Protoculture Releases New Album ‘Lost In Isolation’

Armin van Buuren and powerhouse duo W&W are back together, making waves with their first collaboration in five years, ‘Late Checkout’. The long-awaited collaboration, released under Armada Music, marks their return since the explosive success of 2018’s ‘Ready To Rave’ and has already captured the hearts of festival-goers worldwide. ‘Late Checkout’ has been making the rounds on global stages for months, with Armin van Buuren and W&W testing its impact on crowds at Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland, EDC Las Vegas, and more. This anthem embodies the signature energy and intense drops both acts are celebrated for, creating a track that’s destined to set any main stage alight. With heavy beats and electrifying builds, it’s a high-powered, rave-ready anthem designed to take peak-time sets to the next level. Reflecting on the collaboration, Armin van Buuren shared, “Working with W&W again was a long time coming. The boys and I go way back, and it was so good to hit the studio together to reconnect. I’m not surprised we ended up creating such a banger and I’m sure it will keep spicing up my live sets for the foreseeable future.” After a standout summer packed with global performances, Armin has added another hit to his growing list of crowd-pleasers. W&W echoed Armin’s excitement: “Working with Armin is always a pleasure and an honor! It’s been a while since our last collab, and when he sent us the idea of this track we immediately loved it! Went back and forth working on it with him and started testing the track out, and the reactions have been really overwhelming. We’re so happy this one is finally out!” Known for their own impactful festival sets and viral remixes, W&W’s return to the studio with Armin has clearly brought the perfect storm. With ‘Late Checkout’ now unleashed, fans can expect this anthem to dominate main stages around the globe as Armin van Buuren and W&W continue to deliver the soundtracks to unforgettable nights. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2laEjOAtge4  

Australia’s premier trance festival, Dreamstate, is making its highly anticipated return in February 2025, promising an unforgettable experience with an impressive lineup of world-renowned artists. Set to take place across two major cities, Sydney and Melbourne, Dreamstate 2025 will bring together the very best in trance and techno, captivating festivalgoers with cutting-edge production and electrifying performances. The festival will kick off on Saturday, 8th February 2025 at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, followed by a second event on Sunday, 9th February 2025 at Flemington Racecourse, Flemington, VIC. Dreamstate 2025 will feature two massive stages showcasing an extraordinary lineup, including trance icons Above & Beyond, MaRLo b2b Ben Nicky, NWYR, and a host of global techno superstars like Reinier Zonneveld, blk., and Indira Paganotto. Fans can also look forward to performances from rising talents such as Billy Gillies, Charlie Sparks, and Miyuki, ensuring an exhilarating mix of both established and emerging artists. Brought to you by Symbiotic, Australia’s largest trance event company, Dreamstate is renowned for delivering top-tier, original shows with innovative production. Symbiotic’s mission to create premium events with trailblazing designs continues to elevate Dreamstate as the ultimate destination for trance and techno lovers. With its reputation for unmatched energy, world-class performances, and state-of-the-art staging, Dreamstate Australia 2025 is set to be an unmissable event for electronic music enthusiasts. Tickets are expected to sell out fast, so mark your calendars for this must-attend summer festival! Dreamstate Australia 2025 Lineup (A-Z) Above & Beyond AVAO Billy Gillies blk. Charlie Sparks Indira Paganotto Juliet Fox Laura King MaRLo b2b Ben Nicky Miyuki Nifra NWYR Reinier Zonneveld Restricted Sunset Bros Dreamstate Australia 2025 Sat, 8th Feb 2025 – Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, NSE Secure Sydney Tickets Here Sun, 9th Feb 2025 – Flemington Racecourse, Flemington, VIC Secure Melbourne Tickets Here

