Osheaga – Top Festival for Eclectic Music Lovers

By David Mann

Last weekend was special for a variety of reasons. For one, it was the first event I've attended since COVID; for another, Osheaga featured a few key names I'd been eyeing for some time and couldn't wait to see. Amelie Lens, a breakout star from the techno scene, was headlining day 1 and was one of the top names on my list. Kettama headlined day 2 and has quickly vaulted to the top of my playlists with his mishmash of styles, which includes techno, breakbeat, and UK bass. Finally, Subtronics has risen through the bass ranks for years, and that climb has recently culminated in top headline slots all across the world. He has become a force to be reckoned with, crossing over from niche headliner to mainstage mainstay. His fast-twitch style — mixing popular track clips with massive bass interludes — played remarkably well with the crowd. Let's dive into the highlights.

Day 1

The xx

The xx triumphed, showcasing their biggest tracks while offering dance-beat breakdowns that got the crowd moving. A lot of the credit for the dance blend in their sound can be traced back to Jamie xx, who stands on his own as a well-known producer when he's not touring with the band. The first half of the set was filled with well-known tracks from their discography, but they pumped up the volume in the second half with fast breakbeats, delivering full-on dance beats on command. Hybrid acts like The xx are a beautiful thing, as they expose fans who aren't normally accustomed to EDM.

Amelie Lens

Amelie Lens closed the stage at Osheaga to an all-too-willing crowd that had long awaited the moment. Amelie doesn't usually venture out to these parts, so when I saw her listed as one of this year's headliners, she became one of the reasons I absolutely had to go. Her energy is contagious and her beats even more so, inviting you to dance and leave your inhibitions behind. She really let us have it with the heavy techno: this was not the more accessible, vocal-friendly Amelie Lens — this was Ibiza-at-3-a.m. vibes. She even ventured into psy-trance territory with "Rainbow Body" by West Galaxy and Akasha. She brought the heat with "Domino" by Oxia (Space 92 remix) and "Proton" by Space 92, a brand-new release. Amelie dropped more fresh tracks, including one by Franco Smith called "Misil," a solid techno belter. One of the closers was also a fresh release on Armada Music, titled "1998," by the legendary Paul Oakenfold with Marie Vaunt and Binary Finary. The last track was the classic "Falling for You" by Amelie Lens, ending an amazing set with a rare vocal reprise that sent the day 1 crowd off smiling.

Day 2

Zulan

Pairing big hip hop tracks with dance beats never felt so good as when Zulan delivered her mashup set, which the sold-out Osheaga crowd adored. She brought about 100 people on stage to bring the energy, and it worked — everyone was hyped. Zulan kept the energy up and jumped up and down the entire time with a smile on her face. A highlight was a special mashup with Drake's "Janice STFU." I had no expectations heading into her set and came away impressed.

Kettama

Kettama is a relatively new name in this part of the world, but the 29-year-old from Galway, Ireland, who has since relocated to London, has actually been DJing since the age of 17. He made quick work of winning over the crowd, who were hyped from beginning to end. The beats were relentless, with some beautiful vocals including his remix of Calvin Harris's "Blessings." Kettama's set shone with his own productions — an obvious statement, I know, but the crowd was knowledgeable and seemed acquainted with all of his big tracks. The enthusiasm was infectious; you could hear cheers between drops during "The Miracle Makers" by Kettama and Ewan McVicar. This set up his run of big hits, which were absolute belters, starting with "Pretty Green Eyes." Kettama's confidence in cutting the first vocal drop and letting the crowd chant it confirmed that this was clearly a Kettama crowd. That was followed by one of his biggest hits and a personal favourite of mine, "It Gets Better." The track reminds me of Underworld's vibe, and Kettama strikes me as the inevitable next big act from that region, carrying the torch of the UK sound. Winding down his set, he went old-school UK with Robert Miles's "Children." Kettama then threw in a wild hip hop track, "4 Raws" by EsDeeKid, taking everyone by surprise. The drop was absolutely dirty, with the bass at 11 and reverberating throughout the stage. The last 10 to 15 minutes were an ID fest, and we all loved it. Kettama was a highlight of the festival.

