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ESNS 26: A Look Through A Dance Music Fans’ Lens

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A high-energy, golden-lit concert hall during ESNS 2026, with beams of orange and yellow light cutting through a hazy room as a massive crowd of music fans watches a live performance.

ESNS 2026 transformed Groningen into a borderless map of Europe’s future sound, featuring 300+ emerging artists and a historic opening by the Queen of the Netherlands.

With 300+ emerging artists from nearly 40 countries, ESNS once again proved why it’s Europe’s most important showcase festival and not just a place to watch gigs, but a place to feel where music is heading next.

As a huge electronic music fan, ESNS felt very reminiscent of ADE, shows were spread across the city every night, with pop-up performances in unexpected places, intimate venues just around the corner, and crowds constantly moving, discovering, and sharing moments.

One minute you’d stumble into a DJ set in a club, the next you’d be surrounded by energetic rap performance. From quite and cozy indie folk shows in churches to all the way to absolutely unhinged, high-energy punk shows, ESNS genuinely had something for everyone. And that’s what made it special: it wasn’t genre-locked or scene-exclusive. It was open, curious, and borderless.

Among the countless memories from this year’s festival here are some of our favorites:

The Queen of the Netherlands officially opened ESNS 2026, a moment that underlined the festival’s cultural significance well beyond the music industry. According to an ESNS representative, this marked the first time the Queen has attended the opening of a music festival or conference. Her presence continued beyond the ceremony, as she was later seen attending Dove Ellis’ live performance at a packed Binnenzaal.

Even for dedicated dance music fans, Dove Ellis’  live performance was a standout moment. The performance felt immersive and almost surreal, driven by thought-provoking, carefully written lyrics layered over rich and atmospheric instrumentation. Despite being a relatively new name on the scene, Dove Ellis has quickly become one of the festival’s most talked-about artists and this performance made it clear why.

One of the week’s key highlights was the Music Moves Europe Awards 2026, held during a celebratory ceremony on Thursday, 15 January 2026, in Groningen. A total of seven awards were presented: five MME Awards, one Grand Jury Prize, and one Public Choice Award.

The MME Award winners were Camille Yembe (Belgium), Carpetman (Ukraine), Della (Cyprus), Sarah Julia (Netherlands), and Sofie Royer (Austria). The Grand Jury Prize was awarded to Lia Kali (Spain), who also claimed the Public Choice Award, voted for by music fans across Europe and beyond. All 15 nominated artists performed at ESNS and took part in the MME Education Programme, designed to equip emerging artists with industry insight and long-term career tools.

Swedish DJ and producer Naarly, also co-creator of Engeloop Records, delivered one of the festival’s sickest DJ performance. Known widely for his house hit “Addicted,” Naarly’s set was both eclectic and high-energy, balancing groove with emotional depth. He also tested some unreleased music such as remix of the song ‘Reverie” , If you are into afro house music and happened to be in Groningen, this was the place to be!

Elsewhere, festivalgoers may have noticed flyers inviting attendees to leave a voice note and have a song created from it, an outside-the-box concept devised by the artist Might Delete Later. What blew me away was that her voice genuinely sounds like a sampled vocal but it’s completely live. I’ve honestly never heard anything like it before. Bold, inventive, and forward-thinking, her set made the long queue outside Huize Maas more than worth the wait.

The night continued with homegrown DJ Emmz, who delivered a groovy, multi-genre set at the MEET@AIR DJ Stage. The venue was intimate, the crowd locked in, and genre boundaries were intentionally blurred. Difficult to categorise as it had a flavor of disco, progressive house, electro all together while she sang live over the instrumental.

While waiting for Emmz’s DJ set, I ended up catching Dutch rapper Louis Pedro at the main stage. Didn’t understand a single word but loved the vibes. I could see people in their teens and early twenties jumping to his bars while there was people in the later part of their life who seemed to enjoy the music equally. This is something rare, especially in rap industry so credit to the artists. And that’s what ESNS represents: music without borders. It isn’t always linguistic, sometimes it’s purely emotional.

Beyond the music, ESNS 2026 leaned heavily into conversations about local ecosystems, sustainability, and long-term artist development. Panels and talks focused on how scenes grow, how artists survive, and how Europe can stay culturally connected through music and not algorithms. This wasn’t just industry talk for the sake of it. It felt urgent, necessary, and refreshingly honest.

ESNS 2026 wasn’t just a festival, it was a living map of Europe’s future sound. It was chaotic in the best way. Intimate yet global. Loud, quiet, polished, rough – sometimes all in the same night.

