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5 Artist Side Projects You Didn’t Know About

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5 Artist Side Projects You Didn’t Know About

As the landscape of electronic dance music continues to evolve, artists often explore their creativity beyond their primary monikers, resulting in captivating side projects that offer fans a glimpse into new sonic realms. From underground techno aliases to experimental bass music monikers, these side projects allow producers to push boundaries and challenge their artistic limits. In this blog post, we unveil five artist side projects that you may have missed, each offering a unique and compelling narrative.

1. Deadmau5 aka Testpilot

Joel Zimmerman, better known as Deadmau5, is an electronic music icon renowned for his cutting-edge productions and larger-than-life stage presence. On top of all this, he unveiled a darker and more underground alter ego: Testpilot. This side project allowed Zimmerman to delve into the realms of techno and tech-house, catering to a more discerning audience craving raw, uncompromising sounds.

Testpilot has only released one official single, “Sunspot (White Space Conflict” and the alias is predominantly used for performing sets at live shows. The project’s enigmatic nature and lack of visual representation added to its mystique, allowing the music to speak for itself.

2. Oliver Heldens aka HI-LO

Dutch DJ and producer Oliver Heldens has carved a niche for himself in the future house and bass house scenes with his infectious grooves and unique sound. However, in 2015, he unveiled a surprising side project that took a drastically different direction: HI-LO.

Under this alias, Heldens explores the captivating world of deep house and techno, crafting hypnotic rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes. HI-LO’s debut EP, “Renegade Skies,” immediately garnered attention from underground enthusiasts, showcasing Heldens’ versatility and ability to transcend genre boundaries.

Interestingly, Heldens initially kept HI-LO’s identity a closely guarded secret, allowing the music to stand on its own merits without the weight of his established reputation.

3. Martin Garrix aka Ytram

At a very young age, Martin Garrix burst onto the scene with his electrifying anthems and became a global sensation. However, as he continued to evolve as an artist, Garrix felt the need to explore a more experimental and underground sound, leading to the creation of his side project, Ytram (Marty spelled backward).

At Tomorrowland 2017, Garrix debuted his Ytram alias and premiered the song “So Far Away” a collaboration with David Guetta. Under this alias, Garrix delves into the realms of progressive house and melodic techno, crafting intricate and emotive productions that showcase his growth as a producer.

4. Porter Robinson aka Virtual Self

Porter Robinson’s meteoric rise to fame as a pioneering figure in the electro and complextro scenes was nothing short of remarkable. However, in 2017, the producer took a bold step and unveiled Virtual Self, a side project that allowed him to explore his love for trance, techno, and early rave music.

Virtual Self’s debut EP, “Virtual Self,” was a captivating fusion of retro-futuristic sounds and cutting-edge production techniques, garnering praise from critics and fans alike. The project’s striking visual aesthetic, complete with a cyberpunk-inspired virtual avatar, added to the immersive experience.

Robinson’s ability to seamlessly transition between his emotionally charged original productions and the high-energy, nostalgic sounds of Virtual Self showcased his incredible versatility as an artist.

5. Above & Beyond aka OceanLab

Above & Beyond, the legendary trance trio, have garnered a massive following for their uplifting and euphoric productions. However, in the early 2000s, they embarked on a captivating side project called OceanLab, a collaboration with vocalist Justine Suissa.

OceanLab allowed Above & Beyond to explore a more downtempo and chilled-out sound, blending elements of trance, ambient, and even pop music. The project’s debut album, “Sirens of the Sea,” was a critically acclaimed masterpiece, featuring stunning vocal performances and intricate production.

What made OceanLab truly special was the seamless fusion of Suissa’s ethereal vocals with Above & Beyond’s signature melodic sensibilities, creating a unique and immersive listening experience. The project’s success paved the way for future collaborations and demonstrated the trio’s versatility beyond their trance roots.

These five artist side projects serve as a testament to the boundless creativity and artistic ambition that drives the electronic dance music scene. From underground techno explorations to nostalgic rave revivals, these aliases offer a refreshing change of pace and showcase the multifaceted talents of their creators. Whether you’re a die-hard fan seeking new sonic adventures or a casual listener exploring the genre’s depths, these side projects are sure to captivate and inspire.

Music

New EDM Friday Releases You Cannot Miss, June 13, 2025

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Hardwell Blasterjaxx

New EDM Friday is here and it shows once again that the world of electronic dance music never slows down. Get ready for another exciting New EDM Friday!

