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Behind the Hits: MEDUZA talks electronic music production & the state of Italian EDM on Groove Cruise 2025
There’s few bigger producers in the world of electronic music than the iconic Italian trio of MEDUZA. With ‘Piece of Your Heart’, ‘Paradise’, and ‘Lose Control’ among many other hits, the trio has made its mark in the electro house and progressive house genres. EDMHouseNetwork had the chance to catch up with MEDUZA member Mattia Vitale onboard Groove Cruise 2025 to talk everything electronic music production:
Q1: “In terms of playing Groove Cruise, how is it different from, playing Tomorrowland mainstage, or playing in an Ibiza nightclub? How does the atmosphere change how you guys kind of curate and build your set?”
Mattia: “The good thing is that every venue is different. So no matter if you’re playing in the same city, but if you play two different venues, [it] can be [a] completely different vibe. So, it’s a challenge for me as a DJ, of course. Because, every time I go on stage, I know I have like, a big folder with full of tracks to choose. And then I play some, like two, three songs at the beginning, I try to understand the mood of the crowd, and then I adjust the set based on the mood in the venue. So every time it’s different. Of course, when we play like Tomorrowland, everything needs to be in sync with lights and visuals. So I need to prepare more those sets, because every everybody needs to be ready in the team to know what they’re doing. But when we play like Groove Cruise or just like classic clubs, I can have more fun. So just like playing random sets and then just have fun.”
Q2: “[MEDUZA] Being a production crew of three with you, Luca [De Gregorio] and Simone [Giani], how does that kind of create a unique production process where you guys are pulling ideas from each other, maybe arguing a little bit, but also, you know, really building off each other? And being able to improve each other in every aspect?”
Mattia: “When we are in the studio, there’s not a specific role for everybody. Like, even, like, I know that Luca is more the nerd – the one on the machines and in the group. And Simone is more the musician, and I’m more the one working on the arrangements. But when we are in the studio, it’s just like we start from zero, we start from scratch, and then we talk about ideas, we play some chords, and then randomly, we come up with other ideas to build up the song with the songwriters too, in the studio. And if we can create that magic feeling in the studio between all of us, then everything happens really quickly. Otherwise, like you get stuck in a little bit in in the process. But it’s a normal studio process that’s uh, but the positive thing is that we all living this life. We all coming from a different background. So this helps in, just like giving different ideas and when we are in the studio, that helps, maybe to go out a little bit off the box.”
Q3: “Additionally, obviously, being an Italian producer trio, and that being a huge part of your music, how would you describe Italian EDM? And how does that influence really play into your music and make it unique?”
Mattia: “So many years ago, it was like house music was really big, especially in the south of Italy. We used to have, like, a lot. We still have big DJs like Carola or [Joseph] Capriati, that kind of house stuff. Now the north of Italy is becoming just like the center of melodic house. So there’s Tale of Us with Anyma, Mathame, Agents of Time, and a lot of melodic DJs. So we are just like slowing down a bit, a little bit of the Trance music. And they call it melodic techno. So I think there’s a new era in Italy that has always been like house music. Now it’s more melodic, and it’s a positive thing, because it’s like a generational thing. So it’s it’s really good, especially because when Italy is, it’s so small. So we are all like living close to each other, and it’s good to share moments all together, and then we see each other around the world. So it’s so good to have fun all together too, because we are Italian.”
Q4: “MEDUZA has worked with so many incredible vocalists: Goodboys, Becky Hill, now HAYLA in Another World. What is that process like? Of kind of building your track around those talented vocals that they send you, or then kind of complimenting your production with those vocals.”
Mattia: “So we have two different ways of working on that. For example, when we did Paradise with Dermot Kennedy, everything started from just like remixing one of his songs, and then remixing that we noticed that his voice was just like matching really well with our sounds. So then we asked the label to do an original with him, and then we wrote Paradise. Or in other ways, we just like, I don’t know, for HAYLA, we love HAYLA’s voice. And then we we trying to understand how she writes the top lines, and try to build up like a backing track around what’s best for her, and then we complete that in the studio together. So it all depends, like, it’s really random [at] this point.”
