Headline additions

Among the newly announced international acts, London’s Heartworms stands out, riding high on the acclaim for their 2025 debut album Glutton For Punishment, which earned five-star reviews from NME and DIY Magazine. Fellow Londoners The Itch make their Icelandic debut on the back of a packed run of UK basement shows, while neo-soul veteran Jamie Woon brings his acclaimed back catalogue to Reykjavík.

Icelandic talent at the core

As always, homegrown artists are central to the lineup. RAKEL, winner of the 2025 Iceland Airwaves PLUS Award, returns to the festival after a year of international showcases in New York and Wales. Electro-pop project SCAM, from composers Herdís Stefánsdóttir and Salka Valsdóttir, and Andervel, the folk-leaning project of Mexico-born, Iceland-based artist José Luis Anderson, also feature among the local highlights.

Beyond the stage

The festival extends well beyond its showcase performances. Special events at Reykjavík’s waterfront concert hall Harpa will feature Shygirl, The Streets, and Daði Freyr with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. A two-day industry conference on 5th and 6th November will tackle topics including human curation in the age of algorithms and how smaller music markets continue to produce outsized global talent.

SCAM will also preview the festival at a Taste of Iceland showcase in New York on 1st October, at Pianos on the Lower East Side.

Early bird tickets start from 10,900 ISK (approximately £65 / $87), with travel packages available. Learn more and purchase tickets at icelandairwaves.is. Get the festival playlist on Spotify.

Pre-festival events lineup:

4th November: Shygirl at Silfurberg, Harpa – tickets
5th November: Daði Freyr & The Iceland Symphony Orchestra at Eldborg, Harpa – tickets
8th November: The Streets at Eldborg, Harpa – tickets

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Following his secret performance at FME last year, singer-songwriter Vincent Roberge, a.k.a. Les Louanges, headlines the Thursday lineup. Building on the success of his third album Alouette!, he brings his modern blend of funk and soul, wrapped in refined pop production. This evening, the main stage will also welcome Bon Enfant, Malaimé Soleil, and Birds of Prrrey.

Friday evening is dedicated to rhythmic verses, with the festival presenting Koriass, a true pillar of Quebec rap who has been accumulating accolades for two decades now. Ahead of this headlining performance fans will also have an opportunity to see sets by Kamilou and Aswell.

Saturday’s lineup kicks off at 7PM with the Nouvelles Ondes SiriusXM competition finale featuring three artists deemed to best represent the next generation of francophone singer-songwriters. Hawa B, an artist who defies labels, opens the evening with a performance that creates a space where you can twerk or headbang, laugh or cry, all in the same breath. N Nao, Grand Eugène, and Lou-Adriane Cassidy will also be performing this evening.

As a bonus, the FME presents a series of concerts under the stars taking place at Scène Fizz (also located on 7e Rue). From Thursday to Saturday, we are treated to: new Arbutus signing Public Appeal, who recently showcased more of their avant-garde pop on new full-length hello my name is public appeal; Jashim, a key figure in Montreal’s underground Latin scene, with Cult MTL describing their music as “2000s sun-soaked rhythms [that] meets hyper-pop”; and Aizysse Baga, an artist from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community whose electro-pop and alternative universe combines stage performance, flamboyant aesthetics, and socially conscious lyrics.

Learn more and buy passes at fmeat.org/en.

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Oxymorrons

Queens, New York’s Oxymorrons defy being put in a box, they pull from punk, hip-hop, metal, jazz, and beyond to create something entirely their own. The group includes vocalist Demi “Deee,” his brother and drummer Kami “KI,” drummer Matty Mayz, and vocalist/guitarist/bassist Jafe Paulino, and they carry the cultural richness of their Haitian, Dominican, and Jamaican roots into every performance. They’re the kind of band that represents New York with pride wherever they go, and their Warped Tour set is something to catch.

Nova Twins 

London rock duo Nova Twins, Georgia South and Amy Love, have been making waves since their self-titled debut EP in 2016, and some D.C. audiences got an early preview last year when they delivered a bass-heavy set at Tiny Desk. Since then, they have toured alongside Evanescence and earned fans in Elton John and Rage Against the Machine, and continued to use their platform to advocate for social justice. Nova Twins bring another level of talent that you must see.

