Armada Music Group’s dance music investment company has acquired Mixmash Records’ entire master catalog
BEAT Music Fund, the first dance music investment company from Armada Music Group, today announced a major catalog acquisition deal with record label, Mixmash Records. The company has acquired the entire master catalog of Mixmash Records, the dance label co-founded by Olga Heijns and DJ and producer Laidback Luke.
Established in 2004, Mixmash Records is a prominent label distributing various house music subgenres, including electro house, future house, and progressive house. The label is recognized for its commitment to developing new sounds and nurturing emerging talent within the genre. Mixmash Records has released thousands of tracks featuring collaborations with dance music powerhouses such as Steve Aoki and D.O.D. Among their key acquisitions by BEAT are:
“Show Me Love” with Steve Angello and Laidback Luke (ft. Robin S) (169M streams)
“Turbulence” by Steve Aoki and Laidback Luke (ft. Lil Jon) (40M streams)
“We ultimately chose BEAT Music Fund because their vision and capabilities aligned perfectly with our goal: to place the Mixmash catalog in expert hands, ensuring our artists’ work is properly monetized and respected,” said Managing Director & Co-Founder of Mixmash Records Olga Heijns. “Their robust infrastructure and deep industry know-how were essential factors for both Luke and me – Mixmash represents 20 years of our legacy, and with BEAT we feel confident that our history and values will be carried forward.”
“BEAT Music Fund’s dedication to honoring the legacy of dance music deeply resonates with my greater purpose as an artist,” said Laidback Luke. “I am confident that both my work and the label's catalogue are in excellent hands with the team.”
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Mixmash Records' esteemed catalog into the BEAT Music Fund family,” added Maykel Piron, the CEO of Armada Music Group. “Olga and Laidback Luke have built an exceptional legacy over two decades, and this acquisition underscores our commitment to preserving and elevating the rich history of dance music.”
BEAT’s newly acquired tracks from Mixmash Records have collectively garnered over 200 million streams and continue to attract listeners across generations. The company continues to gain traction in its pursuit to acquire and exploit recording and music publishing catalogs in the dance genre.
About BEAT Music Fund
Launched by Armada Music in 2023, BEAT Music Fund is the world’s first dance music investment company, acquiring catalogs with the mission of honoring, representing and reinvigorating them. BEAT’s portfolio includes the catalogs of house and techno pioneer Kevin Saunderson’s KMS Records, electronic music star ARTY, legendary NYC-based house label King Street Sounds, chart-topping producers Chocolate Puma, acclaimed U.K. duo Solardo’s Sola Records and Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Jax Jones. For more information, visit beatmusicfund.com.
About Armada Music Group
Armada Music Group is the parent company of Armada Music, the world’s biggest independent dance music label; BEAT Music Fund, the first-ever dance investment fund; and Armada Music Publishing, a dedicated publishing division. Established to seamlessly offer label, publishing and catalog acquisition services under one roof to bolster creativity for current and prospective artists, Armada Music Group is driven by an ongoing mission to amplify the success of today’s artists in the dance genre. With offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York, London and Laren (NL), Armada Music Group offers a global appeal to its growing roster.
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.
Layton Giordani Unveils New York-Based Label: MADMINDS
Launching in tandem with Armada Music, Giordani’s NYC roots heavily influence the new label
Amid a landmark year, renowned DJ, producer and New York City-native Layton Giordani today announced the launch of his label MADMINDS, in partnership with Armada Music. The sonic ethos of MADMINDS is a genre-melding journey, delivering an otherworldly experience that flows seamlessly from music selection and release artwork to live production. The label’s first single is set for release in early September.
Just as the name suggests, Giordani envisions the label as a home for brilliantly unconventional minds, the kind that are wild, exciting, and unapologetically original. That spirit is at the heart of the label: a place for bold ideas, fearless creativity, and people who embrace out-of-the-box thinking in all the best ways. Giordani is dedicated to supporting up-and-coming artists and releasing music that blurs genre lines, focusing on a distinct vibe that will be instantly recognizable as a MADMINDS release.
Launching the label in New York City was a deliberate choice for Giordani, whose sound was deeply shaped by the city’s scene. "New York City is where I first discovered house and techno at 16 years old,” says Layton Giordani. “I was entrenched in the culture very early on in my career and had the honor of watching the genre’s pioneers shape the music we now love. My first residencies were here, from Pacha NYC to Output Brooklyn, and the city undoubtedly influenced me in every way.”
Fans can expect MADMINDS to deliver an immersive, multi-sensory experience that extends far beyond the music, weaving through striking visuals, live production and more. Each release will feature bold, visual-first artwork, inviting listeners to enter a unique world crafted by each track and letting the sound speak entirely for itself. Designed to challenge the brain, the label’s creative output will ignite curiosity at every turn, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the imaginative realm that MADMINDS brings to life.