Q5: “Additionally, one of the most interesting things – this is the song that got me into EDM – huge fan of Piece of Your Heart. [I know] That almost got scrapped. That’s a story that I always actually think is really interesting. Talk a little bit about what that process was like and how you guys maybe kind of learned, you know, from that to just truly never give up on a song. Because now [you all have] over a billion streams on that one.”
Mattia: “Yeah, that was a funny one. Because I remember, we’d been in the studio in London for just like the entire week and we made a lot of demos that week. And at the end of the week, the ANR from the label came to the studio, so we had to play all the demos. And we played everything and he said, ‘maybe to this’ and then ‘this is a no, this is too similar to that one, this is a no, I don’t like that.’ But then we had this demo we made with the Goodboys in just like, really, 20 minutes. But we didn’t want to play that because it was really rough. And if you talk with the producers, they only always want to just like work on ideas before they just like play to the ANR. But at the end, we said, just like, ‘who cares? Like, another no won’t change our life.’ So we play that. I said to Luca, just like, play [it] who cares. And then he played that. And then we saw the AR and the managers like jumping on the sofa, and they say, ‘What is this?!’ So at that moment, we recognized there was something big in that, but we didn’t know what to expect from that song, because we were just like, doing club music, so you don’t expect a big thing. And then I remember our manager saying this: ‘this song will change your life.’ And it was true. After two months, we were viral in the US and UK and everything started from there. So it’s been it’s been funny, and it’s been great, and it’s a it’s been a great lesson. No matter if it’s just like an idea, rough idea, 10 minutes that you made in 10 minutes, five minutes or 20 minutes, just play [it.] Just play [it] to somebody else and see their reaction, so you can really understand what are you doing. That’s the best thing.”
Q6: “Just to finish off, what’s one up and coming young artist and one unreleased track that you really have been keeping an eye on right now?”
Mattia: “One upcoming producer I will say GENESI. Because for us, he’s already big, but he still needs to start touring, but I think he will be big in a couple of years. And he’s been in the studio with us since like, two, three years now, and we’re working together every day. And I think he will be like one of the biggest upcoming producers now and then. And the second one, for the track unreleased, [GENESI and us] have an unreleased track together that I’m playing in the set these days. So it’s still an ID but I think it’s gonna be a big one.”
Q7: “Actually to finish off, AC Milan or Ferrari?”
Mattia: “Oh, for me, AC Milan. I’m more football fan than F1. But for sure, for Simone is more Ferrari than AC.”
EDM Festivals in August 2025 are keeping the summer alive with a number of massive events happening around the world.
From the massive 10 year anniversary of UNTOLD to the legacy that is Creamfields, here’s your guide to the top EDM festivals you won’t want to miss this August.
UNTOLD Festival
Dates: August 7–10
Location: Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Romania’s premier electronic music festival turns 10 this year with a massive celebration across Cluj Arena and downtown spaces. Expect extended sets from Tiësto, plus Martin Garrix, Black Coffee, Don Diablo, Post Malone, and more. UNTOLD is known for its epic production, long hours, and magical vibes from dusk till dawn.
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Creamfields
Dates: August 21–24
Location: Daresbury Estate, Cheshire, UK
One of the UK’s most iconic dance music festivals, Creamfields delivers another year of powerhouse headliners. 2025 brings David Guetta, Anyma, Amelie Lens, Chase & Status, Carl Cox, and more across massive stages like ARC, Steel Yard, and Horizon.
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Sziget Festival
Dates: August 6–11
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Set on Óbuda Island, Sziget is a multi-genre mega-festival that blends EDM with pop, rock, world music, and arts. With a scenic riverside setting, cultural programming, and past performers like Calvin Harris and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, it’s one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant summer fests.
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Hard Summer
Dates: August 2–3
Location: Southern California, USA
Returning for its second year at Hollywood Park, HARD Summer is back bigger, bolder, and bass-heavier than ever. This year’s edition leans hard into techno, with sets from 999999999, Deborah De Luca, I Hate Models, and more, while also staying true to its genre-mixing roots. Expect reggaetón, drum & bass, house, and hip-hop from artists like Kaytranada, Dom Dolla, Sean Paul, and FEID.
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ÎLESONIQ
Dates: August 9-19
Location: Montreal, Canada
Held in Parc Jean-Drapeau, ÎLESONIQ is Quebec’s largest electronic music festival. It blends international stars with immersive visuals and a passionate Canadian crowd. Notable stars taking to the stage are Alesso, D.O.D, John Summit, Oliver Heldens, and more.