Day 3

Subtronics

Day 3 was a wet affair all day, but that didn't stop the crowd from coming out and bringing the energy. The Osheaga crowd had been listening to more vocals and chiller vibes throughout the day, including the sultry sounds of SG Lewis on the electronic stage. When it was dark and time for Subtronics to take the stage, he descended like an alien from outer space and delivered a sound not yet heard by the masses at Osheaga. He brought the bass to 11 and the energy to the red line from minute one. One of the first bangers was a "Titanium" remix/mashup that combined absolutely nasty bass drops with Sia's beautiful vocals from the David Guetta original. The mashups continued, combining bass drops with classics like the Black Eyed Peas' "My Humps" and Bruno Mars's "Locked Out of Heaven," along with clips from well-known hits by Daft Punk, Vanessa Carlton, Rihanna, and even House of Pain. When he played Skrillex's "Cinema" and combined it with what I believe to be a MUST DIE! remix of "Maze of Punishment" by SVDDEN DEATH, I did think for a moment that maybe, just maybe, Subtronics is the natural successor to Skrillex. Jesse praised the crowd multiple times, and the crowd paid the love back in kind. Subtronics was the best set of Osheaga.

Overall

Osheaga proved once again why it is the best festival in Canada, delivering a lineup that combines vastly popular names like Zara Larsson and Lorde with the likes of Subtronics and Kettama. If you have a varied and eclectic taste in music, you'll love Osheaga. Nestled right in the middle of the city, Parc Jean-Drapeau is a natural oasis, offering plenty of trees and greenery between the massive stages. If you've never been to Osheaga, I highly advise you make plans for next year.

FVDED 2026 Review: Still Dancing Through the Next Era

By Ryan Hayes

A New Era, A Different Perspective

When the lineup was initially announced, we declared FVDED 2026 the beginning of a bold new era for the festival. Having now experienced the weekend in full, I can confidently say it delivered. It was a stronger, more evenly curated festival experience, with exciting artists and memorable moments scattered throughout the depth of the lineup.

But experiencing a festival at this stage of life comes with a different set of considerations. The excitement remains unchanged, the curiosity perhaps even stronger, but the body keeps a very different score.

All photos by Ryan Hayes

After pushing through more than fourteen hours of music, one of the biggest adjustments this year was the additional 3,000 attendees. Raising the daily capacity to 27,000 made the mainstage onslaught feel untenable after 7 p.m. Maybe it’s my old knees, the fading energy of youth long past—but I stood in the thick of Kx5 in 2024 and Subtronics in 2025, and the sea of bodies never felt quite this crushing.

From that perspective, VIP has become a necessity for any aging raver looking to attend FVDED’s annual Neverland experience. Escaping the doldrums of responsibility comes at a cost, and VIP is the gatekeeper to a successful weekend.

Not only does it grant access to a palatial raised viewing platform overlooking the mainstage, complete with dedicated food trucks and washrooms, but the VIP areas at both the Forest Stage and Northwest Tent are functionally on stage, providing a priceless vantage point where you truly feel immersed in the music and energy alongside the artists.

The Forest Stage: FVDED’s Hidden Crown Jewel

While the mainstage was timestamped with an expiration and the Northwest Tent frequently overflowed into a zone where bass from multiple stages blended together, the Forest Stage remained resolute. Over the last two years it has emerged as the king of the festival, boasting the most dialed-in programming, immaculate artist flow, stellar atmosphere, and the most welcoming—least cramped—crowds.

Champion (photo by Ryan Hayes)

The day one run of Champion, OMNOM, and MPH was the festival’s finest stretch of cohesive, wildly talented programming. Champion drew a crowd early for his first Vancouver appearance, with high spirits and infectious energy from the outset. OMNOM followed with a groove-first set built on chunky, low-slung basslines that prized rhythm above all else. MPH then brought it all home, cranking up the BPM and emphasizing relentless propulsion as he delivered his take on UK garage.

Day One: Legacy Meets the Next Wave

Outside of the Forest Stage, the mainstage still offered two major standouts on day one. After a two-year hiatus, GRiZ returned with an assertive sense of confidence, perfectly blending bass and soul. If his summer 2026 festival run was meant to serve as both a proving ground and springboard into the next era of his career, he absolutely crushed it. The set was wild, charismatic, and just funky enough to distinguish itself from the rest of the bass scene. On a personal note, I’ll always have a lingering preference for the more laid-back, funk-forward, jam-heavy version of GRiZ—but I understand there’s a time and place for both.

