HARDEN is carving out a bold space in indie dance, blending raw emotion, analog grit, and immersive energy into a sound that’s his own.

With a breakout year already in motion, HARDEN is quickly establishing himself as a formidable voice in the indie dance world. His Onyx Doe EP has turned heads on both vinyl and streaming platforms, earning chart-topping success and praise for its gritty, hypnotic sound. Fresh off standout performances at Miami Music Week and ABC Ranch during Coachella, and deeply embedded in Denver’s evolving music scene, HARDEN is pushing boundaries through both sound and community. We caught up with him to talk creative process, influences, and what’s next.

Hi Marc. Thanks so much for speaking with us. How are you and how has your year been so far? Any highlights to air?

I’m great. I’m living a dream. 2025 is one for the books for me. The release of the Onyx Doe EP on vinyl and streaming platforms is probably tops for the year so far, but the gigs have been super special. There have been so many great events, but the shows at Miami Music Week and ABC Ranch during Coachella really stand out for me.

What’s the scene like in Denver? Is there a thriving party and music community? What about labels and record shops, etc?

Denver has a very interesting scene. Denver is very connected and supportive within the party / music communities – you see a lot of the same friends at almost every show. There’s also Red Rocks up the hill as well as other world class venues like Mission Ballroom and others and just about every artist pulls through town. That can cause some fatigue on hard ticket shows but the community generally supports nonetheless. There are some legendary pop-up event companies and the city has a rich music culture. It’s definitely more laid back than Miami or New York, which frankly, is nice. Since there are so many options for events/shows/concerts, some events don’t do as well as they might in other cities, but the city is generally full of music junkies and people that like to tear it up for a few days… it suits me.

How much has Denver shaped your own sound? Tell us about your musical journey up until the present .

I’m not sure that Denver has much influence on my sound, honestly. When I was in my teens, I was really drawn to the post-punk sound of Washington DC as well as some of the indie/lo-fi rock that was coming out of California and New York. I grew up playing electric guitar on a tube amps and the sound I was drawn to wasn’t really represented in my city. Over the years, as I was drawn to dance music, there was a better connection to Denver from a music appreciation perspective. I think that if you listen to HARDEN music, you’ll hear some common threads that you would have heard in the 9:30 or Black Cat 30 years ago in DC. There’s an edge to the music that I feel drawn to, a grime to it, and of course a steady kick. I wouldn’t say that was a Denver sound, at least when I was growing in music. Nowadays though, there are lots of strong indie dance artists/DJs in the community and we definitely love playing off each other and sharing music.

What artists would you say have been the biggest influences on your sound?

Fergie, of course. He’s my musical hero and co-creator. I really dig the dark but still vibey sounds of Oppaacha, Jimi Jules and Mita Gami. I also really enjoy the dark and relentless sound of Gary Beck and Raxon. The dramatic elements of NTO and Angelos are a part of the sound too. Many others, of course.

Can you tell us what ‘Onyx Doe’ represents to you sonically and emotionally? What was the headspace going into this release?

I love the attitude of the song. It comes out and has a position. Strong kick and deep, dark indie sounds, which is what I love most in electronic music now and was represented in the music I loved growing up. The vocal is playful and powerful and is a bit hip hop, which is another genre I love. The sound just hits the vibe for me and I’m super pumped about how it came out. I love the drama in it but also the relentless and hypnotic rhythm underlying the whole track.

The song has some additional sentimental value as I named it after a friend that was ejected from a vehicle and paralyzed. He has “Onyx Doe” tattooed on his knees. That’s what the hospital named him when they couldn’t identify him. His attitude about his circumstance is tremendous and we’ve done a lot in music together. He grinds and loves and has an edge to him, which I think is represented in the song.

As far as the headspace going into the release, I’d say it was an exciting, busy and challenging time that required toughness and an attitude of hope and openness. The song feels like that to me when I hear it.

Your debut EP hit #1 on Beatport’s indie dance chart, with all three tracks landing in the singles chart. How does that early success impact you next time you go in the studio?

