Ray Volpe has made a name for himself over the past two years with his ever-present breakout hit “Laserbeam” and his frequent touring support with Excision. Volpe continues adding to his impressive catalog and displays his sonic range with his new bass house track, “Song Request.”
“Song Request” showcases Volpe’s versatility as a producer, blending bass house and dubstep effortlessly. His ability to create powerful drops and catchy vocals in a stage-ready single has caught the attention of bass tastemakers like Excision, DIESEL, Dr. Fresch, Steve Aoki, and more.
“I thought of the entire song idea in the shower,” said Ray Volpe. “I was literally washing my hair and started thinking about that ‘baaa daa daaa’ melody. It immediately felt catchy to me. ‘Song Request’ really captures that rave experience where you, your friends, and everyone around you are shouting the song together, while connecting over that moment in time.”
Volpe has been playing in support for Excision on his North American Nexus Tour and will be busy making festival appearances all summer long, starting with Beyond Wonderland Chicago and Forbidden Kingdom before heading to Europe for Parookaville and Tomorrowland. He was also just announced for Goldrush AZ on the first weekend of October.
Earlier this year, he wrapped up his insane VOLPETRON ASCENDS headline tour, embarking on a whirlwind adventure that spanned 35 festivals and performances with 13 sold-out shows! Alongside his tour successes, Ray has earned praise from critics and acknowledgment within the industry, including being featured in EDM.com’s “Class Of 2022,” securing the “Best New Artist” title at the Electronic Dance Music Awards 2023 and earning a nomination for “Dubstep Artist of the Year.” To keep up with all the latest news and music from Ray Volpe, connect using the links below.
Last weekend in beautiful mid-May, ravers from around the world met under the Electric Sky once more for an unforgettable weekend presented by Insomniac. EDC Las Vegas 2024 brought epic b2bs, a larger layout, a hidden country stage, and more. The biggest festival in the world welcomed over 525,000 “headliners” over the three days.
Here’s my experience of its production, artists, new stage layouts, and final impressions of the event. Insomniac pulled out all the stops with its production for this year’s show. From an amazing drone show over Kinetic Field and improved stage layouts to all the intricate art and the iconic firework display each night.
Kinetic Field’s main stage production highlighted a cathedral theme of giant organ pipes with pyrotechnics. Rather than a main owl centerpiece, there was a main LED cathedral window and many more side windows showing owl graphics.
Photo Credit: Insomniac Events 1 // Mark Van der Aa
Thoughtful Intermezzos, unreal fireworks, an epic drone show, plenty of pyrotechnics, and stellar sound made Kinetic Field exceed its reputation as a cathedral for Insomniac’s Electric Daisy empire. One detail I enjoyed was each cathedral window had an image of Kinetic Field centerpieces from prior years. They brought back fond memories of the tree production of EDC 2016.
Kinetic Field set the stage for some of the weekend’s most iconic moments. Tiesto debuted two new singles, “Hot Honey” and the EDC Las Vegas theme song “My City.” Zedd announced his new album release using drones. John Summit and Green Velvet collaborated to end the weekend in style on main stage.
Photo Credit: Insomniac Events // Alex Perez
There were some significant changes to the stage layout in 2024. Quantum Valley and Neon Gardens moved closer to Kinetic Field and transported festivalgoers to a different dimension where they could easily walk between trance, techno, and house sets. Quantum Valley revamped the DJ booth portal with more lasers and a sound setup that made you forget how close it was to Kinetic. Neon Garden was home to huge names like Carl Cox with a larger stage and amazing lights all over the top of the tent.
Circuit Grounds’ signature wraparound steel frame never disappoints. With large LED panels it housed huge names from many genres like John Summit, Excision, and Sara Landry. The main update was creating more depth with the visuals by pushing the DJ booth back and surrounding it with lights.
Basspod got a new home to the right of Electric Avenue and Circuit Grounds, rocking new signature shocks and a lifted DJ booth. Bassheads had much more space to soak up the production and pyrotechnics and because it was further away from the other stages Insomniac could turn up the volume! I could feel the bass through my body at sets like Kai Wachi, Crankdat, and Ghengar.
