Is this the end of FriendShip or the next chapter?

In a recent Instagram announcement, Friendship mentions:

“The Final Transmission doesn’t mark the end; it’s a signal, a pulse, a moment for us to come together one more time at sea before we vanish into the stars with our Alien Friends and see where the universe takes us next. “

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩 ⚓️ (@thefriendshipofficial)

This has raised the question, “Is this the last friendship?‘… It seems as if the festival will either “vanish into the stars” or take a long voyage until its return with a new chapter. Either way, it seems there might not be a 2027, so grab your tickets while you can!

The 2026 Lineup That Defines a Legacy

The lineup that brings FriendShip 2026 to a pinnacle has some of the biggest names in global dance music. Across every deck, fans can expect multiple genre performances spread across house, techno, bass, and everything in between. Performers include Bob Moses (Club Set), Boys Noize, Destructo, Polo & Pan, DJ Craze, Mikey Lion, Mary Droppinz, Danny Daze, Christian Martin, Justin Martin, The Martin Brothers, LSDXOXO, Ardalan, Nina Las Vegas, Sam Binga, Marques Wyatt, and Smalltown DJs, with more to come.

A Final Voyage into the Cosmos

FriendShip 2026 isn’t just about the lineup; it’s about the experience. Every sailing has been a story of connection, freedom, and vacation energy. Where time blurs, the ocean becomes home, and music binds everyone together. The Final Transmission is the call to board one last time before a long journey, to dance, to love, and to release. The universe is waiting, will you answer?

The post Is FriendShip 2026 The Final Transmission? appeared first on EDMTunes.

Avant Gardner, the parent company of the highly-esteemed music venue Brooklyn Mirage, may try to sell the venue as a result of financial difficulties. The news come after more than two months ago when the venue had planned to reopen by that time. According to an article by BKMAG, an eyewitness who was dining at French restaurant, Per Se, in Columbus Circle, overheard Avant Gardner’s non-executive Chairman of The Board Gary Richards, also known by his DJ alias Destructo, discussing the difficulties the company had encountered finding a buyer.

The eyewitness told BKMAG reported hearing Richards saying, “I was literally in the restaurant and he was sitting at the table right next to me. It was pure chance. I was looking at them the whole night, talking about how they want to sell Avant Gardner because it’s bleeding money, that they’re looking to get a buyer, but it’s impossible right now“. Gary Richards arrived on the Board to replace former Brooklyn Mirage CEO Josh Wyatt, who himself came on in October 2024 for the main purpose of reinvigorating the Avant Gardner company. However, Wyatt later received the sack back in May as a result of consecutive delayed shows.

Opinions about Avant Gardner potentially selling Brooklyn Mirage

In the same aforementioned article from BKMAG, there were statements that Avant Gardner members have made that talked about the potential sale of the venue. One member of the Operations team, who chose to keep their identity anonymous due to fear of retribution, stated that they’ve also heard the sale rumors. This person also said, “If they don’t get bought, they’ll definitely have to file bankruptcy. The company is so broke that certain employees are missing months of back pay and they’re not paying any holiday incentive wages. As far as speculation goes from me, this summer is a wash“.

Show cancelations and relocations happening as a result of the delays

The Brooklyn Mirage initially planned to reopen on May 1 but failed safety inspections, unmet construction deadlines, and an ever-growing discontent from the fans have put on that grand reopening. Ten weeks of shows at Brooklyn Mirage have had to cancel or relocate to other venues, which includes REZZ‘s awesome event at Central Park. Furthemore, BKMAG added that amongst those canceled shows are Black Coffee‘s four-show residency, as well as Boiler Room‘s upcoming two-day event this weekend, have received the cancelation or relocation treatment. Brooklyn Mirage itself still has not offered a public statement since canceling its Memorial Day shows.

The post Avant Gardner Could Be Trying To Sell The Brooklyn Mirage appeared first on EDMTunes.

The announcement was made via an internal memo shared on the r/avesNYC Reddit community, marking a significant shift as the venue grapples with operational delays, regulatory challenges, and a public relations storm.

Taking the reins in the interim is Gary Richards, known to the electronic music community as Destructo — the legendary founder of HARD Events and current captain of Friendship and All My Friends festivals. Richards, who previously served as non-executive Chairman of the Board, will now oversee day-to-day operations for Avant Gardner.

Richards will be supported by key members of Avant Gardner’s leadership team:

• Geraldine Clerfe, Director of People and Culture
• Alec Ifshin, Vice President of Finance
• Faisal Lateef, General Counsel
• Jermaine Santiago, Director of Operations
• Kenny Schachter, Director of Programming & Partnerships
• Stephen Wyker, Chief Technical Officer

This leadership pivot arrives just days after Avant Gardner was forced to delay the 2025 opening of Brooklyn Mirage — its flagship open-air venue — pushing all Memorial Day weekend shows and previous ones. The postponement sparked widespread disappointment and concern across the electronic music community, as ticket holders and artists were left scrambling. While the venue cited ongoing work with the City of New York to meet regulatory requirements, rumors swirled online about deeper structural and legal issues, with many pointing fingers at mismanagement at the executive level.