"Teaming up with Armada Music to create MADMINDS at this moment felt very natural and in sync with where I’m at in my career. It feels like the right time to give back and share my story with the world, with a renewed vision and collaborative focus,” adds Giordani. “It’s time to shake things up for electronic music, rising from the very place that raised me.”
About MADMINDS
Unlock the sound, enter the mind. MADMINDS is a record label from house and techno trailblazer Layton Giordani. A decade into a career defined by a signature, genre-fusing sound, Giordani’s label is a direct extension of his craft.
Born in New York City, MADMINDS reflects the diversity, tempo, and rebellious energy of its roots. It is a collective for bold ideas, fearless creativity, and a little bit of madness—a home for people who aren't afraid to push boundaries in all the right ways.
Join the madness. Follow us on Instagram and SoundCloud: @madmindsnyc and on X: @MAD_MINDS_NYC. Explore our world at madmindsnyc.com.
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.
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.
Lets take a closer look on the day one of the 16th edition of IMS Ibiza, presented in partnership with AlphaTheta.
The tone was set by Elijah, who didn’t just introduce this year’s theme of Intergenerational Exchange, but, as always, added his own provocations and inversions — and with accompanying yellow boxes for each.
“The bond across generations is principles and ethics,” he said, as he looked for the shared values that link countries, ages and scenes. “What are you doing to expand the possibilities of electronic music?” he asked the audience. “That’s how we pass the torch to new generations.”
The IMS Business Report carried echoes of the same sentiment. MIDiA Research’s Mark Mulligan stressed that in 2025 it’s about looking beyond the numbers to the cultural impact, to remember that what happens in real-life spaces is what drives this business. There were plenty of encouraging numbers, from a market value for the electronic music industry that grew 6% year-on-year in 2024, reaching a $12.9 billion global valuation. But… “the numbers follow from the culture,” he reminded us.
Afro house is a big strand of that global culture, and across IMS Ibiza this year. In a way, its meteoric success has become a prism through which to view electronic music culture as a whole — as a regional sound that has captured the mainstream, with all the questions about ownership and authenticity that brings up. In a great session moderated by Dare Balogun, Jackie Queens, Zakes Batwini and Shimza struck an optimistic note, clearly excited by the huge opportunities that its popularity has opened up, and a defiant yet somehow inclusive refusal to let outsiders pigeonhole or set rules on that growth. But Jackie also reminded us of the spirit that has fuelled the sound this far: “spirituality, joy, dancing, and music rooted in Black lived experience. That’s the kind of afro house that moves me.”
Indeed, there was a truly global feel to the program today — with afro house, with a session on the opportunities in the Middle East — and MDLBeast Radio broadcasting live in the Lobby — with The Brave Space exploring the rise of South Asia as a force in electronic music, the market focus on Spain — both in live and in recorded music — and the simple fact that there are delegates here from over 50 countries.
It’s a global culture, but as Mark Mulligan pointed out in the Business Report session, electronic music is no longer a monolith; every country, even cities, have their own demarcated scenes and cultures. Looking for the values that connect them, the ideas that can be exchanged, and the opportunities for evolution and growth in different ways and spaces, is the key.
But it’s never just all about grand themes and global movements. It was quite literally standing room only at the How Managers Break Artists panel, where managers David De Valera (Mochakk) and Guga Trevisani (Vintage Culture) were in conversation with HE.SHE.THEY.’s Sophia Kearney. This was IMS Ibiza at its most practical, nuts-and-bolts career-focused, with all three giving actionable advice for artists and managers in their Q&A — from building up a bank of music to grinding out gigs as a selector, even to creating a ‘fake’ management team to handle those awkward negotiations.
Across IMS Ibiza’s four spaces, every session today seemed to find its crowd, especially the calm and secluded The Art of Areté area, where Patrick Mason’s emotional, personal chat with Chloe Lula and choreographer Cecilia Bengolea was a moving testimony to his own biography and self-discovery through movement and dance. Particularly the revelation that a ‘secret’ relative had been part of the voguing scene back in 80s NYC, a revelation which came after Patrick himself decided to come out as queer after moving to Berlin. An intergenerational exchange that transcended time, space and even death. When Cecilia started dancing — demonstrating how interior emotion was so essential to external movement and sensation — it was a privilege to witness, and a unique IMS Ibiza moment.
Back in the big room, in the relaxed yet fascinating conversation between long-time Fatboy Slim manager and founder of Anglo Management, Garry Blackburn, and Black Coffee’s manager, Alegria Agency’s Cristiana Votta, there was also a real feeling of intergenerational exchange in action — “the youth will learn from the older generation and vice versa”, as IMS co-founder Ben Turner had hoped in the introductions that started the day. “There’s no such thing as an average day in this business, that’s what I love the most about the job,” said Votta, with Blackburn in full agreement.
The same applies to IMS Ibiza. If day two is as insightful, inspiring — and surprising — as day one, we’re in for quite a ride.