3OH!3

If you had an iPod in 2008, you already know “DONTTRUSTME,” “STARSTRUKK,” and “My First Kiss.” The Boulder, Colorado duo built a fever dream of certified bangers that are just as relevant today. 3OH!3 are no strangers to Warped Tour, and they’ve graced the stages of Coachella and Reading & Leeds as well. This is a set built for crowd sing-alongs, and every song feels like a throwback worth revisiting.

Meet Me @ The Altar 

Meet Me @ The Altar is the pop-punk band the genre needed. Drummer Ada Juarez and lead vocalist Edith Victoria have crafted a sound built on sharp hooks, explosive riffs, and earworm melodies with a forward-facing punk attitude. They’ve earned major co-signs and shared stages with Green Day, and they’re heading into Warped Tour with real momentum: their new single “Strung Out” drops June 12th, just one day before the D.C. show.

HUE

Warped Tour made a point of spotlighting local talent by including HUE on the D.C. lineup, and it’s a well-deserved slot. The Washington, D.C. Battle of the Bands winners bring something truly unique to the festival: a special acoustic set that weaves together go-go, R&B, pop-punk, djent, and more. Formed by Alireza and Halluciniinja alongside drummer AreJay, a former RDGLDGRN touring member, the band has already performed at Afropunk Brooklyn, 6 Mafia in D.C., and NAMM. Their debut EP arrives May 29th, giving fans something new to dig into before the show.

VANA

New Zealand-based artist VANA blends alt-metal with electro-pop and trap-influenced production into a sound that feels genuinely singular. An outspoken advocate for female empowerment, mental health awareness, and LGBTQ+ visibility, she uses her platform to build a space where outsiders feel seen. Her debut album, due this fall, promises a dive into a dystopian fantasy world rooted in dark femininity, villainy, and the perspective of the misunderstood. Consider Warped Tour your introduction.

DC’s Warped Tour is a continuation of memories made throughout the years.  The lineup invites an array of bands and artists for the District that will have you feeling nostalgic or curious to find your new favourite band. This lineup has something for everyone. We hope a few of these artists make it onto your must-see list.

See the full lineup and buy tickets at vanswarpedtourdc.com.

Cover image: Nova Twins by Faye Strassle, Pukkelpop Belgium music festival.

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Naturally, the festival theme, Alice in Wonderland, is at the heart of the event. With stages accordingly named – Queen’s Domain, Mad Hatter’s Castle, Cheshire Woods, and Caterpillar’s Garden – the festival is a fantastical playground. Between the stages is interactive art, immersive installations, and performances by Formal Foxes and Leopard Ladies.

The house music lineup includes the likes of Chicago’s own house pioneer Green Velvet, Layton Giordani, Sonny Fodera, Loco Dice, LP Giobbi, and a B2B set from Acraze and Wax Motif. Bass music artist list brings together Zeds Dead, Kai Wachi, Liquid Stranger, Space Laces B2B Eptic, Kayzo, Adventure Club, and a special performance from San Holo (Wholesome Riddim Set). Sets by Loud Luxury, NOTD, Blair, Liquid Stranger, and the Insomniac Records spotlights are also not to be missed.

Entry options include a general admission pass, GA+, which includes an expedited, dedicated entry and special access to premium, air-conditioned restroom trailers, and VIP, which skips the line, includes a locker rental and other amenities in addition to the exclusive VIP dance areas and a VIP lounge.

See the complete lineup and purchase tickets at chicago.beyondwonderland.com.

Cover image by Jake West, courtesy of Insomniac

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Lorde headlining Friday will bring a wave of 2000s kids to the park to see her live in all her grown-up glory. She last played the festival way back in 2017, which is almost a decade ago now. Since then, Lorde has evolved from a teenage indie-pop phenomenon into one of the defining voices of her generation, and fans are surely extremely eager to see what kind of emotional set she brings to the main stage. Friday, in general, feels geared toward fans looking for a more dreamy and nostalgic festival experience. King Princess, Arcy Drive and Del Water Gap are all examples with their romantic, wistful, and sentimental feelings coming out through their style.

