Tiësto Is Playing a Full Trance Set in Canada for the First Time in Nearly 20 Years

By Ryan Hayes

After nearly two decades away, one of dance music's most influential artists has returned to the sound that made him a legend — and on November 28, Vancouver will become the first Canadian city to experience it.

The Return No One Expected

There are some things in dance music you simply never expect to see again. Artists change, sounds evolve, and the music that defined an era of your life can become little more than a memory for those who were there.

For anyone who came of age during Tiësto's trance era, the idea of seeing him play a full, dedicated trance set again seemed firmly in that category.

Then, in May of last year, something happened that nobody expected.

Tiësto closed out EDC Las Vegas with a special In Search of Sunrise set. For longtime fans, the significance was immediate. This wasn't simply a collection of classics; In Search of Sunrise was one of the defining series of his trance and progressive era. Hearing him return to that world on one of electronic music's biggest stages felt surreal.

But one question remained: was this a one-off?

Six months later, Dreamstate SoCal provided the answer.

A New Chapter in his Trance Legacy

In November 2025, Tiësto stepped onto the Dreamstate stage and delivered a dedicated trance set. This time, it wasn't simply about revisiting the past. Alongside the familiar sounds were a slew of new IDs, including the first appearance of Beautiful Places and the still-unreleased Lost in the Ocean.

The announcement of a new trance album followed, although that album has yet to materialize. What was clear, however, was that Tiësto had opened the door to trance again.

And it wasn't simply nostalgia driving the return. Tiësto has spoken about being re-inspired by the next generation of producers who have helped make trance feel fresh again. Rather than recreate the past, he was finding his place in its next chapter.

Trance Is Back. Full Sets Are Still Rare.

Even with trance back in Tiësto's musical DNA, his regular sets remain PRISMATIC — a genre-fluid blend of his entire career, moving from deep and atmospheric sounds to progressive, festival-ready records and everything in between.

That's what makes a true, fully dedicated trance set so rare. Outside of his In Search of Sunrise set at EDC and Dreamstate SoCal, Tiësto has delivered them at the Atomium in Brussels and most recently at Creamfields UK.

Four true trance sets. That's it.

Las Vegas. California. Brussels. The UK.

On November 28, that list gets a new country.

Vancouver is next

Dreamstate Vancouver will mark Tiësto's first full trance set in Canada since his return to the genre, and only his third dedicated trance performance in North America in nearly two decades. That's remarkable considering how consistently he's remained a presence across North America's biggest festivals and stages.

This extraordinarily rare set is happening at TRADEX in Abbotsford.

And the rest of the lineup is worthy of the occasion. Dash Berlin brings the legacy, with a catalog of trance anthems that sits comfortably alongside Tiësto's era-defining sound, while Aaron Hibell represents the genre's modern evolution with his cinematic, emotionally driven approach. With Darude, Benwal, Matty Ralph and Modeā rounding things out, Dreamstate Vancouver brings together multiple generations of trance in one night.

If his recent Creamfields slot is any indication, Vancouver is in for something special. That set was a masterclass. Tiësto wasn't simply pulling the classics out of the vault; he was showing how that sound can still work in 2026. You can hear the early 2000s coursing through the set, but the energy, pacing and production have been completely reimagined.

Voicemail (Tiësto Remix) is a perfect example. It carries the unmistakable DNA of classic Tiësto while being reworked with modern sensibilities — a reminder that revisiting an era doesn't mean simply recreating it. The result feels unmistakably Tiësto but built for the present.

For longtime fans, that is what made the Creamfields set such ajoy: the history was there, but it never felt trapped in the past.

As someone who saw Tiësto play a four-plus-hour trance set at the now-demolished Mirage in Las Vegas in 2008, I can honestly say this is something I never thought I'd see again.

That era of Tiësto seemed long gone. Yet here we are: EDC, Dreamstate, Brussels, Creamfields — and now Vancouver.

A once-in-a-decade event

There is something fitting about where Tiësto finds himself now. He's not trying to recreate the early 2000s; he's taking the sound that helped define his career and filtering it through everything he's learned since, inspired by a new generation of trance producers who have made the genre feel fresh again.

For longtime fans, November 28 is a chance to hear an artist who helped define trance return to the sound on his own terms. For those who weren't there the first time, it's an opportunity to experience firsthand why Tiësto's name became synonymous with the genre in the first place.

There are plenty of reasons to make the trip to TRADEX in Abbotsford. But for Tiësto fans, the biggest one is obvious.

Tiësto is playing trance again.

After nearly two decades, after watching one of the genre's defining artists take his career in an entirely different direction, we're getting another full trance set.

And you don't have to travel to experience it.

It's coming to us.

Dreamstate Vancouver 2026 is a once-in-a-decade event.