QUOTES OF THE DAY
“Every initiative that makes it easier to live also makes it easier to create. A lot of government creative policy is focused on the arts, but if rent is too high, that will have a negative impact on creativity.” Elijah
“People talk about the gatekeepers having all gone. They haven’t, they’ve just been replaced by a new gatekeeper: the algorithm.” Mark Mulligan, MIDiA Research
“I owe my entire career as a DJ to radio. It goes beyond just the broadcasting. It provides this bridge between the real world and the online world. It provides connection.” Jaguar
“Afro house means I get to express myself in my most authentic way to the world: without changing myself.” Shimza
“I think many Spanish artists have been lazy. They haven’t taken the risk to go outside of their own country and push their careers. It’s all about attitude and networking. That’s why Paco Osuna has done so well — because he was focused.” Brian Cross, Live Nation Spain
“As artists we’re sponges. Wherever I’m lucky enough to travel, I make sure I go to local club nights, local record shops, try and meet local DJs in the studio, and that broadens my sound and my curation skills. I take inspiration from the noise and find the thing I want to share in the noise.” Chloé Caillet
“People want to buy an experience now rather than just a line-up. A brand like Elrow has shown you can create a brand and experience that’s not about a headliner.” Alex Montoya, Agent & Promoter, Analog Agency
“I think the next generation has to have its own ambition. They need to focus on the music and stick to their guns. They need to worry less about Instagram numbers and what everyone already likes, and push forward with the sounds that they believe in.” Martín Ferrer Vega, Amnesia
“I saw how successful Mochakk was on TikTok and Instagram. But when he then sent me 50 tracks, I knew that we had something real.” David De Valera, Founder & CEO / Director, Spike Management / Circulate
“You learn a lot being a manager about things you never thought you would… geography, immigration, divorce law!” Cristiana Votta, Manager, Alegria Agency
“I think a revelation for me was realising that I wasn't actually the boss in the relationship. All the best artists I’ve worked with know exactly what they want. They might be wrong… but you have to trust them while still having a voice and giving support.” Garry Blackburn, Founder/CEO, Anglo Management
“We’re the pioneers of this thing, we are the voice of this thing. Why would someone else tell us how this sound can be? We have the leverage to dictate where the sound is going. For us to limit where that sound would go is wrong. The canvas is clear: we can explore as much as we can without any fear or doubt.” Shimza
MS Ibiza 2025 - Day One Summary
The 16th edition of IMS Ibiza, in partnership with AlphaTheta, kicked off with a dynamic blend of thought-provoking discussions, cultural insights, and practical advice for the electronic music industry.
Setting the Tone:
Elijah opened the event, introducing the theme of Intergenerational Exchange. His thought-provoking address emphasized the importance of shared values—principles and ethics—that transcend generations. He challenged attendees to consider how they expand the possibilities of electronic music, highlighting the role of cultural continuity in passing the torch to future artists.
Business Insights:
Mark Mulligan of MIDiA Research presented the IMS Business Report, underscoring the growing global market value of electronic music, which reached $12.9 billion in 2024—a 6% year-on-year growth. However, he stressed that beyond numbers, it's the cultural impact and real-life experiences that truly drive the industry forward.
Global Cultural Highlights:
Afro house featured prominently, with industry leaders like Jackie Queens, Zakes Batwini, and Shimza sharing their optimism about its global rise. They celebrated the genre’s roots in Black lived experience, emphasizing spirituality, joy, and authenticity. The event also spotlighted the Middle East’s growing electronic scene, South Asia’s emerging influence, and Spain’s evolving live and recorded music market, reflecting IMS Ibiza’s truly global reach with delegates from over 50 countries.
Practical Industry Advice:
A packed session on How Managers Break Artists provided actionable tips from David De Valera (Mochakk), Guga Trevisani (Vintage Culture), and Sophia Kearney (HE.SHE.THEY.). Their advice ranged from strategic music releases to innovative management approaches.
Personal Stories and Emotional Moments:
In The Art of Areté area, Patrick Mason’s heartfelt conversation with Chloe Lula and Cecilia Bengolea delved into his personal journey of self-discovery through dance, culminating in a moving revelation about his family’s hidden connection to the voguing scene of 1980s NYC.
Intergenerational Wisdom:
The dialogue between Garry Blackburn (Fatboy Slim’s manager) and Cristiana Votta (Black Coffee’s manager) exemplified the day’s theme, showcasing how mutual learning between generations fosters industry growth.
Key Quotes:
“The bond across generations is principles and ethics.” — Elijah
“The numbers follow from the culture.” — Mark Mulligan
“Afro house means I get to express myself in my most authentic way.” — Shimza
“We’re the pioneers of this thing. We have the leverage to dictate where the sound is going.” — Shimza
Looking Ahead:
Day one set a high bar, blending grand cultural themes with practical industry insights. If day two matches its depth and inspiration, IMS Ibiza 2025 promises to be an unforgettable journey.
