FVDED 2025: Bigger, Bolder & Built for Discovery — Meet 4 Must-See Day One Acts

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By Ryan Hayes

Last year’s edition of FVDED was all about the big names, & this year is about discoverability. In just over a month, 60 artists will descend on Holland Park—up 12 from 2024. It’s Blueprint’s largest festival to date.

A fourth stage—Propagate—has been added, allowing for a more diverse array of soundscapes from across the dance music spectrum. Propagate will serve as a platform dedicated to spotlighting emerging talent and underground sounds, taking over where FVDED Lab left off in 2022.

This year will also feature a new and improved Forest Stage experience. Last year, the vibes were high—both in front of the stage and tucked away, vibing in the trees.

The festival still holds heavyweights. The godfather himself—Tiesto—is tackling Friday night along with trap don RL Grime, and Canadian icon Kaytranada.

But 2025 is about diversifying and discovery.

Without further ado, these are EDM Canada’s four Day 1 artists you can’t miss:

Zingara

In 2022, Zingara released ‘Astra,’ a seven-minute-long space odyssey through torrents of absorbing bass focused on inward reflection and self-actualization. Grab your best pair of headphones, close your eyes, and lock in. Her productions are hypnotic, often with ethereal vocals—and her releases have been relentless over the last three years. Her set is sure to weave a bass tapestry unlike most festival attendees have experienced.

Breakout release: Astra

On Repeat: Mind & Body EP Mix

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

“Get ready to enter my ethereal realm ~ my FVDED set is a full sensory journey through energy and intention. Expect deep drops and spiritual vibes you won’t forget. Don't miss out!! <3”

HoneyLuv

The long and winding road that led Taylor to the creation of HoneyLuv is one of a kind; from a young NCAA basketball star to four years in the Navy, to BBC Radio 1’s Future Star of 2023 and a DJ Mag Breakthrough Producer award. HoneyLuv represents the heart and soul of house music: deep rolling basslines, soulful hooks, and a hypnotic progression. Her sets create a steady, rhythmic build—classic house music energy with modern swagger.

Breakout release: 365 (Thr33 6ix 5ive)

On Repeat: Sway & Fever

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

“Life is crazy. I'm so excited to be sharing the space with these other dope artists and feeling their energy. It’s going to be a day of just vibing, making unforgettable memories, and liberation. I have some fire new tracks I’m hyped to play and I just know the crowd is going to be insane. The countdown to the park is on, I can’t wait to see everyone dancing!”

Me N ü

Out of the solitude and isolation caused by Covid, twin sisters rose to prominence through exploring hopeful soundscapes. With an ear for positivity, they sought to create something bright in a dark time. Although their first release dropped in March 2024, and their first-ever festival slot was seven months ago, the duo’s authenticity has propelled them forward at an accelerated rate. Their uplifting melodies and emotive lyrics are sure to bring a bright spot at FVDED.

Breakout release: JUMP

On Repeat: WONDER

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

"Summertime festivals are home to some of our best memories, and our FVDED set is built to reflect that. We’re mixing nostalgic house favorites with our most loved remixes and originals to bring our signature Hope House sound. Can’t wait to see you there."

D.O.D

Over the last decade-plus, D.O.D’s sound has shifted dramatically—maneuvering seamlessly through electro, big-room, his own subgenre ‘future jack,’ and most recently, melodic house with a slant towards progressive. His sets are high energy, the vocals are silky smooth, and the synths are soaring. D.O.D began DJing at local clubs and bars when he was just fifteen in 1995, and it shows—he is an expert at his craft behind the decks, and his hour set is sure to melt away, leaving attendees smiling and energized.

Breakout release: More Cowbell

On Repeat: Somedays

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

“I LOVE playing in Canada, the crowd energy is always at 100% so I’m absolutely buzzing to be playing for the first time ever at FVDED. I’ve been in the studio non stop recently working on some exclusive bangers for my festival sets around the world and the only way you’ll get to hear these is if you come and see me play!” 

FVDED 2025 is about more than just the headliners—it’s about the energy, the community, and the shared love of a sound. This year, lean in with the spirit of discovery. Step outside your refined taste, catch a set from an artist you’ve never seen, and let yourself be surprised. Whether you’re there for the music, the vibes, or to be part of the communal escapism—FVDED 2025 is your chance to explore the future of the scene while basking in the aura of legends. Your weekend, built one set at a time.

