The countdown is on! REDLINE is bringing a heavyweight lineup to the Big Four Roadhouse in Calgary, Alberta, on November 21, with an eclectic mix of global electronic music talent ready to take over the dancefloor. Leading the charge is KSHMR, bringing his signature blend of big-room energy and cinematic sounds. Joining him as a special guest is none other than Headhunterz, the Dutch hardstyle legend making a highly anticipated return to the stage.
And that's just the beginning. The lineup also features Coone, CHYL, Öwnboss, Kishogi, and DJ Ambrozic, rounding out a night that spans hardstyle, bass, high-energy dance music and beyond. Whether you're there for the hard-hitting drops, euphoric melodies or full-throttle festival energy, REDLINE is shaping up to be one serious night for Calgary's electronic music community.
THE INTERVIEW
CR: Hello Stanley, welcome to Canadianravers! Glad to have you here. How are you doing?
SH: Thanks for having me! I’m doing great. It’s a busy time getting ready for REDLINE, but I’m excited to see everything come together. Hope you and the Canadianravers team are doing well too!
CR: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey curating events? How did it start?
SH: I started as a partygoer back in 1998. I loved to dance, and being on the dance floor was what first drew me into the scene. In 1999, I began putting on parties for fun. What started as small gatherings with friends gradually became a business and something I’ve now spent more than 25 years doing.
Along the way, I met some amazing people who shared that passion and earned my trust. Together, we formed Electric Escape, and today we produce events across Canada. That feeling I first had as a fan is still a big part of how I approach every show.
CR: What’s the story behind REDLINE Festival? What sparked the idea? We’d love the inside scoop.
SH: REDLINE is a collaboration with Ambrozic Productions, who came up with the name. The original plan was to bring back CONVERGE for a second year, building on its harder dance identity in Calgary.
As the bookings developed, though, we weren’t able to secure the full harder dance lineup we felt CONVERGE deserved. That opened up a different creative direction: a festival that could bring multiple genres and audiences together.
That’s how REDLINE came to life. The racing theme gave us an identity that matched the energy we wanted fast, intense, and built around a lineup that keeps people moving.
CR: What made you choose the Big Four Roadhouse in Calgary for this festival?
SH: Once we had KSHMR and Headhunterz in the picture, we knew we needed a room that could match the scale of the lineup. We wanted enough space to deliver the production we envisioned and make it feel like a major occasion. The Big Four gave us the opportunity to bring those ambitions together.
CR: Did you ever think you would see Headhunterz return to North America? What was the conversation that made Willem say, “Okay, I’m in”?
SH: Truthfully, we’d been pursuing Headhunterz since 2025, after seeing him announce a solo show in Australia. That gave us hope that a North American appearance might be possible.
There were months of conversations, but as recently as August, the message from his team was that he wanted to focus on music and wasn’t looking to return for a show.
There wasn’t one magic conversation. It took persistence, patience, and showing his team the vision for the event. Having KSHMR on the lineup was part of that picture and securing him is another story of its own!
Eventually, Willem had a change of heart. We feel incredibly fortunate that he chose our event for his only North American solo appearance of 2026. With no other future appearances confirmed to us, we know how special this opportunity is.
CR: What’s one of your favourite Headhunterz tracks that you’d love to hear in his REDLINE set?
SH: “Destiny,” without a doubt. He has so many great tracks, but that one feels especially fitting for this show. After everything it took to bring him back, hearing it at REDLINE would be a special moment.
CR: Does an exclusive comeback set make a festival booking more valuable than an entire lineup of established headliners?
SH: For this event, I think it does. A strong lineup gives people plenty of reasons to attend, but a return like this carries an emotional weight that’s difficult to recreate.
North American fans have been waiting more than three years to see him again. For many of them, his music is tied to memories, friendships, and their introduction to hardstyle. That makes this booking about more than the name on the poster. It’s the chance to experience something they weren’t sure would happen again.
CR: Is there a Headhunterz track that never leaves your personal playlist because of its emotional connection to you?
SH: Definitely “Colors.” It came out in 2013, the same year I worked with him in Canada, so it brings me straight back to that period.
I’ve attached an old event flyer “Basszone” from that show. Looking at it now, then thinking about bringing him back for REDLINE all these years later, feels like a full-circle moment.
CR: How hands-on are you with REDLINE compared with other events under the Electric Escape umbrella?
SH: I’m very hands-on with REDLINE. I oversee the musical programming and talent acquisition, and I work closely with our team on marketing.
Electric Escape and Ambrozic Productions work hand in hand to connect the lineup, production, and overall experience. We want people to walk away with memories they’ll still be talking about years later, and we’re putting a lot into the production to help make that happen.
For a taste of what we’re building on, here’s the recap from last year’s harder dance event, CONVERGE:
CR: Aside from curating events, what else do you enjoy?
SH: Spending time with my two boys means a lot to me. My work comes with late nights, travel, and a busy schedule, so I really value being present for them and enjoying everyday moments together.
I also love travelling, trying local food, and exploring the history and culture of different cities. My faith has become a bigger part of my life too. These days, I’m learning to slow down, grow as a person, and appreciate the people and experiences around me.
LIGHTNING ROUND
CR: Favourite fast food?
SH: Church’s fried chicken.
CR: Go-to meal when you’re sick?
SH: Vietnamese pho—Phở Đặc Biệt.
CR: Favourite drink to order?
SH: An iced latte.
CR: First rave as an attendee?
SH: It’s been a while, but I’m pretty sure it was Summer Love!
CR: All-time favourite song?
SH: “Traffic” by Tiësto.
CR: What’s your guilty pleasure?
SH: Sports cards and Pokémon cards. I’ll tell myself I’m just looking, then somehow I’m researching chase cards and convincing myself that one more box is a good idea.
CR: What’s your hidden talent?
SH: Finding a way to make things happen. Whether it’s reaching someone who’s hard to get hold of, connecting the right people, or turning a random conversation into an opportunity, I’ve always been resourceful.
CR: Which social platform do you use the most?
SH: Instagram, for sure. It’s where I stay connected with friends, artists, and what’s happening in the scene.
CR: Curating festivals or club shows?
SH: Club shows have a slight edge for me. I love the intimacy of having the artist and crowd so close together—you can really feel the energy in the room. Festivals give me the chance to dream bigger, though, and REDLINE has been an opportunity to bring that vision to life.
CR: Underground warehouses or unique locations?
SH: Unique locations. I love taking a space people wouldn’t expect and turning it into a music experience. The setting becomes part of the story and gives people something to remember beyond the lineup.