Insomniac starts the Spring festival season for the Northeast U.S. with its third installment of Project Glow this April 27 + 28. The two-day weekend festival returns to the RFK Festival Grounds in Washington, D.C. There is still plenty of time to snag those tickets, with single-day and two-day options both available.
Three notable b2b sets immediately caught my attention: Acraze b2b Wax Motif, Deorro b2b Valentino Khan, and Jerro b2b March. There will also be special DJ sets from Elderbrook, Tinlicker, and Sultan & Shepard, while Nora En Pure is lined up for a Saturday sunset set. Other eye-catching headliners on the Eternal Stage include Rezz, Illenium, and Knock2 on Saturday, and Zedd, Two Friends, and Troyboi on Sunday.
For those considering hotel accommodations for the event, Insomniac provides some recommendations. One can also show their glow by ordering official festival merch before the event through the Insomniac website. Check back here on Moon Lvnding for more Project Glow coverage as we detail some of the smaller names on the lineup. Finally, follow Project Glow on socials to keep up with all the latest updates.
This March, the Moon Lvnding team came in from around the country for Miami Music Week and attended the prestigious EDM Awards (EDMAs) along with our Florida crew. Amid catching sets around the city, we gathered at the Eden Roc Hotel on South Beach to interview, share laughs, and celebrate with some of our favorite artists.
Miami’s sun was shining and the energy was high as we hit the red carpet and grooved to sets from stars like Hayla and Armin Van Buuren. We had the pleasure of interviewing dance music titans and rising stars including Mark Knight, Cloonee, Mau P, Sam Blacky, Malone, Knock 2, Vavo, Ekonovah, and Rich Dietz. From pre-bender prep regimens to the importance of authenticity and finding their sound, Moon Lvnding got to pick the brains of some of the industry’s favorite acts and got the scoop on what’s ahead for them.
Thanks to the EDMAs for having us and to the talent for taking the time to talk with us! The EDMAs serve as a reminder of what makes the dance music community one-of-a-kind by uniting the artists, fans, and behind-the-scene professionals to celebrate what matters – the music!
This event was one to remember and we’re already excited about our return next March! Check out the exclusive interviews and keep an eye on our socials for highlights from our Launch Pad series. Be sure to follow the links below for all the latest from The EDM Awards, too.
Canadian DJ, producer, and guitarist Fairlane is making waves in the industry through his innovative fusion of rock with live guitar and dance music. He released his new brilliant EP Genesis via Monstercat on April 4, marking a significant evolution in Fairlane’s musical journey. His five-track EP features collaborations across musical genres to draw attention from a wide-ranging audience.
“The Genesis EP, as the name indicates, really represents the beginning of a new chapter for the Fairlane project,” said Fairlane. “Up until now, I always felt that there was a sort of ambiguity to what my sound really was; all five tracks on this EP do a perfect job of representing where I want the future of my brand to go, both sonically and visually. Genesis aligns with rebirth, as I dive into my new identity. It is also symbolic for the idea that we can start fresh in life once we have come to terms with things that may have limited us in our past. ”
The first track, “Take it Back,” which Moon Lvnding previewed back in January, seamlessly blends dubstep and post-hardcore elements, featuring the talents of the band Silverstein with heavy-metal-based lyrics from their lead singer, Shane Told. Following suit, “Not My Night” delivers a hard-hitting collaboration with LA rock band Point North, a track sure to captivate both punk rock and dance music enthusiasts alike.
The remaining tracks include “Only the Good Die Young,” a collaboration with SpaceMan Zack, which integrates elements of rap into the EP; “Someone Just Like You,” featuring RILEY; and the final single, “Panic Room,” with the alternative metal band Wind Walkers.
“The underlying theme of the project represents new beginnings, with each song acknowledging an area in life where someone may have lost control or surrendered a part of themselves to feelings of lust, depression, greed, or addiction,” said Fairlane. “In acknowledging who we have been, we are capable of creating new possibilities and paths for ourselves. I cannot stress enough how proud I am of what we have created here, and I truly believe there is something for everyone to enjoy!”
Genesis is available for streaming on all platforms. Don’t miss Fairlane’s upcoming live performances: April 6 in Cleveland, OH at Asylum Room with Blanke, May 25 in George, WA with Illenium at The Gorge Amphitheater, and July 12 in Los Angeles, CA at Lost In Dreams Festival. More information on his new EP, future shows, and more can be found on his website and socials linked below.
