Photo Credit: ARC Music Festival // KURZA
Did You Say Afters?
Complementing the festival’s mainstage offerings are an array of intimate afterparties under the banner ARC After Dark. Spanning five days from Thursday to Monday, these after-hours events will feature curated lineups of artists, special b2bs, label takeovers, and select acts from outside the festival lineup. ARC After Dark will comprise 13 venues, offering festival pass holders an exclusive opportunity to extend the celebrations after the festival ends. Festival tickets are on sale now! For everything else, connect with ARC Festival using the links below.
Miami Music Week is ramping up, and Ultra Music Festival is set to deliver a spectacular finale. This year’s lineup at the iconic Bayfront Park lives up to Ultra’s reputation. It features giants like Tiesto, Amelie Lens, Armin Van Buuren, Peggy Gou, Eric Prydz, Martin Garrix, and the dynamic duo of Fisher & Chris Lake, promising an unparalleled Ultra experience.
The festival dropped the single-day lineups a week ago. Among the vast array of talent, a few names, notably Ekonovah and Hartshorn, have caught our eye. Two of Moon Lvnding’s Rising Stars have earned their spot on the Ultra lineup. You can see Ekonovah’s set at the Oasis stage on Friday and Hartshorn rocking the UMF Radio stage on Saturday.
As Ultra Miami prepares to embark on this year’s festivities, fans can expect everything they would from a top-tier international event. The festival is sold out, so those lucky enough to snag a ticket are in for a real treat. To stay connected with all the latest news and updates, follow Ultra Music Festival using the social media links below.
The McDowell Mountain Music Festival (M3F) celebrated its 20th anniversary this year with a move to a new venue, Steele Indian School Park, and a lineup that boasted both familiar favorites and exciting newcomers. I had the pleasure of attending the festival on both March 1 + 2, and here’s my take on this year’s M3F:
PRODUCTION: ★★★
M3F featured four stages, with three main stages and one smaller stage for local acts. The three main stages wisely had staggering set times to avoid conflicts, sound bleed, and allow headliners time to set up without causing a gap in music. The proximity of stages meant one could catch snippets of different performances throughout the day, and the overall vibe felt more intimate. Overall, the stages lacked unique design elements but they did function well without sound or visual hiccups.
One design element that could have been adjusted was the sound production tents. The tents were very tall and obstructed the view of the stages for some attendees. This led to some unnecessary crowding, especially during headlining sets. Smaller production tents, particularly at the Vista and Daydream stages, would have done wonders for crowd control and overall production.
Dominic Fike closes out Night 1. Photo Credit: Mike Bengoechea
VENUE: ★★★
Steele Indian School Park offered a unique charm for the anniversary edition. The winding pathways and water features created a visually interesting space, and the open layout made getting around between stages a breeze. While the venue had several visually appealing elements with the lake and assorted art installations, it did come with its challenges.
One of the challenges was a significant dust problem, particularly at the main stages. Large crowds and dusty areas led to dust and debris clouding the views of the stages and causing allergic reactions for several attendees, including me and several of my friends. The bathroom situation was also quite a distance away from the main stage. Despite this, the new venue had its perks and has a ton of potential for the future. Hopefully, with some adjustments in future years, Steele Indian School Park can become a successful successor to Hance Park.
Photo Credit: Mike Bengoechea
LINEUP: ★★★★★
M3F 2024’s lineup was a definite departure from previous years. While past years offered a mix of established and emerging artists across various genres, this year leaned more heavily towards electronic dance music (EDM) and indie artists. Headliners like Lane 8 and Dominic Fike brought fresh energy, but some festivalgoers missed the broader genre representation of prior years. Personally, I found the lineup to be a pleasant change, with more of an indie theme on Day 1 and more of an electronic theme on Day 2. I enjoyed the different vibes each day offered, bringing diverse crowds and varied energies, making it feel like a new festival each day.
FOOD/BEVERAGE: ★★★★
Very few festivals offer the unique food and beverage experience that M3F does. With a wide array of quality vendors, this festival had reasonably priced food options for all attendees. This would easily be a 5-star rating if the beverage stands were better placed. Beverage and alcohol vendors were placed throughout the venue, but there was a severe lack of beverage stands in the high-traffic areas. Beverage stands near the main stages had wait times upwards of 15 minutes during busy sets, which created a bottleneck and took away from the overall experience. One or two more beverage stands by the main stages would have done wonders for the festival.
Photo Credit: James Jimenez
VENDORS: ★★★★
This year, all merchandise vendors were placed in the Vendor Village area. There was a nice selection of vendors selling goods like clothing, handcrafted items, rave apparel, and even a tattoo service. The village focused on local Arizona businesses and offered a wide selection of products. The remote location offered a nice escape for attendees to wander and explore away from the stages. One thing that could have enhanced the experience would have been onsite Wi-Fi for the vendors. Several vendors had technical difficulties making credit card transactions due to a lack of service or limited hot spot capabilities. Onsite Wi-Fi for vendors would have helped with the flow of traffic and the time attendees had to spend in the area.
OVERALL: ★★★★
Despite the changes, M3F’s core mission of giving back to the community remained a highlight of the 20th annual event. Knowing that proceeds go towards local charities adds a positive layer to the entire experience. The festival’s impact on its community and the commitment to delivering a fun-filled weekend with great music is undeniable.
