UNTOLD Dubai Mega Music Festival Reveals Five Epic Stages for an Unforgettable Musical Odyssey

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festivalsbae
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UNTOLD Dubai, the city’s first mega music festival, is edging ever closer to its Middle East debut, bringing together an unforgettable fusion of music and culture. Taking place over 4 days from February 15th to 18th, 2024, Expo City Dubai will be transformed into a realm of musical magic, uniting over 70,000 festivalgoers per day in a transient state of euphoria. As the start date draws nearer, UNTOLD Dubai is thrilled to introduce the five enchanting stages defining this extraordinary experience. 170.000 square meters will transform into an enthralling realm of wonder and entertainment.

MAINSTAGE – A World of Eclectic Sounds

Prepare for a musical odyssey like no other on the mainstage at UNTOLD Dubai. This stage is a universe of eclectic sounds dedicated to global superstars, whether we’re talking about DJs, K-pop artists, or live acts. It’s a stage dedicated to a diversity of musical genres. 

Prepare to dance the night away with a star-studded lineup that transcends genres. Armin van Buuren, Bebe Rexha, Don Diablo, Ellie Goulding, G-Eazy, Hardwell, Major Lazer Soundsystem, Paul Kalkbrenner, and Timmy Trumpet are the first artists announced for the mainstage.

GALAXY STAGE – Journey to the Stars

Galaxy, the techno home of the UNTOLD festival, is a stage where the landscape constantly changes due to video-mapping projections. The setup comprises astronomical objects, galaxies, energy particles, portals, and space-time tunnels. Artists like Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens, Boris Brejcha, Jamie Jones, Loco Dice, Maceo Plex, Richie Hawtin, Stephan Bodzin, and Tale Of Us have created a unique atmosphere for techno fans at the Galaxy stage. Let us guide you through a universe of techno and deep house music that is truly out of this world, aiming to expand your musical horizons one beat at a time.

ALCHEMY STAGE – Unleash Your Essence

The Alchemy stage is a dedicated laboratory for alchemists, those artists who manage to blend elements from different genres, from trap, hip-hop, drum & bass, to a touch of color and dynamism with representatives of the Bollywood genre. Borgore, DJ Snow & MC Agent, Dope D.O.D., Dub FX & Woodnote, L’Entourloop & N’Zeng, Malaa, Netsky, Noisia (DJ Set), Sub Focus B2B Wilkinson are the alchemists who created magic during the four days and four nights of the previous editions of the UNTOLD festival. 

TIME STAGE – Be in the Now

An immersive concept without the notion of space or time, the Time stage invites you on a journey among hourglasses and star maps. It’s the realm of timeless wonders. Discover the music that transcends time, as local artists and special acts provide a unique soundtrack to this realm of temporal wonders.

RETRO FANTESIA STAGE – A Nostalgic Escape

The Retro Fantesia stage is where the future takes a nostalgic trip for the fans who find joy in memories. 

Each stage at UNTOLD Dubai promises to be a musical masterpiece. From the main stage’s diverse sounds to the Fantesia stage’s enchanting nostalgia, there’s something for every music lover to enjoy. This 4-day festival promises to be the most extraordinary musical journey as Dubai is transformed into the epicentre of sound and culture.

For more information, ticket details, and the latest updates, visit untold.ae, and follow UNTOLD Dubai on Instagram for exclusive updates. Don’t miss out on the most anticipated musical event of 2024.

BigCityBeats WORLD CLUB DOME 2023 Ended with a Bang, with Over 200,000 Festival Attendees Dancing Together at 25 Stages

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BigCityBeats WORLD CLUB DOME 2023 ended with a bang, with over 200,000 festival attendees dancing together at 25 stages in Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt. The hospitality provided for the artists was truly remarkable. They arrived by helicopter, landing near the arena before embarking on ‘The Walk Of Fame’ towards the arena or through the festival, experiencing the vibrant festival atmosphere.

This year marked the 10th anniversary of BigCityBeats WORLD CLUB DOME, and it proved to be one of the best-organized editions yet. With over 250 artists performing across all 25 stages, the festival showcased an incredible diversity in music genres. Whether you were seeking your favorite tunes or exploring new sounds, the festival site had something for everyone at every corner.