New EDM Friday varies from explosive festival anthems and deep underground grooves to emotional vocal collabs and long-awaited albums. With these tunes, the latest EDM releases in June 2025 deliver something for every kind of listener. Whether you’re prepping your playlist for the club, festival season, or a late-night drive, these fresh tracks from Hardwell, David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix, and more are guaranteed to keep the energy high and your headphones on repeat.

Hardwell & Blasterjaxx – Beat Of The Drum

Hardwell and Blasterjaxx reunite once again on ‘Beat Of The Drum’, a thunderous big room anthem packed with tribal percussion, massive drops, and festival-fueled energy. This energetic track is ideal for New EDM Friday celebrations, designed for peak-time chaos, this track is a call to the dance floor with its raw, primal intensity.

David Guetta & Cedric Gervais – If (A Better World)

David Guetta and Cedric Gervais team up for ‘If (A Better World)’, a melodic and hopeful dance anthem that fuses progressive house with emotionally resonant vocals. With soaring builds and anthemic drops, this feel-good track fits perfectly into any New EDM Friday lineup, capturing the essence of fresh tunes.

Indira Paganotto & Armin van Buuren – Dragon

Psytech queen Indira Paganotto comes together for the first time with trance titan Armin van Buuren for ‘Dragon’, a high-octane fusion of driving techno and trance euphoria is a great addition for fans seeking the thrill of the latest New EDM Friday tracks. Dark, relentless, and cinematic, the track pushes genre boundaries and delivers a unique, high-energy ride.

HUGEL x Tom Enzy x JDR – Sonidito (feat. Josh Cross)

HUGEL, Tom Enzy, and JDR continue their hot streak of releases with ‘Sonidito’, a Latin-infused tech-house banger featuring Josh Cross. With spicy vocals, irresistible grooves, and percussive flair, this track is pure summer dance floor fire—perfect for beach parties and sweaty club nights during any of the New EDM Friday festivities.

Honorable mentions:

22Bullets – Zamboni
Afrojack & Gregor Salto — El Agua Corrió
Arcando & Julian Jordan – Operator
Audien & MAKJ ft. Julia Church – Slide Away
Bassjackers – Rewind
Brennan Heart x Jay Reeve – Endless Highs
Chicane ft. Moya Brennan – Saltwater (Audiotricz & Ecstatic Remix)
Claptone, Sea Girls – Put Your Love On Me (feat. Henry Camamile)
Dada Life – Everybody Look at Me
Dannic – My Mind
Darren Styles x Toneshifterz – Clarity
David Guetta, Cedric Gervais – If (A Better World)
Deniz Koyu – I GET DEEP
DIESEL & LAYZ – BRING THE PAIN
Dubdogz, 1Kilo – Deise Me Ir
Edward Maya x Adem Bogoceli – Not Too Late
Eran Hersh, Dean Mickoski, Nyadollar – Wa Sawa
Fox Stevenson – What Are You (Wow)
Hardwell & Blasterjaxx – Beat Of The Drum
HIVEMIND (Kayzo, Space Laces & MUSTDIE!) – BLOODSTREAM
HUGEL x Tom Enzy x JDR – Sonidito (feat. Josh Cross)
Indira Paganotto & Armin van Buuren – Dragon
Jengi x JADED x Alex Mills – Burnin’
Jennifer Lopez x Joel Corry – Get Right
Keanu Silva x HRRTZ – Music Inside Me (feat. RHODES)
Kevin D’Angello – Flatline
Kris Kross Amsterdam x André Hazes x Tabitha – Ze Komt Uit Amsterdam
KSHMR & Yves V – No Regrets (ft. Krewella) [YUSSI Remix]
Like Mike x Khainz – Peaceful World
LIZOT x ItaloBrothers – Hardcore
LNY TNZ x MANDY – Kicks
LP Giobbi – You Are
MATTN x DJ Aligator – Sweet Dreams
Mike Williams – Satisfied
Moksi – Brick City Empire (EP)
Niels Van Gogh – Destiny
NOVAH, CERES – Papi
Quarterhead x CHRSTPHR x James Chatburn – Summer Day
R3HAB – Rise Or Fall
Showtek – In Your Face (Hard Driver Rework)
SMACK x CMD/CTRL x Scrufizzer – Only You
STVW x Bertie Scott – THNKS FR TH MMRS
Surf Mesa, Zeeba – Energy
Timmy Trumpet x Zafrir x Henrique Camacho – Ziga
UMEK, Polyvinyl – Petardisimo (EP)
Ummet Ozcan – Era
Wh0 – The Girls & Boys
Will Clarke, Blythe – You Alone (PARIS Remix)
William Black, Fairlane, Amidy – Nightmare.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/02drWIbmrqJigXSikPo8Vi?si=a5d0cf728be6416e

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DJ Snake Top 10 Songs To Celebrate His Birthday

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dj snake live

DJ Snake is one of the most prolific artists in the electronic dance music scene and he has given us countless hits that have kept us dancing for years.

