SILO  once again outdid itself with an electrifying Halloween experience. On October 31, 2025, French DJ and Latin House pioneer HUGEL  lit up Dallas with a performance that transcended expectations. From the first beat to the final encore, his set pulsed with energy, rhythm, and pure joy.  The moment you stepped through SILO’s doors, the atmosphere hit you like a wave. Lights flashing, bass vibrating through the floor, and the crowd already lost in motion. Costumed ravers: witches, skeletons, angels, and more moved as one, their smiles reflecting the pure exhilaration that filled the room.  “Life begins at the first rave,”  attendee Eduardo Gomez said, perfectly capturing the essence of the night. Everyone who entered seemed to awaken the moment the rhythm took hold, caught between the beat and the magic of shared energy.  Photo Credit: Monica Dominguez For me, seeing HUGEL live was a bucket-list moment. Ever since I first heard his hit, “Morenita”, I’ve wanted to experience it in person. When those familiar notes finally dropped at SILO, the venue erupted. The melody intertwined with the crowd’s cheers and HUGEL’s infectious energy created a collective euphoria that made it impossible not to dance.   As the night wound down, the energy didn’t fade. The lights dimmed, and HUGEL took a moment to speak directly to Dallas. His encore was nothing short of excellent. The soft, soulful melody that followed seemed to pause time. For a few minutes, the entire crowd moved as one heartbeat: united, alive, and free. It was a reminder that makes us not just move but feel.  If you haven’t yet experienced a night at SILO, consider this your sign. Grab your crew, make your way to Dallas, and use our code "BigMainStage" for $5 off your tickets. Because when HUGEL took the decks, you lived through the music.  Feature Photo Credit: Justin Nizer

There’s a kind of electric appreciation that happens when you’re dancing barefoot by the river as lasers slice through the Texas night. That’s the precise magic Sound Camp 2025  bottled. Held from September 26–28, the banks of the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels transformed into a vibrant playground of bass, community, and creativity, setting a new, high standard for what an underground festival can be. Setting the Vibe at Sound Camp 2025 I arrived just after noon, pulling into a scene of already bustling vendors and campers staking their claim. Once settled, the urge to explore took over. The Pulse Stage  (main stage) was already throbbing - a warm, welcoming hug of bass amidst the wild nature. Wandering further, I came upon the Basin Stage  (side stage), where melodic, progressive, and house beats drifted through the trees, creating a calm, lounge-like atmosphere. My own camp was set up near the  Duck Pond , hosted by  Elixir Mixir— a designated chill zone alive with kandi trading, trinkets, and good vibes. Though initial foot traffic was light, the spirit of PLUR was immediate. At one point, when a festival-goer needed help near their tent, I was deeply impressed by the Elixir Mixer team’s quick, compassionate, and professional response. With the gentle flow of the Guadalupe as a backdrop to the Basin Stage , the whole area pulsed with a refreshing, collective energy.  Photo Credit: Aeisha Izaguirre After soaking up the daytime sounds, I moved toward the Renegade Stage  near the GA camping. Decorated with a spinning disco ball and rich tapestries, it felt like a secret, slightly rebellious highway. I knew this spot would come alive once the sun set.  Artist Insight: MPort on Sound & Storytelling Just before his high-energy set, we caught up with DJ MPort , a rising name in the bass scene known for blending clever samples, explosive drops, and visuals that hit as hard as his sound. Despite the pre-set adrenaline, MPort was incredibly relaxed, grounded, and present, ready to take the stage and share his vision. We dove into a conversation about the power of visuals in music storytelling, the deeper meaning behind his track “Empire ” , and the moments that truly inspire him behind the decks. Photo Credit: Aeisha Izaguirre EDM Texas: During your AMA session, you talked about sampling scenes and media. How important are visuals in terms of storytelling in your music or referencing them in your creative process? MPort:  When working with source material, such as a sample, the visual context brings everything together. For example, if you don’t know that “55 Burger” clip, you’d just hear someone screaming - but when you recognize it or realize it’s a guy yelling at a drive-thru, suddenly it’s funny; the visuals tie the emotion together. Even beyond samples, visuals can totally shape the experience. I recently saw Tipper & Friends , and the wild, improvised visuals paired with the experimental music were so consuming that I felt like I was watching a visual show with incredible music, rather than the other way around. EDM Texas: In your track “Empire ” , you blend melody with heavy sub-bass and experimental textures. What inspired that direction? MPort:  That’s a deep cut! I made that back in 2020 with a specific purpose in mind. I wanted it to feel like a festival build-up, when you’re expecting one thing. Then it suddenly shifts into something profound and unexpected. I had this tagline in mind: “underground sound with main stage energy”. That’s what “Empire” represents - maybe it’s not the biggest name, but it’s still hitting just as hard with its own unique vibe. I still love that about the track. EDM Texas: What’s a moment, either on stage or in the crowd, that still gives you chills no matter how many gigs you play? MPort:  When people sing lyrics back to me. Even if it’s a goofy sample, like a SpongeBob “Wumbo” bit, but when the crowd sings along, the energy snaps into sync, and it’s magic. I played Bass Canyon  recently, and when I dropped my remix of the “Cupid Shuffle”, the entire crowd started participating in the dance. Those moments of collective energy are simply the best. As a fan, it’s the same feeling - hearing tracks that have inspired me to start making music, like when I saw Skrillex  at Red Rocks  a few months ago. That’s always a goosebumps moment.  EDM Texas: If you could DJ in any city in the world tomorrow, where would it be? MPort:  I’d go back to New Zealand. I’ve played there, and they genuinely get the music. There’s so much incredible talent coming out of New Zealand and Australia - Sippy , Hydraulix , and Flume ,   to name a few. That whole scene is next-level. I’d bring something high-energy and wonky, complete with a full visual and lighting team, for a proper show. Sound Camp 2025 Day 2  Day two arrived quickly, kicked off by a hearty breakfast. By noon, I was recharged and ready for more. The Pulse Stage  was already shaking the ground with a serious boom. My afternoon highlight was the Flow Meetup at the Duck Pond , hosted by ATX Flowmies , where I achieved a small personal victory: learning a reverse spin on a Flowstar for the first time!  Photo Credit: Aeisha Izaguirre After a quick break, I spent the afternoon bouncing between the main stage and the Renegade stage which then led me to meet Matt Duncan and Sarah Sapinski, who were running the Renegade. It was divine timing that allowed us to have a moment to discuss with them who they are and what their role was in Sound Camp. Behind the Vision: A Sit-Down with EDM Prosperity Network EDM Texas: Can you introduce yourselves and tell us what EDM Prosperity Network is all about? Sarah Sapinski:  I’m a bass music DJ, producer, and the founder of EDM Prosperity Network. Our mission is to bring together creatives passionate about electronic music and help them grow personally, artistically, and professionally. At the heart of what we do are the values of peace, love, unity, respect, and responsibility. Those principles guide every project, event, and connection we foster. Matt Duncan:  I serve as the head of strategy and expansion for EDM Prosperity Network. I’m also a bass music DJ. My focus is on identifying the creative talent and resources within our community — and figuring out how we can collaborate, not just among ourselves but across the wider scene. Our vision is to build a “network of networks” — a collaborative ecosystem where everyone in the electronic music space, from DJs and producers to photographers, videographers, sound engineers, and even business professionals, can connect and support one another. It’s about building bridges between creativity and infrastructure so that the culture can thrive on every level. EDM Texas: What was the vision behind the stage design and vibe you wanted to create at Sound Camp? Sarah : The stage vision really came together organically. By the time Matt joined the EDM Prosperity Network, Sound Camp had already reached out and invited us to curate a stage.   