Spotify and Partnerships manager at EDMHouseNetwork. Occasionally chiming in with some new music and news. You can find me in the front row at a Martin Garrix or Tiesto show.

Primavera Sound

Primavera Sound Barcelona 2026 Recap

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A packed crowd at the Cupra Pulse stage at Primavera Sound Barcelona 2026, with dramatic white haze and beam lighting cutting across a massive audience in a semi-outdoor industrial venue, a DJ visible on the elevated stage left platform and screens displaying visuals across the back wall.

Primavera Sound Barcelona 2026 closed its 24th edition with 287,000 attendees, a historic The Cure headline set, Skrillex, and an unannounced Olivia Rodrigo appearance.

Primavera Sound Barcelona 2026 Recap wraps up an unforgettable 24th edition featuring a storm-hit opening and a historic two-and-a-half-hour set from The Cure. There was also an unannounced Olivia Rodrigo appearance. That became the defining moment of the weekend.

Held at the Parc del Fòrum in Barcelona from June 4 to 6, the festival drew 287,000 attendees from across the globe for a sold-out edition. This was the second consecutive year that all tickets were snapped up months in advance. Despite an opening day thrown into chaos by severe weather, Primavera Sound 2026 delivered one of the most talked-about editions in recent memory.

Day One (Thursday, June 4): Storms Force Major Cancellations

The festival kicked off as it traditionally does with Primavera a la Ciutat on Wednesday, June 3. This citywide warm-up spread across clubs, theatres, and concert halls throughout Barcelona. British rock duo Wet Leg headlined the evening. As a result, they set an energetic tone before the main festival days got underway.

By Thursday, however, the mood shifted dramatically. Strong winds reaching nearly 80 km/h swept across Barcelona, bringing torrential rain and lightning. This made it impossible to safely operate the festival’s largest outdoor stages. As a result, headline performances scheduled for the Estrella Damm and Revolut main stages, including sets from Doja Cat, Massive Attack, Bad Gyal, Mac DeMarco, and Alex G, were cancelled for safety reasons.

Geese, the New York rock band, became an unlikely symbol of the night. They continued their explosive performance as the storm descended on the Parc del Fòrum before conditions made it impossible to carry on. Meanwhile, smaller indoor stages kept the evening alive. Panda Bear, Father John Misty, Oklou, Overmono, and late-night electronic acts Fcukers and ¥ØUUK€¥UK1MATUK€ ¥UK1MAT U kept crowds moving through the disruption. Festival organizers issued refunds to the roughly 15,000 single-day ticket holders. These were the people most affected by the cancellations.

Day Two (Friday, June 5): The Cure Headlines a Redemption Night

Friday brought clearer skies and a crowd determined to make up for lost time. Long lines formed early at the gates as festivalgoers streamed back into the Parc del Fòrum. This set the mood for what would become one of the weekend’s most celebrated nights.

Addison Rae opened the evening with a highly choreographed, theatrical main stage performance, complete with dancers, costume changes, and arena-level production. This drew one of the largest early-evening crowds of the festival and turned plenty of skeptics into believers. In addition, PinkPantheress brought her drum-and-bass-tinged bedroom pop to a packed stage. The crowd overflowed well beyond the designated viewing area. JADE delivered an emotional, dance-pop-heavy set that drew a particularly enthusiastic response. Ethel Cain performed an ethereal, visually striking show surrounded by forest-like stage decor. Skrillex, operating as SONNY on the Cupra Pulse stage, spent the day as host, resident, and curator. He pulled in collaborators including Four Tet and Arca for an extended, unpredictable set.

Friday’s electronic music highlight came courtesy of Skrillex, operating under his SONNY alias on the Cupra Pulse stage. What started as a headline DJ set quickly evolved into one of the most unpredictable and euphoric performances of the entire weekend. Pulling in collaborators throughout the night, Skrillex blurred the line between a DJ set and a full live experience. This delivered the kind of high-energy, bass-heavy chaos that only he can. In the end, it was a masterclass in electronic showmanship. It was also a reminder of why he remains one of the most electrifying live acts in the world.

But Friday ultimately belonged to The Cure. Robert Smith and his bandmates took the stage as darkness fell over Barcelona and delivered a staggering two-and-a-half-hour headline performance. They wove newer material together with decades of classics. The set became an instant talking point across the festival and beyond.

