Blog - EDM

Martin Solveig, the chart-topping electronic music producer known for hits like "Hello" and "Intoxicated," announced his retirement from live performance in an emotional statement posted to social media on Tuesday.

"I'm leaving the stage with a full heart, stepping aside for the next generation," wrote Solveig. "You’ll find me in the crowd, cheering them on at concerts and festivals."

The French DJ rose to international prominence in the 2000s by virtue of a string of global dance hits and high-profile collaborations with artists including Madonna, David Guetta and Kele Okereke of Bloc Party, among others. 2010's "Hello" featuring Dragonette became a worldwide phenomenon, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries.

The 48-year-old artist, who has been a fixture of the global electronic dance music scene for over two decades, indicated he would continue creating music despite his absence from the stage.

"Music is my life — and always will be," he added. "I’ll keep creating, for the joy, for the kids, and for/with artists I look up to."

Solveig's final performance was at July's Vieilles Charrues festival in Carhaix, France. According to Le Télégramme, he told the crowd: "It's a special moment. All my life, each time I came onstage I told myself, ‘Play like it’s your last concert.' Just until that moment arrives."

Many of Solveig's fellow artists shared supportive comments to wish him well in his retirement, including Guetta, Tchami, Madeon and Swedish House Mafia's Axwell, among many others.

"What a contribution you have made," NERVO wrote. "Such a talent and always so humble and kind and polite. I will miss seeing you from time to time amigo! Your family are lucky to have you at home with them."

"We’ll miss you, brother," added Benny Benassi. "I’ve always respected you and I still do. Enjoy your new life!"

X: x.com/martinsolveig
Instagram: instagram.com/martinsolveig
TikTok: tiktok.com/@martinsolveig
Facebook: facebook.com/MartinSolveig
Spotify: tinyurl.com/bd72rdf6

Tomorrowland has come and gone, but as usual, the memories are now starting to take shape in its afterglow.

The world's preeminent EDM festival returned to Belgium over the weekend and brought with it a new kind of unity, thanks to the tragic destruction of its iconic Mainstage after a massive fire tore through just two days prior. The towering "Orbyz" stage, which stood 147 feet tall and 524 feet wide, took two years to build, according to Tomorrowland spokesperson Debby Wilmsen.

The festival's organizers, however, pulled off a miracle after racing against the clock to construct a new Mainstage in time for the festival's first day, July 18th. In just 36 hours, they managed to develop a new stage with help from Metallica, whose team reportedly agreed to airlift elements from the legendary heavy metal band's M72 world tour stage that were being stored in Austria.

What followed was a festival united by a shared sense of profound appreciation not only for Tomorrowland, but the EDM community at large. Read on to listen to the most played tracks from the event's first weekend of 2025, according to a media alert Tomorrowland shared with EDM.com.

Tomorrowland returns to Boom, Belgium from July 25-27.

X: x.com/tomorrowland
TikTok: tiktok.com/@tomorrowland
Instagram: instagram.com/tomorrowland
Facebook: facebook.com/tomorrowland

Senators Josh Hawley, Republican of Missouri, and Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut, have introduced legislation that would prohibit artificial intelligence companies from training their models on copyrighted works without explicit permission from rightsholders.

The AI Accountability and Personal Data Protection Act comes as the tech industry faces mounting legal challenges over its use of copyrighted material, including music, to train and develop AI systems. The proposed law would "safeguard individuals' copyrighted materials from being used in AI training or AI-generated content without permission," according to a press release issued by the senators' offices.

"AI companies are robbing the American people blind while leaving artists, writers, and other creators with zero recourse," Senator Hawley said. "It’s time for Congress to give the American worker their day in court to protect their personal data and creative works. My bipartisan legislation would finally empower working Americans who now find their livelihoods in the crosshairs of Big Tech’s lawlessness."

The legislation addresses a contentious legal question that has divided the courts. While many AI companies argue that training their models on copyrighted works constitutes fair use under copyright law, creators and rightsholders insist that explicit permission is required.

Recent court decisions have offered mixed signals. Judges in separate cases involving Anthropic and Meta concluded that AI training qualified as fair use, though with technical caveats that may benefit copyright owners. The U.S. Copyright Office noted in a report this year that while AI training might constitute fair use in some scenarios, it likely would not in others.

The bipartisan proposal would eliminate such ambiguities by requiring companies to obtain consent before using any copyrighted material. The bill also includes provisions for personal data protection, requiring express consent before collecting or sharing consumer information.

