Good morning! Martin Garrix has reunited with Spinnin’ Records for a star-studded collab featuring David Guetta, Afrojack, and Amél—his first release on the label since the iconic 'Animals.'

Will this powerhouse team-up redefine the sound of summer 2025, or are we seeing the peak of the super-collab era?

In today’s EDM recap:

• Martin Garrix, Guetta, and Afrojack join forces for Spinnin’s ‘Our Time’

• Pioneer DJ gear prices spike due to tariffs, sparking DJ backlash

• Tomorrowland and 1001Tracklists launch crowd-tested label 1001 Recordings

• ISOxo & Knock2’s Niteharts Festival unveils Skrillex B2B Zedd headline set

Martin Garrix Returns to Spinnin' Records with Superstar Collab 'Our Time'

The Recap: Martin Garrix reunites with Spinnin’ Records for ‘Our Time,’ a superstar collab with David Guetta, Afrojack, and Amél—marking his first release on the label since his breakout hit ‘Animals.’ Listen to the preview.

Unpacked:

• Super-collabs are back: Garrix, Guetta, and Afrojack—three of EDM’s biggest hitmakers—team up for a track primed for festival main stages.

• Label nostalgia pays off: Spinnin’ leverages its legacy by reuniting with Garrix, whose 2013 hit ‘Animals’ remains their most-streamed track.

• Strategy note: Collabs like this validate Spinnin’s focus on marquee names while incubating new talent—see their current roster.

Bottom line: Big-name team-ups still dominate streaming and stages, but expect labels to balance them with underground bets. Friday’s drop could set the sound for summer 2025.

Pioneer DJ Gear Prices Spike Amid Tariffs & Supply Chain Woes

The Recap: AlphaTheta/Pioneer DJ announced price hikes (10-30%) due to tariffs and supply chain costs, sparking backlash. See the official announcement breakdown.

Unpacked:

• The XDJ-XZ now costs $3,449 (up from $2,999), pushing some DJs toward Denon's Prime series.

• Tariffs on Malaysian/Chinese components disproportionately affected entry-level models like the DDJ-400, now priced at $349.

• Reddit users report increased interest in used gear markets, though Pioneer's club-standard status limits defections.

Bottom line: While price hikes are unavoidable, this may accelerate innovation from competitors—budget-conscious DJs should explore refurbished units or rental programs.

Tomorrowland & 1001Tracklists Launch '1001 Recordings' Label to Mine DJ Set Data for Hits

The Recap: Tomorrowland Music and 1001Tracklists have launched 1001 Recordings, a label that signs tracks proven in live sets, with debut releases from Matisse & Sadko and Dillon Francis. Press release.

Unpacked:

• The label taps into 1001Tracklists' database of 500K+ DJ sets to identify tracks already resonating with crowds. Explore the data.

• First release "Take Me There" drops July 11, featuring Sick Individuals, Matisse & Sadko, and Third Party—catch their B2B set at Tomorrowland.

• Dillon Francis and MARTEN HØRGER’s B2U EP follows on July 18, with a live B2B showcase at the festival.

Bottom line: This label could shortcut A&R by betting on crowd-tested tracks, giving producers a clear path to festival play. For DJs, it’s a cheat sheet for the next wave of floor-fillers.

ISOxo & Knock2's Niteharts Festival Debuts with Skrillex B2B Zedd Headliner

The Recap: ISOxo & Knock2's debut Niteharts Festival drops a jaw-dropping lineup, headlined by a Skrillex B2B Zedd set—a rare pairing for bass and electro fans. Dive into the full roster here.

Unpacked:

• The festival’s B2B-heavy format pushes boundaries, offering sets like Wuki B2B Jauz and RL Grime B2B Baauer for genre-blending energy.

• Expect deep cuts and IDs, with Knock2 and ISOxo curating a mix of rising bass acts and established headliners.

• The single-stage setup ensures no clashes, letting fans soak up every minute of the tightly curated experience.

Bottom line: Niteharts could redefine how festivals spotlight collaboration, with B2Bs becoming the main event rather than a bonus. For producers, it’s a masterclass in curating vibes that reward die-hard fans.

The Shortlist

deadmau5 debuts his first-ever Canadian pop-up shop in Toronto, offering exclusive merch and meet-and-greets during Veld Festival weekend.

PAUZA drops a sultry Afro-Cuban house remix of STBAN’s ‘Plaza de Gloria,’ blending Havana’s rhythms with Andalusian folklore.

RAW unveils Summer Hits 6, a 25-track compilation spanning UK garage, acid house, and techno from artists like Justin Jay and Mija.