Last Friday, Phat Jazz unleashed “Hit That,” a tech house gem set to tear up dancefloors nationwide. The track cleverly samples a beloved Key & Peele skit, infusing it with an infectious energy. Crafted with festival crowds and electrifying club nights in mind, Phat Jazz’s dynamic presence and pulsating rhythms shine through every beat of this masterpiece.
‘Hit That’ stands out as a powerhouse in the club circuit, embodying the essence of classic American tech house while injecting massive festival energy. The real magic happens at the second drop, where Phat Jazz brilliantly fuses a trap-style fake drop with his deep love for bass music, propelling the track into uncharted territories of the tech house landscape.
Picture taken at The Governors Ball Music Festival 2023
With each release, Phat Jazz is fast proving himself to be a force to be reckoned with, constantly elevating his production game to new heights. This latest offering is no exception, showcasing his ability to blend diverse musical elements into a cohesive and electrifying sound. To stay on top of Phat Jazz’s latest beats and catch him live, follow him through the links below.
Sacred Hive announces the return of Tennessee’s beloved underground EDM festival, Sound Haven, which will take place once again at Jaceland in Whitewell, TN, from August 1-4, 2024. Phase one of the lineup, which dropped on April 2, features a wide range of notable artists who are poised to elevate this year’s Sound Haven to new heights.
Among the main headliners unveiled in phase one are Of The Trees, Daily Bread, Eprom (Vault Set), and Mickman. Joining them are standout acts such as Eazybaked, The Widdler, Black Carl!, smith., Chmura, Wiley, Feelmonger, and Crawdad Sniper. Overall, this lineup features talent from big-name stars to popular up-and-coming artists, leaving fans in eager anticipation of what phase two will bring.
Sound Haven Music Festival is one of Tennessee’s first EDM festivals. It was created in 2018 by Sacred Hive, a Nashville-based music events and production company. Sound Haven has grown from a small boutique festival featuring mainly local talent to a larger-scale event, curating lineups with highly recognized artists. It has garnered widespread attention and shed more light on the EDM scene in the South.
Sound Haven’s website offers general admission and VIP tickets. Due to the size of Jaceland’s venue, capacity is limited, so act quickly before missing out! For further details, visit the official website and connect with Sound Haven on social media.
Every March, Miami transforms into an electronic music haven for a week-long celebration of music. Hundreds of thousands of ravers descended upon the city to partake in the annual Ultra Music Festival at Bayfront Park and immerse themselves in Miami Music Week (MMW), the marathon leading up to the premier event. This year’s MMW proved to be exceptionally eventful, with remarkable energy that prevailed despite significant weather disruption. Whether fans were looking to groove to house music poolside, sweat it out in the dark with hard techno beats, or raise adrenaline with drum & bass, Miami played host to loads of events, appealing to fans of every subgenre.
The highly anticipated Ultra Music Festival encountered a rocky start on Day 1. For the first time in its history, Ultra was forced to shut down early due to heavy rainfall, leaving 55,000 attendees drenched and heading home much sooner than anticipated. Ultra’s team managed to bounce back with a clean-up crew that erased most traces of the downpour and by hosting an extended Day 2 of the festival, making up for Friday’s shutdown. Excision, RL Grime, and countless heavy hitters delivered outstanding sets, while performances by Calvin Harris and other EDM superstars stirred waves of nostalgia among fans.
Kick-off events began Tuesday night leading up to Ultra, with gatherings in every venue from South Beach to downtown. Iconic hotel venues held pool parties throughout the week, including Claptone’s famous Masquerade, Festvibes, Heldeep’s Pool Party, and sets from OMNOM, Nicole Moudaber, Hot Since 82, HUGEL, and more. South Beach offered plenty of options for party-goers looking to groove under the sun. Artists such as Deadmau5, Sara Landry, Honey & Badger, Wax Motif, Shiba San, Alison Wonderland, San Holo, and What So Not lit up clubs and open-air venues all over Wynwood, sending nonstop electronic vibrations through the infamous art-filled neighborhood.
