Latest news with #housemusic
Forbes
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
How I Travel: Electronic Musicians Eli & Fur
Electronic duo Eli & Fur started creating their signature sound as teenagers in London. The self-described platonic soulmates were drawn to the same hypnotic melodies and moody soundscapes that would later come to define their style. Over a decade later, their personal blend of house, techno and melodic pop has launched them onto the global landscape of electronic music's most sought-after acts. Eli & Fur's sound exists in a world that is entire their own, one that centers around hypnotic vocals, booming bass and cinematic synths. This summer, the pair embarks on their most exciting journey yet with Dreams At Dusk - a five-city, open-air party series spanning the Pacific Coast, from Seattle to San Diego, that kicks off on August 16. The series invites fans on a metaphysical road trip through the West Coast sunset with a euphoric lineup designed to illuminate audiences and create space for community, connection and spiritual transformation. On a quick break between tour stops and sunset sets, we sat down with Eli & Fur to talk travel rituals, dream destinations and the places that make them feel most at home in the world. Eli & Fur Eli & Fur My go-to airline is: Eli: British Airways, but if we could fly everywhere on Qatar we would! Fur: Emirates. My favorite seat on the flight is: Window seat, love to make music on the plane while looking out at the views. My go-to in-flight beverage is: Eli: A glass of cold white wine, this sadly sometimes means having to add an ice cube. Fur: Bloody Mary. My favorite airport/terminal is: Doha Qatar terminal. It's unreal. Amazing shopping and food. The second I get on a plane I: Eli: Shoes off and then check the in flight entertainment and decide on a good movie. Fur: headphones straight on. My go-to travel uniform is: Free City tracksuits and an Alo Jumper. Both super comfortable and cozy. My carry-on consists of: A Black Rimowa carry-on and our new favorite purchase - the Search Backpack from Tumi. It fits absolutely everything and goes under every seat. The pieces I take EVERYWHERE are: Eli: A pair of Nike running trainers. I love to run on the road. I also take Seed probiotics. Fur: My own pillow, makes me feel cozy on the flight, and Pique Life Electrolytes. My flying soundtrack is: Eli: Anything by Rufus Du Sol. Fur: Some relaxing jazz. My favorite thing about flying is: Getting to shut off while in the air and just work on music or watch a movie. The worst part about flying is: Turbulence and delays. My one flying hack is: Eli: If you are flying with only hand luggage, take one pair shoes in a tote bag. It gives you lots more space and you can always put them into a duty free bag so you only have two items to carry on. Fur: The seatbelt trick is to put your knees up and clip the seatbelt around your legs. It's a comfortable way to sleep. The second I land I: Breathe a sigh of relief that we made it. As soon as I check into my hotel room I: Check the room service menu. My favorite hotel in the world is: Eli: That's a tie between Heckfield Place in Hampshire, England and Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina, Italy. Fur: Resort Hotel Alex, Zermatt My favorite city in the world is: Nowhere in the world is as magical as Paris. A concierge will know that I prefer: Extra water! My favorite hotel memory is: We threw a party on the roof of the Proper Hotel in Santa Monica to celebrate the release of our album, it was intimate and amazing and we danced as the sun went down. It was a special memory. I conquer jetlag by: Coffee, always. And then Moon Juice Magnesi-Om. My biggest piece of travel advice is: Do it. Take the trip!