The publisher has also extended its deal with Da Beatfreakz following the massive success of their 26x platinum hit ‘Prada’ last year
Armada Music Publishing, the dedicated publishing division of Armada Music Group, has announced a slate of new deals with Bloom Twins, SHELLS and Trance Wax, as well as the extension of its successful partnership with Da Beatfreakz. Armada Music Publishing continues to grow its presence in the UK, further expanding its roster of successful producers and songwriters that already includes D.O.D, Ki Fitzgerald, Tom Staar, Kryder, Chicane and more.
Armada Music Publishing has signed exclusive writer agreements with the likes of:
The London-based dance-pop duo Bloom Twins comprised of Ukrainian twin sisters Anna and Sofia Kuprienko. The deal will further develop their songwriting and producing careers, building on the popularity of hits like ‘High on Beat’ (ft. Jan Blomqvist), ‘DayDream’ (ft. Benny Benassi) and ‘Opposite of Crazy’ (ft. Purple Disco Machine), as well as their presence in the fashion world, with appearances at GUCCI’s Spring/Summer 2023 runway show and campaigns for Sephora, Armani A/X, Swarovski, Si Rossi, Pandora and more.
Sarah Sheldrake, also known as SHELLS. Sheldrake is known for her songwriting and achieved a UK Top 5 hit and a Song of the Year nomination at the 2024 BRIT Awards with ‘Dancing is Healing’ and has collaborated with top artists like Meduza, Rudimental, and Sonny Fodera.
Belfast-based producer Garry McCartney, aka Trance Wax. McCartney is known for tracks like 'Black Lion', 'Rhythm of the Night', his remixes of Tom Smith and MEDUZA. He is also recognized for his custom live sets and has performed to sold-out crowds at London’s Printworks in support of electronic music group Above & Beyond.
Additionally, the publishing division has renewed its exclusive songwriter agreement with Da Beatfreakz (Obi 'O1' and Uche Ebele 'U1'). The deal builds on Armada’s initial partnership with Da Beatfreakz, which is marked by the duo’s co-written share in 26x platinum hit single ‘Prada’ (performed by Cassö, RAYE and D-Block Europe), which copyright has surpassed a billion streams and earned them nominations for Song of the Year at the 2025 BRIT Awards and for an Ivor Novello Award.
“This is an exciting time for Armada Music Publishing—we’re honored to join forces with Bloom Twins, SHELLS and Trance Wax, and build on the success of our partnership with Da Beatfreakz,” said Maykel Piron, CEO of Armada Music Group. “Each of them truly represents the very best in songwriting, and we’re thrilled to support them on their respective musical journeys.”
About Armada Music Group
Armada Music Group is the parent company of the world’s biggest independent dance music label, Armada Music, the first-ever dance investment fund, BEAT Music Fund, and its dedicated publishing division, Armada Music Publishing. Armada Music was founded in 2003 by Armin van Buuren, Maykel Piron and David Lewis (AR-MA-DA). A seven-time winner of the EDMA’s for ‘Best Global Label,’ Armada Music boasts the globe’s biggest dance music catalog of over 50,000 tracks and a mouth-watering artist roster. Promoting dance music all over the world from its offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York and London, Armada Music represents and cultivates the creative exploits of some of the biggest players in the electronic music game, including Armin van Buuren, Lilly Palmer, ARTY, Audien, Miss Monique, D.O.D, Ferry Corsten, Yulia Niko, Jan Blomqvist, Loud Luxury, and Tensnake. Through this star-studded dance music army, Armada Music collects over 1 billion streams per month, secures weekly airplay on the biggest nationwide broadcasting stations (such as BBC Radio 1 and Sirius XM), and frequents the top spots of the U.S. Mediabase Dance Airplay charts. Continually bringing out the best in its artists has led to various high-magnitude achievements, including Armin van Buuren’s Grammy nomination for “This Is What It Feels Like,” Lost Frequencies’ Diamond Award for exceeding the mark of one billion streams on Spotify and the huge success of Loud Luxury and Brando in the U.S. and beyond.
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.
Armada Music, the world’s leading independent dance music label, has once again reinforced its status as an industry frontrunner by winning the prestigious fan-voted title of Label Of The Year at the Electronic Dance Music Awards (EDMAs) during Miami Music Week. This marks the second consecutive year that Armada Music has won this award.
“We’re incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the EDMAs for the second year in a row and deeply grateful to the fans who voted for us,” said Maykel Piron, CEO and co-founder of Armada Music. “Our fans make it possible for us to keep doing what we love, and we look forward to growing this community for years to come.”
