THE SEEDS OF UNITY ARE PLANTED!
What an incredible day, friends. After such a long wait, and so much agonising anticipation, it finally happened. Together, we started a new chapter in our long history of Tomorrow: we sojourned into Silvyra, the realm of lush nature, where the Mother Flower reigns. It was bliss, friends, when the Sun caressed us with her golden rays while we first frolicked down the hill to the Mainstage. We witnessed ancient tribal rituals, we laughed and hugged – and clearly, all was well in this most fabled land. Then, spilling out onto the rest of the grounds, we encountered many more noteworthy nooks
SWEET SOUNDS OF SATURDAY
It doesn’t really matter what day of the week it is at Tomorrowland, as they are all equally great. And yet… there is something about Saturdays. Just think about the amount of songs written about this day! Saturday is here for you to be savoured, with a unique three-hour set by melodic house legend Solomun b2b producer wunderkund Four Tet at Crystal Garden, and a funky and hyperenergetic performance by Canadian selector Jayda G at Rise. Of course, a slew of headline sets by the world’s greatest is also on offer, including Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Alok, Timmy Trumpet, and last but not least… the ever-hilarious, absurd, unique – Salvatore Ganacci!
and crannies. The darkness of the Freedom stage lured us in seductively; the waters of Planaxis set us awash with awe; and looking out onto the Library, we absorbed ancient knowledge to aid us in our quest. Yesterday, friends, a seed was planted in us. All those experiences, all that excitement, planted a tender bud of unity within us, a sapling for us to nurture over the next few days. How will you do it, friends? Which shape will your particular story take – how will unity grow within you, and to what heights will you take it? Today’s your chance to make it happen as you will. Go forth – and unite.
At Tomorrowland, every soul should feel safe, welcome and cared for. The We Care A Lot team is there to ensure just that. Their purple banners will tell you how to reach them if you need them, or want to help.
…is what all cans, cups, and bottles deserve! Please remember to use the recycling bins for all recyclables. Using our planet’s resources wisely will preserve the magic for generations to come.
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 to us all. Allowing nature to breathe, fly, and communicate, air is essential to all life. Here is how it is involved in the wondrous fabric of creation.
AIR
You wouldn’t think about it, normally, the way every breath fills up your lungs with life’s least conspicuous element. But air is a miracle, and we owe it to the vines and weeds, the shrubs and trees around us. Every leaf is like a lung turned inside out, absorbing chemicals of no use to (human) animals, and transforming it through the process of growth into oxygen. In turn, as we inhale that most essential stuff, we convert it back into the carbon dioxide that plants need to survive. Through the alchemical cycle of air, almost all of the natural world breathes as one, sustaining each other in a perfectly coordinated mutual dance.
Air is more than that, however; it is also the carrier of sound. When voices join in harmony, when music drifts across Silvyra’s skies, it is air doing the hard work, transferring vibrations from source to listener. To sing is to manipulate air, employing it as a connective tissue between yourself and your surroundings. And then, there is smell, the language of the plants and pollinators. Carried upon ever-changing air currents, the creatures around us are constantly emitting the complex aromas to which we Silvyrans are so attuned, using them to communicate their needs and desires. Just like sound and music, every scent tells a story, and without air, we would be able to understand none of them.
CONNECT 24/7 WITH TOMORROWLAND
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LOCKERS
“Ground like I do ‘em trees
It’s true if you believe You can get anything you want to achieve”
HIGHLIGHTS
TOMORROWLAND TODAY
4-6
DREAMVILLE
Read the latest about what’s going on around the campsite.
10, 11
MAU P
Getting ready & unwinding with the tech house prodigy.
7, 21
DAILY WISDOM
The latest news on everything Tomorrowland.
12, 13
A PLANT-BASED TOUR
Discover the bounties that culinary LIFE has to offer!
14, 15
ARMIN VAN BUUREN
The master shares his seven best memories of 20 Years Tomorrowland.
OPENING HOURS
The gates of Tomorrowland opened at 12:00 on Friday, and from then on it’s non-stop dancing until the gates shut at 01:00 on Saturday and 00:00 on Sunday. Festival entrance from DreamVille is possible until 23:00 on Saturday and 22:00 on Sunday. From DreamVille, festival re-entry is possible after 17:00. Re-entry is not allowed with a day ticket.
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.
When I Grow Up - Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike
dreamville
embracing the morning’s bloom
The vibrating energy and primal rhythms of the first festival day still linger in the air as DreamVille starts to come to life once more. Slowly but surely, the beautiful site starts to resemble a buzzing meadow as campers awaken from their well-needed slumber. With the smell of freshly cooked eggs, fruit salads, and roasted coffee beans wafting over the tents, preparations for an exciting day on the hallowed grounds of Tomorrowland commence. One thing is for sure: your morning rituals are just as diverse as your personalities! Let’s check in with some inhabitants of DreamVille and see how they spent their morning in paradise.
amicorum’s arena
DreamVille is never the same, and this year, a new addition called ‘The Arena’ is set to lighten up your stay. Especially for the denizens of DreamVille, a magical programme of entertainment is showcased here – not just during the day, but also at night. The Arena is the home of the Amicorum family, a roving band of performers in theatre, dance, art, and music. You’ll find the Arena at the Marketplace, close to where The Gathering took place. Be sure to visit and let your soul blossom as you experience the work of these wonderful artists!
Sao from Japan
“To be honest, I didn’t sleep so well – the music just never stopped. But that’s completely okay, it’s a festival after all! I just wish they’d played more techno…” Sao did have an idea on how she’d get some energy for the day though: “Poké bowl with salmon for breakfast!” Sounds like a plan!
Sven from Switzerland
You can tell that this isn’t Sven’s first time in charge of the BBQ. He carefully moves sausages and steaks around like an experienced chef. “I was actually at a concert in Denmark on Wednesday, so I only got here pretty late yesterday. I’ve barely had any protein, so I have to make up for that now!”
Lola and Ryan from The Netherlands
What looks like a gourmet breakfast creation from the finest chefs at Mesa is actually Lola and Ryan’s own work. “Crunchy toasted bread, some juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, crispy bacon… for us that’s the only way to start your morning.” We can already see that these two will be popular with their neighbours.
Carlos, Katie, and Bryant from Texas, USA
These three Texans are having the greatest time sharing their memories from yesterday with each other. “This is my first time in Belgium, but I’ve been to Tomorrowland Winter before,” Bryant tells us. “The mountains there are so serene, but here everything is buzzing with life!” How fitting!
Daniel from Denmark
“This is an important Danish festival tradition! We call it beer bowling. It’s almost like a national sport at this point. Now, we’re introducing others to it as well.” Daniel tries to hit an empty can a few feet away… and misses by a mile. Maybe it’s time for some other nations to show him and his friends their skills.
awaken your spirit
Rise, shine, and experience the magic of morning moves! Every a.m., you can start your day actively at DreamVille in one of the two sports areas. If both your body and your mind are important to you, you’ll likely find yourself in the Balance Area. Ever tried Hatha Yoga? Or do you prefer moving like a leaf in the wind during Silent Disco Yoga? If you are looking for more of a workout than that, go all out in the Recovery Area, where you can take professional Les Mills classes. With one of those under your belt, you’ll be ready to enjoy all that Tomorrowland has to offer today.
Ivan from Italy
“I came here on my own, I love going to festivals by myself. One thing I can already say is that getting to know new people here is extremely easy. I love that!” As he dries himself off, Ivan tells us all about his job as a professional dancer. If you want to learn new moves, look out for Ivan!
Emi from California, USA
“I can’t wait for the Daybreak Session with Oliver Heldens! He’s my favourite, so the fact that our Tomorrowland experience starts with him is amazing.” Emi takes a sip of Solo Vida to celebrate and goes on:
“I’m glad I prebooked this appointment – if there’s one moment I want to look perfect for, it’s this one!”