One of the most distinctive stages at BigCityBeats WORLD CLUB DOME was the WCD Pool Session Stage, where festival-goers had the unique opportunity to enjoy the festival vibes while being able to relax in the pool with their friends. With attendees from over 86 countries this year, the festival site offered a taste of tradition as they sold traditional pretzels, or bratwurst. Additionally, there was a dedicated tent area near the Zombie stage exclusively for VIPs and Influencers. Here, two Japanese chefs from BIGCITYBEATS CLUB KITCHEN delighted people with their expertise in cooking and serving fresh sushi, providing a refreshing break from the electrifying rave experience.

Another intriguing stage was the DIXI Toilet stage, which offered a unique entrance experience. To access the dance area, attendees had to pass through the toilets. This creative concept added an element of surprise and playfulness to the festival, creating a memorable and unconventional way to enter the dance space.

The 10th anniversary of BigCityBeats WORLD CLUB DOME saw an impressive turnout of nearly 200,000 visitors from 86 countries. The festival boasted a lineup of 250 music acts and DJs performing across 25 stages. Joining the celebration were 100 notable personalities from the realms of TV, science, and entertainment, along with 600 influential social media stars with a collective following of over 500 million. Taking place from June 9th to 11th, this festival of superlatives marked a spectacular opening to the European summer festival season.

“When we started WORLD CLUB DOME 10 years ago, I would have never dreamed we’d be here. I was overjoyed when I saw so many people with happy faces enjoying the bright sunshine. Our biggest focus was to bring the variety of club music under one roof in one festival area and to unite generations. We succeeded perfectly with this during our anniversary edition. I would like to thank all partners, supporters, acts and DJs, my team and of course all visitors very much for this,” says a visibly emotional Bernd Breiter (BigCityBeats CEO and WORLD CLUB DOME founder).

Superstars from all over the world congratulated BigCityBeats WORLD CLUB DOME on their incredible feat. Steve Aoki, who has performed at every edition in Frankfurt so far, flew in by helicopter before playing an amazing set and praising the festival on the Friday: “It’s all about the experience. The most important thing is: How do you enhance the experience of the people coming to the show? Bernd is always sending me these crazy ideas – cause I’ll actually do them. It’s all about exciting the visitors”. The Atlantis Edition succeeded in doing just that once again.

Boris Brejcha closed The WCD Pool Session Stage on the Friday, transporting his high-tech minimal fans to Ibiza as the sun set over the Deutsche Bank Park. Meanwhile celebrations continued inside the stadium as Timmy Trumpet celebrated  BigCityBeats WORLD CLUB DOME’s anniversary as well as his own birthday, pushing World Clubbers to ecstasy while throwing a birthday cake together with Steve Aoki.

On Saturday, the WCD Pool Sessions area continued in full force, featuring the WORLD CLUB DOME premiere of Lilly Palmer, an enticing Stella Bossi set, and a gripping closing set by Reinier Zonneveld at the Pyramid Stage, and a Jamie Jones’ Paradise takeover on the Pool Mainstage. Lost Frequencies, Felix Jaehn, and James Hype graced the Outdoor Mainstage, while Robin Schulz delighted fans at the Mainstage after walking the infamous Walk of Fame and signing his own DJ Column with Bernd Breiter, surrounded by thousands of fans. US Superstar Marshmello closed out the Mainstage on Saturday, treating World Clubbers on his only European festival appearance in 2023.

The final day of BigCityBeats WORLD CLUB DOME: Atlantis Edition saw thousands of fans from all over enjoy the sun at the Outdoor Mainstage as German rap stars Miksu/MacLoud, Haftbefehl, Capo, Vega, Jamule, Veysel and Farid Bang gave stellar performances before Germany legend Scooter closed stage with an insane show. Claptone’s Masquerade imprint hosted the Frankfurt Berg Stage, alongside stars like Hannah Wants, Andhim, and WADE, while Marcel Dettman, Kölsch and Peggy Gou b2b Ryan Elliot dominated the action on the WCD Pool Sessions Mainstage.