It’s nice to be recognized and it’s really nice to have people dance to your tracks. That said, I’m focused on making the music I actually want to listen to and not chasing charts. The music will live on much longer than the charts and there must be integrity in it. There must be a constitution in the sound, a drive, an attitude. If there are chart climbers while the integrity of the HARDEN sound remain in tact, wonderful. It’s a wonderful start but the music has to connect to and drive the soul and has to be something I love. If I love it, I know many others will too.

You’ve shared the stage with some real heavyweights — DJ Tennis, Adam Ten, Super Flu. What’s one standout moment from those shows that’s stuck with you?

Playing with Adam Ten last summer in the RINO Art District really stands out. The studio/creative space that I have poured my soul into is just a block away from it. The show was incredible. We played on an art car that had fire shooting off it, lasers, and the best sound I’ve heard. It was one of the best parties I’ve ever been to in Denver and it was on a Sunday, which sounds impossible. Every time I walk to get a margarita or a coffee a block away, I see where the pop-up was and I get carried back to that day. In my mind, I can see the art car sitting where the stage was and can feel the energy of that day. It’s a beautiful lot with tons of graffiti and I hope someday that I can play another show there. It’s magical.

Casa Alta is more than just a label. It’s a party, a label, a studio, a creative hub… what’s the unifying theme, vision or motivation behind it all?

The unifying theme is unapologetic and independent creativity. There is certainly a Casa Alta way of doing things, and that tends to be finding an edge in the sound and vibe and ensuring that the highest quality people and tools are utilized in creating whatever it is Casa Alta has it’s mind on. Everybody on the Casa Alta team has an intense passion for music and life. We do want to deliver “special” and unique in whatever event, record, or relationship that we are involved in. That said, it has to be done with the intention of an independent spirit, one that that has great taste, a love for tequila and occasionally a short memory, hahaha.

Your events feel really art-forward and immersive. Do you draw inspiration from outside the club world – visual art, architecture and film for example?

That’s a really interesting question. I honestly don’t know. I’ve always been drawn to interesting architecture and that’s certainly a calling card of our shows. I grew up on truly independent rock music and most of the shows I would go to were very small, usually less than 50 people. It was impactful being able to feel the energy of the artists, and that is certainly a major component of what we try to deliver. I also grew up on Tarantino films and the great noir films of the 90s and I’d say that there are some ethereal elements from those movies that you can feel at our events.

What are you building in Denver with the new studio and artist space? Can you give us a glimpse of what that hub will offer?

The space is incredible. It’s 4,000 square feet in the heart of RINO, the arts district of Denver. The space and studio itself are heavily analog focused. It’s a space that connects the old studio designs of the 1960s and 70s to today. The sound system throughout the facility is amazing. The lighting and interior design elements throughout the space are just totally unique, beautiful and sensible.

The equipment in the studio itself is largely analog gear that delivers a beautiful, rich sound you can’t get out of a computer. There’s a beautiful old Space Echo unit we use constantly, a bespoke modular synth we’ve built up over the past year, an original 909 that’s still punching hard, and a Prophet-10 that’s just dripping with character. These pieces are a big part of the sound we’re crafting.

Aside from the studio, there are many areas to relax, play pool, have a beer, or meet with your team in a very vibe-driven and comfortable environment. The space is connected throughout and the aesthetic is unique and timeless. Within the building is a high-fi vinyl listening lounge that houses working vintage equipment as well as turntables and a mixer ready to go at all times. We have 2,500 records in the cabinetry of the vinyl lounge, and another 7500 records in our archive. There’s a stage and dance floor area for artists to test their music in front of a small private audience, or to have a post-show kickback with their team. The sound throughout the facility has been thought out by some of the best and it will be some of the most pristine sound you can find. The facility is private, secured, and sound-proofed. The building is one that nobody will want to leave once in it. That said, if you were to need a drink or a bite, you’re a block or two away from the best Denver has to offer. There’s nothing like this place. I can’t wait to get in.

What’s next? Any dream collaborations, wild concepts or shows we should keep an eye on?

