Defqon.1 News

MISH: Breaking Barriers in Hard Dance with Glitter, Grit, and Groundbreaking Performances

Published

1 year ago

September 29, 2024

MISH: Breaking Barriers in Hard Dance with Glitter, Grit, and Groundbreaking Performances

In an exclusive interview with EDM House Network, Australian powerhouse MISH takes us behind the scenes. From making history as the first female hardstyle DJ to rock the Supremacy stage to crafting festival anthems, MISH reveals the artistry behind her high-energy sets and signature glittery style. Join us as we delve into her creative process for tracks like “Hypnotised,” her evolution in the electronic dance music scene, and how she’s reshaping the global hardstyle landscape one beat at a time.

Your recent performance at Supremacy was very well received by the fans! Can you walk us through your preparation for this epic indoor Dutch event and what made your set particularly special?

This was the largest edition yet at the GelreDome, so the pressure was high to deliver a set that would connect with everyone. Fortunately, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many saying I surprised them, which is really encouraging!

I didn’t want this to be a typical ‘LIVE’ set, so I took time developing the concept behind it. I eventually decided on ‘M.I.S.H,’ which stands for ‘Madness, Iconic, Shocking, Hypnotic.’ My visuals played a key role in bringing this concept to life. Each segment had its own unique visuals, which I worked on closely with my VJ. A lot of time was spent deciding what type to use to also compliment my brand.

It was also crucial to play new music to make the show truly unique. I premiered two new tracks, spending most of the time leading up to the event creating and perfecting them. Although I had two new collabs I wanted to play, the 29-minute set time made it difficult to fit everything in. So, we focused on live and kick edits of previously released tracks to keep the set feeling fresh.

This performance was particularly special to me because Supremacy was a huge goal of mine since 2015 and I was the first female Hardstyle DJ to take the stage there. It also marked my debut LIVE performance in front of the biggest crowd I’ve ever played for—30,000 people!

Your latest track, “Hypnotised,” was released last week. What was the inspiration behind this track?

We started with the melodic drop, which set the tone for the rest of the track and really inspired the direction I took. I wanted to make the song more personal, so I reached out to Carola to collaborate. I shared some lyrics with her, and together we selected what fit best. My goal was to write lyrics that could be interpreted in different ways depending on the listener—whether that’s about a relationship, partying, or, in my case, expressing my feelings about performing for my fans. That’s also why I featured fans in the music video. I’m proud to say I directed, casted, and scripted the video myself, and it’s already hit 50k views on YouTube in less than two weeks.

Turning back the clock a bit, how do you feel your sound and style have evolved since your debut release in 2020 and how have you grown professionally as an artist since then?

My sound has definitely evolved. In the beginning, my tracks had a darker atmosphere, but now they’re much brighter, featuring female vocals and more of a party vibe, which aligns more with my brand and who I am as a person. I think my collaboration with Sickmode on ‘Rave Love’ really contributed to that shift as well.

Over the past four years, I’ve grown a lot both personally and professionally. I’ve become stronger, more knowledgeable, and learned to stand up for myself—something that’s essential in this industry. I’ve also developed thicker skin when it comes to hate comments. Building relationships with artists I’ve always admired has been instrumental in my professional growth. I know there’s still a long journey ahead, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

You’ve performed at major events like Defqon.1, Tomorrowland, and EDC Mexico. How do you adapt your sets for different audiences while maintaining your signature style?

It’s crucial to adapt your sound to different crowds and countries because not every audience enjoys the same style, and you can definitely feel the difference. I like to experiment and see how a crowd responds, but if something doesn’t quite work, I’ll quickly follow it up with a track they know to bring the energy back up! That said, it’s equally important to stay true to your own sound as an artist—you need to feel comfortable on stage and not stray too far from what you usually play.

The most challenging gigs are often the smaller multi-genre parties, where you can’t predict the crowd. It’s tough when you drop a hit, even if it’s not your own, and they don’t react—those moments can make you feel a bit lost, haha. I try to craft sets that strike a balance between my sound and what suits the event, aiming to cater to most people while staying authentic to myself.

You created the anthem for the Dutch hardstyle festival REBiRTH Festival this year ‘Discover The Mayhem,’ with Sickmode. What does it mean to you to be chosen for such an honor, and how did you approach creating an anthem that resonates with the festival’s spirit?

It definitely caught me by surprise (probably more so for me than for Sickmode), but we were both really excited about it! Creating an anthem comes with a lot of pressure since you’re responsible for setting the vibe for the entire theme. We were given a concept, but had the creative freedom to take it in any direction. With the theme being ‘Mayhem,’ we knew we wanted to reflect that energy in the track, especially by making the drops harder and darker than most anthems. It was a bit of a risk, but we’re really happy with how it turned out and the response we’ve received!

