Boston-based producer and designer Meduso is gearing up for his next EPMind Cemetery, set to release on February 28. In preparation, Meduso unveiled “Louder” a dark and heavy dubstep track that offers the first glimpse into this groundbreaking project. This track has already received high praise, captivating audiences at major events like WAKAAN Music Festival and BLNK CNVS’ To The Future NYE. Check it out for yourself below!
This track sets the tone for his upcoming EP, offering a shadowy and more introspective glimpse into his musical journey. It showcases the evolution of his artistry while maintaining the same cutting-edge intensity that fans have come to love and expect.
Meduso is set for an exciting year after his recent move to the bass capital of Denver and following his captivating winter tour with notable acts like Mersiv, Tape B, and Levity. His upcoming EP release Mind Cemetery arrives just in time to kick off his upcoming spring tour featuring the talents of Sippy and Heyz. Stay updated on his upcoming releases and shows using the links below!
With the rise of drum & bass in the U.S., artists are stepping into the forefront and leading the charge. Among these artists is Ghost in Real Life(G.I.R.L.), a dynamic, groundbreaking figure in the electronic music scene who uses diverse influences to craft her unique sound. In the ever-evolving world of electronic music, few blend genres and emotions as seamlessly as Ghost in Real Life. Known for her innovative approach to music and bold presence in the drum & bass scene, Ghost in Real Life — named Maggie Beltran in real life — has carved out a distinctive space in the industry.
Before breaking into the electronic music scene, Maggie explored multiple projects, including her high school “coffee shop acoustic moniker,” maggiesinacup, and her college punk band, The Inferiors. These ventures showcase her ability to embrace diverse sounds and use them to her advantage.
Aside from these two projects, another defining moment in her journey came during college, when she faced gender biases in her production classes. “Nobody wanted me to work with them because I was a girl,” said Maggie. “So, I put on a blonde wig, created this project called marillyn, and taught myself how to produce pop music.”
Launched in 2019, Ghost in Real Life was born out of Maggie’s desire to explore electronic music on her terms. The name itself is an acronym for G.I.R.L., chosen to reflect feminine energy without being overtly feminist.
“I wanted something that felt feminine forward but subtle,” she explains.
During the 2020 pandemic, the project came to life when Maggie’s friend loaned her some DJ equipment. She jumped on the livestreaming trend, where she began to hone her craft and attract a loyal following.
Ghost in Real Life’s music has always been rooted in experimentation, showcasing her ability to excel across genres like trap and dubstep. She has since found her place in drum & bass, a genre she describes as rebellious and raw.
“When I heard experimental trap, I was hooked,” Maggie said. “It felt like the punk music I grew up with,” she says. “Eventually, I leaned into drum & bass because it combined the energy I loved with a sense of structure.” After debuting her first drum & bass track, “Youth,” Maggie was hooked.
“It was just so good,” she admits. “I couldn’t not continue doing drum & bass after that.”
Her performances, such as opening for Chase & Status, have cemented her status as a force in the scene. Reflecting on that moment, she shares, “I’ll never forget stepping on stage at the Great Hall, seeing the massive crowd, and thinking, ‘This is exactly where I’m supposed to be.’”
For Ghost In Real Life, music is more than just fun sounds to dance to, it is a statement she shares with the world. Through her tracks, she hopes to inspire confidence and resilience in her fans.
“I’ve always felt trapped in my head because of ADHD, so my music is about finding freedom,” Maggie explains. “I want people to feel empowered to stand up for themselves, be happy, and embrace their emotions.”
Beyond her music, Maggie is passionate about advocating for confidence and self-expression, particularly among women in the industry. Having faced challenges herself, she understands the hurdles women encounter in male-dominated spaces like music production.
“There’s a deficit in confidence among women producers, and I hope I can instill in them the courage to stand up and say, ‘You can do this,’” she shares. Maggie’s determination to empower others is as integral to her journey as her music, making her a role model for aspiring artists.
Maggie’s journey is far from over. With plans to incorporate punk influences into her drum & bass tracks and expand her creative boundaries, Ghost in Real Life is only getting started. “I’ve been listening to a lot of Sex Pistols and Bad Religion lately,” she says. “I’m excited to see how I can bring that raw punk energy into my music.”