Public discourse surrounding Avant Gardner has grown increasingly tense in recent weeks, with Reddit threads and social media posts highlighting a lack of transparency, last-minute schedule changes, and dissatisfaction among staff and fans alike. The ousting of Wyatt and the appointment of Richards — a seasoned industry veteran with a reputation for curating visionary event experiences — may signal an effort to stabilize operations and restore confidence ahead of a crucial summer season.

Still, the road ahead remains uncertain. The Brooklyn Mirage, which has grown into one of North America’s premier electronic music destinations, must now overcome regulatory hurdles and reputational damage while preparing for a condensed and high-stakes season. All eyes will be on how Richards and his new team steer the ship — and whether they can fulfill the promise of an “unforgettable experience” for fans, artists, and the broader nightlife community.

The post Avant Gardner CEO Removed, Destructo Takes Over appeared first on EDMTunes.

About ‘What You Need’

‘What You Need’ delivers the long-awaited follow-up to MxNxSTxR and Destructo’s 2022 ‘All Of Me.’ The R&B-infused disco-funk jam is a co-production between DESTRUCTO and MxNxSTxR, creating a fresh set of intoxicating melodies and basslines for the place where the two artists share their passion: the dancefloor.

Anyone familiar with ‘Oh Sheit, It’s X’ knows Thundercat thrives on a dance track. Here, Thunder delivers falsetto and thick slabs of bass to a rush of French touch, perfect for under a disco ball or under the sun. Offsetting the heat of the dancefloor or summer sun like a cool breeze comes Channel Tres, his effortlessness and poise made evident with a smooth verse. It all comes together so seamlessly, because everyone here is an expert at what they do.

An Intertwined History

All four artists share overlapping histories with each other across the 2020s, and ‘What You Need’ is years in the making. The idea was born at a writing session in MxNxSTxR’s studio during the Pandemic lockdowns in LA 2020, followed by 2022’s ‘All of Me,’ the first taste of their project for fans, which amassed over 555,000 plays worldwide. Ty Dolla $ign has appeared on Destructo’s iconic HARD music festivals and Friendship cruises over the years, with MxNxSTxR making his seafaring debut earlier this year. Among the four LA artists are various collabs over the years. Thundercat tapped Ty Dolla for the track ‘Fair Chance‘ from his GRAMMY-winning album, It Is What It Is, and more recently collaborated with Channel Tres on the track ‘Candy Paint‘ from his debut album Head Rush (2024). That same year, Ty and Channel also teamed up for ‘Holy Moly.’  Destructo and Ty’s collaborative efforts stretch back to 2016 with ‘4 Real,‘ a standout track also featuring ILOVEMAKONNEN from Destructo’s Renegade EP.

The post MxNxSTxR, Destructo, Thundercat & Channel Tres Team Up For Powerhouse Collaboration, ‘What You Need’ appeared first on EDMTunes.

This particularly includes his talent in creating and performing tracks that are perfect for any setting. Check out Mikey Lion’s remix of Destructo’s ‘You Only Die Once’ featuring Snoop Dogg by clicking ‘Play’ on the Spotify link below.

Mikey Lion’s Remix of ‘You Only Die Once’ has addictive rhythms

This remix of ‘You Only Die Once’ brings out the best of House and Hip-Hop in one exhilarating jam, especially with a sprinkle of Techno in it. The bassline and Dance beats bring out rhythms that can make one “spit some flows” while breakdancing at the same time. Snoop Dogg’s vocals also heighten this remix’s upbeat flow and it is one of those tracks that makes people want to say “TGIF“.

The post Mikey Lion Remixes Destructo’s ‘You Only Die Once’ appeared first on EDMTunes.

While it unfolded, the situation went viral, with tons of posts and articles coming out, many of which were negative. Richards clapped back against this negativity, sharing the profound love and connection he has for Burning Man; here’s some of what he had to say (see full post below):

“It is really sad to see all the negative social media about Burning Man and the people who attend. I attended my first Burning Man in 1997, and it restored my faith in humanity. I met total strangers that allowed me into their lives; we shared food and told stories to each other, and actually took the time to listen and care for one another. These types of things happen rarely in everyday society especially with complete strangers…”

Although the situation was chaotic, the show still went on, and people came prepared. Ultimately, attendees came together, helped each other, and made the best of the situation. Check out another statement about what happened from producer Spencer Brown below.

Keep your eyes peeled as people are still returning from Burning Man, and more info will come out about the situation.

Photo via Facebook: Gary Richards

The post Destructo Releases Statement About Burning Man Situation appeared first on EDMTunes.