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
DJ Ahmed Spins goes from sending out demos under fake names to lighting up the stage at Coachella
MOROCCAN-born producer and multi-instrumentalist Ahmed Spins has gone from sending out demos under fake names just a few years ago, to lighting up stages at Coachella, EDC Las Vegas and Electric Forest. Ahmed was also one of only a few up-and-coming DJs invited to play the opening party of Ibiza's new hyper club, [UNVRS], cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting new rising stars in house music. 1 Now, fresh from those huge sets and ahead of his set at London's Junction 2 on July 25, he teams up with French-Moroccan rising star Ankhoï on 'Mood' -a sun-soaked, funk-tinged anthem featuring Caroline Byrne (Gorgon City, Ferreck Dawn) and live guitar from Neyl. Out now on DHB Records and premiered at the Giza pyramids, 'Mood' is full of warmth, groove, and radiant energy. We caught up with Ahmed this week and he's curated an exclusive playlist that mirrors that feeling, featuring his new track alongside high-vibe cuts from Ankhoï, Jazzy, Carlita, Cameron Jack, Audiojack, Dennis Cruz, Midland, and ANOTR. It's a go-to summer soundtrack, whether you're poolside, on a road trip chasing the sun or setting the tone for a long night ahead. My new track - it's the feel-good summer song you needed to brighten your day! The uplifting melodies and warm grooves will instantly put a smile on your face. This one gets everyone's hands raised on the dance floor and is made by my close friend Carla, which makes it even more special. It's a perfect example of her unique style and artistry. Cameron Jack - Red Light This track is such a good grove. Play this in my sets a lot and it always gets the crowd dancing and good vibes going. Audiojack - 90s Dreamin' An instant mood uplifter that brings a rush of good energy every time. It channels the nostalgia of classic house with a modern twist that feels both fresh and familiar. Dennis Cruz - Fabulous My favorite club track because it never fails to light up the room. The driving percussion and infectious hooks create an atmosphere that's impossible to ignore. Midland - Final Credits It's a universal tune that will last for generations thanks to its timeless vibe. It's a track you can play in almost any setting and trust it will hit the mark.
ABC News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
nimino
London-based producer nimino serves up UKG and house vibes on the triple j airwaves! Loading You may know his best from his 2024 track 'I Only Smoke When I Drink' which nabbed the #62 slot in last years Hottest 100 but he's back and better than ever with new 2013 nimino has been crafting emotional electronic sounds and his tracks have received support from industry heavyweights such as Diplo and Pete this year he dropped his stunning Creek EP via Ninja Tune's Counter Records, which he's followed up with his most recent single 'Beside Of Me' with Irish artist Maverick Sabre. Check it out here:While there's no confirmed Aus shows a little birdy told us he's keen to hit up some stages Down Under in the near future, so watch this space! In the mean time, nimino's providing a huge Mix Up set where you'll get a sneak peak of some new music he's been working on. Expect deep and atmospheric house blended with banging garage and bass, so turn it up!
BBC News
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Stendhal: Twelve-year-old DJ Fionn ready to mix it up at festival
At just 12 years old, DJ Fionn says he is more than ready to perform at one of Northern Ireland's biggest independent music and arts O'Kane's passion for DJing began at just two years old after his dad gave him his first set of young musician has already turned heads with his talent on the turntables in his hometown of Limavady, and is now preparing for his biggest gig to is on the line-up at this year's Stendhal Festival in County Londonderry, joining The Lightning Seeds, Brit Award–winning singer-songwriter Kate Nash, Joshua Burnside, and one of Fionn's DJ idols, Mark McCabe. From school halls to Stendhal "My dad has always done a bit of DJing, so I grew up with it, and I used to watch YouTube videos of DJs when I was younger, and that's where it just started for me," Fionn told BBC News NI."Like my dad, I like all sorts of music, a bit of everything, but mostly I like to listen to things like house and techno and that's the genre of music I play."Fionn said one of his first "official gigs" was at Termoncanice Primary School when he performed at his school assembly hall as part of a Christmas event in front of all his classmates and teachers. He said performing at Stendhal will be his biggest performance yet and he cannot wait to take to the stage in front of a large crowd. "I have most of the set finished already, I am just tweaking the last few things for it," he said with a big smile. Fionn said that he and his family always loved going to Stendhal, and being on the billing was a real "pinch yourself" moment. Parents only told after application sent After coming across an advert on social media, the 12-year-old put his name forward to be a part of the festival line-up "I applied more in hope than anything else," he admitted. And he only told his parents, Andy and Kerry O'Kane, after he had submitted the application. Fionn said they are incredibly supportive of his DJing, provided it doesn't interfere with his schoolwork. As well as being very excited to perform his own set, he is also really looking forward to seeing Irish DJ and producer Mark McCabe take to the Stendahl stage."I really like his music, especially Maniac 2000, it's a massive tune." What is Stendhal? Now in its 15th year, Stendhal Festival, is an annual event featuring music, comedy, dance, poetry, workshops and family-friendly name is a reference to Stendhal syndrome - a psychological condition resulting in dizziness experienced by people exposed to things of great festival, which runs from 4 to 6 July, is taking place at Ballymully Cottage Farm in Roe Valley, outside festival bill this year also includes comedian Ed Byrne, country singer Lisa McHugh, and electronic group The Orb .DJ Fionn will be performing on Friday 4 July on the Woolly Woodland stage, and you can see a full line-up of all the acts performing at this year's Stendhal Festival here. A number of BBC Radio Ulster programmes will be broadcasting from the festival, including a special programme with Vinny and Cate, Your Place and Mine with Eve Blair, and Sunday with Anna Curran.