Following an energetic set by Swedish House Mafia member Sebastian Ingrosso, David Guetta, one of the greatest DJs of all time, closed the 10th anniversary of BigCityBeats WORLD CLUB DOME in a completely packed stadium. A euphoric David Guetta also congratulated WORLD CLUB DOME on their anniversary: “I had an amazing time, I had a really really good time. I am always a little bit emotional about this. 10 years performing together, that’s a lot, and I love this. I try to be loyal to the team because they always put so much trust in me. Today was really crazy. So, Happy anniversary WORLD CLUB DOME. Thank you for having me and I hope to be here for the coming 10 more years.”

Register for 2024 – https://en.worldclubdome.com

UNTOLD, Dubai’s First Mega-Festival, Unveils its Grand Debut at Expo City Dubai on February 2024

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festivalsbae
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UNTOLD, one of the best and massive festivals in the world, will bring the hottest international live acts and DJs to Dubai.

The first of its kind in the region, this festival is set to become the latest icon of Dubai.

As a first step in Dubai, UNTOLD teamed up with world-renowned DJ Armin Van Buuren and the majestic Burj Khalifa for a unique, world-record performance on the tallest building on the planet and used the entire building as a LED backdrop for the show.

Brace yourselves for an unparalleled musical extravaganza as UNTOLD, globally renowned as one of the world’s largest and most awe-inspiring festivals, prepares its highly anticipated Middle East debut in February 2024. With unwavering support from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and in partnership with Expo City Dubai, UNTOLD Dubai promises to revolutionize entertainment and establish itself as the new icon of this remarkable city. The festival, the first of its kind in the region, will transform Dubai’s Expo City into a fully immersive and groundbreaking experience that ignites the senses. 

To announce the momentous occasion, UNTOLD has joined forces with world-renowned DJ Armin Van Buuren and the majestic Burj Khalifa, breaking two world records in the process: the highest performance at the top of the tallest building on the planet and used the entire building as a LED backdrop for the impressive show. Armin Van Buuren developed a special relationship with UNTOLD Europe, being known worldwide for the record extended sets he played at UNTOLD (over 8 hours non-stop playing at UNTOLD in 2019).

Armin Van Buuren has created an unbreakable connection with UNTOLD fans over the years, mainly because we share the same values and believe music and stories unites people at a soul level. Armin has a way of embracing this mantra, and with UNTOLD and Burj Khalifa in the mix, a groundbreaking experience was unlocked. The filmed world-record special will be available this summer to give you a glimpse of what’s coming. With this in mind, expect a unique show at UNTOLD Dubai.

Featuring a stellar lineup of the biggest international live acts and DJs, UNTOLD Dubai is set to captivate audiences with its unique blend of music, culture, and awe-inspiring performances. As UNTOLD Dubai emerges as the newest symbol of Dubai’s splendour, fans worldwide can secure their place for early-bird tickets and exclusive offers by registering at untold.com/dubai.

UNTOLD Festival, renowned for its seven iconic editions in Europe, has firmly established itself as a leading brand in the entertainment industry. With over 200 international artists annually and a staggering 375,000+ festivalgoers per edition, UNTOLD Festival in Transylvania, Romania, has captivated audiences with its unparalleled blend of family-friendly day experiences and massive unforgettable nocturnal revelries. The festival has featured renowned artists such as Imagine Dragons, Robbie Williams, Major Lazer, J Balvin, The Prodigy, The Script, Jason Derulo, Ellie Goulding, G-Eazy, Busta Rhymes, Bastille, and Black Eyed Peas, to name just a few.

Each year, UNTOLD has hosted the world’s top and most sought-after DJs, including Armin Van Buuren, David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Avicii, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Timmy Trumpet, Don Diablo, Kygo, The Chainsmokers, Marshmello, Tiesto, Alan Walker, Eric Prydz, Alesso, Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso, Steve Angello, Hardwell. This convergence of talent, combined with the crowd’s fervour, has created a spellbinding alchemy, ensuring unforgettable experiences that resonate deeply.

Moreover, UNTOLD’s underground stages have witnessed the revelation of epic performances by highly coveted artists such as Black Coffee, Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens, Paul Kalkbrenner, Boris Brejcha, Claptone, Tale Of Us, Solomun, Dubfire, Marco Carola, Loco Dice, The Martinez Brothers, Richie Hawtin, Pan-Pot, Seth, Adam Beyer, Nina Kraviz, Sven Väth, Joseph Capriati and many more.