Lucas DiLeo , my co-founder, called me about it the day after I quit my day job, and it felt like a sign that I was on the right path. Their goal was to elevate the festival from previous years, bring in bigger artists like  Ivy Lab , and take on the production elements. Our role was to shape the vibe, curate the experience, and build community around the music. That’s also how we reconnected with Trey from Martian Audio , who ultimately designed the stage. We had worked together before at  Nova Festival - I even jumped on the decks last-minute there when they needed someone, which Trey still jokes about as me “saving the day.” That moment built a great bond, and I was able to share some technical insight from my fiancé, who’s a live sound engineer, to help with setup. In the end, Trey’s production expertise and our creative vision came together seamlessly. The stage became a true collaboration, a mix of trust, community, and shared passion that brought the whole experience to life. EDM Texas: How did you end up curating the lineup? Was it planned ahead or spontaneous? Sarah : Sound Camp approached us to curate a stage as part of their plan to grow the festival, adding bigger names while keeping a strong community focus. They wanted the event to feel elevated but still rooted in the idea that everyone contributes to the experience. Instead of doing a fully open decks stage, which can be unpredictable in terms of vibe and quality, we built a lineup that balanced both. We started by inviting DJs already connected within the EDM Prosperity Network to apply, as well as artists who’ve been consistently building their craft and putting in the work. From there, we selected based on talent, dedication, accountability, and alignment with our core values. The result was a lineup that highlighted not just skill, but genuine passion and community spirit. EDM Texas: Do you see yourselves bringing EDM Prosperity Network Renegade stages to festivals? Matt:  The renegade stage we hosted at Sound Camp was a major success, both for EDM Prosperity Network and for the artists who got the chance to perform. It gave rising DJs a platform to play their first festival sets, brought in new audiences, and strengthened the sense of community around the event. Because of that, we’re now looking at ways to offer this renegade stage model to other small and mid-sized festivals, starting in Texas and expanding outward as we grow. The goal is to create official renegade stages that highlight local and emerging talent, while leaving room for surprise sets from main-stage artists. It’s about helping new DJs take that next step and showing festivals how powerful it can be to invest in their local scene. Over time, we hope to bring this concept to events across the country, and eventually, around the world. EDM Texas: You’ve hosted events like For the Community in Austin. How did that same ethos translate to the renegade stage at Sound Camp? Sarah:   For the Community  was actually where EDM Prosperity Network really began. It was a small pop-up with open decks and spontaneous sets, all about giving artists a platform and lifting each other up. That same mission carried over to Sound Camp, just on a much bigger scale. Instead of a small venue, we were on a festival stage with major headliners, but the heart of it was the same: showcasing passionate artists who put everything into their craft and deserve to be seen. Keeping that community-driven spirit alive is what fuels everything we do. Matt:  That philosophy guided everything leading up to Sound Camp too. We didn’t just want to book artists, we wanted to prepare them. Many of the DJs performing had never used professional-grade gear, so we hosted  Road to Sound Camp  workshops to give them hands-on experience with CDJ-3000s, full-festival sound systems, and real stage setups. We also focused on mindset and wellness. Performing at a festival is intense, so we led sessions on intention-setting, mental preparation, and physical balance. It’s not just about mixing tracks, it’s about helping artists feel ready and grounded so they can deliver their best. For us, it’s about building systems, from personal growth to creative collaboration that support artists at every level. That’s the deeper purpose behind everything we do at EDM Prosperity Network. I'd been searching for a way to combine my skills with my love for electronic music, and meeting Sarah was the turning point. She had the vision and the community, and I had the experience building structures that help things grow. Together, it just clicked. I truly believe we’re building something that will have a huge impact on this scene. We’re always excited to welcome new collaborators and talent into the fold. Anyone who shares this vision can connect with us on Instagram   or visit our website .  After soaking in all that inspiration from the EDM Prosperity crew and watching new talent tear it up on the Renegade stage, I knew the night was far from over. The main stage was calling and the next chapter of Sound Camp was about to crank the energy up even higher. A strategically timed nap around 8 PM proved to be the right call, as I woke up just in time for TroyBoi ’s set on the main stage. The energy was unreal. It was definitely the busiest and most electric day of the weekend, with an unmatched crowd vibe. The LED flow artists right in front of the stage became a hypnotic sight, their lights swirling and bodies dancing as if the music itself was physically shaping the movement.  I almost surrendered to sleep, but my crew pulled me back to the Renegade Stage , which was blazing well into the morning. The spinning disco ball caught the light overhead, making every renegade set feel magical. And the laser—a potent beam projecting DJ names and “Sound Camp” across the dark hills—created a surreal, unforgettable backdrop. Sound Camp 2025 Day 3  One of the most anticipated moments of the weekend—the  Amplify EDM  panel—did not disappoint. The lineup featured inspiring voices, including Sydney Cheatham  (co-founder of Sound Camp TX ), Saratonin ( founder of  EDM Prosperity Network ) ,   Lauren Bruno, (CEO of  Prosperxo ) , Hannah Allen  (founder of  Elixir Mixer Events ) , and  Kay Cote (founder of  Amplify EDM and host of  AMPEDCast ) . They dove deep into conversations about innovation, visibility, and the development of sustainable careers for artists in the electronic music scene. It was an incredible panel to witness, as each speaker brought a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge. I walked away feeling profoundly inspired and energized. Photo Credit: Aeisha Izaguirre Photo Credit: Aeisha Izaguirre Afterward, I grabbed some tacos (because they do make everything better) and headed over to the Duck Pond . The music, however, was too compelling to stay seated. The groove took over, and there I was, dancing alone with a taco in hand, completely lost in a profoundly personal festival moment. The DJ was weaving an uplifting journey that perfectly complemented the panel’s earlier inspiration. When the set finished, DJ Ferno  walked over and thanked me for being present. What started as a spontaneous dance quickly became one of my favorite connections of the entire weekend. Artist Insight: DJ Ferno on Love, Community, and House Music Fresh off an electrifying set that blended soulful grooves with driving house rhythms, Philadelphia-born, Austin-based artist, DJ Ferno  sat down with us to talk about many things. His approach goes beyond music; it’s about creating meaningful moments, connecting people, and using art as a vehicle for positivity and love.  Photo Credit: Aeisha Izaguirre EDM Texas: Who were your earliest influences that inspired you to step behind the decks? DJ Ferno:  My earliest influence was DJ Touchtone  in Philadelphia. When I was fifteen, I won a Six Flags contest and was invited to the radio station to pick up my tickets. I saw him in the studio touching and manipulating vinyl records, and I instantly fell in love. I got turntables for my sixteenth birthday, and it all started from that moment. Another significant moment in my EDM journey was going to the Chosen Few Picnic in Chicago, hosted by house legend Terry Hunter . Seeing 20,000 to 30,000 people vibing as one to house music in a park, with whistles blowing and pure energy, I remember thinking, “How can I be part of this?” That’s where the journey truly began. EDM Texas: Do you incorporate your life experiences into your mixing and production? DJ Ferno:  Absolutely. The big overarching theme in everything I do is love. I want to push as much of that love into the world as possible. Community is vital to me, and I grew up in a tight-knit one in Philadelphia.  