LDRU Makes A Triumphant Return With “The Excuse”

Australians have plenty to look forward to in 2025, as the renowned American producer Porter Robinson is set to return for a highly anticipated east coast tour. In support of his latest album SMILE! :D, Robinson will bring his captivating, genre-blending sound to Australian stages, delivering an unforgettable late-summer experience. The Australian leg of the SMILE! World Tour kicks off in Brisbane on February 4, 2025, at The Fortitude Music Hall. The tour will then head to Melbourne’s PICA on February 6 before wrapping up in Sydney at the iconic Hordern Pavilion on February 7. Fans can expect a career-spanning setlist, with Porter performing hits from across his discography, as well as showcasing tracks from his latest album. What makes this tour even more special is Robinson’s brand-new live production. For the first time, he will be performing with a full live band, a concept he has been experimenting with at major events like his sold-out Second Sky festival and his 2023 Coachella main stage set. This innovative live show will combine Porter’s signature electronic sound with live instrumentation, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for fans. Porter Robinson’s third studio album, SMILE! :D, marks a shift towards a more pop-infused, guitar-driven sound. The album’s lead single, “Cheerleader,” garnered over 1 million views on YouTube and Spotify streams within 24 hours of its release. The second single, “KNOCK YOURSELF OUT XD,” has been praised by NME as “euphoric” and described by Pitchfork as “gloriously tongue-in-cheek.” With the album already making waves, the upcoming tour promises to be a visually stunning and sonically adventurous journey through Robinson’s evolving sound. Fans won’t want to miss the chance to witness this energetic, visually captivating show, which promises to be packed with Robinson’s unique brand of emotional, uplifting music. An artist presale for the tour will begin on Monday, October 28, at 12:00 pm local time. Fans can register for early ticket access at Porter Robinson’s official tour page. General tickets will go on sale Thursday, October 31, at 1:00 pm local time via Teg Live. Be sure to secure your spot at what will undoubtedly be one of the standout tours of 2025!      

Celebrated Australian trio RÜFÜS DU SOL have officially announced their highly anticipated return to Australia in November 2025, marking the first time they will perform in arenas across their home country. These landmark shows are part of their global tour in support of their latest album, Inhale/Exhale, which has been met with critical acclaim worldwide. Fans can find the full list of tour dates and pre-sale information below. The announcement follows an intimate surprise performance on the Fleet Steps of Sydney Harbour last week, where the band thrilled fans by performing tracks from Inhale/Exhale live for the very first time. This impromptu show marked their first performance in Sydney in over ten months, the last being their headline slot at Field Day on New Year’s Day 2024. The trio’s most recent headline tour was in December 2022, where they captivated audiences at a series of outdoor events alongside renowned UK producer Jon Hopkins. Joining RÜFÜS DU SOL for their 2025 Australian dates will be English producer and multi-instrumentalist SG Lewis, providing an exciting blend of electronic and soulful sounds as the main support. SG Lewis last performed in Australia during the 2022/23 festival season, where he wowed crowds at events such as Wildlands and Beyond The Valley. He is set to make another festival appearance in the 2024/25 season, including performances at Lost Paradise and a return to Beyond The Valley. In addition to their tour news, RÜFÜS DU SOL recently received four nominations at the ARIA Awards, including Best Group and Best Electronic/Dance Release for their single Music Is Better. Their fan-favourite tracks Lately and Music Is Better also earned nominations for Best Video and Best Australian Live Act, with fans invited to cast their votes for the latter two awards via the ARIA Awards website. This tour is set to be a milestone for the Sydney-born, LA-based group, as they continue to solidify their place as one of Australia’s most beloved electronic acts on the global stage. RÜFÜS DU SOL Inhale/Exhale 2025 Tour Friday, November 7 @ RAC Arena, Perth WA Tuesday, November 11 @ AEC Arena, Adelaide SA Thursday, November 13 @ Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne VIC Thursday, November 20 @ Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney NSW Tuesday, November 25 @ Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane QLD https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai9qleZyQic  