To buy tickets to FVDED 2025 - click here

Open Radius Day One Delivered on Every Front

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By Ryan Hayes

Day One of Open Radius was a vibe. The audience’s energy was immaculate—yes it was bolstered by the stellar acts, but the communal umbrella of house music was the driving force behind the event's air of camaraderie.

From traditional ‘raver’ attire to North Face rain jackets and blundstones everyone was welcome. Entry was smooth, the bars/bathrooms were ample, and the food trucks didn’t have outrageous lines. 

The festival's secondary stage, Propagate, dripped with an organic throwback aura. There was a sense that you were with a group of friends experiencing an impromptu party in an isolated location. It was intimate and authentic. Everyone there was looking to get lost in the music and the energy was both welcoming and contagious. 

Nic Fanciulli drew an early crowd to the mainstage. His new single ‘Hold On,’ only released 24 hours earlier was a hit, and everyone was primed for Gorgon City.

By the time Gorgon City was underway the weather had begun to turn. Moody skies, biting wind, and a mainstage backdropped with trees rustling and whispering through gusts of wind—a Vancouver May long special. Despite rain intermittently peppering the audience the crowd swelled undeterred by the weather. House heads were out in force, nothing was going to get in their way. 

Gorgon City’s pacing was on point, and they really ramped up the tempo for the back half of their set. The duo’s original productions ‘Voodoo,’ ‘5AM at Bagleys,’ and ‘All That You Need’ were all high points. Near the end of their set they dropped their newest release, ‘Run It Back,’ and an audible pop rippled through the crowd.  

Summit took the stage just before 8:30pm and hit the ground running; everyone had already settled in and embraced the BPM.

At this point in John Summit’s career there can be no doubt that he deserves to sit atop any festival lineup. His arsenal of modern anthems is unrivalled, his style of house is malleable (trance/DnB/bass all woven seamlessly) and his personality is magnetic.

The Alok remix of ‘Focus’ & the Odd Mob remix of ‘Palm Of My Hand’ crushed. And it was a true moment to see thousands sing along to Delirum’s nearly 30-year-old track ‘Silence.’ Summit’s newly minted remix modernizes the track for 2025 and festival goers have clearly not tired of, or forgotten, the chorus.

The night came to a close with ‘Where You Are,’ ‘Gas Pedal Remix,’ & ‘Go back.’ Two years after its release, ‘Where You Are’ still hits as a euphoric unifying anthem destined to be remembered as a certified top tier classic.

This may only be the second iteration of Open Radius, but the festival already feels fully realized and mature. See you next year. Rain or shine. Count me in.

LSR/CITY: Gareth Emery’s Dystopian Dancefloor Masterpiece

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By Ryan Hayes

Last Saturday night, Gareth Emery welcomed 7,000 attendees into his technicolor opus. Like Willy Wonka opening the gates to his dreamworld for golden ticket holders, the Pacific Coliseum transformed into a futuristic dance music opera: LSR/CITY CYBERPUNK. Meticulously designed, the show was a visually stunning, immersive spectacle—every laser painstakingly timed to perfection with the beat.

The mesmerizing experience unfolded against the backdrop of a dystopian future, tugging at the heartstrings of music lovers. The narrative was all too believable: a modern society where human connection has been entirely lost to technology, and artificial intelligence has ensnared humanity’s attention, eradicating all creativity.

The greatest challenge of the concept lay in its delicate balancing act—urging attendees to reflect on their own technological dependencies and the future of humanity, all while a pulsing BPM and hypnotic lasers threatened to render the message hollow. It could have easily felt disjointed or superficial. Yet, the show’s campy undertones struck a surprising chord, and its sentimentality wove a cohesive narrative that transcended the typical dance music experience.

LSR/CITY’s hybrid nature seamlessly blended live elements, deepening audience immersion. A standout of the night was vocalist Annabel, who first collaborated with Gareth Emery in 2020 on his trance anthem You'll Be OK. Since then, she has become the unmistakable voice of LSR/CITY. In a music world saturated with rotating features, relying on a single vocalist was a bold choice—but it paid off, infusing the performance with authenticity and elevating the live experience.

