Editorial
Most Unique DJ Sets of 2025
2025 has been a year of extraordinary moments in electronic music. Artists have pushed boundaries like never before. Moreover, they’ve taken their performances to unprecedented locations and formats. From ancient wonders to luxury department stores, these unique DJ sets of 2025 have redefined what’s possible. Furthermore, they’ve set new standards for live electronic music. Here are the performances that captured our imagination and changed the industry forever.
1. HALŌ’s Surprise Pop-Up at De Bijenkorf
One of the most talked-about unique DJ sets of 2025 came from HALŌ. This powerhouse collaboration brought together Matisse & Sadko, Third Party, and DubVision. During Amsterdam Dance Event, the group made their debut with an unexpected pop-up. Specifically, they performed at De Bijenkorf, one of Amsterdam’s most prestigious luxury department stores. Consequently, over 2,000 fans flooded the venue for this first look at the project. The atmosphere was absolutely electric in this unlikely setting. However, the excitement didn’t stop there. HALŌ followed up their department store debut with a sold-out show at Amsterdam’s Chicago Social Club. Remarkably, both performances happened on the same night. This proved that sometimes the most unique venues create the most memorable experiences.
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2. Tiësto Returns to Trance at Dreamstate
In one of the most emotional moments among 2025’s unique DJ sets, Tiësto returned to his trance roots at Dreamstate. The legendary Dutch DJ helped define the trance genre in the early 2000s. Later, he transitioned to big room and pop-influenced sounds. Nevertheless, this performance took fans on a nostalgic journey. Specifically, he revisited the sounds that made him a household name. The set was a love letter to his longtime fans. Additionally, it reminded everyone why he became one of dance music’s most influential figures. For those who grew up listening to “Adagio for Strings” and “Traffic,” this set was nothing short of magical.
3. Anyma at the Pyramids of Giza
When it comes to unique DJ sets of 2025, Anyma’s performance at the Pyramids of Giza stands in a category of its own. The visionary producer brought his stunning visual production to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. As a result, he created a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. This performance merged ancient history with cutting-edge technology. Meanwhile, Anyma’s signature blend of melodic techno and immersive visuals took on new meaning. The 4,500-year-old pyramids provided an unforgettable backdrop. Furthermore, the performance showcased not just the power of electronic music. Rather, it demonstrated music’s ability to create profound cultural moments that transcend the dancefloor.
4. ARTBAT Live at Cercle Odyssey
ARTBAT’s performance at Cercle Odyssey demonstrated why they’re among the most innovative acts in techno today. However, here’s what made this one of the most unique DJ sets of 2025. Cercle made a bold decision to ban phones during the performance. In today’s era, every moment is documented and shared instantly. Therefore, this phone-free policy forced attendees to be fully present. Consequently, it created an intimate connection between the Ukrainian duo and their audience. The result was a raw, emotional performance. Indeed, it reminded everyone why we fell in love with electronic music in the first place. Ultimately, it was about the shared experience of being completely immersed in the moment.
5. Banana Party at Amsterdam Dance Event
Amsterdam Dance Event always delivers surprises. However, Bram’s Fruit Boutique Banana Party might be the quirkiest addition to our list of unique DJ sets of 2025. This unconventional event brought together two unlikely worlds. Specifically, it combined fresh produce with fresh beats in the most Amsterdam way possible. Moreover, the party was held at an actual fruit boutique. The event proved an important point about electronic music. Indeed, you don’t need a massive festival stage or elaborate production to create unforgettable moments. Sometimes all you need is great music and good vibes. And apparently, bananas.
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6. Hysta’s Historic Hardcore Performance at the Eiffel Tower
Hysta made history with a hardcore set at the Eiffel Tower. Specifically, he brought the high-energy genre to one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. This performance was particularly significant for several reasons. First, it showcased hardcore music in a mainstream, iconic setting. Typically, hardcore is considered underground. Nevertheless, the juxtaposition of Paris’s romantic symbol with hardcore’s intense, pounding beats created unique energy. Subsequently, it captivated both hardcore enthusiasts and curious onlookers. It was a moment that elevated the genre significantly. Moreover, it proved that hardcore deserves its place on the world stage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-bOErYK9gA&list=RDT-bOErYK9gA&start_radio=1
7. Sunset DJ Set at Low Tide in Bali by Resonance
Nature became the backdrop for one of 2025’s most breathtaking DJ set experiences. Resonance hosted a Sunset DJ Set at Low Tide in Bali, curating songs by Ben Böhmer, Paul Kalkbrenner, Nora En Pure, Worakls, and NTO. As the ocean pulled back, it revealed a natural amphitheater where golden hour light washed over the landscape. The combination of low-tide reflections, warm sunset colors, and the artists’ melodic tracks created a truly transcendent atmosphere. It was a reminder that sometimes the best production is no production at all—just exceptional music set against the raw beauty of nature.
8. Nohr Live at Pic du Midi, French Pyrénées
Closing out our list of the most unique DJ sets of 2025 is Nohr’s breathtaking performance. He played at Pic du Midi in the French Pyrénées. At nearly 3,000 meters above sea level, this observatory-turned-venue provided a spectacular backdrop. Few settings could compare. Nohr’s atmospheric techno perfectly complemented the mountain environment. Meanwhile, the thin alpine air seemed to carry the music into the vast expanse of sky and peaks. As the sun set over the Pyrénées, the performance transformed into something more. Indeed, it became a meditation on the relationship between music, nature, and human experience.
- Axwell & Sebastian Ingrosso & Steve Angello B3B at Crystal Garden, Tomorrowland 2025
