EDM news
Brooklyn Mirage Sold to Pacha Parent FIVE Holdings: Rebrand to Pacha New York
If you thought the Brooklyn Mirage saga was finally over, after multiple summers of almost-openings, unpaid refunds, permit chaos, and bankruptcy filings (plus whatever 2023’s Electric Zoo was supposed to be), things just got a lot more interesting. And honestly, this might be the biggest shift we’ve seen in NYC nightlife in years with the introduction of Brooklyn Mirage Pacha New York.
On January 1, 2026, reports broke that the iconic Avant Gardner complex has officially been sold to the global nightlife heavyweight behind the Pacha brand: FIVE Holdings. This Dubai-based powerhouse is set to finalize a deal with Axar Capital Management to acquire Avant Gardner and convert the former Brooklyn Mirage into Pacha New York. This sale stems from a bankruptcy court decision that allowed longtime lender Axar to purchase most of Avant Gardner’s assets, including Brooklyn Mirage, at a discounted rate after its August Chapter 11 filing.
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Now, Pacha is far from ‘just another club.’ It’s a name that has defined Ibiza club culture for decades — twin cherries, pulsing rooms, unforgettable (and often questionable) nights. It’s an institution in dance music, credited with helping shape the modern super-club era and setting the tone for what “destination nightlife” really means at venues like Brooklyn Mirage Pacha New York.
So let’s unpack this:
Why this isn’t just another ownership flip
The Brooklyn Mirage had, for years, been the promise of what NYC could be: immersive production, massive outdoor rave energy, big-name bookings, and that unmistakable skyline party vibe. But over the past two seasons, things went sideways: shows were overcrowded and then canceled, permits were revoked, refunds lagged, and the company behind it all slid into Chapter 11.
Now imagine a hedge-fund-level nightlife brand stepping in with deep pockets. For some fans, that’s cash flow + survival. For others, it’s corporate takeover vibes. And if the rumblings in the underground are any indication — some are wary that a global brand will steamroll the DIY, community-driven spirit that made Mirage feel like our home in the first place.
Will it still feel like NYC?
That’s the real question. The transformation into Brooklyn Mirage Pacha New York could redefine local nightlife.
Pacha’s legacy is rooted in destination nightlife — a sleek aesthetic and crazy energy — which could bring fresh production budgets, even bigger international bookings, and global name recognition back to Brooklyn. On paper, that’s exciting. On the street, however, ravers are already debating whether this means old Mirage will feel like our space again, or like a transplanted club with its own identity.
And let’s be honest: there’s still unresolved baggage. People are still waiting on refunds (including me). Trust has to be rebuilt. A rebrand doesn’t magically erase the past, does it?
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So, what’s next?
Expect a chapter of reinvention. Brooklyn Mirage Pacha New York will bring new bookings, new production rigs, and (hopefully) no permit fiascos. But also expect the rave community to pay attention: because this will either mark a new era for NYC dance music culture, or just feel like a polished corporate makeover of a venue that was already struggling.
Either way: 2026 is starting with a seismic shift in NYC’s nightlife landscape. Grab your tickets responsibly, and maybe keep a side eye on permit applications from here on out — because at the Mirage, nothing has ever been straightforward.
Stay tuned. And let’s hope the dance floors get the justice they deserve.
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Scarper releases ‘Off-Cuts (2014-2021)’, a collection of eight unreleased tracks from the era behind his debut album ‘Warmer Squares’ and ‘E-Funk’.
UK artist Scarper has released ‘Off-Cuts (2014-2021)’, a hand-picked collection of eight previously unreleased tracks pulled from the same period that produced his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Warmer Squares’ and his 2020 dancefloor tune ‘E-Funk’, which has been experiencing a resurgence thanks to a recent physical release on a new imprint.
The project is exactly what it sounds like, Scarper going back through his studio archives and finding the demos, jams, and ideas from that era that were good enough to polish up and put out. “I realised I had quite a few demos, jams and ideas on my laptop from that period, some of which were decent enough to polish up and get out into the world,” he said. “It’s a snapshot of where I was musically at the time, so I thought I’d package them together as a retrospective rather than a proper release, giving people something to enjoy while I crack on with the next project.”
The eight tracks cover a lot of ground, from the epic opening chords of ‘Skynet’ to the acid squelches of ‘Steppe’ and the string arrangements of ‘Halocline’. It is the kind of release that rewards the people who have been paying attention, and sits comfortably alongside some of his best work.
Scarper has built his career almost entirely on his own terms, releasing through his own imprint Plexus Records and picking up support from Orbital, Laurent Garnier, Carl Craig, Rinse FM, BBC 6 Music, Mixmag, and DJ Mag along the way.
‘Off-Cuts (2014–2021)’ is out now on Plexus Records.
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Digital Newcastle celebrates its 21st year with a stacked Autumn/Winter programme featuring Luke Dean, Fish56Octagon, K Motionz and L.P. Rhythm
Digital, a staple of Newcastle’s rave culture, has announced its Autumn/Winter (A/W) programme for its 21st year running. Blurring the lines between electronic music genres, the venue is bringing together artists such as Luke Dean, Fish56Octagon, K Motionz and L.P. Rhythm for the final months of 2026.
