ELROW TEASES 2025 ANNOUNCEMENT WITH AN ENIGMATIC GLOBAL CAMPAIGN

• Cinematic poster for ‘2025: A Space Rowdissey’ appears in prominent locations in more than a dozen cities across four continents.

• London’s Leicester Square, New York’s Brooklyn, Miami’s Winwood, and Tokyo’s Shinjuku Tower, among the iconic global locations hosting the new creative.

• The title 2025: A Space Rowdissey, and the date 18.12.2024 point to a ‘giant leap forward’ for the beloved events series, with details to be revealed next week.

• The campaign pays homage to the sci-fi film posters of the 70’s and 80’s, with a strongly defined retro-futuristic aesthetic.

Today the world has awoken to strange visitors, in the form of an enigmatic Out Of Home campaign by international party series elrow. 

The events producer, renowned for its fun-forward  thematic events with a heavy focus on practical effects and costume designs point to a ‘giant leap forward’ in 2025, with details to be announced on Wednesday 18th December. 

2025: A Space Rowdissey

A rocket ship sits in orbit around a strange planet, on the cusp of an interstellar journey. A modern take on  posters for classic films by sci-fi masters, most notably Robert McCall’s work for Kubrick’s 2001, this mysterious new creative points backwards to the analogue design and practical effects of the past, and forward into new realms of technological possibility. 

The poster campaign was featured simultaneously in major cities around the world. Spanning 4 continents: Europe, America, Africa and Asia, iconic locations include Tokyo’s Shibuya Tower, London’s Leicester Square, Miami’s Wynwood, and the New York City Subway. 

The full list of cities: Barcelona (ES), Cape Town (ZA), Ibiza (ES),  Lima (PE), Lisbon (PT),  London (UK), Madrid (ES), Milan (IT), Miami (US), New York (US),  Seville (ES), Tokyo (JP)

The poster is already generating significant noise on social media, with questions raised about what the next steps could mean, ranging from a move into cinema to other out of this world pursuits. While the organization remains tight lipped, and will not be responding to requests for comments, all will be revealed on the 18.12.24.

A banner year for an extraordinary success story 
This early xmas present will cap off an banner year for the international events producer,  which has brought their unique, theatrical take on clubbing to a record number of cities in 2024. 

A unique focus on custom made costumes and sets, professional acrobats and trained actors for each themed event, has set them in a category apart from other club brands. 

With sold out shows in some of the world’s hottest venues - from London’s Drumsheds to Miami’s Factory Town, as well as events in more than 40 cities,, 2024 marks another highpoint for a brand that continues to go from strength to strength.

About elrow 
Founded in 2010 by Cruz and Juan Arnau, elrow is an innovative leading brand in global entertainment and festivals. It belongs to the sixth generation of the Arnau Family, known for creating the legendary Monegros Desert Festival and the iconic Club Florida 135 in Fraga. From a unique fusion of the best electronic music, stunning stage design, impossible architectures, and extravagant performances, elrow has established a global standard of nomadic and thematic festivals that are one hundred percent immersive. With residencies in Ibiza, Madrid, London, Dubai, Las Vegas, and Amsterdam, as well as the successful itinerant festival elrow Town, the brand has captivated more than 6 million people and conquered more than 40 cities and 20 countries, establishing itself as a globally recognized entertainment powerhouse. 

RISING ITALIAN TECHNO SENSATION MAIKE DEPAS RELEASES HIS MOST DARING PROJECT YET WITH ‘SEXY DEVIL HORSE EP’

Maike Depas makes a triumphant return with his latest project, ‘Sexy Devil Horse EP’, out now on his visionary label, Innovation Studio Records. Following the success of his Circle of Life EP on Pushmaster Discs, this ambitious 10-track release not only underscores Depas' meteoric rise in the Hard Techno scene but also signals an exciting new era for his label and artistic journey.

Sexy Devil Horse EP is a powerful celebration of collaboration and innovation. Featuring an impressive lineup of international heavyweight remixers, including Luca Agnelli (Etruria Beat), Dutch phenomenon OGUZ, and the notorious "Demon of Hard Techno," Michael Katana, alongside Southern Italian talents CHRS and Gianni Di Bernardo, the EP encapsulates the global and inclusive spirit driving Depas’ vision.

The title Sexy Devil Horse is as daring and captivating as the music it represents. With the relentless, galloping drive of its title track and "Hear The Sound," contrasted by the sultry, groove-infused charm of "Ce Soir," Maike Depas showcases his unparalleled ability to blend raw energy with refined artistry. The EP masterfully balances opposing forces, from the stripped-down precision of "StarKiller" to the grand, immersive intensity of "Dark Serenade," crafting a profound sonic and emotional odyssey for listeners.

In this release, Hard Techno meets Psy Trance, with echoes of ’90s Rave and Trance. This fusion of recognisable influences and forward-thinking soundscapes reflects Maike’s mission to create music that resonates with a diverse global audience. Pulling from his vast experience and musical knowledge he has crafted one of the most diverse records in the harder electronic music genre of the year.

With the momentum of 2024 under his wings, ‘Sexy Devil Horse’ marks a defining moment in Depas’ career and solidifies his place among the new generation of techno visionaries. The release will include both a digital and physical release.

Italian hard techno DJ and producer MAIKE DEPAS (Michelangelo De Pasquale) is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting talents in electronic music. Drawing from a decade of experience and a sound that merges 90s rave, hard techno, and psy-trance, Depas has redefined his artistic vision in 2024, earning recognition from DJ Mag Italia, Mixmag Germany, and FAZE as a rising star in the global scene.

