Tomorrowland Today 2022 | Glorious Sunday

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT

3 ARE LEGEND

LIBRARY | 23:00

LET THE MUSIC LIFT YOU HIGHER

With only one day of dancing left, today is the day to catch every last beat! A wide selection of great music is on offer for you to keep moving your feet until you drop. The most physically challenging set will no doubt be played by the master of hardcore, Angerfist. Somewhat slower, somewhat different and a little more funky is the sound of Chuckie, whom we expect to add a touch of Dutch-Caribbean bubbling vibes to the mix. If you want smooth house music, go to Dixon and Black Coffee at Atmosphere and Patrick Topping at Crystal Garden. And for the Mainstage crowd, today’s line-up may well be the biggest of the weekend, with consecutive shows by Timmy Trumpet, Lost Frequencies and Martin Garrix. Give it up one more time!

PEOPLE OF TOMORROW, MAKE YOUR LAST MOVES!

It’s been an intense weekend – but we know that you have one last hurrah in the tank. So let’s join forces and ascend for the final time at the Mainstage for the closing set at 22:55, brought to you by Martin Garrix!

PEOPLE OF TOMORROW, DON’T BE A PHONEY!

Want to feel the magical madness at Tomorrowland with every fiber of your being? Then it’s phone in the pocket, dance moves out on the floor; the best livestreaming and aftermovie teams of the planet are also in attendance!

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT

NINA KRAVIZ

MAINSTAGE | 18:35

PEOPLE OF TOMORROW,

WE’RE WEAVING A TERRIFIC TALE!

Isn’t it still an unbelievable thing, even as dawn descends upon the final day? The sensation of being lifted on the wings of unity as you build connections, spinning threads of love linking you to friends and new faces, to artists and stages, and to all your fellow People of Tomorrow? But it really is happening, friends. This is the way of life the Guilds have built, and this is the type of coexistence that you have well and truly become a part of. More than just a part, in fact, for what would this intricate tapestry, this interwoven tale, look like without all of its separate parts – without you? This is about you, in the end. Like Labourers, you are building the foundations of Arcadiana. Like Windriders, you

sweep in to protect your fellows from harm. Like Ateliers, you engineer your very own marvels, like Birdsingers, you have become entuned with the songs resounding on these hallowed grounds. And in the end, like Weavers, you thread the strands of your very own story together with everyone else’s, creating a tale that’s set to go down in history as one of the greatest ever told. And to think that the best part of that story is yet to come! As you must be well aware, friends, you have one more day in our enchanted city. So take to the air, honour the original inhabitants of this great city, and write the last, best chapter – together.

A WORD OF GRATITUDE

We absolutely love putting together every single issue of Tomorrowland Today, and it wouldn’t be possible without all of the fun-loving, welltravelled ravers that we meet every day. You are a unique, ever-smiling bunch of people who tell us the very best newsworthy stories. Thank you!

WEATHER REPORT

Sunday will be similar in temperature to Saturday, with a gentle breeze during the day. Put on that shine, dress to impress and let your hair and outfit soar freely in the wind!

YOUR TIPS FOR TOMORROW

Did you witness, experience or do something newsworthy, then contact us! Think unforgettable highlights, tales of friendship or invaluable festival knowledge. Simply send an email to your daily gazette at today@tomorrowland.com!

THE TALES OF THE GUILDS

Thanks to the magic of Amare, the Golden Aurics and all the other birds, Arcadiana is held aloft in the sky, light as a feather forever. But the thing that makes this soaring city tick is its guilds: five associations of expert craftspeople working together to provide each other with food, housing, art, and all the other ingredients of a meaningful life. Now that you are welcomed into this harmonious domain, it’s decision time… How will you contribute? Which guild will you call home? Today, the Birdsingers’ Guild make their case for you to join them.

“Take the last flight out tonight

Set a course for the moonlight

Say goodnight, city lights, watch

As they fade from sight

I would follow you to the end

Take a bullet again and again

And if we should die tonight

There’d be two more stars in the sky

‘Cause I would follow you to the end Forever and always”

4-6

DREAMVILLE

An ode to the early birds

7, 23

DAILY WISDOM

Hot tips for your last day in paradise

Our feathered fellow citizens are example, teacher and friend, all in one, and they give us the greatest gift of all: the magic of healing and keeping the world in balance. Without the birds, there would be no Guilds, no city – nothing we hold dear would exist. That is why we sing with them.

We Birdsingers commune with the avian world, acting as the conduit of their spells into the human sphere. From our patron birds, noble creatures like the owls, eagles and herons, and above all the Golden Aurics, we obtain the power to preserve knowledge, and we share the blessings of these opulent creatures with the other Guilds.

If you find yourself attuned to the most beautiful songs, if you can hear the call of the Golden Auric, then ascension to the Birdsingers’ Guild might be in store for you. Be sure to take on this duty, as it is a sacred task that should be accepted with delight.

May we join our voices with the birds in song, The Birdsingers’ Guild.

tiktok.com/@tomorrowland

instagram.com/tomorrowland

discord.com/invite/tomorrowland

LOCKERS

facebook.com/tomorrowland

twitter.com/tomorrowland

youtube.com/tomorrowland

No one wants to carry a lot of stuff around on the dance floor and, of course, there is no need to. You can find the locations of the lockers on the floorplan in the app.

8

AMBER BROOS

An insight into the rising star’s musical mind

18

LOVE’S GOLDEN WINGS

Sending a message with the Golden Auric’s elusive feathers

27

FOCUS ON THE MUSIC

• Yves V

• Timetables

• Artist Bios

FIRST AID

Medical emergency? Look for the ‘First Aid’ signs or find First Aid locations on your floorplan. There is always a doctor with every team. To bring medication onto the grounds you will need a doctor’s certificate.

To all alluring, magic-entuned birds out there,

Armin van Buuren & Gareth Emery – Forever & Always

AN ODE TO ALL THE EARLY BIRDS

As the first rays of dawn break free, the spirit of DreamVille awakens to a chorus of joyous whispers. Yesterday’s euphoric closing set by the legendary Tiësto still echoes in the hearts of the early risers, igniting the promise of a new day filled with soaring melodies and boundless enchantment. The camping grounds are abuzz with anticipation as the People of Tomorrow flock from their makeshift nests, preparing for the adventure ahead. Amidst the flurry of activity, memories from last night’s revelry take flight, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences. Keep shining, dear campers, and make Arcadiana the home of your wildest dreams for one more day!

PLAYING PADEL

Louise and Michael have just been beaten by their two Danish friends in a fiery duel of padel, but they still think this is the best way to start up the Saturday. “After this we’ll go to the MESA Garden to get some drinks,” Louise says happily. When asked if they are going to do more sports this weekend, Michael is doubtful. “Maybe some yoga tomorrow, but probably not!” If you’re keen to play a game before you head out to the wonderful stages today, drop by the Chill Out area for a session of padel – a part of the proceeds will be donated to the Love Tomorrow Foundation!

“I have no idea how to eat all this, because I’m still digesting the Lost Frequencies set from last night,” Kevin says. But then he remembers something else: “Wait, after we came back here we went into the hot tub and had pizza there. Maybe that’s why I feel so full…”

Kevin from Canada

Vashti from Australia

Vashti and her glorious hat spread sparkles all over DreamVille and we can spot her from afar. “Two years ago I just got addicted to wearing hats like this to festivals. This is the best one I have, so obviously I needed to bring it to Tomorrowland.” Good choice!