FISHER closed out night one, and heading into the set he was working from a deficit. I was exhausted, sore from hours of wandering the grounds, and honestly ready to call it a night. The personal hype just wasn’t there. I told myself I’d give him fifteen minutes—I stayed for the entire set.

In the four years since I last saw FISHER, he has fully honed the raw personality and relentlessly playful energy that make him a true festival headliner. After FVDED, I’m convinced he has become the face of modern festival house. By stripping the genre down to its most infectious ingredients—swaggering basslines, cheeky vocal hooks, and perfectly timed drops—he has mastered crowd phycology and distilled it into a signature blueprint that transforms a field of strangers into one massive communal celebration. It was just fun, and for an hour and a half I completely forgot I was coming unglued.

Day Two: Discovery Pays the Biggest Dividends

Breaking the seal on day two seemed, frankly, impossible…but that’s the unspoken contract of festival weekends: your body may be begging for mercy, but the music doesn’t care. Take the Advil, consume the caffeine, hydrate aggressively, refuel, and dive back into the depths of wobbles and synths with the reckless optimism of someone convinced they can absolutely do this again.

It may seem like the obvious choice, but the battle was real, and in hindsight—always worth it. Day two was less even keeled than day one but it brought higher individual moments, including my favourite set of the weekend.

Effin took my number one spot this year. Front to back, no notes. Slow waves of bass washed over the Forest Stage as he guided us on a carefully constructed journey through the heavier side of electronic music. A collision of heavy drops and intricate production, his set was one-part modern bass, one-part dreamy cerebral whimsy. The sun was out, my energy was at its peak, and Effin effortlessly punched a hole through the monotony that can creep into bass music’s sound design.

From there, it was off to the Northwest Tent, which was wildly overflowing for both Odd Mob and BUNT. While I’d always appreciated the occasional Odd Mob production, FVDED solidified him as a force to be reckoned with. His set was fluid, blurring the line between multiple genres—refreshingly unpredictable, and always groove-forward.

BUNT. took over the tent immediately afterward, and to say his charisma could hold down an arena would be an understatement. His stage presence was beyond infectious, oozing pure joy and an unmistakable zest for life. It was impossible not to get caught up in his set. Along with Effin, BUNT. is my biggest permanent playlist addition after this year’s festival.

The Next Generation Takes the Stage

As with day one, the mainstage was my least frequented, with Oppidan and Dom Dolla being the only artists I truly experienced there. Oppidan’s consummate mixing and track selection were second to none, reinforcing one of my biggest takeaways from the weekend: come early. I didn’t get to see enough of her set—the aforementioned near failure to launch—but the extra space at the mainstage and the greater opportunity for discovery make arriving early essential.

Dom Dolla closed the festival and delivered a proper house thrashing. No gimmicks, no unnecessary theatrics—just expertly paced dancefloor energy, and relentless grooves from start to finish. Unfortunately his set also came with my biggest festival regret: not seeing more of Levity B2B Wooli. But the fact that I never seriously considered leaving is a testament to the quality of what Dom was building.

More than anything, he seemed genuinely taken aback by the size and energy of the crowd. It didn't feel rehearsed or obligatory—it felt authentic. That connection translated directly into the performance. Armed with an arsenal of originals and remixes now stretching back nearly a decade, Dom Dolla has firmly stepped into the role of modern EDM headliner. He's emblematic of a new generation finally taking the mantle, ensuring dance music continues to evolve without losing sight of what makes thousands of strangers want to move together in the first place.

Still Dancing

For a festival built around the idea of a new era, that might have been the most fitting conclusion. The names may change, the sound may evolve, and the knees may get a little worse—but the feeling remains exactly the same. FVDED 2026 wasn’t about recreating a golden age; it was about proving one might still be unfolding. Trust the curation, embrace discovery, and let the next wave prove why they belong.

FVDED 2026: Day 2 Must-See Acts

By Ryan Hayes

Some festivals are built around the names at the top of the poster. FVDED has increasingly become something else entirely —a place where discovery and nostalgia coexist, where familiar favourites share space with artists on the verge of defining the next era of dance music. 2026 marks the beginning of FVDED’s confident new era, and there is no looking back.