There are some remixes of songs from the Onyx Doe EP coming out soon from Super Flu, Oppaacha, and Arnaud Rebotini, which I’m very excited about. I’m very excited about the next single, “Fugazi,” which has been a blast to play and I think is special. I’m working on a few other tracks and I’m hoping to get a few other remix collaborations done this year. I have a few wild concepts for events up my sleeve yet but I have to keep them to myself or it will spoil the surprise… but they’re pretty wild and I’m sure you’ll hear about them eventually, haha. I’m excited for some shows next summer in places that don’t have a huge house music community and getting creative with that. I’m still figuring that all out but I love the idea of playing to folks that have a reason to be there and sending them home thinking about something they haven’t seen or heard of. There are so many unique venues that are untapped and I want to get the people and the music to them. You’ll see a few this fall in the southwest USA that are absolutely stunning. I can’t wait to share those sets.

What was the last record that blew you away?

Pagan Dance Move by Arnaud Rebotini. What an ass-kicking tune that is. I know it’s 13 years old, but I found it late, ha!

PARISI return to Italy in 2025 for a special hometown tour with Fred Again.., celebrating their roots, music, and rise to global fame.

Italian duo, PARISI and their friend, Fred Again.. are visiting Italy in 2025 with a new tour, bringing the heat to the best squares and concert halls in the country. Set to take place in September, the tour will make a stop in the following cities: Milano (4th September), Verona (5th September), Naples (7th September), Rome (8th September) and Fasano (12th September. PARISI’s homecoming is more than just a spectacle, “it’s the celebration of 6 years of music, friendship and everything in between,” as the DJ brothers describe it in a post on Instagram.

 

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Rising to fame through their personal work, as well as through collaborations with Fred Again.., Swedish House Mafia and Anyma, the duo quickly became a respected act in the industry.

In 2024, they’ve won a Grammy Award in the Best Dance/Electronic Album category for their collaboration with Fred Again.. on Actual Life 3.

PARISI have travelled the world, stealing the show at some of the most impressive venues and events, such as The Sphere in Las Vegas and Tomorrowland.  Earlier this year, they made their Coachella debut, playing for a packed crowd at the Gobi Tent.

In September, the boys will return to Italy, bringing one of the most exclusive names in the music world with them. Fred Again.. announced these are going to be his only live shows this year, after the Asia run in July 2025.

This could attract international crowds to the Italian venues, as it’s the only chance for Europeans to catch Fred Again.. live on the continent in 2025.

Tickets for the PARISI & Fred Again.. Italy tour go on sale Friday, 11th July. Demand is high, so sign up for the sale following this link.

DJ Mag has just announced results of their annual the top 100 festivals, receiving a record-breaking number of votes recorded in the poll once again.

DJ Mag Top 100 Festivals first started in 2019, when winners were selected by a panel of DJs. After a brief hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the poll returned in 2022 with votes being opened up to the public for the first time. Increased numbers have been recorded every year since, and, in 2025, votes came from every corner of the globe, from North and South America to Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa. DJ Mag’s influence can be seen in the list below, where you’ll find festivals spanning a wide range of electronic music styles, from EDM and hard dance favorites with jaw-dropping production to major house and techno events and underground staples with a sound-system focus.

Topping this year’s ranking is Belgium’s legendary Tomorrowland, once again crowned the world’s No.1 festival. Known for its fantasy-inspired stages, impeccable production, and community-driven atmosphere, Tomorrowland continues to set the benchmark for global dance music events. In fact, DJ Mag readers will also note not far behind is Ultra Music Festival in Miami, which remains a defining moment on the global electronic calendar, signaling the start of the festival season with world-class lineups in the heart of downtown. Rounding out the top three is Romania’s Untold, a relatively newer giant that has quickly become one of Europe’s most iconic and immersive festivals.