One of the most anticipated unique DJ sets of 2025 came when three-thirds of Swedish House Mafia reunited for an iconic back-to-back-to-back performance at Tomorrowland’s Crystal Garden stage. Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Steve Angello delivered a masterclass in progressive house and big-room anthems that reminded the world why Swedish House Mafia became one of the most influential acts in electronic music history. The energy was palpable as each member brought their signature style to the decks, seamlessly transitioning between classic Swedish House Mafia tracks like “Don’t You Worry Child,” “Greyhound,” and “Reload” alongside solo material that has defined their individual careers. The B3B format allowed for spontaneous moments and creative mixing that wouldn’t be possible in a traditional single-DJ performance. As we covered in our Tomorrowland Weekend One review, this unique DJ set of 2025 was a highlight of the entire festival, bringing together longtime fans and new generations of electronic music lovers in a shared celebration of the sounds that shaped modern EDM.
- Maddix Face to Face with Armin van Buuren at ASOT 2025
A State of Trance 2025 delivered one of the most unexpected and electrifying unique DJ sets of 2025 when rising star Maddix went face-to-face with trance legend Armin van Buuren. This wasn’t just a typical B2B performance—it was a generational clash that represented the evolution of trance music, with Maddix bringing his aggressive tech-trance sound alongside Armin’s melodic sensibility and decades of experience. The “face to face” format created an electric competitive energy while maintaining the collaborative spirit that makes trance culture so special. The contrast in styles created dynamic tension that kept the crowd on their toes—you never knew if the next drop would be an uplifting trance anthem or a pounding tech-trance banger. As detailed in our ASOT 2025 review, this unique DJ set proved that trance’s past and future can coexist beautifully, creating something greater than either artist could achieve alone and symbolizing the genre’s continued evolution.
- Dimitri Vegas All-Vinyl Set at Tomorrowland 2025
In an era dominated by digital DJing and USB sticks, Dimitri Vegas delivered one of the most unique DJ sets of 2025 by returning to the roots of DJ culture with an all-vinyl performance at Tomorrowland. The Belgian superstar, typically known for explosive big-room sets and festival anthems, stripped back the modern production to showcase his technical skills and deep knowledge of electronic music history using turntables and crates full of vinyl records. The all-vinyl format transformed the performance into something tactile and authentic—every mix required precision, every transition was visible, and the warmth of vinyl added a unique quality that digital formats can’t replicate. This unique DJ set of 2025 featured classic house tracks, forgotten gems, and rare pressings, with Dimitri Vegas manually beatmatching and blending records in a masterclass of traditional DJ technique. It was a bold statement from an artist at the top of his game, showing that innovation sometimes means honoring the fundamentals that built the culture we celebrate today.
The Future of Live Electronic Music
The unique DJ sets of 2025 have shown us something important. Electronic music continues to evolve beyond traditional club and festival settings. From luxury department stores to ancient pyramids, artists are getting creative. Moreover, they’re finding increasingly innovative ways to share their music with audiences. From mountain peaks to ocean shores, the possibilities seem endless. These performances remind us of an important truth. Specifically, the best moments in electronic music happen when artists dare to think differently. They question where and how they perform.
As we look toward 2026, one thing is certain. The bar has been set incredibly high. However, if 2025 taught us anything, it’s this. The electronic music community thrives on innovation. Therefore, we can’t wait to see where artists will take us next.
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Editorial
Seven Stars 2026: 7 Most Anticipated Sets at GRiZ’s Cosmic Campout
As the second annual Valley of the Seven Stars approaches, bass music fans across the country are prepping their gear and locking in their set times. Taking over the Oak Ridge Estate in Arrington, Virginia from October 8–11, this gathering marks the long-awaited payoff of GRiZ’s two-year hiatus. The event has quickly earned a reputation as one of the bass community’s premier “homie” festivals, trading commercial refinement for deep curation and authentic energy. Whether you are hunting for ground-shaking low end or sunset grooves, here are the 7 most anticipated performances to highlight on your schedule:
7. Richard Finger
Set Time: Saturday, 4:50 PM – 5:50 PM
Operating entirely behind anonymous masks, Richard Finger has become one of bass music’s most intriguing underground phenomena. The mysterious duo popped onto the radar with relentless sound design and uncompromisingly heavy drops, rapidly earning a rotation in festival sets worldwide. While internet investigators continue trying to uncover their true identities, the project lets the sheer sound of low end rhythm do the talking. Catching them in the afternoon heat on Saturday is guaranteed to wake up the crowd.
6. Hedex
Set Time: Sunday, 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Hedex has been at the forefront of the modern drum and bass explosion. He has been taking jump-up rhythms out of underground UK clubs and pushing them onto major American festival stages. This performance serves as the official launch for his North American “Nu Era” tour. Known for quick double drops and explosive crowd control, his Sunday slot will deliver a shot of pure adrenaline just as festivalgoers enter the final night.
5. GRiZ (Chasing The Golden Hour)
Set Time: Saturday, 6:05 PM – 7:20 PM
GRiZ has always known how to curate a vibe, but his Chasing The Golden Hour (CTGH) concept holds a legendary place in the scene. It was originally conceived as a mixtape series built around vintage samples, mellow hip-hop beats, and live sax riffs. CTGH offers a soulful counterweight to his heavy dubstep headline sets. Following packed-out demand at past events, this sunset window is made for collective unwinding. It is the defining emotional anchor of the weekend, best experienced surrounded by friends on an open hill.