EDM Texas: What’s been one of your most memorable moments behind the decks, a time when you felt a deep connection to the crowd? DJ Ferno:  A recent one that stands out was when I played a Daybreaker  party in Austin. It’s a truly unique event: they begin with breathwork, yoga, and cold plunges, and set collective intentions before the music even starts. Playing in that kind of space, where everyone is so present and connected, creates a truly special energy. EDM Texas: If you could collaborate with anyone in history, dead or alive, who would it be? DJ Ferno: Marvin Gaye. I love how he articulated not just his own feelings, but what the world was going through at the time, and put that into words so beautifully. It would be incredible to hear him over some house music. I always recommend his album What’s Going On. EDM Texas: Outside of music, what passions or hobbies feed back into your creativity as a DJ? DJ Ferno:  I love the creative process, no matter the medium. Whether it’s creating music, creating a moment like this conversation, or something entirely different, I also have a real passion for   photography and videography. I love capturing moments, architectural details, people interacting, and scenes that tell a story. I can’t help but look at the world as if I’m looking through a frame. That perspective truly influences how I approach DJing and storytelling through music. EDM Texas: What does meditation look like for you? DJ Ferno: I take about fifteen minutes to breathe and ground myself. I’ll write in my journal, setting intentions for the set. And the last thing I do is ask to be a conduit for whatever needs to come through. Actually… we can do it right now. Want to take a breath together? (We pause and breathe together) In that moment, you wanted or needed nothing. You always have that. EDM Texas: What legacy do you hope to leave in Austin’s music scene? DJ Ferno:  The legacy I hope to leave is that community matters, and love matters. Love is a choice you make every day. I literally have a shirt that says Choose Love. Even in small moments, you have a choice: respond with anger or respond with love. That’s the message I want to spread through my work: choose love in every moment. That profound conversation was the perfect capstone to a weekend of connection and creation. Conversing with artists like Mport  and DJ Ferno  added a deep, humanizing layer to the festival. Hearing them discuss storytelling through visuals, the balance between underground sound and main stage energy, and the power of love reminded me why this scene is so special. It’s not just about the drops and lasers; it’s about the humans behind the decks and the genuine connections they build. I headed back to my tent for a brief recharge before diving into the final night. As the sun sank lower, I caught a little bit of everything: gritty garage and drum & bass from Ellie , heavy-hitting dirty dub from  Saratonin , and a relentless bass-fueled set from  Lytlbt that had me “bass-facing” nonstop. Then, as the night drew to a close, I discovered an artist whose sound blew me away: So Sus . Their set was packed with serious, wub-heavy vibes—a 10/10 discovery that left me hungry for more. I’ll be watching them closely from here on out.  Photo Credit: Aeisha Izaguirre Photo Credit: Aeisha Izaguirre Whether it was dancing by the river with tacos in hand, watching lights ripple across the hills during a late-night renegade set, or sharing a quiet breath of intention with Ferno, Sound Camp 2025 was full of moments that affirmed my love for this culture. It was raw, real, and beautifully human. For a first-year festival, Sound Camp set the bar high. The production, the stages, the community, and the energy all came together seamlessly. This is just the beginning of something significant for Texas’ underground scene. I’m already counting down the days until we gather by the river again next year, because Sound Camp isn’t just an event, it’s a necessary experience.

The All Hours Records Festival exploded across Vice Park on October 3, transforming the nightclub into a vibrant, multi-level micromusic festival that defied Dallas’s traditional musical reputation. More than just a night of dancing, it served as a powerful showcase of Texas’s thriving EDM ecosystem, giving local and regional artists a massive platform. Headliners Goshfather and Airborne  anchored the event - together embodying the festival’s mission to amplify community, creativity, and connection. The AHR Festival emerged as a rising force ready to reshape the city’s nocturnal rhythm, making it a night to remember.  Photo Credit: Courtney Stone Energy pulsed through Vice Park like an electric current, flowing between the venue’s three distinct stages and painting each level with sound and light. In the main room, artists like Quadz  and Airborne unleashed heavy, bass-driven sets beneath immersive lighting and crisp production.  Photo Credit: Courtney Stone Photo Credit: Courtney Stone Ascending to the rooftop, guests found a dramatic shift in tone. With the Dallas skyline shining in the background, the air turned breezy and euphoric as Goshfather , RCK STDY  & Tomi Tonics , and Crown Zebra  ( Vozz , Nicky Bender , and  DJ Boston Jones ) laid down house grooves that invited everyone to move. Photo Credit: Courtney Stone For those craving an even more intimate connection, a separate space hosted the silent disco, where regional artists like Don Shawn , Team Umami ( John Wayne  & Baelien ), DJ Ari , and more crafted personal soundscapes. Across every level, one thing was clear: the community’s hunger for the beat united everyone in Vice Park.  That sentiment was felt amongst the artists. DJ JUSFLØ  reflected, “Being around local people, sharing the music I love, and seeing everyone dance - it’s really something special.” He noted how the growing enthusiasm for electronic music in Dallas proves that the city has become fertile ground for EDM culture to thrive.  Photo Credit: Courtney Stone At the core of the festival’s magnetic pull were longtime collaborators Goshfather and Airborne, whose creative partnership spans more than 15 years. Airborne, the event’s primary organizer, first met Goshfather at age 16, when the latter was touring the country, “just having fun with it all,” as Airborne recalled. What began as a meeting of musical minds evolved into a creative friendship that continues to push boundaries - from festival stages to experimental techno tracks “way outside” their typical sound.  Airborne’s vision for the festival reflects this same openness. The AHR Festival, he explained, isn’t about one specific style - it’s about “getting disco house, dubstep, techno, and other sounds out there” and ensuring that every artist “has a platform”. For Goshfather, the philosophy runs deep. His love for electronic music began in high school, when his fascination with Daft Punk  set him apart from peers who preferred mainstream hits. “It felt like rebellion,” he recalled. That spirit carried into his early days with Goshfather & Jinco . The bass-heavy duo that gained national traction before he ultimately pivoted toward the soulful pulse of house. “House just spoke to me more deeply,” he said. With disco house’s recent resurgence, he’s focused on building communities and supporting emerging artists, calling events like AHR “vital opportunities for new creators to grow.”  Airborne echoed that belief. For him, producing these events is about more than booking lineups - it’s about fostering connection and gratitude. “Every moment counts,” he said. “You have to put in the time, grind, and effort.” His dedication to cultivating positivity and unity gives Dallas’s EDM scene a heartbeat that’s increasingly hard to ignore.  Photo Credit: Courtney Stone The All Hours Records Festival’s true heartbeat came from the platform it gave to Texas-based DJs and producers. Airborne’s lineup intentionally wove together local artists with national names to create an audible tapestry that celebrated collaboration and regional diversity. “We brought in different artists and sounds from all over the country,” he explained, emphasizing how this fusion creates something uniquely Dallas - a contagious mix of optimism, creativity, and connection. For Goshfather, returning to Dallas after nearly a decade revealed a city transformed. His last performance, at a local bar years ago, had been an uphill climb. “Back then, I thought they were going to hate me,” he laughed. “People just wanted to hear Tiësto .” But this time, he felt the shift immediately. AHR’s crowd was open-minded, curious, and energized—a community seeking experiences, not just songs. As he watched attendees move between stages, he knew something had changed. “That’s the beginning of something great,” he said. Photo Credit: Courtney Stone The pulse of the All Hours Records festival echoed a broader truth: Texas’s EDM scene is rising fast - and grassroots events are its driving force. Through smaller, high-impact gatherings like AHR, promoters, artists, and fans are building a sustainable culture rooted in collaboration and shared energy. Airborne, at the center of this momentum, approaches his work with a clear mission: to spread love, pride, and PLUR energy through every event. He champions artists who pour everything into their craft, like Goshfather, whom he describes as “one of the hardest workers I know.” These collaborations don’t just elevate the artists—they strengthen the ecosystem itself.  The potential for Texas to stand alongside EDM powerhouses like Miami or Los Angeles is no longer a distant idea. Goshfather praised Airborne’s efforts for uniting far-flung corners of the state: “He’s bringing artists from all over Texas together,” he said. “I’ve met DJs from places I didn’t even know had scenes, and he’s giving them opportunities.” That, perhaps, is the AHR Festival’s most significant achievement - transforming Dallas into a crossroads where local ambition meets national potential.  The All Hours Records Festival was a glimpse into the future of Texas EDM. It proved that Dallas can hold the rhythm and set the tone for what’s next. If this night was any indication, the Lone Star State’s dancefloors are heating up - and we’ll be grooving right along!