TRASH TO TREASURE

Welcome to The Recycle Club, conveniently nestled between the Fitness Center and the Gathering Area. Their aim is to make recycling plastic, metals and drinking cartons effortless and rewarding for all campers. Simply use the Recycle Kits provided on arrival, separate your rubbish, and earn valuable recycle tokens in return. Not only will you be contributing to a cleaner environment, but you’ll also be awarded tokens that you can exchange for Loop x Tomorrowland earplus, flags and more!

Interested in even more rewards? Participate in the camp2camp quiz and get the chance to win tickets to Amber Broos’ gig at Waagnatie or even the esteemed Love Tomorrow Conference on the 27th of July, where you’ll have the opportunity to engage with inspiring sustainability experts. For more details, don’t hesitate to approach the friendly staff on hand. Join The Recycle Club today, and together, let’s make a positive impact on our planet and mother Nature.

HAMMOCK HEAVEN

We interrupt Lauren and Jeremy from their reading of an oddly familiar newspaper to have them reflect on their experience so far. “I love the variety of genres here,” Jeremy explains when asked what he loves about Tomorrowland so much. “I’ve been to loads of festivals, but nothing like this.” From ‘fedora deep house’, as he calls it, to dubstep and drum & bass, there truly is something for everyone. For this couple, yesterday’s highlight was definitely cutting shapes during Macky Gee’s set at the Rose Garden. The two reminisce about all the euphoria of yesterday, naming the Crystal Garden’s fountain as one of the best backdrops for a dance. Keep on vibing, you two!

Patrick from Germany

“Bacon God, King of Omelets, the culinary sensation of DreamVille… I have many names around here.” Patrick laughs as he flips the eggs while his friends look on eagerly. “Don’t tell anyone where our camp is, though, or we’ll have a long line here tomorrow.”

Mexiko & Bert from Belgium

“We woke up super early, because we wanted to have a long shower. Now we feel oh so clean and fresh… but also very tired! Maybe we should get in a bit more sleep?” Well, you two, there’s nothing wrong with some extra naps and morning cuddle sessions.

A morning massage? No problem for Verena and her friends at the Friendship Garden. “Yesterday we were fist-pumping to the sounds of Warface so hard that now my shoulder and neck are all tense. Good thing my friend brought his massage gun.” That hits the spot!

“I slept so well, but now I want to get ready for the day. Usually I really don’t like showering, but today I just need that refreshment. I might take forever though.” Well, as long as you don’t mind company, we don’t think those waiting in line will get all too mad.

AERIAL ACROBATICS

“Front page, right?” Paulina laughs as we spot her and her friend performing some impressive feats of yoga. “We don’t usually do it together, but we both do yoga and stretch a lot,” Sabrina adds. Not everyone in group is as athletic as these two limber ladies, and the third bird on their nest is still sleeping. “It’s important to do this at the beginning of the day, so we can keep our bodies flexible for all the dancing that’s in store.” We couldn’t agree more, and advise everybody to join any of the free yoga sessions at the Balance Area!

This fun group is making quite the splash at the pool! “Spending the morning in the water has been our morning routine for more than 7 years. Even if it were raining, we’d be in here now.” But it’s a good thing your dedication to rituals isn’t being tested today, right?

“We’re planning to go crazy for the set of Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike tonight, so we need a healthy start to the day.” Dario looks around and throws another grape into his mouth. “Everybody seems to be sleeping still… but our laughter will wake them up soon enough.”

Moran, Asi, Omel & Aviad from Israel

Rachele, Dario, Isabelle & Claudio from Switzerland

Verena from Germany

Rhianne from The Netherlands

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD

Living up to the promise that’s suggested in its name, Nowjobs provides you with the opportunity to make some quick cash – a handy boost for the festival summer. Marie (20) from the nearby city of Antwerp normally works in a fusion restaurant in her hometown. She is a true ‘horecatijger’, as they say in Dutch: someone who is always out on the town. She got bar work through Nowjobs and loves the fact that she’s always in touch with fellow human beings. “That’s exactly what I do here all day,” she says. “I love serving fancy drinks like the Pornstar Martini or the official Tomorrowland Cocktail. They’re even more fun to serve than beers. I’m a returning employee, so to speak. I was here last year as well and we’re working with the same team – it’s starting to feel like family. I would totally recommend doing this, it’s such a fun experience!” Interested? Head to nowjobs.be for more information.

WISDOM

SWITCH FOR TOMORROW

Next week, when the dust has settled, your heart has fallen back into its regular rhythm, you’ve taken a nice hot shower at home and slept in your own bed, there will be some time for reflection. Think ahead and take a deep breath now, think about all the wondrous things you’re experiencing this weekend; think about how, maybe, they’re changing you into someone new. Will you be someone better than the you that arrived at this festival before the weekend? Are there any resolutions or changes you’re thinking of? For yourself, for tomorrow, for a better future? If this

is you – if you’re thinking about quitting smoking, cutting out the carbs, asking your partner to have a cat together, finally putting that crosstrainer you bought for Christmas to good use – head over to the Switch for Tomorrow elves at the Tunnel of Hope located on the One World Bridge. The artists present will immortalise your wishes and desires on the serpentines hanging over the tunnel. Eternalise your commitment to yourself, say your wishes out loud, and with just a little bit of that magic Tomorrowland sparkle, they will come true!

WEAVING PICTURES, WINNING HEADPHONES

We are giving away a pair of headphones! In order to win, you’ll have to flex your creative muscles, though… We are calling on all creative People of Tomorrow to submit their best photo taken at Tomorrowland to today@tomorrowland.com. Be like a Weaver, show us colour and texture, show us connection and beauty, but most of all: show us your best moment! The most wonderful picture wins the beautiful, musical prize: a pair of Tomorrowland x JBL Live 660NC headphones.

SAO PAULO BOUND

People of Tomorrow, are you yearning for a Brazilian adventure? And do you remember how in 2015 and 2016, thousands of music lovers gathered in Parque Maeda, in the heart of Itu, Sao Paulo? Guess what: Tomorrowland Brasil is happening this year. One confirmed name is none other than Brazil’s rising star Vintage Culture, and he’ll be joined by countless other familiar faces on the slopes of Parque Maeda. From October 12 to 14, our celebration of music, food and togetherness will land on Brazilian shores again. It’s sold out, unfortunately, but if you have tickets, prepare your heart for an explosion of joy!

LILLY PALMER’S ESSENTIALS

Specialising in powerful, pulsing techno, Lilly Palmer produces both melodic and deep beats as well darker techno tracks. With her latest essential track ‘You Are My Guide’, released on Tomorrowland Music just a week ago, she combines emotional tension with raw energy. A good reason to find out what her own festival essentials are!

What’s essential at Tomorrowland and what’s the best moment to use it?

“The most important thing is that I have people with me who are very close to me, who give me strength and energy!”

What song is essential in your set, and why?

“Definitely my new track ‘You Are My Guide’. I wrote this one during the pandemic in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), who gave me access to their own sound archives to incorporate into the track. It has become a very emotional, melodic but driving tune, and I’m over the moon that it’s released on Tomorrowland Music.”

What’s essential within the group of friends who are joining you in Tomorrowland and why?

“I just married my husband Egbert three days ago, and it’s surreal to have him – and our rings – with me on the Mainstage of Tomorrowland! I also have my dearest friend Yale with me, as well as my best friend and manager Karl and my mother Ute! I didn’t give her a choice, and she happily obliged and made everyone in our hometown very jealous.”

Listen to Lilly Palmer’s essential track ‘Call Your Name’ by scanning the code!

