Dance
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For decades, people have boot-scooted across dance floors in taverns and clubs, propelled by music and a communal desire for fun. The line dance — a choreographed dance featuring groups of people dancing in one line and executing a sequence of dance steps simultaneously — has ebbed and flowed in popularity over the years, most […]
Before festival season is festival lineup release season, with Lightning In a Bottle joining the pack Monday (Jan. 22) with its 2024 artist roster.
Leading the lineup are Skrillex — who will be making his debut at the longstanding SoCal event — along with Labrinth, James Blake, M.I.A., Fatboy Slim, CloZee and Lane 8.
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Artists are spread across multiple stages at the fest, with Lightning In a Bottle — which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year — reserving its Woogie Stage for house and techno acts. Artists likely to play that stage this May include Damian Lazarus, Honey Dijon, Nora En Pure, Floating Points and Nia Archives.
The lineup also features a strong contingent of bass artists including Machinedrum, Barclay Crenshaw, ISOxo and Skream doing an all-dubstep set.
The 2024 lineup also features Aluna, a club set from Bob Moses, Overmono, ANNA b2b Sama’ Abdulhadi, Justin Martin, Mura Masa, Tipper, a sunset set from Tycho and a large collection of emerging acts.
Lightning In a Bottle takes place at Buena Vista Lake near Bakersfield, Calif., over Memorial Day weekend, May 22-27. Produced by The Do Lab, the camping festival also hosts a wide range of experiences including interactive yoga and movement classes, talks and workshops, games, races and other special events. Tickets for the festival go on sale Wednesday (Jan. 24.)
Ahead of Lightning In a Bottle, The Do Lab will return to Coachella to host its annual stage at the fest. The lineup for this stage will be released in the coming months.
See the Lightning In a Bottle lineup below:
This week in dance music: Coachella announced a 2024 lineup populated with more than 60 dance artists, including the hyper-anticipated return of French duo Justice. We also got the first look inside Hollywood’s newest nightclub, The Spotlight.
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And there was, as always, also a load of fresh new tracks. These are the best dance songs of the week.
REZZ & Holly, “DYSPHORIA”
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REZZ and Portuguese bass producer Holly link for the predictably heavy “DYSPHORIA,” the first collaboration from the pair. The track falls squarely in each producer’s wheelhouse, with huge drum hits, meticulously chopped and twisted bass, cinematic build-ups and inventive climaxes. Out on REZZ’s label, HypnoVizion, the song is the lead single from CAN YOU SEE ME?, the Canadian producer’s fourth studio LP. Touted by REZZ as “the perfect entry to this new bass music era for my project,” the song is happily challenging, veering in unexpected directions and exhibiting the best of both producers’ capabilities.
“This one means a lot,” adds Holly. “I’ve been looking up to Rezz since I came across her music in 2015. I have always respected the world she’s built with her art and how true to herself she has been since day one.”
Shygirl feat. Boys Noize, “tell me”
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’90s house music maintains its massive influence on dance music of the moment, with varying degrees of success and innovation. U.K. artist Shygirl, working here in collaboration with German fan favorite Boys Noize, does right by this trend with uplifting new track “tell me.” Taken from her forthcoming Club Shy EP, coming February 9 on Because, Shygirl joins contemporaries Romy and Dua Lipa in romanticizing Y2K’s clubbing culture. And with “tell me”, she’ll actually make you want to dance, like she did for tens of thousands of fans when she opened for Beyoncé on the Renaissance tour’s London stop last summer.
Sammy Virji, “Moonlight”
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U.K. producer Sammy Virji is one of the rising producers carrying the ever-burning torch of U..K Garage into a new generation. His latest, “Moonlight”, out on Positiva/EMI Records, brings the familiar groove of garage beats beneath a catchy vocal hook and hypnotic synth chords, with the production offering a pleasing turn in its eventual key change. Kicking off his North American tour in Toronto on January 25, the artist and DJ is one to watch for 2024.