Internationally acclaimed electronic music trio Above & Beyond is set to mark a significant milestone in their illustrious career with a monumental celebration of the 600th episode of Group Therapy, their iconic radio show. The celebration will unfold over a weekend-long extravaganza at the prestigious Hipódromo de las Américas in Mexico City on Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, October 20, 2024. Joining Above & Beyond for this historic event will be an impressive lineup of electronic music luminaries, promising an unforgettable experience for fans of the genre. The lineup for the event is as follows: Saturday, October 19: Above & Beyond Alex Sonata & TheRio anamē Genix HANA KASABLANCA Sunday, October 20: CRi (Live) Durante James Grant & Jody Wisternoff Luttrell b2b Qrion Nicky Elisabeth Nils Hoffmann (Live) Rezident Romain Garcia Sebastian Sellares Each day promises an electrifying blend of melodic sounds, pulsating beats, and euphoric vibes, curated to create an immersive experience for attendees. Hipódromo de las Américas, with its stunning backdrop and state-of-the-art facilities, provides the perfect setting for this momentous occasion. Above & Beyond, known for their ability to connect with audiences through their emotive performances, are poised to deliver two unforgettable days of music, unity, and celebration. Tickets for the Group Therapy 600 celebration in Mexico City are available now, offering fans the opportunity to be part of electronic music history. Don’t miss this chance to experience Above & Beyond and a stellar lineup of artists as they make their mark on the vibrant cultural landscape of Mexico City.

MaRLo Elevates the Live Music Experience with ‘ALTITUDE – ELEMENTs OF UNITY’ in Sydney and Melbourne. Australian DJ and producer MaRLo has announced the return of his highly anticipated annual show, ALTITUDE, set to bring an immersive musical experience to the Sydney Showground on August 31st and Flemington Racecourse on September 14th. ALTITUDE, known for its unique blend of personal connection and communal celebration, aims to unite fans with a compelling journey through sound and creativity. Each year, MaRLo curates a show that is not only a display of his own artistic evolution but also a platform for introducing innovative concepts and fresh expressions to his audience. This year’s iteration, ALTITUDE – ELEMENTS OF UNITY, promises to be more than just a concert. It is an exploration of unity through music, featuring MaRLo’s renowned MaRLo set and Tech Energy set, along with the debut of his thrilling new alias. This new persona will allow MaRLo to explore high BPMs, anthemic melodies, and bone-crushing kicks, providing an unfiltered expression of his musical vision. In addition to showcasing his new alias, MaRLo has extended invitations to some of the biggest names in the electronic dance music scene to join the lineup. These artists will collaborate to create a spectacular event that celebrates the power of unity through diverse sounds and mesmerizing performances. “ALTITUDE is the most special show I do all year,” said MaRLo. “It has always been about bringing you a personal experience, to take you on a journey in unity. This year, I’m excited to share not only a new set of music but also a new part of my artistic self with my fans.” Fans of MaRLo and electronic dance music can expect an unforgettable night filled with new music, high-energy performances, and the communal spirit that ALTITUDE has always fostered. Tickets Tickets for ALTITUDE – ELEMENTS OF UNITY in Sydney and Melbourne are available now. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Melbourne and Sydney links.

The latest offering from GRAMMY-nominated artists Above & Beyond and Zoë Johnston is an uplifting and ethereal trance record, first debuted to 20,000 fans at the trio’s Group Therapy 500 celebration in Los Angeles in 2022. Road tested at Above & Beyond shows such as Red Rocks in Colorado, EDC Las Vegas, and Printworks in London, the track soon became a mainstay in their sets and a highly-sought after ID. Last year, Above & Beyond achieved RIAA Gold certification on the track, ‘Don’t Leave’, from the 2019 ambient album ‘Flow State,’ and were the only British DJs to sell out two consecutive nights at Printworks as part of the iconic London venue’s closing season. They also returned to Red Rocks Amphitheatre to helm two shows alongside label stars from Anjunabeats and Anjunadeep and made an appearance at Insomniac’s Escape Halloween festival in California. The trio’s last single, ‘Over Now’ with Seven Lions and Opposite The Other, achieved Top 30 status on the Billboard and Mediabase radio charts in the US and earned spins on Sirius XM BPM, iHeart Evolution radio and over 600 local stations worldwide. GRAMMY-nominated singer and songwriter Zöe Johnston first collaborated with Above & Beyond on 2004’s ’No One On Earth.’ She’s since co-written and featured on every Above & Beyond dance and acoustic studio album, which includes beloved hits like ‘Good For Me,’ ‘You Got To Go,’ ‘Love Is Not Enough,’ ‘We’re All We Need’ and ‘Reverie.’ The accomplished British vocalist has also written and recorded songs with the likes of Faithless, Bent, and Delirium and racked up over 12 million combined streams across her catalog in 2023 alone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G7bII2T-ec  

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.