Sana from The Netherlands
“I’ve got a lot of dancing to do today, so getting a bit of a warmup only made sense to me.” Sana and her friend Edward pass the ball around a bit before looking around. “We actually want to play together… somebody should challenge us to a game.” Tomorrow morning, same time?
balance area
saturday
YOGA NIDRA 09:00
LES MILLS PILATES 09:45
YIN YOGA 10:30
HATHA YOGA 11:15
KUNDALINI YOGA 12:00
BODYBALANCE 12:45
SILENT DISCO YOGA 13:30
and Shai from Israel
The laughter of these five spreads around the Montagoe area like wildfire, and it’s hard to imagine anyone not joining in the fun when they’re cracking jokes. “A hot tub, some cold beers, and your best friends – that’s all you need to have an engaging morning. Then everything will just fall into place.”
recovery area
saturday
09:30 LES MILLS SHAPES
10:00 LES MILLS DANCE 10:30 BODYCOMBAT
11:00 LES MILLS GRIT 11:30 BODYATTACK
12:00 BODYPUMP
12:30 BODYCOMBAT
13:00 LES MILLS STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT
13:30 LES MILLS DANCE
from Arkansas, USA
“I got my hair done in Hawaii a few days ago and it took over six hours,” says beauty queen Carlie from Arkansas. “It was worth the wait though. I got so many compliments on the way here already – people could clearly tell I had something special planned!” Keep on spreading the Tomorrowland spirit!
Pavel, Elad, Elon, Tal,
Carlie
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!
CREATE YOUR OWN SYMPHONY FIND YOUR WAY
What is the best place to listen to music – Tomorrowland, yes, but besides that? How about when you have that little moment to yourself, driving your car? BMW couldn’t agree more; driving to the sound of hand-picked soundtracks is what they’ve been doing for as long as they can remember. Partnering with Tomorrowland, BMW will be presenting a digital experience at the festival, where you will be invited to create your own Symphony of Joy. To participate, go to their stand at the food court behind the Mainstage. You will be prompted to select the vibe you like before choosing colours and more, all to create a stunning composition by yourself. Move on to the next room, and you will hear, see, and feel the result of your work. There are more symphonic elements to Tomorrowland than just this workshop, by the way; don’t miss the orchestral Symphony of Unity performance at the Freedom stage on Saturday, together with BMW!
WELCOME TO THE CLUB
Tomorrowland is where you dance amidst the flowers, trees and mushrooms; it is sunlight, bright skies and smiles. But the festival is rooted in and inspired by club culture, which is defined instead by darkness, smoke and flashing lights. So it makes total sense that you will also find some of the world’s biggest indoor dancefloors right here at the Holy Grounds. Freedom by Bud is the largest of them all and comes with an overwhelming LED lighting installation, providing a visual adventure to further enhance the sonic magic that you are bound to experience here. This exquisitely illuminated rave arena is where you might want to immerse yourself on Saturday in the orchestral heaven that is Symphony of Unity. The next day, Freedom by Bud is where any admirer of melodic, suspenseful techno will want to go for a mesmerising Afterlife showcase – featuring a headline performance by Tale of Us – which is always one of the undisputable highlights of any Tomorrowland edition.
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.
RISE UP TO THE STAGE
Have you always dreamt of playing one of the sixteen stages of the festival, or are you curious about the magic your favourite DJs and artists are working up there in the booth? Then head over to the Coke Studio, where Coca-Cola has lined up a battery of DJ gear and turntables for you to take a test drive. Take some basic lessons from renowned DJs in how to work the material, play your first track, and maybe slip in a loop or a special effect! While you’re there, look out for the magical secret room inside the studios, which is only accessible to those who manage to collect their password from the bar. Be brave and ask for it!
As an extension of the search for talent in the Coke Studio, the line-up at the Rise stage by Coca Cola features up-andcoming talents throughout the weekend. Curious? You can find the Coke Studio and the Rise stage right next to each other, near the CAGE stage. And keep an ear out for the magical moments, happening every day at 20:00.
YOUR FIRST GLIMPSE OF LIFE
INITIAL MAINSTAGE
IMPRESSIONS
LIFE, oh LIFE… oh LIFE! What did you think when you first laid eyes upon this year’s Mainstage? Capturing everything that we love Mother Earth for, the Silvyra stage is brimming with mushrooms, flowers, mountainous stretches, and a gorgeous DJ booth, crowned with the flower central to this year’s story: the mythical aedela. Let’s see what kind of emotions your fellow People of Tomorrow, from everyday visitors to Da Tweekaz and MANDY, went through yesterday morning when they first arrived to the top of the hill and beheld the Mainstage in all of its glory!
Alexandre from France
“If you’re going to San Francisco – ehm, Tomorrowland, I mean – be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.” Alexandre from the Mediterranean city of Montpellier is matching the Mainstage in that very particular detail, at least!
Viktor from Czechia
Da Tweekaz from Norway
MANDY from Belgium
“You’d be surprised… These wonky glasses generate a perfect view of this incredibly detailed stage!” Victor is clearly enthralled. “I love looking at the faces which are hidden here and there, and the stonework looks like it was weathered by storms!”
Bre from the United States
These two masters of euphoric hardstyle are well-travelled and not easily impressed. “But this is absolutely breathtaking,” says Marcus Nordii. “This is like Alice in Wonderland meets Tinkerbell meets Tarzan, I guess… You better get yourself over here!”
This stage is like a fantasy I always wanted to be part of. I just never knew where to find it,” says Bre, who lives near the Grand Canyon, a place not nearly as green as this. “There are no words to describe how much the details of this stage inspire me, or in how many ways I am amazed!”
Naomi from Germany
Always enthusiastic and full of passion, we thought hard dance powerhouse MANDY would have a thing or two to say about the Mainstage’s spectacular array of vistas. But we were wrong, as she was unable to utter anything more than “What?! I’m literally speechless, oh my God!”
Nomma from Germany
Just look at that stage and then at me! This year’s theme is right up my street. Being here with my twin sister Naomi is incredible. It is my best experience of the year for sure. We love looking great and always make sure that we match our outfits. The great thing about Tomorrowland is that you can express yourself freely, you know? The sky really is the limit here. What I love the most about it? Definitely getting all the attention that comes with wearing these outfits!”
When Nomma’s sister Naomi received this year’s Treasure Box, the wonderful aedela flower – now familiar to most of you –nearly brought her to tears. She immediately had inspiration for her outfit and her sister’s. “When I finally saw the stage just then, I could have cried a river!”
Eleanora from Italy
One of my favourite things in life is nature, so I really love this year’s stage, full of flowers and mushrooms,” Eleonora cries out. “I live near Milan, which is close to the Alps. We often go hiking on the weekend, so I’m used to seeing flowers, but even for me, this is really overwhelming!”
BEHIND THE BEATS: BEFORE AND AFTER THE SHOW WITH MAU P
Originating from the Netherlands, producer and DJ Mau P has rapidly become a notable figure in the tech house arena. His love for dance music began when he was just 14 years old, then blossomed into a distinguished career marked by innovative tracks and electric performances. His debut single ‘Drugs From Amsterdam’ has captivated a global audience, garnering over 200 million streams. He has also attracted praise for his highly-desired remixes for major artists such as Swedish House Mafia, Calvin Harris, and Armand van Helden. Unsurprisingly, we jumped at the chance to have a chat with him yesterday before he took to the decks of the Freedom stage. Here’s a unique look into the ins and outs of Mau P’s show prep and cooldown.
Let’s start at the beginning, Mau – you grew up in a musical family, how did that help you as a producer?
“When I was a kid I played the piano, the guitar, and a bit of drums. My mother was a singer and my dad was a saxophone player, besides writing sheet music for orchestras. So yeah, music has always been around, it’s part of my DNA. And like you imply, that did help me in my way of looking at music today. Since I was a kid, I was suffused with music in lots of different styles, and playing the piano really helped become the producer I am today. It gives the craft an extra dimension and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
And how are you feeling now? Are you ready to take on the Freedom Stage?
“I am, but wow – it’s hot! It’s the complete opposite of when I was playing last year and the rain pushed everybody to come inside and shelter. This year, they may be fleeing the sun to come look for some shade underneath the roof of the Freedom Stage. I’m guessing that will be a plus, haha!”
It surely would be! Do you have any pre-show rituals to get you in the zone as well?
“I usually think and rethink all the things I want to do. My head goes round and round, to be honest. But at this stage in the process, you don’t really have any time left to redo or revise any of those things. Changing plans half an hour before your show is just too late, which means it’s mostly a matter of calming yourself down, a mental thing. For today, we’re in the clear, I’ve just dropped all the tracks that felt good and right to me in a folder, and I have no idea what will happen. I have an intro ready and then I’ll just take it from there. I’m going to try and feel what the audience enjoys and vibe with it. That, to me, is pretty exciting, and it keeps things fun and fresh. It forces you to really get knee-deep into the moment, see eye to eye with the crowd, making the reward taste ever so sweet in the end. And it also means that you need to keep yourself sharp until the very last note.”