Joy Orbison, “flight FM”
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Rife with the esoteric sound design we’ve come to expect from U.K. producer Joy Orbison, “flight fm” is an uptempo house track with deep, rolling basslines that are reminiscent of his fellow Croydon natives, Skream and Benga. Released on XL Recordings, the track was produced while the artist was waiting for a ride to his performance at the festival Lost Village, tested on the car’s speakers before debuting that night. The song has since been rinsed by contemporaries including Four Tet, who spun it not once but three times during a Manchester B2B2B with none other Skrillex and Fred Again.. last year.
Elkka, “Passionfruit”
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Clocking in at over nine minutes, Elkka’s “Passionfruit” revolves around an omnipresent synth melody and elegant piano phrases courtesy of American pianist John Carroll Kirby. Out on Ninja Tune, the song is an homage to patience — “the pleasure in taking your time with someone, to explore them and them you,” she says.
“This song was born out of an improvisation between John and I in the studio,” Elkka adds. “I took it home and expected to cut up certain sections, re-arrange etc but I quickly realized that I loved how it developed, expanded and didn’t rush. That’s what the song is about.”
Wh0, Mark Knight & James Hurr feat. Kathy Brown, “Turn Me Deeper”
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Toolroom boss Mark Knight rallies with James Hurr and Wh0, bringing the labels’ signature peak-time energy to iconic ’90s house anthem “Turn Me Out” by Sol Brothers and Kathy Brown — and for a good cause, too. Funds raised by “Turn Me Deeper” benefit the song’s vocalist, Kathy Brown, who is currently undergoing treatment for stage four lung cancer. The label has pledged all of its royalties towards Brown’s GoFundMe campaign to pay for health care fees, while all original writers have allocated their publishing earnings to the cause as well.
Hollywood’s ever-evolving nightlife scene is about to expand again, with a new club, The Spotlight, set to open later this month.
Located in the heart of Hollywood at 1601 N. Cahuenga Blvd., the 2,700-square-foot space will have a 300-person capacity and feature genre-spanning musical performances in an elegant, dimly lit setting. See exclusive first look images of the venue below.
Taking over the space formerly occupied by A/V Nightclub, The Spotlight will be operated by Framework. The Los Angeles-based production company is behind Hollywood’s nearby nightclub Sound and, in partnership with Goldenvoice, programs Coachella’s club-centric Yuma Tent. Framework was founded by Kobi Danan, who helped open and operate A/V from 2011-2013.
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The first round of musical programming for The Spotlight will be announced in the coming week.
Regarding The Spotlight’s programming, Danan tells Billboard that “One night, you can expect exceptional underplays, another, we transform into a platform to showcase emerging talent, but regardless of the night, our guests can expect consistency in the quality of programming all whole being encapsulated by an elevated customer experience. Our goal has always and will always be to revive Hollywood as the premier destination for music.”
While Sound is just a half-mile from The Spotlight, Danan says programming at the two clubs will be different, with Sound “built with a simple philosophy, to bring a novel and always-evolving electronic underground experience to nightlife in Hollywood. Electronic music, in all its varieties, is the true heart of what we do at Sound, and will continue to do.
“The Spotlight, on the other hand,” he continues, “is a space for versatility. At our core, we’re not just electronic dance music enthusiasts, we’re patrons of all things music, art, and culture. Having The Spotlight in our portfolio gives us the opportunity to diversify our programming, and lean into our passion for live music and fostering talent across the spectrum of every genre, while creating an intimate space for creativity in all forms to thrive.”
He adds that the club’s intimate setting is the “antithesis” to the projects in Framework’s existing portfolio.
The Spotlight has, Danan says, undergone “top to bottom aesthetic changes,” with the golden-toned lighting and curtain-draped walls recalling Hollywood’s golden era. The venue features a new stage featuring a custom DJ booth built on automatic hydraulics that can quickly transform the stage from DJ setup to live music seteup in seconds. For sound, The Spotlight was also refitted with custom L-acoustics and tuned to accommodate diverse programming.