Attendees of Factory Town, one of Miami’s hottest venues in recent years, stormed its many stages until sunrise to catch Charlotte de Witte, Ben Sterling, Chris Lake, El Row, Indira Paganotti, I Hate Models, and more. The venue’s newest stage, The Warehouse, offered the perfect ambiance for techno stars to deliver the classic dark rave experience.
Club Space welcomed music lovers at all times of the day, hosting exciting sets and B2Bs from tech-house stars, including Pawsa, Loco Dice, Andrea Oliva, Sosa, Chris Stussy, and Paco Osuna. Famous for its 24-hour parties, the energy showed no signs of slowing as Sunday rolled around, and the show persisted until early Tuesday morning.
MMW also held numerous networking events, giving industry professionals a perfect balance between work and play. Eden Roc hosted the EDMAs, where the Moon Lvnding team got to interview artists and mingle alongside media groups and stars, including Mark Knight, Hayla, Armin Van Buuren, Kaskade, Deadmau5, and Martin Garrix.
Rain or shine, with the week-long spectacle and Ultra Music Festival at its finale, 2024’s MMW marathon was as strong as ever. This year’s edition may go down in history as one of the most memorable, with highlights including countless shows, surprise guests, rare star-studded B2Bs, fireworks, drone shows, and impressive stage productions. For those who missed out, sets from the week’s hottest shows have already made their rounds on X, Instagram, and YouTube. Stay tuned for more on Moon Lvnding’s team at MMW 2024, featuring highlights from our interviews with your favorite artists and much more!
There is no feeling quite like spending a weekend at a music festival! You and your friends eating Island Noodles and chicken tenders, sipping on some delicious bevies, and listening to DJs play your favorite music throughout the night. When it’s over, you might think, “Where did all that time go?” But have you ever considered, “Where did all my trash go?”
The answer is the Clean Vibes Green Team! For over a decade, Clean Vibes has been providing waste management solutions for outdoor festivals and events. Through education, community participation, and local coordination, Clean Vibes has reduced waste at the country’s largest festivals like Electric Forest, Ultra, and Bonaroo. This year, they will again be joining the team at Lost Lands, to help keep Legend Valley clean and assist in diverting waste away from landfills by recycling as much as possible!
Applications are now open for you and your camp to join the Green Team! Volunteers must commit to three 6-hour shifts, or 18 total hours (20 if you choose post-show cleanup). Once approved, volunteers will be provided with one 4-day staff wristband with full access to the festival, one 4-day staff camping vehicle pass with access to free showers, a Clean Vibes t-shirt, and a free meal voucher each day. There is a $35 application fee, and once approved, volunteers must submit a fully refundable $450 deposit.
Don’t miss out on the chance to go to one of the biggest bass festivals in America while also giving back to the EDM community by helping to keep Legend Valley clean!
[Editor’s note: No Big Deal, but this article marks the 1000th published post by Moon Lvnding!]
Dirtybird Records stalwarts Walker & Royce released their sophomore album today, March 29, with ten tantalizing tracks. Moon Lvnding covered their EP releases earlier this year, but the full No Big Deal album features four new tracks that have not appeared on either of the smaller EP releases.
The ten-track album features a slew of impressive collaborators including comedian/musician Reggie Watts; Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum selling artist James Patterson who is half of the electronic duo The Knocks; fellow Dirtybird contributor VNSSA, Grammy-nominated vocalist Barney Bones, and more. No Big Deal pays testament to the weird and wacky vibes that have distinguished Walker & Royce’s musical style for over a decade.
“Stop Time” and feel the groove from their early days from the 90s New York underground scene, then find the “Motivashun” to “Get Down Down” to their “Fatalistic Groove” on the dancefloor. Trust me when I spill “Tha Tea” that the album is more than just some “Cheap Thrills.” This sophomore album from Walker & Royce is the real deal and “we all gonna die soon anyway, let’s live it up!”
Walker & Royce have an action-packed touring schedule with notable shows this Saturday, March 30 in Austin, TX; April 12 at Space Miami; May 3 in Phoenix, AZ; and May 31 at The Brooklyn Mirage. They will also be making festival appearances at the Experts Only Caverns Weekender, Shabang Festival, BASSINTHEGRASS, Lollapalooza, and Elements Festival this spring and summer. For their full touring schedule and to keep up with all the latest news from the dynamic house duo, connect with them using the social links below.
