If you are a fan of the hard dance scene, you know some wild acts that range from frightening to ridiculous. Masked hardcore producer GPF, which stands for Greazy Puzzy Fuckers, is more on the ridiculous end of the spectrum. He wears a mask that looks like the muscles of the face and has been known to have large phallic inflatables on stage and in the crowd when he performs. His goal is to “shock and disgust” his audience and he does just that in the music video for his latest track “Spit In My Mouth,” a collaboration with uptempo artist Dr. Donk.
The video begins with a doctor making notes about GPF in his lab. It cuts to a man who seems to be coming to the doctor for a routine procedure, but he notices something strange in his reflection and the other patients in the waiting room. Once he goes to see the doctor, that’s when things really get out of control. While the video may be absurd, it is also very well done in how it is shot and the special effects added. Check out the video created by High of Life Media to see what I mean.
As for the track itself, the beginning sounds more like trap than hard dance, until the synths and the kicks come in. It has all the characteristics of a typical uptempo track: fast BPM, high-pitched and heavily distorted kicks, kick rolls, and a primary focus on the beat. Both GPF’s and Dr. Donk’s contributions can be clearly heard.
Keep up with GPF’s antics by using the links below and be sure to check out the rest of the hard dance tracks dropping this week by following Moon Lvnding’s New Music Friday Heat playlist on Spotify.
The Coachella Valley Arts and Music Festival ended Sunday evening, April 21, after two weekends of star-studded performances that fused genres of music and generations of fans. Both weekends had their highs and lows, and reviews from attendees spanned from it being the most special yet to not living up to its reputation. One thing that prevailed throughout was the electrifying energy dance music artists brought to the desert that put the EDM community in the spotlight.
Already impressive lineups were complimented by tons of surprise guests. Dance music made it to the big stages, bringing in massive crowds of ravers and non-ravers alike.
Photo Credit: Coachella
The French powerhouse duo Justice delivered classics and starstruck what seemed like anyone who got a glimpse of the crowd. Festivalgoers witnessed unexpected guests joining the action like DJ Snake bringing out 50 Cent to perform his timeless, highly influential hip-hop hits. Grimes bounced back with an improved set in Weekend 2, Charlotte De Witte solidified her role as queen of techno, Adam Ten went b2b with Mita Gami, and so much more.
The Do LaB put rising stars on its stage like Knock2, while veteran talents like Skream and DJ Tennis lit up the valley. If you’re like me and hope to experience Coachella in person next year instead of via live stream, there’s good news! The 2025 dates have been announced for April 11 – 13 and 18 – 20. Advance ticket sales start in just over a week on May 3. Use the handy links below for more information on next year’s show and to keep up with all the latest updates.
Last Friday, festivalgoers from around the world headed to Indio, California to kick off the first weekend of the 23rd Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The three-day event exceeded expectations with its stacked lineup of highly anticipated performances from world-class artists across genres and eras.
It’s safe to say the dance music community shone especially bright this year, with stages and performances so exciting that even A-list celebrities like Taylor Swift had to witness in person.
Photo Credit: Do LaB // Jamal Eid
The Do LaB, Coachella’s key stage for electronic dance music, presented sets by the scene’s most talented artists on a newly designed stage that emulated an enchanted forest, setting the mood just right. Surprise guests included an impressive list of superstars from myriad genres, including SOFI TUKKER, Kaskade + Alison Wonderland, Adriatique b2b BLOND:ISH, DJ Pee .Wee (Anderson .Paak’s DJ persona who brought rappers Freddie Gibbs and MARIO), and Billie Eilish.
EDM DJs and iconic producers enjoyed immense traction throughout the festival’s stages, with one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend taking place at Coachella’s brand-new Quasar stage. Dedicated to dance music, its LED walls hosted unforgettable performances such as the emotional return of British megastar Michael Bibi after beating CNS lymphoma cancer.
Across the festival ground, the Sahara Tent extended to its largest capacity for a legendary performance by Peggy Gou. Argentine producer Bizarrap brought Shakira on stage, and powerhouses like Eric Prydz, Hardwell, and John Summit had attendees beaming.
Several artists experienced technical difficulties, such as Grime’s nightmare scenario on the decks that left the pop star/DJ visibly distressed. As with all major events, mishaps were bound to happen, but the highlights from the weekend far outweighed the lows.
From mesmerizing stages and mind-melting production to the intertwining of artists from different genres, the Coachella Valley magic is alive and well. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for Weekend 2. Keep an eye on Coachella’s socials below for updates on set times, surprise guests, and more!
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.
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!
[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.
The audio visual experience of Gareth Emery’s alter ego LSR/CITY stunned last month at the Phoenix tour stop. Hosted at the Van Buren, the show crossed multiple genres with incredible lasers that wowed the crowd.
The show starts with a story of a girl many can relate to: sitting on her couch, watching life pass her by on social media, when a friend texts her to get ready, they’re going to a show…a LSR/CITY show. The story of the girl is woven in and out of Gareth Emery’s massive music catalog. From reworks of classics like “Saving Light,” to unreleased ID’s, fans were treated to an impressive musical journey.
Photo: @a7s_visuals
One of the highlights was the live vocal performance from none other than Anabel, who started off strong with “house in the street light.” There was a perfect balance of old and new, with a performance of classic “Saving Light,” and then the reworked LSR/CITY version of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” The live vocals coupled with insane visuals created a truly immersive experience than needs to be seen to be believed.
From a rock style rework of Daft Punks “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” to classic Gareth Emery trance hits, the show had a little something for everyone in its 90 minute run time. The initial storyline the show beings with delves into bits about unity and love, uniting the crowd at the show and leaving them with feel good vibes. LSR/CITY is a 10/10 experience that cannot be recommended enough. Limited tickets remain for future tour dates, check out where the show is next and grab those last minute tickets here.
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.