Make the trek to Abbotsford.

You may not get another opportunity quite like this.

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.

Osheaga's Electronic Field Guide 2026

By Ryan Hayes

For dance music fans with eclectic tastes and an ear for discovery, Osheaga is less than two months away and loaded with a genre-blurring lineup that stretches from bubbling Canadian talent to globally recognized superstars. Beyond the marquee names like Twenty-One Pilots, Tate McRae, and Lorde lies a deep roster of electronic acts and dance-adjacent artists that offer more than enough value to justify the price of admission. Whether you're chasing your next favourite artist or looking to step outside your comfort zone, Osheaga remains one of the best festivals in North America for musical exploration. Dive in with us and let the process of discovery begin. It is sure to be a weekend you won’t soon forget.

Day 1:

Amelie Lens lands at the top of our list to start your weekend off right. Recently she has become one of techno's defining figures, and it’s for good reason. Blending relentless energy with a hypnotic precision that blurs the line between trance she that keeps her audiences dialed in from start to finish—and we promise you will walk away a fan.

While not as commercial MPH represents the new generation of UK garage, delivering punchy basslines, infectious vocal hooks, and nonstop momentum. Currently his style of production is experiencing a massive resurgence across clubs and festivals worldwide. If you aren’t already familiar with his work, dive in and dig around—it will surely reward your curiosity. This booking pushes beyond bland, North America–centric festival norms and represents Osheaga’s holistic booking philosophy.

Canadian based Bob Moses occupy a unique space between indie & electronic music. Their live sets pair instrumentation with deep grooves and emotionally charged songwriting. Its authentic, infectious and personal while still perfectly attune to a festival stage.

Day 2:

For us KETTAMA tops day two. His sound is hard to pin-down but it fused old-school rave sensibilities with modern house and just a splash of techno. His diverse array of influences ensure his sets feel raw, euphoric, and unpredictable—perfectly capturing the spirit of today's underground explosion.

Odd Mob represents rising a new era of rapidly rising talent with a sound that is global & diverse. He has cut his teeth with a flurry of sets and proven he is built to handle dense crowds at high-energy stages.

It's Murph has quickly emerged as a festival favourite thanks to his blend of euphoric melodies, gritty basslines, and expansive soundscapes. Pulling from tech house, bass music, and melodic dance influences, his productions strike a sweet spot between emotional depth and crowd-moving energy, making him a perfect soundtrack for sunset sets and peak summer memories.

Day 3:

Subtronics reigns supreme on day 3. Hot off of setting attendance records for his sets at EDC Vegas & Coachella Subtronics is leading a bass music renaissance with a magnitude not felt in over a decade. His set promises to be an hour of absolute madness. The key ingredient is his ability to blend accessible mainstream anthems with thundering abrasive originals and VIPS, all chopped up and mixed at breakneck pace.

SG Lewis will shine as an accessible electronic act. He effortlessly blurs the line between electronic music and modern pop, weaving together house, disco, funk, and soulful R&B influences into a sound anchored in infectious grooves & lush synth work.

Bambii brings the focus back home. As a rising Canadian talent she has built a sound that pulls from dancehall, jungle, UK bass, & hip-hop. Expect a creative-vibrant, genre-defying set.

EDM Adjacent:

While not traditional electronic acts, The xx, Empire of the Sun, and Zara Larsson all share strong ties to dance music culture. From The xx's influential production style to Empire of the Sun's synth-driven anthems and Zara Larsson's dance-pop crossover hits, each offers dance music fans a familiar entry point beyond the genre's traditional boundaries.

At its core, Osheaga succeeds because it refuses to be confined by genre, making it a festival built for EDM fans with a wide breadth of musical sensibilities. Whether you're diving headfirst into techno with Amelie Lens, exploring the resurgence of UK garage through MPH, embracing the bass-fuelled chaos of Subtronics, or stumbling upon your next obsession somewhere deeper on the bill, the opportunities for discovery are endless. The headliners may sell the tickets, but it's the depth, diversity, and unexpected moments that will define the weekend. Come curious, stay open-minded, and let the music do the rest.

Ilesoniq 2026: Scale, Curation, and Unmistakable Identity

By Ryan Hayes

For its 12th outing, Ilesoniq has cemented itself as Eastern Canada’s most ambitious festival experience—a weekend where scale meets niche curation, and established star power bolsters discoverability. With over 50 artists across multiple stages, the 2026 lineup rests on polished, festival-functional house with strong crossover appeal, while still rewarding side quests for diehards who venture beyond the main stage.

Bass genres come in a close second in overall share, and the balance feels intentional. There’s a quiet confidence here: Ilesoniq leans on established names and popular genres to drive early ticket sales, creating breathing room for varied programming—the kind of diversity that truly breeds a standout event.

