Charlotte de Witte Charlotte de Witte is set to present the most ambitious edition of her new audiovisual show, ‘The Resistance’, when it arrives at Belgium's Rock Werchter festival on 3rd July. Taking over the festival's 20,000-capacity Barn stage, the performance will feature an expanded version of the production that has accompanied de Witte's latest world tour, marking the largest presentation of the concept to date and a special homecoming performance for the Belgian techno star. ‘The Resistance’ has quickly become one of the defining live electronic productions of 2026, combining de Witte's uncompromising techno with an immersive visual experience created alongside digital artist and creative technologist Johanna Jaskowska. Known for exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, CGI and digital identity, Jaskowska's work adds a cinematic dimension to the performance, transforming the show into a fully synchronised audiovisual experience. Following its debut at [UNVRS] Ibiza, the production has already appeared at We Love Green in Paris and Sónar Festival, with the Rock Werchter performance representing its biggest iteration so far before continuing to festivals including Les Ardentes, Bilbao BBK Live, V and B Festival and Pagaille Festival. The show arrives during another standout year for de Witte. Alongside the launch of ‘The Resistance’, the Belgian producer has continued an extensive international touring schedule, released new music including her ‘Amor’ EP and deluxe album edition, and made headlines with her widely attended street party in Genoa. Widely regarded as one of techno's most influential contemporary artists, de Witte has consistently pushed the boundaries of large-scale electronic music performances, combining meticulous production with increasingly ambitious visual concepts. For fans attending Rock Werchter, the XXL edition of ‘The Resistance’ promises to be one of the festival's defining moments, showcasing Charlotte de Witte's vision on its biggest stage yet.

STO (FR) STO's monthly release project shows no signs of slowing down as the producer returns with ‘Vibin' In July’, the latest instalment in his run of free club-ready releases. Premiering exclusively on Undrtone ahead of its release, the track shifts the series into tougher territory, replacing last month's disco-leaning warmth with a grittier analogue sound built around rolling house grooves and a constantly evolving acid bassline. Download it for free here: https://hypeddit.com/sto-fr/vibin-in-july. From the outset, ‘Vibin' In July’ locks into an irresistible groove. Punchy drums, swinging percussion and warm analogue textures provide the foundation before a modulating acid line gradually takes control, weaving in and out of the arrangement without ever overwhelming the rhythm beneath it. Rather than chasing big breakdowns or obvious peak-time moments, STO allows the groove to remain the focus. Every new element feels carefully introduced, keeping the energy moving while giving DJs plenty of space to work the record into longer blends and extended club sets. Where previous entries in the series explored French touch and disco influences, ‘Vibin' In July’ leans further towards raw underground house music. The analogue character gives the production an organic feel, while subtle modulation and evolving synth movement ensure the track never settles into repetition. That balance between restraint and progression has become one of the defining strengths of STO's monthly project. Each release explores a different corner of house music while maintaining the groove-first philosophy that ties the series together. ‘Vibin' In July’ continues that evolution with confidence. Tougher, darker and more club-focused than its predecessor, it demonstrates STO's ability to refresh his sound without losing the identity that has made the series so consistently enjoyable. If the monthly project continues at this level, STO is quietly building one of the year's most rewarding underground house catalogues, one groove at a time. STO https://www.facebook.com/STO.dj https://www.instagram.com/sto_dj https://open.spotify.com/artist/4BIwrHBpAWdIjPXLK1M7gq https://soundcloud.com/stodj https://stodjmusic.bandcamp.com