Photo Credit: Insomniac Events 4 // Jake West
Wasteland, Stereo Bloom, and Bionic Jungle also moved around a bit. Wasteland moved across the raceway and got smaller by Basspod and Electric Avenue. Bionic Jungle got a bit of an upgrade with space and visuals between Kinetic Field and Cosmic Meadow. Stereo Bloom continued to grow in stature and sound, hosting sets from Noizu and Matroda b2b San Pacho.
Over 230 DJs came from all over the world to bring the magic to the centerpiece of the spring festival season. Subtronics debuted on main stage and played another set with his wife Level Up. Fred Again.. made a surprise appearance at Circuit Grounds Saturday after his buddy Four Tet. Peggy Gou played two sets including a b2b with Marcel. Other impressive b2bs included Carl Cox b2b Nicole Moudaber, Acraze b2b Kream, and Eli Brown b2b Hi-Lo.
But why settle for b2bs when you can have b3bs! Noizu, Westend, and Mele combined to get the weekend going at Cosmic Meadow. There were also megacollabs like Worship, with DnB artists Sub Focus, Dimension, Culture Shock, and 1991, and Hivemind, with heavy bass artists Kayzo, Space Laces, and Must Die!
Downtown EDC featured new installations too. One could listen to Country EDM at the YEEDC stage, “gamble” at the Kandi casino or get unofficially married to your rave bae. There was a dating show called “Up to Date,” a retro stage with throwback music, and walking DJs with giant speakers on their backs and CDJs in front. Insomniac always packs EDC with magical hidden gems to explore when walking between stages or going on a side quest.
Photo Credit: Insomniac Events 2 // Chris Pearce
The VIP areas were a bit hit or miss based on the stage and set. The two best stages, Kinetic Field and Circuit Grounds, had the best VIP layout. Kinetic Field had gourmet food, barbers/hairdressers, rides, lockers, and a viewing deck. Circuit Grounds’ viewing area had a massive ground-level viewing area with a speakeasy and an arcade!
Neon Gardens and Quantum Valley shared the VIP entrance/exit which was convenient to go between those two stages. Basspod and Cosmic Meadows VIP areas were lacking, especially for some of the crush of crowds for big acts. My biggest suggestion would be to expand the VIP at Basspod’s new location.
There will be more improvements in store for EDC Las Vegas 2025, now on sale for only $5 down! What more can you ask for than this epic celebration of EDM culture with over half a million people over a 3-day weekend filled with unforgettable sights and sounds?! I’m already looking forward to being back under the Electric Sky, will you be there too?
Prepare to be captivated by a unique fusion of elevated bass, industrial drops, and the perfect blend of trap beats. This is the signature sound of HypnoVizions’ rising star, Noer the Boy, an experimental bass artist like no other! Noer The Boy comes from the creative crews Liquid Amber and Courteous Family with releases on labels such as VISION, Subsidia, and Mass Appeal.
Photo Credit: INFAMOUS PR
Portland-based producer/DJ Noer the Boy takes listeners on a wonky ride with his newest EP, Mr. Gibbons, which dropped today, May 10, and is available for streaming on all platforms via HypnoVizion. This musical journey features three kaleidoscopic tracks: “Anuthaone,” “Six Six Six,” and “Mr. Gibbons.” Don’t miss out on this hypnotic musical treat as the varied twisted distortions in each song take you on a journey through space.
“I’m a big fan of concept records,” shares Noer the Boy. “Each of these three tracks represents the nonchalant and unstoppable march of Mr. Gibbons. He’s unaware of his powers and only wants to keep moving, exploring, and playing. I take a lot of inspiration from classical marches, and this is my attempt to transmute those compositional techniques into electronic bass music. Drawing inspiration from older art forms and infusing it with new approaches is a creative goldmine.”
Noer the Boy will bring his high-energy beats to the world-famous Brooklyn Mirage in support of Rezz for her Can You See Me tour on July 6. Noer the Boy’s Mr. Gibbons will be a part of a set to remember because the visuals will melt your brain when seen live in the crowd. Electronic icons NOISIA, The Glitch Mob, G Jones, EPROM, Machinedrum, and Ivy Lab have all taken notice of his style, and now you have too. Connect with Noer the Boy through his social media links below.
