TAO ANDRA AND ADAM CLAY COVER 2000’S CLUB CLASSIC ‘BORN AGAIN (BABYLONIA)’

Out Now Via We Next Records

Romanian techno riser Tao Andra steps forward with a powerful new release, ‘Born Again (Babylonia)’, a striking rework of the cult classic originally released by Ricky L. Landing on the iconic imprint - the German-bred We Next Records in joint venture with Universal Music Germany - the release bridges eras with a contemporary edge, recasting the track’s legacy for modern dancefloors.

 

Shaping the track into a hypnotic, peak-time techno tool, Tao Andra leans into rolling percussion, weighty low-end and textured synth work, pulling the record into more shadowed territory while preserving its unmistakable melodic core. The result is a version designed for late-night floors, where tension and emotion move in lockstep.

 

A defining feature of the release is the return of Adam Clay, whose unmistakable vocal - central to the original record - has been newly re-recorded for this version. The performance brings renewed intensity and focus, threading nostalgia through Tao Andra’s contemporary, groove-driven production. It’s a rare moment where past and present collide seamlessly, transforming a familiar hook into something entirely alive for today’s audiences.

 

Released in 2001, the original cut was a landmark in early-2000s European club culture. The track quickly gained widespread recognition among DJs and dancers, becoming a touchstone for a generation and cementing its status as an essential anthem of its time. Its influence continues to be felt across progressive and trance circles, making it a pivotal reference point for artists revisiting the era today.

 

Tao Andra’s heady interpretation transforms a well-loved track into something distinctly her own, layering fresh energy and perspective over its familiar essence. The outcome is a sophisticated cover that resonates across generations of electronic music, paying homage to a truly golden era of music.

 

The Lisbon-based artist has recently surfaced as one of dance music’s most compelling new voices, a producer and performer who moves fluidly between hypnotic groove and tense, late-night energy. Her recent output - on labels like Drumcode, Terminal M, VOLTA, Arcane and Iboga - reveals a mercurial imagination, balancing dark, rolling percussion with moments of melodic clarity. Heavyweight DJs such as Charlotte de Witte, Adam Beyer, Eli Brown and Indira Paganotto have all championed her tracks, including standout moments like ‘Brain Train,’ which closed the Main Stage at Tomorrowland.

 

Traveling the globe from Brazil to Japan and India to Australia, Andra has honed a sound that’s both immersive and kinetic, with sets built as much on emotional resonance as on peak-time intensity. With every release and performance, she stakes a claim as an artist capable of threading timeless techno sensibilities through a modern, restless lens - a figure equally at home in underground clubs and international arenas.

AURA FESTIVAL BULGARIA ANNOUNCES ONYVAA, DENIS SULTA, ELLI ACULA AND MORE AS SECOND PHASE DROPS

The festival also expands its offering with two new stages exploring underground sounds and local acts

AURA Festival returns to Sofia Airport Park for its expanded second edition, Temple of Eos, introducing 23 new artists, two additional stages, and enhanced production, including a new BACKSTAGE ticket tier. 

 

The latest wave of names includes Angelos, Chinonegro, Denis Sulta, Elli Acula, Gaiser (Live), Julya Karma, Laure Croft, Parallelle, The Muffin Man, Olympe, Onyvaa, Blathoven, Diass, Factor, J. Pro, Julieta Intergalactica, Inside Out (Live), Liubo Ursiny, Matizze, Michael Veili, Shosho, Sokrat, TEDKA, UUFO, and Vescotec, expanding the festival across house, techno, and experimental electronic music.

 

Building on a highly acclaimed debut, the festival continues to evolve as a multi-dimensional electronic experience that combines music, art installations, daytime programming, and immersive experiences.

 

Following an initial announcement featuring global names such as Alok, Armin van Buuren, Dimitri Vegas, Mahmut Orhan and ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U, the latest wave of artists deepens the lineup across house, techno, and experimental electronic music.

 

The festival now operates three stages. The Main Stage hosts headline performances including Avalan Rokston, Alok, Mahmut Orhan, Topic, Youna, MATTN, Dimitri Vegas, BIIA, 999999999, BOBE, UUFO, Jesabel, Laura van Dam and Armin van Buuren across the three days.

 

The new TOWER Stage focuses on underground sounds, featuring Vescotec, Inside Out Live, Liubo Ursiny, Denis Sulta, Chinonegro, Shosho, Factor, TEDKA, The Muffin Man, Laure Croft, Gaiser (live), Parallelle, Olympe, Gallya, ONYVAA and Elli Acula.

 

The MOON Stage offers a more intimate, discovery-driven setting with performances by Sokrat, Julieta Intergalactica, Diass, Angelos, Julya Karma, Silver Ivanov b2b Milen, and a special yet-to-be-announced act.