Grammy-winning DJ and producer Elderbrook unveils his new single ‘Shallow Water’, setting the tone for his next LP with a typically emotive banger. Building around a poignant vocal and uplifting organs, ‘Shallow Water’ is a pulsating and life-affirming single. The single also coincides with an enchanting official video on release day, directed by Phúóng Vū with the creative direction of Charlie Rees. The director Phúóng Vū commented “In traditional Vietnamese folklore, the sky is represented by the shape of a circle, while the earth is a square. Developing upon this idea, we wanted the video to feature Vietnam’s most stunning and raw natural landscapes, in combination with holistic choreography to present the human element along with giant, abstract and surreal spheres and cubes that symbolize the earth and the sky.” It follows Elderbrook’s triumphant 2024 return in April with ‘Glad I Found You’, his collaboration with esteemed dance producer George FitzGerald. Speaking on the record “In ‘Shallow Water’, the cards are down, bottom reached and there is nowhere left to go. Our subject has to be better, do better. The song hinges on these bargaining chips, on the get out clauses we give ourselves when we want to change but know it will be hard. It grapples with questions of integrity and our desire to better ourselves against the knowledge that true and meaningful change is difficult and often messy. It’s the never ending self doubt given a voice.” Having toured his acclaimed sophomore album Little Love last year with sold-out shows across the US, UK, Canada and Europe, as well as playing a sold out headline show at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre this Spring, the singer-songwriter has a massive summer headline show coming up at New York’s Brooklyn Mirage on Friday June 14th. Following that, Elderbrook has various shows in Ibiza this summer and another packed festival season in store, with appearances at Festivals including the likes of Boardmasters in the UK, Tomorrowland, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits & Osheaga. Having toured with the likes of Jungle, Rufus Du Sol and Odesza, racked up over 2 billion streams to date, and made a 2023 Coachella starring appearance, Elderbrook continues to prove himself a frontrunner in the electronic scene. ‘Shallow Water’ continues his roaring 2024 with a top-tier club anthem teeming with heart and soul. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ6L_6a7RcQ  

Porter Robinson Announces New Album ‘SMILE! :D’ Featuring the Release of His Latest Single ‘Knock Yourself Out XD’ Renowned electronic music producer Porter Robinson has officially announced the upcoming release of his third studio album, ‘SMILE! :D’, set to captivate fans on July 26, 2024. Alongside the album announcement, Robinson has also released a vibrant new single, ‘Knock Yourself Out XD’, accompanied by a dynamic official music video now available through Mom+Pop Music. The new single, ‘Knock Yourself Out XD’, is the second track to be unveiled from ‘SMILE! :D’ following his hyperpop debut ‘Cheerleader’. The song showcases Robinson’s evolution as an artist, featuring candid lyrics that reflect the surreal aspects of fame. “I threw my phone into the sea, simple human being, wouldn’t know how to brush my teeth, without asking my team,” sings Robinson, revealing a personal glimpse into the life of a superstar. ‘Knock Yourself Out XD’ continues in the electro-pop vein of its predecessor, while highlighting Robinson’s vocal delivery in perhaps its most natural and engaging form to date. The track is underpinned by a pop-infused production style, characterized by driving percussion and bright, swirling synths that showcase Robinson’s ability to blend accessibility with artistic depth. Porter Robinson’s fans, who have followed his career from his monumental dubstep debut on Owsla, will recognize ‘SMILE! :D’ as a significant tonal shift, encapsulating the fun and energetic side of Robinson’s evolving musical journey. The accompanying music video for ‘Knock Yourself Out XD’ features Robinson in a series of eye-catching outfits, performing atop a plexiglass platform. The visuals perfectly complement the track’s lively spirit and further illustrate Robinson’s multifaceted talents both in and out of the studio. “Knock Yourself Out XD is further confirmation that this may be the most fun era of Porter Robinson’s storied career,” the video underscores Robinson’s genius and his unparalleled ability to engage and entertain. The upcoming album ‘SMILE! :D’ promises to be a landmark release in Robinson’s career, marking a new chapter filled with innovation, authenticity, and vibrant energy. Watch the music video for ‘Knock Yourself Out XD’ below! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzMkFIw8ETM