So you have no idea of where you’ll end today either?
“No, I don’t (laughs). It really all depends on what the People of Tomorrow want and what they can
“It’s a bit of a dance between me and the crowd. I look at them, study them, breathe in their energy.”
get me to do. It’s a bit of a dance between me and the audience, if you want to put it that way. I look at them, study them, breathe in their energy, and then I try to mutate that and pay them back in double.”
So, here’s hoping they don’t suffer from the heat too much? Thoughts and prayers?
“No! I’ll definitely get them moving, that’s a promise. And in the very worst case, if all else fails, I’ll just serve them an easy-going track and we can all have a big chill together!”
What’s your vibe after a show? Do you take the time to come back to yourself?
“After a show I usually return backstage with my crew to let the afterglow hit. You need to make some time to relax together, that’s quintessential. I won’t be listening to any music specifically, if there’s any music playing I probably won’t really even notice. In my spare time though, I tend to listen to very laidback music. It provides a sort of contrast with my life on the road, a disparity that I really enjoy.”
Do you stay hyped up for long after a show like this? Is that a feeling that you can dwell on for days?
“Well, not days, but definitely hours and hours. Sleeping after a show like this is pretty difficult, as that adrenaline will still be rushing through your body for quite a while. My team usually has an easier time getting to sleep than I do after a show. You’re very hyped up, and that needs to land a bit. To ease myself into a more relaxed state, I’ve found that
looking at videos of my set earlier that night is a big help. It’s a way of reliving the moment properly. You know, during a set I’m so intensely focussed that it passes by just like that. Through those videos I can kind of relive it a bit, look at myself with a critical but grateful eye. I’m always thinking fast, thinking three tracks in advance on the tips of my toes, always looking out for where I’m going to go next. Looking at those videos is a way of pinpointing what record made people go wild, or which breakdown or mix did the trick. Here’s to hoping they will all do the trick today!”
“I’m going to try and feel what the audience enjoys and vibe with it.”
The story of LIFE is the living proof: in the grand symphony of nature, we are all connected and interdependent, down to the very basics of our existence – such as food. In the end, all food stems from plantlife, and eating plants directly is a way of caring for living beings as well as yourself and the environment as a whole. But, you may ask, what to choose, what’s good? To inspire you to embrace a greener world, let us take you on a trip around the Holy Grounds; on these pages, you can find ideas for a plant-based 5-course menu, plus a side and vegan drink tips. Discover the magic that cooks can work with plants, and before you know it, you won’t be looking back!
MENU
APPETIZER
Tomato variations
STARTER
Roasted cauliflower
INTERMEDIATE COURSE Bao bun
MAIN
Vegan ball SIDE
Fermented fries
DESSERT
Fresh strawberries with chocolate
DRINK
Wine & cocktail
NOURISHING LIFE A PLANT-BASED TOUR AROUND SILVYRA TASTES OF THE WORLD
APPETIZER
Our plant-based journey begins at Veggies & Fermented Fries at Mesa Garden. Here, a fresh salad is served, and we pick up the side dish to our main course as well. The Veggies & Fermented Fries stand only sells plant-based dishes and is run by the Wussler family. Their ‘Tomato Variations’ is a perfect appetizer and is deliciously refreshing with a slight hint of spice. And it’s not just us saying so: this dish even won the award for Best Healthy Food at Tomorrowland 2022 from Gault & Millau.
STARTER
We continue our tour of the Mesa Garden at BBQ Bro’s. Here, we opt for a cauliflower from the wood-fired grill. According to the chef, the cauliflower gets its unique flavour by briefly grilling it first and then steaming it. Its natural aromas are strengthened by a spice mix called ‘souk’ – the Lebanese word for market. On the side we get a tahini-based sauce, made from sesame seeds and garnished with chopped coriander, pomegranate seeds, and BBQ-roasted almonds; a combination to die for, frankly!
INTERMEDIATE COURSE
We leave Mesa Garden and continue to the Freedom stage, where we get a Bao Bun at Dim’s (Dumplings & Bao’s). They produce everything themselves here, creating completely homemade fare down to the bun itself. Speaking of which, the bao bun is made with fresh shiitake mushrooms from Belgium and flavoured with teriyaki sauce out of local brown sugar. Garnished with pickled carrots and onions, fresh iceberg lettuce, fried onions, and a bit of coriander, it compliments the starter perfectly.
MAIN
For the main course, we head to the food court behind the Mainstage. Here, Balls & Glory Vegan serves us up a mean Vegan Ball. Made 100% from vegetables, including carrots and red beans, the ball is an exciting replacement to the traditional meat ball, coupled with a sauce made from fresh tomatoes. It is served on a fresh bed of iceberg lettuce, pickled tomatoes, roasted chickpeas, piri piri, and watermelon with a mint dressing. Impressively, it has a proper ‘meaty’ texture – perhaps because Balls & Glory source all their products from local farmers, so everything is fresh and comes from Belgian soil.
SIDE
After taking Gault & Millau’s Best Healthy Food at Tomorrowland award with the Tomato Variations in 2022, last year, the prize went to the Wussler family’s Fermented Fries – a great choice for a side, of course. The fermentation process involves soaking them in rice vinegar for two weeks, after which they are deep fried and topped with some herb oil and vegan mayo with a twist, featuring cayenne pepper, kimchi seasoning, and lovage powder. It’s a take on Belgium’s staple food that you won’t soon find anywhere else!
DESSERT
After all these culinary delights, a brisk walk up to the food court by the DreamVille entrance helps digest the food, and we go for dessert at Frefrayo. Freshly sliced in front of us, their locally sourced strawberries are sweet and tender. A vegan chocolate sauce – white or milk, according to your preference – complements the fruit perfectly. It’s made directly from cocoa, pressed to give a milk aroma without using actual milk, but preserving all of the flavour.
WINE
To accompany this fantastic parade of plant-based dishes, a completely plant-based Zelèn wine can be found at Artevino in Mesa Garden’s Wine Boutique. This white comes from Slovenia, currently an up-and-coming country for delightful wines. It pairs wonderfully with vegetables and other light dishes. The grapes have had three days of skin contact to develop a deep flavour, for a wine which is sweet, fresh, mineral, but above all, very pleasant!
COCKTAIL
Last but not least, a real thirst-quencher is essential for the current weather, so we head to the cocktail bar at the Mainstage for a delicious, refreshing Mesa Mule. It’s shaken with vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, and as the name suggests, is a real kick in the teeth. Like most liquor-based drinks, it is vegan to boot. Santé!
THE SEVEN WONDERS OF TOMORROWLAND BY ARMIN VAN BUUREN
In the electrifying world of electronic dance music, few names resonate as powerfully as Armin van Buuren’s. With a career spanning over two decades, the Dutch DJ and producer has become synonymous with trance music, captivating audiences worldwide with his electrifying performances and iconic tracks. As a perennial headliner at Tomorrowland, Armin van Buuren has created countless unforgettable moments for fans and fellow artists alike. Right before his set at the Mainstage, we asked Armin to delve into his seven most memorable moments at Tomorrowland. From his debut appearance that set the stage ablaze to groundbreaking performances that redefined the festival experience, join us as we explore the stories behind these remarkable moments, gaining insight into the magic that happens when a master of his craft connects with the spirit of Tomorrowland. Prepare to be transported through time as Armin van Buuren takes us on a nostalgic ride through his extraordinary experiences at the Holy Grounds, sharing personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes insights, and the emotions that have defined his Tomorrowland legacy.
FIRST TIME TOMORROWLAND
“I’ve been part of Tomorrowland ever since the first edition, and I wholly remember that first time. In a way it felt like the little brother of Mysteryland – and I mean that in the most respectful way. It was quite a bit more lowkey – about ten thousand people, is my guess – but the vibe was very, very good. My first slot was right before David Guetta and it was already a bit of a special event back then, I think I already had my own A State of Trance stage, and even at that time it was a fun festival to play. I had worked together with the organisers before for the Antwerp Is Burning festival so I knew a bit about them and our shared love for trance music. In that spirit, Tomorrowland felt like a logical ensuite to Antwerp is Burning. But to be honest, at the time I had absolutely no idea that Tomorrowland would grow out to become what it is today – even if the valley in front of the Mainstage already provided for an unmistakable magical character. In the end, it really started to explode with the Book of Wisdom stage in 2011. But like they say: all big things start small.”