4. Mersiv
Set Time: Saturday, 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
DJ & producer Anderson Gallegos, known professionally as Mersiv, has carved out a dedicated subculture with his trademark “Pretty Dark Loud” sound design. Mersiv crafts sets that feel simultaneously meditative and heavy by combining hypnotic downtempo atmospheres with distortion-heavy basslines. Dropping into Saturday prime time, his set will steer the valley into its deepest, most psychedelic sonic territory.
3. Seth David (R&Bass)
Set Time: Friday, 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM (After Hours)
Returning to the Seven Stars lineup for a second run, Seth David brings his signature R&Bass sound to the Satellite Stage. The project fuses classic 90s and 2000s R&B vocals with sub-bass frequencies. This set gives night owls a refreshing alternative to the standard festival sound anding directly in the after-hours slot,
2. Distinct Motive
Set Time: Sunday, 6:50 PM – 7:50 PM
Hailing from Ontario, Distinct Motive has spearheaded the revival of pure 140 BPM sound system culture in North America. His productions emphasize sub-bass, surgical mixing, and deep roots in old-school UK dubstep. Since his anthem “Wait A Minute” dominated stages everywhere, his profile has skyrocketed. Sunday evening marks his debut on the mainstage, bringing chest-rattling low frequencies to the festival’s largest sound system.
1. Kaleena Zanders
Set Time: Thursday, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Revered as one of modern dance music’s most captivating vocal powerhouses, Kaleena Zanders channels gospel roots through classic house grooves. With major collaborative releases alongside fellow headliners, her live sets go far beyond ordinary DJ performances. Slotted into Thursday evening, she will set an uplifting, soulful tone for the entire cosmic campout before the heavier bass takes over.
With four days of music spread across The Valley, pacing is going to be everything. Set conflicts are inevitable when a lineup has this much variety. Be sure to leave room in your schedule to wander between stages and stumble onto artists outside your radar.
Grab the official festival app to stay updated on any last-minute schedule shifts and look out for your crew.
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Editorial
MiNT XL: Leeds’ Newest Nightclub Opens With A Bang
MiNT XL opens its doors in Leeds with a sold-out party for 2,500 ravers, as Craig Richards, Enzo Siragusa and Sonja Moonear launch the new nightclub
MiNT XL officially opened its doors on Friday, 25 September, with a sold-out opening party featuring names like Craig Richards, Enzo Siragusa and Sonja Moonear. 2,500 ravers gathered in the heart of Leeds city centre to experience the latest addition to the city’s rich rave culture, marking a memorable beginning for MiNT XL.
Taking over the former nightclub, PRYZM Leeds, MiNT set themselves the challenge of giving the venue a new identity through their own production and iconic signature. In an interview with EDM House Network earlier this year, MiNT marketing manager, Mikey McMahon said they wanted people to walk into MiNT XL and feel like they were part of something forward-thinking. There is no doubt they have achieved this, with the opening night already setting MiNT XL apart from other venues in Leeds.

