EDM news
MDLBEAST’s Announces Full XP Conference Program & Speakers!
MDLBEAST has unveiled programming details and initial lineup of speakers for their XP Music Conference, the first of its kind in the Middle East. The three-day and night event will take place in Riyadh from 13th – 15th December and will host a large number of leading industry figures, regional and international, who will address topics that are essential for the amplification and evolution of the region’s music industry.
Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, said: “The XP conference will help accelerate the growth of the music industry across the Middle East. We’re bringing together the most forward-thinking people from the world of music who will offer their insights and expertise to provoke conversation and incite positive action to grow our music industry.”
Attending audiences will represent diverse backgrounds including labels, publishers, talent, NGOs, GOVs, events’ companies, entrepreneurs, and industry media. All activations will be categorized under four main pillars which are considered the building blocks of the development of the regional music industry: Talent, Scene, Policy, and Impact.
The Talent pillar at XP will be addressed through 12 activations that cover topics such as original content, professionalization as well as technology. The conference will kick off with a live performance and a discussion panel that lays down the fundamental ingredients for success in music such as education, tech innovation, and investments. The activations will also deal with cultural challenges facing professionalization in the region, where music is yet to be perceived as a viable career path. When it comes to the role of technology in nurturing talent, the conference will feature a wide range of topics such as the latest production platforms, tools, and innovations that can aid the progress of up-and-coming talent.
Among the speakers covering original content at XP will be Chaz Jenkins of Chartmetric, while the Kuwaiti duo, Sons of Yusuf, will be covering professionalization. As for music and technology, Dr. Peter Evans of Let The Music Pay, Janet Sawari of Sinofy Group, and Eric Reithler-Barros of Let The Music Play (dba RCRDSHP) will share their knowledge and experience.
The XP conference will feature day programs rich with informative content through a wide variety of activations including live performances, panels, workshops, Q&As, keynotes, fishbowl discussions, and screenings, and the night program will include regional event brands with unique artist lineups performing across a range of stages, turning XP Music Conference into a platform to bring local and regional events’ brands to the surface.
The Scene pillar at XP will be addressed through 19 activations that cover topics such as nightlife; creative tourism, media, and the copyrights collection society. Within this category, a fishbowl conversation will take place to discuss the role music can play in putting a city on the global map, exploring the power of placemaking, and connecting the audience with a certain location through music. The panels will also delve into the role of social media in promoting musical talent, the means of growing the music industry in KSA, and the middle east music economy. Within this pillar, XP will host the screening of the docu-series Amplify, with four episodes covering the journey of MDLBEAST’s CCO and prominent Saudi DJ Baloo, as he explores the secret sauce of the nightlife scene in four cities: Amsterdam, New York, Berlin, and Sarajevo. At XP, Baloo will bring back his experience to Riyadh to advocate for the nightlife scene as it grows to cater to the Saudi youth needs, enhances tourism, creates employment opportunities, and in turn, boosts the Saudi economy.
Among the confirmed speakers at XP covering creative tourism will be, Sustainable Tourism Specialist Nico Mulder at Mulder, while the media will be covered by Omar Basaad of Coexist Records along with consultant Alex Andarakis. As for the copyrights collection society, the speakers will be Moe Hamzeh, Managing Director at Warner Music Middle East, Irene Bauzá VP of Operations at Unison Rights and Mohammed Abood of Boxout.fm representing sessions such as; Copyrights: Important to All, Governing Future Music Rights with New Technologies and Understanding How an Artist Gets Paid.
The Policy pillar at XP will be addressed through 11 activations that cover topics such as advocacy and representation, music policies, as well as data collection and analytics. This category will cover several issues that are of huge importance for the industry in the region, such as empowering women in music and awareness of sexism within the industry, as well as ensuring that the voice of the music industry is heard by the decision-makers. This category will also witness discussions between representatives of cities around the world that have successfully transformed their cities into music icons, in addition to a deep dive into the potential economic impact of the music industry on Saudi Arabia. The final session of this category will present a cultural report providing insights into the emerging music scene in the Middle East.
Among the confirmed speakers covering advocacy and representation at XP will be Andreea Magdalina of shesaid.so, while music policies will be covered by David Boyle of Audience Strategies LTD. Data collection and analytics will feature the experience of Christine Osazuwa of Pollen.
The Impact pillar at XP will be addressed through 9 activations that cover topics such as wellbeing, equality, and social equity, as well as sustainability. The activations within this category will cover the means of hosting safe events in collaboration with public health institutions, in addition to a number of empowering stories of female musicians in emerging markets, as well as the building of an environmentally sustainable touring model within the Middle East music industry.