The world-famous Expo City Dubai will serve as the cultural backdrop and home for UNTOLD Dubai, offering festivalgoers an immersive experience that reflects the heart and soul of the city. When combining Dubai – home of the world’s greatest hub and tourist destination – and Expo City Dubai – the legacy city of the spectacular World Expo that welcomed more than 24 million visitors from around the world – with UNTOLD Festival, it can only result in the one thing: the most epic festival experience!

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), commented, “Hosting events like UNTOLD at Expo City Dubai is the perfect way to demonstrate the city’s capability to host mega-events, further reinforcing its position as an international events hub in line with the ambition of our visionary leadership to make Dubai the best city in the world to visit, live and work in.

Entertainment brings people together, and we are excited to extend this opportunity to over 200 nationalities that call Dubai home. We are delighted to partner with this amazing music festival, and we envisage that it will be a wonderful amalgamation of sensational live entertainment and a diverse mix of cultures, leading to a truly unforgettable experience.”

Sholto Douglas-Home, Chief Sales, Marketing & Communications Officer at Expo City Dubai, said, “Expo City Dubai is the home of unmissable sights, sounds and rhythms from across the globe, and we’re delighted to host UNTOLD in what will undoubtedly be a thrilling musical and visual spectacular and a true celebration of culture and diversity.”

As a melting pot of cultures, Dubai was the natural progression for UNTOLD, a festival that continues to evolve and captivate its devoted followers. Over the past seven years, UNTOLD has always succeeded in delivering an electrifying experience, with fans returning each year with the same unparalleled energy they had since its debut. With the next chapter of the UNTOLD story just around the corner, fans should prepare for a weekend of pure musical magic, where dreams come alive and dancefloor revelry that knows no bounds.

“There’s an unbelievably strong connection between myself, UNTOLD festival and its fans,” says Armin van Buuren. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt as alive as I do on stage at UNTOLD, and that makes this upcoming show at UNTOLD Dubai incredibly exciting. I’m thrilled to be playing atop the Burj Khalifa and look forward to breaking two world records by doing what I love the most: playing music to all the fans that are so precious to me.”

Bogdan Buta, Founder & CEO of UNTOLD, expressed his admiration, saying, “We are impressed by Dubai’s visionary leadership and ambition. We believe we share these qualities, making it the perfect place to further showcase UNTOLD’s greatness to the world. And having the best location, Expo City Dubai as our home, you can only imagine what follows. The rest is Untold. You have to live it yourself”

Supported by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and in partnership with Expo City Dubai, UNTOLD is set to be the highlight of Dubai’s music calendar and much more than just a festival. A fascinating movement filled with lights, fireworks, laser shows, and, most importantly, unrivalled music, this festival is not to be missed. The event will also be a key highlight of Dubai Calendar, the official listing platform for events in the city.

Head over to untold.com/dubai to register for early-bird tickets and exclusive offers. Open to all ages, UNTOLD Dubai promises to be the definitive musical event of 2024.

Dreamland Festival Announced Afrojack, MORTEN, Don Diablo, and More for 2023

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festivalsbae
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Dreamland Festival, the highly anticipated annual music festival from Italy (Lanzada, Sondrio) is thrilled to announce the stellar lineup of artists set to ignite the stage at its 2023 edition. With an impressive roster of renowned DJs, producers, and performers, Dreamland Festival promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for electronic music enthusiasts and festival-goers alike.

After announcing Don Diablo and MORTEN, Dreamland added new artists to their lineup.

Leading the charge is the world-famous Dutch DJ and producer Afrojack. Renowned for his electrifying performances and chart-topping hits, Afrojack’s presence guarantees a high-energy spectacle that will have the crowd dancing all night long.

Gabry Ponte, the Italian DJ and producer, will bring his infectious beats and signature sound to Dreamland Festival. Known for his collaborations with international artists, Ponte’s unique blend of dance and pop influences promises to create an electric atmosphere.