Daily Mail
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How Dubai is redefining the house music scene- what was once a gritty underground genre has now been transformed into beach clubs, bottle service and guest lists with world class DJ's
With sandy beach clubs, luxurious rooftop raves, and an endless roster of A-list DJs, Dubai is fast becoming the world's most unexpected house music hotspots. Dubbed the 'Ibiza of the East', Dubai offers its own unique style of house-driven events which brings a luxurious, high end feel to the genre of music. A far cry from house music's roots of underground Chicago clubs and warehouses in the 1980s, where it was raw, gritty, and anti-establishment. House music has evolved and split into different scenes, with big-name DJs playing melodic or deep house at beach clubs with bottle service, dress codes and guest lists. One event that embodies this new style of the house music scene is Pacha ICONS at FIVE LUXE, who have a roster of international DJs, including Solomun, CamelPhat and Afro house pioneer Black Coffee who they have on rotation. However Dubai wasn't always known for it's boujee house music scene, in fact, it wasn't until the early 2000's that house music become popular in the UAE. Dubai has curated its own unique style of house events and in the past 25 years the genre has skyrocketed in the country, bringing music lovers from far and wide but it wasn't always this way. In 2002, DJ Greg Stainer, from South East London, a prominent figure in the UK garage scene, relocated to Dubai and played a crucial role in introducing and popularising house music in the UAE. He began DJ residencies at various nightclubs in the city and started presenting a house music radio show, Club Anthems, on UAE Radio 1. Stainer's efforts helped bridge the gap between Western electronic music and the local audience. Speaking to FEMAIL he said: 'When I first emigrated there wasn't much house in Dubai. Most clubs were playing pop, hip hop/RnB and the ones that played any house were mostly playing trance.' Greg claimed he initially found difficult to introduce this style of music to the Dubai audience. He added: 'I was initially booked to play only House and Garage, but I soon realised that I had to adapt and play pop/RnB then slowly introduce pockets of house music in my sets. 'Starting off with super commercial house and pop house remixes, so that the crowd would learn the tracks and get to know them, it took a few months and they actually started liking more 'proper" house in my sets. 'Eventually, after a few years I could do whole nights of pure house music and people would specifically come just for those house nights.' However fast forward to today and Dubai's house music scene is vibrant and dynamic, characterised by a blend of traditional influences and contemporary innovations. In May, Bosnian-German DJ Solomun, known for his signature sound that blends deep house, techno, and tech-house elements, graced the decks at Pacha ICONS. Meanwhile just a few weeks before global house music heavyweights CamelPhat headlined the venue with support from Adam Ten. The platinum-selling Liverpool duo have become one of the most recognisable acts in house music. As well as being GRAMMY nominated for their hit single 'Cola,' they have hosted residencies at top clubs worldwide. However it's not just about the music, Dubai prides itself on high production value with lasers, dancers, bottle service and jaw-dropping locations. Pacha ICONS host venue Playa Pacha's beachfront setting mirrors the Ibiza party spirit and Instagram-worthy aesthetics. Bonnie Rakhit, travel editor, influencer and TV presenter, revealed Dubai's music scene has many similarities to Ibiza's. Speaking to FEMAIL, she explained: 'Dubai's house music scene mirrors Ibiza's in its focus on international DJs, expensive mega clubs and luxury open-air venues. 'Like Ibiza, Dubai hosts world-renowned house and techno acts—such as David Guetta, Black Coffee, and Solomun, at its beach clubs, rooftop lounges, and desert festivals. 'Timing wise, the EDM (Electronic Dance Music) loving international jet-set head to Ibiza for the summer season and then Dubai hosts their mega parties in the winter months.' Bonnie explained while the two hotspots offer similar party scenes, Dubai's music scene is 'more polished.' She explained: 'Ibiza is the original, the creator and incubator of the talent (if you like) and Dubai can afford to pay the same names to come and play at its luxury venues. 'While Ibiza embodies a bohemian and free-spirited vibe, Dubai offers a more polished, high end and ordered scene. 