EDM Festival News
Behind the Pagoda: Shambhala’s Mainstage Vision with Robbie Campbell
Shambhala isn’t just another festival — it’s a living, breathing creation built by people who pour their heart, soul, and countless hours into every detail. At the center of it all is the Pagoda Stage, one of the most iconic landmarks in Canadian festival culture. This year, I stepped behind the scenes with Robbie Campbell — the man who has shaped the Pagoda into what it is today — to talk history, evolution, artist booking, and what really makes this stage unlike anything else in the world. From its humble DIY beginnings to its jaw-dropping 2017 rebuild, Robbie’s story is as much about community and passion as it is about music and production.
A Stage Built on History and Heart
Robbie has been part of Shambhala since before it was even called Shambhala.
“We threw a party halfway up the driveway, called uplift for solstice the summer right before the first Shambhala” he told me. “We buried a flat deck trailer in the ground, cut down birch trees, and built 2 Sydney Opera House-style frames facing each other out of scavenged materials. I was in art school at the time. I quit my job at Subway and painted one side like daytime, the other night. It was all vinyl, super underground, just weirdos and nerds having fun.”
The Pagoda itself came later. Robbie first designed it while working on graphic art for the festival, eventually stepping in as stage manager after some convincing from founder Jimmy. The original version ran for years before being rebuilt in 2017 to match his vision — a perfect mix of spectacle and soul.
Ikigai: The Side Stage with Purpose

Next to the Pagoda is a smaller, intimate space called Ikigai Mori.
“Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning your ‘purpose in life,’” Robbie explained. “Mori means forest. It’s a place for my crew — many of them DJs — to play when they can’t get a main stage slot. Now even big DJs want to play here because it’s so vibey and fun.”
What started as a staff hangout has become one of the most talked-about spots at the festival.
What Makes the Pagoda Special

Robbie says Shambhala’s uniqueness comes from its grassroots, boutique scale.
“We’re not Tomorrowland or EDC. This is built on 25+ years of love. Every year we add to what’s already here instead of tearing it down. The tech gets better, the art evolves, but the original spirit is still here.”
When it comes to bookings, Robbie’s taste is diverse — heavy on house and bass — but always guided by feeling.
“If it gives me goosebumps, it’s in. I’ve booked artists at $2,000 who’ve since blown up. I just know when something’s going to hit.”
Behind the Scenes

Thirty days out, Robbie is ordering supplies, slotting crews, and managing up to 100 staff. A week before, it’s a scramble to get final gear in place. By the festival’s start, the machine is running smoothly.
Promotion for individual stages is grassroots — social posts, word of mouth, and trust that people will follow the music they connect with.
Balancing Headliners and Rising Stars

Without massive corporate budgets, Shambhala books artists who truly want to play here. Robbie blends big names with underground talent he believes in.
“Some people book just for ticket sales. I book for the music and the vibe — and those artists often become the ones everyone’s talking about the next year.”
Advice for Aspiring Stage Directors

