Keynote Spotlight: Trance icon Armin van Buuren chatted with Apple Music about an AI masterclass on brand longevity, diving into the future of DJ mixes and the role of human curation. He shared that Apple Music invited him to create the first classical music DJ mix, which is now available to stream on the platform.

Sara Landry joined Beatport CEO Robb McDaniels to discuss the explosive rise of hard techno and its dominance in the 2026 market.

The A&R Pop-Up Lounge (via LabelRadar) was a chance for aspiring producers to meet representatives from Spinnin’, Ultra, and Experts Only, who gave real-time feedback on tracks on the spot.

Spatial audio was a big talking point at this year’s WMC, as L- Accoustics premiered new technology on the 16th-floor EPIC Pool Deck. A curated 3-day series in partnership with Beatport Live using a DJ spatial system. DJs Laidback Luke, Cedric Garvais, and Joachim Garraud, along with the L-Acoustics team, explored the future of the immersive DJ performance in L-Acoustics-presented panels “Beyond the Booth: DJs as Spatial Composers” & “Shaping the Club Experience with L-Acoustics”.

Additional artists that spoke at WMC 2026 included the likes of Radio Slave, DJ Minx, Doc Martin, Junior Sanchez, Lizzy Jane, Arielle Free, OOKAY, Virtual Riot, Nostalgia, Sydney Blu, Sippy, Sandflower Dyson, and Eli from Soulclap.

All in all, WMC 2026 was an outstanding event, giving attendees an up close and personal look at not only the artists, but the people and the brands that make up the whole dance music industry. If you have any interest in getting involved in the business of dance music or live events, you need to add this to your list.

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The conversation, titled ‘The Future of Dance Music,’ happened earlier today at the Faena Forum as part of WMC’s official programming. Whitney, who serves as Apple Music’s global dance editor, joined Armin to unpack how streaming platforms are changing the way artists connect with fans and how technology is reshaping the scene.

It’s a timely discussion. With AI tools flooding production software and streaming data increasingly dictating festival bookings and tour routing, the business side of dance music has never been more complex. Armin, who’s been releasing music since the late ’90s and runs his own Armada Music label, brought a rare perspective — someone who’s lived through every major shift in the industry, from vinyl to streaming.

The panel fits naturally into WMC’s mission of connecting industry professionals during Miami Music Week. While Ultra Music Festival grabs most of the headlines, WMC remains the go-to conference for anyone working behind the scenes in electronic music. WMC runs March 24-27 at the Faena Hotel Miami Beach. Registration and full schedule details are available through the official WMC website.

*Cover image credit: Ruud Baan

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From Bedroom to Main Stage

The Block is exactly what it sounds like—a self-contained, professionally produced performance space built inside a shipping container that can drop into any festival or venue. Aspiring DJs can apply to play by submitting mixes through Beatport’s dedicated portal, with applications closing this Friday, March 19.

The Miami debut at Toe Jam (March 24-26) will feature competition winners alongside established artists including Victor Calderone, HoneyLuv, Bradley Zero, DJ Holographic, Dan Ghenacia, Richy Ahmed, and Beatport Next artist Cole Knight. Selected artists get complimentary event passes for themselves and their crew.

Addressing Industry Access Issues

The timing couldn’t be more relevant. Electronic music is now the most-booked genre at US festivals, with Coachella’s 2026 lineup sitting at 45% electronic acts and EDC Las Vegas expecting over 400,000 attendees for its 30th anniversary celebration.

Yet the path from bedroom producer to festival circuit remains narrow: only 1.6% of DJs globally have five or more upcoming bookings, 76% say their careers aren’t financially sustainable, and a survey of 15,000 emerging artists found that 62% feel the industry operates as a “closed club.”

“The US scene is booming, but when only 1.6% of DJs are getting regular bookings and most emerging artists can’t even get in the room, something needs to change,” says Ed Hill, SVP of Beatport Live. “The Block gives raw talent a stage at the biggest events in the country, discovery based on music, not follower counts.”

Proven Track Record

The Block isn’t an untested concept. The mobile stage launched in the UK last year with stops at Junction 2 Festival in London and Creamfields in Liverpool, giving over 20 competition winners their festival debuts alongside surprise appearances from major artists including Fatboy Slim at The Prospect Building in Bristol.