AK Renny, an electrifying rapper and bass house DJ from Florida, has collaborated with UK’s Corrupt to release their vibrant new track “Fade Away,” now available via Hood Politics Records. AK Renny continues to push the boundaries of dance music with a track that will ignite dance floors and empower fans to embrace themselves and their hardships. This single showcases her evolving career and cements her place as a talented producer and vocalist in the EDM scene.
Photo Credit: Martin Torres // @til.in
“Fade Away” features a mix of AK Renny’s powerful vocals and bass house style, blended harmoniously with Corrupt’s innovative beats. With the vocals, “I’m about to start a renegade. They’re so turnt up since yesterday. All my problems fade away,” AK Renny infuses the track with a sense of liberation and empowerment, captivating fans with her raw lyrics. This collaboration underscores her versatility as an artist and sets the stage for her dynamic career in the music industry ahead.
“This song is about overcoming the noise and challenges of daily life,” said AK Renny. “All my problems seem to ‘fade away’ when I’m creating music that resonates with my soul and, hopefully, with my fans.”
Since launching her music journey in 2019, AK Renny has made strides in the evolution of the bass house music scene, collaborating with respected labels such as Nightenjin, GRL GANG, Night Bass, and now Hood Politics. For more information on all things AK Renny, check out her socials below, and don’t forget to stream her new single “Fade Away” — available now on all platforms!
Whethan, the LA-based producer/DJ, makes a triumphant return this week with his highly anticipated single, “Do You Remember,” released today, May 3, 2024. This fusion of house and future bass is a preview from Whethan’s forthcoming album, Life of a Wallflower, Vol. 2, and is poised to satisfy loyal fans worldwide. With “Do You Remember,” Whethan pays homage to his disco influences, drawing inspiration from legends like Daft Punk, while blending his signature contemporary house flair.
Accompanied by a mesmerizing visualizer, this release showcases Whethan’s production mastery and offers a glimpse into his creative vision and artistic evolution. As the countdown to the release of Life of a Wallflower, Vol. 2 continues, “Do You Remember” stands as a testament to Whethan’s growth as an artist and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of electronic music.
Fresh off his electrifying performance at Beyond Wonderland 2024 and with over 1 billion streams under his belt, Whethan’s latest offering shows the Chicago-born artist is riding a wave of momentum with no signs of slowing. With each release, Whethan further solidifies his status as a force in the electronic music scene, charming audiences with his innovative sound.
As anticipation builds for the album’s launch on May 31, Whethan continues to carve out his legacy as a celebrated figure in the electronic music world. His recently announced tour for the album will stop in seven major EDM markets and tickets are available now! With the song’s forward-thinking production and irresistible groove, “Do You Remember” sets the stage for another groundbreaking new album and tour from Whethan. Check him out and stay current with all he has coming using the links below.
In the nation’s capital, Insomniac brought a fittingly diverse group of headliners together to enjoy Project Glow 2024. The RFK Festival Grounds hosted a talented assortment of artists and vendors for the 3rd annual event. It was Moon Lvnding’s debut attending the Northeast’s first big EDM fest of the spring season and we would happily return to this well-run event.
Although the weather did not cooperate on Day 1 with scattered showers looming overhead for much of the day, it didn’t keep us festivalgoers from having a good time. We couldn’t make it in time to catch Blossom, our featured performer for Saturday. But we did get to hear sets from Sultan + Shepard, Nora En Pure, Knock2, Rezz, Tinlicker, and Illenium. Knock2 and Illenium brought the bass to the Eternal Stage, while Nora En Pure and Tinlicker got the vibes right at the Pulse Stage.
Photo Credit: Shae McCormack // @shaelien111
The weather on Day 2 was marvelous with bright sunny skies. The warm weather reminded us all that the 2024 festival season is just getting started. Calussa, who recently released on Insomniac Records, got our Day 2 started on the Pulse Stage. Then Nostalgix and it’s murph got to play extended sets at the Eternal Stage to help fill in for San Pacho, who couldn’t make it due to transportation complications.