Mad Dog Few artists have witnessed the evolution of hardcore quite like Mad Dog. Active since the late 1990s, the Italian producer, DJ and Dogfight Records founder has remained one of the genre's defining figures through multiple generations, from millennium hardcore to today's resurgence of slower, rave-inspired sounds. Long before headlining events such as Thunderdome, Verknipt, EDC Las Vegas and Teletech, Filippo Calcagni's introduction to electronic music came through an after-school recommendation that would ultimately change the course of his life. "It was a day after school," he recalls. "A friend of mine suggested this radio show called The Viruz, hosted by Freddy K. I was 13, and my entire world immediately changed. Those futuristic sounds brought me here." That discovery quickly led him into Rome's underground rave movement, where illegal parties offered something far beyond music. "At that time, it was the feeling of being in a free space where you could express yourself however you wanted," he says. "There was also a touch of fear because you were in a dangerous, illegally occupied place. It was pure and authentic." More than two decades later, that search for freedom still defines the way he approaches every performance. "Nowadays, I'm happy if I can still feel at least that sense of freedom when expressing myself." His transition from raver to artist wasn't immediate. Although his debut Mad Dog release found early success, it also created an unhealthy obsession with repeating that breakthrough. "After my first release, I became obsessed with trying to replicate that hit and please the crowd," he explains. "After years of trying, I decided to simply make music for myself." That decision became one of the defining turning points of his career. "That's when I realised being an artist is very different from being a hit-chasing producer. It's a choice." That mindset has allowed Mad Dog to continually evolve while many around him chased trends. In recent years, he's become one of the driving forces behind hardcore's growing downtempo movement, reconnecting with the slower rave energy that first inspired him. "Before COVID, I was tired of the direction hardcore was taking," he says. "It had become too fast and too gimmicky. I found myself enjoying the slower vibes that originally introduced me to hardcore." That philosophy is perfectly reflected in tracks such as 'Energy 1996', a release inspired by one of Europe's defining rave events. "I wanted to musically relive the Energy 1996 rave in Zurich," he says. "It was an event that pushed electronic music forward by bringing new artists, new vibes and a phenomenal movement." Alongside his own productions, launching Dogfight Records gave him the freedom to help shape hardcore from another perspective. "The goal was to preserve hardcore authenticity by releasing music that truly respected the genre," he explains. "Sometimes we succeeded, sometimes we failed, but we always gave it our best." After more than 25 years in the scene, from intimate underground warehouses to some of the biggest hardcore stages on the planet, remarkably little has changed about what still matters most to him. "The sweat, the heat, the shoulder-to-shoulder energy," he says. "That sense of community that breaks down social differences, race and political views." For Mad Dog, hardcore has never simply been about BPM or production techniques. It's always been about creating spaces where music unites people through shared energy and expression. Judging by both his career and the renewed appetite for the sounds that first inspired him, that philosophy feels just as relevant today as it did when a 13-year-old boy first tuned into a local radio show in Rome. Mad Dog http://www.djmaddog.com http://instagram.com/djmaddog http://spoti.fi/djmaddog https://soundcloud.com/djmaddogmusic