BREAKING BOUNDARIES IN TECHNO

Where were you when you were twenty years old? Chances are you weren’t behind the decks at the Tomorrowland Mainstage, ready to blast your way into history with a pounding, punishing set of techno music. For Amber Broos, however, that dream became reality yesterday, as the Belgian techno DJ and producer opened up a whole new chapter in her already impressive career. With radio shows on Studio Brussel and Tomorrowland’s One World Radio, combined with gigs all over Europe and a top-notch spot on the Tomorrowland Winter Mainstage, she’s been able to prepare herself for the ultimate experience: playing the Mainstage of Adscendo. And if we had to bet who’s going to be the next big thing in techno or even dance music altogether, our money would be on her.

Just before she hit the Mainstage, we had the opportunity to touch base with Amber, and we had an artist in front of us who was relaxed, yet also determined and focussed. “It helps that we’re doing a lot of promo today,” she explains. “I have no less than fourteen interviews before my set, but they’re actually a great distraction from the stress I usually get. Make no mistake: the nerves and excitement for the show are definitely there. I actually haven’t slept well all week, and I’ve been tweaking my set until the very last moment this morning.” Indeed, she sounds ever so determined to make it count, and that’s a statement she fully endorses: “I really want to lay down a blueprint of what I do as a DJ here. I’m definitely not underestimating what a big moment this is for me as an artist. Playing the Tomorrowland Mainstage is like stepping through a gateway to the whole wide world, from here to eternity. I want to show Tomorrowland what I stand for today.”

One of the new trends in techno is cranking the intensity up to 150 BPM, but Amber prefers a more gentle approach, showing a great understanding of the impact a Mainstage set can and will have. “I don’t want to scare off the people with a hard techno set, that’s not what I am about. I wouldn’t want to limit myself to any style really, I like to play with a feeling of range, you know? I usually start around 130 BPM and work my way up to 140 BPM at maximum. The aim is to create a good build-up with some energetic records.”

Will we take off from Detroit or Berlin, classic and groovy or mechanic and fierce from the start? “It’s going to be neither, actually, as I’ll be starting my set with a remake of a retro classic and follow that up with a mix of reworked older anthems. Of course I’ll chuck in some edits and singalongs too – I just love those and it’s the Tomorrowland Mainstage, after all. But that’s

what I’m all about, I’m not a DJ who wants to impress with only extremely underground tunes that no one has ever heard of. I want to broaden the spectrum.”

Opening up the genre is definitely what defines her. Sneaking in hooks by Abba, Rosalía or even a slice of ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’ by Britney Spears are signature Amber Broos moves. For her it’s a way of making techno more accessible for all: “I like people to come in and dip their toes into what techno is all about. A funny story about that from Tomorrowland

Winter is that two people from the same group of friends came up to me after my set. The first one was like, ‘I’m a big fan of techno, and you didn’t play that many edits, so I really enjoyed it.’ And then the second one told me that he’s not a big fan of techno, but really liked my set, because there were some hooks and edits in there (laughs). I believe there’s a middle ground, but in the end I just want to play what I love to listen to myself.” Another thing that defines her style is drawn-out, elaborate breakdowns: “Oh yeah! I’m really pro dramatic breakdowns and build-ups. It just has to pound, but blending in those breaks is a bit of a breather. I love to see people’s faces during those breaks, preparing for the big explosion of energy. I’m not the one for ever-kicking, non-stop techno. I want to peak, I want a lot of explosions in my set, and you can only work towards those if there’s a dynamic of high energy and breaks.”

Besides playing live all over the world, she’s taken her production work to the next level as well, with her most recent track ‘Amok’ – released last month on Tomorrowland Music – as the latest proof. “The reception of ‘Amok’ was really great and the streams are through the roof. I’m really proud of it. I’ve been putting more focus on my production work lately, but I don’t want to overdo it. I’m my own biggest critic and I’m more about quality than quantity.” In the meantime, Yves Deruyter has already played ‘Amok’ during several of his sets and Bonzai legend Jan Vervloet even made a mashup of the song. “It’s a big thing for me to get props from those first generation dudes. They laid down a sound that is unparalleled and I have the utmost respect for them. In the end there’s a reason why their songs are classics, right?”

Amber seems to be pushing for classic status herself, though. Whether it it chasing down the DJ booker at the Ancienne Belgique concert hall, calling Studio Brussel and practically demanding to play on the

radio, or walking up to a beach bar owner asking to play a set there: Broos steps up and seizes the opportunity when she sees it. “Yeah, I’m a bit of a gogetter. At first I’ll overthink everything, but when I finally decide on what I want I’m going all the way and there’s no stopping me. My parents have always supported me and pushed me forward at the same time. They’ve always encouraged me to hold my own and speak up. Taking the first step is always a bit scary, but the reward afterwards is ever so sweet. It gets you places, but I always make sure that I can deliver, or at least make sure that I have given it my all. No half work for me.”

In October, Amber will be playing her very first solo show at the Waagnatie in Antwerp, but by then she’ll have that Tomorrowland Mainstage set in her backpack, ready to take her career to yet another frontier. Clearly, a lot more is in store for this big talent, and we can’t wait to hear how her sound will develop with that experience!

“I really want to lay down a blueprint of what I do as a DJ.

I want to show Tomorrowland what I stand for.”

THE SYMPHONY OF UNITY

At Tomorrowland, everything is about creating unity, a feeling of togetherness through music. Crossing borders between different styles of electronic music has always been key to forming an exquisite lineup of artists, but a couple of years ago, the festival stepped out of even those bounds entirely. Since 2019, Tomorrowland has had its very own classical orchestral suite, which mutated into a version suited to the festival, building the perfect harmony between acoustic, classical music and electronic dance tracks. Together with BMW, Tomorrowland selected seven new talented musicians for the Symphony of Unity this year. They brought a a classical ode to some of dance music’s biggest classics at the Atmosphere stage on Saturday. Ahead of the performance, we sat down with cellist Cécile, viola player Silvia and conductor Kevin Houben to hear what this unusual crossover project is like for them.

ADAGIO FOR STRINGS, BRASS AND PERCUSSION

Even though on paper, it may seem that electronic and classical music have very little in common, the opposite is true, Silvia says. “People have been making music ever since people exist, and all different genres or styles share that feeling of unity, so there shouldn’t be any pigeonholing. Music is like a language, music is like talking, talking to different people with different backgrounds, cultures and stories. This is the reason why I became a musician in the first place.” Nevertheless, playing the Atmosphere is a bit of a new frontier. “In a classical setting, it is really unusual for people to party or dance to the music, or even to move at all.” Cécile says. “We’ll definitely enjoy seeing that, it will be a change of scenery for us. Also, the combination with the lights and the LEDs is extraordinary. There’s not a lot of those on a classical stage – what a great sight! It really is a total package.”

Approaching electronic music from a classical perspective requires a well thought-out strategy, as each genre has its own specifics, both sonically and structurally. But conductor Kevin Houben knew what he was in for: “We try to approach it like a movie arrangement, with a lot of sounds and harmonies, and a build-up towards the drop. We actually had to rebuild every track from the bottom up. We used the same iconic melodies, of course, but classical music requires a longer build-up than the original dance tracks. Whatever we do, though, once the original melody comes in with strings or through the brass, people immediately recognise it and go crazy. For some, maybe this means a return to patience in music. We construct a certain

tension, establishing it step by step, adding layers of percussion, extra melodies that respond to the original tune. We’ve tried to totally reinvent those pieces of music.”

Even though actually playing an electronic dance festival is a giant leap from what these musicians are normally used to, listening or dancing to our beloved tunes is not. Cécile: “It’s not because we play classical music that we don’t party to techno (laughs). I actually listen to a lot of beats in the car, because I’m already playing classical music for the rest of the day. The image of a classical musician being boring is definitely very far off: we breathe, eat, drink coffee… it’s not like we go to sleep wearing a tuxedo.”