'For example the alcohol laws and opening times in Ibiza have a very free, liberal attitude. But in Dubai there are a lot more alcohol restrictions and stricter regulations.' The UAE's firm stance on drug and alcohol use ensures that house music events in Dubai maintain a polished, upscale atmosphere, setting them apart from party scenes in other global cities. Alcohol can only be consumed by those over 21 in licensed venues or private residences with a permit. Public drinking is strictly prohibited, and the UAE enforces a zero-tolerance policy on drug possession and use. Bonnie added: 'There is still an underground, raw music scene in Ibiza but Dubai's scene is much more commercial and VIP focused.' Meanwhile Jay Wirsig outdoor travel expert and CEO of KayaArm, claimed Dubai has something unique to offer travellers that you don't get elsewhere. Speaking to FEMAIL he said: 'Dubai has carved out a very different kind of party atmosphere than what you see in places like Ibiza or Mykonos. 'As a solo traveler, what stands out right away is the contrast between how tightly the scene is controlled and how big the productions are. 'The venues are not just clubs but often luxury experiences with stunning views, rooftops, and private tables that feel more curated than chaotic. 'You won't find many spontaneous beach parties or open-air raves, but you will find high-end spaces with strong sound systems and top-tier international DJs, especially playing house and techno. 'Unlike Ibiza, where the party can feel raw and wild and often drifts into the street or beach, Dubai keeps things sleek and confined. 'You often need to book ahead, and dress codes are taken seriously. But the upside is you can feel safer, and things tend to run on time.' Another reason Dubai is unique for its house music events is the season mostly runs from October to May because during the summer months it's too hot for acts to perform, especially outside. Fabrice, who is a DJ at FIVE LUXE, claimed the UAE is becoming the 'ideal winter destination for the international electronic music circuit'. He explained: 'With its world-class infrastructure, strategic geographic location, and consistent investment in cultural innovation, the city is becoming an ideal winter destination for the international electronic music circuit—particularly as European markets enter their off-season. 'The momentum suggests that Dubai will increasingly host flagship events, conferences, and cross-continental collaborations. 'The Pacha ICONS series, in particular, has brought a consistent rotation of world-class artists—many of whom define the Ibiza circuit—infusing Dubai with a new level of creative and cultural capital.' Fabrice revealed that FIVE Hotels has a 'deep-rooted commitment to shaping the music scene in Dubai', even adding their own music studio at The Penthouse, FIVE Palm Jumeirah so local talent and international headliners can collaborate. The DJ revealed that Dubai is known for its own unique sound that's 'non-underground' and a far cry from the original roots of house music. He added: 'Dubai is gradually developing its own sonic identity—one that's accessible, polished, and distinctly non-underground.' House music first emerged in the early 1980s in Chicago and it was a much grittier experience then we see today, with music played in underground warehouses. US DJ, Frankie Knuckles, who was often referred to as the 'Godfather of House,' played a pivotal role in shaping the sound. Knuckles, who passed away in 2014, blended disco classics with drum machine rhythms and synthesized basslines to create something entirely new. By the mid-to-late 1980s, house music had crossed the Atlantic and found a home in the UK, with dance clubs playing a key role in spreading house music across country. By the 1990's the new gener already started to evolve and it branched off into different subgenres, Deep House, Progressive House, Garage and UK Garage and Tribal House. House music also gained ground in places like Ibiza, which became a mecca for club culture. By the 2000's house music become more mainstream. With the rise of digital production tools and platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud, aspiring producers could share music globally without a label. Dubai's music scene began to embrace house music around this time, influenced by the city's growing international community and its burgeoning nightlife. In early 2010, the EDM (Electronic Dance Music) boom pushed house and other electronic genres into stadiums and festivals. Artists like David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, and Avicii brought house-inspired sounds to pop music and drew in massive crowds, selling out stadiums.
