UMEK Locks In New Years Headline Australian Tour

Grammy and ARIA-nominated DJ and producer FISHER has teamed up with legendary British MC Flowdan for their highly-anticipated new single, “Boost Up.” This collaboration, teased in FISHER’s recent live sets, marks a significant release following what has been FISHER’s most successful year to date. “Boost Up” comes on the heels of FISHER’s explosive 2023, highlighted by a standout performance at Coachella alongside Chris Lake. FISHER also celebrated massive success with his ARIA platinum-certified single “Atmosphere” and the hit track “Take It Off” featuring AATIG. Both singles have collectively amassed over 200 million streams and secured the #1 and #2 spots on Beatport, respectively. Flowdan, known as the godfather of grime and the first British MC to win a Grammy, adds “Boost Up” to his storied discography. Following his 2023 mega-hit “Rumble” with Skrillex and Fred Again, Flowdan continues to forge a path in the dance and electronic music scene. His signature baritone growl perfectly complements FISHER’s dynamic production, making “Boost Up” a high-energy track that is sure to resonate with fans worldwide. “Boost Up” is a testament to the synergy between two of the industry’s most influential artists, blending FISHER’s infectious beats with Flowdan’s commanding presence. The single is poised to become a staple in the electronic music landscape, further solidifying both artists’ positions at the forefront of the genre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynT7jh5927M  

Hayden James releases new single, “Patience” ft. Karen Harding, ahead of his forthcoming album, We Could Be Love. Multi-platinum Australian producer Hayden James reveals another taste of his forthcoming album We Could Be Love, out Friday 13 September via Future Classic. The irresistible new single “Patience”, features UK singer-songwriter Karen Harding and is out now. A sultry, late-night heater, “Patience” is pop-infused house music that will transport you to the middle of a summer dancefloor. Karen Harding, who has collaborated with the likes of Armand Van Helden, Purple Disco Machine and Rudimental, delivers equally hopeful and yearning vocals: “give me a little more patience, give me a little more time”. Her energy reverberates throughout the track; while the addictive melody builds, it reveals an underlying harder edge each time the gears shift up into a bouncy club beat. Hayden shared on the track: “‘Patience’ is a pop record – it’s beautiful and melodic, into bass, vocals and drums. I’ve always wanted to do a response song, and to me, this is a female version of ‘Just Friends’ – an answer from Karen. Her vocal came from a demo I was sent, and as soon as I heard it, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it and felt I had to recreate it. With Karen adding: “We wanted to capture that classic sexy melody with an emotional twist. It’s about falling in love with someone but taking it slow and asking for understanding. I feel like every section of the song takes you on such a journey that you gotta listen again to make sure you didn’t miss anything.” “Patience” is the third single off of Hayden James’ upcoming album We Could Be Love, a record that sees him lean into the foundations of his pop-house world to encapsulate the joy of shared experiences – curating an it-list of features across the album’s 11 tracks, from the pop heavyweight sounds of British-Ethopian artist Izzy Bizu and moodier energy from the UK’s Ross Quinn. He most recently previewed “Deep Diving” with SHELLS, an artist whose dance collaborations include the likes of Rudimental, Biscits and Jack Wins. It followed the house-heavy team up with long-time studio partner Kormak, “Make It”, which was named Danny Howard’s First Play Friday on BBC Radio 1’s Dance Party; not to mention the 2023 release of the title-track featuring otherworldly superduo AR/CO. The result, is an album of engaging twists, designated for long afternoon drives, poolside sing-alongs or no-excuses-needed parties and get togethers. Earlier this year, Hayden launched his Just Friends pop-up party series, inviting special guests and collaborators for nights that blend his own beloved hits with irresistible club cuts. First kicking off with a surprise event on Sydney Harbour this April (selling out in just minutes), he recently followed up with another stellar night in the Gold Coast. Now, after shows in Singapore and Bali, Hayden next makes his way to Ibiza and Barcelona for a string of European summer appearances in August, followed by an extensive run across North America from September. Previously, Hayden has drawn global applause with singles including “Different Worlds” with American pop-house mainstay Anabel Englund, his double A-Side release of UK funky house heater “Beggin’ You” featuring international star on the rise, SAYGRACE, and late-night lounge groover, “Nevermind”, and “Do You Want Me” with Bob Moses. Hayden followed this by hitting the road with ZHU and Bob Moses after featuring at a string of US festivals including California’s Hard Summer, Electric Forest Festival and the national touring festival at home, Grapevine Gathering. Since breaking out in 2013 with “Permission to Love”, Hayden James has gone on to release revered platinum certified hits “Numb” feat. GRAACE, and “Just Friends” feat. Boy Matthews, securing his position at the forefront of Australia’s house music scene. The producer continued his run of hits with the ARIA-nominated debut album Between Us in 2019, and his 2022 follow up LIFTED, which boasts over half a billion streams and debuted at Coachella to a packed out Gobi Tent that same year. Following a long-running feat of production wizardry, Hayden James enjoys the international spotlight and support from the likes of Zane Lowe on Beats 1, triple j, as well as Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, NME and many more. Prepare for the release of Hayden James’ third album, We Could Be Love arriving in September by launching into the quintessential feel-good groove of “Patience” today.