LISTEN TO HIS GUEST MIX HERE St.Ephen draws crowds into the heart of Dallas nightlife. Born in the city and now based in Arlington, the DJ has carved out a place in the DFW electronic circuit with sets that shake both underground venues and festival stages. Over the past year, he has held a residency at The Blade Rave  and appeared on lineups for Drifted Fest , Sunset Sessions , and DnB Sessions  - each performance expanding his footprint across the metroplex. Now, in 2025, he stands at a new threshold: producing original tracks and remixes stamped in his city’s imprint while reaching for bigger stages. Rooted in family, rhythm, and a love for live music in all its forms, he treats networking and community-building as inseparable from the art itself. Photo Credit: Zach Burns Crowds first recognized St.Ephen’s name under the strobes of The Blade Rave, where his residency let him return weekend after weekend to refine the pulse of his sound. At Drifted Fest, low-end rattled the floorboards, while Sunset Sessions   had him weaving shimmering house through the glow of a Dallas skyline at dusk. These nights introduced him to pockets of the underground eager for exactly his blend of energy and melody.  “The experiences help me find the signature sound I want to be known for,” St.Ephen says. “Getting into the DFW EDM scene, I had to start with house music. The plan was always to move into techno and trance, as well, so that I could play with my preferred sounds. Getting the chance to play these shows and festivals helped me connect with the audience I want.”  Photo Credit: Jess Baroness Every set St.Ephen builds runs like a story without words - beats rising like dialogue, drops hitting like revelations, melodies lingering like the final scene - his compass points to melodic house and techno, the place where everything he loves intersects. “I fell in love with techno in the ‘90s and trance in the 2000s. I grew up around house music all my life,” he says. “Melodic house and techno blends those three elements into a progressive, driving sound that gives me chills every time. When I craft a set, I want people to dance, but also to feel the music. If the crowd connects to that emotion, I’ve done my job as a DJ.”  That instinct to stir emotions started long before the club. St.Ephen’s Mother sang on the Tejano circuit, and he remembers watching her transform a room with a glance or a raised hand. “Growing up with a Mom who had stage presence helped me overcome stage fright,” he says. “I grew up with rhythm because I was always listening to music. Connecting with an audience was harder - I had to learn from DJ peers that we’re performers now, not just hidden behind a booth. When you engage the crowd, you can make memories.” A self-described festival junkie, St.Ephen devours live music in every form. He lingers at side stages where unknown DJs push risky mixes, and studies how strangers react when a drop blindsides them. “Coming back from a festival always helps me reset my mindset as a DJ,” he says. “Seeing new songs and artists play to a live crowd and watching reactions gives me ideas for how I can do the same, but in my own style. Lately, I’ve returned from festivals with new ways to blend my music and fresh ideas for engaging the crowd.”  For newcomers eyeing Dallas’ crowded DJ calendar, St.Ephen urges everyone to show up. That means stepping into the clubs, shaking hands with promoters, and staying to observe how other DJs move a room. In an age where SoundCloud links and Instagram reels flood inboxes, he insists nothing replaces the weight of in-person connection. Online promotion might get your name seen, but bookings happen when people remember your face.  “Open decks and meeting promoters are the best ways to get your sound heard by the people who book,” he says. “It adds a personal touch when a promoter actually meets you. They can see how you work with the crowd and how you perform behind the decks. For me, going to open decks and meeting promoters eventually led to bookings that happened organically.”  St.Ephen talks about the future with the same urgency he brings to the booth. He wants a sound marked with his fingerprints: the trance swells of the 2000s, the percussive punch of the house music that raised him, and the dark edge of the ‘90s techno that first hooked him. While he dreams of stages far outside Texas, he wants tracks that the Dallas underground can claim as its own. “Only time will tell how I’m able to fuse my sound with what DFW has taught me,” he says. “All I know is the sound I want to make and the vibes I want to give. It’ll have DFW all over it.” Photo Credit: Crystal Kirby He looks ahead now with the same drive that powers his sets as he plots tracks that carry Dallas in their DNA. As the horizon stretches further, the underground will always give him a stage and shape his sound. For St.Ephen, the party will follow him into the studio, the next gig, and into the pulse of whatever waits beyond the booth.

By late October, the banks of the Colorado River will shift into a dreamscape where oak trees whisper folklore, masked figures roam the shadows, and three festival realms collide into one. Welcome to Wicked Oaks  - the newest creation from Disco Presents - debuting October 25-26 at Carson Creek Ranch . Wicked Oaks merges three heavyweight experiences into one: Freaky Deaky ’s costumed chaos, Summoning of the Eclipse’s ritual intensity, and ILLFest’s mural-splashed, bass-heavy playground. For the first time, they will converge beneath Carson Creek’s pecan canopy, weaving their identities into one story. Disco Presents, the crew behind Lights All Night and Ubbi Dubbi , is known to push immersive production beyond expectations. And with Wicked Oaks, they’re staging a party and  summoning a myth. For EDM fans, the stakes go beyond this stacked lineup: it promises to be a transformation where Texas’s land, music, and art fuse into something unforgettable.   Three worlds stretch across the woods, each with its own rhythm, color, and mood. Freaky Deaky sprawls first, a woodland playground where Halloween’s theatrics drift through foggy trails and shadowed glades. Eric Prydz  will wrap the first in his hypnotic melodies, Kaskade will warm the horizon with his signature sunset set, Bob Moses  will thread their indie charm into deep club beats, and Martin Garrix  will send cheers shooting off the trees like fireworks.  A few steps deeper, the path descends into Summoning , a bass-drenched cathedral ruled by SVDDEN DEATH . His VOYD  will rise like a ritual conjurer, so you can expect drops pounding with the force of stone. NGHTMRE  and Kompany  will ignite their B2B set while Flux Pavilion  rattles the ground. Kai Wachi  will add a cinematic sweep, crescendos hitting like a body blow. The Summoning will drag festivalgoers into its subterranean current. Across the clearing, ILLFest  will burst in vivid contrast. Murals bloom across massive walls, paint glowing under strobes. Tony Romera ’s house grooves will slice through the air while Luuk Van Dijk ’s bassline pulses will ripple across the crowd. Three realms, distinct yet intertwined, form a single narrative: each step a chapter, each stage a plot twist. By Sunday night, the story will belong to the landscape itself - a living book written in music, myth, and imagination. Wicked Oaks will extend past the stages into something audiences can touch, taste, and stumble into unprepared. Sculptural art will glow from the soil. Fire spinners will carve arcs of heat into the night sky, and aerialists will twist overhead. Down winding forest paths, masked performers will appear without warning, as if the woods themselves decided to put on a show.  Even the food will keep pace with the senses, as there will be a variety of food vendors offering the best of Texas cuisine. Beyond the rush, workshops and chill zones will invite slower rhythms, allowing creativity to linger as vividly as the music.  Camping will deepen the immersion. Options range from glamping tents and RV villages to clusters of pop-ups along the trails. Before gates open to the public, campers can ignite a tradition of their own: the pre-party. On October 24 , early arrivers can pledge their allegiance to a realm - Freaky Deaky’s theatrics, surrendering to Summoning’s shadows, or glowing under ILLFest’s art-fueled blaze. Carson Creek Ranch breathes with its festivals. The 58-acre spread, once part of an 1851 Spanish land grant, bends with the Colorado River, oak and pecan trees shading the trails. Paths once pressed by cattle now guide festivalgoers through clearings where the amphitheater slopes naturally toward the water. Only a few miles from Austin’s city lights, the ranch feels tucked inside a pocket of wilderness. By late October, the Texas air cools just enough for costumes and long nights outdoors. Wicked Oaks will take that atmosphere and bind it into music. Austin already claims a lineage of festivals, from SXSW to Austin City Limits. Yet, none fuse folklore with electronic music the way Wicked Oaks dares. This collision feels like the birth of a ritual. For two nights, Carson Creek will belong to a forest of imagination, where three worlds become one. And like smoke after a bonfire, the trace of it will cling long after October.  Tickets & camping options are on sale here .