As Ghost in Real Life continues to rise, she’s not just making music. She’s creating a movement; one that’s bold and unapologetically her own. Don’t miss out on the chance to catch her as direct support for Muzz on January 24 at Echoplex in Los Angeles, and at a 360 show with Beacon on February 7 at Kingdom in Austin. Be sure to follow her on social media to stay updated on her music, upcoming shows, and more!
Hosted by Relentless Beats, Decadence Arizona draws thousands of fans each year to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the best EDM producers from around the world. This event offers a blend of established superstars and rising talent across multiple genres. For its big decade celebration, Relentless Beats truly delivered unforgettable moments from some of the biggest names in the industry. Here’s a look at the Top 5 sets from the New Year’s Eve festival:
5. ISOxo
Photo Credit: Alexander Peet // @thelensofpeet
Known for his unique fusion of trap, bass, and experimental beats, ISOxo has quickly risen as one of the most exciting and innovative producers in the EDM scene. Characterized by high-energy drops, hard-hitting basslines, and seamless transitions, he creates an atmosphere that keeps crowds hyped from start to finish. His Decadence Arizona set brought fresh waves of sounds, mixing his signature hardstyle with unexpected twists and turns. Along with the continuing bender at the official afterparty, ISOxo was definitely a favorite.
4. Masterhand (Svdden Death B2B Space Laces B2B Eptic)
Photo Credit: Alexander Peet // @thelensofpeet
Svdden Death is always worth an honorable mention. Taking the stage following the heavy set from Space Laces B2B Eptic, he brought the boys out to end his set with some MASTERHAND action. Many fans stated that Masterhand was a personal favorite, creating a dark, immersive atmosphere while blending their signature heavy beats and high-octane energy. Whether playing hard-hitting originals or surprising fans with remixes, their performance captivated those looking for a truly intense, genre-defying experience. 10 out of 10 every time!
3. ARMNHMR
ARMNHMR‘s performance was one of the standout sets from the night. Featuring seamless transitions between different musical styles that kept the energy high throughout the performance, they provided a fresh and exciting experience for long-time fans and newcomers alike. The duo reinforced its reputation as versatile artists capable of creating unforgettable experiences. They blended cultural influences, intricate production, and vibrant energy, amplifying the intense atmosphere of the night.
2. Hol!
Coming in a hot 2nd, Hol! brought in not just a huge crowd, but one that’s deeply engaged. His music, which seamlessly blends atmospheric, melodic, and progressive elements, creates an experience that resonates with festivalgoers. The build-ups in his sets are known to create an intense connection with the audience, and the emotional highs and lows of his music keep the crowd hooked from start to finish. I have personally seen Hol! a couple of times and he never fails to vibrate the crowd with the heavy bass drops and immersive beats.
1. Zeds Dead
Photo Credit: Alexander Peet // @thelensofpeet
If you’ve ever had the chance to see Zeds Dead live, you know that they’re one of those acts that just knows how to take a crowd on a journey. From the moment the duo took the stage, it was clear we were in for a wild ride. Zeds Dead has been a big name in the game for a while, but their ability to evolve their sound while keeping that signature, heart-pounding bassline is unmatched. The lights, the projections, the visuals — everything about it just amplified the entire vibe of Decadence Arizona.
Relentless Beats has big plans for more epic events in 2025, so be sure to follow it on social media to be the first to find out about the latest event announcements.
The boys of ISOKNOCK recently brought their high-powered collaboration project to their hometown for two epic sold-out nights in San Diego 4EVR. Those lucky enough to attend this homecoming at Snapdragon Stadium were treated to an unforgettable experience with amazing acts, production, and music.
The excitement surrounding both nights of San Diego 4EVR could be felt from the parking lot to the entrance, the energy was electric. With swarms of fans teeming to enter the grounds on day one, the festival experienced challenges that resulted in hour-long waits for some GA patrons. This was fixed on night two with increased security remedying that issue. Night one brought out big names like Peekaboo and Madeon before ISOKNOCK made their big entrance. The duo drove an old-school Honda onto the stage with Knock2 in the driver’s seat and ISOxo sitting on top. The second night featured Glaive and the OG himself, RL Grime. The event climaxed with RL Grime joining ISOKNOCK on stage in a B2B for the ages.