AI music services Suno and Udio are currently embroiled in a contentious legal battle with Universal, Sony and Warner, who have collectively accused them of copyright infringement "on an almost unimaginable scale." Spearheaded by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the lawsuit seeks damages of up to $150,000 for each copyrighted musical work.

"This bill embodies a bipartisan consensus that AI safeguards are urgent—because the technology is moving at accelerating speed, and so are dangers to privacy," Senator Blumenthal aded. "Enforceable rules can put consumers back in control of their data, and help bar abuses. Tech companies must be held accountable—and liable legally—when they breach consumer privacy, collecting, monetizing or sharing personal information without express consent. Consumers must be given rights and remedies—and legal tools to make them real—not relying on government enforcement alone."

According to the press release, the AI Accountability and Personal Data Protection Act aims to achieve the following:

• Bar AI companies from stealing and training on copyright works. The bill safeguards individuals’ copyrighted materials from being used in AI training or AI-generated content without permission.

• Create a federal tort for data misuse. The legislation allows individuals to sue any person or company that appropriates, uses, sells, or exploits their personal data or copyrighted works without clear, affirmative consent.

• Provide transparency for creators. The bill requires companies to clearly disclose every third party that will access an individual’s data at the time consent is sought.

• Ensure robust remedies. The legislation provides for stiff financial penalties, injunctive relief, and protects the ability of individuals to sue in court and join class actions.

You can read the bill's full text here.

Merage, the drum & bass alias of Egzod, has returned to Monstercat with a new single, "Carousel."

His production bristles with serrated synths that slice through conventional club euphoria, replacing mindless hedonism with something more unsettling. The track's relentless percussion mirrors the compulsive nature of its lyrical subject matter, each snare hit punctuating another pill swallowed, another boundary crossed: "Drink up, take another one / Pop another Adderall / Yeah, if we take enough we could be friends / Do you wanna take a ride on this carousel?"

Those vocals deliver with matter-of-fact detachment, dissecting the mechanics of modern social lubrication with an unapologetic edge. Meanwhile, Merage's bass frequencies crawl beneath the surface like pharmaceutical side effects, creating an atmosphere thick with chemical paranoia.

You can listen to "Carousel" below and find the new release on streaming platforms here.

X: x.com/meragesound
Instagram: instagram.com/meragesound
TikTok: tiktok.com/@meragesound
Facebook: facebook.com/meragesound
Spotify: tinyurl.com/yc3e3stw

Pacha Ibiza, the storied nightclub that has defined Mediterranean nightlife for more than five decades, has achieved a milestone that would have seemed incongruous in its hedonistic heyday: operating entirely on renewable energy.

The club announced this week that its dancefloors, performance stages and elaborate light shows now run on 100% clean power, generating zero emissions. The transition creates annual carbon savings equivalent to preserving 1.2 million square meters of Amazon rainforest, according to a press release issued by The Pacha Group.

The sustainability push reflects growing environmental consciousness in Spain's tourism industry, which faced scrutiny during recent summers marked by extreme heat and water shortages across the Mediterranean. A study from the University of Málaga's Department of Economics and Business Administration, published in Applied Sciences in the summer of 2024, called Spain "one of the most water-stressed countries in the world."

Pacha's energy overhaul is part of broader sustainability efforts that have eliminated single-use plastics and reduced water consumption at the club. It is now pursuing LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, having submitted an application targeting 84 points on the organization's environmental scorecard.

"We’re thrilled to lead the nightlife industry in environmental responsibility," said The Pacha Group CEO Aloki Batra, who in 2023 acquired the fabled party brand in a deal valued at $330 million. "Our 100% green energy and LEED Gold or Higher certification goals reflect our vision of creating sensational nights with a positive impact on the planet."

LEED-certified buildings typically use 25% less energy and 11% less water while producing 34% fewer carbon emissions than conventional structures, according to the Green Building Council.

Instagram: instagram.com/pachaofficial
TikTok: tiktok.com/@pachaibizaofficial
Facebook: facebook.com/pacha
X: x.com/pacha

Dutch hard techno brand Verknipt has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the world's largest laser show, capping off its final "ArenA" event with a laser beam-fueled spectacle.