A Variety Pack of Headliners

This year, Ilesoniq’s headliners run the gamut, showcasing sonic mastery across the board. Above & Beyond will deliver their classic cinematic, emotional trance. Deadmau5 and Rezz play perfectly off one another—Mau5’s irreverent progressive house, with a splash of tech depending on Joel’s mood, juxtaposed against Rezz’s driving, hypnotic mid-tempo bass intensity, emphasizing mood over spectacle. Both artists are an acquired taste that excel at unifying fiercely loyal fanbases.

Chris Lake & Friends may be the weekend’s biggest question mark. 2025 was a career-defining run for Lake, with his groove-forward, dancefloor-ready tech house permeating mainstages worldwide—and there’s a strong chance of a surprise Anti Up appearance. Dom Dolla remains the reigning titan of infectious, digestible house built for peak energy, while Boris Brejcha promises maximalist tech-house layered with dark, melodic, theatrical motifs.

Genre Diversity and Curated Flow

Ilesoniq’s wide focus doesn’t just stack genres—it weaves them, making transitions from bass to trance to house feel seamless and intentional. Depending on how the individual days and set times shake out, there’s real potential for unexpected pairings that offer fluid shifts between genres with similar BPMs. For the more open-minded festivalgoer, that’s peak curation.

Perhaps most importantly, the supporting artists elevate the festival beyond its headliners. AYYBO, ¥ØUSUKE Y𝑈𝐾1𝑀𝐴𝑇SU, KI/KI, HAYLA, and Riordan just scratch the surface of a massive talent pool, giving casual attendees a chance to walk away with a new favourite artist. The depth of the roster signals Ilesoniq’s calculated bet on discovery. Smaller sets across multiple stages ensure every hour of the weekend is filled with sonic texture.

Bottom Line

Ilesoniq 2026 is a showcase of layered programming—headliner spectacle framed by discovery. Where FVDED bets on momentum and VELD leans on legacy, Ilesoniq sits in between as a festival of both scale and sophistication.

By balancing globally recognized headliners with rising talent, curation rises to the forefront. Ilesoniq weaves house and bass in all their multifaceted subgenres, splashing in trance and euro-pop along the way. On paper, it shouldn’t read as a cohesive weekend—but it does. And because of that, it stakes a claim as Eastern Canada’s most compelling festival experience

No Looking Back: How FVDED 2026 Signals a New Era for Blueprint

By Ryan Hayes

A Festival Leaning Into Momentum

After returning for two years, FVDED’s 2026 lineup feels less like a course correction designed to secure the festival’s future and more like a confident affirmation of what it was always meant to be. In hindsight, the signs were already there—2025 began nudging in this direction—but the progress was necessarily incremental after a dazzling, mainstream-heavy 2024. With 2026, Blueprint finally puts all its cards on the table.

“Fisher and Dom Dolla are, by far, the safest and most bankable bets on the poster”

— Ryan Hayes

Next year’s lineup is built around momentum—dominated by artists actively shaping the current moment rather than living off past peaks. Blueprint’s booking philosophy is clear: the dance floor comes first, and artists with viral, grassroots-grown fandoms eclipse the importance of traditional commercial success. 2026 is unapologetically tuned to what’s moving diehard EDM fans right now—the kind who book flights for thoughtfully curated events. It’s a reaffirmation that Blueprint is once again dialed in to where EDM’s true fanbase has always lived—on the outskirts of mainstream culture.

The lineup marks a shift back towards Blueprint’s historic highs, when their bookings were consistently ahead of the curve instead of chasing it. It’s a clear message to the public: FVDED is now established enough, after a two-year rebirth, that it no longer needs to pander to commercial legacy. To some, 2026 may read as a year with less obvious star power—but it’s one of the most accurate reflections of the current scene the festival has presented in at least a decade. You may not recognize every name on the poster yet, but trust FVDED. Trust Blueprint. Buy tickets. Explore the breadth of the roster. Prepare over the six months leading into the weekend. This lineup is it.

The Headliners: A Statement of Intent

While Fisher and Dom Dolla are, by far, the safest and most bankable bets on the poster—and that’s not a criticism—their combined 22.7M monthly Spotify listeners stand in sharp contrast to last year’s top two billings, which totaled 50.2M, more than double the global reach. That said, Fisher and Dom are perfect representations of modern house at its most accessible, recognizable, and festival-ready. They may cast a narrower net than past headliners, but their fanbases are more active—and far more likely to show up. A higher level of commercial recognition no longer guarantees higher ticket sales, just as radio hits no longer make or break an artist. The landscape has shifted, and these headliners reflect that shift—the next generation of headliners will ensure FVDED remains commercially viable without feeling regressive.