The award marks another standout year for the label, defined by major milestones for both the company and its roster. Over the past year, the label has secured several high-profile signings, including an exclusive deal with British house hitmaker D.O.D, building on years of creative collaboration. It also partnered with Grammy Award-winning duo Deep Dish to bring their critically acclaimed album ‘George Is On’ to digital streaming platforms and download portals worldwide. Additionally, KI/KI joined forces with Armada Music to shape the next chapter of her own label, Slash, while the company relaunched the legendary NYC house label King Street Sounds. Further cementing its industry presence, Armada Music expanded its publishing division, Armada Music Publishing, and introduced its new parent company, Armada Music Group.
In addition to winning Label of the Year, Armada Music is celebrating multiple victories, including Best New Artist for D.O.D. Armin van Buuren further added to the label’s success, winning Mainstage Festival Song of the Year for ‘Follow The Light’ with Hardwell, as well as Best Radio Show for A State of Trance. In total, Armada Music earned fifteen nominations across various categories, including Best House Song, Best Remix, Best Use of Sample, Best Music Video and Dance Electro Pop Song of the Year.
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.
Armada Music Group’s dance music investment company has acquired Tiga’s cult hit ‘Sunglasses at Night’ and more as part of the deal
BEAT Music Fund, the world’s first dance music investment company from Armada Music Group, today announced it has acquired the rights to a large portion of masters from Tiga, renowned DJ, producer and founder of Turbo Recordings. The deal includes Tiga’s ‘Sunglasses at Night,’ ‘Bugatti,’ ‘You Gonna Want Me,’ ‘Let’s Go Dancing,’ and ‘HAL’ ft. Kölsch, all of which solidified him as a techno luminary and have collectively garnered over 33 million streams on Spotify.
“Teaming up with BEAT and Armada Music Group marks a pivotal moment for me as an artist,” said Tiga. “We share a passion for dance music and a deep respect for creators in this space, and I look forward to working closely with the Armada team to reinvigorate my work and expand the influence of the techno genre.”
Lauded for his inventive sound that led the early-aughts electro revival, Tiga began releasing music in the late ‘90s and rose to global prominence with his electronic cover of Corey Hart’s ‘Sunglasses at Night’ in 2001. His critically acclaimed albums, Sexor, which spawned viral tracks like ‘You Gonna Want Me,’ and Ciao!, achieved massive success and played a major role in shaping the modern dance scene.
The acquisition reinforces the shared goal to breathe new life into his work. DJ and producer Layton Giordani’s recent remix of Tiga and Audion’s 2013 classic ‘Let’s Go Dancing’ earned a #1 spot on 1001Tracklists’ DJ Charts and nearly 2M streams across streaming platforms. Reimagined with a higher BPM for his energetic live sets, DJ Reinier Zonneveld and Zyntherius’ remix of Tiga’s 2001 hit ‘Sunglasses at Night’ also quickly found success as a 2024 club anthem.
“Tiga is a generational talent who has left an indelible mark on the dance music industry,” said Maykel Piron, CEO of Armada Music Group. “His prolific work - as both a solo artist and producer - has helped shape the genre for nearly 30 years. We’re honored to preserve Tiga’s legacy and look forward to seizing new opportunities to revitalize his iconic hits.”
Tiga is the latest artist to join BEAT’s notable roster as the company continues its mission to empower creators and build upon some of the most respected catalogs in the dance genre. To date, BEAT has inked catalog deals with Kevin Saunderson, Markus Schulz, Robbie Rivera, Jax Jones, Amba Shepherd, VIVa MUSiC, Sola Records, King Street Sounds, Chocolate Puma and more.
About BEAT Music Fund
Launched by Armada Music in 2023, BEAT Music Fund is the world’s first dance music investment company, acquiring catalogs with the mission of honoring, representing and reinvigorating them. BEAT’s portfolio includes the catalogs of house and techno pioneer Kevin Saunderson’s KMS Records, electronic music star ARTY, legendary NYC-based house label King Street Sounds, chart-topping producers Chocolate Puma, acclaimed U.K. duo Solardo’s Sola Records and Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Jax Jones. For more information, visit beatmusicfund.com.
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 40,000 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, Loud Luxury, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Tensnake, 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. The label also takes great pride in major achievements such as Armin van Buuren’s GRAMMY nomination for ‘This Is What It Feels Like’, Loud Luxury and Brando’s ‘Body’ surpassing one billion streams on Spotify and breaking artists such as Lost Frequencies into global stardom.
Across offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York, London and Laren (NL), Armada Music offers a truly 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.
In 2023, Armada Music launched BEAT Music Fund, the world’s first dance music investment company, that acquires catalogs with the mission of honoring, representing and reinvigorating them. BEAT’s portfolio will continue to grow; in the first six months following its launch, BEAT acquired the catalogs of, among others, electronic music star ARTY, house and techno pioneer Kevin Saunderson’s KMS Records, legendary NYC-based house label King Street Sounds and chart-topping producers Chocolate Puma.