It’s fair to say that the Symphony of Unity musicians are jacks of all trades, but if Beethoven or Mozart were alive today, would they conduct an orchestra or rather be a DJ? According to Houben, when it comes down to those composers all bets are off: “Mozart would be one of the biggest stars around – whether with an orchestra or as a DJ. He was such a genius that he would stand out in any time in any genre. But I do think that those classic composers would have loved this Tomorrowland feeling, and having their music connect with so many people. That’s what music is all about, after all. One the one hand, you can be a musical genius exhausting your audience with a rendition of a complicated piece like Mahler’s second, but before technical virtuosity it’s about connecting and creating unity through shared emotions.”

“In a classical setting it is really unusual for people to dance to the music, or even to move at all. We’ll definitely enjoy seeing that.”

Having reached a near legendary status in the radio landscape, Tomorrowland’s One World Radio has been king of the airwaves ever since its conception in 2019. Boasting exclusive tracks, mixes and live sets 24/7 in the mix, they’re bringing all the goods live from the festival and its associated artists as well as gems from the vaults. One World Radio, in other words, is your trusted companion, a safe haven for electronic music lovers from around the globe, and an eminent channel with a worldwide following. Providing a new standard in live dance music radio, it has become the go-to place for the People of Tomorrow with a need to keep in touch with what’s what and who’s who in today’s overall electronic music scene. Throughout the weekend hosts Justin Wilkes, Adam K and Ben Malone are hitting the airwaves with the hottest items live from their studio located next to the CAGE stage – and we managed to catch up with Justin in between tracks.

RIDING THE AIRWAVES ONE WORLD RADIO

guests walk up here and see the view, it immediately puts a smile on their faces and that in turn gives us the energy to keep going. It’s the smiles and the vibe from the people that gives us the drive to get through the days up here – they’re long, but so fun!”

Even tough One World Radio is live all year long, it always feels like one big preparation for the main event: going on air from the grounds of Tomorrowland. Justin: “The station is a massive highlight and a brilliant window into the Tomorrowland world. The people that might not know the festival well or haven’t visited it yet are drawn into it, and get a great idea of what the brand is all about. They tune in to One World Radio to get a grasp of what is going on, and then we pull them in and try to capture the feeling of what is happening in here. I mean: who better to elaborate on the vibe than those who are experiencing it, right? And that brings in a lot more listeners for the rest of the year, too.” According to Justin, being able to visit the studio, step in and witness radio being made live is a huge eye-opener for many of the passersby: “You know, radio is like a theatre of the mind. You’re in your car listening to it but you don’t really know how it’s being made. It’s a very suggestive medium. So coming in and experiencing what’s going on, seeing your favourite DJs being interviewed, that really inspires people. By opening up our doors we let you in on a bit of the magic of the airwaves.”

From its inception in 2019, One World Radio has been an ever-evolving allround experience guiding you through every aspect of the festival. “The schedule’s filling up quite nicely lately,” Justin says. “We’ve got a lot of new monthly shows like Vintage Culture, and the Alok Infinite Experience has just come on board. Obviously there’s still the classics like Armin van Buuren every week, but the guests are filling up the weekend slots very well and that just brings more and more attention to the station. And everybody wants to be on the Tomorrowland Friendship Mix on Thursday. I think it’s fair to say today that we have a great offering seven days a week. Whenever you turn on the radio, you know something exciting will happen and you’re gonna hear the best electronic music in the mix.”

This year, the studio was open to the People of Tomorrow again, so that everyone who wants to can get a sense of what it is like to present a radio show. And that, it turns out, is great fun. “It’s been absolutely fabulous as usual,” Justin says. “We have an amazing view over the grounds here in the studio. We see the very first people coming in in the morning, we see them moving between the stages and we can really soak up the atmosphere. It’s a true window on the world, only in this case that world is Tomorrowland.” Presenting live throughout the weekend with just the three of them, the tempo is at at a BPM that’s closer to techno than to dub, but luckily Justin succeeds in keeping it fresh and fruity. “The music keeps us upbeat. We’re tuning in to sets from various stages all the time, there’s guests and DJs constantly coming through, so there’s always something happening. When the

After the festival, One World Radio promises to continue their role as your go-to solution when you’re in desperate need of some quality dance music, riding shotgun beside you in the car or laying next to you while listening through your headphones on the sofa. “A lot of people dropped by with stories about how during hard times in their lives or during COVID, One World Radio was a way of keeping in touch with the rest of the world. They listened to the music knowing that at the same time, tons of like-minded people were listening too. It’s always going to be upbeat, we’re always playing dance music in a friendly and uplifting way, so you’ll never regret switching on the radio.”

“The view from up here really gives a boost of energy.”

“Radio is like a theatre of the mind. It’s a very suggestive medium.”

Reaching out on love’s golden wings

In Arcadiana, the rare Golden Auric’s elusive feathers are more sought after than anything else. Their magic capabilities are used by the Birdsingers to accomplish astonishing feats of healing, discovery, and wisdom, but also to intensify human bonds and achieve balance in the world. Meanwhile, you must be loving all the connections you end up making here, but not so much loving the fact that not all of your loved ones are able to join in the fun this weekend. So, if you could use the feather’s powers to convey Arcadiana’s energy to anyone in the world – who would you reach out to?

Tanya reaches out to Kristina in Croatia

“Kristina is our friend, and she is exactly the kind of person who loves events like this.” But Tanya and her friends couldn’t get Kristina a ticket… So Tanya sends her love instead!

David reaches out to Carson in New Zealand

Unfortunately, Q (as David and his friends call Carson) couldn’t make it due to business-related reasons. David sends his love to the other side of the world for Q!

Carmen reaches out to Georg in Austria

Carmen’s husband Georg is in Vienna, Austria with his best man, having a weekend together. Too bad for them! Regardless, Carmen sends her love from Tomorrowland.

Paul and Maggy reach out to Carlos in Switzerland

Carlos is Paul and Maggy’s friend who is in Switzerland, and sadly couldn’t make it due to lack of funds. Fortunately, he’ll have this message as a keepsake!

Kristina reaches out to Jaroslav in Slovakia

Kristina misses her brother Jaroslav and his girlfriend, who are left in Slovakia while Kristina is at Tomorrowland. What a lovely thought!

George

reaches out to Nathan in Australia

George’s friend Nathan is currently in Adelaide, Australia for work. George seems to be having a good time and enjoying himself still. But Nathan, you are missed!

Alejandra reaches out to Daniel in Colombia

The lovely Alejandra is sending a letter to her brother Daniel in Colombia, as he was not able to join their friend group to Tomorrowland. ¡Hasta pronto Daniel!

Luis reaches out to José in Spain

José lives in Spain, and he is not here today because he couldn’t get a ticket. The Swiss Luis misses him dearly and sends him all his love from Arcadiana!

STMPD RECORDS ONE LOVING FAMILY

GOODBOYS

Seven years into its existence, Martin Garrix’ STMPD RCRDS has grown from an eagerly anticipated startup label into one of the most in-demand imprints in the industry. Known and appreciated for its consistent quality and variety, the label possesses what it takes to be part of the premier league. It’s common enough to find artists with large fan bases, but much rarer to come across record labels with a strong following and yet, STMPD is one of them. With so many STMPD artists physically getting together on their very own curated stage on Saturday, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to talk to Julian Jordan, Dubvision and Goodboys about their contribution to the recently released ‘STMPD RCRDS X Tomorrowland Music Vol. 2’ EP, and about what being on the label means to them.