Your sets are known for their intensity and expertly curated track selection. Can you describe your process for preparing a set and how you read and respond to the energy of the crowd?

I always check the lineup to see my time slot and who else is playing so I can base my track selection around that. The amount of time I spend on track selection really depends on the event. If I’m playing somewhere new, it can go either way—sometimes it’s easier because I have the freedom to play anything, or it can be tricky because I’m not sure what the crowd will respond to. For major festivals like Defqon, track selection becomes even more crucial since it’s such a diverse, worldwide audience.

My sets are usually high-energy with minimal downtime, so the crowd is dancing for most of it. But if I notice they’re getting tired, I’ll throw in a hit or something more relaxed that they can sing along to and take a breather. I also love incorporating bootlegs and kick edits—they tend to work really well and keep the energy flowing!

Your performances are known for combining music with a vibrant visual aesthetic, including your glittery outfits. How important is the visual aspect of your performances to you, and how does it complement your music?

My outfits are definitely one of the most important aspects of my brand. Fashion is something I’m equally passionate about, so it holds a lot of significance for me. It not only helps people recognise me but also allows me to stand out in a unique way.

In addition to that, my visuals are carefully crafted to reflect who I am and the vibes I want to create. While music is key, I believe the visuals behind you are just as important for enhancing the overall experience. It’s another way for people to connect with and recognise my brand.

The Hardstyle scene is known for its passionate fan base. How do you engage with your fans, and how has their support influenced your artistic journey?

I make it a priority to interact with my fans in as many ways as I can. I’m very active on social media, personally replying to as many comments and messages as possible. I also have a fan group on Instagram to keep everyone up to date. At nearly every event, I host meetups and hand out stickers or merchandise. My meetup at Defqon had over 100 people!

My fans mean everything to me. Their dedication is a huge part of why I am the artist I am today, and I’ll always make time for them whenever I can.

As the summer festival season comes to an end and we approach indoor rave season, what was the highlight of your summer and what’s one thing you’re looking forward to this winter?

The highlight for me has to be Defqon. I have such strong emotions tied to that festival because it was the first Hardstyle festival I attended as a fan almost 10 years ago. Every time I perform there, it brings back those same happy memories, but amplified by 100 because now I’m on stage. The energy and vibe are always incredible.

I’m also really looking forward to Knockout Outdoor in Australia next weekend. Home shows are always special, and this will be my first solo festival performance there, which makes it even more meaningful! I’m also excited for my return to Mexico in November and for the Aggressive Records party that same month.

Any new projects or collabs you would like to shout out for your fans?

I have two finished solo tracks ready, along with two new collaborations (though I can’t reveal who they’re with just yet), and another upcoming collab that’s still under wraps. I also have more solo tracks in the works! Plus, who knows—there might be more Rave Love tracks in the future too!

Defqon.1 News

Andrea Zelletta, Luca Testa & Loruare Drop ‘TAKATIMÌ’ Via Tankfloor / Warner Music Italy.

Published

6 months ago

June 20, 2025

Dylan Smith

Andrea Zelletta, Luca Testa, and Loruare, three of Italy’s most dynamic forces in dance music, collide for the summer’s most infectious club anthem, ‘TAKATIMÌ’, released via Tankfloor / Warner Music Italy.

‘TAKATIMÌ’ is an electrifying fusion of Afro rhythms, deep grooves, and festival-ready energy. Combining Zelletta’s dance floor intuition, Testa’s global production finesse, and Loruare’s Afro-Latin signature sound, the track delivers a high-octane experience that’s tailor-made for peak-hour sets across the globe.

Andrea Zelletta is a multifaceted artist, DJ, influencer, and model whose deep-rooted passion for electronic music has made him one of Italy’s most in-demand selectors. His breakout hit ‘Superstar’ earned a Gold certification in France and has amassed over 28 million Spotify streams, confirming his star power in the European dance scene.

Luca Testa is a globally recognized DJ and producer who began as a piano prodigy in Turin and rose to prominence with releases on powerhouse labels including Spinnin’ Records, Dim Mak, Armada, and Revealed Recordings. Named one of DJ Mag Italia’s emerging talents in 2022, he reached #136 on DJ Mag’s Top 150 and has rocked stages at Ultra Music Festival, Sziget, Balaton Sound, Defqon.1, and iconic venues like Hi Ibiza and Privilege.

Loruare is a rising name in the Afro House and Latin Tech House scene. With his vibrant sets he has built a reputation for rhythmic, globally-inspired productions and high-energy performances. Active on platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube, Loruare represents the next wave of international talent from Italy’s electronic underground.