NEW LIFE
“In 2013 I announced the birth of my son, Remy, right before my set at the Mainstage. He’s eleven now, and it’s hard to believe that it has been that long ago. Of course, looking back it feels a bit wild that I couldn’t stay by my wife’s side right after the birth of our son. But a man becoming a dad wants to shout it from the rooftops and share that moment with the world! I figured it was only a onehour drive from the hospital to Tomorrowland, so I just jumped into the car at the last minute. In retrospect, it was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. When I look back at how it started raining and all of the crowd seemed to have tears in their eyes... Anyway, after the set I returned to the hospital where they hadcleared the room so it was just me, my wife, and our newborn son. That must’ve been the moment that I felt the purest joy of my life. Remy hasn’t seen the video of it yet. I don’t think he really realizes it what it means. Maybe we should do a back-to-back set at Tomorrowland when he turns 18, although I would never push him to do so!”
FIRST TIME WITH ASOT RADIO STATION
“The first time that we planted our A State of Trance radio station at Tomorrowland was another moment I cherish dearly. I felt like we were really part of the festival, and it seemed like that gave us a new perspective, another angle on the whole experience. That felt really nice. We even broadcasted from the top of the Mainstage and next to the A State of Trance stage – marvellous experiences.”
VIRTUAL EDITION IN 2020
“2020 was the year that Tomorrowland held a virtual edition, and that was quite the experience. to say the least. Of course, you cannot match the response you get from a real-life audience, that unique atmosphere is impossible to recreate in a virtual environment. But we made the best of it and it turned out really. The virtual setting made us test out a few things, and we were able to experiment a bit. Although it was a very, very weird year in many ways. To me, it was the year that I made a mental reset, in a good way. I worked on myself, worked on my body and turned to my family. So in that way, 2020 got a positive swing after all.”
TOMORROWLAND FOUNDATION
“Visiting the Tomorrowland Foundation at the Ektara Music & Arts School in Kolkata in India was massively impressive. Of course you have a gist about poverty, and the hard times some people around the world are facing, but being there was a life-changing moment. It made a deep impression on me, not in the least because of the pure love and passion with which the people of the Foundation handle things, and the dedication with which Tomorrowland pushes this project forward. They are really helping the children out there to build a better life, and I absolutely wanted to contribute to that. It makes me realise how lucky we are to be together and in good health.”
TOMORROWLAND WINTER
“What a quest that was, the first time Tomorrowland winter took place! For the first year, the Mainstage was still outside and during my set the snow fell heavily and without remorse. It was too slippery on the ice in front of the stage, so people took their place on the upper ring. But even then the atmosphere was already very Tomorrowland. The snow didn’t matter at all. During all those times I played Tomorrowland, I’ve had to make my way through all kinds of weather conditions – rain in Brazil, rain during TomorrowWorld in the US, cold, snow, and blazing heat in Europe – but the constant factor is the relentless energy you get from the audience. The Tomorrowland vibe is always just right.”
ONE WORLD RADIO
“I have been deeply involved in One World Radio since the very beginning, and it always has been a pleasant experience. At the time, we had a meeting about Tomorrowland starting a radio station, and I immediately knew that they’d be going for world domination from the get-go. So yeah, I wanted to be part of that! We came up with a new item called Armin’s Weekend Kickoff, where I would highlight 6 or 7 tracks each week, and we haven’t missed a single week since. 250 episodes later, we are still going strong.”
“The Tomorrowland vibe is always just right.”
HIDDEN DEPTHS OF THE HOLY GROUNDS
DISCOVERING TOMORROWLAND’S MANY SECRETS
It being the first thing you see coming from DreamVille, it is all too easy to get lost in the beauty of the Mainstage, to be completely captivated by the soothing petals of the Mother Flower and its lush, natural surroundings – and by the amazing tunes that greet the visitors of Silvyra here. But even though it’s an absolute treat to watch the People of Tomorrow dance the day and night away at the Mainstage, it would be a shame not to roam around some more, and explore all that Tomorrowland has to offer. Every corner of the Holy Grounds holds something unique and endearing, be it serenity, excitement, or even new culinary sensations. What unites them is that sacred energy that comes to be when the People of Tomorrow unite. So let’s take a walk together and find out about a few of the magical experiences and sights that await beyond the Mainstage.
Our stroll starts at the all-new Planaxis stage, where a giant conch and lavish fountains invite you to soak in the glory of the City of Planaxis, the theme of Tomorrowland 2018. A cool breeze blows over the small hills on which dancers and onlookers can enjoy sets by Mind Against, Mahmut Orhan, Brina Krauss and many others. It’s here where we become more aware of our deep connection to the original source of life – water. And it’s here that appreciation for the beauty of our oceans will surely wash over you like a wave.
After getting up close and personal with the colourful history of Tomorrowland, how about getting just as up close and personal with some of your musical darlings? Just swing by the One World Radio Studio, from where the radio livestream transmits the raw energy of life present here to millions of listeners worldwide. Hosts Justin Wilkes, Ben Malone, and Adam K will welcome not just you, but also the biggest names from the line-up. With a bit of luck you and your favourite artist’s paths through life will cross here.
Just a few feet over lies one of the original Tomorrowland institutions you may not yet have heard of: the Rave Cave. Climb down into the cozy dancefloor, take note of the future star playing the deck – just remember that Amelie Lens started her Tomorrowland career here – and let loose. This is a place to embrace your wild side and dance in ways that may even defy the conventions of nature.
The Planaxis experience might leave you desiring to be out on the water. Good thing, then, that tucked away in the greenery opposite the stage, you can find the Floating Dreams of Freshness ferry. As you set out to cross a part of the beautiful lake, dragonflies will race by while you get to dance to the sounds of countless surprise DJs, some of which will have even played the Mainstage. Ahoy!
After your feet are firmly back on the shore, it’s safe to assume you’ll need a bite to eat and a place to rest those dancing feet for a while. Close by, at Brasa, lie opportunities to embrace your inner gourmet and bon vivant. Grab some Apero Charcuterie, prepared by Luc de Laet and his team, and pair it with one of the amazing wines from all over the world found at the Wine Boutique. Sending your taste buds and olfactory senses on a tantalising journey is a key part of being at Tomorrowland, after all.
Setting out from there, the new Melodia stage is only a short walk away. Here you can let yourself be charmed by the sounds of the harp that signifies the Secret Kingdom of Melodia, the theme of Tomorrowland 2015. Feel its energy take you by the hand, and enjoy Mediterranean and Latin house vibes while having a refreshing drink with friends old and new. This should be a good time to have some water and re-apply sunscreen as well, by the way!
It’s time to traverse the waters of the great lake once more, getting a panoramic view of countless elements deeply intertwined with the history of this magical place. Feast your eyes on the Rose Garden and watch the giant dragon move her head as she watches over the dedicated party crowd, enjoying the wide variety of genres that call this stage home. And don’t forget to take some time to admire the madness that unfolds in front of the Elixir stage introduced just last year. At the edge of its dancefloor, you’ll find yourself at a crossing and see so many beautiful faces floating by. While you’re here, wait for one of the fantastic parades. Be there around 18:15 to catch the one with all the performers, signifying key Tomorrowland themes like The Reflection of Love, The Story of Planaxis, Amicorum Spectaculum and The Rise of Adscendo.
Rediscover the forgotten harmony of all living things.
ROSE GARDEN
RAVE CAVE
All that is left now is to get back in touch with said nature – and we can’t think of a better place for that than the CORE stage, located in a forest atop a hill not far away. It’s a setting that will, with its verdant greens, complete your rediscovery of the forgotten harmony of all living things. Here, the rhythm of creation will lead you into the eternal dance of existence. And with that, we think you are ready to embark on your journey in front of the Mainstage anew, sharing what you have seen and experienced with all the other wonderful People of Tomorrow.
If you think you’ve seen it all after reading this, you’re definitely wrong! Deep in the forests of Tomorrowland, there’s a hidden stage waiting to be discovered. Embark on an adventure and explore the Portal to Paradise by Tulum. Can you work out the clues and find it? If you do, it’s sure to stimulate all your senses – and give you a really unique corner of the Holy Grounds to explore!
Embrace your wild side and dance in ways that defy the conventions of nature.