ARTISTS FIRST

As the STMPD roster continues to expand, the family also grows bigger and bigger. All the the artists came on board in different ways, but all of them equally appreciate the staff’s artist first, label second approach. “Being with STMPD has really enhanced my career,” says Julian Jordan. “It actually quite uncommon for a label to really care about your career so much, as they are pursuing their own interests too. STMPD, however, help you tell your story

as an artist, they help you with your artwork, all of those things.” Dubvision’s Stephan Leicher agrees, also when it comes to the label’s creative and A&R teams, “They are super open-minded, listen to whatever we make, and then honestly tell us what they think. Sometimes they suggest going back to older versions of tracks and things always turn out better when we incorporate their suggestions in our music.”

A FAMILY STUDIO

Famously, STMPD is more than just a virtual community; its actual headquarters are home to no less than seven recording studios. The properties of the rooms aren’t only appreciated by the dons of the international electronic scene, but also popular with pop and urban artists such as Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, The Black Eyed Peas, Pharrell Williams and The Script, who have all chosen this particular location to record music. And Joshua Grimmett and Ethan Shore, better known as Goodboys, were equally amazed by the quality of the rooms, even if they only recently joined the family. “We’ve only been to the studios once, during ADE,” says Josh. “You can tell they’ve been done well. They treated us to Elton John in surround sound and that was a stunning experience.” The Dubvision boys have already

“STMPD help you tell your story as an artist, they help you with your artwork. They have really enhanced my career”

DUBVISION

developed a much closer relationship to the studios. “We don’t have a studio of our own and record everything we make in two of the seven rooms. The acoustic treatment is amazing, and the A&R team is just one floor up, which is really convenient.”

MUTUAL APPRECIATION

“Everyone keeps a close eye on each other’s work,” says Stephan from Dubvision. “We love Julian’s stuff for its continuous supply of energy. His contribution to the compilation is actually called ‘NRG’. Our own music is also energetic, but it has more breakdowns and is very melodic, so you can’t dance to it continuously. Julian’s music iis different, people keep going once they’re into it.”

The Goodboys, on the other hand, love the sense of not being in a rush that the music of their label mates Matisse & Sadko projects. “Their material makes a lot of sense when you watch them play a show. The songs they write are really clever, and I really admire them for the space they allow in their breakdowns.”

STMPD X TOMORROWLAND MUSIC

The STMPD family’s versatility, proficiency with melodies and open-minded approach to music production all come together on ‘STMPD X Tomorrowland Music Vol.2’, which was gradually released over the course of the past few months, starting with ‘P.R.O.G.2’ by Dubvision. Stephan: “It is a continuation of ‘P.R.O.G.’, our contribution to last year’s compilation. We often receive requests for instrumental versions of tracks from other DJs, so they can make their own mash-ups, and for this one it somehow felt good to just keep it entirely instrumental, fitting within the progressive house vein that we’re known for.” The Goodboys’ contribution ‘Rewind’ came about very differently, says Ethan. “We had written a version of this song in Brazil with our friends. There was no production on it yet. Later on, we worked on another track with a friend in San Francisco and then we merged the two, put one on top of the other, made a few tweaks here and there and there it was: our part in this great compilation.”

Want to hear what you just read about?

Stream the compilation here: stmpdrcrds.com/

MERCH ALERT

The new compilation is dropping together with a new line of brand-new STMPD RCRDS x Tomorrowland tees and hoodies coming in white and black editions. Order yours from store.tomorrowland.com or… try to win one! Send an email to today@tomorrowland.com for a chance to win a t-shirt of your choice. Send us the correct answer to the question: Which two vocalists contributed to the very first STMPD release? Of course, an answer with an original explanation of what you love about the STMPD family stands a better chance!

LABEL LOVE

We catch Joey (24) from Tel Aviv and Jess (24) from Miami wearing their brand new STMPD t-shirts as the Goodboys play The Library Stage. “I got into the label because of Martin Garrix and it introduced me to such a strong group of artists from all around the world, who put out such a diverse range of music, all across the EDM spectrum,” says Joey. Jess: “I just love how they’re not afraid to experiment with new sounds. They really try something new all the time and there’s a lot of authenticity to what they do.”

MARTIN GARRIX ON STMPD

“STMPD really started as a platform for us to introduce artists to the world,” says Martin Garrix, the label originator. “There is so much amazing talent out there, and we wanted to create a safe place where these people get access to the tools they need to showcase their music. It’s all meant to help them reach their full potential. We are continuously on the lookout for unique talents who can differentiate themselves from the masses with their sound. We believe that three elements are essential for an artist’s career: getting the right support, continuous innovation, and a strong belief in their own sound.”

“We don’t have a studio of our own and record everything we make in STMPD’s studios. The acoustic treatment is amazing.”

JULIAN JORDAN

“Tomorrowland inspires me to be the best version of myself, and to pass this inspiration on to others.”

PEOPLE OF TOMORROW

“For me, Tomorrowland is the definition of freedom. You can be who you want in whatever way you want to, and people will love it!”

Sasha, 24, Russia

Akon, 40, Benin

VITAL AROMAS

Healthy Dining at MESA Garden

As this breathtaking weekend is nearing its grand finale, we cannot overstate the importance of regaining your maximum energy. Pizza, burgers and nacho chips may be delicious, but why not go for some healthier options, giving your body all it needs to dance the night away one more time? And that beautiful body of yours deserves some nutritional care, because as the saying goes: you can’t love anyone else until you love yourself! To help you along, we dropped by the MESA Garden to scout out the freshest and most uplifting culinary creations on offer.

GINGER BOOSTER & JANE TONIC Ginger & Juice

Looking for the perfect drink to accompany your healthy meal at MESA Garden? Then look no further! Ginger & Juice offer you some truly revitalizing boosters and juices without any added sugars. With their anti-oxidant properties, both the Ginger Booster and the Jane Tonic with turmeric will strengthen your immune system, help with digestion and act as an anti-inflammatory. And who at Tomorrowland would deny that ginger and turmeric are excellent ways to stay firmly rooted on the dancefloor?

TOMATO SALAD

Veggies & Fermented Fries by The Wussler

Family

Tomorrowland is a very diverse experience – but have you ever considered the diversity of breeds that exist of the humble tomato? If not, the Wussler family will draw you in with a tomato salad made of five different kinds of tomatoes that is simply to die for. Topped with a tomato marinade, pickled onions, chilis and herbs, this wonderful creation will surely make your palate tingle with excitement and make you feel energized again in an instant.

VEGGIE TACO

Mexican & Indian Food by Gaggan Anand

Take streetfood from two vibrant cultures, combine it, and then make it healthy. That’s what culinary sensation Gaggan Anand did when creating this exciting dish. A crispy torn tortilla with a crunchy eggplant paste, a secret marinade, chilis, fried lemon leaves, and pickled onions on top to add some sweet & sour vibes... Yum! This one is very recommendable in general, but especially when you’re feeling a bit under the weather, as the lemon leaves can work wonders against headaches.

TUNA

With its abundance of iron, treating yourself to some delicious tuna will help you keep up your energy and focus for the final flight in Arcadiana. And trust us: there is no tuna that can top what Chef Yoshi has in store for you. His Tuna Yokhoe Rice Bowl, with the precious fish served atop a bed of Japanese rice and shiso together with an umami master sauce and egg yolk, is made from the finest bluefin tuna money can buy. This is how you make sure that your dance moves will eventually translate into muscle growth.