A classically trained musician who studied composition and piano at the Milan Conservatory, Depas blends technical precision with raw, boundary-pushing energy. His recent audio-visual relaunch has brought his dystopian aesthetic to life, highlighted by a live set at Berlin’s Teufelsberg, shooting with cyberpunk designer Demobaza, and collaborating with the likes of Amstra, Mattia Trani, and Matasism. In the past year, Depas has released a series of EPs under Mattia Trani’s Pushmaster Discs, including ‘Tokyo Nights’ and the most recent ‘Circle of Life’, which dropped Oct. 11.

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UPCLOSE ANNOUNCES LINE UP FOR THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RETURN

CATCH DONATO DOZZY X JANE FITZ, JEFF MILLS, KI/KI, BEN KLOCK X IGNEZ, MARRØN X RØDHÅD, LUIGI TOZZI (LIVE), CHRIS STUSSY X SALLY C AND MANY MORE ON MAY 17-18 AT SPAARNWOUDE-PARK 

After an electrifying sold out debut that left artists, fans, and the community hyped, Upclose is back for its highly anticipated second edition. The festival will once again transform Spaarnwoude-Park into a pulsing sanctuary of sound, connection, and collective movement on May 17 and 18, 2025.  

Upclose, the newest festival by Awakenings and an ode to the dance floor, captures the raw essence of dance floor culture: sweaty, steamy, and intimate, where the front row feels like the only row and every beat connects the crowd. Building on the incredible momentum of its first, sold-out, edition, this year’s festival dives even deeper into the progressive and niche edges of techno, curating an experience for those who live and breathe this side of the genre. 

Where visionary sounds meet the dancefloor

Upclose 2025 stays true to its ethos of pushing boundaries. This year’s line-up is a seamless blend of techno’s vanguard. While some names on the line-up may seem unfamiliar, they rank among the most respected and groundbreaking within this niche. Expect live performances, artists stepping out of their comfort zones, and innovative b2b’s that promise to make you forget time. Each set is meticulously curated to immerse dancers in a spectrum of sounds—hypnotic, relentless, and forward-thinking—designed for those who chase moments of transcendence and ecstasy on the dance floor. 

A Celebration of Global Icons and Local Heroes

This year’s line-up brings together global icons, exclusive collaborations, and local heroes, offering a kaleidoscope of sounds that defines today’s underground. Jeff Mills, a living icon and pioneer of techno, graces the stage, while Donato Dozzy, one of last year’s highlights, returns alongside Jane Fitz for the very first time for a weave of deep ambient and hypnotic techno. EZ, the godfather of UK Garage, adds his legendary influence to the weekend. Thunderstorm KI/KI, master of the harder sounds DJ Rush, and Berlin powerhouse Kobosil, known for his brutal energy, add their unmistakable artistry to the mix, ensuring a powerful presence on the dance floor.  

Upclose also thrives on delivering unique, boundary-pushing performances. 999999999 presents a special acid set, DJ Fuckoff delivers an eclectic mix of house, breaks, techno, and bass fused into one adventurous unfiltered, boundary-crossing techno journey with attitude. Atsuo the Pineapple Donkey (live), a Dutch debut, showcases an eccentric techno performance from Japan, where improvisation and a plethora of studio gear take center stage. Luigi Tozzi (live) enchants with deep, hypnotic techno and immersive soundscapes, while Stigmata (live) marks the return of Andre Walter’s iconic project. Expect early 2000s stripped-down techno grooves with a raw edge, reimagined for today’s dance floor. Cristian Varela x Marco Bailey face off in a thrilling 6-deck battle setup. Traumer (live) presents an exclusive debut performance, blending minimal perfection with a touch of French finesse, and Zisko (hybrid live) surprises with a genre-defying hybrid performance that pushes boundaries in every sense. 

Dynamic pairings shape this year’s line-up, with explosive collaborations like Ben Klock x Ignez, where Berlin’s rawness meets Dutch minimalism, Philippa Pacho x JakoJako, blending melodic subtleties with raw beats and Surgeon x Rrose on stage together for the first time with an exclusive liveset. Marrøn x Rødhåd deliver groove in its most danceable forms while Chris Stussy x Sally C bring house excellence to the forefront. Other highlights include Adiel x Ogazon, Yanamaste x Beste Hira, Anetha x Patrick Mason, Shoal x Loek Frey, Mac Declos x Akua and Benwal x Janis Zielinski. 

Anchoring the line-up are local legends who embody the festival’s raw energy. From Cynthia Spiering, a staple of the Dutch underground, to veteran Benny Rodrigues with a special four-hour warm-up set, these artists bring undeniable presence. Unique collaborations like Moody Mehran x Ineffekt highlight Dutch creativity, while Stef Mendesidis (live) delivers his signature cinematic techno. Rising talent Nelly cements her place as a driving force in the scene. Other names like Hitam, Tekna, Cybersex, Grace Dahl, Lobster, Isaiah, Client x Shoob, Genex, Vromo and Thoms Traxx prove the underground thrives locally as much as globally. 

Community and culture

At Upclose, community and culture take center stage. With global legends of the underground and key figures from local communities setting the pace and energy, the festival creates a dynamic blend of international influence and local authenticity. Its intimate scale dissolves the boundaries between the booth and the dance floor, fostering a shared energy that defines club culture at its purest. From forward-thinking stage designs to a crowd that’s as fashion-forward as it is music-savvy, Upclose invites attendees to connect through sound, sweat, and shared passion. 

Last year’s feedback reaffirmed Upclose’s mission to create a space where dance floor culture reigns supreme. This year, the festival takes it a step further, refining its progressive soundscape and amplifying the connection between music, collective movement, and the moment. 

On May 17 and 18, 2025, Spaarnwoude-Park becomes the beating heart of the progressive niche side of techno. Upclose is not just a festival — it’s a celebration of community, and a platform for progressive sounds that demand attention.