The production for both nights was unmatched. The stage embodied the classic ISOKNOCK 90’s grunge vibe with steel beams, bright lights, a silhouetted ISOKNOCK logo, a Batman-style ISOKNOCK spotlight, and pyrotechnics galore. ISOKNOCK had an amazing blend of music throughout each of their sets. From bass house to dubstep to trap to house. They effortlessly blended it all, leaving the crowd guessing and hyped for more.
Photo Cred: Patrick Le
These two nights were some of the biggest parties I’ve experienced. The crowd participation and interaction truly made you want to party nonstop and was very immersive. The stage featured a walkway to the middle of the crowd that Knock2 and ISOxo used to get the crowd into an absolute frenzy. Knock2 manned the decks while playing ISOxo’s songs so that ISOxo could interact with the crowd and vice versa. On night two, ISOKNOCK surprised everyone when they appeared atop a tower at the heart of the crowd where they played for 20 minutes before running through the audience and onto the stage. During each set, ISOxo climbed the tower and shined a spotlight into the crowd to incite massive mosh pits. There were mosh pits across all sections of the crowd, GA and VIP alike. Luckily, the pits were respectful with moshers protecting and picking up those who fell. I even saw someone holding up another’s shoe and phone to ensure they got them back.
The weekend was topped off with ISOKNOCK revealing their very own festival in 2025—NITEHARTS FEST. The duo proclaimed that they want to bring music and culture back to their hometown San Diego and this festival will be a big part of that goal.
Photo Cred: Eric Dew
ISOKNOCK San Diego 4EVR was a weekend that no one in attendance will forget. The incredible performances by ISOKNOCK, Peekaboo, and RL Grime, unreal production and pyrotechnics, and unmatched energy made sure that fans walked away with lifelong memories. Be sure not to miss NITEHARTS FEST 2025 by signing up for updates here and keep up with Knock2 and ISOxo using the links below.
Acclaimed producer Jade Cicada is celebrated for captivating audiences with his distinctive soundscapes. He is known for blending intricate electronic beats with jazz influences. A graduate of the Berklee College of Music, Cicada honed his skills in jazz theory and sound design. Using these foundations, he is able to push creative boundaries and craft complex, sophisticated compositions. This unique fusion of elements has made Jade Cicada’s sound both innovative and unmistakably recognizable.
Nearly two years ago, he released his widely acclaimed LP Pressure Gamut and has since remained quiet—until last week’s release of his new track, “Frame Shift.” This release is significant due to the time between projects and because it marks a shift in Jade Cicada’s music production as he transitions from Ableton to Bitwig.
“This tune [Frame Shift] was heavily inspired by beat scene type music of the early 2010s,” said Jade Cicada. “Sunclef’s 2011 tune “Droski” is definitely the biggest influence in the direction of ‘Frame Shift.’ I’ve been wanting to make music in that style but with a heavier bass/dance production to it for a long time. A goal of mine is to make more melodically and harmonically driven boom-bappy bangers like this one.”
“Frame Shift“ offers listeners a glimpse of Jade Cicada’s signature style while showcasing a more mature, polished sound. It pushes boundaries and hints at the exciting future of his music. The single explores glitch-heavy beats layered with ethereal melodies and rich synths. Using Bitwig has also added a fresh and dynamic dimension to his production.
Jade Cicada is also launching the highly anticipated ‘Break The Hold’ tour in 2025. The tour will span nine dates and feature two rare festival appearances—his return to Electric Forest and a debut at Lightning In A Bottle. Break The Hold promises to deliver immersive live performances that blend intricate audio design with stunning visuals. Renowned visual artist Tenorless will be bringing Jade’s sonic landscapes to life. A powerhouse lineup of supporting acts, including EPROM, Resonant Language, Cool Customer, Mr. Carmack, and Mad Zach, will further elevate the experience.
This tour marks a bold new chapter in his career, highlighting his dedication to delivering unforgettable, boundary-pushing performances. Stay up to date on Jade Cicada’s music and grab tickets for his upcoming tour through the links below.
Year 2 of Apocalypse: Zombieland took place on the Queen Mary over Thanksgiving weekend, and it did not disappoint. From an amazing apocalyptic layout and zombies roaming around the festival grounds to afterparties until 5 am and enough bass to shake your soul, Year 2 took the event to another level.