Credit: David Dumitru
Exploring The Venue’s Layout
Arriving at the venue, you could feel the excitement in the air as people made their way into the club. Music was bumping through the walls and the night was just getting started. Walking inside, the dark environment immediately made it feel like a rave and not a regular nightclub.
Heading up the stairs from the entrance, we reached the main hall of the venue, which houses two of the three rooms at MiNT XL, as well as an open-air terrace. The ‘Clubroom’ was the first room people encountered on the floor, while the main room, also known as the ‘Ballroom’, sits to the left of the hall.
The second floor is a great extension of what the main floor has to offer, hosting the venue’s third room, ‘Cage’, as well as an additional bar with sofas and seating for those wanting a quick break from the dancefloor. The VIP area is also located on this floor, providing a comfortable chill-out space with its own bar and seating area.

Credit: David Dumitru
The Rooms at MiNT XL
1. Ballroom
The largest of the three rooms, the ‘Ballroom’ is a warehouse type of space hosting the headlining names on MiNT XL’s line-ups. Some of the lighting features that stood out as soon as we walked into the room included the large ring structure above the dancefloor, as well as the linear rigs placed horizontally across the ceiling, which rotate to create a wave-like effect through light.
Another standout piece of the room is the newly installed Funktion-One Vero sound system, delivering bass that pumps through your body and an overall premium sound quality. The same system can also be found in the other two rooms, where its impact is even greater due to their smaller capacities.

Credit: @elliotyoungphoto
2. Cage
Probably the most interesting room of the three, and our personal favourite, ‘Cage’ delivers an experience like no other. Its design feels unique and fresh out of the box, while still maintaining a lush feel. Throughout the opening night, the room was lit up with orange lighting, creating a somewhat comfortable atmosphere amid all the chaos going on.

Credit: David Dumitru
‘Cage’ also has a few sofas placed around the room, helping complete its luxurious feel. The cherry on top, however, is the fact that the space will often welcome DJs playing on vinyl. We had the chance to witness this live, and let me tell you, seeing the artists flip and swap records behind the decks totally elevates the experience.

Credit: David Dumitru
3. Clubroom
With a large light panel on the ceiling covering the centre of the dancefloor, ‘Clubroom’ is an ode to MiNT Warehouse, the brand’s second ever venue. Sharing similar characteristics, the room brings the MiNT Warehouse spirit to MiNT XL, carrying over the energetic vibes that have become a trademark of the brand.
While the room has a great design from a production perspective, the air conditioning isn’t felt as well in some corners, often making it a very hot space.

Credit: David Dumitru
4. Terrace
An open-air space with a nice view of some of Leeds city centre’s tallest buildings, the terrace is a well-arranged spot for those who want to unwind a little and take a breath of fresh air. Located close to the ‘Ballroom’, the path to the terrace can, however, become very busy at times.