Among the confirmed speakers covering sustainability will be Mashael Alshalan of Aeon Strategy, while covering equality and social equity will be Tamtam, singer and musician, Megatronic of Femmefest. As for Labels and Publishers, the confirmed speaker is Karima Damir Director of A&R at Sony Music Entertainment.
Music professionals and fans from across the region can purchase their tickets for MDLBEAST’s music conference, XP through: https://xptickets.mdlbeast.com. The three-day event with a conference & nightlife aspect where local and regional artists will showcase the region’s budding nightlife; and will take place in Riyadh from 13th – 15th December. More speakers and further details will be announced soon, please visit: https://mdlbeast.com/xp/
EDM Festival News
SHINE Ibiza returns to 528 Ibiza for a one-day boutique festival takeover this September
SHINE Ibiza returns to the White Isle on Thursday, September 24, 2026, for a monumental one-day boutique festival at 528 Ibiza, headlined by electronic music pioneer Paul van Dyk.
SHINE Ibiza is back on the island for a one-day boutique festival takeover at the award-winning 528 Ibiza on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The event will include legendary electronic music pioneer Paul van Dyk alongside a host of international artists and emerging talent across three stages, promising to be one of the summer’s most memorable dance music experiences to date.
The festival delivers a transformational open-air to club journey, following the rhythm of the island from golden sunlight to late-night transcendence. The event begins on the Garden Stage, where sun-soaked melodies and Balearic skies set the tone for connection and freedom. As the night draws in, the focus moves into the club and expands into the venue’s iconic teatro arena, offering a heightened and immersive experience following last year’s standout celebration.
This year’s SHINE Ibiza event will be a single-day feature, incorporating three stages and over 10 top DJs and special guests, navigating across Trance, Techno, and Progressive soundtracks, with performances from Paul van Dyk, Aly & Fila, Alex M.O.R.P.H., Bryan Kearney, Ciaran McAuley, David Forbes, FUENKA, Anunnakis, Seb Fontaine, Edele Andaya, Stephen Kirkwood, and ITE DJs. Each artist will bring a unique dimension to the festival, shaping an emotional journey from euphoric daytime highs to late-night intensity.
Paul van Dyk comments:
“Bringing SHINE to 528 Ibiza for the first time last summer was truly special. The location, the vibe, the people… there was so much happiness and openness in the air. It reminded me of the true core of Ibiza: connection, freedom, and pure love for the music.”
As a long-term island fixture, both SHINE Ibiza and its enduring community are central to the experience. Renowned for attracting one of the friendliest and most open-hearted crowds in Ibiza annually, this is where the dancefloor becomes an unadulterated celebration of positivity and connection, creating an atmosphere that extends beyond a typical party, embodying the spirit of Ibiza.
Thursday, September 24th, 528 Ibiza will come alive as the ultimate destination with a world-class lineup, three pivotal stages, and a community that is united in rhythm.
Tickets are now available: Here
Find Out More & Follow
Paul van Dyk: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Web
James Hurr makes his debut on FLAMENCA Records with his mix of ‘Gitanita’ by STBAN, Sandra Carrasco, and Josemi Carmona.
Celebrated UK producer James Hurr makes his debut on FLAMENCA Records with new single ‘Gitanita’, his second collaboration with label boss STBAN after the pair released ‘El Camino’ on Toolroom Records late last year.
‘Gitanita’ – which means “gypsy” in Spanish – also sees the pair reunite with famed Flamenco singer Sandra Carrasco and influential, pioneering guitarist Josemi Carmona. Carmona’s gently undulating guitar rhythms shuffle softly against Iberic-style percussion, Carrasco’s evocative vocal adding an extra level of tension to the pair’s deft composition. The result is a taut and delicate track that harnesses the raw emotional power of traditional flamenco music and moves it firmly onto the pulsing heart of the dance floor.
“Collaborating with STBAN has been an exciting musical challenge, away from my comfort zone and into the modal world of flamenco music,” Hurr said. “There’s something dark and mysterious in STBAN’s music that works perfectly with driving club beats.”
“I’m delighted to be working again with James,” STBAN commented, “and to have him officially releasing on the FLAMENCA Records label after our Toolroom collaboration is the icing on the cake. Once again we’ve co-created a beautiful fusion between the worlds of flamenco and electronic.”
New EDM Friday Mar 13 has arrived and we’ve got new electronic dance music by Martin Garrix, John Summit, and more.