 

Tickets, including one-day, full weekend, youth, VIP, and BACKSTAGE options, are available via Ticket Station: https://ticketstation.bg/en/p5419-aura-festival-temple-of-eos

 

MAIN STAGE 

June 19
Blathoven b2b Matizze, World Up DJs (Dimo BG, Milen DJ, Silver Ivanov, Vasco C), Avalan Rokston, ALOK, Mahmut Orhan, Topic, Youna

 

June 20
Michael Veili, J. Pro, MATTN, Dimitri Vegasl, ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U, BIIA, 999999999

 

June 21
BOBE, UUFO, Jesabel, Laura van Dam, Armin van Buuren

 

TOWER STAGE

June 19
Vescotec, Inside Out (Live), Liubo Ursiny, Denis Sulta, Chinonegro, Shosho, Factor

 

June 20
TEDKA, The Muffin Man, Laure Croft, Gaiser (Live), Parallelle. Olympe

 

June 21
Liubo Ursiny, Gallya, ONYVAA, Elli Acula

 

MOON STAGE

June 20
Sokrat, Julieta Intergalactica, Diass, Angelos, Julya Karma, Silver Ivanov b2b Milen

 

June 21 

TBA

NICKY ELISABETH DEBUTS ON PURIFIED RECORDS WITH ‘LIGHT IN THE DARK’ FEAT. NATHAN BALL

Transporting listeners into a dreamy, emotive soundscape, Dutch artist Nicky Elisabeth makes her debut on Purified Records with her captivating new single, Light In The Dark, featuring UK singer-songwriter Nathan Ball.

Floating effortlessly across an airy and immersive sonic landscape, Light In The Dark showcases Nicky Elisabeth’s artistic vision to reintroduce romance to the dancefloor. The track intertwines Nathan Ball’s soothing, emotive vocals with pristine, atmospheric instrumentation,  creating a deeply moving and enveloping listening experience.

Speaking about the release, Nicky Elisabeth mentioned,

Nathan and I had been wanting to work on something for a long time and when he sent over the vocal for ‘Light In The Dark’ I immediately knew this would be something special. The song is dark but dreamlike, it feels like drifting through space every time I play it.”

Perfectly aligned with the refined, nature-inspired ethos of Purified Records, the release embodies the label’s dedication to evocative storytelling and immersive sound design. Light In The Dark stands as a testament to both artists’ ability to craft emotionally resonant electronic music that connects with listeners on a profound level.

Inviting listeners to lose themselves in its luminous depths, Nicky Elisabeth further cements her place as a rising force in the melodic dance world with Light In The Dark. The track was featured in Nora En Pure’s milestone Episode 500 of Purified Radio, recorded at the breathtaking Selati Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa – a magical setting perfectly complemented by the track’s silky, emotive sound.

Despite a non-musical upbringing, Nicky Elisabeth began DJing at 18 and rose from underground roots as a De Marktkantine resident to perform at globally renowned venues and festivals including Fabric, Printworks, ADE, Awakenings, and DGTL. Known for seamless DJ sets and poignant dancefloor productions, she has earned support from artists like TSHA and Solomun, alongside releases on leading labels including Anjunadeep, Kompakt, and DGTL Records. Her signature fusion of pop melodies and strong vocal hooks has built a devoted global following, positioning her alongside contemporaries such as Romy, Four Tet, and Ross from Friends as she continues her ascent in the electronic music scene.

Nathan Ball is a singer-songwriter from Cornwall, known for his emotive voice and atmospheric blend of folk and electronic music. With over a decade of global touring experience, he has built a reputation for captivating live performances across the world. He is currently on tour as the lead singer for iconic dance outfit Faithless, performing at major stages including headline appearances at Isle of Wight Festival and Glastonbury Festival. As a sought-after collaborator, Nathan has written and featured on records with artists such as Faithless, Icarus, Parra for Cuva, Blake 08, and Recens, earning support from respected labels including Anjunadeep, Enhanced, and Colorize.

Gracing the Light In The Dark artwork, Rachel Moore (@moore_rachel) showcases an alternative lens to her usual underwater shots with a dramatic image of sunlight breaking through the clouds, shining down on mountain peaks.

Mountains are just one of the remarkable features that rise from our seabed. Beneath the ocean’s surface also lie valuable minerals that companies hope to mine for use in electronics and other technologies. But deep-sea mining threatens the deep ocean’s biodiversity, fragile ecosystems, and natural balance. Disturbing the seafloor can damage habitats that have taken millions of years to form. Organizations like The Oxygen Project are working to stop this threat by raising awareness, educating the public, and campaigning for governments to limit or ban deep-sea mining.

Rachel is a professional underwater photographer and environmental advocate dedicated to capturing the wonders of marine life. With a special focus on the grace and intelligence of humpback whales, her storytelling inspires a deeper connection to the ocean and a commitment to its preservation.

Looking to help further protect the planet? Explore Only One, the action platform for the planet, on a mission to restore ocean health and tackle the climate crisis - with the power of the people.