Apocalypse: Zombieland was an epic experience on the waterfront with the Queen Mary in the background. When the subwoofers roared, the zombies hit the floor. Brains were taken, necks were broken, and heads were banged. The bass was filthy and woke even the most decayed zombie from the dead. Destruction among the mosh pits left festivalgoers as bruised as the zombies themselves. Survival depends on problem-solving, decision-making, auditory sensory processing, and spatial awareness skills. Ultimately, there are two options: defeat the zombies or risk becoming one of them.
The “Apocalypse Trading Post” was a crucial stop for anyone trying to survive the zombie apocalypse. It offered a mix of supplies, including candy, deodorant, sunglasses, and vapes. Apocalypse survivors could get airbrush tattoos and prepare for battle with @pashurbodyart zombie face paintings.
The festival had four stages. The Lab featured more up-and-coming artists. Containment Zone featured the drum and bass. Apocalypse and Zombieland were the two main stages.
The Lab was stationed between two shipping containers between the Apocalypse and Zombieland stages. If you were walking from stage to stage it was almost impossible not to stop and headbang along the way. With a unique stage, crazy lights, and unmatched energy throughout the night, The Lab was one of the coolest stages at the festival. Featuring names like Alienpark, Shiverz, and A Hundred Drums b2b Coki, this was an amazing stage.
Photo Credit: Jake West for Insomniac Events
The Containment Zone was the first stage when walking into the festival grounds. With pillars of visuals, crazy pyrotechnics, and drum and bass all weekend, this stage had the most insane energy. Graced with names like Dimension, Hybrid Minds, and the most unsuspecting but amazing b2b of the weekend, Andy C b2b Deadmau5, The Containment Zone was the place for every DnB fan.
Apocalypse was located next to the water and had an amazing view of downtown Long Beach. The stage had a giant border of zombies looking like they were crawling out of it, huge square visuals, and a lot of fireworks throughout the night. Apocalypse hosted sets from Marauda, Barclay Crenshaw, Tape B, and Crankdat.
The final stage was Zombieland, located next to the Queen Mary and with a great VIP view deck from atop the Queen Mary. The main stage had a giant zombie head at the top with a portal of visuals underneath it. This stage had it all: crazy pyrotechnics, lasers, lights for days, fireworks, and some of the biggest names in bass music. Level Up, Black Tiger Sex Machine, and Svdden Death: Voyd. Subtronics closed the stage Night 1 and Excision closed it down on Night 2. It was the biggest of the four stages and was packed with headbangers and zombies all weekend.
If there were any chances of survival, it would be aboard The Queen Mary. The afters are always the place to be. If the bass didn’t stop the zombie apocalypse, the world was saved after Jessica Audiffred and Riot Ten, Bear Grillz, RZKRT b2b Vastive, Kompany b2b SampliFire, and Tape B’s mercilessness.
It may only be the second year of Apocalypse: Zombieland, but mark off the calendars every year after Thanksgiving. Plans have now changed. It’s time to be a part of the zombie apocalypse and save the world with bass music. Prepare for survival with all things Apocalypse: Zombieland using the links below.
Year after year, Dreamstate SoCal continues to bring the best vibes. This year was no different. From the production to impeccable crowds, even a little rain couldn’t bring down the energy at the Queen Mary.
Photo: Jake West for Insomniac Events
Dreamstate seems to have settled into its home at the Queen Mary, after last year’s move from the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, CA. The slightly expanded footprint helped alleviate some traffic issues, and the stages never felt too crowded in both GA and VIP. While some walkways were still a bit congested, especially between set transitions, the festival remained easy enough to navigate. Shuttles were efficient to and from the venue, and after party access was a breeze.
Even though the rain made it difficult to find somewhere dry to sit on day two, the amenities were still on point. A multitude of food options ensured no raver went hungry, and bars were easily accessible near every stage. Water stations were easy to find and not too crowded.
Photo: Jake West for Insomniac Events
Additionally, production this year was knocked out of the park. The festival grounds were decked out with art installations and decor, improving upon last year which was more bare bones. The stages had no shortage of lasers and pyro, and were artistically designed to perfectly fit the trance vibe. Sound quality all weekend was excellent with no glaring issues. The after-party stages truly gave an intimate feel, and made every set seem like an exclusive experience.