Love to be... Festival, Harrogate Iconic house music brand, Love to be… returns with its flagship festival at The Stray in Harrogate on Saturday 5th September with a newly reworked site designed to elevate the experience for its 6,000-strong crowd. Following last year’s sold-out success, the 2026 edition – which over three stages welcomes Claptone, Sam Divine, Paul Woolford, Todd Terry, Gok Wan and many more - introduces an expanded main stage, new chillout zone, upgraded VIP offering and a host of fresh additions, all aimed at delivering the most enjoyable Love to be… yet. A standout new feature for 2026 is the Glam Van from local business, The Hair & Makeup Project. Inside a luxury mobile beauty space, punters can get camera-ready glam with a range of treatments, including festival braids, biodegradable glitter, soft and full glam makeup, hair styling and face painting. Fully equipped with professional styling stations and statement lighting, plus a 360° video booth along with party props to capture the moment forever, the Glam Van is where getting ready becomes part of the event itself. VIP ticket holders will now benefit from a fully redesigned area, set in a prime new location. Guests can expect a new VIP garden with interactive games, an upgraded stage hosted by funkylove with exclusive DJ sets and live performances, expanded seating and table areas, a free pamper room stocked with glitter and beauty products, a premium bar, and they’ll even be a magician entertaining guests throughout the day! The festival’s main stage has been rebuilt with a larger structure and increased 3,000-capacity, paired with upgraded sound and production for a fuller, more powerful experience. The festival’s overall footprint has also been completely reworked to improve flow, with more space between stages and clearer routes across the site. While dancing to the best in house music is the dish of the day, Love to be has introduced a brand-new chillout area for 2026, offering a retreat from the dancefloor complete with bean bags, soft lighting and a covered area for rest and recuperation. This year also sees the festival move to a traditional bar system, replacing the previous wristband top-up approach. With contactless and card payments throughout, service will be faster and queuing times shorter to keep the drinks flowing. Further additions across the site include an expanded food village with more choice than before, a permanent jewellery stall, festival clothing traders, coffee van, and the popular Love to be… merch stand. These upgrades arrive alongside a heavyweight 2026 lineup. Spanning house music legends with contemporary hit makers, Love to be has pulled out all the stops for 2026, featuring Claptone, Paul Woolford, Sam Divine, Julie McKnight (Live), David Penn, Mousse T, Trimtone, DJ Cash Only, Janika Tenn, Todd Terry, Gok Wan, K-Klass (Live), Grant Nelson, Paul Taylor, Tom Wainwright and loads more. Love to be… has been a defining force in UK house culture since 1994, evolving from its Sheffield roots into a global event brand, a record label and a syndicated radio show. Its Harrogate festival has quickly become one of the North’s essential annual celebrations of house music, uniting generations of fans in one of North Yorkshire’s most iconic green spaces. Tickets for Love to be… Festival 2026 cost from £51.50 plus booking fee. Limited allocations are available from Skiddle. Love to be… Web – Instagram – TikTok – Facebook

Calcou Calcou continue to refine their blend of indie dance and electronica on ‘High’, a warm, uplifting release that balances melodic songwriting with an infectious club-ready groove. The Berlin duo have built a sound centred on atmosphere as much as rhythm, and that balance is evident throughout a track that feels equally at home on festival stages, open-air dancefloors and late-night playlists. Built around a steady 126 BPM pulse, ‘High’ wastes little time establishing its feel-good character. Rolling percussion and a rounded bassline provide a solid rhythmic foundation, while bright synth textures and shimmering chords gradually expand the arrangement. Rather than relying on dramatic peaks, the track develops organically, allowing its groove to remain the driving force from beginning to end. The delicate vocal adds another layer of warmth without overpowering the production. Sitting naturally alongside the instrumentation, it enhances the record's uplifting atmosphere while preserving the spacious quality of the mix. The result is a production that feels polished and immersive, reflecting the duo's ability to combine emotional songwriting with dancefloor functionality. One of Calcou's defining qualities is their ability to create music that feels both approachable and sophisticated. Drawing on rich electronic production and an instinct for atmosphere, ‘High’ captures that balance through carefully layered arrangements and subtle dynamic shifts. You can also hear the influence of the duo's live performances, where analogue synthesis and live vocals shape their identity, giving the production an organic energy that separates it from more conventional electronic releases. While the track remains firmly within contemporary indie dance territory, its confident songwriting and refined production prevent it from feeling formulaic. ‘High’ succeeds through mood, melody and groove, offering an uplifting electronic record that never sacrifices substance for immediacy. Calcou https://www.instagram.com/calcou.music https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ddylNYaeb9AurS9NqllUc