The Spotlight is located in The Marion building, built in 1920 as a hotel. By the ’70s, the space had become a 24-hour gay bar called The Spotlight, with this new iteration paying homage to this Hollywood pedigree by returning it to its former name. The Spotlight also has the grandfathered license of the original spotlight, allowing the club to stay open until 6a.m.
The Spotlight in Los Angeles
Courtesy of Restless Media
The Spotlight in Los Angeles
Courtesy of Restless Media
The Spotlight in Los Angeles
Courtesy of Restless Media
The Spotlight in Los Angeles
Courtesy of Restless Media
The Spotlight in Los Angeles
Courtesy of Restless Media
After much anticipation and as much speculation, the Coachella 2024 lineup was released Tuesday (Jan. 16). The Southern California festival will feature headliners Lana Del Rey, Tyler, The Creator and Doja Cat, with the rest of the bill featuring, as always, a strong contingent of dance/electronic acts. The dance artists getting highest billing include Justice, […]
This week in dance music: The dance world roared back to life after the relative calm of the holidays, with CRSSD dropping its spring 2024 lineup and Bonnaroo and Hangout Fest both including a load of dance artists on their bills — including headlining sets from Pretty Lights and Fred again.. at Bonnaroo.
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Meanwhile, Kraftwerk announced a nine-show residency at Disney Hall in Los Angeles this May, Alesso was announced as a performer for a big Super Bowl party in Las Vegas next month and New York City’s Teksupport announced an 18-show boat party series settling sail in May.
As part of Billboard‘s “future of genre” series, we spoke with extremely of-the-moment producers Odetari and 6arelyhuman; “Strangers” phenom Kenya Grace signed a global publishing admin deal with Warner Chappell, and Beatport made two key promotions and claimed over $100 million in revenue for 2023.
In sadder news, Black Coffee was injured in a flight accident in Argentina, but is reported to be “optimistic and doing well.” And the world lost a legend, the BBC Radio 1 presenter Annie Nightingale — the stations first-ever female presenter — dying this week at age 83.
And along with all this, we have 2024’s first week of heavy dance music releases. These are the best new dance tracks of the week.
Jamie xx, “It’s So Good”
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The Label: Young
The Spiel: The sole lyrics on the latest from Jamie xx function as self-fulfilling prophesy, with a childlike voice reiterating “It’s so good!” over a complex, percussion-forward production that incorporates Brazilian funk and loads of fun (but also cerebral) bells and whistles, as well as the breathing room that makes them all pop. The song soundtracks a new Chanel ad campaign and is also xx’s first new music since the absolute bangers “KILL DEM” and “Let’s Do It Again” from 2022. More music from this year from the perpetual fav would, indeed, be so good.
Camelphat, “Running Man”
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The Label: Mahool Records
The Spiel: In the Camelphat arsenal since 2023 and (finally) getting an official release this week, “Running Man” is a punchy, wind-up toy of a melodic house track, with the urgently blinking synth at the fore building to a nearly hectic place before releasing, then rising again. The track is out on Mahool Records, the label from Saudi Arabian dance company MDLBEAST, marking the imprint’s third-ever release. Camelphat’s spring tour dates include L.A.’s Skyline, EDC Mexico, Ultra Music Festival in Miami and Awakenings in The Netherlands.
Gorgon City feat. Bbyafricka, “Biggest Regret”
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The Label: Astralwerks
The Spiel: You think you’ve got Gorgon City’s latest figured out, until the 30-second mark, when a thunder of bass enters the production like a gamma ray, leaving as quickly as it came as the song returns to a spare beat that gradually grows lusher with a swirl of piano stabs and the hypnotic voice of Los Angeles-based singer BbyAfricka, before booming in once more. The track is the first new music from the duo since their excellent 2023 album Salvation. Their 2024 tour schedule thus far includes festival dates at M3F, We Are FSTVL, Forbidden Forest and Hideout.