The Dreamstate lineup never misses, and each and every artist brought their A-game. The top-tier sets coupled with impeccable productions curated an exemplary trance experience that left the crowd wowed.
Photo: Jamal Eid for Insomniac Events
Overall, the thing that stands out about Dreamstate is the crowd. It’s almost impossible to find a friendlier, more polite group at any other festival. The trance community is dedicated to creating a positive and uplifting environment, and Dreamstate was a shining example of this. People generally gave each other plenty of space in the crowds, said excuse me, and overall looked out for their neighbor. There was an abundance of smiles, and it seemed like everyone was willing to make friends wherever they went. The nature of trance music is truly embraced at Dreamstate, where everyone is welcome to be their truest self and let loose.
Keep up with all things Dreamstate using the links below.
Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Orlando once again transformed Tinker Field into a neon wonderland of music, art, and energy from November 8 to November 10, 2024. Thousands of attendees flocked to this three-day celebration, featuring a star-studded lineup that only EDC can pull off with electronic titans like Tiesto, Illenium, and John Summit alongside fan favorites such as Zeds Dead, Carl Cox, and Amelie Lens. With five massive stages, art installations, carnival rides, and immersive VIP experiences, EDC Orlando 2024 proved to be a dazzling showcase of electronic music’s finest.
Photo by Alex Perez
Festival Grounds Fit for a Fantasy
The festival grounds were nothing short of enchanting, with classic EDC neon carnival rides and installations teleporting attendees to a futuristic world. Moving through the space was effortless, thanks to a well-planned layout with multiple pathways between stages that mitigated most congestion aside from peak sets. The layout split the main stages into pairs, making it a breeze to bounce between performances at kineticFIELD and neonGARDEN or circuitGROUNDS and stereoBLOOM. Dividing these pairs were installations like Polygon Park and the smaller casaBACARDI stage. Each stage had a unique design tailored to its musical vibe: kineticFIELD’s gothic grandeur captivated with towering columns and enormous LED displays reminiscent of cathedral windows, while the more intimate neonGarden created a dark and atmospheric techno haven. The use of shipping containers to mitigate sound bleed between stages proved very successful as this was never a problem. Essentials like water stations and restrooms were plentiful and well-placed, and VIP areas at kineticFIELD and circuitGROUNDS provided elevated viewing platforms, shorter lines, and even interactive activities like kandi making and trinket trading, adding to the festival’s charm.
neonGARDEN // Photo by Adi Adinayev
Friday: A Dynamic Start
The festival kicked off with high-energy performances like YDG and Jon Casey, setting the tone for the weekend. Much of our day was spent bouncing between circuitGROUNDS and stereoBLOOM where we caught a great variety of standout performances. Max Styler‘s fiery tech house ramped up the energy as the sun went down over stereoBLOOM, building perfectly into Odd Mob‘s unique and dynamic blend of genres that propelled him to fame. Another jaw-dropping performance was when Black Tiger Sex Machine and Kai Wachi brought their high-powered dubstep project Skull Machine to circuitGROUNDS, a surprise that was announced that same morning. The day climaxed with epic closing sets from Australian superstar Fisher leaving kineticFIELD losing it, to Zeds Dead capitulating the heavy-hitting Bassrush takeover at circuitGROUNDS, and a masterclass of deep grooves and hypnotic techno by Carl Cox B2B Vintage Culture ending the Factory 93 Experience takeover at neonGARDEN. We closed our night at stereoBLOOM, hosted by Insomniac Records, where Waxtroda (Wax Motif B2B Matroda) set the dance floor ablaze with an infectious mix of house bangers. After all this, our time at EDC had only just begun.
stereoBLOOM // Photo by Skyler Greene skygreene.com
Saturday: A Spellbinding Midway
The magic continued on Saturday with stellar performances across every stage. This day definitely brought the largest crowd and the most schedule conflicts. It featured highlights like a wildly fun Dillon Francis B2B Disco Lines set on kineticFIELD, the soulful afro energy of Amémé B2B Honeyluv on stereoBLOOM, and a wonk-heavy bass performance by Boogie T on circuitGROUNDS. To close the festival, the iconic Tiesto left kineticFIELD in a state of euphoria, The Martinez Brothers brought neonGarden to a groove the way only they know to do, while the talented Cloone closed stereoBLOOM. We made our way to circuitGROUNDS where Bassrush brought the bass once more, with Ganja White Knight closing the stage in a set filled with intricate visuals and bone-rattling drops.