Saturday might be the most global night of the festival, featuring artists from all over the world and all genres. Saturday will absolutely be the day to go if you’re looking for raging, large-crowd energy. K-pop will definitely be having a huge moment at Governors Ball this year with two nights of headliners. Stray Kids and BLACKPINK’s Jennie are absolutely going to rock the house down. Between their massive international fanbases and high-production performances, expect some of the loudest crowds of the weekend. Saturday’s lineup overall feels chaotic in the best way possible, bouncing between electronic, rap, pop, and dance performances all day long.

A$AP Rocky, Harlem native and longtime New York icon, will be closing the festival Sunday night, which will surely end the weekend with a bang. Rocky has always represented a very specific cool, fashion-forward version of New York rap culture, and having him close out the festival feels fitting for a hometown finale. Fans are already speculating about surprise guests, especially considering his long history of collaborations with artists across genres. 

Of course, A$AP Rocky isn’t the only New Yorker representing the city’s musical talent; the Dare, Geese, Del Water Gap, Lexa Gates, and the School of Rock performers are all showing what New York is made of. The Dare specifically has really blown up in the past few years during the Charli XCX-inspired punk-pop and indie sleaze resurgence that’s swept NYC nightlife and music culture. His set — and who he may or may not bring out — will definitely be one to look forward to. Another huge group to watch will be Geese, who have, not so quietly in this past year, become one of the most exciting young rock acts to come out of New York. Their set at the Brooklyn Paramount last November was pretty much the hottest ticket of the fall, so it will be interesting to see how many show up for their festival set.

Hemlocke Springs will be an artist to watch this year, and fresh off of releasing her first album the apple tree under the sea. Extremely unique artist with a very clear style to her music as well as her image. Slayyyter is another artist blowing up right now in the queer hyper pop universe – ALSO fresh off her album release of BROKE BITCH FREE$TYLE, she is sure to bring the party to Queens. 

Governors Ball has always worked best when it balances massive global stars with rising local talent, and this year’s lineup feels especially reflective of the city’s current music scene.

Learn more and get tickets at governorsballmusicfestival.com.

Cover image by Conan Gray by Charles Reagan for Governors Ball 2025.

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Over the years, BeachLife organisers have done a terrific job of gathering a lineup that fans of all ages can enjoy. This year, BeachLife has provided a nice range of light-hearted vibes to mellow out in the sand. One act that is a throwback that many are excited to see is Duran Duran. Their synth wave pop helped define the 1980’s. Can’t wait for them to play hits like “Hungry Like the Wolf” or “Notorious” while enjoying BeachLife activities in the sand and taking in the sun. Make sure to bring your neon bright fanny pack and Lazer Face sunglasses. 

Perhaps the biggest star performing over the weekend that fans are anticipating seeing live is Sheryl Crow. If you can not appreciate hearing “Soak Up the Sun” while jamming on the beach, then you truly must not have a soul or like having a good time. Of course, you can’t help but love some of Crow’s other hits from the 90’s like “All I Want To Do” and “If It Makes You Happy”. Seeing her play her trusty guitar live is sure to be an experience for those in attendance who don’t want to miss it. 

Speaking of 90’s tunes, if you are looking for something with more angst, then The Offspring will be there to keep the high-level energy. The Garden Grove natives’ music still carries enough edge and goofiness all these years later, taking us back to the days of watching music videos on MTV. “Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)” still hits after all these years. In addition, The Schizophonics will also bring the hype and all the alternative rock you need to wake up the neighbours. We’re excited to see them perform tracks from Hoof It like “Creature” and “Desert Girl” to bop to. 

However, if you’re looking for something more wavy to not harsh your mellow, then Slightly Stoopid has you covered. The Ocean Beach, California natives’ modern reggae style is the perfect fit for BeachLife to keep the crowd nice and toasty during the sea breeze. Another reggae band from the Hermosa Beach area, Triple Bueno, will also be making waves at BeachLife as they are set to release their 10-song debut album this Spring.

BeachLife doesn’t mind dedicating some time to indie pop tunes for everyone to experience. Two bands that had a stronghold of the 2010’s were Grouplove as well as Fitz and The Tantrums. Both bands will be there and cannot wait to hear their upbeat song that defined a decade. While it may come off as a bit cheesy, there’s still something beautifully wholesome in the simplicity of their music that fits perfectly at this easy-going festival.

