A STATE OF TRANCE UNVEILS FIRST NAMES ON 2026 LINEUP FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY IN ROTTERDAM

On February 27 - 28, the legendary festival celebrates its milestone uniting global trance fans with groundbreaking performances and cutting-edge production.

A State of Trance (ASOT), the world’s leading trance event curated by Armin van Buuren, celebrates an extraordinary milestone in 2026: 25 years of ASOT. Marking the occasion, the festival returns to Rotterdam Ahoy on February 27-28 for a two-day spectacle that promises to be its most ambitious and emotional edition yet. 

The first wave of names announced sets the stage for an unforgettable ASOT milestone, with Oliver Heldens and Maddix joining forces with Armin van Buuren for a unique b3b (back-to-back-to-back) set, fresh off their explosive debut at Ultra Music Festival 2025. Adding to the euphoria, Cosmic Gate will deliver their signature sound, while Dutch new-wave heavyweights Benwal and Tjade join a powerhouse lineup featuring Estiva, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Korolova, Laura van Dam, and Mauro Picotto to name a few. Capping the celebration, Armin van Buuren himself will headline with an exclusive five-hour ‘time travel’ journey, taking fans through the highlights and all remarkable moments of 25 years of A State of Trance. Seamlessly blending his iconic solo performance with special back-to-back moments, this set promises to make the edition truly historic. Later this year, more artists will be announced, adding even more magic to this already amazing line-up.

True to ASOT tradition, the 2026 edition will feature multiple rooms, diverse sounds and the most cutting-edge production yet, blending the festival’s rich legacy with forward-thinking creativity.

“This isn’t just another festival, it’s a celebration of everything we’ve built together over 25 years,” says Armin van Buuren. “From classic trance to new sounds, from legends to fresh talent, ASOT 2026 will be about uniting everyone who loves this music.”

Tickets for ASOT 2026 are already in high demand. Final phase weekend passes are currently €174,00 excl. service fee, with the official A State of Trance Hotel being sold out, but a limited number of other hotel packages still available. Make sure to secure your spot, for what promises to be the biggest A State of Trance yet. Stay tuned as even more names join the lineup for this historic 25th anniversary edition at Ahoy Rotterdam.

For ticket details, hotel packages, and more information, visit astateoftrance.com.

KÖLSCH SETS KINEMA IN MOTION WITH ‘ALL WEEK’

The next single from Kölsch's forthcoming album arrives September 26th, leading into a visionary live tour this fall

The path toward Kölsch’s forthcoming album begins with 'All Week,' the opening single from KINEMA and the first taste of a project that stretches beyond the studio and onto the stage. Arriving on Kölsch's own label IPSO, the release signals the start of an ambitious year for the Danish producer, one that pairs a dynamic, forward-thinking LP with a daring new live show, ‘Kölsch and the Machine’. Together, they chart the next artistic chapter for one of techno's most human voices. Mark your calendar, as 'All Week' lands on streaming services everywhere.

If KINEMA pulses with identity, ‘All Week’ distills it into a single frame. Shuffling percussion and crisp snares carve out an addictive, unorthodox groove, while a worldly wind lead slips into focus, smooth yet kinetic in a single breath. As the track unfolds, the drums begin to spar with a swelling bassline in a tantalizing call and response that feels primal yet universal. As a first taste of KINEMA, the single works not because it defines the album’s entire palette, but because it hints at its scope. The record is less about sharpening a single formula and more about exploring a diverse spectrum of lush soundscapes that, when woven together, form the greater tapestry that is KINEMA.

That vision reaches full scale with 'Kölsch and the Machine', a new live show that brings KINEMA to life with modular performance and reimagined classics. Launching October 23 at Amsterdam Dance Event and traveling across Europe through the year’s end, the show represents a full circle moment, marking a long-awaited return to Kölsch's creative roots.

The next chapter begins on September 26 when 'All Week' hits streaming services worldwide, followed by the full KINEMA album and its lead single ‘Sad Makes Me Happy’ on October 17. Find more information about the live show, Kölsch and the Machine, including tickets and tour dates here.