TroyBoi played my favorite set of the weekend just before sunset on Sunday afternoon, highlighted by a cameo from Toxic Rob for their collab hit “Dhunga.” TroyBoi also popped up at the Pulse Stage during the b2b set from Acraze and Wax Motif. Two Friends and Zedd ended our weekend with two more memorable sets at the Eternal Stage, showing why they are still at the top of their game.
Photo Credit: Shae McCormack // @shaelien111
Overall, Project Glow lived up to the lofty expectations for Insomniac events with its stage production, including pyrotechnics and fireworks. The layout of the festival grounds was easy to navigate, with the Secret Garden right by the festival entrance. The Pulse Stage was in the middle of the space and the Eternal Stage was on the far side, along with the vendors and water station. The well-appointed VIP section was set between the Eternal and Pulse Stages, allowing those attendees easy access to the front of those stages.
Transportation was a breeze to get in and out of the festival, with access to a Metrorail stop and ample parking lots around the grounds, so there was hardly any traffic. Insomniac also provided a thoughtful variety of food, beverage, and merchandise vendors for festivalgoers. The official merch booth offered artist items and branded Project Glow goodies like hoodies, pashminas, shirts, and a stylish tie-dyed lineup T-shirt that caught my eye.
All that said, Project Glow succeeded at providing the Northeast with an EDM festival to start the spring. The festival grounds had everything necessary for a fantastic experience and the talented lineup brought the vibes for 10 full hours each day. Moon Lvnding is already looking forward to Project Glow 2025! Connect with the festival team using the links below to keep up with all the latest announcements.
Barong Family mainstay and jungle terror creator Wiwek brings back his Jungle Terror EP series with Volume 5 today, May 3. This is the 10th anniversary of the series and the first Jungle Terror EP since 2020.
If you’re unsure of what jungle terror is, it’s the genre that Wiwek pioneered that combines “offbeat kick drums, dissonant lead synths, and tribal drum and animal sounds.” The name originated from Wiwek’s SoundCloud days when he had to tag songs with a genre and none of the other labels fit.
The first Jungle Terror EP was released on October 6, 2014. It leaned more into the trap genre and was at a slower BPM than the subsequent Jungle Terror EPs. Over the years, Wiwek has developed his sound and honed in on his production techniques. Vol. 4 was more house-influenced while Vol. 5 sounds more like techno.
Wiwek has continued to innovate and evolve the jungle terror sound with whatever subgenre of EDM is currently the most popular. There are four tracks on Jungle Terror, Vol. 5, and all four bring the energy that Barong Family releases are known for. “Sirens” was released as a single ahead of the EP and is most representative of the jungle terror sound.
“Crash The Party” also has the old Wiwek vibes, incorporating timbales, a trappy baseline, and his beat tag. “Cola” features vocals from Dutch singer/songwriter Emy Perez and a four-on-the-floor techno beat with a booming kick. “Scream” was the most interesting track on the EP to me. It’s a collaboration with bass producer Holly. The synths throughout have an early hardcore or gabber quality to them. The second half of the song changes direction, going into a progressive house breakdown before making a U-turn back to how the track started.
Wiwek described the evolution of his latest EP saying, “Jungle Terror EP, Vol. V is a collection of songs I’ve been playing a lot in my sets. The idea at first was to just have fresh tunes for my DJ sets. When I noticed that the first Jungle Terror EP came out in 2014 it felt like a cool idea to do a new one 10 years after the first one. I owe a lot to these series and it was fun to still be creative with it after all these years.”
Keep up with everything Wiwek has going on by using the links below. 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.
Puerto Rican producer Plushtoi just dropped an irresistible bass house track that will set dance floors on fire! The standout feature of “Not Bieber” is undoubtedly the vocals that elevate the composition by weaving seamlessly through the driving basslines. The catchy lyrics stick with listeners long after the track ends and perfectly complement the energetic production.
Plushtoi has consistently delivered bangers, but his latest track is next level. The infectious vocals and robust basslines are finely crafted to dominate dance floors. The vocals are not just a layer, but the track’s soul. They ensure that “Not Bieber” resonates with audiences long after listening. For more updates and to follow Plushtoi’s musical journey, click the links below.
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.