The unstoppable duo of Armand Van Helden & A-Trak return to the London label with a one-two punch of catchy club music. The unstoppable duo of Armand Van Helden & A-Trak return as Duck Sauce to D4 D4NCE with a one-two punch of catchy club music, ‘Can’t Stop / Boogie In Your Butt.’ The release continues their multi-single deal with the London label, which began with Eurodance earworm ‘LALALA’ in 2023 and more recently saw ‘Clap Your Feet’ (featuring Fuzzy Cufflinxxx) with a jaw-dropping video. The Grammy-nominated duo’s unbridled opposition to the typical has seen them achieve platinum certifications around the world while maintaining their individual status as favorites here in the UK; April 2024 saw A-Trak feature in DJ Mag’s for their revered ‘How I DJ’ feature and Armand Van Helden announced as a headliner for Radio 1’s Dance Weekend Ibiza 2024. Their latest two-track offering begins with ‘Can’t Stop’, an explosive club-ready offering of NYC vocal house that builds in alarming intensity, complete with sirens and breakdowns built for the dancefloor. ‘Boogie In Your Butt’ shows the pair return to their quirkier disco and funk roots, featuring an addictive bassline and absurd vocal sample marrying perfectly with the out-there production elements.

Boiler Room, the renowned electronic music event powerhouse, is set to make its highly anticipated return to Melbourne this October as part of their expansive world tour. This party phenomenon is set to take over the Port Melbourne Industrial Centre for the Arts on Saturday, October 26, running from 2 pm to 11 pm. The event promises an electrifying experience, showcasing a mix of local talent and international stars. In a recent press release, Boiler Room highlighted the tour’s mission: “This Boiler Room World Tour focuses on championing trailblazing and bubbling scenes across twenty-five cities worldwide, featuring local emerging artists alongside international heavy hitters.” Fans can look forward to performances from DJ HEARTSTRING, OK Williams, Crybaby, CRUSH3d, 2 Lubly, Foura, Samba Boys, simOne. Tickets will be available for purchase starting at 3 pm on Thursday, June 13. Stay informed and secure tickets, at the Boiler Room official website. Last year’s Melbourne event was a spectacular success, selling out within minutes and featuring performances by Bakey, SWIM, Miley Serious, CaucasianOpportunities, and SOVBLKPSSY throughout the weekend. This exciting news follows Boiler Room’s announcement of a September event in Brisbane and a session in Sydney scheduled for Saturday, December 7.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Boiler Room (@boilerroomtv)