ONE WORLD BRIDGE Portal to Paradise
CORE
CORE
FEEL EVERY SPARK
Sex comes in various shapes, sizes and tempos. Now how do you like it? Ask yourself the question and say it out loud. That’s the premise of the Tomorrowland x Durex experience. The world’s premier condoms and lubes brand invites you to enter one room at a time to share your innermost personal preferences. Firstly, there’s a room full of bubbles made of latex (how fitting!) where you will be asked if you like it gentle or more hands-on… And after that? We won’t spoil the surprise –just head over to this little world of fantasy, located right behind the Mainstage, to see for yourself. What we will say: everything ends, of course, in the Climax room, where the DJ’s sounds will bring you to a… yes, you guessed it!
SWITCH FOR TOMORROW
Step onto the One World Bridge near the Atmosphere stage and choose your switch, manifesting something you want to change in your life at Switch for Tomorrow. Commit to something that springs to mind right away, or speak a lingering thought you’ve had for years which now finally requires and deserves action. Your intention can be as simple as “be kind to everyone,” “eat healthier,” or “live in the moment,” but it may also involve more serious things like “recycle more,” “quit a bad habit,” or “work on my dreams.” You can show your switch by displaying it amongst the others and you might inspire the People of Tomorrow to do the same! You can also submit your switch through the Switch for Tomorrow website. Join the inspiring change and get on with collectively making a positive impact at Tomorrowland. Let’s create a better and more sustainable tomorrow together!
COOLING DOWN IN STYLE
Good things tend to happen in tunnels, and we’re not just talking about raves. Feel the Chill, by Snickers Ice Cream, is where caramelised ice cream bars enhance the experience of an ultimate cooldown. Keep going once you’ve entered the tunnel, take it all in, and get ready to be eternalised on Polaroid by the friendly attendants. And if you just need a hit of Snickers Ice Cream when you’re nowhere near the Feel the Chill area – worry not, as you’ll be able to buy some from every single ice cream stand on the festival.
GUILT-FREE HYDRATION
Thirsty? Choose the drink that nurtures your soul as well as the planet! You’ll find Soul Water’s cargo bike bar at DreamVille in the morning, and as the day progresses, a friendly bartender will slowly start wheeling it towards Tomorrowland. The people behind Soul Water remember its inception very clearly – it started with a bright epiphany: the idea that everyone should be able to enjoy clean drinking water without worrying about its environmental footprint. Therefore, Soul Water isn’t served in plastic bottles but in cans, which are more environmentally friendly. Admittedly, they say at Soul Water, filling up a reusable bottle from a tap comes with an even smaller ecological impact, but the truth is that what’s best for Mother Earth isn’t always feasible. It is in these situations that drinking water from a can is the least harmful thing to do.
REFRESHING MELODIES
Few drinks beat a Corona when you’re thirsty, and to enjoy one whilst dancing or stomping away on the Holy Grounds is nothing short of heaven. All you’ll need to do when you’re looking for one is find the giant harp of the Melodia by Corona stage, overlooking the lake in front of the Freedom stage. This is where you will find your soothing refreshment. Enjoy music by the likes of Guz, Vato Gonzalez, and Naomi Cazier throughout the weekend as you move your dancing feet.
THE SPICE MUST FLOW
Variety is the spice of life, as they say. And if freshness is a thing you love, you’ve got to try something new every once in a while. So look out for the Freshness Guards to freshen you up near the shower zones and freshness points, where they are ready to let you try their fragrances. And if you’re in need of a wicked boat party – we know you are – go and look for the Floating Dreams of Freshness by Old Spice behind the Brasa restaurant. The captain will be waiting for you to take you on a cozy little trip back and forth from one shore of the lake to the other. We won’t reveal the line-up there just yet, but if you’re curious to know, just ask the Captain as you board the vessel. Once on board, it is all about freshness. We can almost smell the invigorating air of the open seas already – can you?
SMELL
Upon entering the Experience Store, the first thing that forces you to be present in the moment is the smell, as one of the Tomorrowland elves hands you a tester of the Elixir of Life perfume. This unique scent first saw the light of day back in 2016 when Tomorrowland introduced the legendary tale of Elixir of Life for the first time. Scent, being one of the most imposing of senses, is an excellent way to take you back to Tomorrowland all year long, a note of your favourite weekend in the air. And if the Elixir perfume isn’t enough, you can also liven up your entire living room with a Tomorrowland bouquet with the scented candles and diffusers by Baobab Collection. This limited edition line with notes of lily of the valley and moss will take you back to our beloved magical world, bringing this year’s festival theme LIFE into your home.
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
TAKING THE EXPERIENCE OF TOMORROWLAND HOME
If you feel the same way we do, you desperately don’t want the feeling of this weekend to ever end. You want to hold on to it as long as you can. Maybe even bottle it up, capture it, lock it with a key, and every once in a while, open it up like a little music box or marvel at it as if it were a snow globe. And in a way, you can do just that at the Tomorrowland Experience Store, located along the path from the Freedom stage to the information point and the Melodia stage. This all-new addition to the festival displays all the essential items to make your home feel more like, well, Tomorrowland. So what, exactly, can one experience here, you may ask? Guided by our senses, we went to explore all of the magical keepsakes that are on offer.
TASTE
Immediately after smelling these scents, we are drawn to the bar, ornamented with beautifully crafted bottles of cava. This is Solo Vida Reserva, Tomorrowland’s very own cava brand, designed to be shared and to celebrate beautiful moments with friends, here at the festival or at home. This premium sparkling wine is the result of tradition and knowledge, crafted with love and passion. Its little sparkles dance on your tongue, hinting elegant notes of citrus. It’s a taste that, when savoured at home, will catapult you straight into your best Tomorrowland memories.
TOUCH
Next, for a good firm feel of a unique Tomorrowland adventure, we put our hands on the handlebars of one of the two Ridley x Tomorrowland Gravel Bikes. In this corner of the store, you can ride against one of your friends and maybe even become the winner of the day. Together with Tomorrowland, Ridley have designed this special Invenio bike, a marvellous custom beast in a captivating satin black colour, which makes all of its elegant contours and clean lines come to life. If there ever was a way to be transported – quite literally – into the feeling of unity, surely, riding this bike is it.
HEARING
Now, we must never forget that the beating heart of Tomorrowland is the wonderful music. A happy home is a home where the music is always playing, and of course, you can take the sound of the festival home too. On the Crosley record player at the Experience store, you can pre-listen to this year’s LIFE double vinyl compilation. It’s a snapshot of this year’s musical legacy, and it’s etched onto a physical artifact to be kept forever. Upon putting down the headphones here, our ears pricked up to the sound of the JBL arcade game, which offers a chance to win and take a portable speaker home. And of course, the most wondrous sounds of all were emanating from the Tomorrowland Academy DJ booth, where the Experience Store holds free DJ workshops daily and hosts sets by Friends of Tomorrowland.
SIGHT
Keeping our eyes peeled after this cascade of musical experiences, we were finally drawn to the Photo Gallery and the Great Library Studios. Via the Photo Gallery, you can bring the atmosphere of the festival to your home with the Tomorrowland Photo Art collection, allowing you to choose from a number of breathtaking photos available in 3 different gallery sizes. We promise: these will really tie the room together! For the more daring amongst you, check in on the Great Library Studios: Tomorrowland’s in-house creative department where imagination and creativity converge to reveal the extraordinary. Scan the QR code and step into a mesmerising space that invites you on a visual journey – if you dare. And last but not least, for your eyes only, there’s a little surprise tucked away in the rafters of the Experience store. Clasp eyes on it, and think of how it will take you home, then back to Tomorrowland again next year…
HUMAN CONNECTIONS ROUNDTABLE PART 1
United We Dance, always on the lookout for ways to make the world and the dancefloor a more inclusive and diverse place, invited four leading electronic artists to open up about the topic of Human Connection. The notion that truly connecting with people can be a challenge, even when surrounded by huge crowds, has been the main trigger for this series of roundtable conversations with Armin van Buuren, Laidback Luke, Oliver Heldens and Sunnery James. All of these artists have their own huge fanbase – how do they let their fans know that they love them back?
Guys, what is it like for you to connect to your fans, while you’re always busy producing music and playing shows around the world? What is the best way to genuinely connect with people who love your music?