Fhiga Fhiga takes a groove-first approach on ‘Valley’, delivering a hardgroove record built around rolling percussion, hypnotic repetition and relentless forward momentum. Rather than chasing oversized drops or aggressive sound design, the track keeps its focus on rhythm, allowing carefully layered drums and understated vocal textures to do the heavy lifting. From the opening bars, the percussion establishes the track's identity. Interlocking drum patterns, crisp hats and syncopated grooves create a constant sense of movement, while a weighty kick and driving bassline provide a solid foundation beneath the intricate rhythmic work. The production feels clean and purposeful, with each element occupying its own space without overcrowding the mix. Vocal snippets are used sparingly throughout, functioning more as rhythmic textures than lyrical hooks. Their restrained placement complements the groove rather than interrupting it, adding character while preserving the hypnotic flow. This balance allows the percussion to remain the clear focal point, reinforcing the track's club-first mentality. The arrangement evolves through subtle changes in energy rather than dramatic structural shifts. Additional percussion, filtered elements and small variations in the groove steadily build intensity, making the record well suited to longer DJ blends and sustained dancefloor momentum. It is a confident approach that rewards movement over spectacle. While the track sits comfortably within today's hardgroove resurgence, it avoids feeling derivative through its polished production and disciplined arrangement. There is enough personality in the rhythmic programming to give the record its own identity without straying from the genre's core appeal. 'Valley' is an effective hardgroove release that understands exactly what makes the style work. By placing rhythm at the centre of the production and resisting unnecessary embellishment, Fhiga delivers a focused, high-energy club tool that should translate particularly well in peak-time underground sets. Fhiga https://open.spotify.com/artist/5aiEQhwdOzpoqT5H6wTQ5N

DUARTT ‘A.C.I.D.’ finds DUARTT operating at the intersection of Psytrance and Hard Techno, delivering a relentless club record that prioritises energy, momentum and hypnotic groove. Rather than treating the two genres as separate identities, the production merges their defining characteristics into a cohesive peak-time workout designed for larger sound systems. The track wastes little time establishing its intent. A driving kick drum and rolling bassline provide an uncompromising foundation, while tightly programmed percussion maintains constant forward motion. The groove remains locked throughout, creating the kind of hypnotic energy that encourages long, uninterrupted stretches on the dancefloor. Every rhythmic element feels purposeful, contributing to the record's relentless pace without becoming overcrowded. Acid-inspired synth work provides the track's defining character. TB-303-style sequences twist and evolve across the arrangement, introducing tension through subtle modulation rather than excessive layering. These lines sit comfortably above the powerful low end, adding movement and personality while reinforcing the psychedelic atmosphere that underpins the production. Structurally, ‘A.C.I.D.’ is built with DJs in mind. The arrangement develops through gradual additions and carefully timed transitions, allowing the intensity to build naturally before locking back into its driving groove. While the production remains firmly rooted in familiar Psytrance and Hard Techno conventions, it demonstrates a confident understanding of how to maintain energy without sacrificing clarity or control. Listeners searching for melodic variation may find the track's focus on rhythm and repetition intentionally uncompromising, but that commitment is also what gives it its impact. DUARTT stays true to the record's purpose, delivering a production that feels consistent from beginning to end and avoids unnecessary distractions. ‘A.C.I.D.’ is a powerful fusion of Psytrance and Hard Techno that showcases DUARTT's ability to balance aggression with groove. It is a focused, high-impact release that should appeal to DJs and listeners looking for uncompromising underground club energy. DUARTT https://open.spotify.com/artist/7dmeKOogzRCcTKqUmMkFo3

Stoto Stoto makes a strong first impression on selected. with ‘Stay Until the Morning’, a house release that leans into warmth, melody and understated groove rather than chasing peak-time intensity. The track captures the easy-going energy that has become synonymous with the producer's sound, delivering a polished record that feels equally suited to sunset playlists, open-air sets and relaxed late-night listening. From the outset, the production establishes a smooth rhythmic foundation built around crisp percussion, a rolling bassline and clean, uncluttered drum programming. The groove remains consistent throughout, creating a natural sense of movement without becoming overly busy. Every element is given space to breathe, allowing the arrangement to unfold with a confidence that never feels rushed. Melody plays an equally important role. Soft synth textures and uplifting chord progressions bring warmth to the production, creating an inviting atmosphere that complements the track's relaxed pacing. Rather than relying on dramatic breakdowns or oversized drops, the arrangement develops through subtle layering and small shifts in energy, maintaining interest while preserving its laid-back character. The vocal sits comfortably within the mix, acting as another melodic element rather than dominating the production. Its restrained use reinforces the track's easy-going mood, helping create a cohesive listening experience that remains engaging from beginning to end. This careful balance between vocal, melody and groove is one of the release's greatest strengths. While ‘Stay Until the Morning’ doesn't attempt to reinvent contemporary house music, it succeeds through refined songwriting and polished production. The familiar structure is elevated by thoughtful sound design and a strong understanding of pacing, resulting in a record that feels timeless rather than trend-driven. Stoto delivers exactly what the title suggests: a warm, inviting house track that prioritises atmosphere as much as dancefloor appeal. As a debut on selected., ‘Stay Until the Morning’ is a confident and well-crafted release that should resonate with fans of melodic, feel-good electronic music. Stoto https://instagram.com/stotomusic https://open.spotify.com/artist/41kcR4JVrpn1xifg8lM2Fu