VEGGIE YELLOW CURRY

Asian Streetfood by Chef Ton

‘Baan’ means home in Thai, Chef Ton’s native tongue – and we can basically guarantee you’ll want to call this wonderful stand your home after having a taste of their glorious Veggie Yellow Curry. Packed with all the essential Thai flavors, it offers great health benefits as well. The haricot beans that are an essential part of the dish contains ton of dietary fiber, which is known to prevent spikes in blood glucose levels. We’ll leave it up to you whether you want to balance this one out with a soft drink, though…

YOKHOE RICE BOWL

Bluefin Tuna Inspirations by Chef Yoshi

ABSOLUTELY IMMERSED

Life’s a party, Tomorrowland’s a party, so why not liven it up with a visit to the fully immersive Absolut experience? If you have the courage, take a leap forward, lift the curtain and step into this Absolut bottleshaped world where video projection, lights and visuals swirl around your head and under your feet. This is a deep dive in a colourful world that leads you through a garden of Absolut delight, through a path with LED walls and down a real-life slide on your way out. Every half hour, there’s a high-energy party scheduled, featuring lights, flashes, cameras, a countdown and a unique, Tomorrowland-styled Absolut cocktail. So get yourself to the food area behind the Mainstage, right across from the Atmosphere stage, locate the Absolut booth – you can’t miss it – and find your passage into one of Tomorrowland’s hidden worlds. You’ll make some cherished memories during this experience, but always remember to drink responsibly as well!

WISDOM

RISE TO THE OCCASION

Who here will be the next big star at Tomorrowland? Have you always dreamt of playing on one of the sixteen stages of the festival, or are you curious about what buttons all your favorite DJs and artists are pressing all the time up there? Then head over to the Coke Studio, where Coca Cola has lined up a battery of DJ gear and turntables for you to take a test drive. Take some basic lessons from renowned DJs in how to work the material, play your first track and maybe slip in a loop or a special effect! If you’re more comfortable on the other side of the DJ booth, never fear: you can step inside the kaleidoscope for a dance with your own doppelganger. And if you’re a bit tired, there’s even a booth where you can let other people’s legs do the dancing for you, and an opportunity to take a panoramic picture from the rooftop. As an extension of the search for talent in the Coke Studio, the line-up at the Rise Stage by Coca Cole features up-and-coming talents throughout the weekend. Curious? You can find the Coke Studio just across from the Rise stage, next to the CAGE.

WATER FOR THE SOUL

Literally everything about Soul Water’s cargo bike bar tells you these people absolutely love planet Earth. You’ll find them at DreamVille in the morning and as the day progresses, the friendly bartender slowly starts wheeling it towards Tomorrowland. The people behind Soul Water remember its inception very clearly – it started with a bright epiphany: the idea that everyone should be able to enjoy clean drinking water without worrying about harming our planet. Therefore, Soul Water isn’t served in plastic bottles but in cans, which are more environmentally friendly. Admittedly, they say at Soul Water, filling up a reusable bottle from a tap comes with an even smaller ecological footprint, but the truth is that what’s best for Mother Earth isn’t always feasible. It is in these situations that drinking water from a can is the right thing to do. And it’s not just for show – a percentage of Soul Water’s proceeds goes to charities such as JustDiggit, Movement on the Ground and Ibiza Preservation.

DREAM BABY DREAM

Anyone’s dreams will come true at Tomorrowland, we know. Life on the Holy Grounds is a dream. Yet it is still possible to wish for more! Interested? Surely you are! Head to the Freedom stage then, where you will find Budweiser’s Dreamcatcher fountain right outside the entrance. Hidden inside is an ancient book of wishes which has the power to realise the impossible. Simply write down your wish on one of the pages and arrange yourself and your friends in front of the Dreamcatcher for a professional, awesome-looking photo taken by Bud’s friendly staff. Each day, Budweiser and Tomorrowland pick two to three dreams to be made true on the very day you visualise them. What did Vanga (24) from Belgium wish for? “I didn’t have to think long: I just want to go to Tomorrowland again next year.” We’ll cross our fingers for you, Vanga!

ADSCENDO, ARISE!

The story of Adscendo is also the story of Ro, Ameris, Tomas, and their mythical winged friends – the main characters in ‘The Rise of Adscendo’, the first ever full-length Tomorrowland novel, which records the events leading up to Arcadiana’s present society. This weekend, every day, we reveal a few pages of the book’s first chapter. If you want to experience the whole epic story – all 374 pages of it – the second printing of the book can be ordered through the online or onsite Tomorrowland Store, while copies last. And rumour has it this is only the first of many Tomorrowland Tales…

Part 4/4

CHAPTER ONE

Her life had changed after her brother Matias was arrested and Ro turned down the offer of marriage from Grayden Mistral which most people would have killed for. Half the Windriders wouldn’t even look her in the eye anymore. Far more than half. When her parents died, she knew she would never receive another offer of marriage. She lingered at the bottom of the Windriders’ hierarchy and there she would stay. True, she could seek out her brother Saran and beg for his help, but the thought of that made her flush with shame. He’d asked her to join him in the Birdsingers’ Guild but she’d said no. She couldn’t go running after him now. Not when he was fast becoming the universally adored protector of their people, the one everyone looked to. She would look pathetic.

Her hand trembled and she dropped the tapestry.

“What are you doing there? Put that down.”

The harsh barking voice made her spin around. A Flight Officer bore down on her, a thin, little, weasel-faced man pulled up on his position.

Eno Hale. He’d been friends with Grayden in the Academy. She cursed under her breath.

“Ro Swift, I might have guessed. Leave that alone. The owners are here to collect.”

That wasn’t right. She faced Hale before he could walk away.

“Procedure says they have to be documented and the ownership papers matched to the manifest back at base so someone doesn’t just—”

He leaned in over her, pressing uncomfortably into her personal space. He smelled of too much aftershave and stale breath. “I said the owners are here to collect them. Step away, before I write you up for looting.” He growled out the words and Ro felt the skin at the back of her neck tighten in disgust and outrage.

For a moment she just stood there, and felt her hand slowly ball into a fist. It would only take a fraction of a second to draw it back and bury it in his stupid face. He turned away from her, not even concerned that she might react with anything other than deference.

Another hand closed around her clenched fingers, not tightly but firm enough to stop her.

“Not worth it,” said Tomas on a breath. She released her fist and turned, startled to see him here. He didn’t even look at her but stared past her like the perfect servant, his hand still curling gently around hers, behind her back. “Forgive us the interruption, Flight Officer Hale. The Weavers are most eager to collect their cargo.”

Hale scowled at Ro, and didn’t even deign to acknowledge Tomas Harper, a mere Labourer. “We’ll talk about this later, Swift,” he said and stalked away towards two brightly dressed men who had pulled up with a horse and cart.

“Tomas? What are you doing here?” she whispered.

Tomas just grinned, that same old dazzling smile which made her breath catch in her throat. His coal black eyes sparkled beneath the fall of his dark hair. “Keeping you out of trouble, it seems.”

“I don’t think you succeeded, but thank you for trying.” She shook her head, then glanced at her superior officer. “He’ll report me anyway, even though he’s the one breaking the rules. Malicious little—”

“Ro, stop. It’s okay. The Weavers are the owners, I promise. I came with them. Let’s leave them to it.”

“Aren’t you meant to be working? I presume you’re here as their muscle.”

He flexed one of those spectacular muscles at her. “What else is the Labourers’ Guild for if not lifting and carrying? But they’ll understand.”

All that was left to do here was the mundane gathering of debris and scavenging anything that might still be of use. And making sure that any surviving goods made their way to their proper owners. The grunt work.

The jobs the Windriders gave to those who ranked lowest in the hierarchy of their own guild.

People like her.

She was sick of it.

And trapped by it.

Tomas had a way of making her forget about this, almost. He threaded his fingers through hers and she smiled up at his face. Tomas was the one bright thing in her life.