Australia’s Electro-pop visionaries Empire of the Sun, composed of Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore, make a triumphant return with their latest single, ‘Changes.’ After an eight-year hiatus, ‘Changes’ marks the dawn of a new era, rich with the band’s signature ethereal soundscapes. The track resonates with infectious melodies and pulsating beats, signaling a sonic evolution while retaining the essence of their cherished style. With its airy synths and vibrant tones, ‘Changes’ beckons listeners into the lush soundscape meticulously crafted by the duo. “Changes represents the shifting sands of time, empires rise and fall but the sun shall shine on. Come once more into the world we’ve created, delve deeper within and be rewarded with its ever-expanding story, each and every one is invited to explore the new era.” – Lord Littlemore “Changes was a breakthrough track for us. It felt like the moment of clarity when it became evident we were in the new era, our time of rebirth, the next chapter of Empire.” – Emperor Steele Accompanying the single is a mesmerizing music video, shot amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Thailand. Empire of the Sun, alongside director Michael Maxxis, invite audiences on a visually captivating cinematic journey, promising to enchant and transport viewers with its otherworldly charm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6qigQlIFB4  

The 25th anniversary of Miami’s iconic Ultra Music Festival promises to be unforgettable, as RESISTANCE returns with a lineup that’s set to captivate underground music fans worldwide. Leading the charge is the highly-anticipated debut of Carl Cox’s live ‘Evolution’ show, set to close out the festival’s first-ever Carl Cox Invites stage takeover. With an electrifying lineup featuring techno icons like Adam Beyer, Richie Hawtin, Dubfire, Stephan Bodzin, Joris Voorn, and Marc Romboy, this year’s RESISTANCE MegaStructure is poised to be a paradise for electronic music enthusiasts. Carl Cox Invites: The Evolution Begins Carl Cox, an undisputed legend in the electronic scene, will headline the RESISTANCE MegaStructure with his debut ‘Evolution’ show. Known for his unparalleled skills and dynamic energy, Carl Cox’s performance is set to be a defining moment of the festival. Joining him is Adam Beyer, the Drumcode label founder whose dark, driving beats are a staple in techno’s upper echelon. Richie Hawtin will bring his innovative ‘DEX EFX X0X’ live experience to the stage, pushing the boundaries of tech and sound. Dubfire will elevate the atmosphere with his immersive ‘EVOLV’ visual show, creating a multi-sensory journey for festival-goers. Melodic techno icon Stephan Bodzin, known for blending techno with atmospheric soundscapes, will add his touch to the night, while Joris Voorn’s melodic set and Marc Romboy’s Ultra debut are expected to create unforgettable moments. The Carl Cox Invites stage takeover promises an epic showcase of techno evolution that celebrates the heart of the underground. Solomun and Diynamic Take Over In a festival first, Solomun’s Diynamic label will host an exclusive stage takeover, bringing a fresh blend of electronic music styles to Ultra’s RESISTANCE MegaStructure. Solomun himself will headline with his signature sounds and magnetic stage presence. Joining him are a selection of Diynamic’s most innovative artists, including UK experimentalist and Dutch tech-house talent Mau P, each promising a unique take on electronic music. Parisian multi-instrumentalist Chloé Caillet and French underground icon Rafael Cerato round out this dynamic lineup, bringing their distinct artistic visions to the stage. Diynamic’s takeover marks a new chapter for Ultra’s anniversary year, promising a night of eclectic sounds and pioneering performances. Unmissable Sets from Electronic Icons Techno trailblazer Charlotte de Witte is set to return to Ultra’s RESISTANCE stage, known for her hypnotic and high-energy performances that push the boundaries of the genre. After a historic Main Stage debut in 2023, Charlotte’s return to RESISTANCE is sure to elevate the festival experience. Boris Brejcha, celebrated for his unique fusion of high-tech minimal and melodic techno, brings a fresh twist to the genre with his intricate soundscapes. ARTBAT, the innovative Ukrainian duo known for their deep house and melodic techno, are ready to enchant fans with their enthralling beats and rhythms. Each artist promises to bring their own bold sound, further igniting the RESISTANCE stage. Rising Stars to Watch RESISTANCE 2025 also brings rising talents like Germany’s Kevin de Vries, whose energetic melodic techno sets have garnered international attention. Ukrainian techno sensation Korolova will captivate with her ethereal melodies and driving rhythms, while French talent Nico Moreno is ready to deliver a dark, intense performance that has become his trademark. From veteran legends to groundbreaking newcomers, Ultra’s 25th anniversary RESISTANCE lineup offers a one-of-a-kind journey through electronic music. Join the celebration and experience an epic three days of music evolution, innovation, and high-energy sound. Tickets are available now and almost sold out,  don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic event.