As the festival returns to Holland Park for another summer, one thing feels certain: Blueprint continues to lean into curiosity. Beyond the marquee names lies a deep roster of artists shaping the current moment in dance music and hinting at where the culture is headed next. Unapologetically tuned to movement FVDED rewards those willing to arrive early, wander between stages, and trust the process.

Without further ado, these are the four artists we think deserve a spot on your day 2 schedule.

Oppidan

Oppidan’s rise to prominence within the UK Garage scene has been singular, marked not only by her production prowess but also by her technical abilities behind the decks. She has evolved the traditional garage sound, taking the genre's signature shuffle and basslines and injecting them with fresh energy. Her tracks feel effortless—combining playful, bouncy grooves, infectious vocal chops, and irresistible momentum that keeps festival audiences moving. Come for the energy, leave a fan.

Breakout Release: MR. SANDMAN

Oppidan · Oppidan - Mr. Sandman

On Repeat: hold tight

Oppidan · hold tight

Effin

Effin’s productions are unique. Each release is stamped with an indelible sonic signature. A fresh take is rare within EDM’s trend-chasing nature, and that is exactly what allowed Effin to break through. His rise has been fuelled by a sound that feels both nostalgic and original, quickly establishing him as one of bass music's fastest-rising names. Drawing inspiration from vintage analog aesthetics and combining them with modern dubstep's heaviest tendencies, his productions are instantly recognizable. Effin has built a style entirely his own, balancing inventive sampling, technical sound design, and raw energy without ever sacrificing personality. If you're looking for bass music that pushes beyond the genre's usual boundaries, put Effin at the forefront of your festival experience.

Breakout Release: Cheese

Effin · Effin - Cheese

On Repeat: Ups & Downs (with Tape B) –honestly just listen to his Daydreams LP all the way through. It’s a vibe.

Tape B · Effin x Tape B - Ups and Downs

In his own words—why this set’s one you won’t want to miss:

“It’s my first time playing FVDED! Canada repeatedly has some of the best crowds that are open to anything and everything - my set is filled to the brim with flips of my biggest songs and IDs of new ones. Really want to go for some ups and downs (intended) on this one - really vibey moments and then some crazy energy edits. Going to be a blast.”

— Effin

ALLEYCVT

ALLEYCVT's original productions blend sultry pop-leaning vocals with heavyweight drops and deadly intricate electro-inspired sound design. It is an effortless balance of melody and aggression that allows her to stand out from the pack of rising bass acts. Just when a track pulls you in with an infectious melody, she's ready to flip the switch and unleash pure chaos. Come prepared to experience excessive bass face, captivating vocal hooks, and massive energy.

Breakout Release: FALL INTO YOU

ALLEYCVT · FALL INTO YOU

On Repeat: ALIVE

ALLEYCVT · ALIVE

In her own words—why this set’s one you won’t want to miss:

“I’m really excited for FVDED this year, this will be my first time playing this festival! Every time I build a set months after a headline tour, my sets seem to evolve and become more refined, I feel like that’s exactly where I’m at right now. I’m so excited to come back to Canada again and experience the amazing energy you guys have!”

— ALLEYCVT

ODD MOB

Over the last thirteen-plus years, Odd Mob's rise from Australian club favourite to global dance music heavyweight has been a story of persistence, with true international prominence not arriving until the release of Left to Right in 2022. Four years later, Odd Mob sits at the forefront of house music's new wave of talent. What makes his trajectory particularly impressive is that the momentum never stalled; each successive release has only further cemented his status as one of the genre's defining modern acts. His genre-blurring approach utilizes house to its fullest extent as an umbrella, seamlessly integrating tech and bass influences. His sets are built around infectious grooves, smart vocal sampling, and a genuine sense of fun. If you're looking for one of the surest bets for dancefloor satisfaction all weekend, start here.

