Tomorrowland Today 2023 | Magical Friday

THIS IS HOW THE MUSIC STARTS

Welcome to a magical, musical Friday, where the beats are bang on from the very first moment of Tomorrowland. Hardstyle lovers should head to The Library for sets by Sub Zero Project and Sefa, and if you’re into breaks, you should check out drum & bass legend Andy C, who will bring along his usual MC Tonn Piper to the Rose Garden. Fans of the ultra-hot hard techno sound shouldn’t miss out on VE/RA, Patrick Mason and DIØN. If you like your techno abstract and experimental, then Nina Kraviz will no doubt be on your list. With Steve Angello & Sebastian Ingrosso, Tiësto and Hardwell, today’s Mainstage line-up is also a thing to look forward to.

TODAY, LET’S FLY INTO A WHOLE NEW TALE!

PEOPLE OF TOMORROW, SHOW YOUR COLOURS!

As the sun rises over the fabled fields of DreamVille, it is quite right for you to get excited, friends. But take a moment to treasure, first: yesterday’s arrival in paradise, the friends made along the way, the reverberations of the Gathering in your heart. These will have prepared you well for today’s entirely new tale.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT

STEVE ANGELLO & SEBASTIAN INGROSSO

MAINSTAGE | 21:45 - 22:45

PEOPLE OF TOMORROW, PREPARE FOR TAKE-OFF!

Set an alarm to attend the Mainstage at 17:30 sharp, as this will mark your first peek into the story of Arcadiana. Be prepared to witness the grand opening of the centre of this very universe, our beloved Mainstage. Adscendo, Arise!

During Kölsch’s Mainstage set today from 20:40 to 21:40, there will be a special flag moment. Bring your country’s flag, wave it with pride and unite in harmony! There you descended, held aloft on golden wings of joy, into your new abode. And you brought with you a first taste of a most powerful phenomenon, contained in the magic thrumming ‘round Tomorrowland: unity. Arms around shoulders, glittering smiles; full-body hugs, light, electrifying touches; conversations carried on after the last of the kickdrums had long died down; with all of these things you displayed your togetherness in full. And to think, friends, that this was only the beginning! This morning’s light will see you sailing smoothly along

the winds which flow towards that fabled city – Arcadiana. Have you imagined it yet? Have you pictured the houses of the guilds, the synergy of bird and human, the delicate machinery of flight? These things will surely be a sight to behold, friends, and soon, you will find yourself amongst them, together with thousands upon thousands of fellow admirers, hailing from all around the world. Pick up where you left off yesterday evening, then, and fly into that great blue sky, ready to explore this all-new tale. All together now, in unity!

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

Expect a mix of sunshine and showers today – the weather’s just as extravagant as your mercurial self. All you’ll need is a poncho and sunscreen, and you’ll be dancing in the rain like it’s confetti and greeting the streamers of sunshine with a smile!

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 Windriders’ Guild makes its case for you to join them.

“If I could lure my singing bird

From his own cozy nest

If I could catch my singing bird

I would warm him on my breast

For there’s none of them can sing so sweet

My singing bird as you

My singing bird as you

My singing bird as you”

HIGHLIGHTS

TOMORROWLAND TODAY

5-7

DREAMVILLE

• Settling in at DreamVille

• Sports classes at DreamVille

• Tips for pre-rave shopping

10

LOVE TOMORROW CONFERENCE

United for a brighter future

To all high-flying, aerobatic birds out there,

Without the courage to brave the blue expanse above, our city would be defenceless and unable to function. This is our creed at the Windriders’ Guild, our raison d’etre. We are the martial and aerial branch of Arcadianan society, and we know how to traverse the skies like no other. We are ever eager to become as proficient at flight as the birds themselves, so that we can respond as quickly as possible to any emergency.

Our attire, consisting of formal, elaborately tailored uniforms outside of action, is exchanged for winged flight jackets when duty calls. Using them, we dive into the air out of our balloons from dizzying heights, performing dramatic acts of aerobatics to help our fellow citizens in need. Our symbol is the sextant, and we work with and learn from birds that migrate and from birds of prey; in short, from birds that perform the greatest aerial feats.

If you are a true daredevil, agile, quick-witted, and ready to earn your wings, then the Windriders’ Guild should become your new home. Plot your flight path by the sextant and take to the skies; shield your fellow citizens from harm, and explore ever-higher reaches of our realm, leading Arcadiana to glory.

May we meet in the birds’ domain, The Windriders’ Guild

tiktok.com/@tomorrowland

instagram.com/tomorrowland

discord.com/invite/tomorrowland

LOCKERS

12

A DAY AT THE ACADEMY

Learning to find one’s way in the music industry

17, 21

DAILY WISDOM

The latest news from the Holy Grounds

25

FOCUS ON THE MUSIC

• Kölsch

• Timetables

• Artist Bios

OPENING HOURS

The gates of Tomorrowland open at 12:00 on Friday, and from then on it’s non-stop dancing and fun until the gates shut at 01:00 on Friday and Saturday and 00:00 on Sunday. Check-in at DreamVille is possible every day until 22:00 (Friday and Saturday) and 21:00 (Sunday). Entering the festival grounds more than once is not allowed. DreamVille re-entries are allowed, but only after 17:00.

FIRST AID

facebook.com/tomorrowland

twitter.com/tomorrowland

youtube.com/tomorrowland

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

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.

Sinéad O’Connor - The Singing Bird

CONNECT 24/7 WITH TOMORROWLAND

RIGHT ON TRACK GLOBAL JOURNEY PARTY TRAIN

Departing from some of Europe’s most buzzing cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, London and Rotterdam, Global Journey’s Party Trains were one of the most exciting ways to arrive at Tomorrowland this year. Right from the start, all travelers knew they were in for a wild ride when they were told to look under their seats – and some found a beautifully adorned “Mystery Wagon” ticket, inviting them to the middle of the train. Eager groups made their way to this enchanted place, and as they entered, pumping beats awaited them. Renowned DJs like Oliver Magenta stepped up behind the decks as the high-speed dancefloor made its way towards Antwerp. There, those aboard were greeted by countless performers and even a colourful choir, making for the perfect start to an unforgettable weekend. As the journey continued, some of the train passengers made their way to DreamVille, while others headed to hotels in the vibrant cities of Antwerp and Brussels – but they would all be sure to remember this ride of a lifetime!

GETTING SETTLED IN PARADISE

Tomorrowland starts on a Friday, but the avid campers know Thursday is not to be sneezed at either. Heavily packed and fully equipped for all eventualities and pleasures, these People of Tomorrow arrive with joy-filled hearts to pick up their cold beverages and settle into DreamVille life. Having travelled for hours and hours by train, bus, car, or plane, they reunite to share a wonderful time full of love and energy. Arrival at DreamVille means the true beginning of the Tomorrowland experience, allowing for acclimatisation to the festival feeling as well as meeting friends and neighbours from all over the world. After a moment of rest and relaxation, the Gathering awaits, where the DreamVille denizens have their very first dance, before the rest of Tomorrowland opens its doors the next day!

Everton from Brasil

“I just found the perfect spot out of nowhere. A lot of people went right past it, I guess they couldn’t appreciate it. But we will make it our home!” says Everton, looking proud as hell. “Or maybe… we will find out the hard way why people didn’t want to set up camp here.”

Taylor from South Africa

We catch Taylor aimlessly wandering through Dreamville. So why isn’t she setting up her tent? “The guys in my camp are total gentlemen and said they’d do it. But maybe they just know that I am super clumsy…” We guess the first round is on you, Taylor!

One could hear this wonderful group having a toast over their finished camp from afar. “We forgot to bring a hammer, so getting everything tied down was intense. We just hope this will hold.” Tomorrow you can ask the Ateliers to lend you one, people!

CHALLENGE YOURSELF AT THE RECOVERY AREA

So many different People of Tomorrow, so many ways to start your day. You might want to start yours with a beer and a bag of crisps, or say: “That’s not me! I’d rather push myself and come out of the weekend fitter than I’ve ever been!” DreamVille has got you sorted in the latter case, with hot and sweaty classes that will make you feel like you want to take a quick nap again just hours after you woke up. With two sessions of both Strength Development and Bodypump as well as one called Bodycombat, there is no gym in the world like DreamVille’s.

Tuuli from Finland and Charlie from Mexico

“I normally love unpacking, but we’re celebrating my birthday and our anniversary here, and I don’t want to accidentally stumble upon the gifts he brought for me,” says Tuuli. She then looks over to Charlie, who just mumbles “S***, I knew I forgot something…”

Joanna from Poland, Leah from Wales and Paula from Germany

“Paula makes her own kimonos and hats, so those will be our outfits for the weekend,” says Joanna before showing us some of the glorious garments. “Get ready for the path in front of our tents becoming a runway in the morning!” These ladies know how to dress to impress.

Markus and Janick from Switzerland and Ira and Lisa from Germany

The steam from the hot tubs is wafting through the air down at the Montagoe Area – and these four were the first to jump in. “This is paradise. There’s no amount of rain that a hot tub couldn’t counter out,” says Markus and leans back. “Tonight we’ll bring the hot tub heat down to The Gathering!”

Natasha, Manuel, Alex and Saranda from Switzerland

Ruben and Christopher from Germany

“We’re big fans of American football and the crazy celebrations all the players do.” Naturally, Ruben and Christopher have a lot to celebrate here, so some NFL celebrations are in order at DreamVille, too. “Yeah, we just beat our friends at beer pong. But that’s not newsworthy, you know?”

FEEL SERENE AT THE BALANCE AREA

Love yoga? Then there is no better place to start your day than the Balance Area, where you are invited to indulge in the world of physical spirituality. First off, the Yoga Nidra workshop happens somewhere in the no man’s land between sleep and consciousness. Kundalini Yoga, on the other hand, borrows insights from Tantra, and is said to enhance spiritual liberation. The teachers will also lead you into more active types of yoga such as Power Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and Hatha Yoga. Take your pick or go all out, or join all of the workshops and enter the dancefloor feeling more athletic than ever before.

Kylie and Chris from Canada

“We joined groups on Reddit and WhatsApp to find out what people bring to Tomorrowland – we really didn’t have a clue what we needed.” Kylie seems a bit nervous, but Chris is more confident. “I am sure we thought of everything.” Well, good thing you can buy whatever you’re missing at the Marketplace!

Stacy, Wendy, Ed and Daniel from Australia

It’s all smiles between the Cabanas thanks to these four. “We were among the first 20 people to register from Australia, so we got the guarantee we’d be able to buy tickets. Ever since then the hype has just been building up in all of us.” Staying up ‘till midnight definitely paid off!

Sara from Spain and Clara from Belgium

How could you not love the vibe that these two spread through the entire line of people waiting to enter Dreamville? “We met in Korea and we’re meeting up with 20 more friends here. But by the end of this weekend, our camp will probably be a lot bigger than that.” No doubt!

HAIR SALON

By mid-afternoon, the Marketplace Hair Salon is in full effect. Veronique and Elkje are helping a happy customer to some colourful braids. These ‘Angels of Beauty’ can be found here to do hair all weekend, for all visitors. There are a variety of services available here, but the colour extensions are the most popular one. It is expected to be busy for the rest of the weekend, so if you are looking for some colourful braids then book ahead!

PRE-RAVE SHOPPING

At the DeamVille Marketplace, the right time for shopping is just around midday: the DJs are only warming up, so there is plenty of time to think about what you will need throughout the day. Fuel up with energy for the dancefloor, and why not treat yourself to a generous festival capsule, an expressive unicorn-shaped balloon, Tomorrowland-themed playing cards, or cleverly engineered earplugs? Let’s see what the lovely people selling all of these wonderful goodies have got to say about them.

YAY

Dutch balloon tradesman Floris (44) owns an Antwerp-based shop specialised in colourful inflatable bits of fun. “I always do the Tomorrowland gig with my good friend Roel, and over the years, we’ve learnt what sells and what doesn’t. The crazier, the better, really. Even tough Scottish guys covered in tattoos often go for the unicorns.”

JEWELLERY BY RAMS

Esthel (54) from Boom sells jewellery made by her brother Aster (52). “A few years back, Tomorrowland expressed their desire to start working with local businesses, so we proposed a collection especially designed for the festival. The Tomorrowland jewellery comes in sterling silver and 24 carat gold. We are a small family business and love the fact that our necklaces are now worn around the world.”

MOOST & THE MUSE BY MOOST WANTED

“Our mission is to inspire women to run wild and free in this magical world,” says store manager Romy. Pictured are the girls working in the store, wearing elements of the brand’s festival capsule, from left to right: Veerle (25, kimono, t-shirt dress), Sharon (24, wrapped scarf, scarf as skirt, coin belt, jewellery), Imke (28, dress, jewellery), Romy (30, cropped hoodie, bralette, wrapped skirt), and Kim (28, solana set, belt).

FUNKY FRUIT OASIS

Floor (23) from the Netherlands is one of the lovely people who can help you to a Funky Fruit smoothie or breakfast bowl! If you’re getting ready to party, know that you can make your own alcoholic smoothie here as well – life is all about balance, after all. If you are in the mood for fruit, stop by the Marketplace stand or find your dose of Funky Fruits at the festival site stands.

LOOP EARPLUGS

Loop Earplugs shop attendant Kiki (25) noticed that her ears would always be ringing after spending time in the bars of her hometown of Maastricht in the south of the Netherlands. “Since about a year, I never go out without these plugs anymore. They take away what you don’t want to hear, so you experience the music as you’re meant to experience it, only less loud.”

OFFICIAL BOUTIQUE

Kara (38) from San Francisco loves the fact that Tomorrowland merch is all about the details. “Look at this t-shirt, the patterns are embroidered. What else did I get? Stickers, a keychain, playing cards – I didn’t see that one coming – and a bottle opener that looks like a key!”

SALT & SWEET WAFFLES

Sebastian (29) runs a waffle business in Brussels. “The Brussels waffle is different from the Liege waffle,” he says. “It’s neutral, right in between sweet and savoury, and that’s why the possibilities are endless. These waffle squares with pulled chicken, BBQ sauce, sesame seeds and spring onions are a real hit!”

UNITED FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Operating fully independently, and created in the spirit of Tomorrowland’s People of Tomorrow who live today, love tomorrow, and unite forever, Love Tomorrow aims to help entrepreneurs and creators become more sustainable. Although Love Tomorrow’s annual conference in Boom isn’t their sole flagship project, it is easily within reach of each and every visitor to Tomorrowland. Tucked in between the two festival weekends, it’s easy to visit the conference before or after enjoying the festival. One day and one night, with so much to see, do and learn, surrounded by the delightful aesthetics of Tomorrowland; let’s find out more!

INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKERS

The line-up of the Love Tomorrow Conference in many ways compares to the bill of the conference’s host, the actual festival. The DJs and live performers are replaced with world-famous speakers, influencers and entrepreneurs with insightful things to say about things like nature, sustainability, circularity and biodiversity, but they have certainly earned their spots. These are the heroes generating hope in a world where climate pessimism has become the mainstream. It’s not that they aren’t worried as well, but the general tone across the many lectures and panels at the Love Tomorrow conference is one of positive action. The list of inspirational speakers is impressive: a generalist journalist like Rutger Bregman shares the stage with a more specialist thinker like Sarah Parent, CEO of Go Forest, an organisation that aims for a greener world. Elsewhere, documentary maker Louie Schwartzberg joins a panel discussion alongside ecologist Leen Gorissen and fellow cinematographer Louis de Jaeger.

FINDING A SUSTAINABLE JOB

With sustainability so high on political agendas across the world, the sector as a whole has slowly but surely become one of most important employers in many countries. Nowhere at the conference is this more apparent than inside the cabins of the Brussels Airlines Ferris wheel, where speed job interviews are the main deal. “We’ve had many people send in great CVs,” says Elfrie van Poppelen, recruiter at Vito, a Belgian institute for applied science. “It’s an unusual but potentially great way of finding new people – we are always on the lookout for scientifically literate staff. Some of them will specialise in better ways of detecting wildfires while others will work on helping people live longer in a way that’s environmentally friendly.” Software

developer Wietse Steenman arrives just as Van Poppelen concludes her story. He’s one of the interviewees today and certainly interested in working for Vito, but also in seeing the decor of Tomorrowland in all its glory. “I’m killing two birds with one stone today,” he says, without cruel intentions towards the winged creatures of Adscendo.

REELED IN BY HARARI

“I had just read ‘Homo Sapiens’ when I was at Tomorrowland last year and realised the author, Yuval Noah Harari, had been one of the keynote speakers the day before at the annual Love Tomorrow conference,” says Regina from Mexico, a regular festival visitor who’s taking everything in today. “That’s when I realised I definitely wanted to attend this year. All of my eleven friends who will join me for the festival tomorrow have gone to do something else, but for me this is really important. I believe in Tomorrowland as a movement of change, a festival that aims to unite people. For me, Love Tomorrow plays a major part in that.”

CIRCULAR FASHION MEETS QUALITY MUSIC

Squeezed in between two weekends of your favourite music festival, the Love Tomorrow Conference offers the perfect blend of entertainment and inspiration. There is a lot of information to take in, but this gathering is also a feast for the eye, with a fashion show highlighting the most exciting eco-friendly designs on a casual catwalk right outside the Freedom Stage. Freedom is also where, finally, all energy is released to the sounds of Joris Voorn and Ida Engberg during the official closing party, from 21:30 until 23:00. The Love Tomorrow Conference really is where the love for our planet is united with the best sustainable fashion and world-class electronic music. Will we see you there next year?

“Our mission is to help people keep their clothes in good shape for longer.”

FASHION’S SUSTAINABLE REBIRTH

“Fashion is where there is a lot to be won when it comes to sustainability, so it had to be part of the conference,” says Sara Kovic as she orchestrates the bustling activity centred around an impressive pile of bric-a-brac skirts, trousers and shirts. Kovic is the passionate curator of Fashion Renaissance, which holds the middle ground between an educative exhibition and a fair where sustainable businesses present themselves. “We aim to reinvent the fashion industry by stressing the need for change in every part of the lifecycle of a fashion item. We have asked five companies to present themselves here. Each of them play their part in making one of the five lifecycle stages become more sustainable,” Kovic goes on as she introduces Aaron Claeys of Nanex, a company specialised in products that increase the life expectancy of textile. “One of the products we sell slows down the fading of colours on textile and another one strengthens the fiber in clothing. Usage is the fourth stage in the cycle and it’s the one that consumers can influence themselves. Our mission is to help them with that.”

FOR THE LOVE OF FUNGI – AND HUMMINGBIRDS

One of the keynote speakers at the conference is film director Louie Schwartzberg, known mostly for the Netflix series ‘Moving Art’ as well as an incredibly insightful documentary about mushrooms: ‘Fantastic Fungi’. He talks about it against a very fitting backdrop: the larger-than-life mushrooms of the dreamlike Youphoria stage. “What really drives me in the work I do every day,” says Schwartzberg just after the audience has collectively watched a hummingbird extract nectar from a flower, “is to show that the human point of view is not the only point of view. I do this by slowing down or by speeding up the movements of living organisms. The hummingbird moves sixteen times faster than what you’ve just seen on film, but with the lives of flowers and mushrooms it’s the other way around: I increase the speed so the human eye can see them grow. I hope that people will love nature more after watching the footage and that this will lead to them caring more for the environment.”

“I hope that people will love nature more after watching, that they will care more for the environment.”

A DAY AT THE TOMORROWLAND ACADEMY

REACH FOR THE SKY AND LAND AMONG THE STARS

The premise was clear: one week of plunging headfirst into the ins and outs of what it is like to be a professional DJ and/or producer. The Tomorrowland Academy offers its pupils an all-inclusive, inspirational bootcamp, getting tips and tricks firsthand from their personal heroes as well as music industry professionals. Yesterday, the students got a small taste of what performing at Tomorrowland is like, as they played their very first minutes with a showcase set on the Cage stage. One thing’s for sure: these birds are ready to leave the nest.

For a whole week, 45 up-and-coming DJs and producers from every corner of the globe took a fully immersive dive into both the front and back office of DJ life. What that looks like? Well, if you speak BPMs fluently, if you know that a hotcue is not a sandwich, and if you can tell the difference between a CDJ-3000 and an RMX1000, then you’d feel like a duck in the water at the Tomorrowland Academy. With 2 hours of DJ lessons every day, supplemented with an introduction in producing their own tracks, the pupils were drilled into becoming a better DJ, a more complete artist. Where it came to improving their technical skills, all fronts were covered, as they were taught beatmatching, phrasing, looping, colouring their tracks and EQ’ing by experienced peers like Laidback Luke and Samm.

And even if experience is just the one thing that can’t be taught, informing yourself on the business side of things and surrounding yourself with the right people can be. The academists took part in a number of panels, masterclasses and conferences by keynote speakers from booking agencies, record labels and artist management firms, and even held a touch-and-fly brainstorm session about the possible impacts of AI on the craft of music production. There’s quite a bit more to being a full-on artist than just plugging in your USB, cranking up the volume and pounding your fist in the air, it turns out. Being

able to rely on a trustworthy team, having a keen eye for the business side of things, building your image and creating and nurturing a broad network are skills that are too often neglected. It’s like Jay-Z said: I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man!

Yesterday, then, was the grand finale, the final blow of what was an intense yet rewarding week for the Academy pupils, as they took the Cage stage for a 10-minute set for their fellow students. They also had a final one-on-one with the teachers and industry professionals to pose their last questions and finetune the skills they took from this week. It took a big pile of homework, but now, these DJ scholars can go on to refine their talents, broaden their knowledge and open up their networks. After a Q&A with Yves V, the group celebrated the completion of the programme by letting off some steam at The Gathering, looking ever so ready for the upcoming festival weekend.

Reaching for the sky and landing among the stars is what the Tomorrowland Academy is all about, and those are not just words: no less than three contestants of last year’s Academy are actually playing Tomorrowland this year. As Academy graduate VE/RA, who will be playing the Atmosphere stage this weekend, puts it: “The Tomorrowland Academy was a great way to kick off my musical career. It was a way to meet new people and learn new DJ and production techniques. I only started out 3,5 years ago, so it feels kind of surreal to be a performing artist this year, knowing that I was standing in the crowd, as a fan, five years before. I am really grateful that Tomorrowland gives new talents the opportunity to develop themselves through the Academy, and keeps supporting them afterwards.” Dreams do come true, then, and a springboard like the Tomorrowland Academy might just be the break an aspiring artist is waiting for. Seize the moment, seize the opportunity, and who knows, magic might happen!

A fully immersive dive into the front and back office of DJ life

DANIEL

Mexico

DAMS, short for Daniel Alejandro Montes Sanchez from Mexico City, plays two styles of music, depending on the type of venue and the audience. “Sometimes I play techno but I also specialise in Latin tech house. The second genre is quite new and it combines tech house with styles popular in South America, such as cumbia, salsa and reggaeton. During this five-day course, we get different teachers to show us a variety of things: several DJ and production techniques, of course, but they also tell you how to do your marketing. Everyone is into different styles of electronic music, which has really inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and try out new things. My favourite moment of the week? When everyone starts to dance while you play. That’s when you realise you’re a DJ and doing a good job of it!”

CANDICE

South Africa

Seattle-based South African rookie DJ Candice Wilshire did the beginner-level course last year and loved it so much that she decided to return for the advanced course. “The main difference between the two types of courses is the level of individual support,” she says. “Everyone was a beginner last year, but in the advanced course you find people who have been DJ’ing for ten years and others who have only recently started doing it. Every day consists of four different sessions. We always start with music production and after that, we work on our DJ skills. The third session we call the Open Session and that can be literally anything. One afternoon we looked at DJ software and the next day we focused on career development. We always end the day with a guest lecture by someone who’s achieved something remarkable. Oh – but I’ve got to go now, as the speaker is about to start!”

CELIA

Germany

“One of the many things that were very useful for me in the advanced course was the part where the instructors helped me out with a track that I had previously been working on back home in Germany. I wanted to incorporate traditional instruments in an electronic track and I had a lot of trouble getting it right. The thing is, non-electronic samples come with many tempo changes, as opposed to the club music we’re used to. This week, I managed to sync the two types of music and merge it into one track. I feel I greatly improved my production skills, something I wouldn’t have achieved via online tutorials. Physical workshops like the ones that are part of the Tomorrowland Academy work so much better for me!”

DJ’ING & PRODUCING

From knowing the tools of the trade in the DJ booth to learning the basics of a professional DJ set through beatmatching, mixing and EQ’ing, and the use of creative hotcues and loops: all of those grounds were covered to prepare the students for their first liveset during the showcase moment at the Cage. The second part of the hands-on technical and artistic side of the bootcamp focussed on production by explaining standards in Ableton Live, studio basics, and sampling and building some very first beats from scratch. The pupils took their very first steps in working with music scales, keys and chords, eventually leading them to produce a proper debut demo track. They laid a steady foundation of basic techniques in order to build and experiment further later on.

USB

MUSIC MANAGEMENT

How do I get booked at a festival? What is the role of record companies in this digital age? Do I need a manager? Does my manager need a manager? These were just a few of the topics that were touched upon during the music management part of the Academy. With a broad variety of panel discussions, masterclasses, conferences and guest lecturers from booking agencies, record labels and management bureaus, the group got up close and personal with some of the finest music industry professionals, who shared their insights in these exciting times in this ever-changing industry. The course delved deep into building and protecting one’s brand, both on and off-stage. Being a professional artist requires a professional take on the business and marketing side of things as well, after all!

There’s quite a bit more to being an artist than just plugging in your

This year, Tomorrowland and Absolut have been working behind the scenes with a committee of experts to implement meaningful actions based on research into industry-wide developments in the festival scene. Their first joint action is the creation of the United We Care Team: a group of trained individuals who will offer emotional support and well-being care to festivalgoers in addition to what is available from medical and security staff.

Committee member Sunnery James notes: “If you’ve ever set foot on the grounds of Tomorrowland, you will know that you can feel two things in the air: unity and shared joy. The United We Care team is an initiative that will help this thrive even more, and it’s so important to me that I can be involved with making this a priority, both behind the decks and down there in the crowd. Being in touch with your body and soul is the most beautiful thing you can do, and being able to share this with others is a huge dream of mine.”

The on-site United We Care team includes trained professional psychologists, therapists and people working in healthcare, as well as psychology students from local universities. The team will be available at appointed locations across the festival and DreamVille, and you can also find them walking around the grounds. They’re there to listen without judgment and provide support when someone needs a person to talk to and share what’s going on. If you have a question or need someone to talk to, look out for members of the United We Care Team, recognizable by their ‘United We Care’ T-shirt and purple bandana. Tomorrowland and Absolut are committed to providing a friendly, safe, supportive, and harassment-free environment for all, regardless of gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, or any other identity trait. Together, we care.

WISDOM

TRASH TO TREASURE

Welcome to The Recycle Club, nestled conveniently between the Recovery Area and the Gathering dancefloor. 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 Earplugs, flags and more!

Interested in even more rewards? Participate in the Camp2Camp quiz and get the chance to win tickets to Amber Broos’s gig at Waagnatie as well as many other prizes. For more details, don’t hesitate to approach the friendly staff who will be there for you on Friday and Saturday from 09:00 until 15:00, on Sunday from 09:00 until 17:00, and on Monday from 08:00 until 12:00. Join The Recycle Club today, and together, let’s make a positive impact on our planet and Mother Nature.

MADNESS ON THE AIRWAVES MAKE YOUR EARS LAST A LIFETIME

Did you know that Tomorrowland has its own radio station? We sure hope so! With One World Radio, you can immerse yourself in live broadcasts from all Tomorrowland events, relive the best live sets through captivating reruns, engage in enlightening interviews with both newcomers and DJ legends alike, and be serenaded by the delightful voices of hosts Adam K, Ben Malone and Justin Wilkes.

This year, One World Radio will once again broadcast from its one-of-a-kind on-site studio next to the Rave Cave, boasting an incredible program. This way, your friends and family can partake real-time of the vibes of your magical Tomorrowland experience. And there is one more exhilarating piece of information: the studio is open to everyone, so you can get closer than ever before to your musical heroes when they’re being interviewed before or after their sets. Get in there!

Here in Arcadiana, we don’t do things quietly. This weekend the city walls will be shaking and the air will be vibrating all day thanks to the sounds of your favourite artists and the fireworks accompanying their performances. And as we want your hearing to last, we’d like to advise you to wear some protection. Fortunately, Tomorrowland and Loop have the right tools for the job! The Tomorrowland x Loop Experience Earplugs are specifically designed to soundtrack your perfect festival weekend, providing a ‘low noise reduction’ of 18 decibels. With the combination of an acoustic channel and a filter, they offer a natural sound so you can enjoy every set to the maximum. Each pair comes with silicone ear tips in four sizes, so you can easily make sure your Loops stay in no matter what. You can find them at the official Tomorrowland Stores and the Loop Earplugs booths on DreamVille and the festival site.

HAVE SOME BUBBLES ON US

Do you think the way you live and breathe Tomorrowland outshines all others around you? Well then, show them your ways – but not before capturing them for a chance to win a delicious bottle of Solo Vida! Just upload your unique celebration as a photo or video to your story, tag @solovida_official and follow the page, so your story is eligible. Now all it takes is a hint of luck for you to be invited down to the Solo Vida Fountain Bar in the MESA Garden to enjoy a bottle of Tomorrowland’s signature sparkling wine. Watch those bubbles rise in your glass like Windriders’ balloons, and enjoy the beautiful alliance between people, nature, vineyard and winegrowers, resulting in a unique gift from Mother Earth. By the way: in case you don’t win, Solo Vida remains available at the MESA Garden as well as most bars on the festival grounds.

ARTEFACTS OF AMARE

From all over the world your wings have taken you to DreamVille, bringing good vibes, a hunger for madness – and some objects with which you have a special connection. But which of those artefacts are truly essential for you to fly with Amare this weekend? Time to dive into the way these DreamVille denizens will weave their favourite things into the tapestry of Arcadiana.

Seeing bubbles gently fly through the air isn’t really an uncommon sight at the Montagoe area. Usually, the wonderful décor down there is responsible – not this time though. George and his bubble gun are attracting quite a crowd as we catch him checking in. “I actually make bubbles for a living, so it only felt right to bring unlimited bubbles to Tomorrowland. You wouldn’t believe how many different bubble guns and bubble-themed outfits I have brought! Tomorrowland beware: I am the Bubble Guy.”

“First of all: Her name is Tina! And she protects our beautiful camp.” These Belgians are clearly very particular about their flying, magical creatures. “We thought we’d need something we could identify our camp by coming home late at night. But to be honest, it’s probably identifiable enough. Now Tina is just our mascot.”

You might be able to tell by his entire outfit that Lin likes his life and all the things in it to be quite colourful. “I found the pants first and I knew I needed a shirt and a hat to go with them. The entire ensemble took quite some time to get right – and the sunglasses are probably the stars of the show.” What do you guys think?

“There are some people who don’t want to leave anything up to chance – we’re quite the opposite. Our dice tell us the way and let us have some gaming fun while we’re at it.” When asked what the dice have told this group from Luxembourg so far, the answer is a lot less mysterious: “Florian has to buy the first round.”

The Cabana that Miriam and her husband will be calling home for the next few days might be the most recognisable of them all. The giant ‘good vibes’ banner that covers their porch is truly a sight to behold – and its owners aren’t drags by any means either. The couple from Norway have their arms covered with Tomorrowland wristbands, but it’s obvious either way that they are true veterans. “2019 was the first time we brought this banner. Back then we still had it on a giant flagpole, we were spreading neon good vibes everywhere. Now we feel like our outfits and our raving vibes do the trick on their own already. So we will leave it here at DreamVille –the good vibes will be here even when we are not. How cool is that?” No argument there!

ROCHELLE, LOTTE, SHANNON, JORI AND OMAR FROM BELGIUM

GEORGE FROM ARIZONA, USA

LIN FROM BELGIUM

FLORIAN, MAXIME, ROMAIN FROM LUXEMBOURG

MIRIAM FROM NORWAY

QUENTIN

There’s never a shortage of fun and crazy things to see and experience at the Gathering… but we do have to admit that we’ve never seen anything like Quentin’s cute primary school backpack. We are all here for it though! “Yeah, it’s the backpack I got when I started going to school. I have so many great memories with it. All the fun me and my friends had during recess, the soccer games, playing pranks on each other, laughing until out stomachs hurt. We didn’t have to worry about a thing back then. That’s the vibe Tomorrowland gives me, just a place far away from worldly troubles. That’s why I brought the backpack. Let’s create some more worriless memories.” Is someone cutting onions around here?

“Who doesn’t know Pingu from the cartoons? He has such a wild, funny and chaotic life – that’s my vibe at festivals as well!” says Annelieke before making the uncanny “noot noot” sound that anyone familiar with ’90 European children’s TV will know quite well. So when you see Annelieke and her backpack… well, you know what to do.

Mind your manners, People of Tomorrow, we’re in the presence of a Royal Highness! “I’ve been coming to Tomorrowland for quite a while now – this is my fifth time! So far no one has dethroned me, so me and my crown will surely conquer Arcadiana this year.” Martin leaves no doubt about his Viking heritage…

“My passport says I am from Poland, but I am actually from the Matrix.” Quite the statement, Lina – as are those boots! “I just liked them, so I got them. If that’s your motto, you’ll have fun in life: I want it – I got it. And I am not stopping here.” Watch out Beyonce, someone is coming for your crown…

JORDY AND THE MIGHTY DUCKS

With their pink bucket hats, this wonderful Dutch group of friends look like they were dropped into DreamVille straight from the Barbie movie. Believe us when we say that there’s nothing plastic about them, though. “When we bought our tickets, we knew right away that we needed an outfit for the entire group. Having a hat with a duck on it just came really naturally. We’re Dutch, we live on the land, on the sea and in the air – just like ducks. Plus… they’re super cute!” Jordy knows he struck gold with that quote as his friends answer with a collective ‘yeah’! Singles, take notes: cute ducks seem to be all the rave with the girls this year.

LINA FROM POLAND

MARTIN FROM NORWAY

ANNELIEKE FROM THE NETHERLANDS

FROM FRANCE

FROM THE NETHERLANDS

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 2/4

CHAPTER ONE

“Rockfall,” one of her companions whispered and glanced up as if expecting another strike from above any second.

“Medics to position one,” the aeronaut’s voice rang out again. “Rescue on the count of two. Clean up, take the rear. Windriders ready.”

They all shouted the affirmative. This was why they were here. This was what they lived for. All that training, all those drills, all leading to moments like this.

Breathe in, Ro told herself firmly. Breathe out. Do it again. Keep going. Ro pulled her visor down as the hatch in the side of the gondola opened.

The four medics went first, followed by two rescue. The air sucked the remaining four Windriders out towards the empty sky.

Ro closed her eyes, leaned back and let the wind take her.

She fell, spiralling down and then, once safely clear of the balloon, she spread her arms wide. The jacket did the rest. The flaps on either side of her body lifted her into the sky, and transformed her into a glider. For a moment all was peace, perfect peace. She rolled in the air, graceful and at home.

Derren plummeted past her like a stone, screaming. Bloody idiot. He’d had training and drills. Never under stressful circumstances like this, clearly, but he should know what to do. They would never have cleared him for active duty otherwise.

Cursing, Ro dragged her arms to her side, and fell towards him, her makeshift wings no longer holding her up. She grabbed him and they fell together.

“Open your arms,” she yelled at him. “Now.”

Training kicked in, as it always did, once her voice cut through the panic. She couldn’t fault the Windrider Academy in that. They drilled obedience into every last cadet as if their lives depended on it. Because usually it did.

She had been the only one where it hadn’t quite taken the way it should have.

Derren’s arms snapped out and she released him so he could glide away.

Her own descent wasn’t as graceful because she didn’t have the time to readjust. Not anymore. She came in hard and too fast. Rather than alighting like a bird, she slammed into the ground, rolling to prevent the worst, and finally came to a stop sprawled on the ground, breathing hard.

“Elegant as ever, Ro.”

She recognised the voice. How could she fail to? From anyone else it might have been a compliment, or even a light joke about her landing, but Ro and Grayden had history. He was there every single time she messed up. Grayden Mistral had taken to command like he was born to it, which was exactly what had happened, really. He had been born for it, as the son of Flight Commander Mistral. His rise through the ranks was meteoric. The fact that he actually earned all those promotions rather than had them handed to him by his mother as Guild head just grated all the more. As leader of the Windguards, the elite security force of their shared Guild, of course he would be here first, in case any Guildless were tempted to loot the wreck, or had caused the crash. Ro glared up at him from beneath the visor, unable to find enough breath to form even the simplest words, let alone a witty retort.

“We have survivors over here!” came the distant shout and Grayden broke into a sprint without another glance at her. Always heading to the thick of the action, always in pursuit of glory. That was Grayden.

It had never been very hard for him to leave her behind.

Ro struggled to her feet, her body aching from the impact, and lurched after him.

Duty was duty.

The balloon had been struck from above, a shower of rocks falling from one of the soaring isles. Crumbling. Treacherous. Some of them too high for conventional balloons to reach.

The rocks that came from their crumbling edifices, great and small, were deadly. They picked up speed as they plummeted towards the land beneath, punching through anything in their way. Most hit the ocean, or the less inhabited outer islands of the archipelago. But they were a constant threat.

To be continued...

WISDOM

IN THE REMIX

REMEMBER TO HYDRATE

As you dance away to the rhythm of the day, sipping on a cocktail or a pint or two, don’t forget to stay hydrated with the elixir of life – water. Feel its revitalising flow course through your veins, fuelling your every move and keeping you energised until the final encore.

With each refreshing sip, you nourish your body, mind and spirit in a way that allows you to create lasting memories without missing a beat. Because drinking water has plenty of benefits: it helps against mental fog in the morning, clears up your skin, keeps you fresh and hydrated and of course, quenches your thirst. Drinking a glass of water before bed is not a way to make physical amends; try to drink life’s elixir all throughout the day, especially where alcohol is also involved. To help you do so, you can find mobile water points all over Tomorrowland’s Holy Grounds to hydrate, elevate, and celebrate, one sip at a time! Drink More Water is a campaign that promotes responsible alcohol consumption. Head to lovetomorrow.com/drinkmorewater for more info.

Brazilian music superstar Alok is kicking off Tomorrowland with a brand-new Amazon Original remix of the electrifying classic ‘Hear Me Now,’ exclusively released through Amazon Music. The mostlistened-to Brazilian artist serves up a newly conceived dark up-tempo remix of his massive hit ‘Hear Me Now,’ which has over 1 billion streams, and the new version is exclusively made for his performances at Tomorrowland.

Alok played his first Tomorrowland in 2015 with a Mainstage set at Tomorrowland Brasil and has been playing at Tomorrowland Belgium since 2016. After a surprise set last week at the Gathering, he took to the Mainstage with aplomb, and of course ‘Hear Me Now’ went off. If you’re lucky enough to have obtained tickets, be sure to catch him dropping it at Tomorrowland Brasil this October!

British house music duo Goodboys took the music world by storm with their breakout hit ‘Piece of Your Heart’, propelling them onto the global charts. Since then, their journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, with chart-topping success and new releases, like their latest, essential track ‘Surrender’ on Tomorrowland Music. Curious about their must-haves for Tomorrowland? We asked them about three essentials that keep the party going.

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

“Our Tomorrowland essential would have to be earplugs, because the stages will be rather loud. Besides that, a phone charger in case you get lost in the sesh, and a USB stick so you can fill in at any moment.”

AN UNFORGETTABLE PERSPECTIVE

Beyond the pulsating beats and energetic crowds lies the mighty Brussels Airlines Ferris Wheel, hidden in plain sight. Offering an unforgettable perspective, a ride into the sky on this contraption elevates the festival experience to new heights – literally.

As you ascend, the vibrant kaleidoscope of lights and colours from the festival grounds unfolds before your eyes, casting a magical aura over the Holy Grounds. The bird’s-eye view grants you a unique appreciation of the vastness of this fairytale, where friendship and unity converge under the spell of music. Though the views are breathtaking, incredibly romantic and selfie-worthy, the Brussels Airlines Ferris Wheel offers more than just a ride: the awe-inspiring Home of Amare brings a moment of serenity and reflection amidst the unrelenting festivities. So take a leap of faith and sneak behind the Freedom stage to embark on an enchanting journey above the clouds, and the memories will linger long after the music fades away.

GOODBOYS’S ESSENTIALS PONCHOS UP!

What song is essential in your set, and why?

“We usually have to play ‘Lose Control’ or ‘Piece of Your Heart’ because they are the biggest hits we are known for, but we will pretty much always play an edit of ‘Rhythm of the Night’ because everyone knows it!”

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

“An essential at Tomorrowland when we’re with our mates is beer and sunscreen, because we are English and WILL burn!”

Listen to Goodboys’s essential track ‘Surrender’ by scanning the code!

While we can’t promise constant sunshine, we can ensure you’re well-prepared for any weather surprises. Don’t forget to carry a trusty poncho with you, so you can enjoy the day without worrying about unexpected showers. So gear up and don’t look back!

FOCUS ON THE MUSIC

HEAR THE SINGING OF THE BIRDS

STAGE HOSTINGS

MOOSEBAR

Feel like blowing off a bit of steam after getting hot ‘n bothered skiing down the Mainstage slope? They’re not exactly the same as the pistes of Alpe d’Huez, where Tomorrowland Winter is held, but at least at the Moosebar, you can relive the spirit of Winter no matter the weather. Today, expert selectors Funkhauser, Christoff, Tom Cosyns and Filip are on DJ duties, and will be sure to deliver the best of the best in Alpine music to your ears. That means: put on your worst outfit, get a round for your mates, and sing along like the world depends on it!

RISE VISSA

Vissa – a combination of the word ‘fish’ and a slang word for ‘party’ in Dutch – is the brainchild of aptly named Dutch memecore and troll & bass producer Gladde Paling (‘slippery eel’), who is indeed as elusive and slippery as that family of elongated, sneaky fish. Explaining the sound of Vissa – brought today by Vieze Asbak, Dikke Baap and Natte Visstick, with support from friends such as DJ Yolotanker and DJ Pombak – is no easy task, but expect a wild mashup of hard drum & bass, uptempo hardcore, obscure references to internet humour and forgotten bits of popular culture. You’ll have to see it to believe it!

THE ROSE GARDEN RAMPAGE

What type of music would go well with a fire-breathing, smouldering hot dragon?

Surely, that would have to be the fattest kicks, the tightest breaks, the high-octane energy of drum & bass. And who better to bring it than Belgium’s leading promoter in the genre, Rampage? Breaking down Antwerp’s Sportpaleis yearly since time immemorial, Rampage now has its own open-air festival as well as a slew of stage hostings and events abroad. Put on your skanking shoes and strap in for sets by label boss Murdock, London legend and immaculate DJ Andy C, as well as jacks-of all trades USED and A.M.C ft. Phantom.

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.

MAINSTAGE

FOCUS ON FRIDAY

DAYBREAK SESSIONS

THE ROSE GARDEN

YOUPHORIA

CLAPTONE

MAINSTAGE | 12:00

An hours-long stretch of music blended together by the world’s most accomplished DJs on a great sound system with lots of space to dance and chill: that’s Tomorrowland’s Daybreak Sessions for you. Every session is different, and today’s edition will definitely set itself apart from any other one you’ve witnessed before. On this Friday morning, the sounds of the mysterious goldenfaced German boy wonder going by the name of Claptone will serve as your wake-up call.

There’s a lot of mystery surrounding the gifted deep house DJ, whose productions were once wonderfully described by Mixmag as “crisply produced and effortlessly infectious.” Quite prophetically, a bird-like shape started appearing at global raves years before the first rumours about Adscendo came into being. Claptone’s beak puzzled the scientific minds of biologists around the world, as its shape, resembling an inverted horn, was never-before-seen by anyone with any knowledge about feathered creatures. Mythical observations aside, it’s good to know that the artist is responsible for some of the best chilledout yet bassy house music to be heard on global dance floors right now. The wide variety of highend vocalists who’ve contributed to his work only further enhance the sunny vibe of the music. With features by Peter, Bjorn and John, Jay-Jay Johanson, and Boxer Rebellion’s Nathan Nicholson, as well as remixes of work by the likes of Gregory Porter, Claptone’s delicate output is the perfect, easygoing soundtrack to start the day with.

TERRA SOLIS

CAGE

CRYSTAL GARDEN

RAVE CAVE

ALL EARLY BIRDS COME TOGETHER

PROGRAMME FRIDAY 28.07.2023

ölsch

Danish producer Rune Reilly Kölsch, known for his uplifting and energetic hybrid house and techno sets, has been a very regular guest at Tomorrowland since his first appearance in 2017. Never seen in public without his fedora hat, he is hard to miss when he enters the booth. Kölsch dedicated his upcoming album ‘I Talk to Water’ to his late father, whose voice can be heard on several tracks. We had a chat with Rune about what the record means to him, collaborations, influences and – last but not least – his particular taste for headwear.

Rune, you have a new album coming out in October, can you tell us a little about it? What’s the idea behind it and the vibe?

“The album is about my father’s passing twenty years ago. He was a singer and songwriter, but he never released any music. During the pandemic I found some of his old recordings, and decided to produce music around them. And so, on my new album, there are several songs featuring my dad, 20 years after his passing. It feels very special to be able to release my father’s voice that long after he is gone.

The album is called ‘I Talk to Water’ and the title refers to my dad’s ashes being spread out across the sea. Whenever I need a moment with him, I talk to water. This all may sound like a dark theme, but actually my dad’s passing became a driving force for me. It’s a source of energy, something that I have used to shape my life.”

Do you have a history with the band? As in, did you listen to it a lot in the past?

“Skateboarding shaped my younger years. Actually, a lot of my inspiration in visuals, music and mentality stems from that. We would religiously listen to Jane’s Addiction when we went skating back then. It really is a full circle moment.”

What was Perry’s reaction when the idea was mentioned – was he familiar with your music as well?

“He has an incredible taste in music and has been following our scene for years. Also, he had recently lost a dear friend, and completely understood the ‘talk to water’ reference. It was a beautiful moment, bringing two worlds together.”

Did the collaboration make you want to work with more singers outside of your own genre? And who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

“I’ve always loved working with artists outside of our genre. It’s one of my main sources of inspiration. There is so much amazing art and music out there, so why not? My dream artist for a collab would be Robyn, Bon Iver or Christine and the Queens.”

exhausting to live up to commercial expectations. Majors are not a place for art.”

Can you tell us something about your hats? How many do you have? Do you have a favourite one? And do you ever leave the house without one?

“I only wear the fedora when I’m performing. The silhouette reminds me of film noir. I’ve got around thirty of them at home. But soon there will be more: I’ve started working on a Kölsch hat, so keep an eye out for my website! They will be for sale soon.”

OK, but only if you give up a secret. Name a track that you will 100% play at Tomorrowland and why?

“I will play ‘Gate’, my collab with Kevin de Vries, for sure. It was actually conceived at Tomorrowland Winter, so it is very special to me.”

And what’s a favourite of yours from the early days of house and techno?

The album features a collab with Jane’s Addiction lead singer Perry Farrell. How did that come about?

“I randomly met a friend of Perry’s and learned that he is crazy about electronic music. Perry was already working on several electronic songs, so the team asked if we wanted to do something together. Obviously, I said yes!”

You’ve been releasing music on Kompakt Records since 2010. That’s kind of unusual in the industry. What’s your relationship with the label?

“Kompakt is family to me. Michael Mayer was the first one to believe in me back then, so I feel Kompakt is my home. They always give me absolute freedom and encourage me to experiment. I’ve released on major labels before, and it was mentally

“My absolute favourite techno track of all time is Galaxy to Galaxy’s ‘Journey of the Dragon’. It encompasses everything I love about electronic music. It has so much emotion. Every time I encounter someone who doubts there is emotion in techno, I play them that piece. It usually shuts them up. I can safely say it has changed my life.”

“My dad’s passing became a driving force for me. It’s a source of energy, I use it to shape my life.”

FOCUS ON FRIDAY MAGICAL

TIËSTO

MAINSTAGE | 22:50 – 23:50

The first DJ/producer to bring his art to stadium-sized venues, Tijs Verwest aka Tiësto not only changed the game in the industry, he also holds a special place in almost every electronic music lover’s heart. His popularity across the board makes sense, if you think about it – Tijs started out as a new beat and acid house DJ before changing his focus on a sound popular in the Netherlands during the mid-1990s: hardcore. It wasn’t until later on in that same decade, when he switched to trance, that his breakthrough with a wider audience happened. Timeless classics like ‘Adagio for Strings’, ‘Flight 643’, and ‘Gouryella’ (with Ferry Corsten) helped millions of ravers across the world reach a state of ecstasy. Tiësto’s uncountable creative and commercial successes led him to win over thirty prizes, including a Royal Dutch Award.

Ready for yet another step in his career, Tijs started branching out into new territories about a decade into the new millennium, slowly developing into who he is now: a global legend of EDM. Yes, this man has seen it all, but he continues to hatch creative ideas and has many more hits up his sleeve! His newest album ‘DRIVE’ is home to no less than 6 songs with more than 100 million streams on Spotify, including ‘The Motto’ feat. Ava Max, ‘10:35’ together with Tate McRae, and ‘Don’t Be Shy’ featuring the vocals of KAROL G. And who could forget ‘The Business’, a track you won’t find an escape from anywhere on Earth – and which ended up earning Tijs a nomination for a Grammy, the most prestigious music award out there. During his set, Tiësto will take his crowd on a journey through all of that goodness and with such a massive discography behind him, only one thing is for certain… it will be a memory just like this DJ’s career: for the ages!

NINA KRAVIZ

ATMOSPHERE | 22:00 – 23:30

Whoever said DJs don’t dance? It may be true that many selectors reign over their audiences without moving much, but it’s 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 and heavy-duty electro with a touch of trance. Not only is she a whirlwind of creative energy, she also puts people onto new music again and again and this is particularly true for music from Chicago and Detroit, the respective birthplaces of house and techno. With this brave Russian DJ, you never know what you’re going to get and that’s precisely why we love her so much.

AMBER BROOS

FREEDOM | 16:30 – 18:00

20-year-old Belgian DJ and One World Radio resident Amber Broos has quickly become one of the hottest sensations in the electronic music scene. Having picked up her skills from her DJ school-owning dad, she took on the Mainstage for the first time last weekend. Her unique style holds the middle ground between techno, house, club and the kind of ‘90s-inspired retro-rave that only the Belgians know how to do. Amber Broos recently unveiled her debut single ‘Amok’ on Tomorrowland Music, a clap-heavy techno anthem that is well suited to the largest of dancefloors. Drawing inspiration from the Bonzai Records catalogue in her productions, we know Amber is going to a big name. Fans of Charlotte de Witte and Amelie Lens, make sure not to miss out on this set!

ÖWNBOSS

MAINSTAGE | 16:30 – 17:30

Listed by One World Radio as one of the twenty most promising artists of 2022, Brazilian producer Eduardo Zaniolo aka Öwnboss loves his rhythm and bass and nowhere is this more audible than in his own productions. The aptly named ‘Move Your Body’ rocked global dancefloors in that same year and we can’t imagine Eduardo not playing the banging tune for you during today’s romp at the Mainstage. He is also an avid remixer, with reworks of Tiësto’s ‘The Motto’ and David Guetta ‘Crazy What Love Can Do’ being some highlights of his recent output. Being his own boss, it is his own remixes that Eduardo loves playing out to crowds the most. You’d better be ready for them!

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 – with the not-so-gentle genre of hard techno kicking things off today.

BLASTOYZ JAMES HYPE

Unleash your inner psytrance power with Blastoyz, the Israeli maestro whose beats are more electrifying than a legendary Pokémon! Collaborating with renowned artists like Vini Vici, David Gravell, and Seven Lions, he’s conquered stages at leading trance festivals like Transmission and A State of Trance. With high-octane energy and electrifying beats, Blastoyz will catapult you into a mind-bending journey through the psychedelic realm, making every moment an absolute blast. Get ready for an otherworldly dance experience because this ride is going to be wild!

HARD TECHNO

Initially funky, melodic and abstract, techno started spreading from its birthplace Detroit from the late 1980s. As soon as the Europeans got involved, they decided to give it more energy by enhancing the crudeness of the kickdrum as well as speeding up the BPMs. While somewhat slower techno remained popular in the clubs, being played alongside house music, the hard stuff gained its own following in abandoned industrial estate in cities like Berlin.

The hard techno scene as we now know it, spearheaded by young DJs like DIØN and Patrick Mason, started to rapidly grow in popularity after the lockdowns ended across Europe a couple of years ago. With an army of teenagers and people in their early twenties more ready to party than ever, the demand for fast and heavy kickdrums proved to be unsaturable. Not only is today’s hard techno crowd young and hip, modern-day techno heads also often champion a diverse, inclusive and above all queer attitude.

If you’re into hard techno, then today is your day and Atmosphere your place to be. If you don’t want to stop dancing, then you don’t have to as Héctor Oaks, 999999999, I Hate Models, and Nina Kraviz are all set to hammer out their favourite fast-paced beats in that enormous, dark tent right in the middle of our Holy Grounds.

Experience the master of real DJ’ing and the king of infectious remixes and bootlegs – James Hype. With his silky smooth transitions and an endless supply of DJ tricks up his sleeve, he’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser. After blowing up the Mainstage last week, he’s back to ignite the dancefloor once again at the Crystal Garden. Prepare for non-stop singing, jumping, and dancing and a high-energy experience with James Hype, the man who took ‘Ferrari’ to the top of the charts. Get hyped!

CAT DEALERS HAAI

Back with a new bass house remix of their 2016 evergreen ‘Your Body’, Cat Dealers are amongst Brazil’s most popular electronic artists, and for good reasons. Some unique feats on their CV include being special guests on Shakira’s Brazilian tour, playing a Copacabana New Year’s Eve celebration for a crowd of one million people, and racking up dozens of millions of Spotify plays with singles such as ‘Sunshine’, ‘Gone Too Long’, and their remix of Vanessa Da Mata’s ‘Ai Ai Ai’ (with Felguk). Their sound is sunny, groovy and eminently danceable – sure to put a smile on your face and make your hips start moving, in other words. Catch them early on the day at the Library and you’ll be in good spirits all Friday!

Australian DJ/producer Teneil Throssell, aka HAAi, entered the world of professional music as a member of psychedelic rock band Dark Bells. The move from being in that group to electronic music is less extreme than you may think, as her sets are packed with mind-elevating sounds and beats of all sorts. Throssell started mixing up rock, funk and ethnic sounds at the famous Ridley Road Market bar in the East London borough of Hackney before landing a residency in a club called Phonox, located south of the river in the same city. HAAi’s performance at CORE festival earlier this year was kaleidoscopic, to say the least, so brace yourself for a trippy set today.

YOUPHORIA | 19:45 – 21:00

THE LIBRARY | 15:00 – 16:00

CRYSTAL GARDEN | 22:00 – 00:00

CORE | 19:30 – 21:00

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

TOMORROW, ARCADIANA IS YOURS!