Topic, a rising star in the electronic music scene, will captivate the audience with his melodic and catchy tunes. The German DJ and producer has been making waves with his chart-topping hits and is set to leave a lasting impression at Dreamland Festival.

Marten Horger, the German bass music maestro, will bring his signature blend of genres, from breakbeat to bass house, ensuring an adrenaline-fueled experience for festival-goers. With his innovative production style and infectious energy, Horger is guaranteed to leave the crowd craving for more.

The dynamic trio, Goodboys, will grace the Dreamland Festival stage, showcasing their unique vocal prowess. With their mesmerizing harmonies and infectious energy, the British group has become a sought-after act in the electronic music scene.

Marc Benjamin, a versatile DJ and producer hailing from the Netherlands, will showcase his eclectic sound and unmatched stage presence. With his ability to seamlessly transition between genres, Benjamin promises an immersive musical journey.

Miles, an emerging talent in the electronic music realm, will mesmerize the audience with his soulful and melodic creations.

Rose Villain, the Italian singer-songwriter, will bring her captivating vocals and electrifying stage presence to Dreamland Festival. Known for her powerful performances and genre-defying style, Villain is sure to leave an indelible mark on the audience.

Discoradio, the renowned Italian radio station specializing in dance and electronic music, will present a special showcase featuring their talented resident DJs. With their finger on the pulse of the latest trends in electronic music, Discoradio is set to curate an unforgettable experience for festival attendees.

MC Stretch, the acclaimed host and master of ceremonies, comes straight from Tomorrowland to guide the audience through the electrifying journey of Dreamland Festival. With his infectious energy and ability to hype up the crowd, MC Stretch is guaranteed to keep the energy levels soaring.

And that’s not all, they will announce new names soon.

Tickets for Dreamland Festival 2023 are now available, and fans are encouraged to secure their spot at this electrifying event. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and unity.

For more information and ticket purchases, please visit – https://www.dreamlandfestival.it

Follow Dreamland Festival on socials:
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BigCityBeats WORLD CLUB DOME Celebrates its Momentous 10th Anniversary With a Massive Lineup

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BigCityBeats WORLD CLUB DOME, hailed as the best festival in Germany by DJ Mag UK, proudly presents the highly anticipated full line-up, adding none other than Peggy Gou for its 2023 edition. From June 9th to 11th, festival-goers will immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Atlantis at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt. This extraordinary experience will be complemented by an unrivaled roster of mega acts, including Boris Brechja, Claptone, David Guetta, Felix Jaehn, James Hype, KSHMR, Le Shuuk, Lost Frequencies, Robin Schulz, Scooter, Sebastian Ingrosso from Swedish House Mafia, Steve Aoki, Timmy Trumpet, and many more, with a total of 250 artists performing across 25 breathtaking stages.

In an exclusive announcement, it is revealed that Marshmello will grace the festival with his presence, for an exclusive summer show at BigCityBeats WORLD CLUB DOME. The chart-topping artist is set to captivate the audience with his signature brand of infectious energy and groundbreaking music.

BigCityBeats CEO and WORLD CLUB DOME founder Bernd Breiter is extremely excited about the lineup for the anniversary. “With Marshmello, we were able to book one of the biggest DJs for the exclusive festival summer in Europe. With David Guetta, we once again managed to get the biggest DJ on the planet for the biggest club in the world. Additionally, we are celebrating the debut of Peggy Gou, one of the biggest techno headliners, at WORLD CLUB DOME. We are thrilled about this diverse and awesome lineup for our 10th anniversary.”

Techno enthusiasts will be delighted by the exciting line-up at the WCD Pool Sessions Area, featuring esteemed acts such as Anna Tur, Dubfire, Ilario Alicante, Jamie Jones, Kölsch, Lilly Palmer, Peggy Gou, Reinier Zonneveld, Marcel Dettman, Nicole Moudaber and Stella Bossi. These exceptional talents will transport fans to the depths of electronic euphoria, showcasing the very best of the genre.

Moreover, the festival’s legendary Zombie Stage will cater to aficionados of harder sounds, hosting an electrifying array of artists including Angerfist, Da Tweekaz, D-Sturb & S-Te-Fan, Harris & Ford, Headhunterz, Marianna Bo, Miss K8 b2b Anime, Warface, and Wildstylez b2b Aftershock.