Photo by Jamal Eid
Sunday: A Magical Finale
Sunday delivered a climactic end to the weekend, with performances that kept the energy soaring until the final beat. We were especially thrilled with the epic Worship (Sub Focus B2B Dimension B2B Culture Shock B2B 1991) set at kineticFIELD which marked the first DnB performance on that stage, an exhilarating Fly With Us (AC Slater B2B Chris Lorenzo) session that led perfectly into Worship, and a rip-roaring performance from SIDEPIECE on circuitGROUNDS that kept fans on their toes. The last day had a variety of top-notch closing acts that made it difficult to choose. The most popular choice, John Summit did not disappoint with his masterclass at circuitGROUNDS, while Amelie Lens brought her dark, pulsing techno to neonGarden, and ATB took stereoBLOOM attendees on a nostalgic trance journey. We decided to close the night at kineticFIELD where Illenium took the crowd on an emotional rollercoaster of melodic bass as the fireworks and drones lit up the night sky.
circuitGROUNDS // Photo by Skyler Greene skygreene.com
A Weekend to Remember
EDC Orlando 2024 was the pinnacle in electronic music festival magic, seamlessly blending stunning visuals, diverse music, and an inclusive, high-energy atmosphere. From the grandeur of kineticFIELD and circuitGROUNDS to the intimate vibes of neonGarden and stereoBLOOM, every moment was crafted to leave a lasting impression. For fans who missed this year’s dazzling display, the promise of EDC Orlando 2025 beckons. Keep an eye on EDC’s official channels below, and get ready to join the celebration next year. Until then, THANK YOU HEADLINERS!
From October 31 to November 2, 2024, Miami’s Hocus Pocus festival summoned revelers to the enchanted grounds of Factory Town for a Halloween celebration like no other. With a spellbinding lineup of 75+ DJs, including techno sorceress Charlotte De Witte, electrifying genre-blender Odd Mob, and melodic maestros Artbat, this three-night dance marathon bewitched attendees with non-stop beats, eerie attractions, and an atmosphere dripping with supernatural charm. From sunset to sunrise, dance music lovers enjoyed a spooktacular arrangement of the best in music.
The Park Stage
A Bewitching First Impression
The festival’s magic was palpable from the very start. Entry was as smooth as a broomstick ride under the full moon, with both GA and VIP attendees breezing through the gates. Inside, Factory Town was transformed into a haunted playground, with giant multicolored floating eyeballs, skeletal figures, severed mannequins, and more frights casting spooky shadows across the venue. Vendors lined the corridors like merchants at a supernatural bazaar, offering everything from enchanting costumes and crafts to delectable potions (aka food and drinks). The clever layout of the stages allowed for seamless exploration while the warehouse walls and shipping containers created mystical barriers that kept the soundscapes distinct and immersive at each stage.
The Infinity Room Stage
Spellbinding Stages
Each stage had its own personality, enchanting the crowd in its unique way. The Infinity Room, the festival’s main stage, was a witchy masterpiece designed to look like an abandoned mansion, its ghostly grandeur illuminated by mesmerizing lights and lasers. This vast, open-air dance floor became the epicenter of energy as acts like Artbat, Ben Sterling, and the magical duo of Cassian B2B Kevin De Vries conjured unforgettable performances. Meanwhile, the Park Stage exuded dark, thumping energy with its curved screen of filtered live visuals of the performer and a steel and mesh canopy that felt like dancing under a witch’s spell. It was the perfect cauldron for techno wizards like Charlotte De Witte, Eli Brown B2B Lilly Palmer, and Indira Paganotto to unleash their sonic sorcery.