For the US tour, Beatport has partnered with AlphaTheta as the Official DJ Technology Partner, Funktion-One handling sound duties, and Playground serving as the Official Community partner for the WMC events.

National Tour Plans

After Miami, The Block will tour nationwide throughout 2026, with confirmed stops at multiple Breakaway Festival dates across different cities. Additional tour dates and lineup announcements are expected throughout the year.

The initiative represents a significant investment in grassroots talent development at a time when electronic music’s commercial success has created an even wider gap between bedroom producers and festival stages. With dance music now representing an $11.2 billion global market and North America holding the largest share, The Block could provide the industry bridge that’s been missing.

Applications for The Block at WMC Miami close this Friday, March 19. Emerging DJs can submit their mixes and apply for their shot at playing one of the year’s most important industry gatherings.

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Set against the stunning backdrop of Biscayne Bay and serving as prelude to Ultra Music Festival, SPLASH! brings together top-tier talent, with each day curated to showcase the best in Tech House and Afro House music. Saturday’s lineup dives deep into driving beats with Tony Zuccaro, alongside Jack Vice, Fresh Powder, and Cody Chase, delivering cutting-edge Tech House sets. On Sunday, the vibe shifts into Afro-infused rhythms with Gianni Petrarca, Simone Vitullo, Eran Hersh, and Le Twins, creating a seamless flow of hypnotic grooves. 

As part of Revolution 93.5 FM’s ongoing dedication to supporting both emerging and established talent, Cody Chase and Fresh Powder stand out among this year’s lineup, each bringing their distinct approach to the decks; Cody Chase, known for his signature high-energy, bass-driven Tech House, and Fresh Powder, whose powerful sound and dynamic performances are quickly making waves, are set to deliver some of the weekend’s standout sets. 

SPLASH! goes beyond just a pool party, as it’s a celebration of Miami’s deep-rooted Electronic music culture, hosted at a premier venue that places guests right at the heart of the city’s biggest Dance music event. Revolution 93.5 FM continues to play a key role in Miami Music Week’s industry landscape, working closely with WMC and the Electronic Dance Music Awards (EDMAs) as part of its ongoing alignment with the global Electronic music community, further reinforcing its presence as a cornerstone of the city’s Electronic Dance music scene. 

Tickets for SPLASH! are now available, with limited capacity ensuring an exclusive experience for attendees; partygoers are encouraged to secure their spot early via Eventbrite, with full event details available on Revolution 93.5 FM’s official website and social media channels. 

Find more information and tickets here: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/splash-pool-party-ultra-weekend-tickets-1271353475469?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Revolution 93.5 Online 

Website | Instagram 

InterContinental Miami Online 

Website 

Tony Zuccaro Online 

Spotify | Instagram 

Jack Vice Online 

Spotify | Instagram 

Fresh Powder Online  

Instagram | Beatport | Spotify 

Cody Chase Online 
Website | Instagram | Spotify    

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Top Speakers and Programming Highlights

WMC 2025 will feature notable artists such as LP Giobbi, Shimza, HAYLA, Aluna, and Sydney Blu sharing their expertise and perspectives on the evolving dance music scene. Also, industry leaders from Ultra Records, SoundCloud, Defected Records, and more will engage in critical discussions about the future of electronic music.