Through a fusion of production mastery and deeply emotive techno, Kölsch has become one of the genre’s most singular voices. Building towards his upcoming Kölsch and the Machine live tour and accompanying KINEMA album, he continues to stand as one of the scene’s most defining figures. Over the years he has collaborated with a range of renowned artists including Coldplay, Imogen Heap, London Grammar, and Damon Albarn, as well as electronic heavyweights such as ARTBAT, Anyma, WhoMadeWho, and Kevin de Vries, showcasing a producer confident in wearing many creative hats. Alongside releases on his IPSO label with Michael Mayer, Tiga, and Sasha, Kölsch’s sound bridges raw vulnerability and electronic power. Raised in Copenhagen’s Christiania commune, he draws on a lifetime of artistic exploration to create music that feels both universal and deeply personal, a vision perhaps best captured in his unforgettable Cercle set atop the Eiffel Tower.

CONNECT WITH KÖLSCH
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SXM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FIRST ROUND OF NAMES FOR 9TH EDITION

Carl Cox, Deep Dish, Elderbrook (DJ set), Lee Burridge, Andhim, Layton Giordani and more will all perform at the 2026 edition

Tickets & travel Information: www.sxmfestival.com

The world’s most idyllic dancefloor calls once again as SXM Festival returns for a five-day music, art, and cultural odyssey in Saint Martin, the Caribbean, from March 18 – 22, 2026.

 The ninth edition of this globally renowned gathering returns to the breathtaking island for deep immersion on one of the Caribbean’s most naturally stunning islands. With its Phase One lineup now revealed, the countdown begins for a week of unforgettable sunrises, oceanfront dancefloors, secret jungle stages and world-class music.

Whether you're drawn to the Sunrise Party, where golden light bathes the beach in rhythm, or the legendary Panorama Party, set atop the island’s highest peak with 360° views of the island, SXM Festival is an unforgettable escape perfectly framed by hot sun, twinkling stars, white sand, lush jungle, and handcrafted design.

Over five curated days, SXM offers an experience unlike any other. It is a unique chance to explore a magical world of beach parties where the sand turns to dancefloor, sunrise sessions that start your day with deep, emotional energy, jungle raves hidden among palm trees and lush foliage, exclusive villa parties that redefine private luxury,  The Panorama Party - an iconic SXM highlight atop the island’s highest point, plus pop-up food and culture experiences from local legends and visiting chefs and art installations and decor curated to blend beautifully into the island's environment. 

From bohemian hideaways to architectural marvels, each location is carefully chosen to complement Saint Martin’s raw natural beauty—a core ethos of SXM since its inception in 2016.

SXM Festival’s first wave of talent for 2026 brings a masterful blend of house and techno legends, live innovators and underground risers. Carl Cox, one of the most influential DJs of all time, will make his long-awaited SXM Festival debut after over a decade of performing in the Caribbean. Deep Dish, the Grammy-winning duo, return to the global stage and reunite for a tropical performance. Elderbrook, celebrated for his chart-topping hits and genre-bending live shows, brings a special DJ set to the island. Lee Burridge, pioneer of All Day I Dream, will once again deliver his signature sunrise sounds and claim back his crown at one of the most anticipated events of the week. Germany’s Andhim, known for their playful and melodic approach to house, join the bill, alongside Layton Giordani, one of tech-house’s brightest rising stars.

The lineup also features Spencer Brown, beloved for his progressive journeys, Natascha Polké with a full live performance, and Eli Fola, presenting his unique hybrid DJ set of Afro sounds and live saxophone and drums. Fresh talent includes Marten Lou, Maxi Meraki, Nimino, Rafael, Sistek, Yet More, Lumia, and the return of the charismatic &Friends, rounding out a first wave that embodies the festival’s balance of established icons and boundary-pushing new voices.

“SXM Festival was born to unite people from all over the world in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Phase One gives just a glimpse of the journey we’re creating for 2026 - a celebration of music, art, and community alongside the Caribbean’s magical backdrop” said festival founder Julian Prince.

SXM Festival is deeply committed to sustainability, local culture and elevated travel. Guests are encouraged to explore the island from culinary adventures and catamaran cruises to guided hikes, and eco-tourism experiences. Throughout the week, the festival works in harmony with the local community, investing in eco-conscious infrastructure, supporting local artists and artisans, and creating economic opportunities for residents.

LINEUP A-Z

&Friends

Andhim

Carl Cox

Deep Dish

Elderbrook (DJ Set)

Eli Fola (Hybrid)

Kadosh

Layton Giordani

Lee Burridge

Lumia

Marten Lou

Maxi Meraki

Natascha Polké (Live)

Nimino (DJ Set)

Rafael

Sistek

Spencer Brown

Tripolism

Yamagucci

Yet More