Miami’s Ultra Music Festival to celebrate 25 years with Above & Beyond, Carl Cox, Armin van Buuren and More. Ultra Music Festival has officially revealed the first phase of its 2025 lineup, marking a monumental return to Bayfront Park from March 28-30. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the festival is pulling out all the stops, unveiling a star-studded lineup that promises to be one of the most memorable in its history. Ultra Miami 2025 boasts a stacked bill of the world’s leading stars in electronic dance music, with performances locked in from many household names including Armin van Buuren, Hardwell, Above & Beyond, NERO, Martin Garrix, Tiesto and more. After a brief hiatus in 2024, Carl Cox will return to Ultra’s iconic RESISTANCE MegaStructure, where he’ll debut a brand-new live show. Techno enthusiasts can also look forward to Charlotte de Witte, Adam Bayer and Richie Hawtin, who will headline the stage with his innovative “DEX EFX X0X” production. Two of the hottest names in electronic dance music today are undoubtedly John Summit and Dom Dolla. Both tech-house titans have taken the scene by storm, amassing dedicated fanbases with their energetic sets and distinctive sounds. Summit, a beloved Miami transplant, has become a local favourite, while Dolla’s meteoric rise continues to captivate global audiences. One of the most exciting firsts for Ultra 2025 is the solo performance of Axwell on the Main Stage. Best known as a member of the legendary Swedish House Mafia, Axwell will take the stage solo, offering fans a unique chance to witness his individual artistry in action. Ultra will also make history with a world-first B2B DJ set from Deadmau5 and Pendulum, a collaboration set to electrify the crowd. Fans can also look forward to the debut of Deadmau5’s “Retro5pective” set, where the iconic DJ is expected to take a nostalgic journey through his catalogue. Pendulum, meanwhile, will deliver a live performance sure to be packed with their signature bass-heavy anthems. Ultra 2025 will also introduce its first-ever psytrance stage, curated by Vini Vici’s Alteza Records, adding a fresh dimension to the festival’s diverse offerings. As Ultra Music Festival prepares for its milestone 25th edition, fans can expect nothing less than a spectacular weekend filled with world-class performances, groundbreaking productions, and unforgettable moments. Tickets are on sale now for what promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjLkZOM7xg4  