UNITY is just the beginning - the first chapter in an expansive series of future collaborations between Insomniac and Tomorrowland
US-Based Insomniac and Belgium’s Tomorrowland, two of the world’s most iconic music festival creators, are joining forces for an unprecedented collaboration: UNITY. Debuting at Sphere in Las Vegas on August 29, 30, and 31, 2025, this groundbreaking audiovisual spectacle will elevate Labor Day weekend, immersing attendees in a new dimension of music and storytelling via state-of-the-art technology from the world’s most advanced entertainment venue. UNITY embodies the core values of both Tomorrowland and Insomniac: connection, inclusivity, and the unifying power of music.
UNITY is where the visionary worlds of Insomniac and Tomorrowland collide, fusing their most iconic dreamscapes into a breathtaking, guided adventure. With decades of combined expertise in crafting immersive festival experiences, Insomniac and Tomorrowland are joining forces for the first time ever, merging their legendary realms - Tomorrowland’s Planaxis, Adscendo, and Orbyz with Insomniac’s Beyond Wonderland, Escape Halloween, and Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) - into an all-encompassing sensory voyage.
Together, Insomniac and Tomorrowland have shared: "
With immense gratitude and excitement, we present UNITY: A New Tomorrowland and Insomniac Experience at Sphere in Las Vegas.
Through the past decades, we both have strived to create festivals and experiences around the world that foster beautiful, unique communities of individuals. Music is our universal language, the dance floor our sanctuary, and every one of you, our family. We can’t thank you enough for being such an integral part of the journey with us.
Now, for the first time in history, our worlds become one. In UNITY, we join together to create a brand-new experience that harnesses the magic, love and awe-inspiring moments within our events – and there’s no better stage on earth than Sphere.
UNITY is an opportunity to take you on an electrifying journey through a fusion of music, storytelling, and technology. This guided adventure takes you deep into some of our most beloved realms, all inspired by the themes and characters of our festivals. Tomorrowland’s enchanting themes of Planaxis, Adscendo and Orbyz merge with Insomniac’s vibrant universes of Beyond Wonderland x Nocturnal, Escape x Countdown, and EDC, transporting you into a new multi-sensory dimension.
The heartbeat of UNITY lies in its meticulously curated soundtrack. A dynamic selection of tracks has been curated from the rich history of dance music, with the addition of an orchestra and electronic instrumentation that brings this journey to life. We blend timeless anthems with cinematic arrangements to create an unparalleled auditory experience —elevated by the addition of special surprise guest performers taking the stage.
Every Unity show will conclude with a breathtaking crescendo, with world-renowned artists joining us for a final closing set— the special guest for each show date will be announced much closer to the event.
This isn’t just an event— it’s a true celebration of music, love, and togetherness. A gateway to another world, where reality blurs and the magic of Tomorrowland and Insomniac become one.
We welcome you to experience Tomorrowland & Insomniac’s UNITY.
See you in Las Vegas!
The heartbeat of UNITY lies in its meticulously curated soundtrack, bridging dance music's rich history with powerful new orchestra compositions and accompaniments, blending timeless anthems with cinematic arrangements to create an unparalleled auditory experience bringing this journey to life. Each show will build to a breathtaking crescendo, featuring surprise special guest DJ performances during the captivating finale.
This collaboration between Insomniac and Tomorrowland marks a groundbreaking moment in live entertainment, and it's only just the beginning. UNITY is the first chapter in a series of collaborations between the two iconic festival creators, with more experiences to come in the future. By uniting two globally recognized festival communities, UNITY demonstrates the power of collective strength. As industry leaders with distinct legacies, this partnership blends creative vision, technological innovation, and a deep passion for dance music culture.
Sphere’s next-generation technology makes UNITY possible on a scale never seen before. The venue features the world’s highest-resolution LED display at 16k x 16k, which wraps up, over and around the audience to create a fully immersive visual experience; and the world’s most advanced concert-grade audio system, Sphere Immersive Sound, which delivers audio with unmatched clarity and precision to every guest. UNITY at Sphere will blur the lines between reality and fantasy, transporting attendees in a magical world where Tomorrowland and Insomniac become one.
Vibee, the music-led destination experience company, is the official VIP Concert & Hotel Experience Package partner for UNITY. All packages include choice of GA floor tickets or premium reserved seating, a two night stay at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas or Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, and a collectible laminate and lanyard. VIP packages provide additional perks including luxury motorcoach transport to and from the airport, expedited entry into Sphere, complimentary VIP access to some of Las Vegas’ hottest day clubs and nightclubs, concierge service, and more. Early access to Vibee ticket and accommodation packages begins Thursday, March 27 at 10 a.m. PT at unity.vibee.com.
Presale tickets through Insomniac and Tomorrowland are available beginning Monday, March 31 at 10 a.m. PT, with the general on-sale beginning April 7. For more information, visit unityxsphere.com.