Last weekend, Houston proved once again why its bass scene is one of the strongest in the South. GRIMEFEST  Houston 2025 brought together a community of headbangers for a night stacked with heavy hitters, unexpected back-to-back sets, and a thunderous headlining performance from PhaseOne .  From the moment doors opened, fans threw into an immersive world designed for bass lovers - vivid stage lighting, razor-sharp visuals, and a sound system that shook the room with every drop. One of the night’s most exciting features was the sheer number of tag-team performances, including HEXXA B2B SYTHYST , DESTROYAH B2B M-RATED , SHASHOU B2B AKRUX, FELMAX B2B FUTURE EXIT , and a wild B3B from PHYSIXX , PATHS , and SOUNDWRECK .  These collaborations sparked unpredictable track selections and high-energy crowd reactions. DESTROYAH and M-RATED, for example, seamlessly blended trap, dubstep, and riddim into a tight, unified set, while the B3B kept the energy dynamic as each DJ layered and looped sounds into something entirely new. Photo Credit: Aeisha Izaguirre The crowd came ready to throw down, yet the vibe remained friendly and welcoming. PHASEONE took the stage, anticipation at its peak. His signature blend of cinematic intros, explosive drops, and metal-infused bass sent shockwaves through  9PM Music Venue . Every transition felt monumental, which is why his name was the most anticipated on the lineup. When the lights finally came up, the sense of satisfaction was noticeable. PhaseOne climbed down the booth to take photos and connect directly with fans - a gesture that left many humbled and energized. Photo Credit: Aeisha Izaguirre But the surprise highlight of the night was Rated R . From the second he stepped behind the decks, the room’s energy shifted into overdrive. His set was relentless - each drop hit like a punch to the chest, and the crowd responded in perfect sync, headbanging and moving as one. What made Rated R’s performance stand out wasn’t just heaviness for heaviness’ sake. His sharp transitions, fierce track choices, and unbroken momentum kept the audience locked in. Even for fans who usually don’t lean toward riddim, it was impossible not to be pulled into the chaos he orchestrated on stage.  GRIMEFEST Houston was a night of heavy drops and a celebration of community, collaboration, and the pure joy of getting lost in bass together. With a lineup and production this bold and dialed in, the countdown to the next GRIMEFEST has already begun!

LISTEN TO HIS GUEST MIX ON OUR SOUNDCLOUD Under the electric pulse of Sounders , a familiar figure steps behind the decks - one hand slicing the air, the other twisting a knob with practiced precision. Bass house grooves steer the floor into pure, organized chaos. Meet Reckless Ryan: Dallas DJ, Beatport-charting producer, and proud Husband and Dad, who’s been shaking up the city’s sound system for over a decade.  Born and bred in the DFW scene, Reckless Ryan has turned late-night sets and local residencies into something that feels more like legacy. With two Beatport chart placements and shows alongside names like Crizzly and YOOKiE , he’s a familiar face in Texas clubs. Now, after a deliberate pause to focus on family, he’s stepping back in with a plan: land that first festival slot, chart again, headline new cities, and keep giving back to the city that raised him.  Reckless Ryan builds his sets like a rollercoaster engineered for release - tight turns, plunging drops, and unexpected climbs. His sound rumbles with edge, fusing thumping basslines with pop-sparked remixes that light up the crowd before the drop even lands, whether it’s at the Neon Paint Party or Techno & Tequila . “I go into each of my sets with one key objective in mind,” Ryan says, “Make sure the crowd is having fun.”  That instinct came into sharper focus during his three-year break from performing. In dive bars, backyard parties, and sweaty concert pits, he watched - not as a DJ, but as a fan. He tracked what moved people. What made them throw their hands up? What made them stay? “It’s no different at a rave,” he says. “We’re all there to have a good time. I try my hardest to make sure my hour in front of everyone is the best hour of their night.” DFW didn’t hand anything to Reckless Ryan. He earned it - hauling gear into clubs in 2012, setting up in corners of bars for ten-person crowds, sometimes 200. From the start, he felt the city’s current: raw and unfiltered. “The DFW music scene has given me that extra attitude, inside and outside of the scene,” he says. “If you don’t have some grit, some attitude, you ain’t making it far.”  A decade later, the venues got bigger, but that grit still anchors every beat. At Sounders, he headlined nights and has also shared lineups with artists whose names top festival bills. But what defines Dallas to him isn’t the venue - it’s the energy. “It’s wild,” Ryan adds, “on any weekend night there’s easily 10 events going on - something for everyone.” He calls it a creative melting pot, and it shows. Dallas gave him the roots and room to grow.  Most DJs never hit the Beatport charts. Reckless Ryan has done it twice with his tracks, " Smith's Point " and " Somber ". “It was amazing to chart on Beatport ,” he says. “I’ve always considered myself a better DJ than a producer. Charting validated me in my mind that I belong in this realm and my stuff is good enough to play out.” But the universe didn’t hand over these wins. They come from stacking shows year after year, tightening his sound, and building trust with crowds who kept showing up. Sounders became a home base - to test, refine, and evolve. And while the gigs grew, the center stayed steady. “Staying grounded is easy when you have a wife and two kids,” he said. “I’m not Reckless Ryan at home. I’m Husband, Dad and best friend.”  From 2021 to 2024, he stepped back from performing entirely to focus on fatherhood and his career outside of music. The break sharpened him. “I matured during this time away,” he adds, “It’s helped contribute to this recent run of success. My family will always come first. There will always be other gigs and time to release new music, but you don’t get back those moments with your family, especially with my kids. I always make time to make sure they are taken care of for whatever they need!” Now, with clarity and momentum, Ryan has his eyes locked on the next wave. More direct support slots. A festival debut. Regular chart placements. Whether through mentorship, collabs, or simply showing up, Ryan understands that longevity means staying not only relevant, but real. “Longevity to me looks like what I’m doing - without tooting my own horn,” he says. “It looks like Johnny Funk , DJ Titan , TNA . It appears that being in the scene for 15+ years and still receiving direct support slots, headlining local shows, releasing music, and hustling is a viable approach. I want to make space for the next generation.”  Whether he’s tearing up the Sounders ecosystem or passing wisdom to newcomers behind the booth, his presence resonates through Dallas’s dance floors. While other DJs chase the next viral drop, Reckless Ryan plays the long game. And if the past decade was the warm-up, the next one might be his main stage moment.  SPOTIFY SOUNDCLOUD INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