On Saturday, July 19th, the Amsterdam-based party transformed the Johan Cruijff ArenA into a full-blown multi-sensory arena of sight and sound. In front of a sold-out crowd of 40,000, Verknipt unleashed a custom-programmed, 10-minute laser display featuring 1,100 individual beams, the largest ever produced. The previous record, set by Dubai Racing Club in 2021, used 824 lasers during the Dubai World Cup closing ceremony.

The record-breaking show was part of Verknipt’s "360° Experience," a sendoff for its final edition inside the cavernous Johan Cruijff ArenA. Designed with a fully circular stage, rotating DJ booth and immersive lighting, the moment stood as a landmark technical achievement in the party’s history, one now cemented by a Guinness World Record.

The lineup included a roster of hard techno artists like Basswell, Onlynumbers, Cloudy, NOVAH, Cynthia Spiering, Paul Elstak, DYEN and many more. The show’s visual direction came from 360 Show Design with visuals by ANK1.

A post shared by VERKNIPT (@verkniptevents)

EDM powerhouse Hardwell is heading back to the United States this September for a three-city run decided entirely by fan votes.

After thousands of submissions poured in, three cities made the final cut: Washington, DC, New York City and Los Angeles. The result is a curated string of rare and intimate shows at a trio of iconic electronic music institutions: Echostage, Terminal 5 and downtown LA's Grand Park.

The Revealed Recordings label boss is known for commanding massive crowds around the globe, but his upcoming run flips that format. Instead of his usual main stage setup, these shows promise a more intimate experience with smaller venues, tailored visuals, custom stage design and setlists that mix new IDs with reimagined cuts from his catalog.

Hardwell will touch down at Echostage on September 25th and take over Terminal 5 the following night before wrapping the tour at Grand Park on September 27th.

"I’ve been waiting for the right moment to return with something special for my US fans," he said. "I wanted to create a run of shows that feel personal, powerful, and unforgettable. So, I threw it out to you guys to vote for your favorite destinations, and the response was honestly crazy. Whether your city made the final cut or not, I truly appreciate everyone who took the time to vote and be part of this. So now, let’s do this."

Hardwell is fresh off major sets at Tomorrowland and Ultra Europe, among other major festivals, and is in the midst of a packed European summer tour. Whether you’ve seen him at sold-out arenas like Madison Square Garden or have yet to catch him live, this fall marks a rare opportunity to experience the storied Dutch DJ in a more immersive and dialed-in setting.

Early access and presale sign-ups are available now via Hardwell’s website.

X: x.com/hardwell
Instagram: instagram.com/hardwell
TikTok: tiktok.com/@hardwell
Facebook: facebook.com/djhardwell
Spotify: spoti.fi/3s1xcJD

The Minions have successfully infiltrated adult nightlife, and resistance seems futile.

While Comic-Con attendees typically spend their evenings recovering from sensory overload in hotel lobbies, this year's afterparty circuit delivers something genuinely compelling for the convention's music enthusiasts: a Minion-themed rooftop rave. Despicable meets danceable at San Diego's Cielo Rooftop Lounge, which is transforming into a Minion-themed party on July 25th.

There are few certainties in life: death, taxes, and the Minions' ability to infiltrate every cultural crevice. Embracing the absurd appeal of Gru's beloved yellow workforce from the Despicable Me franchise, attendees sporting overalls and goggles will find themselves dancing above the city's famed Gaslamp Quarter in a unique crossover between rave culture and children's animation.

And the event's organizers are encouraging cosplay. After all, Comic-Con weekend already scrambles reality's settings, so why resist the inevitable descent into delightful nonsense?

The event arrives as pop culture-themed raves continue to swell in statewide popularity, following similar parties inspired by Shrek, Pokémon, Powerpuff Girls, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia and many more. Earlier in the month of July, a Stranger Things-themed rave took place in Colorado ahead of the final season of Netflix's sci-fi juggernaut series.

You can secure free tickets to "Minion Rooftop Rave Comic Con" here.

In Toronto, the peak of summer starts when VELD Music Festival lights up Downsview Park.

As the summer heat intensifies, so does anticipation for VELD, one of Canada's premier electronic music festivals. Returning the first weekend of August, this year's edition is once again well-positioned at the apex of North America's summer festival calendar.

This year’s lineup reads like a who's who of modern dance music, with titans including Tiësto, deadmau5, Dom Dolla and John Summit featured on the lineup. Bass music is similarly well represented with REZZ, Space Laces and Blanke among the dozens of producers soundtracking the weekend.