Breakout Release: Left to Right

Odd Mob · LEFT TO RIGHT (Extended)

On Repeat: Losing Control

Odd Mob · Odd Mob & OMNOM - Losing Control

FVDED 2026 is about more than just checking headliners off a list. It's about discovery, connection, and the moments you never saw coming. This year, give yourself permission to wander. Catch the artist whose name you've never heard, follow the crowd toward a stage you weren't planning to visit, and trust your curiosity. The future of dance music isn't found in a single set—it reveals itself across an entire weekend of unexpected moments. Whether you're there for the music, the community, or the collective escape that only festivals can provide, FVDED 2026 is an opportunity to experience something new. Your weekend, built one set at a time.

FVDED 2026: Looking Beyond The Headliners - Four Essential Day One Sets

By Ryan Hayes

Some festivals are built around the names at the top of the poster. FVDED has increasingly become something else entirely —a place where discovery and nostalgia coexist, where familiar favourites share space with artists on the verge of defining the next era of dance music. 2026 marks the beginning of FVDED’s confident new era, and there is no looking back.

As the festival returns to Holland Park for another summer, one thing feels certain: Blueprint continues to lean into curiosity. Beyond the marquee names lies a deep roster of artists shaping the current moment in dance music and hinting at where the culture is headed next. Unapologetically tuned to movement FVDED rewards those willing to arrive early, wander between stages, and trust the process.

Without further ado, these are the four artists we think deserve a spot on your day 1 schedule.

Champion

Champion

Having spent years at the forefront of the UK's underground dance scene, building a reputation around his unmistakable low-end basslines and rhythmic patterns, Champion easily lands at the top of our Day 1 recommendations. Moving effortlessly between House, UK-inspired Bass-Funk, and Grime influences, his productions are equal parts peak-energy weapons and a modern masterclass in communal groove. Champion's true distinguishing factor is his ability to push UK club music forward while remaining firmly rooted in the underground. Expect heavyweight bass, infectious rhythms, and a dancefloor that rarely stands still. Put Champion at the top of your Day 1 list.

Breakout Release: Lighter

Champion · Lighter

On Repeat: Talk To Me

Champion · Champion, Four Tet, Skrillex & Naisha - Talk To Me

In his own words—why this set’s one you won’t want to miss:

“Will be my first time ever in Vancouver & I’m so excited!
I’m coming with loads of new dubs for the set plus my collabs with
Sammy Virji, Interplanetary Criminal, Skrillex, Four Tet & more.
Expect high energy & loads of vibes!”

— Champion

Devault

DEVAULT

Right from the beginning DEVAULT has followed his own unique path. Looking back nearly a decade, many early fans first discovered him through his acclaimed remix of DJ Snake’s “A Different Way.” The remix plays as more of a reimagining shifting the emotional core of the original separating DEVAULT from the pack and highlighting his restraint as a producer to not simply chase drops. Since then, he has spent years refining his sound. Blending cinematic emotionally charged atmospheres, nostalgic synth work, and melodies with club-ready energy, DEVAULT’s set is required at viewing.

Breakout Release: A Different Way (DEVAULT Remix)

DJ SNAKE · A Different Way (DEVAULT Remix) [feat. Lauv]

On Repeat: Feels Like Us

Experts Only · Devault - Feels Like Us [Extended Mix]

In his own words—why this set’s one you won’t want to miss:

“My live set is where I get to bring my entire world to life. With a ton of new music on the way, this show will be one of the first chances to experience what’s next, alongside the records that got us here. If you’re looking to discover something new and be part of a moment before everyone else catches on, don’t miss it.”

— Devault

mph

MPH

Few UKG artists have generated as much momentum on the global stage as MPH. His sound effortlessly blends smooth grooves with high-energy bassline influences, resulting in tracks that are as infectious as they are energetic. Following sold-out tours across multiple continents and releases on many of the scene's most influential labels, MPH has firmly established himself as one of the scene’s most promising exports. If you want a glimpse of the mainstream future of UKG, MPH is one of the strongest bets on the entire lineup. The melodies are catchy, the grooves are undeniable, and his set should resonate with far more than just the UKG faithful.

Breakout Release: Control

The Wub Club · MPH - Control

On Repeat: Flex It

MPH · Flex It

Layla Benitez

Layla Benitez

Layla Benitez's rise has been rapid, but she has been immersed in dance music her entire life. She possesses an unusually refined—almost classical—understanding of house music and what makes a dancefloor move. As her sets unfold, she builds atmosphere and maintains tension, forming an unspoken bond between the audience and her vision. Her sound is an amalgamation of indie dance, and melodic techno, combining 80s-inspired synth work, soulful basslines, and brooding undertones. The result is uniquely Layla. If you're looking to lose yourself in a journey rather than a drop, Layla Benitez is essential viewing.