This past Friday, Warehouse Live pulsed with raw energy as Valentino Khan delivered a powerhouse performance that electrified every inch of the venue. From the moment we arrived, the heavy sounds of dubstep were already shaking the walls - an unexpected choice for a house and techno event, yet it worked. The crowd was already moving, riding the basslines with full-bodied enthusiasm.  At 11:30 PM, Houston local Vance Lawrence  took the stage and quickly seized the crowd’s attention. With hypnotic, driving beats, he built a groove that was infectious and immersive. Each track was a carefully layered ascent, and without realizing it, an entire hour had passed in a blissed-out trance. Vance warmed up the room and transformed it into a living, breathing dancefloor, perfectly primed for what was to come.  Photo Credit: Aeisha Izaguirre Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. Valentino Khan stepped behind the decks, and the energy instantly snapped into overdrive. From his first drop, it was clear we were in for a wild ride. Khan’s set was a masterclass in momentum - an exhilarating mix of tension and release that carried the crowd on a euphoric roller coaster. His command over the room was undeniable, each transition smooth and impactful.  The visual production elevated the night to another level. Strobes, LED panels, and laser sequences were flawlessly timed to the music, turning each drop into a full-body experience. The synergy between sound and visuals enveloped the crowd in a sensory-rich environment - every flash of light, color shift, and strobe pulse amplified the music’s emotional impact, all part of the immersive journey. Photo Credit: Aeisha Izaguirre One of the most impressive aspects of Khan’s performance was his masterful mixing. Whether you came for tech house rhythms, bass house bangers, or unexpected flips with Latin flair, he had you covered. His ability to blend styles without losing momentum proved his technical skill and deep intuition for reading the room. Crowd interaction was natural, playful, and purposeful - he knew precisely when to pull us in and when to push us further. As the night deepened, the energy never faded. Smiles stretched wide, feet never stopped moving, and a sense of community filled Warehouse Live. It was one of those rare nights where the music, crowd, and space all aligned perfectly. Whether you were a longtime fan or just discovering Valentino Khan for the first time, it was a night etched in sound, connection, and summer magic.

At just 13, he was the youngest DJ in South Texas spinning live on the radio. Now, ZIBAS - born in Mexico City and based in Corpus Christi - is fusing tech house with Latin flair, aiming to turn his coastal hometown into the “Ibiza of Texas”. With support from major artists and a passion sparked from peeking through the door of his uncle’s DJ setup, ZIBAS is chasing the main stage dream - and bringing a whole city with him. ZIBAS, aka. Sebastian S Camacho represents a new wave of Texas EDM artists reshaping their local scenes from the ground up. Born in Mexico City and raised in Corpus Christi, his mission is deeply personal: to build a thriving dance music culture where one doesn’t fully exist. Already backed by names like James Hype  and featured on international radio, ZIBAS is amplifying both his sound and city - and he’s just getting started.  Before he could even open his eyes, ZIBAS was moving to music. “When my mom was pregnant,” he recalls, “my grandma would play music near her belly - and every time, I’d start dancing in the womb.” Rhythm came before language, before light. As a child, he bypassed action figures and asked for a drum kit, a keyboard, a guitar - anything that could fill his bedroom with sound. His grandparents’ house echoed with Queen , Guns N’ Roses , and Nirvana, and the diversion of music due to his family’s enthusiasm for music through the years. But it was the flicker of Tomorrowland  live streams and the masked mystique of Marshmello  that lit a fire in him.  One memory stays sharp: the door cracked open to his uncle’s work studio, the glow of the DJ software, the slow layering of tracks. “That moment opened up my world,” ZIBAS says. At six, he was experimenting with mixes. By nine, he was deep-diving into EDM culture online, absorbing Marshmello’s melodic builds and Alan Walker’s atmospheric drops. “It was a gift from God,” he says. “I had to do something real with it.”  While most kids his age focused on school, ZIBAS was already spinning on FM radio. At 13, he landed a weekly residency with Wild 105.5 , becoming the youngest DJ in South Texas to command the airwaves. Each Wednesday night, his blends of tech-house bounce, Latin groove, and heavy low-end techno filled cars and kitchens across the region.  “It takes time, patience, and the right mindset for me to put myself out there and share my passion for music,” he says. “It hasn’t always been easy, but being brave, trusting my vision, and seeing where I could be in the future kept me moving forward.” By 14, he’d gone global, debuting on Ibiza Stardust Radio , a channel synonymous with sun-soaked Balearic beats. From Corpus to the Spanish coasts, his mission stayed the same: to create a full-bodied experience. “When people come to my sets, I want them to feel something real,” he explains. “High energy, positive vibes, and moments that stick in people’s minds. More than anything, I want them to think of me as a good memory.” Back home, he put that vision into motion. HouZe of Hype , his first self-produced event in downtown Corpus, turned a modest venue into an epic night. He’s since played The Kickback and Antwon & Friends on the rooftop of Retro Corpus’s rooftop. “Every moment has prepared me for something bigger,” he says. “It opened my eyes to the importance of who you surround yourself with. Some people will help you grow, and others can hold you back. You must go through stages of survival, growth, and transformation before you can fly. And you can’t grow in every environment. So I’ve learned to read my surroundings, adapt, and work hard - while always believing in myself.”  At first glance, Corpus Christi might not scream EDM capital, but ZIBAS sees it differently. He considers a sleeping giant - and he’s determined to wake it up.  “The dream of making Corpus Christi the Ibiza of Texas  drives me,” he says. “At first, the city felt quiet, but once I stepped into the local scene, everything changed. There’s so much untapped potential here. Shoutout to the Corpus scene that has given me the opportunity to help me come out of my shell!”  For ZIBAS, that potential is both personal and cultural. He speaks the name Selena like a North Star - proof that global icons can rise from these very streets. “She showed the world what Corpus Christi can do. I believe we can build something big again.” Picture massive festivals thumping against the Gulf tide, techno bleeding out of coastal clubs, dancefloors lit under the Texas moon. “Imagine music festivals and insane nightclubs right on the coast,” he says. “Beautiful views, great energy, and a connected Texas music scene. I’m blessed to have met people in this city who love music as much as I do. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned to trust my instincts, think ahead, and continually set new goals. Corpus Christi has the soul - it just needs the spotlight.”  ZIBAS’s momentum isn’t fueled by ego - stories shape it. “What keeps me grounded,” he says, “is learning from other DJs like James Hype , Martin Garrix , Tiësto , David Guetta , and John Summit . They all started from humble beginnings, networking and pushing through tough times until they finally made it.”  