Adding to the excitement, Sunday at WORLD CLUB DOME will witness the return of the renowned Hip Hop Takeover on the Outdoor Mainstage, featuring captivating performances by urban artists Capo, Farid Bang, Haftbefehl, Jamule, Miksu/Macloud, Vega, and Veysel, igniting the stage with their fiery performances.

This year, BigCityBeats WORLD CLUB DOME celebrates its momentous 10th anniversary, promising fans a truly unforgettable experience. Combining innovative production, a unique festival design, and a multi-layered line-up, the festival continues to redefine the boundaries of event production and immerse attendees in an unparalleled musical journey.

With the announcement of the final line-up phase, a remarkable total of 250 artists have been confirmed for the BigCityBeats WORLD CLUB DOME Atlantis Edition 2023. The comprehensive list of artists can be found in alphabetical order on the festival’s official website.

Limited tickets for the three-day club experience are still available. For more information, please visit the website: https://atlantis.worldclubdome.com/

Here’s How it Was at MDLBeast Soundstorm 2022

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festivalsbae
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This year’s edition of Soundstorm which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between 1-3 December was one for the books, everything was bigger than last year, even the organizers said that they made it bigger by 61% everything.

On these 3 days of festival on the Big Beast their mainstage played and sung one of the biggest artists and DJs from the entire world, starting from local talents from Middle East but also DJs like Afrojack, David Guetta, Tiesto, Swedish House Mafia and more entertained the massive crowd of Soundstorm.

“This year’s third edition of SOUNDSTORM has emulated the success of its predecessors, exceeding our own expectations as well as our guests, delivering a world-class festival experience, and ushering in a brand-new chapter for the regional music scene. Whilst setting new benchmarks for future music events staged in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, we’re equally proud of the legacy these last three days leave behind.” – Ramadan Alharatani, CEO at MDLBEAST

It was impressive to see how well organized everything was, the first notable thing was the deck from the VIB entrance which facilitated the access for the premium attendees to move faster in such a big venue to arrive faster to the stages.

MDLBeast 2022 in numbers:

The Festival had a total of 7 stages Big Beast, Down Beast, Dance Beast and 4 Underground Stages where over 200 artists played for a total of over 600K attendees with over 260+ hours of live music.

The whole event was organized on 5.5M square meters, only the Big Beast stage had 135.5 feet. The fire and pyro show was next level, seeing you favorite DJ on such a big stage with such a great light show because the whole stage was full of LEDs was a dream for most of the attendees.

They also hosted some exclusives, David Guetta played for the first time live percussion on his solo show but also for the Future Rave show together with MORTEN.

The most interesting stages were the ones from the Underground Area which were made out of Sea Containtairs and in the construction of these stages have used over 1.300 containers.

Soundstorm has already announced the dates for 2023, December 7-9, for more details about the festival and tickets read here – https://mdlbeast.com/events/soundstorm-2023

Another notable thing about MDLBeast 2022 was the XP Music Futures Conferences which took place from Monday to Wednesday in the JAX area of Riyadh. During the 3 days of warmup for the festival, there were several panels about the music industry with world-renowned artists and speakers, like Matthew Knowles, HH Prince Fahad Al Karaz, Afrojack, Hardwell, Timmy Trumpet, and many more.

 Each speaker shared their vision for the future in the music industry and how the music industry can change for the better by applying new technologies like blockchain and NFTs.

Follow Soundstorm on Socials:
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https://www.tiktok.com/@mdlbeast
https://www.facebook.com/MDLBEAST

SOUNDSTORM Attended by More Than 600,000 Fans Across Three Days

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More than 600,000 fans attended the 2022 edition of SOUNDSTORM, organised by MDLBEAST and the highlight attraction of ‘THE LOUDEST WEEK IN THE MIDDLE EAST’. This year’s event was 61% bigger than last year with revellers enjoying 260 hours of live music from 200 artists across seven stages under the Banban desert skies. Bruno Mars and David Guetta concluded the three-day festival with stunning Saturday shows.