Colorado-based DJ and Producer Motifv unveiled his captivating EP, Behind the Moon, last Friday, March 22, 2024. This release signifies the next phase in Motifv’s musical journey, expanding upon the groundwork laid by his previous EP, Where the Sun Sets. The latest EP effortlessly blends elements of hip-hop, bass, indie, and jazz music, showcasing Motifv’s versatility as an artist.
“Behind the Moon stands as a reflective companion to Where the Sun Sets, encapsulating both a conclusion and a beginning of a new Motifv chapter,” said Motifv. “While building on the themes present in Where the Sun Sets, this EP delves deeper into introspection and explores the moments of solitude and contemplation we all face.”
The latest EP by Motifv comprises six tracks that offer listeners a glimpse into his evolving musical expedition. The collection commences with an enigmatic blend of bass and piano in “Just A Dream,” followed by the infectious jazz groove of “Outta My Head.” Transitioning into “Too Late,” a tranquil ambiance takes hold. “I Believe” intertwines electronic, soul, and jazz elements and is accompanied by serene vocals. “Since the Day” reemerges with tranquil bass undertones, guiding the listener towards the blissful finale, “Fooled.”
“Echoing the natural phenomenon of the total solar eclipse occurring on April 8, this companion EP explores the metaphorical interplay of light and shadow in our lives,” said Motifv. “During an eclipse, the moon obscures the sun, casting a shadow that envelops us in a momentary darkness — a powerful reminder for us of the cycles of hiding and revelation. Where the Sun Sets / Behind the Moon represent a unified journey through self-discovery and evolution, inspired by the worldwide experience of transition soon taking place above.”
While both EPs are accessible across all platforms, fans can enhance their listening experience by pre-ordering the vinyl edition. This limited-edition vinyl arrives in gatefold LP format and encompasses both EPs. Secure your copy before March 29 and receive custom Motifv eclipse glasses just in time for the total solar eclipse on April 8. Pre-order your vinyl copy or stay updated with Motifv through the provided links below.
There aren’t many female-identifying producers making Drum & Bass these days. Reid Speed, Flava D, and Koven have always held it down for the scene and now Ghost In Real Life (G.I.R.L) has picked up the torch. Her latest track “YCTMWTD (You Can’t Tell Me What To Do)” is out today, March 22.
Ghost In Real Life has a long history with music production. As a child, she learned to play multiple instruments and played acoustic sets in coffee shops around LA before attending Berklee College of Music. During the pandemic, she started her journey from bedroom producer to live performer, taking over festival stages and nightclub dancefloors.
She quickly gained a following through live streams and has since performed at Bass Canyon, Lost Lands, DNBNL, and gone on tour with Riot Ten. Her releases have primarily been bass music, until the end of 2023 when she shifted towards Drum & Bass. She has previously released tracks on renowned labels like Subsidia, Rude Service, NIGHTMODE, Monta, Bassrush, and Deadbeats.
The music industry is male-dominated; “YCTMWTD” is Ghost In Real Life’s way of striking back. No matter what genre she creates, Ghost In Real Life’s music is influenced by pop punk. The opening bassline of “YCTMWTD” is reminiscent of “Bro Hymn” by punk icons Pennywise. The build-up before the drop is filled with frenetic energy before being released in a flurry of hi-hats and a shout of “You Can’t Tell Me What to Do!” The second drop goes more dubstep with drum fills and a downtempo vibe. This track is sure to get the dancefloor skanking and head banging at the same time.
When asked what her experience has been like as a woman in the industry, she replied:
“Being in the music industry as a woman means not having access to the same resources and knowledge as men, not being taken as seriously, always living under the double standard, and always being excluded from male producer friend groups/collectives. I don’t think people understand the level of repercussions these things have on other women creatives and I think it’s important that we bring them to light and keep fighting. I’m really grateful that the D&B scene has been so accepting of me since I truly love the music and I hope to see more women accepted more often in other areas of the music industry.”
We’re looking forward to more Drum & Bass offerings from Ghost In Real Life soon. If you want to catch a set IRL, she will be playing in support of Chase & Status at New York’s famous Avant Gardner on March 29. To stay up to date with everything she has going on, use the links below. Be sure to check out the rest of the tracks that dropped this week by following Moon Lvnding’s New Music Friday Heat playlist on Spotify.