MOGYLE MOGYLE's ‘Crazy’ is a dark and immersive electronic production that explores the emotional pull of obsession through carefully layered melodies, driving rhythms and a steadily evolving arrangement. Sitting comfortably within the melodic house and progressive electronic space, the track favours atmosphere and tension over immediate dancefloor spectacle, creating a listening experience that grows more compelling as it unfolds. The production is anchored by a powerful low end that provides constant forward momentum without overpowering the mix. Crisp percussion and understated rhythmic details keep the groove moving, while spacious synth textures gradually expand around the drums, adding emotional depth without sacrificing club functionality. The balance between melodic elements and driving rhythm is one of the record's strongest qualities, allowing each section to develop naturally. Vocals are used effectively to reinforce the track's central theme. Rather than serving as a conventional pop hook, they become part of the wider soundscape, adding emotional weight while blending seamlessly into the production. Their presence creates an ongoing sense of tension that contrasts with the more uplifting melodic passages, reflecting the push and pull suggested by the title. The arrangement demonstrates confidence in its pacing, introducing new layers gradually instead of relying on oversized drops or dramatic structural shifts. This measured progression keeps the listener engaged while maintaining the hypnotic quality that defines the record. Although those looking for a more immediate payoff may find its restrained approach less direct, the slower build ultimately strengthens the emotional impact. Throughout the track, MOGYLE shows a clear understanding of modern melodic electronic production. The sound design feels polished, transitions are smooth, and every element contributes to a cohesive atmosphere that never feels overcrowded. ‘Crazy’ succeeds by committing fully to its mood, offering a thoughtful blend of melodic house, progressive influences and club-ready energy. It is a confident release that demonstrates both technical control and a strong sense of musical identity, leaving a lasting impression through subtlety rather than excess. MOGYLE https://open.spotify.com/artist/1gioMkc1ug0ex0Ka47g2Kt

Michael Grandel Michael Grandel's ‘Keep Up’ is a functional techno production that places rhythm and momentum firmly at the centre of its identity. Built with club environments in mind, the track focuses on delivering sustained energy through driving percussion, weighty bass and a clean, uncluttered arrangement that gives DJs plenty of room to work with. A solid kick drum forms the backbone of the production, supported by rolling percussion that maintains a relentless sense of forward motion. Rather than relying on frequent melodic changes, the track uses subtle rhythmic variations and carefully layered drum elements to keep the groove evolving. This restrained approach helps maintain tension while ensuring the record remains locked into its hypnotic pulse. The low end carries plenty of weight without overwhelming the mix, creating a powerful foundation that should translate well on larger sound systems. Sparse vocal elements are used effectively, adding texture without distracting from the rhythmic focus. The result is a production that feels purposeful, allowing the percussion and bassline to remain the driving forces throughout. Structurally, ‘Keep Up’ is well suited to DJ use. Its gradual progression and measured arrangement make it an effective tool for building momentum during warm-up sets or bridging between more intense moments. While the track stays within familiar techno territory and doesn't seek to reinvent the genre, its polished execution and understanding of club dynamics help it stand apart from more formulaic productions. Listeners looking for bold melodic hooks or experimental sound design may find the approach intentionally understated, but that simplicity works in the track's favour. Michael Grandel demonstrates a clear understanding of pacing, groove and dancefloor functionality, delivering a record that remains engaging through consistency rather than constant reinvention. ‘Keep Up’ is a confident techno release that prioritises rhythm, precision and usability, making it a dependable addition to DJs' record bags and an enjoyable listen for fans of groove-led underground techno. Michael Grandel https://instagram.com/michael.grandel https://open.spotify.com/artist/2MfhQk0TS87isKShxWSrCs