Robbie’s advice is as simple as it is important:
“When we started, all we wanted was to have fun with our friends. I never planned for this to be a job. If you do it for the right reasons, you’ve got a real chance at creating something special.”
From the early days of scavenged tarps and buried trailers to one of the most recognizable stages in Canadian festival culture, the Pagoda’s story is proof that passion, community, and a little bit of stubborn creativity can build something timeless. Robbie’s vision has kept the stage evolving while staying true to its underground roots — and as long as Shambhala keeps dancing, the Pagoda will remain its beating heart.
Want more Shambhala details?
Visit the festival website and follow across socials:
Official Website: shambhalamusicfestival.com
Instagram: @shambhala_mf
Facebook: ShambhalaMusicFestival
Follow the Pagoda Stage:
Instagram: @thepagodastage
Follow DJ Soup:
Instagram: @djsoupofficial
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EDM Festival News
Apple Music to Livestream Tomorrowland Belgium 2026
Apple Music Club Live to Stream Tomorrowland Belgium 2026 Worldwide
Apple Music has announced that Tomorrowland Belgium will join Club Live, the newly launched live streaming series exclusively on Apple Music Club radio, bringing live audio broadcasts from selected sets during Weekend 1 to listeners worldwide. The broadcasts will run from July 17 to 19, beginning at 3 PM CET each day, with performances from Armin van Buuren, Avalon Emerson B2B Ben UFO, Bedouin, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Fisher, Jazzy, John Summit, Martin Garrix, Max Styler, Sara Landry, and more.
Tomorrowland Belgium Joins Apple Music Club Live
Following the launch of Club Live with EDC Las Vegas and its continued expansion through The Warehouse Project, Tomorrowland Belgium becomes the next major partner in the series, with select performances from the Belgian festival set to stream live for listeners around the world. Apple Music Club radio will livestream across six stages for free throughout the weekend, with select sets also available on demand in Spatial Audio with an Apple Music subscription following the broadcasts.
Listeners will also be able to hear rebroadcasts of the previous day’s performances on Apple Music Club radio throughout the weekend. Additional broadcast details, artist announcements, and schedules will be revealed soon.
Tomorrowland Belgium takes place annually at De Schorre in Boom, Belgium. Since its first edition in 2005, the festival has grown into a global reference within electronic music, welcoming around 400,000 visitors from more than 200 countries each year while presenting one of the industry’s most expansive and diverse lineups. Hundreds of artists perform across more than 16 stages, covering global headliners, underground artists, and emerging talent from across electronic music.
Stephen Campbell, Global Head of Dance, Electronic Music & DJ Mixes at Apple Music, said:
“Tomorrowland is one of the most iconic festivals in the world and a defining global gathering for dance music culture. Bringing Tomorrowland into Club Live allows us to connect fans everywhere with the energy, creativity, and atmosphere of the festival as it happens. Through Apple Music Club radio, we’re continuing to open up these cultural moments by bringing world-class performances from the dance floor to a global audience in real time, while preserving sets for fans to experience again on demand.”
Club Live Supports Licensed DJ Broadcasts
Building on the technology behind Apple Music’s DJ Mix programme, powered by Shazam’s identification capabilities, Club Live makes licensed live DJ broadcasts possible at scale. The result is a sustainable model that connects leading dance floors with a global audience while ensuring mixes are properly cleared, tracked, monetised, and paid.
Club Live sessions will continue to roll out regularly from clubs, festivals, and Apple Music studios, spotlighting established artists and emerging names while building an archive of live dance music performances available through Apple Music.
Listeners can tune in for free on Apple Music Club radio from July 17 to 19, beginning at 3 PM CET each day. Selected DJ mixes will also be available on demand in Spatial Audio with an Apple Music subscription after each livestream.
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EDM Festival News
Sacred Acre 2026 Phase II Lineup Announced
Sacred Acre reveals its Phase II lineup for September 11-13 2026 on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, adding OPIUO, Mr. Bill, INZO, and Tape B B2B Effin to its fifth annual edition.
Sacred Acre, Alaska’s largest immersive electronic music and eco-activism festival, returns September 11–13, 2026, with the release of its second wave of artists for the festival’s fifth annual edition. Following the initial announcement of Tape B (performing two sets), Maddy O’Neal, and Effin, Sacred Acre has confirmed a dynamic Phase II lineup including Tape B B2B Effin, OPIUO, Mr. Bill, INZO, Mindchatter, Josh Teed, Tripp St., Cool Customer, Phyphr, Audio Goblin, Meduso, Mlotik, Dredlok, OkayJake, STVSH, and David Starfire, alongside a diverse wave of rising and regional talent.