Sunnery James: “I try to be very personal, to express myself as a human being – to not just show how great I am or how much people go mental while I play my sets. I am firstly a human being, and only secondly an artist. I like to share stuff about cooking, about working out. Daily stuff. Things that my fans also experience.”
FANS LOVE ARTISTS AND ARTISTS LOVE THEM BACK
Laidback Luke: “I couldn’t agree more on those two points. Social media used to be very much about showing off, and as an artist you can’t help but be affected by that. It wasn’t uncommon to get the idea that others were doing better than yourself. More recently, I’ve started to get the feeling that Instagram and TikTok have become much more about community, that these platforms have become more real and genuine.”
Oliver Heldens: “I much prefer face-to-face human connections, but I have to say that I received a lot of heartfelt reactions through social media when I opened up about my bipolar disorder a few years back.”
“I received a lot of heartfelt reactions through social media when I opened up about my bipolar disorder a few years back.”
Oliver Heldens
Wow, Luke, that is a kind way of approaching things, and very admirable! Now let’s talk about the sense of community among your fans. Is it noticeable and if so, do you feel you as an artist are part of that community?
Oliver Heldens: “It’s more like I feel that we are all part of a community that is way bigger than just my fanbase: the dance music scene in its entirety. And yes, we as artists and fans are all part of that bigger ecosystem and I love it!”
As to you, Armin, you’ve actually deliberately created an ecosystem for your fans, haven’t you?
Armin van Buuren: “Yes – one important part of it is on Discord and it’s called Armin’s All-Access. Every Thursday night at 20:00 CET, people tune in to my radio show, which is on YouTube, Twitch, and over 100 radio stations, and then I go on Discord myself. It’s so much fun because these are fans that actually care about my productions and my gigs. There’s so much love. It’s totally different from the atmosphere you sometimes see on other social media platforms.”
Look out for another roundtable discussion in Sunday’s edition of Tomorrowland Today, where Sunnery James and Rose Ringed will discuss how a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the rave scene can foster high quality human connections.
In the meantime, check out unitedwedance.tomorrowland.com to listen to the artists speak about human connections at more length in the United We Dance podcast, powered by Tomorrowland and Absolut.
BONZAI THE ROSE GARDEN
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!
BONOBO OUTLIER CORE
THE LIBRARY LOST FREQUENCIES & FRIENDS
Are you a dance music history buff and from Belgium, France or the Netherlands? Statistically, this means that you’re probably acquainted with one of the most iconic hardcore, rave, and trance labels of all time: Bonzai Records. The iconic Bonzai tree is something of an institute, with the first records dating back to 1992. What made the imprint stand out is their cross-genre approach – you couldn’t pigeonhole whatever they released, but it all had that melodic yet energetic Bonzai sound. Among those representing the label’s timeless beats this year are Franky Jones, one of the producers behind the epic anthem ‘The First Rebirth’, as well as the loosely organised DJ collective, Bonzai Allstars!
Bonobo, one of the most-admired and best-selling artists on British boutique label Ninja Tune, is not only playing Tomorrowland for the first time today, he is also bringing his Outlier concept to CORE, the tastemaker stage. Previously presented in cities like London, New York and Tokyo, Outlier sees Bonobo harness his talents as a curator as he showcases his instinctive relationship with music. For this very special occasion, Bonobo has invited UK garage and rave selector,TSHA as well as former Resident Advisor number one DJ Dixon, who will not only play a deep house solo set, but also a b2b with Mr. Bonobo himself.
The Library is a place to indulge in wisdom, surrounded by the giant books strewn all around the stage. With such a variety of knowledge to attain, it only makes sense for Lost Frequencies and his wonderfully diverse group of friends to fire their beats right at you, as if they were poetry or literary fiction. Marten Hørger, Claptone, and Acraze will be bringing a housey vibe, while Azteck, Gryffin, and Kungs are sure to supply some wonderful melodies, and Sub Focus & ID have some energetic drum & bass in store for you. And don’t miss the set by the man himself – Lost Frequencies will take the stage at 21:55.
OUT TODAY ON CORE RECORDS
Every visitor of Tomorrowland knows the CORE stage, the intimate open-air club in the forest with its distinct spiritual vibe. Over the past few years, CORE has grown into a community project with a record label and events all over the world, through which the platform connects to local scenes. Festivals in Mexico and Colombia have led to tangible offshoots, including music compilations featuring the most promising artists from these respective territories. More than anything, CORE’s allround infrastructure allows for much more than just booking artists; it serves as a base from which the original spirit of underground house music spreads all over the world, not only to clubs, but also to domestic soundsystems in the fans’ own homes. CORE, in other words, allows for connections between people who have the same outlook on life and art, even if they may not know each other personally.
AT THE CORE OF IT ALL
CORE emerged as somewhat of an oddity in 2017, a new stage in the periphery of Tomorrowland’s Holy Grounds. “We have grown exponentially over the years, which means that there is now an interesting story to tell, which is only loosely connected to its mother festival,” says Nick Wessaert, also known as Wess, who is the project manager of the platform.
TO EXPERIMENT
AN INVITATION
“The name CORE comes from going back to the origins of Tomorrowland, to the very core of it, which is forward-thinking house music and club culture,” Wess explains. “We are now able to add new techniques and insights to these original elements, so we are really enjoying the best of both worlds. The great thing about being relatively small is that we can move into new directions very quickly, which is extremely exciting. We are like a playground, where artists are wholeheartedly invited to experiment in any way they can think of.”
LET IT SINK IN SLOWLY
“I invite anyone who visits a CORE stage or event to take the time to absorb things slowly,” Wess continues. “This always turns out to be very rewarding. You will always discover unusual things here, and we now have a following who trusts us, wherever we take them. Take that unique house set that Nina Kraviz once played for us – it remains one of my very favourite sets by her. And today I feel very proud that we got legendary British producer Bonobo to curate a house music programme for us. Again, the whole thing works best if you start checking out sets at the stage early on during the day. Then, you will see how it all connects with the last few hours, when Bonobo himself will play a b2b with deep house legend Dixon. This will be the grand finale, which I am extremely excited about. CORE is where you’ll experience the ultimate dance floor euphoria – it is where sound, lights and special effects playfully co-create something that’s just hard to describe.”
Off the back of an amazing collaboration during Tomorrowland Winter earlier this year, CORE Records and Glaswegian producer Denis Sultra decided to join forces once again this summer.
Not only did Denis curate the stage for a day; CORE also released a new record that shows how much of a genius he really is. We highly recommend that you sit back to consume ‘Gluhen‘ slowly, as its energetic, melodic and colourful qualities will only surface when you listen to it carefully. It’s a banger nevertheless, though! Find it on your favourite streaming platform or check it out through corerecords.bandcamp.com.
BREAKING NEWS: CORE RETURNS TO MEDELLÍN
People of Tomorrow, you are literally the first ones to find out, because this information has not been shared online yet. Following the huge success of CORE in Medellín last May, which featured mind-blowing performances by BICEP, Brina Knauss, Elif, Kevin de Vries, Kilimanjaro, and Mind Against to the backdrop of an incredible audiovisual performance, the festival will return to the Colombian city on 14 and 15 February 2025. Save the date!
PROGRAMME SATURDAY 20.07.2024
MAINSTAGE
LIFE
Closing Ceremony 00:50 - 01:00
Timmy Trumpet 23:45 - 00:45
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike 22:30 - 23:45
Anyma 21:25 - 22:25
Alok 20:25 - 21:25
Amelie Lens 19:20 - 20:20
Mandy 18:20 - 19:20
Yves V 17:20 - 18:20
Opening Ceremony 17:15 - 17:20
FOCUS ON SATURDAY INCREDIBLE
DAYBREAK SESSIONS
LAIDBACK LUKE
PRESENTS WAYBACK LUKE
MAINSTAGE | 12:00
Every month, Laidback Luke – a Tomorrowland regular and an absolute icon of the dance scene –hosts an exclusive one-hour show on One World Radio, where he takes you on a magical journey back to the golden age of dance music. During the program, he celebrates this vibrant history while sharing some of his own most memorable stories. Opening the Mainstage today, Luke will likely bring the vibe of his show to LIFE, taking you way back on a tour of classic dance music.