Junior Sanchez to release new single ‘So Hype’ featuring GRAMMY Award-Winning Singer Mýa ahead of new studio album. Prolific producer and record label executive Junior Sanchez bursts onto D4 D4NCE with ‘So Hype,’ featuring vocals from GRAMMY award-winning R&B songstress Mýa. Sanchez’s impressive production style, influenced by the underground house scene in NYC, which he grew up surrounded by, has led to huge collaborations and remixes for the best musicians globally. From being a founding member of Da Mongoloids production collective with the likes of Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk, A-Trak, Basement Jaxx, and Armand Van Helden, to name a few, to creating The S-Men with DJ Sneak & Roger Sanchez, and more recently launching his Freqazoids project with UK producer Dance System, Junior has been influential at the forefront of the global house music scene for more than two decades. Add in his writing credits with Azealia Banks, Katy Perry, Good Charlotte, and Green Velvet, remixing for Daft Punk, Madonna, Shakira, and Ariana Grande, and it’s clear to see that Junior Sanchez’s range is limitless. Now, he works again with R&B star Mýa, an acclaimed triple-threat singer, dancer, and actor whose music has topped the charts in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, the UK, and more. Together, the two unveil ‘So Hype’ on the London house label, an explosive party starter bursting with nostalgia, showcasing Mýa’s agile vocals over Sanchez’s sleek, uplifting, and funk-laden production skills; look out for more to come from Junior Sanchez on D4 D4NCE in 2024. “Junior Sanchez is such a dynamic music producer and so much fun to work with. We first connected in 2010 for my independent album ‘K.I.S.S.’ Had a blast reconnecting again for “So Hype” and other unreleased works.” -Mýa “Mýa jumped on[the track] right away…her vocal tone and performance just brought it to a whole new level. I’m so glad she’s a part of it. She’s a beautiful person, unbelievably talented, and an absolute force in the studio. There’s nothing she can’t do.” -Junior Sanchez Look out for Junior Sanchez’s next singles on D4 D4NCE in 2024, as well as a full studio album.

For the latest release on UPPERGROUND label owners ARTBAT team up with KAS:ST and Losless to deliver a heavyweight club banger titled “Pull Out,” which is set to ignite dancefloors worldwide. ARTBAT have been delivering recent heavy-hitting collaborations with Another Life, Armin van Buuren, and John Martin whilst remixing the likes of Meduza, The Chemical Brothers, and Kölsch, which has kept them as one of the scene’s most in-demand electronic music artists. Their UPPERGROUND label, launched in 2021, has quickly risen to prominence, showcasing visionary artists and putting on events around the world, including dates in Mexico, Poland, and Spain, most notably with their recent UPPERGROUND event in the brand new Real Madrid Sanitago Berbebau stadium. French artist KAS:ST is known for his atmospheric soundscapes, intricate melodies, and powerful beats, with highly regarded releases on labels like Afterlife, Cercle, Sapeins, and his own imprint Flyance. KAS:ST has collaborated with the likes of Kerri Chandler, Gordo, and Be No Rain whilst remixing world-renowned artists like Moby, Agoria, and Monolink, which has led to an increasingly busy tour schedule with upcoming dates in the US, UK, Ibiza, and all around Europe. Rounding out the collaboration is French-born artist Losless, who is known for pushing style boundaries within his own techno spectrum. With releases on influential labels such as Siamese, Habitat, Bedrock, and UPPERGROUND, Losless produces music that is an ever-evolving blend of energy, leading from the front in bringing avant-garde sounds and influences from Rave culture to his music. Together, this trio of artists delivers the fierce and contemporary single “Pull Out,” fusing influences from dubstep, melodic house and techno, and breakbeat. With a rebellious, youthful spirit and infectious energy flowing through the track, “Pull Out” stands tall, loud, and proud, inspiring a sense of freedom and liberation and is destined to become a dancefloor anthem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CA2inNnuIk  

Techno powerhouses HI-LO and Space 92, the #1 and #2 best-selling techno (peak time) artists on Beatport over the past year, have joined forces once again for their latest single, “PEGASUS.” This collaboration follows their previous chart-topping releases “Mercury,” “Arpeggio,” and the “GENESIS EP.” HI-LO, the techno alter ego of Dutch producer Oliver Heldens, brings his signature dark and gritty beats to the mix, while French techno maestro Space 92 enhances the track with his rhythmic textures and atmospheric layers. Oliver Heldens elevates the track with his Vocal Mix, infusing it with a sexy and sultry vibe. His delicate vocal additions contrast beautifully with the pulsating rhythms and driving beats, while maintaining the essence of the original instrumental version. “PEGASUS” continues the successful partnership between HI-LO and Space 92, which has garnered support from industry giants such as Adam Beyer, Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, deadmau5, Eli Brown, Hardwell, Paul van Dyk, Steve Aoki, and Tiësto. Their previous collaboration, “Mercury,” not only topped Beatport’s Techno chart for several months but also reached the top 10 on the overall chart. “PEGASUS (How We Know) [Oliver Heldens Vocal Mix]” is now available via HILOMATIK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dhCZQ68izE    