Set along the stunning Cook Inlet coastline and nestled within the forests of the Kenai Peninsula, Sacred Acre continues to offer a festival experience unlike any other – blending world-class music, immersive storytelling, and environmental advocacy. The festival remains committed to raising awareness and support to combat factory trawling in Alaska’s waters and preserve the region’s delicate marine ecosystems.
“Every year, we’re not just throwing a party. We’re trying to build something that actually matters,” says Festival Director Chris Miller. “Getting people together in a place like this, surrounded by so much beauty, creates space to celebrate, learn from each other, and hopefully leave a little more inspired to take action.”
The festival continues to expand its offerings in 2026, introducing enhanced travel infrastructure and accessibility tools for attendees making the journey to Alaska. New and returning options include discount flight partnerships, hotel packages, round-trip shuttle bundles from Anchorage, on-site camping and RV accommodations, and VIP experience tiers.
Sacred Acre continues to challenge the perception that traveling to Alaska is out of reach. With bundled options including GA tickets and round-trip shuttle access starting around $300, four-night on-site camping from $139, and average round-trip flights estimated at approximately $350 from most major US cities, attendees can experience the full festival for an estimated total of around $789. Compared to the rising costs of many U.S. festivals—often exceeding $1,200—Sacred Acre offers a uniquely accessible opportunity to explore Alaska without compromising on experience.
Outside of music programming, Sacred Acre’s true passion lies in environmental advocacy – specifically, fighting the devastating impacts of factory trawling. Through immersive experiences, educational workshops, and direct action, Sacred Acre invites every attendee to help protect our oceans and preserve the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Sacred Acre is about creating real change through music, art, and collective engagement.
Alaskan Adventure Packages
Sacred Acre continues to raise the bar on destination experiences with its signature lineup of excursions. Attendees can soar above the Cook Inlet with Alaska Ultimate Safaris on glacier helicopter tours, set sail on the DJ-led “Bumpin’ on the Bay” cruise through Kachemak Bay, dive into Coldwater Alaska’s sustainable halibut spearfishing experience, or explore the land through guided plant foraging hikes and Kenai River fishing trips.
Wellness & Conscious Programming
The Stillwater Reflection Center returns as the heart of Sacred Acre’s wellness experience, offering over 25 free workshops in yoga, sound healing, ecstatic dance, cacao ceremonies, and more. Complemented by thoughtful talks, art installations, and social hubs like the Tranquilitea Lounge and Tavern, this programming helps guests reconnect with themselves and each other.
Visuals & Immersion
Sacred Acre transforms the Alaskan wilderness with stunning visuals, featuring the state’s largest laser light display and fully immersive stage environments. Hosting national lighting and visual artists such as Glass Crane and Papa Bear. The beloved SeaLegs Stilt Troupe returns with theatrical performances and brand-new characters, weaving a live narrative throughout the weekend that adds an element of fantasy and surprise at every turn.
ARCHES Campground & On-Site Comforts
Located just steps from the main stage, the upgraded ARCHES Campground offers convenient, forest-adjacent lodging for the full weekend. Expanded gear rental options, bundled camping packages, and shuttle access ensure attendees have everything they need for a seamless, comfortable Alaskan adventure.
Tickets & Travel
Tickets for Sacred Acre 2026 are now on sale, with early bird GA, VIP, camping, and shuttle packages available. With support from partners like Delta Airlines, Alaska Airline, Midnight Sun Can Rentals and J&L Hospitality the festival is also offering discounts on airfare, lodging, RVs, and gear rentals.
Find tickets below: https://www.sacredacreak.com/plan-your-trip
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EDM Festival News
Osheaga 2026: 10 EDM Sets You Can’t Miss
Osheaga 2026 brings Amelie Lens, Subtronics, Odd Mob, VTSS, Major Lazer and more to Montreal’s Parc Jean Drapeau, and here are the ten EDM sets you cannot miss.
We’re officially one month away from the 19th edition of Osheaga music and arts Festival. This festival is best known for their diverse lineup which has artists from the pop, indie, hip-hop, alternative, rock and electronic music genre. With many sets to see over the three-day festival weekend at Parc Jean Drapeau in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. There are 6 stages. From previous years setups it can be considered 3 islands of stages that hold 2 stages. For example a couple years ago on the left stage it was Labrinth so you have slower, sadder R&B and right after he finished the right stage commenced with Martin Garrix which is arguably the complete opposite being fast and upbeat.
Here are the 10 EDM sets to watch out for:
Day 1
MPH at 5:30pm on the Coca-Cola Island Stage
If you are looking to get funky this weekend come join the UK Garage artist known for meshing house and garage together for new sounds that we don’t typically get to hear. By blending UK garage, bass house, and club-ready rhythms into a sound that’s still relatively rare on North American festival lineups this will be a new experience to enjoy.
VTSS at 6:30 on the Coca-Cola Stage
Mayrtyna Maja is a Polish DJ who will be making the crowd scream with her high energy techno set.
Amelie Lens at 9:45pm on the Coca-Cola Stage
This future mother to be will be closing off the first day of Osheaga with a hypnotizing techno set. The crowd will be hoping to hear the original of the trending social media sound “I know I should sleep… but the voices in my head go…”
Day 2
Laura Scavo 2:00pm on the Coca-Cola Stage
You won’t want to miss this opening set because you’ll never want it to end – you’ll just keep wanting to dance till the morning. Laura is a top Montreal DJ who plays at their top clubs and festivals. While the sun is shining you’ll be bopping and bouncing to the jungle house vibes she usually brings.
Zulan 6:30pm on the Coca-Cola Stage
This will be a set that you’ll want to go on forever because you will just want to keep on dancing to the various blends she will be bringing to the dance floor; it could be house, garage or high energy EDM.
It’s Murph at 7:35pm on the Coca-Cola Stage
Come get lost in the music at It’s Murph’s set. After exploding in popularity through TikTok and social media, It’s Murph has quickly become a rising house artist.
Odd Mob at 8:40pm on the Coca-Cola Stage
It won’t be possible to not be moving left to right his whole set. With original songs falling in the tech house category and club remixes this set will allow ravers to have so much fun dancing and singing right around sunset.
Day 3
Zara Larsson at 6:40pm on the Bell River Stage
While Zara Larsson isn’t traditionally considered an EDM artist, her music has become a staple of the dance music world. Countless producers have remixed her biggest hits, and she’s collaborated with several electronic artists throughout her career. Her catalogue is packed with songs that festival crowds love to sing along to.
Subtronics 8:05 pm on the Belairdirect Valley Stage
The crowd will be gassed up for the opportunity to finally get a touch of bass Osheaga weekend. Expect all the rail shaking, head banging and mosh pits.
Major Lazer 9:15pm on the Scotia Forest Stage
The group will be lighting things up to close off Osheaga weekend. It will be such a powerful set full of dancing and all the music that brings us back to circa 2016 which is what everyone wants this summer to be!
Whether you’re a techno lover, house head, bass enthusiast, or simply looking to discover something new, Osheaga 2026 has an electronic lineup that’s worth exploring. With artists spread throughout the weekend, it’s easy to build a schedule that lets you experience both the festival’s diverse programming and some of the best dance music acts on the lineup.
Charge your phone, stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t forget your earplugs. Looking for a reputable brand for ear plugs we recommend menuedo lossless earplugs!
We’ll see you on the dance floor.
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