Blending hypnotic tribal percussion, driving tech-house drops, and an irresistible hook, ‘TAKATIMÌ’ is designed to ignite dancefloors from Ibiza to Mykonos to Tulum. It’s a celebration of rhythm, movement, and cultural fusion, crafted by three artists whose musical worlds collide in perfect synergy.

‘TAKATIMÌ’ is out now on all major streaming platforms via Tankfloor / Warner Music Italy.

Awakenings Festival News

DJ Mag Announces 2025 Top 100 Festivals

Published

6 months ago

June 19, 2025

Dylan Smith

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

Anyma News

10 EDM Festivals You Don’t Want To Miss – June 2025

Published

6 months ago

May 25, 2025

Dylan Smith

June 2025 is set to be a stacked month for EDM enthusiasts no matter where they may be located across the globe, with a lineup of festivals that promise unforgettable experiences. From the mystical forests of Michigan to the sun-kissed beaches of Croatia, here are ten must-attend EDM festivals this June.

1. Electric Forest

Dates: June 19–22
Location: Rothbury, Michigan, USA
Electric Forest offers a unique blend of music, art, and nature. The 2025 lineup features artists like Tiësto, Louis The Child, Fisher, Disclosure, and more, set against the enchanting backdrop of Sherwood Forest. Attendees can also enjoy curated events, workshops, and immersive art installations.

2. Defqon.1

Dates: June 26–29
Location: Biddinghuizen, Netherlands
Known as the world’s premier hardstyle festival, Defqon.1 2025 promises high-energy performances from top artists like Vertile, Wildstylez, Sub Zero Project, and Angerfist. Set at Walibi Holland, the festival offers a weekend filled with powerful beats and an electrifying atmosphere.

3. Primavera Sound

Dates: June 5–7
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Primavera Sound 2025 boasts a diverse lineup with headliners Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter. The festival, held at Parc del Fòrum, also features performances by LCD Soundsystem, Haim, Jamie xx, and many more, offering a mix of genres in a vibrant coastal setting.

4. World Club Dome

Dates: June 6–8
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Dubbed the “biggest club in the world,” World Club Dome transforms Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park into a massive dance floor. The 2025 “Moon Edition” features a stellar lineup of international DJs, providing an out-of-this-world experience for attendees.

5. Hideout Festival

Dates: June 22–26
Location: Zrće Beach, Pag Island, Croatia
Set on the picturesque Adriatic coast, Hideout Festival combines beach parties, boat parties, and open-air venues. The 2025 lineup includes artists like Chris Stussy, Eliza Rose, Interplanetary Criminal, and Skream, offering a perfect blend of sun, sea, and sound.#

6. Escapade Music Festival

Dates: June 20–22
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Escapade 2025 brings a star-studded lineup to Canada’s capital. Headliners include Kygo, RL Grime, The Chainsmokers, and Disclosure, with special stage takeovers by Subtronics’ Cyclops Recordings and Anjunabeats’ Anjuna25 showcase.

7. World DJ Festival

Dates: June 14–15
Location: Seoul Land, Gwacheon, South Korea
Returning for its 18th edition, World DJ Festival 2025 features headliners like Anyma, Alan Walker, Alesso, and DJ Snake. Set in the vibrant city of Seoul, the festival offers a dynamic mix of global EDM talent.

8. Afterlife Festival

Dates: June 13–14
Location: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain
Afterlife Festival 2025 presents a two-day event curated by Anyma and MRAK, featuring artists like Mind Against, Kevin de Vries, Recondite, and Rebūke. Known for its immersive visuals and deep techno sounds, the festival offers a transcendent experience.

9. UNUM Festival

Dates: June 5–10
Location: Rana e Hedhun, Shëngjin, Albania
Set on the golden sands of Albania’s coast, UNUM Festival offers 120 hours of non-stop music across three stages. The 2025 lineup includes Dixon, Seth Troxler, tINI, and Sonja Moonear, providing a unique blend of house, techno, and minimal beats.

10. Palm Tree Music Festival Hamptons

Date: June 21
Location: Shinnecock Nation, Southampton, New York, USA
Hosted by Kygo, the Palm Tree Music Festival returns to the Hamptons with a lineup featuring Fisher, Mau P, Blond:ish, and Coco & Breezy. Set against the scenic backdrop of Southampton, the festival offers a luxurious beachside EDM experience.

With such a diverse set of festivals, June 2025 promises unforgettable moments for EDM fans worldwide. Whether you’re dancing under the stars in Europe or soaking up the sun in North America, these events offer something for every electronic music enthusiast.