“I’ll be paying for it later anyway,” she told him. “I might as well deserve it.”

FOCUS ON THE MUSIC

HEAR THE SINGING OF THE BIRDS

STAGE HOSTINGS

The birds of Arcadiana sing loudly from many different nooks and crannies. Every day, we explore three of them here, telling you about what sort of song to expect at which stage.

THE ROSE GARDEN

2010-2012

The nostalgic ‘2010-2012’ hosting is back at The Rose Garden this Sunday! Looking back at some wonderful editions of Tomorrowland, this stage presents a throwback line-up to reminisce over those glorious years of dance music history. With Tomorrowland all-stars such as Quintino, Chuckie and Blasterjaxx, as well as Belgian stars Mystique, Yves V, and Dimaro, this stage will have lovers of all the classic tracks swooning. Do not fear the dragon, and make your way to the Rose Garden on this weekend’s last day to bask in the glory of Tomorrowland past!

THE LIBRARY SMASH THE HOUSE

Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike’s Smash the House label is taking over The Library today, having programmed the mystical stage’s line-up in full. Make sure to fly over, as many legendary artists take over the decks here this Sunday, from DJ Diesel to the multitalented John Newman, as well as Quintino and Bassjackers. Expect nothing less than bangers only from Smash The House’s curation, as everyone here is bringing the energy. With label owners Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike closing the stage together with Steve Aoki, in the 3 Are Legend supergroup of longtime Tomorrowland fame, prepare yourself for a mad time.

CAGE ONE87 PRESENTS

Tomorrowland has never shied away from presenting dance music in all tempos and styles, and today’s hosting of the CAGE stage is a good example of that. Producer and DJ One87 is hosting today’s indoor antics, bringing many different flavours of festive bass to your last weekend day. With artists ranging from Phase & LeMeduza to UK talent CESCO, as well as The Sauce, Serum, GEST, and James Marvel, the subs in that dark little club are up for a workout. Prepare to skank out and break a sweat while dancing to your favourite drum & bass tracks today at the CAGE!

DAYBREAK SESSIONS

FRANKY RIZARDO

MAINSTAGE | 12:00

Taking the best from both worlds, Dutch club scene mainstay Franky Rizardo comfortably inhabits the no-man’s land between house and techno. With two full days of raving as well as the Gathering already behind you, Franky’s forceful beats and excellent selections will give your sleepy head the energy it needs to get ready for a final day of dance moves and memories. Surely, this Daybreak Session is set to once again rise to incredible heights.

One of the hardest-working dance floor entertainers and producers of the Low Countries, Franky has put hours and hours into his career, carving out his own niche in the scene and earning his place up there on the mythical Mainstage. Having played the world’s biggest clubs including Fabric, Amnesia, Elrow, Shelter and Thuishaven, Franky is blessed with an incredibly busy schedule this summer that includes performances in Ibiza, Morocco, Bolivia, Colombia, Barcelona, and of course Amsterdam. His nearly three hour-long set today will feel like a breath of fresh air to the selector, as Tomorrowland has invited him to go to unexpected places and off the beaten track – and such a long slot allows for plenty of exploration. With releases on some of the world’s most acclaimed labels to his name, including Rejected, Saved, 8Bit and even original New York house imprint Strictly Rhythm, Franky is a master of funky eclecticism. And guess what? That’s exactly what it takes to be an excellent Daybreak Session DJ. Grab your juice, coffee or smoothie, so you’re all set to wiggle along to the smooth and funky grooves of Franky Rizardo!

MAINSTAGE

PROGRAMME SUNDAY 23.07.2023

RAVE CAVE

FREEDOM

TERRA SOLIS

THE ROSE GARDEN

FREEDOM | 15:00

CAGE

CRYSTAL GARDEN

ALL EARLY BIRDS COME TOGETHER

ves V

Should someone ever get the idea to build a big Tomorrowland pantheon featuring all the legends throughout the years, there would surely be a place of honour for Yves V. He is one of the main characters in our shared history and has grown together with the festival. Yves was the very first Belgian DJ to play the Tomorrowland Mainstage and has performed there pretty much every year since. Accordingly, it’s no surprise that this year his schedule is fully booked once again, with a classics set at the Rose Garden today, and a b2b set with Regi plus his very own V Sessions Stage next weekend. If you’re looking for that classic, archetypical Tomorrowland madness: Yves V is your man.

What’s it like to be DJ’ing to so many people, basically in your backyard here at Tomorrowland?

“Tomorrowland is one of my favourite places in the world. Being a part of the event since its inception and seeing it attain the huge, world-famous status it has now is something that I’m super proud of. The whole production changes and grows so much every year that fans never know what they’re gonna get, but are sure to be blown away. There is no festival like it!”

What’s your favourite remix you’ve done so far?

“I couldn’t choose a favourite from throughout my career, that wouldn’t be fair! But I have many that stand out as important to me. One particular favourite is P!nk and Cash Cash’s ‘Can We Pretend’.

I’m a big fan of pop music and enjoyed putting my own spin on that track so much. P!nk is an absolute icon and the Cash Cash guys always bring the goods! Another highlight would be being asked to remix VIVIZ’s ‘BOP BOP!’ They’re a super talented K-Pop girl group, and I enjoyed giving the original track a more moody and darker electronic sound for sure. I always like to do the unexpected, and working in different circles that aren’t just dance music allows me to do that.”

If there is one song by an artist other than yourself that is the perfect Tomorrowland song, which one would it be and why?

“It would have to be Alesso vs. OneRepublic – ‘If I Lose Myself’. It’s a classic track that gets so much love whenever I play it or hear it at a festival. It really embodies that time when big-room and chart music intertwined to create an enormous anthem that everyone loved. I have special memories of it at Tomorrowland too!”

Who are three artists you definitely want to see yourself and why?

“Where do I start? This year I really want to try and check out Anyma during the first weekend. Afterlife’s artists are everywhere at the moment and Anyma just released a huge track, ‘Welcome to the Opera’ with Grimes, so I think that will be cool to catch. Vintage Culture is also a name that’s been dominating for as long as I can remember now. He is sure to bring some fun straight out of Brazil to the Mainstage. It would also be cool to watch Steve Angello on the second weekend with his all-new SIZE XX show that celebrates twenty years of his label. Epic!”

Which subgenre of electronic music did you listen to the most as a teenager?

“Probably techno. I was always into classic artists like Jeff Mills, Richie Hawtin, and so on. The European and US originators always interested me.”

What’s going to be the next big thing in electronic music, genre-wise? Can you see it coming?

“I think we are seeing a return to a lot of harder and faster sounds. Yes, techno has always been there, but I’m noticing a lot of music influenced by things like donk and speed garage getting play through sets and radio shows.”

Can you name a song you’re definitely going to play? And what do you like so much about it?

“It would have to be my latest track ‘Sound of a Beating Heart’ with Sem Thomasson, that we recently released on Alok’s Controversia Records! I’m so proud of everything I’ve released this year and I have been experimenting with a deeper sound that I can’t wait to bring to Tomorrowland. I hope you guys enjoy it!”

What makes the Tomorrowland crowd stand out from any other crowd?

“The sheer diversity. At Tomorrowland, wherever you look, you will be sure to see amazing music lovers from every corner of the world, of every nationality, sexuality, gender, everything! That is the beauty of Tomorrowland, it is the perfect example of how music brings people together and a reminder that music is something to be enjoyed by everyone.”

“I think we’re seeing a return to the harder and faster sounds.”