EDC Thailand marks a new chapter for the electric sky, set to dazzle in just six months. EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival) is set to make its debut in Thailand, bringing its iconic festival experience to the stunning shores of Phuket. The inaugural EDC Thailand will take place on January 17, 18, and 19, 2025, at the picturesque Boat Avenue Lakefront. What began as a humble underground event in Los Angeles has grown into a global phenomenon. EDC now hosts festivals in major cities including Las Vegas, Orlando, Mexico City, Tokyo, and EDSEA, and Thailand is the latest addition to this illustrious list. Each EDC event uniquely combines top-tier electronic music, intricate light displays, massive art installations, and a profound sense of unity and love among attendees, who are affectionately known as Headliners. The announcement of EDC Thailand in early July sent waves of excitement through the EDM community. The official confirmation came via the creation of an Instagram account for the festival, with the first post stating, “Hello #EDCThailand. Hello Thailand. Stay tuned for official updates! EDCThailand.com.” Founder and CEO Pasquale Rotella had previously hinted at this new location during an interview for the EDC Las Vegas 2024 lineup announcement. He mentioned, “And then we toured around the world. I mean we’ve been to China, Thailand,” followed by a noticeable pause, realizing he had let slip this exciting news. The official dates were announced a month later, solidifying plans for the festival. “We’ve been all around the world and are excited to invite you to our next EDC chapter! Presenting #EDCThailand: Jan. 17+18+19, 2025 at Boat Avenue Lakefront, Phuket. We cannot wait to create unbelievable memories with all of YOU under the Electric Sky, Headliners!” read the post from EDC. As the countdown to January 2025 begins, fans from across the globe are eagerly making plans to attend this historic event, as reflected in the enthusiastic comments on the festival’s social media posts. The Thailand chapter promises to be a significant milestone in EDC’s storied history, offering an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Ultra Japan has announced the first phase of its lineup for the festival’s 9th edition in Tokyo. Scheduled for September 14-15, Ultra Japan will bring some of the most sought-after acts in techno and house music to Odaiba Ultra Park. This year’s festival will feature two stages – the Ultra Main Stage and the Resistance Stage – both packed with electrifying performances by renowned dance music icons. The Ultra Main Stage will host trance legend Armin Van Buuren, electronic music stars Afrojack and Alesso, as well as Steve Aoki. Additionally, ISOxo and Knock2 will join forces once again, known for their unique blend of trap and bass house. The Resistance Stage, focusing on techno, will feature top-tier artists such as Eli Brown, Richie Hawtin, and Anfisa Letyago. Fans can also look forward to performances by Massano, known for his melodic techno, Hot Since 82, and progressive house artist Miss Monique. The lineup is further bolstered by Subtronics, Brennan Heart, and Disco Lines. Ultra Music Festival, a global leader in music events, hosts festivals in approximately 20 countries, including Brazil and Australia. Japan was added to the roster in 2014 and has attracted around 100,000 attendees in past years. With this initial lineup announcement, Ultra Japan 2024 promises to deliver two days of exceptional music and an unforgettable festival experience. Passes for Ultra Japan are now available. For more information and future lineup updates, visit the official website. In the meantime, prepare for an epic celebration of dance music and check out the festival’s official recap video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqdBBYwJRWQ  

Australian breakout drum and bass producer Luude today announces the launch of his new imprint No Instruction in partnership with his long standing management company Cloak, distributed by Virgin Music. The new imprint is about creating legitimate moments for artists using the live platform and global network of the team. Luude shares “we want to throw good parties, put out records we like from people we like and we want to have a good crack at doing all those things as best and big as possible.”  To mark the debut, No Instruction presents its first release, ‘Fun In The Sun,’ by Luude & Perth based producer Harry Bee. The left field club heater has quickly become one of Luude’s most requested songs of the year, with videos of the record posted across ID pages amassing over 3 million views and generating widespread anticipation. The track perfectly encapsulates the essence of No Instruction, it’s a bit weird and made for the dancefloor. Sharing his excitement about the release and the launch of the label, Luude shares “I’m really happy to be launching this imprint with a collab featuring one of my best mates from Australia – having an outlet to do things like this is sick. We’ve got some mental records coming from some of my favourite producers,  some parties around the world, we’re doing vinyl and just going back to doing things for the club, which is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.” Cloak, the management team behind No Instruction, emphasises the label’s mission to embrace creativity and innovation, “people told us this was a stupid idea, launching a new imprint by releasing a collab with one of Luude’s mates from back home – with some pretty high-profile collaborations that could have been first. But being able to do things like this is what this label is about. The fact that it’s been one of the most requested tunes of the year for Luude is testament to the fact that buzzing records can come from anywhere.” In addition to its innovative approach to music, No Instruction will launch with a series of underground parties across the UK, Europe and Australia throughout 2024. The inaugural event, a secret pop up party at a very coveted London location, will kick off on July 31st, featuring performances by Luude, Bushbaby, Efan, Willo and Denham Audio. Australian producer Luude has firmly established himself on the global stage with back-to-back hits like ‘Down Under’ and ‘Big City Life,’ which have sold millions of copies and earned multi-platinum certifications worldwide. His achievements include an ARIA award for Best Dance Release, a nomination for the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist award, “Best International Artist” at the 2022 Drum and Bass Awards, 3x BBC Radio 1 Hottest Records, and multiple platinum, gold, and silver certifications. Luude’s relentless touring and dynamic performances, including his recent sold out run with Chase & Status across Australia and New Zealand, have cemented his status as one of Australia’s most in-demand artists. Luude & Harry Bee’s new single ‘Fun In The Sun’ is out now on No Instruction. Follow No Instruction across socials for info on all upcoming shows and releases.