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VELD Music Festival
Dates: August 1-3
Location: Toronto, Canada
Toronto’s biggest EDM festival lights up Downsview Park with a massive set of artists that make any dance music fan excited. Previous years have featured big artists and this year is no different with deadmau5, Dom Dolla, Tiesto, Third Party, and more set to take the stage.
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Weekend Festival
Dates: August 1–2
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Returning to Espoo with over 60 artists, Weekend Festival 2025 delivers two days of high-energy performances, cutting-edge visuals, and massive production. Headliners include Armin van Buuren, Hardwell, Robin Schulz, and Fisher. Known for its towering custom-built main stage and immersive light shows, the festival blends sound and spectacle like no other in Finland.
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Mysteryland
Dates: August 30–31
Location: Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands
The Netherlands’ longest-running dance music festival blends house, techno, trance, and hardstyle across colorful, immersive stages. Known for its art installations, spiritual elements, and top-tier curation, Mysteryland remains a staple for true festival heads.
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Dance Valley
Dates: August 10 (TBC)
Location: Spaarnwoude, Netherlands
Dance Valley turns 30 in 2025, and it’s going all out for its anniversary edition. Set in the iconic hills of Spaarnwoude, this one-day Dutch mega-rave spans 8 stages and 70+ artists across dance, techno, hardstyle, trance, and house. The lineup is stacked with legends: Tiësto, Martin Garrix, Boris Brejcha, Ferry Corsten presents Gouryella (25 Years), Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo, Nervo, Chris Liebing, and Radical Redemption.
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Les Plages Électroniques
Dates: August 08-10
Location: Cannes, France
Set on the sun-drenched beaches of the French Riviera, Les Plages Électroniques returns with one of its most diverse and stacked lineups yet. Headliners include Tiësto, Charlotte de Witte, Peggy Gou, Eric Prydz, Mochakk, and Booba, alongside a wave of rising talent and local French stars. With beach stages, boat parties, and after-parties extending late into the night, the festival blends deep house, techno, afro house, and reggaeton into a three-day oceanside escape.
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August may be the final stretch of summer, but the party is far from over.
With iconic brands, oceanside escapes, and late-night energy, these festivals are ready to make your summer go out in style.
UNTOLD celebrates its 10th anniversary with a historic lineup of debuts, exclusive shows, and once-in-a-lifetime performances.
The 10th anniversary of UNTOLD is shaping up to be the festival’s most unforgettable edition yet, packed with exclusive performances, never-before-seen shows, and jaw-dropping debuts. The Mainstage will light up with global icons like Post Malone, who’s kicking off his Big Ass Stadium Tour with a debut at UNTOLD, and Metro Boomin, playing his only European festival show this summer. Fans can also catch performances from ANYMA, Becky Hill, Hugel, Rag’n’Bone Man, and CANCELLED MUSIC (Kris Fade), all bringing fresh energy to the Cluj-Napoca stage.
This year’s UNTOLD debuts and special shows are not just on the mainstage but also across all other stages. The underground Galaxy stage will host Dom Dolla, Adriatique, and a rare TOTO CHIAVETTA B2B ZAMNA SOUNDSYSTEM set brought in by Zamna. Meanwhile, the Daydreaming stage features acts like Ben Böhmer, Röyksopp, Pachanga Boys, and Bob Moses. But what truly sets this edition apart are the exclusive shows: Tiesto’s extended set, Don Diablo’s one-of-a-kind UNTOLD performance, Armin van Buuren’s special stage production, and Martin Garrix’s specifically tailored UNTOLD set.
Expect even more custom shows from Romanian stars like INNA, Delia, Irina Rimes, and Vama, all with surprise guests. And on Friday night, a mystery act will take over the Mainstage, revealed live at the festival. With this stacked lineup of UNTOLD debuts, world premieres, and unforgettable performances, the 10th edition promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration for every music lover.
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UNTOLD X Festival turns 10 this summer, and they have announced the full lineup and daily schedule for the celebration.