Beyond the lineup, VELD 2025 is dialing up the production as the Sirkus Stage is undergoing a significant overhaul with 30% more LED screens and a shaded truss being added to the structure. The Bass Stage, meanwhile, is doubling down on low-end intensity with 33% more subwoofer impact and an upgraded laser show adding to the experience.

VELD Music Festival 2025 takes place August 1st through 3rd, 2025, at Downsview Park in Toronto, Ontario. VIP tickets are sold out, but general admission tickets remain on sale now.

X: x.com/VELDFest
Instagram: instagram.com/veldmusicfestival
TikTok: tiktok.com/@veldmusicfestival
Facebook: facebook.com/VELDMusicFestival

Shambhala Music Festival is a treasure trove of adventure. The music is paramount, but only scratches the surface of everything Salmo River Ranch offers.

Shambhala’s stages are understandable selling points as each unique stage is a permanent infrastructure that evolves through the years. But Shambhala is a holistic experience. The Farm holds many secrets, from openly advertised ones to some that you have to stumble upon.

Ahead of Shambhala’s 26th anniversary on July 25th-28th, 2025, you can explore 10 things you can do before, in between, and after dancing the night away.

Shambhala is one of the most welcoming places you’ll find, but the elements aren’t always so kind. Four-plus days of living and dancing in the sun can be physically taxing. Shambhala’s river is a necessity in the warm summer months. Like safari animals to a watering hole, exquisite wooks congregate at the river to cool off, socialize, and set the tone for a magical weekend. The river’s best feature is undoubtedly its proximity to the Living Room stage, which you can see and hear as you float along.

DIVISUALS

Everyone is welcome at the Farm. Shambhala will get an early start on Pride festivities by holding its own Pride Parade. The parade begins at 2 PM on July 26th under the Culture Canopy. From there, festivalgoers will dance their way through downtown. Flags, ribbons, and rainbows are encouraged!

New to Shambhala is the Rave Runway Extravaganza. Immediately after the Pride Parade, festivalgoers can migrate to the AMP stage for a celebration of creative freedom. Featuring live music, drag and dance performances, fashion and looks, everyone is welcome to take part. You can sign up for the fashion show here, with the winner, determined by crowd cheer, winning a free ticket to Shambhala next year. The extravaganza begins at 3 PM on July 26th.

The Shambha-love is strong here. The wedding chapel is a popular destination for unions, spiritual or otherwise. If you want the ceremony to be legally binding, ensure that you bring an officiant and witnesses. But love is love, whether it’s documented or not.

The Wishing Tree is a Shambhala landmark. A refuge for reflection, handwritten notes dangle from the stunning tree. Start your day with the right sentiment, or take an evening intermission to clear your thoughts by hanging a note from the tree.

Speaking of starting your day right, yoga might be the best way to recover from the previous night’s headbanging and shuffling. Every morning, Shambhala offers yoga, acro yoga, breathwork circles, and more. The classes are held daily, from Thursday through Sunday, at the Yoga Garden and Riverside Zone, with special courses available at select stages.

Walk to the end of a far-off path, and you might find a wizard handing out quests. No one can tell you if they’re a volunteer or just festivalgoers or if you’ll even find them, but they exist. Shambhala’s philosophies of unity and creative expression are fertile grounds for silliness. Look around and you’ll eventually find the festival’s secret locations or guests eager to add a memorable wrinkle to your weekend.

DIVISUALS

Every Shambhala campsite tells a story. Trading posts, clothing swaps, funny flags, and intricate tapestries line every row. A beloved installation last year was a guest-made market near the entrance to the festival grounds, offering free supplies to people in a pinch. This isn’t a festival-provided service, just another example of Shambhala’s unrivalled community.

Art exudes through every nook and cranny of Shambhala–from the permanent, ever-evolving stages to the various structures erected downtown. The BASScamp Gallery is another artistic highlight. The artist-run commercial gallery features artwork by twenty-nine talented artists.

Dancing is thirsty–and hungry–work. Fortunately, Shambhala has you covered with countless food and drink vendors conveniently placed at the intersection of most stages. The Artisan Market is a treasure trove for boutique shopping, the perfect place to equip yourself with pashminas, accessories, and mementos.

X: x.com/shambhala_mf
Instagram: instagram.com/shambhala_mf
TikTok: tiktok.com/@shambhalamusicfestival
Facebook: facebook.com/shambhalamusicfestival