BeachLife Festival has a plethora of music from different decades for everyone to have fun with. It’s a laid-back crowd and music you can appreciate while kicking back a margarita. Even though we’ll be at the beach, the weather may still be a bit chilly, so make sure to be prepared for when the sun goes down. However, there’s plenty of music to love that will surely be a great time.

Cover image courtesy of the festival.

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Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival returns Saturday, March 28, for its 18th anniversary, taking over a multi-space venue at 314 Scholes St. in East Williamsburg for a continuous 23-hour run of underground electronic music.

BEMF is female and minority owned and operated. Launched in 2008 by the founder of MeanRed Productions, Jen Lyon, founder of Renegade NYC, Sam Black and strategist, Katie Longmyer. As stated on BEMF’s website, this year’s return is both a rebellion and a homecoming. 

The event begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday and continues through noon on Sunday, spanning five distinct areas within the complex, including Substance Skatepark, LoHi Rooftop, Wandering Barman, a courtyard and a warehouse location. A single all-access ticket, priced at $40, allows entry across all stages with re-entry permitted.

This year’s lineup features nearly 30 artists organised into seven independently curated showcases, each led by local collectives such as Vigilante, Hot Honey Sundays, and Renegade. The format emphasises a decentralised approach, giving equal visibility to each curator while maintaining a consistent flow of music across the complex.

This festival, rooted in underground dance culture, has an emphasis on direct artist involvement and community-led curation rather than algorithm-driven booking. BEMF reasserts the power of intention with each showcase operating autonomously within the curated framework of the festival.

Chicago’s influence is heavily present across the lineup, with sets from DJ Thadz, DJ Manny, and Hiroko Yamamura. Brooklyn-based and international artists round out the bill, including Anna Collecta, S7IK, Shvili and JADALAREIGN (cover image), reflecting a mix of house, techno, and experimental club sounds.

The Brooklyn native known for “Harlem Shake,” Bauuer, who now focuses on bass-driven and club-oriented sets, is set to take the Courtyard stage. Other artists scheduled across the festival include Angie Rey, DJ Kellen, LeCamille, and Benny Soto, alongside a number of emerging DJs affiliated with the participating collectives.

Programming is staggered throughout the day and night. Daytime sets lean toward house and groove-driven sounds, while late-night and early morning hours shift into heavier techno, hardcore, and trance. A sunrise segment closes out the event, with extended sets running into Sunday morning.

In addition to music, the event will include food vendors, on-site services, and designated rest areas.

Now in its 18th year, BEMF continues to position itself as a longstanding fixture in Brooklyn’s electronic music landscape, maintaining its focus on grassroots programming while adapting to the evolving club scene. 

The event is open to attendees 21 and over, with tickets available in advance and at the door.

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“With two free stages and an affordably priced general-admission pass, we’re reaffirming a simple belief: music should be experienced everywhere, by as many people as possible, and generate positive benefits for our community,” said Nicolas Racine, President and CEO of BLEUFEU, “That’s the purpose of our commitment, year after year”. The 11-day full festival pass, for example, goes for $180, tax included.

The headliners include big names like Gwen Stefani, Kesha, Shaggy, Limp Bizkit, Cypress Hill, The Lumineers, Michael Bublé, and Martin Garrix, among others. On the Loto-québec Stage and SiriusXM Stages, concertgoers will see performances by Sean Paul, Omega Mighty, Bricknasty, Na$-T, Bye Parula, and BALTHVS, to name a few.

Hydro-Québec stage (free) will host reggae artists like Skarra Mucci and Manudigital, Cumbia Control and Chicha Libre for cumbia night, hip-hop and electro-pop performances by Calamine, Par Sek, and the Dead Obies. Crave Stage (free) will bring out The Narcotix, TUKAN, Simon Lachance, Afternoon Bike Ride, Héron, Le Ren, and many more.

Late-night shows at Extras FEQ will host a series of 100% electro nights with acts like
SHOPLIFTER, Alba Franch, BAMBII, DJ Raven, Tom DŪNO, Tupi Collective, Amantes del Futuro, and many more.

