Martin Garrix's historic LA takeover

PLUS: Avicii spatial audio tribute, Waldorf's iOS synth, Suno's DAW move

Good morning! Martin Garrix’s three-night headline run at LA State Historic Park has set a new standard for DJ takeovers, blending iconic skyline visuals with marathon sets.

Could this mark the rise of multi-night residencies as the ultimate flex for top-tier artists, or will it remain a rare feat reserved for a select few?

In today’s EDM recap:

  • Martin Garrix makes history with three-night LA takeover

  • Tomorrowland honors Avicii with spatial audio tribute sets

  • Waldorf’s Streichfett synth hits iOS at a discount

  • Suno acquires browser DAW WavTool for AI-powered editing

Martin Garrix Makes History with Three-Night LA Takeover

The Recap: Martin Garrix just became the first artist to headline three straight nights at LA State Historic Park, blending skyline views with high-energy sets and iconic support acts like Oliver Heldens and Tchami. Read more.

Unpacked:

  • The open-air venue amplified Garrix’s production, proving how environmental design (like the park’s skyline backdrop) can elevate a multi-night experience.

  • Support acts like Don Diablo and YTRAM curated a vibe shift each night, a strategy for DJs programming extended events.

  • Garrix’s marathon sets showcased dynamic pacing—useful inspiration for producers crafting longer live performances.

Bottom line: Multi-night takeovers are becoming a benchmark for top-tier DJs, blending endurance with venue storytelling. For rising artists, studying Garrix’s balancing act of spectacle and consistency offers a masterclass in scale.

Tomorrowland Unveils Groundbreaking Avicii Tribute

The Recap: Tomorrowland honors Avicii with spatial audio releases of his iconic 2012, 2014, and 2015 sets, plus a 144-square-meter on-site installation at this year’s festival—a decade after his final performance. Relive the sets via the Tomorrowland App.

Unpacked:

  • Spatial audio adds depth to Avicii’s classic sets, letting you hear layered details like you’re on the Mainstage.

  • The Tomorrowland Belgium installation features never-before-seen footage, requiring reservations for this intimate tribute.

  • Avicii’s Levels topped Tomorrowland’s track list three times, cementing his legacy in dance music history.

Bottom line: This tribute bridges technology and emotion, giving fans new ways to experience Avicii’s genius. Spatial audio sets a precedent for how festivals might preserve legendary performances.

Waldorf Brings Classic String Machine to iOS

The Recap: Waldorf’s Streichfett string synth is now on iOS, delivering vintage 70s/80s string and pad sounds to iPhone and iPad producers—with 40% off until July 13. Get it here.

Unpacked:

  • The dual sound engine pairs polyphonic string sections with punchy solo voices (Bass, E-Piano, Clavi) for layered textures straight from the classic hardware.

  • AUv3 support means drag-and-drop integration with Logic Pro for iPad, Cubasis 3, or AUM—plus MIDI controller compatibility for studio workflows.

  • At $9.99 (intro price), it’s a low-risk way to add retro warmth to mobile setups, though preset management lacks labels.

Bottom line: Waldorf’s move makes high-character string machines more accessible than ever for on-the-go producers. Skip the hardware hunt if you prioritize portability over tactile knobs.

AI Music Giant Suno Acquires Browser-Based DAW WavTool

The Recap: AI music leader Suno acquired browser-based DAW WavTool, aiming to merge AI generation with full-track editing in one platform. Explore WavTool.

Unpacked:

  • WavTool’s AI-powered tools—like stem separation and a chatbot arranger—could streamline edits directly in your browser workflow.

  • Suno’s move follows its 2024 updates (8-minute uploads, stem remixing), suggesting deeper integration for end-to-end production.

  • The revived platform may democratize advanced editing for producers who rely on web-based tools or collaborative sessions.

Bottom line: Suno is bridging the gap between AI-generated ideas and polished tracks, all without leaving your browser. For producers tired of app-switching, this could mean faster, frictionless creativity.

The Shortlist

Suno acquires browser-based DAW WavTool, integrating AI music generation with full-track editing for seamless browser workflows.

Sequential launches the Take 5 Desktop Module, a keyboard-free version of its compact polysynth, delivering Prophet-5 analog tones for $1399.