Logic1000 feat. DJ Plead and MJ Nebreda, “Every Lil”
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The Label: Therapy
The Spiel: The third single from Logic1000’s forthcoming debut album Mother, coming March 22, slinks into your ears like a curl of fire smoke through a crowded dance floor. A collaboration between the Berlin-based producer, Australia’s DJ Plead and Miami-based MJ Nebreda, “Every Lil” is seductive and transportive, lifting us from the late afternoon mid-winter darkness to an all-night beachside party in some tropical locale, a vibe created especially by this one’s emphasis on hand percussion. The song comes ahead of Logic1000’s new podcast Logic1000 & Helena Star Present: Therapy, which will feature conversations about motherhood, mental health and the music industry.
Four Tet, “Loved”
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The Label: Text Records
The Spiel: The first track on Four Tet’s forthcoming album — the producer’s twelfth studio LP, the title and release date for which have not been announced — is quintessential, with Kieren Hebden finding the same sort of shuffling, gently swaggering beat that’s been a defining element of much of his studio output. Over it, he layers a gently glowing synth and, midway through, some light cacophony in the form of what sounds like a pair of baking trays being banged together. The four-minute track then returns to its soothing low simmer, playing like a salve for the nervous system — which is, appropriately, also the effect that feeling loved has.
New York City dance promoter Teksupport is taking the party to the New York City harbor. The company is unveiled on Friday (Jan. 12) a partnership with the Cornucopia Majesty, a 30,000-square foot private yacht that provides luxury cruises past the New York City skyline, the Statue of Liberty and other landmarks. The boat’s observation […]
Annie Nightingale, the pioneering BBC Radio 1 DJ, has died at 83. A statement shared Friday (Jan. 12) and attributed to her family says she “passed away yesterday at her home in London after a short illness.”
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Nightingale was the first female DJ on BBC Radio 1, where she started in 1970, ultimately becoming the station’s longest serving DJ. In 2010, Nightingale entered the Guinness Book of Records as the longest serving female radio presenter, a record she still holds. Her last broadcast was in late December 2023.
“Annie was a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many,” her family’s statement continues. “Her impulse to share that enthusiasm with audiences remained undimmed after six decades of broadcasting on BBC TV and radio globally.”
“Never underestimate the role model she became,” the statement went on. “Breaking down doors by refusing to bow down to sexual prejudice and male fear gave encouragement to generations of young women who, like Annie, only wanted to tell you about an amazing tune they had just heard. Watching Annie do this on television in the 1970s, most famously as a presenter on the BBC music show The Old Grey Whistle Test, or hearing her play the latest breakbeat techno on Radio One is testimony to someone who never stopped believing in the magic of rock n’ roll.”
BBC Radio 1 also reflected on Nightingale’s career and her impact. “Annie was a world class DJ, broadcaster and journalist, and throughout her entire career was a champion of new music and new artists,” Aled Haydn Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1, said in a statement posted to BBC Radio 1’s Instagram account. “She was the first female DJ on Radio 1 and over her 50 years on the station was a pioneer for women in the industry and in dance music. We have lost a broadcasting legend and, thanks to Annie, things will never be the same.”
Born near London in 1940, Nightingale began her career as a journalist and television presenter, later launching a line of clothing shops. She first came on the BBC Radio 1 airwaves in February 1970.
Nightingale is being widely celebrated, with BBC Radio 1’s other famous Annie, Annie Mac, writing on Instagram, “What a devastating loss. Annie Nightingale was a trailblazer, spirited, adventurous, fearless, hilarious, smart, and so good at her job. This is the woman who changed the face and sound of British TV and Radio broadcasting forever. You can’t underestimate it.”
Radio 1’s Pete Tong also commemorated Nightingale, recalling that “Annie was a pioneer, a trailblazer and a role model, who possessed a relentless passion to discover and champion new & groundbreaking music. During her career Annie championed everything from prog rock and punk to acid house, techno, big beat, breakbeat, dubstep and grime.