Probably the most admired EDM DJ among underground music heads, there’s a reason for the peculiar position between mainstream and indie scenes that Laidback Luke holds. He first started getting into dance music during the early nineties when various genres of electronic music including techno, trance and house were championed at the very same raves. The sounds soon started to become associated with different scenes and fanbases with widely diverging lifestyles and views on what dance music should be. Pigeonholing practices be damned, Luke never lost the old-school, versatile approach to loving and playing music, so when EDM came along, he also embraced the grandness of that sound. Due to his extensive musical knowledge, Laidback Luke’s sets are stuffed with goodies from all genres and eras, with various intensities and tempos. Too experienced to be bothered about going with the latest trends for the sake of it, Luke plays whatever he sees fit. Luke’s love for electronic music is stronger than ever and that’s why this performance is set to be a one-ofa-kind Daybreak Session that is not to be missed.
Eliza Rose 16:15 - 17:15
Goodboys 15:15 - 16:15
Cat Dealers 14:15 - 15:15
Daybreak: 12:00 - 14:15
Laidback Luke presents Wayback Luke
Hosted by: MC Stretch
FREEDOM BY BUD
REZZMAU5 22:40 - 00:00
MORTEN 21:00 - 22:40
Sebastian Ingrosso & Steve Angello 19:00 - 21:00
Salvatore Ganacci 18:00 - 19:00
Symphony of Unity 17:00 - 18:00
PARISI (live) 16:00 - 17:00
Kryder 15:00 - 16:00
Stephani B 14:00 - 15:00
Kenn Colt 12:00 - 14:00
THE ROSE GARDEN
BONZAI
Bonzai All Stars 23:30 - 01:00 Push 22:30 - 23:30
Franky Kloeck 21:30 - 22:30
Furax 20:30 - 21:30
DJ Ghost 19:30 - 20:30
Franky Jones 18:30 - 19:30
Jens Lissat 17:30 - 18:30
Anonymize 16:00 - 17:30
Nico Parisi 15:00 - 16:00
Neall 14:00 - 15:00
Rumix (Tomorrowland Academy) 13:00 - 14:00
MESA GARDEN
CØPAL 20:30 - 22:00
Nuria Scarp 18:00 - 20:30
Akira b2b Hermanez 15:30 - 18:00
Jul-E 13:00 - 15:30
ELIXIR
RADS
Kiësto 23:30 - 01:00
Gomorris 21:30 - 23:30
Discobaar A Moeder 20:00 - 21:30
Olsan Twins 18:30 - 20:00
Mariah Curry 17:00 - 18:30
DOEMP 15:30 - 17:00
Hollaback Soundsystem 14:00 - 15:30
Tobi Trekhaak 13:00 - 14:00
CAGE
Callush 21:30 - 23:00
Parfait b2b Charlie Sparks 19:30 - 21:30
Klaudia Gawlas 18:00 - 19:30
Parkerstrange 16:30 - 18:00
MCR-T 15:00 - 16:30
YULI ANA 13:00 - 15:00
Two/Three 12:00 - 13:30
RAVE CAVE
White Noise
23:30 - 01:00
Deuxfwa 22:00 - 23:30
Monta 20:30 - 22:00
Bobby & Djenko 19:00 - 20:30
Schuurallures 17:30 - 19:00
Los Bomberos 16:00 - 17:30
Brits & Boen 15:00 - 16:00
Kaspa 14:00 - 15:00
Yo-ki 13:00 - 14:00
PLANAXIS
Mind Against 22:00 - 00:00
Fideles 20:30 - 22:00
Brina Knauss 19:00 - 20:30
Mahmut Orhan 17:30 - 19:00
Capoon 16:00 - 17:30
Collé 14:00 - 16:00
Nick Bril 12:00 - 14:00
MELODIA BY CORONA
Raphi 23:00 - 00:00
Ewave 21:30 - 23:00
Lou8 19:30 - 21:30
Yero 18:00 - 19:30
Moska 16:30 - 18:00
Nothing But Funk 15:00 - 16:30
DJ Señor Funk 13:30 - 15:00
Naomi Cazier 12:00 - 13:30
RISE BY COKE STUDIO
GLITTERBOX
Jellybean Benitez 22:30 - 00:00
Jayda G 20:30 - 22:30
Melvo Baptiste 18:30 - 20:30
Melon Bomb 17:00 - 18:30
Aline Rocha 15:30 - 17:00
Juul Pence 14:00 - 15:30
Kenny Montana 12:30 - 14:00
ATMOSPHERE
ANDROMEDIK INVITES
VTSS 00:00 - 00:55
Dimension 23:00 - 00:00
Andromedik 22:00 - 23:00
Charlie Tee b2b Lens 21:00 - 22:00
Luude 20:00 - 21:00
Kanine 19:00 - 20:00
Grafix 18:00 - 19:00
Koven 17:00 - 18:00
Montell2099 16:00 - 17:00
Harriet Jaxxon 15:00 - 16:00
Basstripper b2b Primate 14:00 - 15:00
Merow 13:00 - 14:00
DJ Archie 12:00 - 13:00
CORE
CORE X BONOBO OUTLIER
Bonobo b2b Dixon 00:00 - 01:00
Dixon 23:00 - 00:00
Bonobo (DJ Set) 22:00 - 23:00
TSHA 20:00 - 22:00
Elkka 18:00 - 20:00
Dino Lenny 16:00 - 18:00
Cellini 14:30 - 16:00
Milan Evens 12:30 - 14:30
HOUSE OF FORTUNE BY JBL
Kryder 21:00 - 22:00
Goodboys 20:00 - 21:00
Laidback Luke 19:00 - 20:00
Cat Dealers 18:00 - 19:00
MORTEN 17:00 - 18:00
Manuals 16:00 - 17:00
The Yard Woman 15:00 - 16:00
Loulou Players 14:00 - 15:00
Alexander Merlin 13:00 - 14:00
CRYSTAL GARDEN
Solomun b2b Four Tet 20:30 - 00:30
Dom Dolla 18:30 - 20:30
Alex Wann 17:00 - 18:30
Antdot 15:00 - 17:00
Neon
- 15:00
- 19:00 Azteck
- 18:00 Marten Hørger 16:00 - 17:00 P
- 16:00 Lavern 14:00 - 15:00 Sam Oui 13:00 - 14:00 Mattias Van Lent 12:00 - 13:00
MOOSE
- 19:00 Milano 12:00 - 15:00
| 22:40
BONOBO
B2B DIXON CORE | 00:00
MELIE LENS A
A distinguished DJ, producer, label owner and – maybe her most exciting role yet – self-proclaimed touring DJ mum, Amelie Lens has become a venerated figure in the realm of techno. The Antwerp native’s meteoric rise is a testament to her profound and enduring passing for music, which secured her for techno stardom ever since taking up her first residency role in 2014. With a healthy obsession for telling stories through radical combinations of sounds, she exhausts search engines looking for new material to create that narrative while producing the fiercest of techno tracks. You can witness the First Lady of Belgian Techno in full swing today at the Mainstage – but first, some words of wisdom from Amelie herself.
Your trademark is uplifting, harder techno, and that’s what your fans love you for. Recently, however, an even rougher blend of techno has been gaining popularity. How do you reflect on that development?
“To be honest, I don’t think my sound is considered ‘hard techno’ anymore within the techno scene itself. There is indeed a huge new scene vibing on very hard and fast techno, leaning closer to hardcore. My own sound is very energetic, but not always that ‘hard’. I see myself as floating around somewhere in between several subgenres of techno.”
One of the subgenres you have incorporated in your work is a vintage kind of trance sound, like in ‘You And Me’. Where did you pick up that idea?
“ is is who I am now: a touring DJ mum, and I love it!”
“That track was specifically made for my Tomorrowland Mainstage set last year! I really wanted to make something memorable to close my set with. So the idea comes from me imagining myself playing the Mainstage while producing the track (laughs).”
Does playing in front of huge crowds, like at the Mainstage, ever bring back memories of when you first started going to clubs and festivals yourself?
“For sure! Every time I play I think back to when I was in that crowd, and whenever I play I also put myself in the crowd mentally. I try to read the room and feel what they feel. I don’t think I would ever be able to do that if I hadn’t spent that much time on the dancefloor myself. Even today I often go and dance in the crowd because I really need that energy to feel inspired.”
You have mentioned before that fame came at a prize and involved some unexpected experiences. Have you found a way to manage it?