NINA KRAVIZ

MAINSTAGE | 18:35 - 19:35

Whoever said DJs don’t dance? It may be true that many selectors reign over their audiences without moving much, but things are definitely different with Nina Kraviz, who always brings her dancing shoes wherever she plays. It’s called dance music for a reason, so she’s damn right! And as far as Nina’s concerned, dance music can mean a lot of things. She’ll typically blend techno with experimental, glitchy sounds, adding some heavy-duty electro with a touch of trance and oldschool hardcore. And not only is she a whirlwind of creative energy, she also puts people onto new music again and again. This is particularly true for music from Chicago and Detroit, the respective birthplaces of house and techno. Not very often do you hear a headline DJ play a freaky acid track by an American underground producer like Mike Dearborn, but Nina pulls it off with ease. “I love playing unreleased music,” she says, “and having my own label helps with that a lot. I love creating a unique soundscape related to a certain moment in time and the idea that few people have heard it before makes this process very exciting. The context in which you put certain music, the atmosphere you create with it and the intention you put behind it are essential. In that sense it doesn’t matter what year the music was released or if it was released at all. Sometimes I’ll sneak something completely unrelated into my sets to see how different genres work in a new context. It doesn’t always work, but when it does - wow!” With this brave Russian DJ, who grew up as far away from the hotbeds of electronic music as possible, you never know what you’re going to get, and that’s precisely what makes her so good.

LOST FREQUENCIES

MAINSTAGE | 21:50 - 22:50

The life of Felix de Laet, more widely known under his Lost Frequencies moniker, is like a rollercoaster, in a good way. Nicely dividing his gigs between live performances and DJ sets, Felix gets to enjoy the best of both worlds so it never gets boring. With a decent number of hits and collabs to his name, he loves writing catchy, airplay-friendly stuff, but also more creative and edgy cuts which are likely to come out as album tracks. As if making music isn’t a big enough job, Felix also runs his very own label Found Frequencies, with releases by more than thirty artists to date. DJ sets by Lost Frequencies never fail to be euphoric and full of energy and are not to be missed!

CHUCKIE

THE ROSE GARDEN | 18:00 - 19:00

A party DJ to the bone, Surinam-born deck wizard Chuckie will play anything he loves and it will make you move. Having grown up in an era when scenes were strictly divided, Chuckie was stubborn enough to defy these unwritten rules and play a mix of hiphop, hardstyle, house and bubbling. The latter genre originates in the early 1990s and mixes hiphop and R&B with fast and hectic beats, and is now regaining popularity in countries like the Netherlands and England. Make sure to check out some bubbling videos online, so you know how to dance to Chuckie’s grooves when he blasts them into the idyllic Rose Garden.

DA TWEEKAZ

MAINSTAGE | 19:40 - 20:40

Norwegian hard dance duo Da Tweekaz are a worldwide leading act within the genre, bringing the ultimate uplifting dancefloor energy to the grounds of Tomorrowland. The two have an infectious way of collaborating: while one of them is mixing in the next tune, the other will have time to interact with one of the crazy dancers near the stage. Da Tweekaz fans love their heroes for their energetic sounds, but also for the fact that they don’t take themselves too seriously. Silliness is part of their everyday life and there’s no way of hiding it! Keep an eye out for new collabs with R3HAB and W&W. You might be among the first to hear them in their sets. Are you ready to take the challenge?

SING LIKE A BIRD

What on Earth are those beautiful sounds emanating from unexplored corners of Arcadiana, you ask? As it happens, a key skill in our flying city’s world of sound is the ability to recognise any bird by ear. To help you identify and sing along to all those wonderful kinds of song, we help you get started with one style of music everyday. Today we dive into one of the most atmospheric genres out there: trance.

YVES DERUYTER JOHN NEWMAN

MAINSTAGE | 16:30 - 17:30

Not only will his name be forever connected to the clubs he resided at; Yves Deruyter is also very much a part of the Bonzai Records family, a chief outlet for some of the world’s biggest rave anthems throughout the nineties. A former resident DJ at legendary Belgian clubs such as Cherrymoon and La Rocca, Yves started his career back in the mid-1980s, many years or even decades before most of us would first step onto the dancefloor. Rave, trance and a little touch of early hardcore is what you’ll hear Deruyter play in his sets; it’s about time you closed your eyes and started jumping!

TRANCE

Grounded in German techno and British rave culture, trance first emerged in the late eighties and quickly grew into the most popular form of electronic music throughout the nineties, reaching peak commercial success at the turn of the new millennium. Through its rich and lengthy history, trance has been responsible for some of the world’s most groundbreaking dance records, elevating DJs to almost godlike status.

Before trance was labelled as such, other forms of electronic music – most notably acid house and techno – served as precursors to its birth. The origins of trance music can be traced back to Germany, when European DJs and producers began to incorporate psychedelic sounds into their music. At this time, Detroit techno was making its way into Europe, where local producers used it to create a more atmospheric sound. During these formative years the genre was known as techno dance or trance dance, referring to the way its techno foundations were layered with mind-altering sounds. While piano house and eurodance largely dominated commercial European clubs during the mid-nineties, trance music nevertheless continued to develop, ultimately bringing forth some of electronic music’s biggest stars.

Those in desperate need for a sky-glide into the higher spheres of trance will be able to indulge themselves at the Youphoria stage. Under the seal of approval of trance legend M.I.K.E. Push, there’s Gareth Emery, Andrew Rayel and Ben Nicky presenting Emotional Havoc – all of them proving that trance music has not only survived over the years, but evolved into a permanent state of growth that seems fully futureproof.

THE LIBRARY | 20:00 - 21:00

British singer, songwriter & producer John Newman is first and foremost a pop artist, having collaborated with electronic artists like David Guetta, Calvin Harris and, most prominently, drum & bass heroes Rudimental. His best-known solo track is the emotional ‘Love Me Again’, dating as far back as 2013. After a well-deserved break from music from 2020 to 2022, he is now fully back with more energy than ever. His recent singles ‘Waiting for a Lifetime’ and ‘Holy Love’ come with a lovely life-enhancing house sound that reminds a little of Sigala’s ‘Sweet Lovin’; it’s irresistible! For his Library set today, expect a hybrid DJ/live performance with a mix of live vocals, mixing and beat triggering.

MANDY MARTIN GARRIX

FREEDOM | 16:00 - 17:00

Powerful, creative and hands-on are all keywords applicable to 25year-old hardstyle powerhouse MANDY. The caps say it all, really: there’s no stopping MANDY when she puts her mind to something. She started DJ’ing in Belgian clubs at the age of 16 and really began to gain traction when she first performed at the Gathering back in 2018. Soon after, a star going by the name of Tiësto knocked on her door, wanting to officially release her remix of his track ‘Jackie Chan’. Besides obviously being a massive music head, MANDY is also heavily into cars, food, football and gaming: anything that involves POWER, basically. People who support MANDY’s music include Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Timmy Trumpet, Tiësto – and you, after seeing her today!

MAINSTAGE | 22:55 - 23:55

Martin Garrix remains an incredible jack of all trades. In the fashion of a chameleon, he easily switches between genres whilst always retaining his very own signature style. A decent indicator to measure the grandness of this master of electronic music is to count the amount of high-profile collaborations to his name. Bebe Rexha (‘In the Name of Love’), David Guetta (‘So Far Away’), Khalid (‘Ocean’), Macklemore (‘Summer Days’) and Dua Lipa (‘Scared To Be Lonely’) all worked out well for the man who first rose to fame and created a whole genre at the age of 16 with the timeless smasher ‘Animals’. Not only does Garrix work with the biggest artists in the world, he also greatly enjoys teaming up with up and coming artists on his own STMPD Records.

“THE LANGUAGE OF THE FEATHERED ONES: MUSIC FOR THE HEART, BALM FOR THE SOUL.”