DJ Snake’s explosive debut with ‘Turn Down for What’ to his recent chart-toppers and collaborations, DJ Snake‘s influence on the music scene is undeniable. As we celebrate his special day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the tracks that have defined his career and made him a global sensation.

In honor of this joyous event, we’ve put together a list of DJ Snake‘s top 10 songs, which highlight both his talent and range. Whether you’ve been a fan of his music for a while or are just now getting into it, these songs will definitely make you want to get up and dance. From the infectious beats of ‘Lean On’ with Major Lazer to the vibrant and invigorating ‘Taki Taki’ featuring Selena Gomez, Ozuna, and Cardi B, each track represents a milestone in DJ Snake‘s illustrious career. So, turn up the volume and join us in celebrating the Parisian native’s birthday with a musical journey through his greatest hits!

10. Get Low (with Dillon Francis) – 210m streams

9. A Different Way (with Lauv) – 305m streams

8. SG (with Ozuna, Megan Thee Stallion & LISA of BLACKPINK) – 323m streams

7. You Know You Like It (with AlunaGeorge) – 568m streams

6. Turn Down for What (with Lil Jon) – 590m streams

5. Loco Contigo (with J Balvin and Tyga) – 900m streams

4. Middle (with Bipolar Sunshine) – 1.1b streams

3. Taki Taki (with Selena Gomez, Ozuna, and Cardi B) – 1.7b streams

2. Lean On (with Major Lazer and MØ) – 2.3b streams

1. Let Me Love You (with Justin Bieber) – 2.5b streams

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Martin Garrix Confirms His Second Album Is Coming in 2026

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Martin Garrix has officially confirmed that his second album is in progress and expected to arrive in early 2026.

Martin Garrix made the announcement during a live segment on Fun Radio, where he explained that the majority of the material is already finished. What remains is the last round of refinement, which he described as the most time-consuming part. His goal is to have everything wrapped up by November.

This will be his first full-length record since Sentio, which was released in 2022. That album brought together several collaborations and included songs he had already tested out during festival sets. Since then, Garrix has been focused on releasing one-off singles and smaller projects. His recent output, including the IDEM EP and songs like “Breakaway” and “Weightless,” has shown a shift in tone. Some of the newer material leans more experimental, while still keeping a strong connection to the sound that shaped his earlier career. Martin Garrix’s evolution in these projects is quite intriguing.

Tomorrowland Will Preview What Comes Next

Martin Garrix also shared that he has completed a brand-new club-oriented song that will be premiered during his Tomorrowland set this summer. He described the production as more aggressive than usual, suggesting that the upcoming album may explore a heavier direction than his previous body of work. Given his history of using major festivals as a platform to debut unreleased material, Tomorrowland is likely the first place fans will get a sense of how the album sounds, echoing Martin Garrix’s pioneering approach to live performances.

 

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While no details were given about featured artists or the final lineup of songs, this new approach to performance and pacing hints that the album may not follow the structure of Sentio, which leaned heavily on vocal collaborations. Instead, it seems like Martin Garrix is exploring a format that reflects the kind of music he builds specifically for his live sets, demonstrating Martin Garrix’s intent to innovate.

A Different Kind of Album Rollout

Unlike his first album, which was promoted over several months with visuals and teasers tied to each single, this next phase feels more grounded in the moment. Rather than building an extended campaign around each individual release, Garrix appears focused on finishing the record as a whole and presenting it when it’s ready. The fact that he is premiering new material live rather than on streaming platforms shows that this process is being driven by instinct and audience feedback, not just marketing cycles, showcasing the practical and instinctive side of Martin Garrix.

With his timeline now set, fans can expect a gradual rollout beginning later this year. If the new club piece receives strong reactions at Tomorrowland, it may end up as one of the album’s lead singles. Either way, 2026 looks set to mark Martin Garrix’s return to full-length format, something his listeners have been anticipating since his last studio release, furthering Martin Garrix’s reputation for excellence.

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