“I still find fame a bit challenging. When I started DJ’ing I never even considered the possibility that I would also become a role model – a status that, to me, involves a lot of responsibility. People often expect you to be perfect, have all the answers, and burst out perfect statements about literally anything. I genuinely want to help and inspire people, but I’m not perfect. Maintaining that high standard is practically impossible, so it can be challenging at times. I have indeed found my own ways to accept this reality, but I must admit I really underestimated how difficult it can be.”
What did it feel like to go back to work after becoming a mother? Do the contrasting wild world of festivals and of a homely environment go well together?
“When I was still breastfeeding, finding that balance was hard. It’s not only the ways in which you miss your baby on an emotional level, there’s also the physical and hormonal reaction. You have all these hormones racing through your body, making you feel like you should have never left your baby in the first place. I felt actual physical pain being away from her and I was very emotional during those first shows. I tried to think of the fact that I’m so lucky to be with her 5 days a week, and I tried to keep my weekends as short as possible, taking the last flight out and the first one back home. But now, that balance is restored, which was imperative, really. Festivals and club culture have been a huge part of my life as well as that of my husband (DJ Farrago). And because I was still playing some shows while I was pregnant, you could also say that it is already part of my daughter’s life. She was actually in my belly last year when I played the Tomorrowland Mainstage and Exhale stage. I turned the volume down in the DJ booth but she must have felt my energy, my dance moves, and all the love, for sure. So yes, it’s been hard, but these contrasting worlds do go well together. They are both indispensable key elements of my whole being. This is who I am now: a touring DJ mum, and I love it!”
FOCUS ON SATURDAY INCREDIBLE
SALVATORE GANACCI
FREEDOM | 18:00 – 19:00
Emir Kobilić, better known under his stage name Salvatore Ganacci, is best known for the footage of his 2018 and 2019 performances at Tomorrowland, which featured him twerking, rolling across the stage, having a snooze and dancing like nobody was watching, all in one set. He did so during a time when criticising DJs for performing pre-recorded sets was highly fashionable. Rather than taking these comments to heart, Salvatore decided to keep his traditional DJ’ing to a bare minimum, preferring rough, obvious transitions and plenty of action on the mic. Would he be offended if we said that in his sets entertainment comes first and music second? Probably not.
All of this is not to say that the Bosnian-born, Sweden-based performer isn’t an incredibly creative individual. Quite the contrary! Take the video for his track ‘Horse’, for which he received a Best Music Video Grammy in 2020. In the clip, Ganacci collaborates with an eagle as he drives a shoe, fighting against animal cruelty. Now if all of this sounds bizarre, you may be quite right… It takes the mind of a genius to come up with ideas like this. His own comment on the video didn’t clarify much, beyond underlining his affinity for the absurd: “My message is always about love, but I really love to experiment with what love can be.” Recent footage on Salvatore’s social channels has had a slight arthouse twist to it, which makes us wonder: will the funniest guy in EDM take things even further than he did five years ago? Mr. Ganacci, you have our blessing: do what your heart tells you to do!
DIMITRI VEGAS & LIKE MIKE
MAINSTAGE | 22:30 – 23:45
Who doesn’t know them!? Say Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and you say Tomorrowland. If you really don’t know this spectacular duo: Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike are the famous Belgian DJ brothers Dimitri and Michael Thivaios, who elevated the art of putting on a DJ show to a whole new level. They have been, for all intents and purposes, Tomorrowland’s resident DJs since time immemorial, and run the label Smash the House together. Furthermore, you may be familiar with their infamous Antwerp Sportpaleis shows or their Ushaïa Ibiza residency… or the simple fact that they were ranked No. 1 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list several times. A well-known name you definitely shouldn’t miss!
PLANAXIS | 19:00 – 20:30
Since 2016, Brina Knauss has been on a relentless tour across Europe and beyond, performing at prestigious events like Get Lost and Rumors. In just eight years the Slovenian selector has made her way into the limelight, becoming known for her captivating sets. With a classical background, her impeccable ear for key, chords and melodies infuses her performance with profound emotional depth and a transcendent atmosphere. Brina’s journey in music began with the band B.B.T before she transitioned to a modeling career in Milan. However, her true passion for music led her to make the bold decision in 2012 to leave modeling behind and focus on her DJ career. Overcoming industry biases, she proved her mettle with her impressive selecting skills, leading to high-profile performances and collaborations.
MAINSTAGE | 20:25 – 21:25
Born to psytrance stars Swarup and Ekanta, Alok grew up on a diet of beats and basslines only to become one of Brazil’s major electronic music stars himself. His sound, sometimes defined as Brazilian Bass, resonates with more and more music fans in his home country, where the popularity of raving is on the rise. Throughout his career, Alok has worked with artists such as Dimi & Mike, KSHMR, Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers, Steve Aoki, and Ellie Goulding. Alok is a strong believer in the positive power that people generate when they party together: “The sum of our vibrational states, thoughts, and feelings forms a field where we all connect and share this web of energy that radiates out to the rest of the world.”
BRINA KNAUSS ALOK
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…
DISPLAYING THE SWEDISH FLAG
Remember, that one time in 2018, when Nicky Romero was playing the Mainstage? There was a gathering of Swedish people, clad in their nation’s flag, making it look as if the whole of Sweden was present. From all over the Holy Grounds, Swedish visitors came together with supportive People of Tomorrow from other nations, organising a commemorative moment for the late, great Swedish superstar DJ Avicii. He had tragically passed away a couple of months before, leaving a hole in the heart of fans all over the world. To show their love and remember him, a 25 metre-wide banner was unfurled in front of the Mainstage, displaying the Swedish flag with a picture of Tim Bergling aka Avicii on it. Emblazoned with the quote “One day you’ll leave this world behind, so leave a life you will remember,” from the Avicii track ‘The Nights’, the banner was rambled over the heads of hundreds of people like an enormous blanket of comfort. Tears welled up as people fell into each other’s arms, looking for consolation. This was the ultimate tribute to the genius of an artist, a beautiful person, who left us way too young. Although sadness for his fate was rife, the tribute was a cathartic moment, with fans united in grief for their fallen hero. We can only hope that they got a bit of closure there, but fortunately, we can rest assured in the knowledge that Avicii’s monumental contribution to electronic music will never be forgotten.
Hyperproductive Bosnian-German DJ/producer Solomun, who is playing a unique b2b with British producer Four Tet today, has gradually become a cult superstar over the past decade and a half. Much-loved for a sound that could be described as house music with deep, ultra-funky basslines, euphoric melodies, and emotionally charged vocals, Solomun is known to lock his dancers into an inescapable groove. Add to that his work with an incredibly diverse range of artists on an equally versatile selection of labels, and it follows that it’s hard not to love this one-of-a-kind artist; any type of dancer will be triggered by at least one element in his music. Even if Solomun himself works the decks as still as a sphynx, standing still to his sets is impossible.
White Noise are an English experimental electronic music band formed in London. It started as an obscure musical project which was born during the late years of the underground psych rock era, deeply influenced by psychoacoustic research and early synth experiments. The music is an intriguing mix of transporting electronic manipulations, propulsive acid rockin’ sequences and an important dose of dada-esque improvised fantasies. This one, then, is a real curiosity and a must-see for any prog lovers. In fact, for some, White Noise’s ‘An Electric Storm’ is known as one of the best psychedelic records ever. So even if you have never heard these kinds of sounds before, this will be a great performance for the open-minded!
“THE HARMONIOUS VOICE OF NATURE: FROM THE SOUL TO THE COSMIC SYMPHONY”
Acraze is a sensational dance music artist who has risen to fame with a journey that is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting off with opening slots at smaller nightclubs, Acraze has quickly become a headlining act. Instrumental to this was his track ‘Do It To It’, a remix of Cherish’s 2006 R&B hit. It exploded on TikTok, inspiring its own dance challenge and racking up over 12 billion streams globally. Following the success of his new hit, Acraze debuted his own Las Vegas residency and he is now ready to take his sound to the Library. Whether you’ve ever used him to soundtrack your socials or not, go over and join the (A)craze!
Belgian-based MANDY has an endless passion and enthusiasm for sharing harder dance music with likeminded people, always adapting to the crowd she is playing for. She started at the age of sixteen and back then, she was determined to show the world that ‘girls can DJ too’. In interviews, she says that she is honoured to represent the hard dance scene as a female artist and that she wants to continue growing. Mandy’s signature sound is a blend of commercial and rave-influenced hard dance music, which is wrapped into an energetic and high energy performance. Mandy is an absolute female powerhouse, in other words!