FVDED’s new philosophy continues with Mau P, Knock2, and Disco Lines—all artists who have risen to prominence in the 2020s. Whether it’s Mau P’s groove, Knock2’s chaotic, bass-driven enthusiasm, or Disco Lines’ unforgettable hooks, these bookings point directly to where younger audiences are gravitating. They represent true crossover—digital discovery that translates seamlessly into physical turnout—and it’s exactly what modern festivals need to survive.

“Big shoutout to Nia Archives, who—until FVDED’s lineup dropped—had eluded my knowledge but now stands out as a particularly bold booking.”

— Ryan Hayes

Then there’s GRiZ—a personal favourite and perhaps the biggest headliner gamble. It may be a stretch, but for a loyal group of diehards, he’s the emotional anchor of the entire lineup. Returning after a two-year hiatus, his presence carries a surprising amount of weight. There’s been a clear push to reintroduce him to the scene, acting as a soft rebrand that positions him as a universal headliner. With releases dating back fifteen years—longer than anyone else on the 2026 roster—he now occupies the legacy slot. But that stature is new for GRiZ, and he bends the norms of a classic golden-age headliner. Sonically, he blends bass music with soul, funk, and genuine charismatic warmth. He brings heart, and a deeply dedicated fanbase. He may not carry the same sway as names that have historically topped a FVDED poster, but he has the talent—and you’ll undoubtedly walk away a fan.

The New Wave: What the Rest of the Lineup Says

Beyond the headliners is where FVDED 2026 truly comes into focus. The depth of the lineup is proof of a mission statement rooted in cultural relevance, and this is where Blueprint’s future-thinking approach crystalizes.

Artists like Marlon Hoffstadt, Odd Mob, OMNOM, Notion, & Linska represent the festival’s bracket of rising house and techno stars—the talent is global, the soundscape is diverse, and each artist has cut their teeth and proven they’re built to handle dense crowds at high-energy stages.

Nia Archives, Hedex, MPH, and Oppidan stand out as Blueprint’s deliberate embrace of UK-influenced bass and genre-bending artists. If you aren’t already familiar with their work, dive in and dig around—it will surely reward your curiosity. These bookings push beyond bland, North America–centric festival norms. Big shoutout to Nia Archives, who—until FVDED’s lineup dropped—had eluded my knowledge but now stands out as a particularly bold booking. She’s described her sound as a blend of chaotic, intense jungle with deep emotion; it didn’t exactly clear anything up for me, but it feels perfectly apt—and her vocals add a soulful layer to every production.

Levity B2B Wooli is a big swing and a calculated risk. The acts stand on the opposite ends of the bass music spectrum, and their set is sure to prove a collision of thick dubstep basslines, distorted growling drops, and melodic bass bounce. Purposeful chaos designed to accentuate the interplay between tension and euphoria.

TroyBoi stands out as a wildcard, having made his FVDED debut a decade ago in 2016. His style has continued to evolve, proving him to be an artist who refuses to be boxed in. He may be a legacy act at this point, but one content to operate on the fringe—constantly exploring sonic variation.

A Different Bet — FVDED vs the rest

When viewed alongside the only other major Canadian EDM festival to have fully announced its 2026 lineup—VELD—FVDED’s strategy stands in sharp contrast. VELD leans on proven star power and legacy bookings to cast the widest possible net—the standard festival formula. FVDED, by comparison, is making a more deliberate, future-facing bet on momentum, relevance, and fan trust—though it remains to be seen whether the broader festival-going audience is ready for that shift.

This isn’t a knock on VELD; it’s simply a different philosophy. Much like Shambhala, which routinely sells out without relying on top-heavy star power, FVDED is solidifying its boutique identity and betting that vibe, curation, and community loyalty matter more than instant name recognition. By prioritizing artists with active, invested fanbases and a lineup that rewards exploration, FVDED isn’t just protecting its legacy—it’s ensuring it evolves with the scene. VELD may be the more bankable play today, but FVDED’s 2026 is clearly attempting to build the kind of trust that can sustain a festival for the next decade.

What This Lineup Says About FVDED’s Future

Everyone talks about the “golden age” of EDM, but the fixation, propelled by aging fans missing the good old days, dilutes the current scene. FVDED 2026 isn’t chasing nostalgia, it’s staking a forward-facing claim that it understands where electronic music is going with the wide-eyed hope that the “golden age” lives.

Dominated by a diverse array of house, sprinkled with poignant bass acts, and amplified by UK and European club culture influences. This is a lineup designed for movement, for crowds that want to dance, not just film drops.

FVDED separates itself from the pack—not by playing it safe, but by betting on the future. This is a new wave of curation that returns Blueprint to its heights, and a clear signal of where the brand is headed next.

2026 isn’t about who was the biggest ten years ago—it’s about who matters right now.

And that’s a very good place for FVDED to be.