From the underground shadows erupts “Green Light,” JOA’s latest explosive release, out now on Tomorrowland Music. It ignites from a slow, atmospheric burn to a fierce, blistering peak, pulsing with aggressive riffs, haunting textures, and a relentless drop.
Global rising DJ/producer JOA - known for fusing melodic techno and tech‑house with razor‑sharp production - pushes sonic boundaries once again with “Green Light.” The track unfolds in a slow, simmering build-up that quickly escalates into a full-sounding explosion. Aggressive riffs, mysterious undertones, and thunderous drum‑and‑kick interplays lock listeners in from the very first seconds.
The production commands with interactive sound layers, tension, and a magnetic force. It’s a track that grips, growls, and goes full throttle — giving the underground the green light it’s been craving.
About JOA
JOA (Joa Enkin) is a rapidly rising DJ/producer from Toronto known for melodic techno/tech house, gaining fame in 2024/2025 with support from Armin van Buuren, ARTBAT, and playing Tomorrowland, though some online debate exists about his rapid rise and potential ghost production. He blends electronic music with significant online marketing roots, having previously been a teen entrepreneur.
About Tomorrowland Music
Tomorrowland Music is Tomorrowland’s official in-house record label and dedicated music division, founded in August 2021 and working in partnerships with Virgin Music/Universal Music Group. Tomorrowland Music provides a home for artists from all different levels in electronic music and works closely together with artists to help create strong stories around their releases and perform them at different festivals, supporting them in all their recording and release activities and aiming to introduce music fans in every corner of the world to the most exciting projects in electronic music.
Following multiple releases on Armada Music, including a massive collaboration with Armin van Buuren on Heavy, rising talent JOA brings his sought-after sound to Armin van Buuren and Punctuals global streaming smash On & On. Fusing Alikas infectious vocals with edgy rave synths and a driving deep-tech beat, this remix will bring the heat all night long.
Dimitris Kechagias Review: [review top="1"] [item value="10"]Armin van Buuren & Punctual feat. Alika - On & On (JOA Remix) [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"] JOA’s remix of On & On stands out as a masterclass in modern electronic music production, merging creative artistry with technical precision. The track opens with a deep, driving kick and a pulsating low-end groove that immediately captures attention. Layered above this solid rhythmic foundation are sharp, dark rave synths and meticulously processed percussive elements, which provide both texture and momentum. The track’s BPM of 128 ensures synchronicity with most mainstage and club sets, making it highly DJ-friendly, with clean cue points and loop potential for seamless mixing. The remix showcases exceptional sound design, where each sonic element occupies a distinct space in the stereo field. JOA employs sidechain compression to ensure the kick and bass cut through the mix, while high-frequency synths and Alika’s vocals maintain clarity without becoming harsh. Advanced reverb and delay effects contribute to spatial depth, enhancing the track’s immersive qualities. The dynamic range is carefully balanced, maintaining loudness suitable for club play without causing listener fatigue. The transitions, drops, and build-ups have been engineered with precision, utilizing filter sweeps, risers, and rhythmic modulation to maintain energy flow and engage the audience continuously. Melodic hooks and harmonic layers are integrated seamlessly with the rhythmic drive, creating a sense of narrative progression throughout the track. The vocal performance by Alika, with its cool and catchy delivery, functions as an emotional anchor amid the energetic production. JOA’s arrangement demonstrates originality in its structure, crafting a sonic journey that moves fluidly from tension-building intro sections into explosive mainstage drops, maintaining cohesion and storytelling from start to finish. Beyond its club and festival suitability, the track has significant potential for positive effects on mental and physical well-being. Scientific research suggests that high-energy electronic music can enhance mood and reduce stress by stimulating dopamine release and promoting endorphin production (Thoma et al., 2013; Chanda & Levitin, 2013). The repetitive rhythmic patterns and predictable drops facilitate a state of flow, which has been shown to improve focus and reduce anxiety. In fitness and wellness classes, tracks at 128 BPM align with ideal heart rate zones for cardio sessions, boosting physical performance and endurance (Karageorghis & Priest, 2012). Moreover, the immersive soundscapes and emotional resonance of Alika’s vocals can foster a sense of euphoria, encouraging overall mental wellness and social connectivity in group exercise or dance settings. JOA’s remix of On & On is not just a festival-ready anthem; it is a high-quality production that excels in musicality, technical execution, and emotional impact. Its combination of driving beats, vibrant synth work, and captivating vocals creates a track that resonates on the dance floor and contributes to positive mental and physical states for listeners. DJs, fitness instructors, and listeners alike will find it an invaluable addition to their playlists. #PureGold Love iT. [/content]
Chanda, M. L., & Levitin, D. J. (2013). The neurochemistry of music. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(4), 179–193. Karageorghis, C. I., & Priest, D. L. (2012). Music in the exercise domain: A review and synthesis (Part I). International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 5(1), 44–66. Thoma, M. V., Ryf, S., Mohiyeddini, C., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013). Emotion regulation through listening to music in everyday situations. Cognition and Emotion, 27(3), 534–543.