The top 10 also features heavyweight names like EDC Las Vegas (4), Glastonbury Festival (5), and Kappa FuturFestival (6), each representing different ends of the electronic music spectrum—from colossal Las Vegas-style EDM spectacles to refined European techno celebrations. Coachella (7) retains its influence thanks to genre-spanning programming and cultural impact, while Sunburn Festival (8) continues to elevate India’s presence on the global dance scene. A testament to DJ Mag’s poll prestige, rounding out the top 10 are Creamfields (9), a UK mainstay for electronic fans, and Defqon.1 (10), the epicenter of hard dance in the Netherlands.

Further down the list, standout festivals like Parookaville (18), Awakenings (20), Neversea Festival (21), and EDC Orlando (22) showcase the diversity of scale and sound that the electronic music community now embraces. From techno purists at Dekmantel Festival (17) to desert dreamers at Burning Man (24), and DJ Mag supported events at Croatian beach settings like Sonus Festival (37) to global franchises like Ultra Europe (31) and World DJ Festival (32), this year’s list proves that the electronic music world is not only growing but thriving in nearly every region.

Meanwhile, up-and-coming and regional events are breaking into the top 100 in record numbers. Vision & Colour Festival (94) and Beonix Festival (69) highlight the rise of new markets, while S20 Hong Kong (78) and EDC China (80) signal Asia’s growing influence in the scene. Boutique experiences like Houghton Festival (86), Glitch Festival (83), and Love International (87) continue to receive recognition for their intimate vibes, curated sounds, and loyal followings. Also, DJ Mag and its festivals like Pitch Music & Arts (96) in Australia and Saga Festival (79) in Romania further illustrating the global appetite for unique, immersive electronic music experiences.

The full list can be seen below:

100. Sónar Lisboa
99. Beats For Love
98. Lost Lands Festival
97. Medusa Sunbeach Festival
96. Pitch Music & Arts
95. Ultra South Africa
94. Vision & Colour Music Festival
93. Outlook Origins
92. Defected Malta
91. Unseen Festival
90. EDC Thailand
89. Fly Open Air Festival
88. Ultra Australia
87. Love Internarional Festival
86. Houghton Festival
85. Sunset By Neon
84. Baum Festival
83. Glitch Festival
82. Beyond The Valley
81. Groove Cruise
80. EDC China
79. Saga Festival
78. S20 Hong Kong
77. Soundstorm
76. Ultra Japan
75. Electric Castle
74. Defected Croatia
73. Jakarta Warehouse Project
72. Ultra Korea
71. Siam Songkran Music Festival
70. Creamfields Chile
69. Beonix festival
68. Lost Village
67. Together Festival
66. Ultra Taiwan
65. Positiv
64. Ravolution Music Festival
63. Sea Star Festival
62. Tomorrowland Winter
61. Blacklist festival
60. Airbeat One
59. HARD Summer
58. Les Plages Electroniques
57. A State Of Trance,
56. Snowbombing
55. S20 Taiwan
54. Ava Festival
53. Neon Countdown
52. Nibirii Festival
51. Nameless Festival
50. EDC Mexico
49. Lovefest
48. Loveland
47. Hideout Festival
46. Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
45. Dimensions Festival
44. Veld Music Festival
43. Panorama Festival
42. Primer Music Festival
41. CRSSD Festival
40. Untold Dubai Festival
39. Lollapalooza
38. DGTL
37. Sonos Festival
36. Arc Music Festival
35. S20 Songkran Music Festival
34. Terminal V
33. Mysteryland
32. World DJ Festival
31. Ultra Europe
30. Neopop Festival
29. 808 Festival
28. EXIT Festival
27. Movement Music Festival
26. Sónar
25. Primavera Sound
24. Burning Man
23. Electric Love
22. EDC Orlando
21. Neversea Festival
20. Awakenings
19. Monegros Desert Festival
18. Parookaville
17. Dekmantel Festival
16. AMF
15. Boomtown
14. Time Warp
13. Sziget Festival
12. Parklife
11. World Club Dome
10 – Defqon.1
9 – Creamfields
8 – Sunburn Festival
7 – Coachella
6 – Kappa FuturFestival
5 – Glastonbury Festival
4 – EDC Las Vegas
3 – Untold
2 – Ultra Music Festival
1 – Tomorrowland