Learn more and purchase your pass at feq.ca.

Images courtesy of FAQ.

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To start, six new bands have been added to the line-up. They are the winners of the 11th edition of Mad Cool Talent by Vibra Mahou, a programme created by both brands to spotlight emerging talent.

Candela Gómez, one of the most promising up-and-coming artists, will take to the stage on 9 July, bringing her fresh and vibrant style to the festival’s most pop-focused day. The 10 July programme, with a more rock-driven approach, will feature standout acts such as Georgian band Tape Visitors, alongside the energy of Los Blody and Babylon. Completing this round of additions are Bad Tomato and Break The Senses, from Portugal and Málaga, respectively, who will showcase their full power and intensity on stage.

Mad Cool Festival is fast approaching, and tickets are selling quickly. The festival has warned on social media that only a limited number of tickets remain, so those still considering the four-day experience should act now to avoid disappointment.

One of the main highlights of the festival’s tenth anniversary is the exclusive presence of a number of international artists. Foo Fighters will return to Spain for the first time since 2017, performing their only show in the country. In addition, Moby, Florence + The Machine, Pulp, Halsey and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds will deliver eagerly awaited performances that can only be seen at Mad Cool Festival.

Mad Cool Festival will take place from 8 to 11 July 2026 at the Iberdrola Music venue in Madrid. Festival passes and single-day tickets are still available at madcooltickets.com.

Where to stay in Madrid

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The attendees will have access to three outdoor stages and eight indoor venues. Multiple pop-up events and surprise shows will appear in additional locations throughout the city.

This year’s lineup includes young artist Bille du Page, hyper-pop singer BéLi, rock artist Marie-Pierre Arthur, singer-songwriter Jay Scøtt, seven-piece, Vancouver-based psychedelic band Empanadas Ilegales, the infamous The OBGMs, and legendary Les Trois Accords, in addition to many, many more.

For over twenty years, FME has established itself as a ground for emerging talent and innovative artistic practice, bringing together members of the music industry and fans from across the globe in a unique Québecqa setting.

Festival passes

• The Passeport site extérieur 7e Rue (7e Rue Outdoor Festival Pass), costing $75, grants access to all outdoor shows presented on 7th Street, from Thursday to Saturday.
• The Passeport VIP site extérieur 7e Rue (7e Rue Outdoor VIP Festival Pass), priced at $200, offers access to the same shows, plus entry to the VIP terrace, which includes a bar and private restrooms.
• In addition to outdoor concerts, both of these festival passes give you a 20% discount on up to 4 tickets for paid shows in the official program. A promotional code will be sent via email to passholders.
• The Passeport Best Life (Best Life Festival Pass), for ultimate music lovers, costs $300 and grants access to all venues, including both outdoor stages, for all four days of the festival across all venues.
• Single tickets for August 28-30, 2025, are also available for purchase at a cost of $35 per evening.

Learn more and buy passes on fmeat.org.

Cover image courtesy of The OBGMs

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Headlining this year are international, award-winning artists: Canadian producer, DJ and songwriter, Kaytranada, Colombian, rapper and producer, Feid, French-born producer and songwriter, Gesaffelstein, and Australian house music producer, Dom Dolla. In a deviation from its standard all-EDM focus, festival organisers are providing 90s and early 2000s nostalgia for millennials and Gen Xers with the addition of Juvenile, Busta Rhymes, and Sean Paul. 

While many EDM festivals do the bare minimum in terms of booking female talent, Hard Summer recognises the impactful contributions that women have made to the EDM scene and culture. With an abundant lineup of 14 female artists – both well-known and up-and-coming – festival goers will be able to experience VNSSA, Sara Landry, Annicka, and an onstage collaboration between Ki/Ki and DJ Gigola. Additional female DJs and producers taking over the Hard Summer stages include Dara Genesis, Fun2BeJane, The Blessed Madonna, and Aimmia – allowing attendees to expand their musical palettes.

With this impressive lineup and ideal location – Hollywood Park – Hard Summer is sure to be the most sought-after event of the weekend. 

Learn more and purchase passes at hardsummer.com.

Cover photo: Keytranada at LIB 2022 by Nathaniel Windisch

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