Artist Speakers

• LP Giobbi
• Shimza
• HAYLA
• Aluna
• Sydney Blu

Industry Leader Speakers

• Alex Greenberg – Falcon PR
• Alex Jukes – Jukebox PR/The Tribes
• Andy Daniell – Defected Records
• Anna Horowitz – WME
• Bina Fronda – Ultra Records
• Blake Coppelson – Proximity II Kompass Music Group
• Cameron Sunkel – EDM.com
• Candace Silva-Torres (p/k/a SiLVA) – KCRW
• Carly Peterson – Circa
• Celena Fields – EVEN
• Chris Johnson – SoundCloud
• Chuck Fishman – Soul Clap Records
• Connie Chow – FUGA II shesaid.so AMS
• Cristiana Votta – Alegria Agency
• Dani Chavez – Good Girl Management
• Dani Deahl – BandLab
• Danny Klein – SPIN Magazine II Robot Sunrise
• David Waxman – Ultra Records
• Deron Delgado – EMPIRE Dance/Dirtybird
• Dilini Weerasooriya – Merrill Wealth Management (Bank of America)
• Dorothy Caccavale – FM Artists/Three Six Zero
• Eddie Sears – Republic Records
• Elyn Kazarian – Women In Visuals/dublab
• Emma Hoser – Liaison Artists
• Eric Silver – Red Light Management
• Eryk Puczek – FriendsOfFriends.Agency
• Gavin Ryan – Big Beat Records/Atlantic Records
• George Hess – G5 Entertainment
• Gina Tucci – 146 Records
• Hallie Halpern – SeriouslyHallie Studios
• Harmony Soleil – c895 Seattle
• Hilary Gleason – Backline
• Jason Adamchak – Calculated Creative Agency
• Jaye Hamel – 1of1 Custom
• Jeroen te Rehorst – BEAT Music Fund/Armada
• Jess Page – Rareform
• Jordyn Reese – Do Better For Artists
• Kat Bein – Super Kat World
• Katie Bain – Billboard
• Katie Knight – Can U Put Me On Guestlist Podcast
• Kyle Jones – EDM.com
• Lauren Anderson – LabelWorx
• Lewis Kunstler – 2 + 2 Management II Young Art Records
• Lorne Padman – Dim Mak Records
• Matt Sherman – Sherm In The Booth Podcast II Hood Politics Records
• Megan Venzin – DJ Mag
• Nicholas Saady – Pryor Cashman LLP
• Olivia Mancuso – Elevated Frequencies Podcast
• Ollie Zhang – 88rising
• Paula Quijano – Little Empire Music
• Pete Anderson – ETP Agency
• Peter Slayton – Slayton Creative
• Sam Mobarek – Major Recordings (Warner Records)
• Seth Shapiro – Shapiro Legal, PLLC
• Shannon Herber – Wise River Consulting
• Silvia Montello – Voicebox Consulting
• Simon Scott – Cirkay LTD
• Sonya Okon – Helix Records/Ultra Publishing
• Steph Conlon – Easier Said
• Taryn Haight – Wasserman
• Tom Williams – L’Affaire Musicale
• Vivian Belzaguy Hunter – Ultra Music Festival II Ascendance Sustainable Events
• Watse de Jong – Manager, Martin Garrix
• Will Scott – Helix Records / Ultra Publishing

Additionally, WMC attendees can look forward to a variety of educational sessions, including panels and workshops on music production, technology, and industry trends. Will Darling, founder of EDM Tips, will host a special workshop on maximizing creativity in music production.

Exclusive Networking and Events

Beyond educational programming, WMC 2025 will offer several networking events such as the WMC Kickoff Networking Mixer, the Official WMC Pool Party, and the inaugural EDMAs/IDMAs Hybrid Awards Show. These events will provide a platform for attendees to connect with industry professionals and peers.

Tickets

You can find more info and a link to tickets on the WMC website.

The post WMC Announces Initial Programming for 2025 Return appeared first on EDMTunes.

About Winter Music Conference

Since its founding in 1985, Winter Music Conference has been a perennial institution in the electronic music industry, serving as a platform for dance music vanguards, developing artists, and devoted fans to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the culture that drives the global movement. For more than three decades, Winter Music Conference has launched seminal tracks, fostered transformative collaborations, and hosted pivotal discussions that have shaped the industry’s trajectory.

Under the stewardship of ULTRA Worldwide—the world’s most international music festival brand, Winter Music Conference will return in 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose. Winter Music Conference 2025 will honor its rich history while embracing the future, reaffirming its role as a world-renowned platform for professionals and fans shaping the evolution of electronic music.

Winter Music Conference 2025 will conclude on the afternoon of Friday, March 28, seamlessly transitioning into the kickoff of Ultra Music Festival’s 25th-anniversary edition, which will run through Sunday, March 30, at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami. With Winter Music Conference celebrating its 35th anniversary and Ultra marking its 25th, the convergence of these two industry-leading events reinforces Miami’s status as the global epicenter of dance music.