Trance icon Armin van Buuren and techno virtuoso HI-LO join forces on one of 2024’s most exciting collaborationss. Introducing ‘Now Love Will Begin,’ the genre-bending collaboration between trance icon Armin van Buuren and techno virtuoso HI-LO. Premiered on “A State of Trance” and a standout track included in Armin van Buuren and HI-LO’s much-talked-about B2B set at A State of Trance Rotterdam,  ’Now Love Will Begin’ is a groundbreaking fusion of techno’s pulsating rhythms and trance’s euphoric melodies. The song takes listeners on an exhilarating journey through the realms of both genres, igniting dance floors and hearts alike. “HI-LO (Oliver Heldens) and I just click so well. It was apparent during our back-to-back live set at A State of Trance in Rotterdam, and many others were able to see it as well when we connected on stage again in Miami during the Ultra Music Festival. I’m so happy that this natural flow between us extends to our studio work as well. We’re both so passionate about dance music, and I’m having such a great time being producer-nerdy in the studio with him. ‘Now Love Will Begin’ is what came out of it, and I’m so excited for the world to hear what we cooked up together!,” Van Buuren says. “In the last half a year, it’s been awesome working with Armin on several collabs and preparing for our b2b sets. Probably the highlight so far was when all of that came together during our b2b at A State of Trance Rotterdam, and even though the b2b set at A State of Trance Miami didn’t happen in the end due to severe weather conditions, we still had a lot of fun preparing for that set, and in general, it’s been lovely to connect on a deeper level. Our first collab, ‘Now Love Will Begin,’ definitely captures that spirit; I think it’s a meaningful banger of a tune that crosses boundaries, uniting the worlds of techno, uplifting trance, and psy-trance. Enjoy! :),” HI-LO adds. Get ready to experience the ultimate union of techno and trance, where love and music intertwine to create pure sonic ecstasy.  

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.

Roughly 100,000 people will experience Anyma’s unprecedented, six-night residency, delivering the Sphere’s first-ever electronic dance music shows. The acclaimed Italian DJ and producer will be the first electronic dance music artist to perform at the world’s largest spherical structure, the $2.3 billion Sphere. Following the announcement of a landmark New Year’s Eve headlining show, the venue added five additional events due to “incredible ongoing demand,” according to a press release. All six concerts, scheduled from December 27th to January 1st, sold out in less than 24 hours. Anyma, co-founder of the Afterlife label and touring brand, is renowned for his haunting and immersive visuals that push the boundaries of live electronic music. His residency at the Sphere will feature his signature blend of techno with innovative visual elements, utilizing the world’s largest and highest-resolution wraparound LED screen inside the giant orb. This residency marks a significant milestone for the Sphere, which has previously hosted only a few legendary rock and jam bands such as U2, Phish, Dead & Company, and The Eagles. As Anyma prepares to deliver an EDM-fueled spectacle in this iconic venue, he has promised “the best show” of his career. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anyma (@anyma)

Cercle Odyssey to Offer a No-Phone Experience for Deeper Audience Connection The esteemed Parisian production company and event organizer, Cercle, is set to unveil an innovative concert series under the title “Cercle Odyssey.” Imagine entering a vast concert arena where you are encircled by enormous screens. These screens, towering up to 40 feet high and stretching as far as 180 feet, envelop the audience with high-definition visuals that harmonize seamlessly with the music. This setup is designed to make attendees feel as though they are part of the performance, rather than mere spectators. To enhance audience engagement and foster genuine connections, Cercle Odyssey will implement a strict no-phone policy. This decision aligns with a growing movement within the electronic dance music community, where many prominent artists and organizations are advocating for increased presence and interaction during live events. Scheduled to debut in 2025, Cercle Odyssey aims to bring its unique, immersive experience to dance music enthusiasts worldwide. According to Billboard, this 360° spectacle promises to draw fans closer to the distinctive experiences that Cercle is known for offering. “My current obsession is to create the shortest connection between the music played by the artist, the video narrative that we will present live on the screens, and the audience’s emotions,” said Derek Barbolla, Founder of Cercle. “I want to connect these three things together at the deepest level and I believe this is still underdeveloped in the entertainment industry. If, by the end of a Cercle Odyssey show, I see people on the dance floor literally moved to tears, then I will consider it a success.” For more information about Cercle Odyssey, watch the video below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMoaFnrCQQA