If life is one great symphony, then music is its universal language – and music is what you will hear today, as this first kaleidoscopic stretch of sets will be one to remember. Today’s offerings range from the underground four-to-the-floor mastery spun by Chilean-British NTS Radio resident Shanti Celeste, to the hot & suspenseful international club sounds of Dutch rising star Philou Louzolo, to top-of-thebill EDM by the great Swedish House Mafia. With so many different artists on offer, you can discover new sounds and witness longtime favourites perform all day long: find out what fellow music heads love so much about nu-trance duo DJ Heartstring in between seeing the Mainstage transition from Da Tweekaz’ hardstyle to John Newman’s pop to Netsky’s drum & bass. Brace yourselves!
Almost exactly 12 years after their legendary set in 2012, the Swedish House Mafia are back at Tomorrowland! Their set will undoubtedly make you feel more alive than ever before – so make sure to be at the Mainstage at 22:50.
TO EXPLORE!
You People of Tomorrow look hot out there – literally! The sun will be out all day and temperatures will be reaching the into the 30s. Make sure to drink enough water, bring sunscreen and lay in the shade a bit as well.
Friends… Can you feel it? The air brimming with excitement? Your heart fluttering in your chest, pulling you towards the magic in store for you? That must be the effect of yesterday’s momentous Gathering, which made the weekend’s first notes resound across DreamVille’s verdant greens. That Gathering, friends, gave an enticing taste of what’s to come, and now, you find yourself aching – aching for LIFE, for your first foray into the lush paradise of Silvyra. Fortunately, it is not far off. Just a few hours, minutes, heartbeats now, and you will crest that legendary hill to lay eyes upon the Mainstage. Over the next few days, much is to unfold
here, and there will be much for you to learn. The spectacle of LIFE, after all, is neverending. No matter how often you look, you will always find something new, as the living fabric of Tomorrowland constantly grows and evolves, harnessing primordial cosmic harmonies to shift into evermore shapes and sounds. And beyond the Mainstage, friends, where will you choose to explore? Which curtains of vines and draperies of leaves will you push aside to encounter yet another astonishing sight? From Freedom to Library, from Elixir to Planaxis, the choice is yours. Follow your aching heart into LIFE!
A WORD OF GRATITUDE
You’d be forgiven to think Tomorrowland Today is written by the fairies. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Thanks for everything, you bunch of lovely writers, designers, photographers, producers and editors, you know who you are! WEATHER REPORT
Get ready for a hot and sunny day! Make sure to bring not only your smile but also your sunglasses and sunscreen. Even in the evening it will still be wonderfully clear. YOUR TIPS FOR TOMORROW
Did you hear, see or do something that we should really know about? Do you urgently need to give someone the loudest ever shout-out? Is there something else we can help you with? Don’t sleep on it – drop us a line at today@tomorrowland.com!
THE ELEMENTS OF LIFE
LIFE as we know it is the greatest miracle of all: a riot of movement, colours, smells, and sounds, existing in perfect harmony across aeons of time. The foundation of all life, as we citizens of Silvyra are well aware, lies in the quiet, unwavering existence of plants; without complaint, they turn four essential elements – light, air, water, and earth – into nourishment, breathable air, and a livable climate for us all. Light, which allows us to see and nature to grow, is essential to this process. Here is how it is involved in the wondrous fabric of creation.
LIGHT
In the beginning, there was light. There was starlight, of course, illuminating the bare surface of the world even before living beings were present to bear its witness. But amongst the stars, since the very beginning, there was another light: the blue glow of the primordial force of life. This is the originary glow of cosmic harmony, an energy that flows like a river, connecting people, flowers and critters to the eternal movement of celestial bodies.
For the lush vegetation of Silvyra, from the mighty aedela flower down to the tiniest tufts of green, light represents the force of life itself: the plants soak it up with their broad leaves and colourful petals, using it to power the alchemical transformations at the heart of their existence. At night, when the bright glare of the sun makes place for the ancient shimmer of the stars, that light comes out again, as our green friends glow up with the radiant blue that they’ve absorbed from the cosmos, attracting pollinators from far and wide to spread their seed.
Once every five seasons, a fabled event happens in Silvyra: the Conjunction. Normally, Silvyra’s sun and two moons are beacons of light unto themselves, but during the Conjunction, they all line up. This celestial dance amplifies the sun and moons’ energy and causes the natural life of the realm to prosper and renew, so that the harmonious, ancient light of the universe may continue to reverberate. This weekend is your chance to participate in that event – will you catch those beaming rays and let them nourish you?
Read the latest about what’s going on around Tomorrowland.
6-9
DREAMVILLE
• Practical info & campsite map
• Activities & sports classes at DreamVille
10-11
THE MARKETPLACE
This is where you get everything you’ll need at DreamVille!
13, 17, 20
DAILY WISDOM
The latest news on everything Tomorrowland.
21-27
FOCUS ON THE MUSIC
• Tomorrowland Academy
• Timetable
• Vintage Culture
• Artist bios
OPENING HOURS
The gates of Tomorrowland open at 12:00 on Friday, and from then on it’s non-stop dancing until the gates shut at 01:00 on Friday and Saturday and 00:00 on Sunday. Festival entrance from DreamVille is possible until 23:00 (Friday and Saturday) and 22:00 (Sunday). From DreamVille, festival re-entry is possible after 17:00. Re-entry is not allowed with a day ticket.
LOCKERS
No one wants to carry a lot of stuff around on the dance floor and there is no need to. You can find the locations of the lockers on the floorplan in this newspaper or in the app.
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.
Armin van Buuren - Something Beautiful
GLOBAL WANDER OFTEN,
CLEMENS & JULIA
Germany
“The Party Flight was magical! The best part was when they dimmed the cabin lights, and the party really started mid-air. The welcome committee waving flags at the stairs also added a nice touch. This was actually our first Party Flight, and we didn’t even know we booked it from Ibiza to Brussels. So we guess it was a surprise Party Flight – even better!”
Airplanes, trains, buses, bikes: whatever means of transport got you here, you have finally reached the final stage of your quest. And you are not alone, as Tomorrowland’s Global Journey brought thousands of people from all over the world together to share the same goal, a mutual pilgrimage. Countless air miles were traversed, kilometres of railroad tracks were covered, and for the first time this year, there have even been some People of Tomorrow eating dust on feral gravel roads by bike. Over 46,000 people from all over the world will have embarked on the Global Journey of a lifetime after these two weekends. Here’s some facts and figures showing you that your miles were worth the while.
The great American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once stated that ‘to find the journey’s end in every step of the road is wisdom‘, emphasising that enjoying the journey is every bit as important as arriving at the destination. With a destination as special as Tomorrowland, we might take such words with a grain of salt. And yet there is truth to them, as Global Journey has become quite the travail over the years. Transforming strangers into friends and turning travel into an unforgettable main event in and of itself, Global Journey transcends the concept of a mere trip; it’s about embarking on extraordinary adventures with fellow People of Tomorrow from every corner of the globe. This year, Tomorrowland has expanded its selection of packages, ensuring that everyone can discover their ideal match.
ON THE RAILROAD TRACK
A journey by train is an adventure in and of itself: there’s something magical about the rhythm of a train rolling along the tracks. The Global Journey Train packages offer the ultimate blend of speed, smoothness and style. Going over and above, the Party Train from Amsterdam and Düsseldorf even featured live DJ sets on board. New in store this year was the Train of Amicorum, an overnight sleeper train that crossed no less than four countries before coming to Antwerp.
FLY SO HIGH INTO THE SKY
Since 2012, Tomorrowland’s partnership with Brussels Airlines has been bringing the world to the festival’s
LUCAS & KAREN
Brazil
“We’ve been on the Party Flight before, but this time it beat all expectations. The new design is stunning, inside and out. We actually met during Discover Europe in Berlin two years ago, and now live together in São Paulo. And we just got married! Living just 30 minutes from Itu, Tomorrowland Brasil is definitely where we will be going next in October.”
JOURNEY WONDER ALWAYS
doorstep. This year, People of Tomorrow flew in from over 30 countries and 50 cities from every corner of the world. For a select few Party Flights, Global Journey enhanced the experience by having it mutate to an actual electronic dance music party at 30,000 feet in the sky. Amare, Tomorrowland’s trusted mechanical bird, also got a complete makeover: it sprouted the world’s first augmented reality paint job, bringing the magical creature to life when scanned via your favorite social apps like TikTok and Instagram.
WHEELS GO ROUND
For those located a bit closer to the Holy Grounds, Bus Packages took no less than 4,000 travelers from France, Germany, the Netherlands, UK, Denmark, and Luxembourg straight to Boom, dropping them off right where they needed to be and maximising all the party potential. And for the more adventurous sojourners amongst you, this year saw the first edition of the Tomorrowland x Ridley Cycling Package, introducing a new cycling experience. Limited to a small group of 20 likeminded People of Tomorrow, the three-day cycling package welcomed cyclists from all levels to explore some of Belgium’s most historic road and gravel routes on a unique Tomorrowland x Ridley Gravel Bike.
MORE TO EXPLORE
For those of you in need of a longer voyage around the world of Tomorrow, you could get the Discover Europe package where you were able to discover 3, 4, or 5 European cities, including recommendations from DJs and locals for the best bars, the nicest restaurants, and the hottest clubs of Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Brussels, Ibiza, Lisbon and Prague. Should you have wished to keep it more local, there was the Discover Belgium package also available. Tomorrowland’s home turf, Belgium, is a country rich in history and enchanting wonders. Discover Belgium took you to cities like Ghent, Bruges, Brussels, and Antwerp for an immersive experience of Belgium’s famous beers and culinary delights. The cherry on top of the extra packages was, no doubt, the 20 Years Celebration Package: a week-long surprise-filled adventure including 3 nights in a miracle hotel, a Tomorrowland Full Madness Comfort Pass, special accommodation at DreamVille, and a bunch more revelries that we will leave to your imagination for now. But remember… the Journey is never over.
DAVID, ISMAEL, ANGEL, CHARLIE
Canary Islands
“We’ve been counting down the days, changing our group chat name daily. We barely have any trains back home, let alone one with a DJ on board, so this was just such a crazy experience. It’s hard to explain; you just have to live it yourself. The energy, the music, and the people made it unforgettable. It’s been a dream come true!”
Canada
“We’ve been traveling Europe for a month, and this Party Train is the best thing we’ve done so far without question. And we still have Invited Brussels and Tomorrowland to go! Our suitcases are also packed with outfits. We’ll probably send some back to Canada after the weekend, because it’s getting heavy and we’re continuing our travels.”
SANDRA & BRANDON
dreamville
a home for now, friends for life
20 years of Tomorrowland – how many beatific nights at DreamVille does that make? Too many for us to count... What we do know: DreamVille was as full of colourful People of Tomorrow as ever this Thursday. As radiant as the sun in the delightful warm weather, campers spilled onto the green fields in droves, finding a spot to make a home for the next few days. And once the tents were up, the journey began, and everyone got ready for The Gathering. Here, the first seeds were planted for new friendships with people from all over the world. In the coming days, those will blossom into something more. How will you spend these new, life-giving DreamVille nights?
“This is our fourth time in a row at Tomorrowland,” say these two siblings, who live in different countries – Rodrigo resides in Amsterdam and Carolina in Spain. “We love to keep Tomorrowland in our lives, so we keep the quote ‘live, love, unite’ close to us!”
‘Nano’ is their collective name, and this group of friends brought one of their mums, who is the absolute enter of attention. This is their sixth time at Tomorrowland together, and they look forward to Afrojack the most: “He’s my role model,” says the son who wants to be a DJ as well.
“Tomorrowland lasts magically long,” Nanda from the Netherlands enthuses. “I can enjoy a wonderful weekend without my kids here. A life quote which I always tell them and want to share with the People of Tomorrow is: ‘Don’t think too much, just do!’“
easy morning
At DreamVille, there’s always plenty to do, but did you know you can enjoy multiple sports every day? Start your day in a relaxed way and leave all your stress behind at the Balance Area, next to the Gathering stage. You can do activities like Yin Yoga or Bodybalance with professional instructors here. This will give you a boost for exploring the festival for the rest of the day, almost like an Elixir of Life. Prefer a more high-octane start to your day? Then try a Les Mills class at the Recovery Area. Which sport will we see you shine in?
09:00 TOGA NIDRA
09:45 LES MILLS PILATES 10:30 YIN YOGA
11:15 KUNDALINI YOGA
12:00 HATHA YOGA 12:45 BODYBALANCE balance area
It is the first time at Tomorrowland for this lovely couple, Ricardo & Bernadette from Italy. “We expect a magical experience for life with beautiful weather. Let’s see where the magic comes from. Live and enjoy!”
“We are so excited and nervous for all the magic to happen,”
from the
and
say. “We have high expectations and hope to make memories for life. Our life motto? What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Keep growing!”
Jordan from Texas and Tabatha & Nicolas from Brussels met each other two years ago at Tomorrowland, when it was also Jordan’s birthday. Since then, they have reunited here every year. Jordan lets all the People of Tomorrow sign his hat, and last year, he had 12 different nationalities on it!
Pavel, Marie, Joanna, Peter,
Erik
Czech Republic giddily
blossom your day
Are you a true sports enthusiast in life? Then you’ll definitely feel the butterflies in your stomach with these intense workouts by Les Mills. At DreamVille, there’s a magical atmosphere every morning during these sport classes, so why not enjoy a workout to awaken your soul? Start your day, for example, with a Bodypump session to discover your strength, followed by a rhythmic Les Mills Dance class where you can practice your dance moves for later in the day. Or try one of the many other offerings from the schedule!
recovery area
09:30 LES MILLS SHAPES
10:00 LES MILLS GRIT
10:30 LES MILLS DANCE
11:00 BODYPUMP
11:30 BODYCOMBAT
12:00 LES MILLS STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT
12:30 LES MILLS DANCE
13:00 BODYCOMBAT 13:30 BODYATTACK
There’s no family holiday like going to a festival for this Austrian clan. “As a family we live by one sentence: ‘Live for everything and die for nothing.’ Which means that we would want to embrace an infinite life, if that were possible. And at Tomorrowland, it really looks like it is!”
For Jolene, Marc, Anna and Ruben from Spain, this is the best weekend of the year. This is already the seventh time they are here. They have a message to share with the People of Tomorrow: “Enjoy your life; live, love, unite.”
“No expectations for us, except to get wet… Not from the rain, but because it is so hot!” French girls Anna and Mathilde are clearly more than ready, and the biggest act they really want to see is Swedish House Mafia. “Their show is like a fairytale for us. We really love them.”
They met each other last year on Tomorrowland, and Nigel and Amy fell in love. And just this year Christy met Thy by the entrance of DreamVille and it was love at first sight. “Keep falling in love at Tomorrowland, People of Tomorrow!”
the marketplace
a one-stop shop for all your dreamville needs
The DreamVille Bakery haveve been up since half past four in the morning to serve you baguettes.
Whether you’re landing here for the first time, or this is not in fact your first rodeo in the land of love and happiness that is DreamVille, a bit of well-meant advice always comes in handy. Allow us to take your hand then, dear inhabitant of DreamVille, and guide you through all the ins and outs of the Marketplace, making taking care of yourself and those around you a breeze. Prep for a weekend free of worries with everything that’s on offer at this one-stop shop for, well, everything!
A happy camper is a prepared camper, is what experienced outback experientialists à la Bear Grylls would say. But for the sake of conversation, let’s assume you are neither. Well then, with a bit of luck you’ve packed a pair of knickers, a toothbrush, a tent, and then surely, you’re good to go? If you read that line with a nod of approval, you’re either a bit of a minimalist who likes to keep things basic, or you’ve just not yet encountered the Camping Store by Camp Champ. Everything – and please, do take that literally – you need to camp, sleep, cook and keep yourself safe and healthy in your tent is available here. If you’ve packed your outfit but forgot about the camping gear itself, drop by the store and get your tent, inflatable mattress, slippers, flashlight, can opener, sunscreen or even a jar of vaseline. At the Camp Champ shop, we came across Jonas from Bavaria, with an ear-to-ear smile of happiness on his face after having purchased a party tent that will keep him protected from – hopefully – the sun.
But first: breakfast! For the very first year DreamVille’s Bakery is hosted by Croustico. They’ve been up since half past four in the morning to serve you baguettes, Danish pastries, Belgium’s famous ‘worstenbroodjes’… and they have gluten-free options as well. Carb up on the crispness and roll up your sleeves, we’ve got quite a way to go still.
Now that you have come this far, you can grant yourself a little present, and why not go for a Tomorrowland tattoo?
Time to pick your spot – and do take notice of the wind, the sun and your surroundings before choosing –and set up your tent. And allow us to share the following pro tip. On the Marketplace you can also find Yay’s Balloon Shop, where there will be a lot more than 99 Luftballons going over the counter over the course of the weekend. Their balloons come in all shapes, from unicorns and disco balls to flamingo’s and a two metre-wide heart. They are a perfect accessory to roam DreamVille with, but they have a practical use as well. Choose the craziest balloon, attach it firmly to your tent and behold: you have created a beacon that will help you find your home from miles away.
Onwards and upwards, now, as you simply cannot go to sleep later on an empty stomach. Time to take a tour of the Carrefour supermarket to gather some essentials to strengthen your inner spirit. There’s fresh fruits and veggies, BBQ meat, and drugstore essentials, as well as foldable camping chairs like the ones Bailey and Rice from Jersey came to buy. They’re here with a group of 20 Jersey boys, and we’re pretty sure they will put those chairs to the test in the mornings to come.
Now that you have come this far, you can grant yourself a little present, and why not go for a Tomorrowland tattoo? At the Tattoo Shop, you can choose from a selection of Tomorrowland-styled emblems and quotes and one of the 12 tattoo artists will live, love and let the needle immortalise your festival experience onto your skin. However, if a whole day of traveling, unpacking and building up your home for the next few days has got you a bit overstimulated, slide over to the Loop Earplugs stand. They have two sets of Tomorrowland-branded earplugs: the Experience 2 is meant to fully enjoy the hardest and deepest of beats without compromising your hearing, while the Quiet pair is to ensure a peaceful night’s sleep. Live life at your volume, and always protect your ears!
We can imagine that will you feel a bit frazzled after this odyssey of practicalities, and we don’t blame you. Time to freshen up, so get yourself to the Angels of Beauty hair salon to get your hair styled, embroidered with glitter and flowers or – if you have one – get your beard a barber’s cut. That’s that, and now we’re at it: head over the Official Tomorrowland Store to browse for a new wardrobe, fully in style. Get a hat, shirt, batik attire or even a scented candle with the aroma of Tomorrowland. If you are looking to give your OOT a more personalized touch, Stitchly’s embroiders can indulge your every wish. Bring your favourite picture or write down the quote you live by, and they will embroider it onto a shirt or sweater in less than 20 minutes.
Look at you, all shiny, fresh and ready to meet your forever ever after. You wouldn’t be the first to meet the love of your life here, so why not be prepared and get yourself a commitment ring or other piece of jewelry, just in case? At the Rams Jewelry shop you can choose from a variety of massive silver and 18 carat-gold Tomorrowland treasure like bracelets, rings and cufflinks. They’re a limited edition, so don’t sleep on these – your future mister or missus right will thank you later.
High time to take the lid off then, isn’t it? Slide your loafers across the Marketplace towards the Belgian Beers bar, take the stairs and take a seat on the terrace with its stunning views of DreamVille. Have a classic strong Belgian blond like Victoria, succumb to the silky texture and creamy head of the Tripel Karmeliet, feast on the pleasant citrusy hop flavours and the bitter finish of the Goose Island IPA… or try them all in due time. Belgium’s finest are to be savoured in a smart manner!
Now, before we send you off into the madness, take into account these few last notes from our end. While taking photos of the stages and scenery, and selfies with your trusted and new friends, your phone’s battery will die faster than usual. In order to keep it juiced up, you can take on a membership at the Charge Your Phone booth on the Marketplace. You’ll get a powerbank that you can swap for a new one once it’s empty after a charge or three. Should you, in the worst of cases, have lost your phone, next to the Charge Your Phone station you can get a new one at iFixers. They are your place to be for a local sim card with unlimited data as well as quick-fix repairs like broken screens. And now that you really, really really have all your bases covered… off into the fray you go! Enjoy your DreamVille stay!
THE THINGS THAT MAKE YOU LOVE TOMORROW
Always fully dedicated to making the world a more sustainable place, the Love Tomorrow Conference – taking place in between the two festival weekends – has become an annual favourite among anyone interested in the environment and sustainable lifestyles. Brand-new this year is the opportunity to share a ride to Tomorrowland with the carpooling platform, which you are invited to use for travel not only to the conference, but also to the festival. Head to carpooling.tomorrowland.com to find out more. Speaking of travelling sustainably, you can now earn rewards by opting for sustainable transportation to the festival. Simply submit proof of your eco-friendly travel through the Tomorrowland app and unlock exclusive Tomorrowland experiences as a token of appreciation!
The Recycle Club
Located in between the Fitness and Gathering areas, the Recycle Club makes it easier to do your part when it comes to circularity. Earn Recycle Tokens every time you hand in your blue waste bags at the club, then use them to gain access to the Secret Disco or even to buy certain Tomorrowland goodies. Do you need an extra Recycle Kit or are you curious to find out more about the recycling program? Just ask the Recycle Club staff !
LIVE IN THE RAVE
A classic and much-beloved part of the festival by now, especially with the unlucky birds without tickets, the Tomorrowland livestream is broadcast to all the major channels: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, YouTube Shorts, the website and the app. Invite your folks to watch along in crisp 4K footage, or ask your mates to spot you on the stream on the go – it’ll be a breeze thanks to the new vertical video setup being premiered this year. Viewers are welcome to switch between the live feeds from the Freedom stage and the Mainstage as they please, starting every day between 16:00 and 17:00 CET. In between the two weekends, 22-25 July, the very best Planaxis, CORE, Crystal Garden, Atmosphere, Freedom and Mainstage shows will be broadcast through those very same channels. Watching them is the very best way to cherish that wonderful Tomorrowland afterglow!
GET APP TO DATE
The festival’s official app is the essential tool to stay up to date on the latest news, check the line-ups and listen to DJ sets, both live and on demand. Be sure to install the Tomorrowland app before you go to the festival today!
STARTING THE TRILOGY
Close followers of Tomorrowland knew it already: narratives, chapters and stories of magic are an integral part of the Tomorrowland experience and just as important as the artists and their music. If you’re a close follower of the festival’s themes and an avid reader, we’ve got news for you: following the backstories of ‘Adscendo’ and ‘The Spirit of Life’, Tomorrowland’s first standalone novel will come out this fall and it’s the first part of the Great Library of Tomorrow trilogy. All of this means that you are invited to step into your favourite world in the comfort of your own home, just as the first frosty winds arrive from the north. Pre-order this enchanting, one-of-a-kind page-turner in your language of choice via thegreatlibraryoftomorrow.com/novels.
STAY SAFE IN THE SUN
“Sun is shining, the weather is sweet, makes you wanna move your dancing feet,” Bob Marley once sang. We all know it: sunshine is one of the best things in life, when enjoyed responsibly. So make sure to bring high-SPF sunscreen wherever you go, wear sunnies, cover your head and get some shade every now and then. Let’s keep raving sunstroke-free!
THE PORTAL TO PARADISE
If you haven’t been there yet, you must at least be aware of Tulum, a place that is full of energetic jungles, unknown hideaways, and a high-frequency nightlife just waiting to be explored. It has slowly but surely become the world’s signature paradise. Brand-new at Tomorrowland this year is a little gateway to that very Mexican oasis! You will find it if you try, even if it’s hidden deep within the Holy Grounds of Tomorrowland. All you need to do is scan the QR code on one of the totem poles scattered around the festival site. Scanning these might give you access to a secret area known as the Portal to Paradise. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore and discover a new realm within the festival, all to do with Tulum and the new era of the Mexican Caribbean. Some facts to start your journey: not only is Tulum a beach resort, it is also the site of an ancient Maya settlement, and the place is surrounded by cenotes, the world’s prettiest natural swimming holes. Want to see more? Download the Tomorrowland app to begin your adventure, uncover the hidden clues, and set off on an unforgettable, exclusive Tulum experience – tropical, lush and drenched in incredible electronic music. And those who manage to find all the totems have a chance to experience a trip to the destination of their dreams…
THE DREAMVILLE PARADE FORTUNES OF THE FUTURE
Give wings to your Tomorrowland experience and start every day of the festival with a touch of magic. The Red Bull DreamVille Parade starts at the Marketplace at 13:00 sharp and guides you to the gates of the festival with a dynamic symphony of music and dance. Soundtracked by a twenty-strong marching band including dancers as well as musicians, the parade will kickstart your day the way only Red Bull can do. The first dance moves of the day? Check! Another unforgettable moment at your favourite festival? Double check! And while you’re there, keep an eye on the skies above Boom, and you may be amazed by what you’ll see up in the heavens…
JBL, the grand ambassador of portable sound, absolutely loves electronic music. Supporting young artists is incredibly important to the people behind these speakers, and now that they’re hosting House of Fortune, the bass-heavy company has invited some of their favourite talents to perform at the stage; Andrei Stan, Henri PFR, Cat Dealers and Mariana Bo are just a few of the many noteworthy names booked to play here. House of Fortune is where imagination and music converge in a magical universe, so it only makes sense for such artists
SHOPPING IN PARADISE
DreamVille feels like home these days, all the more so when you’ve finally set up camp and unpacked everything. Now that you’ve settled in, made your bed and put on your spectacular party outfit, it is time to have something to drink and snack on. Ah, forgot to pack your favourite bites? No stress, as Carrefour has all the essentials in stock. Like every ideal village, DreamVille has its own supermarket and bakery at the Marketplace, where you can stock up on essentials and pop in for a meal run. Were you the first to wake up? Surprise your friends with croissants or bread! Are you not able to get up at all? Send your bestie for some energy bars! Post-festival midnight munchies? Make sure you have a bag of crisps or two ready! Whatever it is you’re craving, the Carrefour supermarket and bakery have all you need for a tasty DreamVille stay.
to kickstart their rise to the stars here. And you, too, will find the fortune you’ve been looking for at Tomorrowland’s one and only stage you can literally enjoy from all sides. In front of the booth, behind the booth, anywhere; dance wherever you want to dance while JBL invites the stars of tomorrow to take it away. While you dance, remember to look out for Raya, queen of illusions, as she unveils insights in futures and aspirations.
A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW
Just a stone’s throw away from the pulsating beats and energetic crowds, hidden in plain sight behind the Freedom stage, lies the mighty Home of Amare, the Brussels Airlines Ferris Wheel. 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 will grant 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: it’s also 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. The memories will linger way beyond this weekend.
GLENN, JASON, JORIS FROM BELGIUM
A passionate discussion breaks out between these three as soon as we come upon them dancing their hearts out. One thing they can agree on: “Everybody here is having a good time, so it’s safe to say that we really know how to be good hosts in Belgium. It would be great if everybody always felt as welcome as people here do.”
IRINA FROM ARUBA
Irina is smiling from ear to ear at the Gathering, so her answer doesn’t surprise us in the slightest. “The kindness that makes visitors feel at home in our country… that’s something that’s baked into our DNA. So if you can learn one thing from Aruba, it has got to be kindness.” Spread the love far and wide!
WORLDLY WISDOM
KAI FROM GERMANY/BELGIUM
“I am half German and half Belgian, so it’s kind of hard for me to find something from only one country.” Kai thinks a bit, then hits us with one of the most meaningful messages out there: “I guess if you combine the two, one thing to learn would be: sausage and beer is a perfectly acceptable breakfast.” A great invention, Kai…
JORDY, JEANINE, LARA FROM THE NETHERLANDS
“Communication is key, and we feel like us Dutch people know that better than anyone. We’re extremely honest and will always try to tell people how we really feel. We’d all be so much happier if we didn’t have to guess how others felt – we’d just know.” Speak your truth, people – only love can come from it.
MARIO AND DANIELLE FROM MEXICO
“This is going to sound stupid, but what the People of Tomorrow can learn from Mexico is Cheladas.” What is that, you may ask? Luckily, Mario has the explanation: “Sprinkle some salt around the rim of your glass with a healthy dose of lime juice – and everything will be even more refreshing.” Life hack!
MONIKA FROM INDIA
“One thing to learn from India would be: food is supposed to be a communal experience. Gathering the ones you love around a dinner table is something very dear to us.” So if you see Monika exploring some delicious bites at Mesa Garden this weekend, just sit down next to her and you’ll have a friend for life!
SABINA FROM GERMANY
Sabina immediately starts to laugh when we catch her looking onto The Gathering from one of the fountains. “Okay, so we have this saying, ‘The early bird catches the worm’. What you can learn from Germans is that to get the most out of your day, you need to get up early!” Alright Sabina, let’s see if tomorrow morning you’ll feel the same way…
AT THE GATHERING, PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD COME TOGETHER. BUT WHAT CAN THEY LEARN FROM EACH OTHER? SOME OF THE BEAUTIFUL SOULS PRESENT WERE KIND ENOUGH TO WRITE DOWN THEIR HOME COUNTRY’S WISEST LESSON FOR US. READ AND LEARN!
MATHEW, MATTHEW, SAMANTHA, RENEE, NATHAN
FROM AUSTRALIA
“Everybody always loves to make jokes about all the crocodiles, snakes and spiders in Australia. But honestly, these people need to chill. It’s just nature and when you treat it kindly, it will treat you kindly. So our life lesson is: no worries!” A life lesson encompassed in a national phrase of just two words – now isn’t that impressive?
MOOSE AND NICK FROM THE USA
“Freedom, baby!” Moose knows the answer to our question in an instant. “Everybody knows that in the US we’re all about freedom, especially the freedom to express yourself however you want.” That’s right, People of Tomorrow, just be your most sincere and natural self out there –live life like only you can.
SAM AND OLIVIA FROM THE UK
“Well, one thing is for sure: in the UK, we know how to party, no matter the weather. It’s just raining all the time back home, but we never let that stop us.” The forecast looks excellent for this weekend, but it’s good to know that the celebration will go on, even in the case of a sudden downpour!
FIND YOUR WAY
With very good timing, Vintage Culture is releasing a new remix crafted specifically for the Tomorrowland mainstage. His VIP Remix of ‘Find a Way’ – a fan favourite from the recent album ‘Promised Land’ – brings an anthemic, energetic treatment to his signature deep house style. After being teased in sets over the past few months, this track version is finally available to stream today. Check it out on the Vintage Culture Summer Sessions playlist, only on Amazon Music. The Brazilian music wizard played his first set at Tomorrowland a few years ago, and not much later he kicked off his monthly radio show on One World Radio. Vintage Culture has become a prominent figure at Tomorrowland, captivating audiences with his unique vibes and energetic performances. His sets have consistently been a highlight of the festival, showcasing his ability to connect with the crowd and deliver unforgettable experiences.
PAY AS YOU GO
Bonzai may be a world-famous Belgian record label, but this weekend, you’ll also encounter bonsai, one of the swiftest Belgian payment applications around. This year, as you know, is Tomorrowland’s twentieth anniversary, which is why the bonsai team will have a delicious birthday treat for you in store when they run into you around the grounds.
SPRINKLE THE SPARKLE
Solo Vida, Tomorrowland’s very own sparkling wine, is made with the finest quality grapes and cared for with love, making it perfect for celebrating life and sharing moments of happiness and joy. Sounds like a delight for your senses, doesn’t it? The Solo Vida bar at Mesa Garden will amaze the People of Tomorrow, for sure, and you have a chance to win a Solo Vida bottle experience there! How? Very simple: take a sparkling photo with Solo Vida and share it on your Instagram, tag @solovida_official and enter the competition. The winners will be chosen on Sunday afternoon, so make sure you get your eyes on their Instagram!
3 STRIPES SAVING YOUR DAY
Located right next to the Recovery Area gym at DreamVille, adidas will provide you with easy and free access to gear at their full-fledged sports apparel borrow station. Whether it is shoes you need, socks, a t-shirt, trousers or shorts, the wellknown brand with the three stripes has got you sorted. Also available in this super handy library for workout gear is the single most important piece of workout apparel for those with breasts: the sports bra. It turns out that over 90% of women are reported to be wearing the wrong size sports bra, and adidas believes that everybody in sport deserves to be supported.
TOMORROWLAND CARES A LOT
Tomorrowland cares about everyone: every visitor, employee, and artist should be able to feel safe, welcome, and comfortable. We Care a Lot is a team of dedicated people ensuring that this amazing festival is what it should be: a place where people care and stand up for each other. They send a strong message that they hope will resonate well with everyone: “do not leave your friends behind, and take care of yourself and your friends.
Sometimes wellbeing policies take a serious turn. The loss of life and serious health risks resulting from prohibited drug use are an alarming trend that affects not only Tomorrowland, but all of society. It is crucial to collectively strive for stricter enforcement of drug policies, focusing on education, prevention, and effective control measures.
The police are on your side
Peter Muyshondt is a chief police officer in the greater Antwerp region. He teams up with We Care a Lot at Tomorrowland, taking the lead in protecting the People of Tomorrow against the risks of drugs wherever possible. “Tomorrowland and DreamVille cover a huge area, so we know that we can’t control everything,” says Muyshondt. “Our tasks as We Care a Lot do include, however, informing international visitors to the festival about which substances are illegal, and letting them know that they’re not always buying what they think they’re buying. You may have been told something is MDMA, but it could be that you were given a substance that is way more dangerous.”
Being a cop, Muyshondt will always advise against taking drugs, but as a human being, the officer – who lost his own brother as a result of substance abuse – recognises the importance of providing guidance. Some people do decide to intoxicate themselves, after all. “We may not like it, but ignoring the fact that people take drugs doesn’t make sense. If you insist on taking them, then make sure to take small quantities – such as quarter of a pill – to start with. And importantly, always ensure that sober friends are never far away. You need to surround yourself with people who will look after you – who can make sure that you drink enough but not too much water, for example.” In the end, it turns out, care is key – both for yourself as well as the people around you.
The music of LIFE is to be heard all across the Holy Grounds this weekend. In Focus on the Music, you can find all there is to know about it, from line-ups to interviews to special features. Here’s a selection of today’s hosting partners to start with!
KEINEMUSIK CRYSTAL GARDEN
A hybrid between a label and a group of artists, Keinemusik reveals a particular sound of Berlin we don’t hear very often. Subtle house and techno, often inspired by new trends in club music from booming South Africa, is what characterises most of their output. These descriptors are far from a set formula, though; expect an interesting mix of cutting-edge club sounds by amapiano producer DBN Gogo, Camelphat remixers Samm & Ajna, plus the inescapable &ME, Adam Port, and Rampa, representing Keinemusik itself. Look forward to a full day of eclectic club sounds today at Crystal Garden!
SULTA SELECTS CORE
Denis Sulta, known by some as Hector Barbour, is easily one of the most prolific producers to have come out of the Scottish city of Glasgow. Always melodic and dynamic, his music perfectly fits the connoisseur atmosphere of the CORE stage, which is where the heads get their fix. Denis’ label, Sulta Selects, was founded in 2016 to release music by himself and his associates. Head over to CORE today for a deep dive into Sulta’s sources of inspiration, with sets by East London’s house music ambassador Shanti Celeste, Berlin trance-kids DJ Heartstring and, of course, the master himself.
RAMPAGE THE ROSE GARDEN
Tomorrowland wouldn’t be the same without Rampage, the organisation behind the Low Countries’ largest drum & bass and dubstep festival. No matter if you’re a breaks fan already, or new to these bass-heavy sounds, we highly recommend drenching yourself in this fantastic spectacle for an hour or two. You’ll start understanding what people mean when they say that the bass music scene feels like one big family. There is lots to get excited about on the line-up, with Vampa pushing her favourite nu-dubstep, drum & bass legend Wilkinson, and Tisoki & Oliverse mixing the two wobbly genres to create a wholly new, hyperenergetic sound.
NEW TALENT BLOSSOMING
CATCHING THE VIBE AT THE TOMORROWLAND ACADEMY
For 20 years, the spirit of Tomorrowland, the feeling of interconnectivity and the grand odyssey of LIFE have spread to every corner of the globe. Thanks to the People of Tomorrow, millions have discovered the magic of harmony that is celebrated here. And amongst them, some have found a special calling for themselves: to become the creators of the melodies that tug our heartstrings and dancing feet as they spring forth from the DJ booth. The Tomorrowland Academy is the perfect start on their wondrous journey. Here, talented new musicians, young and old, learn the craft of being a DJ and producer from some of the biggest legends in the game. How do you beatmatch? What makes a great DJ set? What’s the best way of reaching more and more people with one’s art? All of these questions and more are answered here, but the programme isn’t just about absorbing information. Standing behind the decks and drawing people in is a hands-on job, of course! That’s why at the Academy, all students spend plenty of time mixing, producing and mastering – all under the watchful eyes of experienced coaches and industry professionals.
A fully immersive dive into the front and back office of DJ life
Since Monday, these beginners from all over the world have been working on becoming their best artistic self, honing their skills. They are being introduced to the techniques needed to make their vision come to life. Through panel talks, masterclasses, and conferences by guest speakers from booking agencies, record labels, and artist managers, they learn the inner workings of the industry. What’s more, they also get to know the mindset and mentality needed to find and maintain the original melody that exists in all of us. To find that connection and becoming able to express it is, in the end, the best way to set yourself apart and grow an audience.
To translate our experiences and emotions into music is a serious undertaking, especially when working with DAWs (‘digital audio workstations’) such as Ableton Live. Even though music-making programmes like this can be daunting at first, the Tomorrowland Academy makes it as easy as possible to connect one’s artistic instinct with the computerised 1s and 0s that make electronic music possible.
NEVALONE
“Tyler already has some experience, having DJ’ed now for a few months. Getting to show him what I have come up with and how I am going about my mix helps a lot,” Catherine says. The Las Vegas native has become a Tomorrowland regular, having come here for every edition since 2013. After multiple years of being part of different Global Journey endeavours, she truly knows how to unite with the People of Tomorrow. After all those years, the Academy felt like the ultimate way to experience Tomorrowland for her – especially for the twentieth edition. But she’s in a hurry: “Now I need to get back to my mix, though! My set on the Rise stage needs to be fire!”
PHÖÖN
“Catherine has learned so much in the last few weeks, she really knows her stuff now! A few tweaks here and there and she’ll be good to go.” Tyler nods his head as Catherine dives back into her Nevalone identity and starts mixing again. “I have a bit of experience, but the past few days have been extremely insightful. I actually found out about the Academy through a podcast. When I heard them talk about all of the crazy people that you can learn from here, I knew immediately I needed to be a part of this!” And who knows… maybe one day Tyler will not only be a huge artist, playing on the biggest stages, but also a Tomorrowland Academy coach himself. For now, Catherine certainly appreciates his help already.
Catherine, Las Vegas, USA (left)
Tyler, San Francisco, USA (right)
Believe it or not: although most of this year’s bootcamp participants had never opened software to make music before, when we visited them, they were already working with samples, synthesizers, and plug-ins, after just a few days of courses. Incredible, isn’t it?
On Thursday, then, the participants’ experience peaked in a special moment for all: their own performance on the Rise stage, in which they brought the first notes of wonder to the festival grounds. Spurred on by their fellow students, they put on quite the show, displaying the huge steps you can make when you learn from the best, when you have the determination to find your special place in the movement that is Tomorrowland.
JOIN THE ACADEMY
If all of this sounds like just the thing for you, and you also feel the calling to become an artist and unite with others to make your visions come to life, look no further than academy.tomorrowland.com. Here you can find online masterclasses by some of the biggest stars out there, such as James Hype and Laidback Luke, and sign up for in-person production and DJ courses in locations in Antwerpen and Hasselt. Want an even more in-depth experience? With the WALL Pro Academy, none other than Afrojack is offering over 30 hours of educational content on everything there is to know about the industry. If your mind is set on making your dream of performing at a Tomorrowland stage come true – perhaps we will see you in the classes next year!
TRSTN TUNDE
Tristan, UK
“Getting more in touch with the impact that music has on me was a pivotal moment in my life,” says Tristan, a firefighter from the UK. Seeing him dance to his new friends’ performances, you can tell that the rhythm and melody have really affected him. “I struggle with my health quite a bit and sometimes dealing with that can be tiresome. But even in those times, my own musical journey is always there to take me in and give me the chance to celebrate life.” Even during our small talk, Tristan’s feet keep moving while his friend Tunde is playing. “And I love this guy! We definitely need to play a b2b set some time, I really dig his vibe and he is so talented!”
Babatunde, Dallas, USA
“The vibe throughout the week was just incredible. Having all these people here from all over the world has been nothing short of an incredible experience and super valuable. This is just the first step,” says Tunde just coming off the Rise stage. Most people would still have adrenaline pumping through their veins if they were in his shoes. He is just as laid-back as ever, though, so it’s safe to say that he is ready for the thrill of performing on even bigger stages. “Being able to hang out and get creative together with Tristan has been so inspirational,” he goes on. “You can really tell what music means to him.” These are the connections we love to see!
FOCUS ON FRIDAY MAGICAL
DAYBREAK SESSIONS
OLIVER HELDENS
MAINSTAGE | 12:00
A two-and-a-half hour 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. Excitingly, the very first selector to take the Daybreak reins this weekend is the versatile Rotterdam-based DJ/producer named Oliver Heldens. He frankly doesn’t need an introduction, but we figured it’s a great way to get you hyped up for his marathon set.
By the time Oliver released his first BBC Essential Mix in 2014 off the back of his first single ‘Gecko’, Pete Tong had already dubbed him “one of the breakthrough producers of the year”. Heldens balances on the thin line between future house, deep house and mainstream dance. If only that were the full recipe, anyone could copy the master, but hell no: Heldens’ magic goes way beyond that. He has developed into an even more versatile producer in recent years, when he added a healthy dose of techno to his repertoire, some of which blends nicely into the old Heldens sound. The technoesque works are released under his HI-LO moniker, which he introduced as early as 2015, with ‘Crank It Up’ being the first release. Oliver’s career movements have been far from one-directional, as he’s continued to remix some of the world’s biggest artists alongside his exploration of deeper club sounds. There have been times when the avid remixer needed less than a year to work his magic, for reinterpretations of tracks by Katy Perry, Jamiroquai and Charlie Puth. It is this incredible versatility that we expect Oliver Heldens to display during this gorgeous early afternoon set you will not want to miss.
MAINSTAGE
LIFE
Closing Ceremony 00:45 - 01:00
Armin van Buuren 23:45 - 00:45
Swedish House Mafia 22:45 - 23:45
Kölsch 21:40 - 22:40
Netsky 20:40 - 21:40
John Newman 19:35 - 20:35
Da Tweekaz 18:35 - 19:35
Vintage Culture 17:35 - 18:35
Opening Ceremony
W&W 16:30 - 17:30
Öwnboss 15:30 - 16:30
Miss Monique 14:30 - 15:30
Daybreak:
Oliver Heldens 12:00 - 14:30
Hosted by: MC Stretch
FREEDOM BY BUD
Hardwell 23:00 - 00:00
Don Diablo 22:00 - 23:00
Mathame 20:00 - 22:00
Mau P 19:00 - 20:00
Agents of Time (live) 17:00 - 19:00
Rose Ringed 16:00 - 17:00
Maxim Lany 14:00 - 16:00
Juwlz 12:00 - 14:00
THE ROSE GARDEN
23:00 - 00:00
22:00 - 23:00
21:00 - 22:00
Atliens 20:00 - 21:00
Murdock 19:00 - 20:00
Vampa 18:00 - 19:00
SOTA 17:00 - 18:00
Tisoki & Oliverse 16:00 - 17:00
Georgie Riot b2b Captain Bass 15:00 - 16:00
Kara 14:00 - 15:00
Atmos & Blanko 13:00 - 14:00
Hosted by: MC MOTA
MESA GARDEN
Lolo Isola 20:00 - 22:00
zoézo 18:00 - 20:00
Schemering 15:00 - 18:00
B’elle 13:00 - 15:00
ELIXIR
MANGROVE
Kamal Bankay 23:00 - 01:00
Audiowave & MC Rim 22:00 - 23:00
Jamie Lee Six & Louis XIV 21:00 - 22:00
Eagl 20:00 - 21:00
STUK 19:00 - 20:00
Nina Black 18:00 - 19:00
Rick & James 80’s Party 17:00 - 18:00
Jaël Ost & MagiK 16:00 - 17:00
C-Track 14:00 - 16:00
Guilini 13:00 - 14:00
CAGE
FOOTWORXX
Unicorn on K 22:00 - 23:00
Reflexx 21:00 - 22:00
Billx 20:00 - 21:00
Vandal 19:00 - 20:00
HYSTA 18:00 - 19:00
Sakyra 17:00 - 18:00
Footworxx Militant Crew 16:00 - 17:00
Hyperverb 15:00 - 16:00
K1 b2b Aradia 14:00 - 15:00
Rayzen 13:00 - 14:00
Unsyn 12:00 - 13:00
RAVE CAVE
Dre Guazzelli 23:00 - 00:00
Jana Vitiligo 22:00 - 23:00
Justin Wilkes 20:00 - 22:00
Ben Malone 19:00 - 20:00
Mell Tierra 17:00 - 19:00
Kimman 16:00 - 17:00
Nightcrow 15:00 - 16:00
Const. 13:00 - 15:00
PLANAXIS
SUNNERY JAMES & RYAN MARCIANO
PRESENT AMAZONE PROJECT
Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano 23:00 - 00:00 & Philou Louzolo & Amémé
Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano 22:00 - 23:00
Amémé 20:00 - 22:00
Hugel 19:00 - 20:00
Calussa 17:00 - 19:00
Philou Louzolo 16:00 - 17:00
Novak 14:00 - 16:00
Kevin Kofii 12:00 - 14:00
MELODIA BY CORONA
TERRA SOLIS
Ann Clue 22:30 - 00:00
Birds of Mind 21:00 - 22:30
Afshin Momadi 19:30 - 21:00
ARADO 18:00 - 19:30
NSI 16:30 - 18:00
John Bowtie 15:00 - 16:30
Luna & Lenthe 13:30 - 15:00
Poleen 12:00 - 13:30
RISE BY COKE STUDIO
RISE
Aly & Fila 22:00 - 00:00
Cosmic Gate 21:00 - 22:00
Aaron Hibell 19:00 - 21:00
Nifra 18:00 - 19:00
Ruben de Ronde 17:00 - 18:00
Xijaro & Pitch 16:00 - 17:00
Giuseppe Ottaviani pres. Horizons 15:00 - 16:00
Alfred Beck 14:00 - 15:00
DJ Daan 12:00 - 14:00
ATMOSPHERE
TELETECH
Dyen
23:00 - 00:55
Oguz 22:00 - 23:00
Sara Landry 20:00 - 22:00
Trym 19:00 - 20:00
Azyr 17:00 - 19:00
VIDO 16:00 - 17:00
LESSSS 15:00 - 16:00
Novah 13:00 - 15:00
BYØRN 12:00 - 13:00
CORE
SULTA SELECTS
Denis Sulta 23:00 - 01:00
Bashkka 21:00 - 23:00
DJ HEARTSTRING 19:00 - 21:00
Shanti Celeste 17:00 - 19:00
Desiree 16:00 - 17:00
Piaggio Disco Club 14:00 - 16:00
A Local Hero 12:00 - 14:00
HOUSE OF FORTUNE
BY JBL
Henri PFR 21:00 - 22:00
Chico Rose 20:00 - 21:00
Seth Hills 19:00 - 20:00
Nicky Romero 18:00 - 19:00
DJs From Mars 17:00 - 18:00
Makasi 16:00 - 17:00
Dave Lambert 15:00 - 16:00
Yamo 14:00 - 15:00
Hawkeyes 13:00 - 14:00
CRYSTAL GARDEN
KEINEMUSIK
Keinemusik 21:00 - 00:00
(&ME, Adam Port, Rampa)
WhoMadeWho 20:00 - 21:00
Alan Dixon 18:00 - 20:00
DBN Gogo 17:00 - 18:00
Samm b2b Ajna 15:00 - 17:00
Meera 14:00 - 15:00
Kayu 12:00 - 14:00 THE
INTAGE VCULTURE
He has been a solid household name in his home country of Brazil since forever, and over the last few years the world has opened up completely for Vintage Culture. Now, driven by his exquisite production work, rugged songwriting and charismatic stage presence, Vintage Culture is about to carve his name in the firmament of legendary Tomorrowland artists. The making of his brand-new album, ‘Promised Land’, spanned roughly four years, during which he meticulously crafted its narrative. Armed with that tour de force of an album, the Brazilian dance music superstar has kicked off an eponymous world tour – with a much appreciated stop at the Mainstage today.
What does it feel like, having just released your debut album ‘Promised Land’?
“Releasing ‘Promised Land’ feels like reaching a destination at the end of a long journey. It’s a culmination of years of hard work, passion and dedication. To finally be able to share my work with the world and see the reactions from fans is just incredibly rewarding. It’s truly a milestone in my career, and I couldn’t be more excited about the road ahead.”
What does the title stand for? How are you taking us to the proverbial promised land?
“The album, and its title, symbolize a place of hope and fulfilment, a destination we all strive for. For me, music has always been a way of escaping, a safe haven. I wanted the album to reflect this journey, not just for me, but for everyone who’s willing to listen. It’s about finding that special place where you feel whole and at peace.”
“ ese huge shows make me re ect on my own long journey.”
During the festival summer, artists tend to change their sets a bit to accommodate a live audience. Do your live shows take a musical shift from your production work?
“My live shows do often have a bit of a different vibe compared to my official releases. When performing live, I try to read the crowd and adapt and morph the set to keep the energy high and the audience moving. This might mean playing extended versions, unreleased tracks, or even improvising a bit to create a unique experience.”
You’re hosting a residency at Hï Ibiza this year. Do you curate the line-ups yourself?
“Yes, I do. It’s really important to me to bring together a mix of talented artists who can create an amazing vibe and complement the energy I want to bring to the night. I love working out that combination of established names and emerging talents. It’s all about creating a journey for the crowd, and the right line-up is crucial in achieving that goal. I have artists flying in from around the world, and each and every single one of them is personally chosen for that specific night at Hï.”
What’s the main difference between playing festivals in Brazil, your home country, and shows in Europe?
“You know, in Brazil I have been well known as an artist for a much longer time. Many fans have followed me since I released my first track ten years ago. As my sound evolves, keeping those fans excited and devoted in 2024 is the challenge. I want them to evolve and grow with me. I try to be respectful and combine the familiar sound that they know and
| 17:35 - 18:35
love with the music I make today. It’s a balance that I continue to explore and work on.”
Does playing a huge crowd like Tomorrowland catapult you back to your own early days of going to clubs and festivals?
“Absolutely. Playing in front of huge crowds, especially at Tomorrowland, is always a surreal experience. I’m grateful and appreciative for every fan in the audience who has helped me make my dream come true. These huge shows always make me reflect on my own long journey. The fans’ reactions and love fuel my passion to keep moving forward.”
Looking at the immense Tomorrowland line-up, are there any recommendations there that the People of Tomorrow absolutely have to catch this weekend?
“Oh yes, I’ve had a deep look into the line-up and it’s incredible as always. Tomorrowland is a festival that combines superstar DJs with developing talent. I’ve always admired how the festival gives young or aspiring artists a chance to have this experience. It inspires upcoming producers to grow and learn. I highly recommend the fans to come to the festival early to check out the new talent. It is the perfect opportunity to catch a new producer just before they break out to a wider audience. But at the same time: stay late and save some energy for the big, popular Mainstage artists – they’re worth it too!”
SWEDISH HOUSE MAFFIA
MAINSTAGE | 22:45-23:45
One of the most anticipated Tomorrowland shows in 2024, this one by Swedish House Mafia will no doubt be talked about for many years to come. Widely credited for a big share in the global rise of EDM as we now know it, the trio consisting of Sebastian Ingrosso, Axwell, and Steve Angello, have also inspired many of electronic music’s biggest stars including Avicii, Alesso and Martin Garrix. Early works by this supergroup include collaborations with Laidback Luke – now a regular One World Radio presenter – such as the hectic club banger ‘Get Dumb’ and ‘Leave the World Behind’, which feels like a real bridge to the Mafia’s catchier sound of the years to come. Over the course of the 2010s, the three crossed over into the world of pop, working with global chart-topping artists such as Pharell Williams and Tinie Tempah. Fast-forward to their most successful year, 2012: this is when they released ‘Don’t You Worry Child’ (featuring vocals by John Martin), and introduced a whole new generation of ravers to the festival scene and that special kind of unity purely caused by sound. The group’s initial farewell tour dates from September that same year, and the individual members have had their own careers since; we’ve seen all of them –including former member Eric Prydz – perform at this very festival, and Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso will even play a b2b set at Tomorrowland this year. However, even if the band got back together, seeing a complete Swedish House Mafia show remains something unique and very rare. It is, in fact, for the very first time since 2012 – Tomorrowland’s own breakthrough year as well as SHM’s – that they will collectively perform in Boom. Don’t make yourself regret not witnessing this milestone in music, is all we have left to say!
FREEDOM | 19:00-20:30
Mau P, one of the fastest-rising heroes within the tech house scene, grew up in a groove-loving family who inspired him to take on multiple musical instruments. In a serendipitous stroke of luck, Mau’s debut single, ‘Drugs from Amsterdam’, received a rework from Reinier Zonneveld. What a way to start a career! Mau’s latest track, ‘Beats for the Underground’, is an incredibly driving stomper, recalling the best of New York’s early nineties house as well as the original gangster vibe of East Coast rap. If you’re into that addictive tech house bounce, then Mau P may well hit the right spot for you.
MAINSTAGE | 18:35 – 19:35
A worldwide leading act within the hard dance genre, Da Tweekaz bring the ultimate uplifting dancefloor energy to the grounds of Tomorrowland. The duo work together like a well-oiled machine: as one of them mixes in the next tune, the other makes 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! Get yourself all hyped up for their set by checking out new releases like the happy hardcoreinspired ‘La Di Da’ and ‘Sunrise’, an anthem for the summer on a distinct euphoric hardstyle tip.
FREEDOM | 23:30 – 00:30
He may be one of EDM’s biggest ever stars, but Hardwell is also a musical chameleon. Not only did he start out as a hiphop DJ, he also ventured into genres like hardstyle and UK Garage (with Craig David) – and this is long after he became a superstar. Let’s not forget, furthermore, that Hardwell’s comeback show at Tomorrowland’s Mainstage back in 2022 was a monumental outburst of driving techno. Never looking back, the Dutch producer has recently been moving towards more melodic performances. Mind you, his much-loved ultra-deep and thumping beats are never far away!
MAU P
MEMORIES OF TOMORROW
Spanning no less than twenty years, Tomorrowland has piled up deep-rooted memories that have been carved into our collective psyche. In Memories of Tomorrow we look back at the experiences we shared together, as one can only prepare for the future by understanding the past. After twenty years of uniting the world, it’s time to take a breath, reminisce, and remember…
A MILESTONE MOMENT
Remember, that one time in 2013, when Armin van Buuren had a special announcement to make during his Mainstage set? As the rain was falling heavily onto the People of Tomorrow during the second day of the festival, Armin stepped up to his well-trusted place behind the decks with a huge smile, brimming with emotion. As he rose up underneath the volcano of the Arising of Life stage, he took the microphone and had some exciting news to share. “Good evening Tomorrowland, how are you guys doing? I want to make a special announcement: I just came straight from the hospital and I want the world to welcome… My wife just gave birth to a son. So I’d like to dedicate my whole set to my new son.” It became a milestone moment in the history of Tomorrowland, an affirmation of the robust bond between Armin and the People of Tomorrow which has remained unbroken since. And with tears of the purest joy in his eyes, Armin’s closing set on that rainy Saturday in 2013 became a celebration of new life, giving a deeply felt meaning to the story of the Arising of Life. As far as birthday parties go, this grandiose moment has yet to be surpassed.
An affiliate of Armin van Buuren and his A State of Trance (ASOT) radio show and label, Ruben de Ronde is about much more than just trance. The fact that his music is strongly supported by giants such as Paul van Dyk, Cosmic Gate and Tiësto, but also by versatile DJs like Fedde LeGrand and Roger Sanchez, says enough. Sampling a few snippets from his radio show The Sound of Holland should give you a good idea of what to expect. Make no mistake: supporting Armin on countless ASOT tours has gradually turned Ruben de Ronde into a true master of otherworldly sonic entertainment.
Now that trance is going through a renaissance period, gaining popularity with a new hip club crowd, it is the right moment to take a dive into where it all came from. Claus Terhoeven aka Nic Chagall and Stefan Bossems aka Bossi, better known collectively as Cosmic Gate, are among the world’s longest-standing trance acts. They met by chance through mutual friends during a studio session, one thing led to another, and Cosmic Gate was born. The first songs released under this moniker fell into the then popular hardtrance genre, but as trance evolved, so did the duo’s sound: it became more melodic before circling back to the highly energetic stuff they’re known for right now.
“THE HARMONIOUS VOICE OF NATURE: FROM THE SOUL TO THE COSMIC SYMPHONY”
Chilean-born, London-based DJ/producer Shanti Celeste relentlessly pushes the delicate house music that she loves the most. Always energetic, Shanti’s track announcements on community radio station NTS are always infectious and really inspire the listener to further explore the music of her favourite artists. Strongly rooted in the history of club music, Shanti is also very keen on digging deep into the world of newly released house and techno, making you realise that there are still many revolutions in electronic music to be observed. Don’t miss Shanti’s set if you’re curious about the future of dance music.
Armin van Buuren is an artist who’s always remained comfortable with his own choices, who never stopped doing what he loved most. As if oblivious to the trends of the moment, Armin’s thing has always remained trance, but he’s never been snobbish or puristic about it. That laidback attitude, coupled with his likeable and energetic persona, have made him what he is: a global trance star, admired by all fans of electronic music, whether they are big trance heads or not. Armin’s latest album, ‘Breathe In’, came out earlier this year and is inextricably linked to the practice of meditation, which has been very important in his life. The album may be his most tranquil to date, but it is a celebration of life and an ode to how music and dance floors keep bringing people together.