SOUNDSTORM 2022 saw the BIG BEAST, DOWN BEAST and DANCE BEAST settings joined by four UNDERGROUND stages, on a site with a total area of more than 5.5 million square metres. As well as EDM, hip hop and R&B, this year saw indie added to the diverse range of musical genres across several stages. 

First, there’s the Guinness World Record-breaking BIG BEAST, which is the largest stage of them all. Measuring 135.5 feet, the stage welcomed hard-hitting international DJs such as Tiesto, DJ Snake, Swedish House Mafia, R3HAB, DJ Khaled (and friends), Bruno Mars, as well as David Guetta.

David Guetta, who headlined Saturday night on the BIG BEAST stage at SOUNDSTORM, commented that the feeling of performing in the Kingdom was “so special” because it “feels like being part of something that’s bigger than me”. He played a ‘Future Rave’ set on Friday night with Morten and  said: “When it comes to Saudi Arabia, I’ve been directly involved since day one with what is being done here, because I played the first SOUNDSTORM festival in 2019.  What I see as I’ve started to play in Saudi is people with happy faces.” The BIG BEAST stage on Friday was also home to the most memorable of nighttime sets courtesy of global sensations DJ Khaled and Swedish House Mafia. 

Appearing live in Saudi Arabia for the very first time, the concluding night saw Bruno Mars dedicate hit tune ‘Just the Way You Are’ to every fan watching his spectacular show on SOUNDSTORM’S BIG BEAST stage. Mars said: “Thank you to everyone for making our first time in Saudi Arabia so special – I’d like to come back again real soon.”

On Saturday, Solomun blasted off UG1 with a standout set and Steve Aoki followed Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike while Nervo, Claptone, Cedric Gervais, Timmy Trumpet, AfroJack, Morten, Acraze and more all played across the weekend. The final act on the BIG BEAST stage for 2022 to keep the legions of fans bouncing was electronic favourite Marshmello. 

The Underground stage was divided into four different sub stages house and techno from Cirez D, Artbat, Carl Cox b2b Nic Fanciulli, Carl Cox solo, Sven Väth, Jamie Jones b2b Seth Troxler, Butch, Polo & Pan, Thomas Melchior and more on Thursday. On Friday, Adam Beyer, Maceo Plex, Anna, Loco Dice, Cassy, Hot Since 82, Damian Lazarus, Fred P, Janaret and more will line up and on Saturday Luciano, Solomun, La Fleur, Ricardo Villalobos, Solardo, James Hype, Art Department, Chris Lake and more brought the quality.  

BIG BEAST headline acts on Thursday and Friday at the three-day festival included Tiësto, Swedish House Mafia, DJ Khaled, Post Malone, Nancy Ajram, Amr Diab, and many, many more. 

Ramadan Alharatani, CEO at MDLBEAST, said: “This year’s third edition of SOUNDSTORM has emulated the success of its predecessors, exceeding our own expectations as well as our guests, delivering a world-class festival experience, and ushering in a brand-new chapter for the regional music scene. Whilst setting new benchmarks for future music events staged in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, we’re equally proud of the legacy these last three days leave behind. 

“The response we’ve witnessed at SOUNDSTORM, and the feedback of huge anticipation we’ve received ahead of BALAD BEAST, highlights the love, appreciation, and demand for music amongst our communities. It is a beautiful mix that will advance the creative economy, inspire new talent, and propel the Middle East’s position as an emerging global hub for music, art, and culture.

“On behalf of MDLBEAST, I wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have made SOUNDSTORM 2022 so enjoyable and impactful – from our dedicated staff and valued partners to the fans in attendance and artists on stage. We now look ahead to SOUNDSTORM 2023 and our fourth edition, so watch this space and stay tuned for news and updates in due course.”

This was a weekend that provided memories to last a lifetime. But fear not, because for people still in the region the beast is coming back soon to Jeddah on December 9th and 10th for BALAD BEAST, a stunning spectacle in the traditional courtyards of the city on the Red Sea with Carl Cox, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross and many more. 

