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Music News: Layton Giordani Kicks Off MADMINDS with Explosive First Release: ‘When It Kicks’ with Green Velvet
The first track from acclaimed DJ and producer Layton Giordani’s newly launched label MADMINDS has arrived: ‘When It Kicks’, a powerful collaboration with electronic music icon Green Velvet. The electrifying tech weapon has been igniting stages around the world since its debut at Giordani’s headlining New York City show last December, setting the tone for a wave of hard-hitting releases to come on the brand-new imprint.
Already championed by genre titans like John Summit, Mau P, Adam Beyer and Solomun, ‘When It Kicks’ captures the essence of MADMINDS, driven by curiosity, creativity, and a headstrong approach to blurring genre lines. Giordani and Green Velvet next take the stage together at Experts Only Festival in NYC this month and at The Shrine in LA in November, where the track is poised to be a crowning jewel of both.
About Layton Giordani
Layton Giordani continues to reign as a trailblazer and now label boss of MADMINDS, solidifying his presence at the forefront of the global house and techno scene.
A New York native, Giordani’s journey into electronic music began in his teens, inspired by the legendary sets of Danny Tenaglia at Pacha NY. This profound experience drove him to pursue a career behind the decks, eventually earning a pivotal residency at Output NY in Brooklyn. There, his talent flourished, catching the attention of key figures in the techno world.
Giordani’s big break came under the mentorship of Adam Beyer, the techno heavyweight behind Drumcode. With Beyer’s support, his debut Unspoken EP on Truesoul, followed quickly by Rivington on Drumcode, marked his arrival as a rising force in the scene. His 2017 debut album Where It Begins earned widespread acclaim, cementing his status as a significant player.
The years that followed were marked by monumental collaborations and career-defining hits, including Live Again with Danny Tenaglia and Space Date with Adam Beyer and Green Velvet—an anthem now boasting more than 19 million Spotify streams. His 2020 sophomore album New Generation pushed boundaries further, blending diverse influences and expanding his sonic identity.
Giordani’s versatility has continued to shine through releases such as his Hyperworld EP, his high-energy collaboration Rabbit Hole with HI-LO, and a powerful rework of Voicemail alongside Green Velvet and Patrick Topping. Each project demonstrated his ability to reshape and reimagine tracks for a new era of dance music.
In 2024, Giordani unleashed 10 massive releases, including his remix of Anyma’s Last Night—which soared to #1 on Beatport and peaked at over 100,000 daily Spotify streams. Other highlights included PATT (Party All The Time) with Adam Beyer and Green Velvet, his debut on Experts Only with Paranoid, a remix of Dom Dolla’s girl$, and his first official remix of deadmau5’s legendary Strobe.
Entering 2025, Giordani has cemented himself as one of the most influential names in house and techno. He stormed into the year with Act of God (nearing 3M streams), followed by a monster remix of John Summit’s Focus, and At Night with Anyma, which crossed the 3M mark within two months of release. His music continues to dominate airwaves with consistent global radio support from Pete Tong (BBC Radio 1), MistaJam (Capital/KISS), and Diplo’s Revolution on SiriusXM.
Fresh off a series of sold-out shows and high-profile festival plays, Giordani has recently headlined in New York City and Space Miami, taken over the Yuma Tent at Coachella, and delivered closing sets at EDC Las Vegas—further solidifying his reputation as a powerhouse at the cutting edge of electronic music.
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About Green Velvet
This music industry legend, trailblazer, and currently one of the hottest DJ’s and producers on the underground electronic music scene...Green Velvet... came into existence more than 25 years ago. In 1993 Green Velvet launched Relief Records and since that time has been a constant presence in the industry. When this very eccentric, green Mohawk wearing Green Velvet emerged, he sent shock waves throughout the House and Techno music scenes. What was even more intriguing was his background. Born in the southern suburbs of Chicago, IL he has always been an active athlete and focused student determined to follow his dream of becoming a chemical engineer. While he excelled scholastically he was socially introverted, but always committed to finding ways to share his enthusiasm for living. Even today, more than 25 years later...it is difficult to go to any electronic music festival or set and not hear music from Green Velvet/Relief Records. Crowds everywhere sing along when notable hits like: Bigger than Prince, Flash, La La Land, Lazer Beams, Live Stream, Preacher Man, Shake and Pop, Sheeple, Suga, and Voicemail, are blasting across the airwaves. Part of the history of Green Velvet and Relief Records is all about the Love.... Love of the music...Love of the fans...Love of other artists. The history of great releases on the label and artists speak to this.
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About Armada Music
Armada Music is the biggest independent dance music label in the world. Founded by Armin van Buuren, Maykel Piron (CEO) and David Lewis, the label manages an ever-growing catalog of over 50,000 tracks built up across twenty-plus years of specialized dance music exploitation.
Representing artists such as Armin van Buuren, ARTY, D.O.D, Eelke Kleijn, Jan Blomqvist, Joris Voorn, KI/KI, Lilly Palmer, Loud Luxury, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, THEMBA and Yulia Niko, Armada Music amasses more than one billion streams per month, airplay on leading radio outlets such as BBC Radio 1 and Sirius XM, and top positions in the world’s most notable charts. Significant label milestones include Armin van Buuren's Grammy nomination for 'This Is What It Feels Like' and two tracks surpassing one billion streams on Spotify: Loud Luxury and Brando’s ‘Body’ and Lost Frequencies’ ‘Are You With Me’.
Across offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York, London and Laren (NL), Armada Music offers a global appeal to its growing roster. The label has its own club, radio studio and multiple production studios, and hosts various live formats. Producer platform Armada University, which offers educational products and opportunities, shows the label’s sustained effort to nurture the next wave of talent.
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