Credit: David Dumitru
The Music at MiNT XL
The venue opened with the brand’s own event series, ‘system.’, taking over the decks. Across the three rooms, a well-curated line-up delivered the soundtrack to MiNT’s new beginning.
From the perspective of EDM House Network, our highlights were Foehn & Jerome at the ‘Cage’, Craig Richards B2B Francesco Del Garda at the ‘Ballroom’, and then back to the ‘Cage’ for a vinyl session with Fumiya Tanaka.

Credit: @elliotyoungphoto
Beyond the opening night, a wide range of renowned DJs are set to follow at MiNT XL, with the likes of Ewan McVicar, Riordan, Morgan Seatree and a Worried About Henry (WAH) takeover among those already announced. While so far only electronic music events make up the calendar, organisers have said they are excited to expand into new genres and live music.
Atmosphere Inside The Venue
MiNT XL operates a no-phones policy at all events, meaning attendees can fully immerse themselves into the music. Having experienced an event with such policy for the first time, it was impressive to see how big of a change it makes.
Seeing people living in the moment and having fun truly gave everyone a taste of what some mean when they say ‘raving was better in the 90s’. The no-phones policy genuinely made the night feel like a time machine that teleported us back to a time when people used to socialise and not chase Instagram clout at raves.

Credit: @elliotyoungphoto
With three state-of-the-art rooms, a 2,500-capacity venue, a sound system that blows the roof off and a no-phones policy, MiNT XL has real potential to become one of the best nightclubs in the entire UK. The opening party was not just the green light for a new venue in Leeds, but felt more like a statement that MiNT XL is here, and for good.
The club season is only just getting started, with a packed list of upcoming events already lined up at MiNT XL.
Friday 9 October – Marsolo Invites: Marsolo + more TBA
Saturday 10 October – Airspace: Notion, Kyle Starkey, Camille Doe + more
Saturday 17 October – Mint XL Presents: Cam Stockman b2b Tommy Phillips
Friday 30 October – Airspace: Riordan, Stef Davidse + more
Saturday 31 October – Ewan McVicar Presents: Halloween – Ewan McVicar, Special Request, Olive F
Saturday 7 November – Mint XL Presents: ALISHA, Robbie Doherty + more
Saturday 14 November – Mint XL Presents: Morgan Seatree + more TBA
Friday 20 November – Framework Presents: Ben UFO, Papa Nugs + more
Saturday 21 November – Jampacked Would Tour Leeds Edition: Jamback, Anil Aras, A For Alpha
Saturday 19 December – Framework x Mugpie Presents: Christian AB, Unai Trotti + more
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Amsterdam Music Festival News
EDM Festivals October 2026: Festivals We Can’t Miss
EDM Festivals October 2026: Festivals We Can’t Miss worldwide as major events fill the month across North America, Asia, Europe, and South America
October 2026 brings another busy month for the EDM festival calendar, with events taking place across North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. In the US, 808 Festival, Breakaway Utah, We Belong Here Central Park, Experts Only at the Gorge, Niteharts, Head Trip, III Points Miami, Escape Psycho Circus, BOO! Seattle, BOO! Arizona, and Hocus Pocus Miami fill the month. Meanwhile, EDC Korea and Chill O’posite Festival add major dates in Asia and Africa. No Art Lisbon and AMF represent Europe, while EDC Colombia and Ritvales bring two large weekends to South America. Here’s a full look at the EDM festivals taking place throughout October 2026.
808 Festival
Dates: October 2–3, 2026
Location: BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand
808 Festival returns to BITEC in Bangkok from October 2–3, 2026 for two days across two stages. The Phase Two lineup includes ILLENIUM, SLANDER B2B NGHTMRE, W&W, Argy, Ben Nicky, 999999999, Mesto, and KAAZE. Meanwhile, JUSTUS, RIVO, Dorian, Ian Asher, and Mary Droppinz are also confirmed. Several special performances are scheduled, including Adam Beyer B2B Chris Avantgarde and Nifra B2B Will Atkinson. Giorgia Angiuli will also perform live. More artists are still due to be announced before the festival returns to Bangkok in October.

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