ARC Music Festival will debut on Labor Day Weekend in Chicagoâs Union Park, and with it they present a lineup that blends the more underground sounds of electronic music, with a focus on Chicago House, well-known big room Techno names and genre-blurring Electronica artists.
The majestic Esto Es Tulum has lined up a perfect series of events to see the old year out and ring in 2019, all taking place in the ancient and beautiful Tulum, Mexico from December 28th to January 26th.
The mammoth 4 week end-of-year fiesta will start on Dec 28th and invite brands like Circo Loco, The Martinez Brothers, Bedrock, Luciano & Friends, Last Night on Earth, Do Not Sit On The Furniture, Muse, ANTS and Acid Sundays to the stunning jungle lagoon location of âCenote Casa Tortugaâ, which translates to âTurtle Cenoteâ. For those unaware, a cenote is a natural underwater reservoir/lagoon which only occurs in the limestone of YucatĂĄn, Mexico, making this one of the most unique and natural beautiful party settings in the world, please see images below.
Last year Ben UFO expressed his feelings on the importance of back-to-back sets, attempting to tackle the criticism some have thrown at promoters and DJs alike, with claims that b2b billings are a simple marketing gimmick to sell more tickets.
While there is no doubt that interesting back-to-back pairings do catch the attention of event-goers, the words of the highly thought-of British DJ had us looking back in time at some of the best back-to-back sets ever recorded. We have selected fifteen of our favorites that we think you should definitely give a listen to!
The legendary Awakenings is celebrating its 20th anniversary with five massive parties spanning from Thursday, April 13 through Sunday, April 16 2017.
To commemorate this massive event, Awakenings has partnered with Monumental Productions and, Amsterdam based publisher, Mary Go Wild to produce an anniversary book for the occasion.
Most importantly and for the first time ever, the event will feature a day party on Saturday, April 15th from 11 am to 10 pm with heavy hitters Joris Voorn, Ben Klock, Adam Beyer, Jeff Mills and Chris Liebing all performing.
The remainder of the events take place during the night from Thursday to Sunday with the likes of Nina Kraviz, Pan-Pot, Sven VĂ€th, Derrick May, Kevin Saunderson, Bart Skils, 2000 and One, Marcel Dettmann, Dave Clarke, DJ Billy Nasty, DJ Rush, Kölsch, Len Faki, Luciano, Seth Troxler, and Ricardo Villalobos all scheduled to play at Amsterdam’s revered Gashouder venue.
Weekend tickets are sold out, but single days are still available. We suggest you act fast, as this will sell out.
Sven VĂ€th –Â April 13
The German mastermind that is Papa Sven has been a long-time friend of and performer at Awakenings. Thanks to his signature vinyl-only performances, upbeat techno tracks and funky synths, heâs sure to keep the crowd dancing throughout his entire set.
Ben Klock b2b Marcel Dettmann –Â April 14
These two gentlemen have been at the top of techno lists around the world and rightfully so. Their dynamic b2b sets ooze characteristic Berghain pounding techno with thrilling twists and turns throughout, making them our standout back-to-back choice for Awakenings’ 20 Year Anniversary celebration.
Jeff Mills –Â April 15 (Day)Â
A space wizard with endless talents, Jeff Mills is one of the most well-seasoned techno producers and DJs to roam this earth. His sets are known to incorporate cosmic synths and spacial sounds, providing timeless and out-of-this-world techno inspired emotions.
Dave Clarke –Â April 15 (Night)
Another Awakenings and veteran techno producer, Dave Clarke will bring the heat with heavy drums and a signature old school sound that blends techno and electro with effortless precision. The Amsterdam-based UK producer debuted with his first release in 1990 and yet remains at the forefront of today’s underground with good reason: his penchant for quality music above all else.
Ricardo Villalobos –Â April 16
Unnecessarily talented, Ricardo Villalobos is known to be the king of eclectic mixes, from spiraling sounds with deep bass to spirit-liberating techno. As an Awakenings veteran and one of the most sought-after talents in the world, there is no doubt that he will not disappoint for the festival’s 20th Anniversary.