Starting off as a hard-techno DJ and producer in the 90s, working with the likes of Basement Jaxx, Destructo has continuously evolved into the 2010s by blending electro-house and hip-hop with big-name rappers such as YG, Ty Dolla $ign, and Denzel Curry. He has also left his mark on high-profile remixes, including a standout remix of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” And now, after a four-year hiatus since his 2017 EP Renegade, Destructo is back with the Future Funk EP. A truly nostalgic tribute to 80s nightclub music albeit with a modern twist.

Future Funk EP

The Future Funk EP kicks off with the upbeat funk-house track ‘Perfect Beat’. This perfectly sets the tone for the era-defying sound throughout the EP. Fans got a taste of the EP with previously released singles played by big names like Diplo, Martin Garrix, and Allison Wonderland, including “You’re the One For Me” with TroyBoi, ‘F With Me’ with Tima Dee and Chromeo, and ‘The Future is Faster’ under the Misingo project with Doorly and Colour Castle.

Destructo masterfully balances nostalgia for past sounds with contemporary vibes on the Future Funk EP. After having given it a listen, it is clear as day why he remains one of the most revered artists in electronic music. With this project, he provides a glimpse into the future by looking back at the past. In the process showing affection for the sounds of yesteryear while staying current and relevant. In conclusion, Destructo’s Future Funk EP is out now on All My Friends, and can be streamed below, enjoy!

Destructo – Future Funk | STREAM

The post Destructo Drops Nostalgic Four Track ‘Future Funk’ EP appeared first on EDMTunes.

All things in house music, bass, and more have representation here. From Sonny Fodera, Purple Disco Machine, Kaskade, and Fisher. Alison Wonderland, Chris Lake, Dillon Francis, DJ Snake, Lost Kings will also appear. Not to mention Diesel, Gordo, Martin Ikin, and Gem & Tauri. We’re seeing a lot of new music style changes from artists and it’ll be exciting to see how each New Year’s event goes.

Dancing Astronaut is a partner of the event, with two-day passes ranging from $439-$1,169. This is the seventh edition of Arizona’s premier new year’s celebration. It returns for two days this year, with a bigger production. Spanning across two stages of epic proportions, they’re featuring the largest names in electronic music to help you reign in another year. We know it hasn’t been the year that everyone had been wanting but as we continue to adjust and adapt, let’s hope next year is even better.

In addition, Decadence is hosting a silent disco stage and even some surprises. Pre-sale is already out but there may still be some travel packages. Check out their Instagram to win 2 VIP Passes. Prices do increase Sunday at midnight so don’t delay. For anyone that wants to get their New Year started right, grab your tickets before they’re gone. Check out the Decadence AZ lineup below and get ready for a new year, new you.

The post Decadence AZ Hosts NYE With Kaskade, Seven Lions, and More appeared first on EDMTunes.

About The Track

It starts off slow, with an instrumental bassline crescendoing into the atmosphere. Shortly after, the melody enters with a sultry deep house tempo. Franklin’s soothing vocals add the perfect flavor of balance. The ambience accompanies the lyrics and is a perfect showcase of the return of DESTRUCTO’s Sunrise Sermon. Stay tuned for that live on October 30th at Avalon in Los Angeles. In addition, folks can travel and catch the same set in San Francisco at Audio. It will be an epic set along the fall sunrise. Check out the music video featuring a beautiful desert setting. 

“Every time I see the sun it reminds me of my late brother Steven “Rocker” Richards and his energy. I always say to myself that he is watching over his little brother. I wanted to make a record for the Sermon Sunrise sets and here it is a tribute to Rocker and our almighty sun.”

The Sermon is a fan favorite of the artist. From LA underground parties to Shambhala and the high seas, don’t miss the one-of-a-kind moment. During the pandemic, Gary virtually streamed his Sermons garnering over 200,000 views on Twitch, Facebook, and YouTube. He continues to slay the dancefloors and decks. So listen to his latest release below and get ready for the holidays.

Destructo – Shine On | Buy/Stream

The post Destructo – Shine On appeared first on EDMTunes.

You’re the One For Me + Music Video

“You’re the One For Me” features some heavy disco-house vibes, and we are absolutely loving it! In the accompanying music video below, we see a group of models prepare for a photo shoot in what we can assume is a DTLA studio loft. The roller skates come on, and the rest is history. If you’re into the signature sounds of TroyBoi and
Destructo, then you’ll want to check this track out. It’s a bit different than both their respective styles, but it works, amazingly well; It just proves how great music can be when we “Bring that old school sound to that new shit“!

With a run time of 3:20, this is a tune that deserves a listen, or five. If you’re into Troyboi, Destructo, or just good music, then is the tune for you!

With that being said, Troyboi & Destructo’s “You’re the One For Me” is out now on All My Friends and can be streamed below, enjoy!

Destructo & TroyBoi – “You’re the One For Me”

STREAM

Follow DESTRUCTO:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

The post Destructo & TroyBoi Come Together For “You’re the One For Me”! appeared first on EDMTunes.