Having already kicked off at the start of October, the season got underway with two special B2Bs: Club Angel b2b Kyle Starkey, Paige Tomlinson b2b Benwal. The following night, Yotto and Cristoph brought progressive house to the venue as part of an inU.records takeover at Digital.
The opening weekend offered a glimpse of what the venue has in store, warming up the decks ahead of another takeover on Friday, 9 October. Heavy House Society are bringing Sidney Charles, Locky and Gigsta to Digital for a night full of tech-house anthems.
Sidney Charles is currently one of the genre’s hottest names, with his recent track, ‘Jam Is Fresh’ making waves across the tech-house scene. Meanwhile, Locky has an impressive catalogue that includes collaborations with some of the biggest names in house music.
The month continues with other notable events, including two exclusive Halloween parties at the venue, as well as a daytime party on 31 October at Ouseburn Garden headlined by Mella Dee
November & December: The Programme Gets Even Bigger
Although October already presents a strong line-up, November takes things up another level. Jamie Fielding is set to play a 3-hour set during the Northern Frequency takeover, while the SlapFunk x Special Delivery night brings Dungeon Meat b2b Samuel Deep on Friday, 13 November.
However, the penultimate weekend looks set to be one of the month’s biggest highlights, with K Motionz, Conducta and Flowdan joining forces on 20 November. The following night, Jazzy stops at Digital as part of her ‘Peace & Patience Tour’, alongside James Poole.
The final weekend of November sees Fish56Octagon bringing his iconic energy for a night of rave classics, as well as the best of UK garage, hard house and trance.
December keeps the momentum going, with another series of highlights on the horizon. Kepler’s own label brings him to Digital alongside a stacked line-up featuring Soul Mass Transit System, DJ Cosworth B2B Oldboy and many others on Friday, 4 December.
Heading towards Christmas, house stars Luke Dean, MJ Cole and Lucas Alexander are set to go back-to-back on the final event before the holiday break. The same night has Burnski B2B Captain Wallop and Emma 2000 on the decks.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in style, Digital teams up with Konnekt, bringing L.P. Rhythm to take the crowd into 2027. While the rest of the line-up is still to be announced, the night is expected to be a memorable one in Newcastle city centre.
With more events to be added to the programme, the A/W season at Digital is one of the most stacked in the north of England. Known for its long standing and impactful history on Newcastle’s rave culture, the venue has become more than a place for a night out.
It is a hub where major international artists, established UK names and emerging talent all come together to continue a story in a city whose nightlife remains as vibrant as ever. Tickets for all events at Digital are now available and can be bought via the official website.
Full A/W schedule at Digital Newcastle:
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Edele Andaya launches independent label Andaya Records with debut release ‘Dreams’ and new Universal Music Group distribution deal
British DJ and recording artist Edele Andaya has launched her new independent label, Andaya Records, with ‘Dreams’ as its first release. The track brings together Edele Andaya, The Neckbreakaz and Agent Jack for a high-energy electronic production aimed firmly at the dance floor. Through the label, Edele Andaya also gains a permanent home for her music and greater control over each release.
Andaya Records Gives Edele Andaya Greater Creative Control
Edele Andaya established Andaya Records as a permanent home for her original music. The label gives her greater creative control over the music, artwork, visual identity and wider direction surrounding each release. While her music sits at the centre initially, the longer-term ambition is for Andaya Records to develop an identity of its own. That could eventually include working with other artists who complement its musical direction.
For its visual identity, Andaya Records uses a stripped-back approach centred on a distinctive metallic ‘A’. Black, white and silver complete the aesthetic.
From Peach To A New Chapter
For Edele Andaya, the launch represents a progression from a career deeply rooted in UK dance music towards a new identity as a contemporary recording and touring artist. She established herself within the trance scene during a five-year residency at Peach, one of the defining brands of UK club culture. Since then, her music has drawn from trance, techno, hard trance and harder-edged electronic music.
Her DJ sets combine vinyl and digital, connecting the music that shaped her career with the contemporary records influencing her today. Her current focus now goes beyond her history within classic trance, with new music becoming an increasingly important part of her work. Through that music, Edele Andaya also wants to connect her experience with a new generation of clubbers.
Andaya Records Expands With Global Distribution
A new worldwide distribution relationship between Andaya Records and Universal Music Group also forms a key part of this next chapter. The partnership provides global distribution, additional infrastructure and marketing support. Edele Andaya can still retain the independent identity and creative control of her own label. ‘Dreams’ is the first release under the new arrangement and begins an ongoing release strategy.
Alongside the distribution agreement, Edele Andaya has recently joined Universal Artists Agency for worldwide representation through Chris Brown. The move brings a new team around the project as she develops its next stage.
Following recent appearances at Luminosity, Godskitchen, Rong, SHINE Ibiza, Peach, Frantic and One More Time Ibiza, Edele Andaya now brings several parts of her career together. Original music, an independent label, worldwide representation and her own event series all form part of that next chapter. ‘Dreams’ is the first release, with Andaya Records marking its beginning.
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