Full Timetable 
April 13th – Night
22:00 â 00:30 Dimitri & Remy Unger
00:30 â 02:30 Derrick May & Kevin Saunderson
02:30 â 04:30 Sven VĂ€th
04:30 â 06:30 Pan-Pot
06:30 â 08:30 Nina Kraviz
April 14th – Night
22:00 – 01:30 Bart Skils & 2000 and One
01:30 – 05:00 Adam Beyer & Joseph Capriati
05:00 – 08:30 Ben Klock & MARCEL DETTMANN
April 15th – Day
11:00 – 13:00 Kabale und Liebe (Dj/Producer)
13:00 – 15:00 Joris Voorn
15:00 – 16:30 Ben Klock
16:30 – 18:30 Adam Beyer
18:30 – 20:15 Jeff Mills
20:15 – 22:00 Chris Liebing
April 15th – Night
23:30 â 02:00 DJ Billy Nasty
02:00 â 03:45 DJ Rush
03:45 â 05:30 Dave Clarke
05:30 â 07:15 Chris Liebing
07:15 â 09:00 Jeff Mills
April 16th – Night
22:00 – 00:00 Lauhaus
00:00 – 01:45 Luciano
01:45 – 03:30 Seth Troxler
03:30 – 05:15 Ricardo Villalobos
05:15 – 07:15 Joris Voorn & Kölsch
07:15 – 09:00 Len Faki
Connect with Awakenings for more information: Facebook | Twitter | InstagramÂ
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Photo via Thump
Unfortunately, it sometimes seems the world only continues to grow worse.
Luckily for us, however, there are many individuals that aim to make this earth a better place for those around them.
We chose to highlight ten different DJs and producers in the dance music industry that are determined to leave this world in a better state than they found it. The below artists have been known to use their platforms and outreach potential to raise awareness and funds for charitable organizations and projects they feel are important to support. Our respect goes out to them for their efforts with the added encouragement that they continue to do good in their communities and for the philanthropic programs they hold dear.
Luciano’s “The Great Amael” was originally released in 2014, immediately sending listeners on a captivating and mesmerizing journey in true Cadenza fashion. Filled with a bewitching groove, Hammong organs and the characteristic percussion elements that have been a part of the signature Luciano sound for the better part of the last three decades.
Fast forward to two years later, and the Chilean-Swiss producer’s label own has brought on three of the most esteemed remixers for a tandem of original and stand-alone versions of this timeless piece from Luciano’s extensive discography.
Thousands of dance music fans are planning to make the trek to Ibiza this summer to pay homage to one of the scene’s greatest, Carl Cox, as he embarks on the final Music Is Revolution journey of his career before Space Ibiza is turned over to the group that owns UshuaĂŻa across the street.
Although the Intec Digital boss has announced his desire to continue playing on the island as a guest DJ, 2016 truly marks the end of an era with the Final Chapter becoming one of the hottest nights of the entire season. While many will be visiting the Space dance floor during one of the 15 Tuesday dates planned for the next coming months, thousands of others won’t be able to make the farewell celebrations.
It is for exactly this reason that live streaming service BE-AT.TV has jumped in to provide coverage of the entire 15-week season, bringing you two rooms direct from Space Ibiza every Tuesday, all night long.
Undoubtedly, Carl himself will be the main event of each party and live stream, but as a bonus this year’s final Music Is Revolution lineup is the residency’s largest yet, with the worldâs biggest underground DJs paying their respects to the big man each week with their own unique take on house and techno. You will be able to see some of the industry’s best name in action from the comfort of your home or office, no matter where you are in the world: Luciano, Chris Liebing, John Digweed, Nic Fanciulli, Sasha, Adam Beyer b2b Ida Engberg, Joseph Capriati, Dubfire, Nicole Moudaber, Pan-Pot, Kerri Chandler, Loco Dice, Carl Craig, Nina Kraviz, Marco Carola, Matthias Tanzmann, Joris Voorn, Josh Wink, Monika Kruse, Marco Bailey, Danny Tenaglia, Francois K, Masters At Work, Yousef, Kölsch, Tania Vulcano, Cirez D, Guy J, James Lavelle, Cirez D, Carlo Lio, Julio Bashmore, Catz N Dogz, Davide Squillace, Hot Since 82, Deetron, tINI and DJ Sneak are all scheduled to play.