“Annie’s always been a massive inspiration for me in the sense that she carved out the path at Radio 1,” Tong continued, “proving you could have a career in radio by just staying in your lane and specializing in championing new and exciting artists. Play what you love. She wrote the book on what music radio could be.”
Alesso‘s caught a gig. The Swedish DJ and music producer is set to perform at Michelob Ultra’s Super Bowl party on Jan. 10 in Las Vegas, Billboard can exclusively report. The “Words” artist joins previously announced headliners Lil Wayne and T-Pain.
“I’m so excited to be a part of this legendary lineup of performers with Lil Wayne and T-Pain at the Michelob ULTRA Country Club in Las Vegas next month,” Alesso tells Billboard. “Michelob ULTRA always throws one of the biggest Super Bowl parties every year, so you won’t want to miss it.”
Billboard can also announce that the event will be hosted by soccer player Alex Morgan and former NFL quarterback Dan Marino. The shindig — called the Michelob Ultra Country Club — will be held at the Topgolf in Sin City, and goes from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
The party will combine — what else! — golf, entertainment, and food and drinks. In addition to live performances by Alesso, Lil Wayne and T-Pain across two stages, the Country Club will feature an “all-star celebrity golf shoot-out,” giveaways and appearances by celebrities and athletes.
Courtesy Photo
“We’re thrilled to bring the much-anticipated Michelob ULTRA Country Club to Topgolf Las Vegas during the biggest weekend of the year,” Ricardo Marques, Michelob ULTRA’s VP of marketing, previously said in a statement. “By combining the perfect setting with an incredible line-up of artists, hosts and special guest appearances, we’ll create what will truly be a unique experience that seamlessly blends being active with enjoyment, which is something only Michelob ULTRA could deliver.”
All-inclusive “Early Birdie” tickets to the event — which include food and beverages — are on sale now for $269 via Michelob Ultra’s website. Advance and regular tickets will go on sale “soon,” according to the website. VIP table service tickets are also available now, with prices ranging from $7,500 to $15,000.
While the teams for Super Bowl 2024 have not yet been determined, the halftime show performer has been set. Usher will headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show presented by Apple Music on Jan. 11 from Allegiant Stadium in Vegas.
“When I got the call, I was like, ‘Man, I’ve been working really hard my entire career,’” he told Extra in November of his upcoming gig for the big game. “The preparation didn’t start within the last two years of performing in Las Vegas. It really started 30 years ago, and my commitment to it and the journey that I’ve taken musically is why I think I’m given that moment.”
Warner Chappell Music has signed Kenya Grace to a global publishing administration agreement. Known best for her breakout single “Strangers,” she was the first to top Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs Chart for a song written, produced and performed by a woman.
A self-taught talent, Grace was born in South Africa and raised in Southampton, England. In 2022, she released her first singles, including “Oranges,” “Afterparty Lover” and “Meteor,” and signed a deal with Warner Record’s dance label, Major Recordings. “Strangers” was her major label debut.
“I’m delighted to be working with Warner Chappell Music,” said Grace in a statement. “Songwriting is the most important part of my creativity, and I’m obsessed with great songs. The process of writing is my joy, art, and at times, therapy. There is so much I want to achieve as a writer, and with the Warner Chappell team behind me, I feel like I can achieve so much.”
Warner Chappell’s Gabz Landman, vp of A&R, and Xavier Champagne, senior director of urban A&R, added, “Kenya has set a remarkable path for herself, writing and producing her own music in its entirety. To be a record-breaking female producer, songwriter, artist, and DJ is a special and rare achievement. Her music is honest and true, and we couldn’t be more excited to join her on this journey.”
“Kenya is an incredible talent — highlighted by her global hit ‘Strangers,’” says Amber Davis, senior vp at Warner Chappell Music UK. “She is a special artist and has enjoyed a brilliant year breaking in the UK and around the world. We’re delighted to be working with her at Warner Chappell Music as we help her continue to develop into a leading songwriter.”