To stay up-to-date with all things Insomniac, visit Insomniac.com. More information on Tomorrowland can be found at Tomorrowland.com.
About Insomniac
Insomniac produces some of the most innovative, immersive music festivals and events in the world. Enhanced by state-of-the-art lighting, pyrotechnics and sound design, large-scale art installations, theatrical performers and next-generation special effects, these events captivate the senses and inspire a unique level of fan interaction. The quality of the experience is the company’s top priority.
Founded 31 years ago, Insomniac produces 10,000 concerts, club nights and festivals for seven million attendees annually across the globe. The company’s premier annual event, Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas, is the world’s largest dance music festival and attracts more than 525,000 fans over three days.
The company was founded by Pasquale Rotella and has been based in Los Angeles since it was formed in 1993. In 2013, Insomniac entered into a partnership with global entertainment company Live Nation.
Tomorrowland is one of the world’s most iconic music festivals, held each summer in Belgium. Since its debut in 2005, Tomorrowland has grown into a global phenomenon, bringing together 400.000 People of Tomorrow from over 200 countries across two weekends. With over 16 stages featuring the best electronic artists, breathtaking stage designs, and a magical atmosphere, Tomorrowland is a celebration of unity and diversity, uniting people from around the world through the power of music.
Beyond its flagship festival in Belgium, Tomorrowland has evolved into a global entertainment brand, expanding with new festivals like Tomorrowland Brasil in Itu, São Paulo, and Tomorrowland Winter in Alpe d’Huez, France. The iconic CORE stage now also travels around the world as a festival concept, bringing the unique experience to destinations like Tulum in Mexico and Medellín in Colombia.
More than a festival, a world of magic. Tomorrowland supports children around the world through the Tomorrowland Foundation Music & Arts Schools in Nepal, India, and Brazil, while the Tomorrowland DJ & Producing Academy empowers aspiring music enthusiasts worldwide into the world of DJing and music production. People can also experience the magic of Tomorrowland all year long at the Tomorrowland Immersive Experience, a unique audio-visual experience for all ages in Madrid, as well as at the unique desert destination Terra Solis in Dubai. Moreover, fans can experience the sound of Tomorrowland all day long by tuning into One World Radio, the festival’s 24/7 radio station. Beyond music, Tomorrowland also brings its fantasy world to life through a series of immersive fantasy-adventure novels that transport readers into its magical universe.
Tomorrowland Belgium 2025 will take place across two weekends from July 18-20 and July 25-27, welcoming 400.000 People of Tomorrow from over 200 countries. The 19th edition of Tomorrowland will revolve around the entirely new theme ‘Orbyz’, turning De Schorre into a magical universe made of ice and full of mythical creatures, taking people along the adventures of a hidden community that rises to the surface after many years.
Tomorrowland is one of the largest and most iconic music festivals in the world held in recreation area De Schorre in Boom, Belgium, organized and owned by the original founders, the brothers Beers. Tomorrowland was first held in 2005 and has since become one of the world’s most notable global music festivals, where music and magic converge to create an unparalleled experience. It takes place every year in summer and stretches over 2 weekends, welcoming 400,000 People of Tomorrow from over 200 countries, and selling out in minutes year after year. Offering a unique camping experience with a wide range of accommodations, DreamVille is Tomorrowland’s official camping site located right next to the festival grounds, while people from every corner of the world can travel to Tomorrowland thanks to Global Journey, Tomorrowland's official travel program. Tomorrowland is located in a beautiful natural place: recreation area De Schorre in the town of Boom in Belgium. It is a true fairy tale world situated in beautiful natural surroundings with a strong eye for detail such as enchanting décor, magical stages, fascinating acts and peripheral animations, tasty and healthy food & drinks from around the world and spectacular fireworks – an unforgettable and incomparable show. Every year, the festival features a special theme that inspires the famed Mainstage design and stage production.
Tomorrowland caters to all genres in electronic dance music with hundreds of renowned artists performing across more than 16 different stages. More than a festival, Tomorrowland is a celebration of diversity and unity. Being a home to hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life, one of the most unique things about Tomorrowland remains the whole world coming together in one magical place with everyone being equal and uniting as one – symbolizing the values of freedom, respect, diversity, and solidarity.
Get a first glimpse of ADE Pro 2025: an intimate masterclass with Chris Liebing, headliner Skepta and the Más Tiempo team, and artist manager Cristiana Votta.
The road to ADE 2025 has officially kicked off with a first insight into the ADE Pro program. Among the first top-tier music professionals is Chris Liebing, who will share his expertise firsthand with ADE Pro visitors. Joining him is none other than grime pioneer and allround UK icon Skepta, who brings along the team behind his house music record label Más Tiempo. The label is carving out a new space at the intersection of underground sounds and global dance culture, making this an unmissable opportunity to gain inside knowledge deeply rooted in electronic music. The first confirmed sessions also include an exploration of cultural and business insights from the most fast-emerging global markets.