He’s studied the blueprint - hours behind the decks, setbacks behind the scenes - and understands that the journey isn’t a sprint. It’s a slow build, one rooted in community. “That inspires me to keep building something real,” he says. “Something based on community, support, and loyalty.”  That vision stretches far beyond Corpus. With each show, ZIBAS is laying the groundwork for expansion across Texas - Austin, Dallas, Houston - and eventually, stages worldwide. And that childhood dream? It still burns.  “I’m not just focused on Corpus Christi,” he says. “I’m working to grow across Texas, and eventually reach nationwide and global audiences. Performing on a main stage like EDC or Tomorrowland has been my dream since I was a kid watching those livestreams. And with passion, hard work, and faith, I know it’s possible.”  Years ago, a six-year-old stood outside a studio door in his grandfather’s house. He didn’t know what the glowing buttons did or what BPM meant - but he knew the room held magic. Today, ZIBAS is no longer peeking in - he’s behind the booth, leading the charge, and building his stage. He’s throwing open the doors, creating community, and turning Corpus Christi into something louder, bigger, and impossible to ignore.  It’s no longer a question of whether   ZIBAS will hit the main stage.  It’s a matter of when .  Until then, he’s chasing the dream - track by track, show by show - remixing the future of Texas EDM, one drop at a time. INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE SOUNDCLOUD SPOTIFY

Photo Credit: Third Eye Photography/Michael Holtberg The bass drops, and just as the crowd locks into a groove, DJ Edge makes a daring move, flipping from smooth house beats to a burst of drum and bass. For a second, there’s a collective gasp - a pause - then a wave of energy floods the room, and the crowd surges back to life cheering. This moment captures the magic of Dario Fuentes, known to the DFW scene as DJ Edge, a local legend who thrives on unpredictability. He seamlessly adapts to the crowd’s pulse and can overcome challenges to keep the energy alive.  We talked with DJ Edge, diving into the turning points and community connections fueling his journey. From his early days mixing Latin and hip-hop to his rise on the DFW EDM scene, DJ Edge opens up in our interview about the evolution of his style and passion for crafting unforgettable experiences that keep fans on their toes.  EDM Texas: You started mixing Latin and hip-hop tracks in 2009. Can you tell us what originally drew you into DJing? DJ Edge: My brother was a turntablist in the early 2000s. I vividly remember asking him “Hey, can you try and teach me how this works? The sounds from the speakers sound really cool.” I was around 8-9 years old when I learned the basics of beat matching correctly and mixed my first two songs. It mentally clicked as soon as I did it alone, and I said, “Is there more music I can do this with?” EDM Texas: What about electronic dance music pulled you in and inspired you to shift from Latin clubs to larger EDM venues and how did this change influence your approach and style as a DJ?  DJ Edge: The melodic sound and structure of the song “Blue” by Eiffel 65 . The way the song pulls you in, the beat of the music, the laser sounds, etc. I remember listening to it for the first time, and just out of nowhere, I started dancing. I immediately captured that moment mentally and wondered, “If this song can make me feel this way, what else is out there?” I started looking for songs that had that similar effect; tracks that can make you feel good.   Photo Credit: Third Eye Photography/Michael Holtberg EDM Texas: Your sets are renowned for seamlessly blending multiple genres into immersive experiences! Can you walk us through your approach to crafting these sets and how you balance such a wide range of styles while keeping the flow?  DJ Edge: I approach it headfirst by trial and error. During my first legitimate gigs years ago, I accepted every song request. I took literal notes on pen and paper and wrote down what worked for me and the crowd. It was a lot of on-the-spot research. I created my formula of being a few steps ahead on what type of show books me, and the crowd there and finding the right tracks to play at the time slot that I will perform. EDM Texas: You’ve mentioned that the motto “improvise, adapt, and overcome,” inspired by Bear Grylls , speaks to your approach as a DJ. How does this philosophy play out in your live performances, especially when reading the crowd or switching genres?  DJ Edge: The endless variables that can and will happen at shows. You can plan what tracks you want to play mentally, and if they don’t work, then what? I’ve performed at house music, dubstep, trance, and techno shows and the crowd told me, “Hey man, can you play a different genre?” I’ve played house music at dubstep shows and drum and bass at house music shows. That’s how I created my signature as a DJ - being able to improvise on the spot to make the CROWD happy. Once you can make the crowd happy, they will remember you. EDM Texas: Due to this impressive skill, you've built a diverse repertoire that performs everywhere from intimate spots like the Green Elephant to significant venues like Southside Ballroom and the Granada Theater! Can you share how you adapt your sets to different crowd sizes and vibes? Photo Credit: Third Eye Photography DJ Edge: Everyone has a different music taste; every show has a different crowd. Depending on the type of show, you have a blueprint of what you’re getting yourself into. My most memorable memory was playing at the video bar at the Lizard Lounge. I opened at 9 pm with house music and ended the night playing reggaeton music. How did that happen? It was going with the flow. And it worked! EDM Texas: You’ve collaborated with some significant promo companies in DFW, like DFW Rave Fam, Pulsation Nation, HAM Promos, and Studio 254. How have these partnerships helped you expand your audience and bring new energy to the Texas EDM community?  DJ Edge: Everything starts with planting seeds, creating, building, and maintaining genuine relationships and friendships. They have all helped me by allowing and trusting me with being able to show them my passion for being a DJ. I’m able to give them my absolute best every time I perform. They’ve helped me by allowing me to get better at every single show and creating unforgettable memories. Every show I play enables me to have a new set of ears and feel and hear something new. I have the chance to make someone’s day better. EDM Texas: Beyond performing, what does being part of the local scene mean to you and how do you see your role in building and supporting the DFW EDM community? DJ Edge: Being part of the local scene is fantastic. It lets me spectate the new up-and-coming talent that's also hungry for the same passion that I have. And if I’m lucky, I can create new relationships with the latest DJs and guide them to the right spots! Everyone deserves to eat. EDM Texas: Where can fans catch you performing next? DJ Edge: Follow me on Instagram ! I’ll be posting new show announcements soon. Please come to one of my shows and I’ll give you some stickers! See you soon! ❤️🙏🏼 DJ Edge’s dynamic versatility has left an unmistakable impact on the DFW EDM scene. Whether opening with smooth beats or shaking the room with heavy bass, his unique blend of Latin, hip-hop, and EDM reflects a “jack of all trades” approach while creating unforgettable memories on the dance floor. Take the chance to experience DJ Edge live - stay tuned for his following performance announcements on Instagram  and come be a part of the magic!