Day Three (Saturday, June 6): Olivia Rodrigo Steals the Show

The final day of Primavera Sound 2026 was described by many as the most transcendent of the three. Confirmed headliners for the evening included The xx. They made their first appearance at Parc del Fòrum since 2009. My Bloody Valentine returned for their first Primavera set since 2013. Gorillaz provided the night’s grand, communal centerpiece. Little Simz, Big Thief, Kneecap, MARINA, Peggy Gou, and Knocked Loose, the latter reportedly opening one of the largest circle pits in the festival’s history, all contributed to a day that felt like several festivals running at once.

The defining moment came from a guest not originally listed on the bill. Hours before the evening programme began, Olivia Rodrigo confirmed via Instagram that she would be performing an unannounced set that night on the Occident stage. Therefore, the announcement sent shockwaves through the grounds. It created an immediate scheduling conflict with My Bloody Valentine’s simultaneous slot on the main stage.

Rodrigo took the stage to a massive crowd, opening with “Bad Idea Right?” and “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl” before working through an 11-song set. The set included “Vampire,” “Drivers License,” “Deja Vu,” “All American Bitch,” and “Good 4 U.” The performance doubled as a preview for her upcoming third album. That album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, is due for release the following Friday.

The night’s most talked-about moment came two-thirds of the way through her set, when The Cure’s Robert Smith walked on stage to join Rodrigo for the world premiere of their new collaboration, “What’s Wrong With Me.” The pairing, rooted in their ongoing creative connection that began at Glastonbury the previous summer, brought the crowd to a standstill. To close, the festival ended with Rodrigo thanking the crowd in Spanish before exiting to one of the loudest receptions of the weekend.

A 24th Edition to Remember

With 287,000 attendees and a sold-out run for the second year in a row, Primavera Sound Barcelona 2026 closed its 24th edition with its reputation firmly intact. The weekend contained storm-powered adversity, all-time classic headline sets, and one of the most memorable unannounced appearances in the festival’s history. Furthermore, the countdown to the 25th anniversary edition, scheduled for June 3–5, 2027, begins now.

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Shyra Sanchez Releases New Operator Remixes Package

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Shyra Sanchez Releases New Operator Remixes Package With Dave Audé, Bimbo Jones, Until Dawn, Marc Baigent, and Try Harder

Shyra Sanchez releases new Operator remixes package as her debut single continues to gain support across dance radio, club charts, and international airplay. The original version of Operator has already reached No. 37 on the Billboard Dance Mixshow Airplay Chart, No. 34 on Mediabase, and No. 1 on the DRT Global Top 100 Independent Airplay Chart for two consecutive weeks, while also picking up UK Music Week club chart action and spins on Kiss FM’s Future Dance Anthems. With the record already moving across the US and UK dance music space, the remix package gives Operator a wider club run through new versions from Dave Audé, Bimbo Jones, Until Dawn, Marc Baigent, and Try Harder.

Operator Extends Its Run Beyond The Original Release

For a debut single, Operator has already gathered a strong amount of early support across several dance music channels. Its Billboard Dance Mixshow Airplay position points to US radio traction, while the Mediabase placement and two-week run at No. 1 on the DRT Global Top 100 Independent Airplay Chart show that the record has found movement beyond one isolated chart. The UK response adds another part to that story, with Music Week club chart activity and Kiss FM’s Future Dance Anthems giving the single more visibility on the other side of the Atlantic.

The remix package now extends that original run by giving DJs, radio programmers, and club selectors different versions of Operator to work with. Instead of treating the remix release as a separate add-on, the package keeps Shyra Sanchez’s vocal performance as the thread that connects each version back to the original. That helps the release stay focused on her as the artist behind the record, while still allowing each producer to take the single into a different club direction.

Dave Audé, Bimbo Jones, Until Dawn, Marc Baigent, And Try Harder Rework Operator

Dave Audé brings one of the strongest remix profiles to the package, arriving off the back of remix work for Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Madonna, and Jennifer Lopez. His version of Operator leans into a heavier club direction, with the press release pointing to its chunkier kick drum approach. Bimbo Jones, whose remix credits include Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Kylie Minogue, takes the single into funkier house territory, giving the package a brighter and more groove-led version while keeping the vocal hook recognizable.

The rest of the package widens the single further without pulling it away from its original identity. Until Dawn takes Operator into a more bass-heavy version, adding extra weight to the release, while Marc Baigent and Try Harder complete the lineup with additional club-focused interpretations. Across the package, the remixes give Operator several routes into DJ sets, club floors, and dance radio, from funky house movement to heavier bass and kick-led versions.

As Shyra Sanchez prepares for her next single, Dance With Me, scheduled to arrive in June 2026, the Operator remixes package keeps her debut single active before the next release begins. With chart movement, radio support, club chart action, and a handpicked remix lineup now behind the record, Operator continues to introduce Shyra Sanchez to a wider dance music audience.