Things will start off on Tuesday June 14th, with the closing party scheduled for September 20th. Simply tune in at www.BE-AT.TV and enjoy the music! Although streaming lineups for the entire season aren’t released yet, below is the list of artists confirmed to be featured in the first three weeks:
From Tulum to Berlin there have been countless amounts of world-class Boiler Room events. However, Luciano playing an all vinyl set at 11,000 feet in the Swiss Alps might just take the cake. On December 10th, 2015, the Cadenza master-mind curbed his usual Vagabundos groove and opted for more cerebral grooves overlooking the world from the mountains of Switzerland.
Throughout the two hour session Luciano selects prime tracks from the likes of Mathew Jonson, Moodymann, Tiger Stripes, Brothers Vibe, and many more, all complimenting each other perfectly with the serene mountain back drop. While it’s not a drum heavy workout, it’s a side of Luciano that is not often seen throughout the typical club circuit.
You can watch the entire Luciano Boiler Room session below, and make sure to stay up to date with more music and news.
Connect with Luciano on Facebook / TwitterÂ
[Photo Courtesy of: UBWG]Â
Photo by: Sean Moore Photography
Back in 2009, I am told, Luciano headlined Avalon Hollywood with a back-up cast comprised of then rising stars Jamie Jones and Lee Foss. The meteoric ascent of the latter two artists is now part of dance music history, but what is perhaps even more impressive is how the Cadenza boss and Vagabundos head-honcho has remained at the pinnacle of underground dance music since.
The Swiss-Chilean producer has long represented a wave of artists with humble beginnings and a strong attachment to their music, rightly grouped with the likes of Ricardo Villalobos and Sven VÀth just to name a few. Despite his quick rise to fame, he has remained unpretentious, loyal to his sound and as approachable as ever. His live performances are so well talked of that I took it upon myself to travel to Southern California from Chicago to see him close out Enter LA as a surprise guest in 2014, and I have been hooked on his sets ever since.
Jamie Charles – Photo by Sean Moore Photography
Naturally, I was ecstatic when his return to the Hollywood venue was announced last month. Before him, Jamie Charles warmed up the room as an opening DJ should. Proper track selection, unassuming rolling vibes, and deep sounds that had the entire room grooving without the need to deliver high-impact tracks. He left those to Luciano who took over the decks at 1am sharp to the elation of the hundreds present. Selection after selection, he delivered the type of performance that has seen him revolutionize Ibiza with his Vagabundos and Luciano & Friends parties. He picked up where Charles had left off, using the first hour to set the tone in the large room and send everyone present a clear message: it’s time to dance.
His set highlighted what he truly does best, blending house, techno and tech house effortlessly through seamless transition of tracks that truly tell a complete story when played only as he does. His set, peppered with tribal chanting, murky vocals, and hand claps over his signature funky bass lines did the job as the party kept on going way past last call and it never showed a sign of stopping. Truth be told, Avalon could have stayed open several more hours and it would have remained just as packed, a true and positive sign of both Luciano’s prowess and LA’s ever-rising love for techno and house.
Photo by Sean Moore Photography
It was my first experience at the Hollywood club and couldn’t have had a better time. The door staff were polite, the bartenders fast and drink prices cheaper ($10 for a mixed drink – gasp!) than almost anywhere else I’ve partied  at in the city. I may be a sucker for small, dark pulsating basements but for an artist of this stature the venue was just perfect, as was the entire night.
I wish I could relive it completely, but for now this three-and-a-half hour recording of his set from the previous night at BPM will have to do!