June presses its weight into the Texas air, thick with heat and anticipation. The sun sinks behind Fort Worth, bleeding gold into the sky. A warehouse just off the river begins to flicker, with lasers slicing through haze. Somewhere inside, a bubble machine exhales orbs into the crowd. You walk closer, your heartbeat syncing with the muffled bass that thumps like a distant war drum. Then, you step through the entrance. And just like that, the world changes.  Photo Credit: Daniel Joel Mueller Gone are the rules of gravity and day. In their place: a dreamscape powered by rhythm and lasers. Vines dangle like alien flora, green and glowing - house and techno thump through the speakers, echoing against rigid walls. Dancers move in flow, gleaming under the lasers. It’s no hallucination. It’s the DRIFTED Fest - the first in Dallas-Fort Worth.  Held at The Shack at Panther Island Pavilion , DRIFTED Fest debuted as the region’s premier house and techno festival - an ambitious, artfully executed celebration of movement, sound, and space. It filled a long-empty niche in DFW’s electronic scene, merging international talent, hometown heroes, and immersive staging into a single-night transformation. Between its perfectly-sized venue, inventive silent disco, and feel-it-in-your-bones energy, DRIFTED created a prototype for what a Texas summer rave can be - and why it should return. Photo Credit: Daniel Joel Mueller Basslines rumbled through The Shack like distant thunder. High above, synths arched and spiraled like smoke signals to the sky. Rafael Cerato  lured the crowd into a trance with looping, hypnotic melodies, his sound pulsing like a heartbeat. ONYVAA followed with surgical sharpness, delivering sleek techno with a blade’s edge. Konstantin Sibold  built his set slowly, tension winding like a spring - until the release allowed everyone to let loose. His Kendrick Lamar samples were also legendary. And Danny Avila , the headliner, closed with an intense set that felt engineered for combustion. His sound hit like a static wave - heavy, electric, and undeniable. Photo Credit: Daniel Joel Mueller But while the main stage shined bright, the silent disco glowed quietly - and powerfully. Tucked in the back of the warehouse, a 360-degree circular setup invited attendees to drift between local DJ sets using LED-lit headphones hosted by Jack's House and AFTRLIFE Entertainment . Each color beamed with a different vibe - red, blue, green - each one a portal. The silent disco embodied the DRIFTED spirit - local, daring, intimate, and interactive. ‘ Playing the Silent Disco at DRIFTED Fest was honestly one of the most fun sets I’ve done,” says REYDEX . “Seeing everyone vibing out with their headphones on, fully locked in, was a cool experience. It gave me a chance to connect with a new crowd and helped get my sound out there uniquely.” For Susie Otto , the setup’s location made all the difference.   “The silent disco setup right at the entrance drew much attention. I had an amazing time playing—I got great feedback, made new fans, and reconnected with old friends. The night’s energy was unreal, from the main stage to the vendors. It’s an event that supports artists and helps them grow.” Danny Dash , echoed this sentiment:  “ The DRIFTED Fest was such an incredible experience. I am grateful to have played alongside many talented international headliners!” In a scene often dominated by cliques and hierarchies, Louie Louie pointed to DRIFTED’s grounded vibe: “I’m so happy to have been a part of the first DRIFTED Fest! Everyone who attended was down to earth! I made a ton of new friends along the way. I also loved playing my music on the silent disco stage, which felt much more personal.” Photo Credit: Daniel Joel Mueller Meanwhile, BLUE IIZE  summed it up in two sentences : “It was nothing but vibes from start to finish! From the silent disco DJs to the top-tier talent, you could feel the sense of community and work that went into it. Huge shoutout to the Jacks House, AFTRLIFE, and the DRIFTED Fest team!” And Nicky Bender reflected on the scale : “Forty-five local DJs had the opportunity to showcase their talent to so many people that night…. we played in the same room as some of the greatest international DJs in the world.  I left it all out there that night and can’t wait to return again!” The DRIFTED Fest hit that elusive Goldilocks balance: spacious enough to dance without collisions, tight enough to feel the crowd’s collective heartbeat. Whether you grooved in GA or swayed behind the stage of VIP, the crowd was all one. DRIFTED’s magic came from people. Security, vendors, and staff smiled, engaged, and kept the vibe flowing. Every interaction felt intentional. At random intervals, someone would let loose a cloud of iridescent bubbles floating through the festival’s ecosystem. Out back, a renegade stage popped up on a flatbed truck - music, sunset, and vibes. We loved wandering around and discovering DRIFTED’s little wonders. The DRIFTED Fest mapped out what’s possible when imagination and community align. For 11 hours, strangers moved as one - caught in the same rhythm, speaking the same house, techno, and movement language. If this is just the beginning, we can’t wait to see how far the Drift carries us next year!

Meet Majed — an individual whose journey from the bustling streets of Lebanon to the heart of the global digital stage has been anything but quiet. While millions know him for his viral, emotionally raw music reactions, he is responding to sound and shaping it. His music is deeply personal and emotional, and he is unafraid to embrace chaos. It weaves Middle Eastern textures with gritty, experimental bass that echoes his roots and revolution. With his first-ever festival performance at ILLFest 2025 in Austin , the Lebanese-born artist has entered a new chapter.  Photo Credit: Leon Murphy We caught up with Majed just before his set to learn more about the inspiration behind his journey and his evolving sound!  EDM Texas: Let’s take it back to the beginning - who lit the spark that made you want to become a DJ? MAJED: Hardwell ! I used to watch Hardwell all the time. I was honestly deep in the Revealed Recordings  fanbase—his label. I was on Twitter all the time, literally hyping Hardwell up. He was a huge inspiration that drove me to where I am today in 2016. EDM Texas: Can you tell us about your first music festival experience, as an artist or a raver? MAJED:  The first one would be Lost Lands . It was fun—honestly, really fun! I don’t research festivals before going to them, so when I arrived, I was like, this is huge. It’s like a little island of rave music. It was amazing! Photo Credit: Leon Murphy EDM Texas: Is there one track in your set that carries a personal story or emotional weight for you? MAJED:  This song, titled “Paris of the Middle East,” is one of the best songs I’ve made. It’s not the best production-wise , but it’s the best song  because it has a blend of bass music and Middle Eastern sounds and vocals.  EDM Texas: What sonic direction or style are you diving into creatively? MAJED: Right now, I would say it’s bass music. I had taken a break from bass for a while and was producing a lot of techno and other different styles—because that’s how I’ve always been. Now, my soul is telling me only to do bass. I’ve been sound-designing a lot of new stuff, and I’m not gonna lie—I used to hate it. I was not the biggest fan. But I have started hearing Peekaboo and others over the last few years. I hope the wonky genres last because you can’t do many things with that style. For some reason, I feel like it could become commercial. That wub  sound is one of the sounds I think would work commercially—if someone did something unique with it. EDM Texas: What wouldn’t people expect about you until you meet in person? MAJED:  If I’m honest, I feel like a lot of people think I’m a mean person. If you see me walking down the street, I always look angry, so people don’t approach me. But then, when they come up to me, I’m like, “Oh, hi!” When I was in Miami, I’d be doing my own thing, and then I’d go home and see a comment in my section like, “Hey, I saw you at Target—I was too afraid to go up to you, but I’m a big fan.” And I’d say, “Oh man, I’m sorry!” Then I’d think, why didn’t they come up to me? But then I’m like... well, I wouldn’t come up to me either if I saw myself looking that angry. [laughs] EDM Texas: Was there a moment that made you stop and think, “Wow… I’m really doing this”? MAJED: It was when I posted about feeling like no one would show up to my ILLFest set. Then Subtronics commented and sent a heartwarming message, followed by double-commenting on my post. The way he approached me with so much love, supporting my music—made me feel like I looked up to him. That made me feel like, ‘ Oh damn, people do care’. It brought me down to earth, and that’s when it hit me. It’s nice to get those moments of actual PLUR in the community. I work with artists daily because of my videos and reactions, but that  was personal. That was the first time someone spoke to me on a human level. Majed’s story transforms from a wide-eyed kid hyping up Hardwell online to a rising producer redefining his sound and presence on stage. More than just a digital creator, he is an artist confronting vulnerability through sound. Whether he’s channeling nostalgia or finding solace, his work reminds us that every beat is a human heartbeat - and it’s clear his story and sound are only getting louder.   Follow Majed on his socials below: Instagram SoundCloud Spotify TikTok YouTube