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Bootshaus Marks 22 Years With L-Acoustics DJ Upgrade

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A packed Bootshaus dancefloor lit in deep red, with the DJ booth and large overhead speakers visible above the crowd.

Bootshaus Marks 22 Years With L-Acoustics DJ Upgrade as the Cologne club brings 360° spatial audio to its Mainfloor

Since opening its doors in 2004, Bootshaus has built one of the most recognisable identities in electronic music. Based in Cologne, Germany, the club has spent two decades earning its place among Europe’s most respected spaces for electronic music, with a reputation tied to major international artists, high-level production, and a dancefloor that has become a destination for fans. As it marks its 22nd anniversary, Bootshaus is now making one of its biggest audio upgrades to date with the installation of L-Acoustics DJ on its Mainfloor. The new 8.1.7 A Series loudspeaker configuration brings 360° spatial audio into the club, allowing different parts of a record to move around the audience in real time. The system debuted on June 5 with Holy Priest, followed by Don Diablo on June 12. For a club that welcomes more than 200,000 visitors and 500 DJs each year, the upgrade gives Bootshaus a new technical edge while marking another step in its long-running influence on global club culture.

Bootshaus Brings L-Acoustics DJ To Its Mainfloor

As part of its 22nd anniversary upgrade, Bootshaus has installed L-Acoustics DJ with a new 8.1.7 A Series loudspeaker configuration in 360° on its Mainfloor. The system is designed to move past a standard stereo setup by separating parts of a record in real time and placing them around the dancefloor. For a venue known for high-production club nights, the upgrade gives artists another way to use the room during their sets while keeping their usual DJ workflow intact.

“Bootshaus has always been about the crowd, and spatial audio gives that energy a new dimension. The music stops playing at the crowd and starts moving around the audience, so a bassline can sweep across the floor or a vocal can land from above. It’s a new creative tool for the artists we book, and as one of the first clubs in the world to offer it, it’s a perfect way to celebrate our 22-year legacy while shaping the next chapter, always looking for new ways to deliver the best experience on the dancefloor,” said Tom Thomas, Managing Director at Bootshaus.

How L-Acoustics DJ Works Inside Bootshaus

L-Acoustics DJ runs on the L-ISA Processor II and is powered by Source Separate, a proprietary low-latency technology that uses machine learning to isolate the stems of a stereo track in real time. That means beats, basslines, melodies, and vocals can be separated while the DJ is performing, then positioned across different parts of the room. In practice, a vocal can be placed above the audience, a bassline can move across the floor, and separate elements of the same record can be heard from different points inside the club.

The system is also built to fit into existing DJ setups without forcing artists to rethink their set, routing, or technical rider. That detail matters in a club environment, where touring DJs, residents, and one-off bookings all need a setup that can work quickly on show night. For Bootshaus, the result is a new technical layer on the Mainfloor without changing the core function of the room as a high-intensity club space.

A New 360° A Series System For The Mainfloor

To support the full spatial potential of L-Acoustics DJ, Bootshaus has overhauled its Mainfloor sound system with an 8.1.7 A Series configuration in 360°. Two hangs of two A15 Wide over one A15 Focus flank the DJ booth and anchor the front of the system. Six additional hangs, each made up of one A15 Wide over one A15 Focus, extend around the sides and rear of the dancefloor to complete the horizontal field.

The height layer comes from seven X12 coaxial enclosures placed overhead. Two A15 Focus loudspeakers serve as DJ monitors, while the full system is powered by three LA7.16i amplified controllers. Together, the setup is built to provide the volume and low-end Bootshaus audiences expect while allowing specific parts of a record to be placed in ways a traditional stereo system cannot produce.

Bootshaus Continues Its Legacy In Cologne

Located on the banks of the Rhine in Cologne, Bootshaus has grown from a local club into one of the most recognised electronic music venues in the world. The club was named fourth in The World’s 100 Best Clubs 2025 by the International Nightlife Association and placed No. 5 in the 2024 DJ Mag rankings. Its lineups have brought in names across electronic music, including Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens, Skrillex, FISHER, Boris Brejcha, David Guetta, Avicii, and Diplo.

The wider Bootshaus ecosystem also includes its record label, Bootshaus Music, and destination festival Nibirii. With the addition of L-Acoustics DJ, the club is using its 22nd anniversary to update one of the most important parts of its identity: the sound of the room. For more information on Bootshaus, visit bootshaus.tv.

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