The Espacio Proximo Stage
Intimate Enchantments
The smaller stages, Espacio Proximo and Cypress End, cast their own intimate charms. Espacio Proximo, a glowing pergola tucked beneath a tree canopy, became an oasis of rhythm. With Funktion-One sound and a sprinkling of lasers, it hosted entrancing sets from artists like Francis Mercier B2B NiteFreak, LF System, and Amémé, blending Latin, Afro, and disco magic into the mix. At the edge of the venue, Cypress End lured wanderers in with its triangular LED tube stage nestled amid tropical palms. Underneath the creepy floating chandeliers and twinkling lasers, dancers moved to a mystical blend of minimal, Latin, and tech house grooves from artists like Ky William, Josh Baker, and Wheats.
The Cypress End Stage
VIP Tattoo Parlor
A VIP Experience Fit for a Coven
For those seeking a touch of luxury, the VIP areas conjured up special delights. The VIP lounges were creatively designed with photobooths and unique amenities like a tattoo parlor. Infinity Room VIP offered an obstructed view from behind the performers that hit the cool factor of the backstage feeling but left some VIP patrons longing for more magic. For a more scenic view, VIP pass holders could climb the spiral stairs adjacent to a shipping container bar to find a spacious balcony platform with an overhead, albeit far away view of the stage. The Park VIP area was our favorite with its raised platform located to the side of the stage, providing spellbinding views of the performers, the crowd, and the hypnotic visuals. Adding to the festival’s mystique was the Nightmare-themed Haunted Warehouse, a chilling detour where costumed characters lurked around every corner, daring attendees to confront their darkest fears in an immersive, spine-tingling adventure.
The Park Stage VIP
Perfectly Timed Enchantments
The festival organizers truly worked their magic with the scheduling and spacing of acts. Sets were longer than conventional at 1.5 to 2 hours and staggered, allowing attendees to catch multiple performances without the frantic rush often seen at other events. With only 5 to 10 minutes between stages, it was easy to float from one spellbinding act to the next. This thoughtful planning ensured that crowd energy remained high, with fans fully immersed in the beats and atmosphere all weekend long.
Blackchild B2B Chasewest on the Infinity Room Stage
A Halloween to Remember
Hocus Pocus Miami 2024 wove together a tapestry of unforgettable music, hauntingly beautiful decor, and festive attractions to create a festival experience that was nothing short of a magical marathon. From the ghostly grandeur of the Infinity Room to the eerie delights of the Nightmare Warehouse, this year’s edition solidified its reputation as one of Miami’s most enchanting Halloween traditions.
If you missed this year’s supernatural celebration, don’t fret! Follow Hocus Pocus Miami using the links below to stay under their spell and prepare for another hauntingly good time in 2025. Until then, may the magic of this year’s festival haunt your dreams in the best way possible!
American drum and bass producer REAPER has had a huge 2024. He started the year with a Zeds Dead collab “Back Bus,” and then in March, a new seven-track album, CHALLENGER, on Bassrush. After a Challenger World Tour and a full slate of festival appearances over the spring and summer, REAPER restarted his Challenger Tour again this fall. REAPER even appeared overseas at the Amsterdam Dance Event to support the 13-track CHALLENGER (Deluxe)album. His most recent release, a remix of NGHTMRE’s “Torture,” dropped on November 7, via Gud Vibrations.
REAPER put all these new DnB tunes to good use on his Challenger Tour. Moon Lvnding was on hand for his 360-set in Brooklyn two weeks ago, as well as his sellout in Tempe last Friday and Denver on Saturday. REAPER was in fine form in NYC, whipping the crowd into a dancing frenzy as fans surrounded his stage for a long night of drum and bass. The 360 setup commanded attention at the center of the dance floor and helped keep the energy up all night long. Along for support at the Brooklyn stop was Rebel Scum, who some may remember as a collaborator on THE PULSE #013, REAPER’s hour-long DnB guest mix series.
REAPER is nearing the end of his Challenger tour, but there are still a few dates left, including four stops this week in Washington DC, Las Vegas, Costa Mesa, and Sacramento, before his tour finale in Salt Lake City on December 7. Limited tickets remain, so hit his website to see if you can make it to one of these last shows. If you like drum and bass, this show is a must-see event!
As the drum and bass scene in the US continues to grow, REAPER is sure to capitalize on the momentum. After an action-packed 2024, filled with albums, remixes, festivals, and a fall tour, DnB fans must be licking their lips in anticipation of an even bigger 2025. To stay up-to-date on all the latest news and announcements from REAPER, be sure to follow his social media profiles linked below.