Meanetik ‘Love Language’ finds Meanetik embracing the quieter side of house music, delivering a release that values atmosphere, melody and patience over instant dancefloor impact. Blending elements of deep house, lo-fi house and melodic house, the track unfolds with confidence, creating an immersive listening experience that feels equally suited to solitary headphone sessions and intimate club environments. From the outset, warm synth textures establish the record's emotional tone. Expansive pads and evolving melodic layers sit comfortably above a pulsing bassline, while restrained percussion provides enough movement to maintain momentum without pulling focus from the track's atmospheric character. Every element feels carefully balanced, allowing the arrangement to breathe naturally as it develops. The understated vocal plays an important role without becoming the centrepiece. Rather than driving the song through lyrical repetition, it functions as another texture within the mix, reinforcing the intimate mood while preserving the instrumental's spacious quality. This subtle approach helps the production avoid unnecessary excess, allowing its strongest ideas to emerge gradually. One of the track's greatest strengths is its sense of restraint. Instead of relying on dramatic drops or obvious hooks, Meanetik builds emotion through layering and carefully controlled progression. The arrangement rewards attentive listening, with small production details and evolving harmonies revealing themselves over repeated plays. While listeners searching for bigger moments may find its understated nature too reserved, the commitment to mood gives the record a distinctive identity. The production remains polished throughout, balancing organic warmth with modern electronic precision. Its combination of melodic sophistication and groove makes it versatile enough for a variety of listening environments, from warm-up DJ sets to late-night listening away from the dancefloor. ‘Love Language’ is a thoughtfully crafted release that demonstrates Meanetik's ability to create atmosphere without sacrificing rhythm. By prioritising subtlety and emotional depth, the track leaves a lasting impression through careful songwriting rather than sheer intensity. Meanetik https://open.spotify.com/artist/1UgN7n2FZqB48m0Eh2w0HE

‘Give Me A Moment’ sees DJ Al Dente take a refreshingly restrained approach to electronic music, building a track around atmosphere, pacing and subtle emotional tension rather than immediate dancefloor impact. The result is a production that encourages listeners to settle into its slower evolution, rewarding patience with carefully layered detail and a strong sense of space. The groove develops gradually, anchored by understated percussion and a warm low-end that provides gentle momentum without dominating the arrangement. Instead of chasing constant energy, the production leaves room for silence and dynamics to become part of the composition, allowing individual sounds to carry greater weight. This measured pacing gives the track a contemplative quality that feels equally suited to late-night listening and deeper club settings. The repeating vocal phrase becomes the emotional centre of the record. Used sparingly, it reinforces the theme suggested by the title without becoming overly literal or repetitive. Rather than functioning as a traditional hook, the vocal acts as another atmospheric layer, blending naturally into the surrounding instrumentation and helping shape the reflective mood. Textural detail is one of the release's greatest strengths. Subtle melodic elements, spacious effects and carefully controlled transitions create an immersive soundscape that unfolds organically from beginning to end. The arrangement avoids unnecessary flourishes, instead trusting its atmosphere and groove to hold the listener's attention. That confidence pays off, resulting in a production that feels cohesive and thoughtfully constructed. The accompanying Ben Cotto remix offers a complementary perspective, introducing deeper melodic textures and expansive reverberant spaces while preserving the emotional core of the original. Rolling rhythms and refined production make it a fitting counterpart, broadening the release without losing sight of its understated identity. Together, the two versions form a well-balanced package that places mood and musicality ahead of instant gratification. ‘Give Me A Moment’ demonstrates that restraint can often be just as compelling as intensity, delivering a release that quietly earns its impact over repeated listens. DJ Al Dente https://open.spotify.com/artist/3XXVReQEXSJlmhSfbeY0qP