Always looking ahead and pushing the electronic music scene forward, Armin van Buuren continues to spotlight the next generation of talent with his latest release, ‘Heavy’. This time, he teams up with JOA, a 21-year-old rising star from Miami who is quickly making a name for himself in the melodic techno world. Together, they deliver a dark, intense, and vocal-driven mainstage anthem that not only bridges generations but also blends genres, creating a powerful connection on dance floors worldwide. ‘Heavy’ showcases Armin’s ongoing commitment to innovation and his passion for elevating fresh voices in electronic music.
Premiered at Ultra Miami and already firing up crowds at EDC Las Vegas, UPPERGROUND Poland and Tomorrowland Belgium, ‘Heavy’ has proven its weight on the world’s biggest stages. Leaning into championing rising talent, Armin invited JOA to join him on tour, traveling to Poland and Ibiza to perform the track live together unleashing pure energy on thousands of fans. With its razor-sharp synth line and raw emotion, ‘Heavy’ has also earned early support from heavyweights like David Guetta, ARTBAT, Korolova, Kevin de Vries, Kasia, and Adam Sellouk.
“It’s always inspiring to work with rising talent like JOA. He’s got a fresh sound and huge potential, and I love supporting artists like him,” says Armin van Buuren.
“Standing next to Armin and watching thousands of people lose themselves to ‘Heavy’ is something I’ll never forget,” JOA adds. “It’s been incredible to see how the track connects with people everywhere we play it.”
For Armin van Buuren, the release comes off the back of releasing his ninth studio album, ‘Breathe’, his boldest album yet. The 51-track project is shaped by his recent mental and physical transformation. In June, he kicked off his Ushuaïa Ibiza residency with a special six-hour open-to-close set, and will return to the iconic venue for more dates in September. In July, his iconic A State of Trance festival returned to London, where he headlined with a special face-to-face set with HI-LO, the alias of Oliver Heldens.
JOA has been making waves since the release of his debut single ‘Missing Part of Me’ in January 2025. With early support from heavyweights like Kevin de Vries, Cassian, Adam Beyer, and Korolova, he’s quickly gaining attention in the global scene. His discography already features a standout collab with ARTBAT, ‘The Spot’, which he also performed live with the Ukrainian DJ duo at UPPERGROUND Poland.