FUN FACTS

200+ artists

61% bigger than last year

260+ hours of live music

80s metre high main stage 

1300+ containers on site

5, 533, 985 sqm of festival space 

7 stages

3 nights

100 food and beverage units 

Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Steve Aoki & Fatboy Slim Amongst 40 of the Worlds Biggest DJs Coming Together to Perform at the Qatar World Cup

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Saudi music entertainment company, MDLBEAST, has just released the biggest names in the international and regional music scene confirmed to take the stage for ARAVIA, at Qatar’s ‘Al Rihla’ venue during the 28-day world cup season. 

As MDLBEAST’s first music event outside the Kingdom’s borders, ARAVIA will take place from November 21 until December 18 this year, with tickets available to the public for purchase starting from QAR 199. 

Fans can expect a range of international artists to perform across the concert series including Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Afrojack, Fatboy Slim, Steve Aoki, Hardwell, Rae Sremmurd,  Tinie and Tyga. The stellar line up doesn’t end there; regional superstars like Amr Diab, Ayed, and Hamaki as well as up-and-coming Saudi talents such as Biirdperson, Cosmicat, Dish Dash, and Vinyl Mode, are set to put on incredible shows. 

The newly released line-up serves a major purpose: to shine light on local and regional talents, and to create and promote shareable moments with the community and international stars traveling to Qatar from around the world. 

Talal Albahiti, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Talent Booking at MDLBEAST, commented: “Our mission goes far beyond the music scene in Saudi Arabia. On the contrary, it is aimed at growing the music industry region-wide and ensuring we create a sustainable music industry, inspiring and empowering the entire ecosystem.

DJ Mag’s Top 100 Festivals Poll Returns After Three Years Away

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Voting is now open for DJ Mag’s Top 100 Festivals. Festival fans are invited to support their favourite events before the ballot closes on 26th October 2022.
Voting takes place at vote.djmag.com.

The poll — run by leading dance music magazine and media brand DJ Mag — returns after almost three years away.

The last Top 100 Festivals poll took place in 2019, when Belgium’s Tomorrowland took the coveted top spot in a ranking curated by anonymous votes from leading DJs selected from sister polls Top 100 DJs and Alternative Top 100 DJs.

Owing to the effects of the pandemic, the poll has been on ice since then. But now — with the festival scene bouncing back — DJ Mag believe it’s time to shine a light on the best global events once more.

In a change to the previous process, this year’s Top 100 Festivals will be decided entirely by votes from DJ Mag readers, in the same format as globally-recognised polls Top 100 DJs (1.3 million annual votes) and Top 100 Clubs (650k annual votes).

Top 100 Festivals is an open poll with no registration required. Voters can choose any festival, anywhere in the world. The 100 festivals with the most verified votes at the end of the voting period will make the final ranking.

Festivals wishing to participate can download a voting kit containing logos, QR codes and key visuals to mobilise their fanbase.

The results will be announced in the final quarter of 2022.

Voting is open now until 23:59 BST on 26th October 2022: vote.djmag.com

Thailand’s Epic 808 Festival Announces Line Up

By
festivalsbae
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The game-changing 808 Festival is back for its biggest and best edition yet from 9 – 11 December 2022. The leading event in all of Southeast Asia offers up three days of musical madness and brian-bogglign production with the likes of Andrew Rayel, Armin Van Buuren, Gareth Emery, DJ Snake, Hardwell, Madeo Live, Zedd, Morten, Illenium and more all playing at Bangkok International Trade Centre. Get your tickets now at https://808festival.net/

Bangkok International Trade Centre will become a whole new party dimension with epic stage production, mesmerising lights and world class sound systems all ready to deliver an experience unlike any other in the region. This will be the ninth edition of 808 Festival and each year it makes lasting memories from all those in attendance. Think explosive pyrotechnics, psychedelic colours and towering bass bins all serving up world class music. 

It comes from some of the biggest international stars of the dance music world including the likes of the record breaking Dutchman Hardwell, frequent David Guetta collaborator and Future Rave pioneer Morten, trance icons Andrew Rayel, Armin Van Buuren and Gareth Emery, a live show from Madeon, plus more from DJ Snake, Zedd and Illenium with further acts to come. 

There is no other event on the scale of 808 Festival anywhere in the region. It is an event that leads from the front and cannot be missed for lovers of maximal club experiences.  

Tickets: www.808festival.net

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