Pioneers at ADE Pro
Chris Liebing: production & remix masterclass
The acclaimed techno titan Chris Liebing will host an exclusive production and remix masterclass at ADE Pro. A true pioneer in the electronic scene, Liebing has shaped the sound of techno for decades, inspiring and influencing a new generation of artists. Now it's your turn to learn from the label head, podcast curator, DJ and producer, up close.
Skepta and Más Tiempo
Skepta and Más Tiempo Join Skepta and the Mas Tiempo team as they bring their vision to the conference. A true advocate for house music, Skepta has long championed its influence, famously stating, 'If you like music, you like house. You just haven’t realized it yet.' Más Tiempo is carving out a new space at the intersection of underground sounds and global dance culture.
Cristiana Votta
In a rapidly changing music industry, Black Coffee's artist manager Cristiana Votta explores how her profession is evolving. She boasts over a decade of experience in the music industry and advocates for empowering younger generations and women in music. Her mission is to help break down barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented groups in the industry. On the ADE Pro Conference, she'll speak about Black Coffee’s journey as a case study in building a strong global brand while maintaining artistic and business independency.
Cultural and business insights from top emerging global regions in a new series of Pro Meetup Sessions
In 2025, ADE Pro is expanding its matchmaking & meetup sessions. We're celebrating regions and grass-root initiatives where people live and breathe electronic music. The first confirmed sessions are in: explore cultural and business insights from the most fast-emerging global markets including Brazil, the MENA region, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Brazil
Discover how to tap into Brazil's explosive electronic music scene, driven by immense cultural movements, a passionate audience, and a rapidly expanding festival and artist market.
MENA Region (Middle East & North Africa)
Unlock new business avenues in MENA's rapidly developing electronic scene by connecting with industry leaders shaping its club culture, major festivals, and thriving artist residency programs.
Sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, and more)
Gain firsthand insights into Sub-Saharan Africa's rhythmic innovations and rapidly evolving music markets. Meet influential figures from its many regions and experience the powerful cultural movements shaping its music scene.
More ADE Pro news will follow soon. Join us for four days of bringing the entire industry together and reaching new levels of creativity and autonomy in your career or business.
Armada University once again delivers unforgettable sessions during ADE 2024. We are pleased that these sessions are now available online for those who were unable to attend ADE in person. If you are interested in the music industry or music education, we highly recommend watching these inspiring sessions by Lilly Palmer, Maxim Lany, Skytech, and Dj Yuki.
Armada University Masterclass ADE 2024 - Lilly Palmer
Armada University Masterclass ADE 2024 - Maxim Lany
Armada Music, the world’s biggest independent dance music label and a pillar of Armada Music Group, has been named the Top Label of 2024 by 1001Tracklists. The label receives the recognition as part of 1001Tracklists’ A State Of Dance Music report, revealing the tracks—and by extension, the labels— that have received the most support from DJs across the year.
Across tracks, Adam Beyer, Green Velvet and Layton Giordani’s rendition of Sharam’s ‘Party All The Time’ (a joint release with Drumcode), claimed #7 in Top 10 Tracks and #3 in Most Heard Tracks, spearheading the label’s 15 tracks in the Top 200, including David Guetta, Mason and Princess Superstar’s ‘Perfect (Exceeder)’, D.O.D and Charlotte Haining’s ‘Feel The Passion,’ and Green Velvet and Patrick Topping’s ‘Mad Motion’.
Elsewhere, label boss Armin van Buuren secured two spots in Top 10 Tracklists with his standout sets at Ultra Music Festival and Tomorrowland, and claimed #2 in Top Radio Shows. These achievements underscore the label’s impact across the DJ circuit, and serve as a testament to Armada Music’s success on the global stage.
The go-to platform for DJs, producers and dance music fans, 1001Tracklists is the world’s leading DJ tracklist database. More than 7.9 million people visited 1001Tracklists in 2024, generating more than 73 millions pageviews across the site.
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 40,000 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, Loud Luxury, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Tensnake, 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. The label also takes great pride in major achievements such as Armin van Buuren’s GRAMMY nomination for ‘This Is What It Feels Like’, Loud Luxury and Brando’s ‘Body’ surpassing one billion streams on Spotify and breaking artists such as Lost Frequencies into global stardom.
Across offices in Amsterdam (HQ), New York, London and Laren (NL), Armada Music offers a truly 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.
In 2023, Armada Music launched BEAT Music Fund, the world’s first dance music investment company, that acquires catalogs with the mission of honoring, representing and reinvigorating them. BEAT’s portfolio will continue to grow; in the first six months following its launch, BEAT acquired the catalogs of, among others, electronic music star ARTY, house and techno pioneer Kevin Saunderson’s KMS Records, legendary NYC-based house label King Street Sounds and chart-topping producers Chocolate Puma.