Lyrics
Apoc is a mean one, heavy like machine guns
Talking like they heard about me, they ain't never seen one
Apoc is a mean one, heavy like machine guns
They can let me lay in buses, never trust any of them
Talking like they heard about me, they ain't never seen one
Apoc is a mean one, heavy like machine guns
They can let me lay in buses, never trust any of them
Apoc is a mean one, heavy like machine guns
They can let me lay in buses, never trust any of them
Heavy like machine guns
Heavy like machine guns
Heavy like machine guns
Apoc is a mean one, heavy like machine guns
Apoc is a mean one, heavy like machine guns
Talking like they heard about me, they ain't never seen one
You ain't really about it I can see it through the screen son
They can let me lay in buses, never trust any of them
Apoc is a mean one, heavy like machine guns
Heavy like machine guns
Talking like they heard about me, they ain't never seen one
Talking like they heard about me, they ain't never seen one
Talking like they heard about me, they ain't never seen one
Apoc is a mean one, heavy like machine guns
They can let me lay in buses, never trust any of them
Apoc is a mean one, heavy like machine guns
Dimitris Kechagias Review: [review top="1"] [item value="10"]Armin van Buuren & JOA - Heavy [/item]
[content title="Summary" label="Overall Score"]Armin van Buuren & JOA's collaboration on "Heavy" presents an exceptional fusion of Melodic House, Techno, and Trance, crafted meticulously to captivate dance floors globally. Clocking in at 128 BPM, the track maintains a driving, energetic tempo that serves as the perfect backbone for its dynamic arrangement. From a technical perspective, "Heavy" showcases expert production techniques. The track opens with a pulsating kick drum, subtly layered with percussive elements that gradually build tension. The razor-sharp synth line is the centerpiece, employing a complex waveform synthesis that cuts through the mix with precision, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The use of sidechain compression against the bass elements ensures that the kick retains its punch, providing a solid groove that underpins the track’s intensity. The vocal elements are strategically integrated, adding an emotive layer that complements the dark and intense mood. Processed with reverb and delay effects, the vocals create depth and spatial dimension, enhancing the immersive quality of the track. The melodic progression is thoughtfully constructed with harmonic layering, balancing minor key motifs that evoke both euphoria and introspection. Production-wise, the mixing and mastering processes are executed flawlessly. The stereo field is utilized effectively, with synth arpeggios and atmospheric pads panned to create a wide, enveloping soundscape. The dynamic range is carefully preserved, ensuring that each element maintains clarity even during the most densely arranged sections. "Heavy" is a testament to the artists’ ability to transcend genre boundaries, appealing to listeners with diverse musical tastes. Its technical proficiency, combined with innovative sound design and masterful production, solidifies it as a mainstage anthem destined to resonate in clubs and festivals alike. #PureGold Love IT[/content]
[item value="10"]Beat and Rhythm[/item] [item value="10"]Basslines and Groove[/item] [item value="10"] Melody [/item] [item value="10"] Synths [/item] [item value="10"]Breakdown[/item] [item value="10"]Climax / Drop / Crescendo / Pay off moment[/item] [item value="10"]Intensity, Drive and Energy[/item] [item value="10"]Sound-design and Arrangement[/item] [item value="10"]Overall Atmosphere[/item] [item value="10"]Goosebumps / Shivers moments[/item] [item value="10"]Emotional affinity and heartfelt moments[/item] [item value="10"]Originality and Inventiveness[/item] [item value="10"]Radio Friendly[/item] [item value="10"]Vocals & lyrics[/item] [item value="10"]You can’t get this memorable track out of your head[/item] [item value="10"]It has potential to become an anthem or a classic[/item] [/review]
About Armin van Buuren
Armin van Buuren has long been a global ambassador for electronic music. He currently has eight full-length artist albums to his name and continues to cultivate a massive worldwide following through his weekly A State of Trance radio show, event series and album series, reaching 44 million listeners from more than 80 different countries on a weekly basis. Armin van Buuren headlines tens to hundreds of shows per year at leading festivals and venues around the world, including Electric Daisy Carnival (Las Vegas, New York), Ultra Music Festival (Miami), Lollapalooza (Chicago) and Tomorrowland (Belgium) plus residencies on Ibiza and in Las Vegas. Last summer alone, he reconnected with fans through over thirty shows, including the ‘Feel Again’ shows in the Ziggo Dome, Ultra Europe, Tomorrowland, Parookaville, Creamfields, Electric Zoo and his summer residencies at Hï Ibiza and Ushuaïa. In June 2025, he is releasing his long-awaited ninth studio album, ‘Breathe’.
About JOA
JOA is a 21-year-old Miami-based DJ and producer who’s been making waves with his signature melodic techno sound. With support from industry titans like David Guetta, Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, and ARTBAT, JOA is quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting new names in electronic music. His recent hit “Everyday” soared to #1 on Beatport Hype, and his debut at Ultra Music Festival in his hometown of Miami this year marked a milestone in his burgeoning career. With “The Spot,” ARTBAT and JOA deliver a high-energy, festival-ready tune that proves exactly why he is a force to be reckoned with.
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.