The second Friday of March is here, and the new music is here too. Martin Garrix has his own vocals on a single, John Summit continues to build to his album, and heavy-hitting dubstep collaborations dominate the roundup, here are the songs you cannot miss on this week’s New EDM Friday.
Martin Garrix – Catharina
After lending his vocals on a collaboration with Arijit Singh, Martin Garrix now kicks off his new album rollout with ‘Catharina’. This track marks a historic first for the Dutch phenom: it features his very own vocals. Moving away from the high-octane big room sound, ‘Catharina’ offers a more personal, melodic glimpse into Garrix’s current headspace. It is a bold, artistic step forward that proves even after a decade at the top, Martin is still finding new ways to innovate.
John Summit & Rohaan – SATA
Continuing to build the momentum to his new album, John Summit joins forces with Rohaan for ‘SATA’ via Experts Only. This 140bpm pulsating track is a masterclass in tension, blending a dark Latin twist with heavy, warehouse-ready low end. It is a “no-frills” weapon designed specifically for the booth, highlighting Summit’s impeccable ear for composition and his ability to bridge the gap between mainstage appeal and underground grit.
Shlump – The Chronicles of Shlump: Sine Waves & Stardust (Album)
Bay Area bass architect Shlump officially enters the pantheon of elite producers with his debut LP, ‘The Chronicles of Shlump – Sine Waves & Stardust’. Released via WAKAAN, the 11-track journey is Shlump’s most cohesive work to date. Shlump admits that after years of trying to please fans, this project was written to please himself, resulting in an immersive blend of warped basslines, psychedelic grooves, and “wubby” pressure. It’s an album built for deep listening and late-night festival camps alike.
Kaleena Zanders & Hayley May – Who We Are
Vocal powerhouse Kaleena Zanders teams up with the soulful Hayley May for the radiant anthem ‘Who We Are’. This is the second single from Kaleena’s upcoming debut album, ‘Anything Goes’. The track is a feel-good, gospel-charged house record that captures the electric chemistry of two of the industry’s most commanding voices. It’s a golden-hour festival heater that pulses with unity and pure dancefloor euphoria.
Virtual Riot & YDG ft. Luma – Paralyzed
Virtual Riot continues his legacy of championing the next generation by linking up with rising producer YDG for ‘Paralyzed’. Featuring a soaring, cinematic vocal performance from Luma, the track is a masterclass in modern dubstep. It balances delicate, emotional songwriting with the colossal, surgical precision sound design that Virtual Riot is world-renowned for.
Kill Safari ft. Armanni Reign – Chrome
The veteran super-duo Kill Safari (Kill the Noise and Bro Safari) returns with the ferocious ‘Chrome’. Featuring the legendary Armanni Reign, the track is an industrial dubstep weapon that sounds exactly like its title: metallic, sharp, and cold. Built on crushing basslines and Armanni’s commanding delivery, ‘Chrome’ proves that these two pioneers are still at the absolute forefront of the genre’s evolution.
Honorable mentions:
Adam Ten, Asulin – Warawara
Atmozfears & Noiseflow – Skyfall
BIJOU – Temptation
Bingo Players, Kain – Give Me Some Time
Brennan Heart & Trevor Guthrie – Somebody Like You
Cristoph – Gimme The Love
Dual Damage and Phuture Noize – When Sound Meets Sound
Eats Everything – Make Some Noise
Getter, SVDDEN DEATH – UNORTHODOX
John Newman – Love Me Again ‘Again’ (Marten Hørger Remix)
KREAM – Awakening / Paradigm (EP)
KSHMR & Jason Ross ft. Brieanna Grace – Ultra Love
Kungs – Out Loud (Album)
Malaa (Alter Ego), Samuel Moriero – F THE POLICE
Markus Schulz, Dakota – Before the Light Knew Us
MatricK, Noah Seven, Relevus, Slayy – Turn Me On
Matt Pridgyn ft. Paris Sandford – Back To Life
MORTEN & Prophecy – Suelta
Nicky Romero pres. Monocule x WHAT EVA – The Other Side
NOME. – The Sign
Novah – Rave Kid
Olly James, Sarah De Warren – 303 State
R3SPAWN – No Good (Live Edit)
Sentinel – Like Fire
Skytech & ANG – Shadows In The Night
Sofi Tukker – BOBA
Space Laces X Dillon Francis – Staxx
Thomas Newson – Come To Me
Topic x Shimza x A7S – Missing You
Tritonal and HARLEE – Walk Away
Yves V – My Body
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