Annabel's contributions allowed for tender moments throughout the show, offering a reprieve from the high-energy BPM-driven tracks. Black & White and Without You were both standouts. The crowd eagerly embraced every opportunity to sing along, but one of the night's most resonant moments was the live performance of LSR/CITY’s debut release—a trance reimagining of Madonna’s iconic dance-floor dominator Like A Prayer.

While the cinematic grandeur of the lasers was unparalleled, the spectacle occasionally led to shifts in audience energy. In moments of sheer awe—when particularly stunning visuals elicited audible gasps—many attendees instinctively reached for their phones to capture the experience. This desire to share the moment with friends and followers, though understandable, seemed at odds with the event’s thematic emphasis on genuine human connection over technology’s increasing stranglehold on society. The duality of modern life was on full display in these moments.

There is nothing quite like LSR/CITY, making it nearly impossible to capture the magnitude of Gareth’s accomplishment without a visual. Through a masterful fusion of technology and storytelling, he has created an experience that leaves an indelible impression.

Vancouver has long been a cherished destination for Gareth Emery, with Blueprint Events consistently supporting his work. As one of only two Canadian stops on the tour, fans are grateful for this enduring partnership. Whether you're a longtime Gareth Emery devotee or new to dance music, experiencing LSR/CITY is a must. The performance will leave you speechless, grinning from ear to ear.

With only nine stops left on the tour before Gareth takes an LSR/CITY hiatus, this is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Foundation Series: Open Radius Brings a House Music Odyssey to Vancouver This May Long Weekend

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By Ryan Hayes

Open Radius, Blueprint’s premier house music event, is returning this May long weekend to the PNE Centre Grounds for its second voyage.  19+, two days, two stages, & over 20 talented house artists covering a diverse array of soundscapes to get lost in. Open Radius is set to function as the thirteenth event in Blueprint’s Foundations Series; the project began in February 2023 & deserves a large amount of credit for restoring vibrancy to the Vancouver scene.

House music’s favorite anthemic producer & bender advocate John Summit is headlining day one while the dark Queen of pulsing hard techno Sara Landry is taking the reins of day two. Supporting Summit on May 17th are renowned veterans of the scene Gorgon City. The duo is a must-see, as their sets dutifully deliver dynamic bass-driven house laden with soulful vocals. On May 18th Mau P is set to hold down alongside Sara Landry. After releasing "Drugs from Amsterdam” in 2022, rising star Mau P became a purveyor of the scene leading the way in the genre’s evolution.

Past the headliners, the true draw of Open Radius and the Foundation Series as a whole has always been the breadth of an event’s lineup. Outside of the four main heavy hitters, there are 16 immaculately curated artists representing the true diversity of house, striving to create the perfect backdrop for a long weekend steeped in good vibes. 

Discoverability at any festival is crucial, and Blueprint has worked hard with this series of shows to foster the right environment to welcome eager music lovers ready to experience the genre.

The event is rain or shine…and as we all know with May long weekend in Vancouver the odds are 50/50. But some of my favorite musical moments were made in the rain. Forged through a communal love for the intangible escape that a festival atmosphere can create, Open Radius is sure to fulfill this promise. Come for the headliners, stay for the experience. Leave with two days chock full of memories.

Click here to buy tickets.

Duke Dumont & House Music Thrive In Rainy Vancouver

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By Ryan Hayes

It was a variable sea North Face, Arthrex, & Columbia at Blueprint’s Malkin Bowl season opener last Friday. An authentically Vancouver experience for Duke Dumont fans who were treated to an unadvertised extended three hour set by the house music auteur.

In a world of sixty-minute festival sets Friday’s format gave Duke time to breathe; his set evolved and progressed through tempos naturally the way true house should. Over the last year Blueprint has done a brilliant job fostering and nurturing the growth of the house scene in Vancouver through its Foundation series of events. And it shows.

The audience was primed and ready for anything Duke had in store. Just as twilight passed, and Duke donned a toque as the rain relentlessly continued, the crowd erupted—with an electric ripple—as ‘The Chant’ ended and he took a dark turn towards acid-tinged house.

In trademark fashion Duke let the music speak, uttering no more than four words over the course of the entire three hours. He sipped champagne from a red solo cup as he took house-heads on journey, and despite the weather the audience spirits never dampened.

As the first hint of ‘Ocean Drive’ kicked in to close out the night a euphoric sing along broke out, & we all left with a smile.

House is alive and well in Vancouver.