Good morning! Blond:ish just made history as Pacha Ibiza’s first female resident DJ, redefining what club energy looks like with intentional crowd moments and pre-show rituals.

Will her focus on vulnerability and connection spark a wider shift in Ibiza’s traditionally male-dominated scene?

In today’s EDM recap:

• Blond:ish cements her legacy with a groundbreaking residency at Pacha Ibiza

• Brunch Electronik Madrid halts mid-event due to extreme heatwave

• Bart Skils and Weska drop cinematic techno EP Torn Clouds

• Maesic snags Billboard Dance’s Rookie of the Month after breakout year

Blond:ish cements her legacy with a groundbreaking residency at Pacha Ibiza

The Recap: Blond:ish breaks barriers as Pacha Ibiza’s first female-led resident DJ, sharing how she crafts immersive energy and pre-show rituals in a landmark interview.

Unpacked:

• Her 11-week residency features intentional crowd moments like a fake blackout to spark connection—try weaving deliberate pauses into your sets.

• Pre-show Qigong and a "protection bubble" ritual help her ground chaotic energy before hitting the decks (read more).

• Feedback from DMs shapes her onstage presence, proving even small acknowledgments (eye contact, mirroring dances) deepen audience bonds.

Bottom line: Blond:ish’s residency rethinks Ibiza’s clubbing hierarchy by prioritizing feminine energy and vulnerability. For DJs, her approach underscores that technical skill matters less than the space you create.

Brunch Electronik Madrid halts mid-event due to extreme heatwave

The Recap: Brunch Electronik Madrid was abruptly canceled mid-event due to a red-alert heatwave, underscoring climate risks for outdoor festivals. Organizers prioritized safety as temperatures hit 100°F. Read the statement.

Unpacked:

• Spanish authorities forced the shutdown after issuing a red alert, highlighting how extreme weather can override event plans.

• The team’s Instagram post emphasized attendee safety, a growing priority for festivals in unpredictable climates.

• Early closings like this may push organizers to invest in heat-mitigation strategies, from shaded stages to adjusted summer schedules.

Bottom line: Climate volatility is becoming a non-negotiable factor in festival planning. Expect more events to integrate weather contingencies—or risk last-minute chaos.

Bart Skils and Weska drop cinematic techno EP Torn Clouds

The Recap: Bart Skils and Weska drop Torn Clouds, a cinematic techno EP blending euphoric melodies and rolling grooves—solidifying their reputation as festival favorites. Listen here.

Unpacked:

• The title track mirrors post-storm euphoria with soaring synths and punchy percussion, ideal for sunrise sets. See their vibe.

• 'Dusk till Dawn' offers hypnotic, endurance-ready rhythms, perfect for late-night transitions. Peek the EP art.

• Their fourth collab proves their synergy, with plump basslines and vocal layers tested at Awakenings and Space Miami.

Bottom line: Skils and Weska master the balance of emotion and momentum, crafting tracks that work equally well in clubs and on solo headphones. This EP is a testament to techno’s evolving melodic potential.

Maesic snags Billboard Dance’s Rookie of the Month after breakout year

The Recap: French producer Maesic earned Billboard Dance’s Rookie of the Month honors after his Diplo-collab-fueled breakout year, anchored by the viral Afro-house hit Life Is Simple (Move Your Body).

Unpacked:

• Cold DMing works: Maesic slid into Diplo’s DMs with unreleased tracks—leading to studio sessions and collabs like Jung Kook’s Close to You.

• Sample alchemy: His hit mashed a roommate’s vocal hook with Marshall Jefferson’s 1986 classic—try layering nostalgic elements into modern beats for crowd-ready gold.

• Ghost production pays off: Years of behind-the-scenes work (e.g., reggaetón/hip-hop) honed his versatility before his solo breakout—check the Trym remix of Life Is Simple.

Bottom line: Maesic’s rise proves persistence and adaptability trump overnight fame. His focus on studio camaraderie—not just technical skill—offers a blueprint for lasting success.

The Shortlist

Hardwell celebrates the 10th anniversary of his debut album United We Are with a special throwback set at Tomorrowland 2025's Great Library Stage.

Rampage Open Air locks in over 300 acts for its 2025 edition, including Andy C, Hedex b2b Bou, and REZZ, alongside a theme park and next-level camping in Belgium.

Sasha auctions 100 rare vinyl records from his personal collection, including tracks used in his iconic GU013: Ibiza mix, via Amplifyd.