Breakout Release: Fides

Layla Benitez · Fides [Crosstown Rebels]

On Repeat: Broken Love

When We Dip · Premiere: Layla Benitez - Broken Love ft. Frýnn [Zamna Records]

In her own words—why this set’s one you won’t want to miss:

“This is my first time playing FVDED in the Park, so I’m really excited to bring my sound to Vancouver. It feels especially meaningful to do it in Canada since my mom is Canadian.

My sets are a reflection of where I’m at right now as an artist: melodic, emotional, a little darker, but still built for big dancefloor and festival moments.

More than anything, I’m excited to connect with the crowd and make the set feel like something people will really remember.
”

— Layla Benitez

FVDED 2026 is about more than just checking headliners off a list. It's about discovery, connection, and the moments you never saw coming. This year, give yourself permission to wander. Catch the artist whose name you've never heard, follow the crowd toward a stage you weren't planning to visit, and trust your curiosity. The future of dance music isn't found in a single set—it reveals itself across an entire weekend of unexpected moments. Whether you're there for the music, the community, or the collective escape that only festivals can provide, FVDED 2026 is an opportunity to experience something new. Your weekend, built one set at a time.

Soulrise Arrives: Anyma's Canadian Debut Is A Landmark Moment for Vancouver Dance Music

By Ryan Hayes

Some events feel like another stop on a tour. Others feel like a statement.

Soulrise Music Festival’s inarguable outing falls firmly into the latter category.

On August 29, 2026 Soulrise is set to transform Ambleside Park in West Vancouver into an open-air celebration of melodic techno and immersive audio-visual storytelling. The vision is simple, pair Anyma, the figurehead of dance music's most significant of the moment movement, to a breathtaking seaside location. Add a talented roster of support…

Impeccable.

Why Soulrise Matters

Dance music is constantly evolving. The cultural cachet of both genres and artists within the fickle world of dance music ebb and flow with each festival season. But every so often an artist breaks through and emerges as an enduring symbol of a particular moment within the culture.

Right now, that artist is Anyma.

Leading the boom in melodic techno Anyma’s performances have evolved beyond DJ sets. They are experiences. A fusion of technology & storytelling interwoven into a tapestry of techno.

Soulrise matters because it marks Anyma's first-ever Canadian performance & only his thirteenth AEDEN showing. Outside of the Coachella premiere Soulrise is currently his only remaining 2026 show in all North American.

That’s impactful.

Fans are known to travel across borders to see his headline appearances. Entire vacations are planned around his shows. We have no doubt that Soulrise will be an international affair with attendees converging from across Canada and the Pacific Northwest.

The setting only amplifies the booking. As mountains begin to silhouette against the evening sky, and crisp air cuts the summer heat, Anyma will take the stage to a backdrop that is singular.

The Supporting Cast

While Anyma may be the gravitational center of the festival, the rest of the lineup showcases some of the most influential and fastest-rising names in melodic house and techno. ARGY and Kevin de Vries bring the powerful, cinematic sounds that have helped define the genre's modern era. Korolova has become one of the scene's breakout stars, earning a global following through uplifting, melodic productions and tracks like "Be Strong." Son of Son arrives with serious momentum, earning production credits on Anyma's "Voices In My Head" and contributing to several of ARGY's most celebrated releases. Their sound blends atmospheric textures, rich melodies, and driving grooves.

Bottom line…don't wait

Between Anyma's first Canadian appearance, the beautiful ocean side location, and the growing international attention surrounding the supporting artists, demand will be high.

Presale begins Monday, June 8 at 12:00 PM PT, with the general on-sale following on Tuesday, June 9 at 12:00 PM PT.

For Vancouver, Soulrise is a proof of concept. It signifies that the city can, and should, host globally significant dance music events aimed at attracting attention far beyond Canada's borders.

For fans, it's a chance to witness a defining artist, at a defining moment, in a setting that feels almost impossibly beautiful.

See you by the water.