It’s important to note that this review is my subjective personal experience and different people had varied experiences. This new venue has a ton of potential with some minor tweaks to the layout. Overall, the festival improvements have a lot of promise and I’m excited to see what changes they make next year to make it even better. If you’re looking for a vibrant celebration of music with a strong local twist, M3F is definitely worth checking out next year!
It’s hard to believe that the Spring Festival: Lunar New Year Celebration was almost two weeks ago since people are still buzzing about it. From the renowned headliners and talented local Asian American artists to the Lunar New Year activations and production, Pulse Events did outstanding work creating this year’s two-day celebration. To relive Slander’s epic Day 1 performance and the Lunar New Year festivities, we posted a gorgeous photo gallery from our skilled photographer CJ Ascoli.
Photo Credit: CJ Ascoli @twister.tv
To highlight the skilled selectors that Pulse Events lined up for Spring Festival, Moon Lvnding caught up with four local Asian American DJs to learn more about them and share their favorite moments from the event.
4YÛ
Photo Credit: Pulse Events // Spring Festival
I take pride in my heritage as an Asian American so in my production you will hear Asian influences in the songs I create as 4YÛ. I always go 110% when I DJ to make sure the crowd is a part of the show. I will dance, sing, and interact with the crowd as best as I can.
My favorite memory of performing at Spring Festival this year was playing at the iconic Avant Gardner alongside multiple A-list artists with my friends in the crowd, as well as meeting the kind staff of Pulse Events and the other DJs who performed at the event.
Zion
Photo Credit: Sam Li
I’m a DJ/producer and current resident DJ at Mission Nightclub in New York City. I love spreading happiness through my interpretation of music. My main genres of interest are dubstep, trap, and bass house — definitely focused on the bass! My first rave was Slander at Avant Gardner in 2019, so playing on the same stage as them was a full-circle moment!
My favorite memory of Spring Festival was watching everyone vibe to my music — it is one of the best feelings in the world! Thank you to everyone who made it out, and special thanks to Pulse Events, Nightshift, and Avant Gardner for making this happen.
GRIMMACE
Photo Credit: Pulse Events // Spring Festival
Right now, the hard techno wave is the greatest thing to happen to EDM in a long time, and I will find any excuse to play some in a set. I also think the most beautiful instrument in the world is the human voice! The right vocal chops done well will elevate any music, and they are my favorite elements of a track, along with arps of course.
My favorite memory while performing at Spring Festival was watching my closest friends raging in a mosh pit to my DJ edits and remixes while they were crushing Asian snacks they picked up at the Spring Festival Night Market. This was definitely the most fun show I’ve played!
Charmaine
Photo Credit: Pulse Events // Spring Festival
I started producing and DJing almost two years ago. I’m open to any genre, but for the most part, I like to make pretty melodic music. Working with Kasi Opi was a wonderful experience because we complement each other well — he’s very experienced in the technical side of music production, and I love writing melodies. Our back-to-back was very special because he has helped me grow as a producer, and I’ve helped him feel more confident as a performer.
My favorite memory of Spring Festival was playing our song “Stay” at Kings Hall. A lot of our friends in the crowd knew the song and were super hyped when it came on. In general, our set was mostly unplanned; it was so fun bouncing off of everyone else’s energy.
Pulse Events
The Pulse Events team of talented individuals manages everything to ensure each event is a huge success, from music production to customer experience, ticket sales, and talent management. Spring Festival was nothing short of a huge success. Its mission is to advance the growth and globalization of the music publishing industry. Next month, Pulse Events will host Dutch icon Martin Garrix for two nights at Brooklyn Navy Yard on April 5 and 6. To keep up with everything else happening with Pulse Events, use the handy links below!
PepsiCo, Inc.’s S2O Festival is returning to Live Park (Rama 9) in Bangkok, Thailand from April 13 to April 15, 2024 to throw the world’s wettest party. This exhilarating journey merges the pulsating beats of EDM with the cultural splendor of Thailand’s Songkran New Year festival. It’s an experience like no other—where water is a symbol of cleansing, renewal, and joy. The S20 Music Festival will blow your mind and drench your soul in an unforgettable celebration of music and tradition.
Three Days of Legendary Acts and Dynamic Sounds
Illenium, The Chainsmokers, and Armin van Buuren (who recently released a new album, Breathe In) are poised to perform on subsequent days, promising sensational performances that will awaken a tidal wave of emotion. The water cannons will wash over you as melodic masterpieces transport you to another dimension. Adrenaline will surge as Joyryde, Subtronics, Afrojack, and Deorro—each a master of their craft—take you on a sonic journey that defies expectations and pushes boundaries. Look out for even more fantastic performances in store!
Photo Credit // Julien Duval Photo
Get Washed in the Waters of Songkran
Entering the festival grounds you are immersed in a vibrant atmosphere. The stage stands tall, promising hours of music and entertainment, but what sets this festival apart is the unexpected: the sudden burst of water cannons that drench the crowd in a refreshing downpour. It’s an unconventional twist that adds a new dimension to the experience, highlighting the cultural significance of Thailand’s Songkran festival amidst the pulsating beats and melodies.
Photo Credit // Julien Duval Photo
Tickets on Sale Now — Low ticket warning!!
From the majestic water cannons to the dazzling fireworks and pyrotechnics, every moment is infused with the spirit of Songkran. Are you ready to lose yourself in the excitement of the S20 Music Festival? Then pack your bags, grab your friends, and prepare to make memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit! Single Day GA tickets are still available now, with a final release tier to be announced soon!
To keep up with the latest news and announcements regarding S2O Festival, connect using the social links below.