UNTOLD Festival celebrates 10 years this summer and is ready to write history once again. The magical universe of music, love, friendship, and pure joy will open its gates from August 7 to 10 in the heart of Transylvania, in the beautiful city of Cluj-Napoca. 200+ local and international artists across 8 stages and multiple music spots, and over 430,000 fans will join the celebration of UNTOLD in Romania. The organisers of one of the world’s biggest music festivals have now revealed the full lineup and daily timetable. Headliners are preparing special shows for the 10th anniversary of UNTOLD, and some of them will have surprise guests for unforgettable moments at this iconic edition.
Debuts at the 10th anniversary of UNTOLD & special acts and shows
The festival’s first day begins with an opening ceremony on the mainstage with Tujamo, an Exclusive Set from Don Diablo, and an Extended Set from Tiësto. Topic will close the stage. Local artists Sam Garrett and Rag’n’Bone Man are the live acts on August 7. Black Coffee will headline the Galaxy stage, Wilkinson will drop the bass on the Alchemy stage, while the Daydreaming stage will host Ben Böhmer, Parra for Cuva, Marten Lou, and more.
Armin van Buuren, one of the most beloved artists at UNTOLD, will headline the festival’s second night with an exclusive show on the mainstage. The live act of the night is Post Malone, one of the most influential figures in music, who is debuting in Romania this summer at UNTOLD’s anniversary edition. The organizers have announced a Surprise Act for the mainstage. Another premiere at the festival this August is Dom Dolla, who will perform for the first time on the Galaxy stage before ARTBAT’s show on August 8. The French DJ and producer Sebastien Léger will take over the Daydreaming stage.
Hugel will debut on Saturday at UNTOLD with a unique set on the mainstage, while Alan Walker returns to the festival after 3 years. Alok, Steve Angello and Vini Vici will heat the mainstage while Metro Boomin will make it boom on August 9. The Galaxy stage will premiere Green Velvet and a unique set from A:RPI:R, while the dreamers will fly with Jan Blomqvist and Röyksopp at the Daydreaming stage.
Anyma, one of the most anticipated names in electronic music, will perform for the first time at the 10th anniversary of UNTOLD on Sunday, August 10. In a world where sound, style, and technology continuously evolve, DJ and producer Anyma is a true visionary. As one-half of Tale Of Us, he has shaped the melodic techno scene, pushing the boundaries of electronic music. With his solo project, Anyma, he takes things to an entirely new dimension – merging music, cutting-edge visuals, and advanced technology into a fully immersive experience.
Martin Garrix is working on an UNTOLD Special for the anniversary edition while FISHER is preparing to debut on the mainstage after he closed the Galaxy stage in 2024. Becky Hill and Cancelled Show (Kris Fade’s concept) are also debuting at UNTOLD on the mainstage, while the Galaxy stage will welcome Adriatique for the first time. Shimza, Pachanga Boys, Bob Moses, Anthony Middleton (Audiofly), and more will headline the Daydreaming stage.
All local artists will create special shows with surprise guests. Each festival day at UNTOLD promises a unique journey, from the pure joy of top DJs’ sets to the full emotions of live shows created by the world’s biggest artists.
UNTOLD X celebrates 10 years of Self Expression
UNTOLD is more than a music festival, it is a whole universe built within the heart of Cluj-Napoca, on 235,000 square meters on the Cluj Arena and the Central Park surrounding the stadium. Besides music and magic, UNTOLD is about unity, love, community, friendship, diversity, courage, passion, authenticity, uniqueness, and pure joy. The festival encourages people to believe in their dreams and be their most authentic selves.
Each year, the festival has a creative concept, and for the iconic 10th edition, the mainstage is imagined as a temple of magic, a spectacular visual creation that honors the festival’s journey over the past decade. At the heart of this universe stands The Magician, the narrative voice who has guided each edition of UNTOLD, now returning symbolically as the spirit of continuity. The stage blends fantasy elements with iconic symbols from UNTOLD’s legacy, bringing together key characters from past chapters. This visual and emotional reconnection becomes a celebration of the festival’s core values: imagination, freedom, community, and transformation.
At the centre of the temple lies the X which is more than a marker of the 10th anniversary, it is the imprint of UNTOLD’s identity, a symbol of the bridge between past and future, between story and reality. The X reflects those who make this world possible: the UNTOLD fans who are the best crowd in the world. More details about the iconic edition are available on untold.com.
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