Attend The Event

WMC 2025 Access Badges are now available for purchase at WinterMusicConference.com. What’s included with your WMC 2025 Access Badge?

• Engaging Panels and Keynotes: Three days of expertly curated panels and keynote sessions featuring electronic music’s pioneering innovators and tastemakers, covering topics from music education to state-of-the-art technology.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry professionals, artists, and like-minded attendees at daily networking events designed to foster valuable relationships.

• Daily Pool Parties: Immerse yourself in the vibrant WMC atmosphere with exclusive poolside events featuring live music and entertainment.

• Access to WMC Sanctioned Events: Gain entry to all official WMC events, offering unique opportunities to learn, network, and celebrate the music.

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If you’re a badge holder and haven’t received the email yet, don’t panic! Just check your SPAM folder or the PROMOTIONS tab in your Gmail account, and you’ll find all the information you need. It’s essential to stay updated on the latest updates and announcements so that you don’t miss out on any crucial details regarding the upcoming conference.

With the promise of a grand event on the horizon, the Winter Music Conference is getting ready to welcome attendees with open arms. So, get ready to groove to some fantastic music and have a blast at the 35th-anniversary celebration of WMC!

Exciting Events and Lineup

One of the most anticipated aspects of the Winter Music Conference is undoubtedly the lineup of events and performances that attendees can look forward to. From electrifying DJ sets to insightful panel discussions, the conference offers a diverse range of experiences for music lovers and industry professionals alike.

Attendees can expect to immerse themselves in a melting pot of musical genres, with something to cater to every taste and preference. Whether you’re a fan of house music, techno, hip-hop, or pop, the Winter Music Conference has something for everyone. The 2025 edition promises to showcase both established artists and up-and-coming talent, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for all.

Additionally, the conference serves as a platform for networking and collaboration within the music industry. Attendees have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships that can shape the future of music. With a lineup of events designed to inspire, educate, and entertain, the Winter Music Conference is set to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

Celebrating 35 Years of WMC

2025 marks a significant milestone for the Winter Music Conference as it celebrates its 35th anniversary. Over the years, the conference has established itself as a cornerstone of the music industry, bringing together artists, industry professionals, and fans from around the world. This year’s edition promises to honor the legacy of WMC while looking towards the future of music and innovation.

As we reflect on the journey of the Winter Music Conference, it’s clear that the event has played a vital role in shaping the landscape of electronic music and beyond. From groundbreaking performances to insightful discussions, the conference has been a catalyst for creativity and collaboration within the industry. The 35th anniversary celebration is a testament to the enduring legacy of WMC and its continued impact on the music world.

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Partnering with Magnetic Agency Group, Ireland shared that they’re “currently working on partners, speakers, content, etc.” The post also calls for those interested in being a part of WMC to contact him.

The 2020 edition would have taken place from March 16-19 if it hadn’t been cancelled due to the pandemic. It would also have marked the conference’s 35th anniversary, making it the longest-running conference of its kind. The annual gathering brings together industry professionals and music consumers over a range of events – from industry panels to product demos, networking mixers to mentoring sessions, WMC brings together music, technology, education and culture.

We’ll certainly bring you any further updates on WMC Virtual, so stay tuned!

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Winter Music Conference (WMC) are going big with celebrating their 35th anniversary through announcing the first round of programming. It will be taking place between March 16-19, and three tiers of badges are already on sale. Returning, The Faena Forum in Miami Beach will be hosting the longest running conference of its kind. Overall, it opens a dialogue about many facets such as music, technology, and much more across the board.

Throughout the years, Winter Music Conference brought a diverse set of people onto their stage. Previously, the likes of Armin van Buuren, Laidback Luke, Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin, and a mass more including industry figures.

Attendees of the event can quickly gain incredibly useful insights from professionals in a wide variety of fields. On that, some of the keynote speakers this year will include YouTube’s Global Head of Music Lyor Cohen, Ultra Music Founder Patrick Moxey, Sofi Tukker, and many more.

Winter Music Conference will host a multitude of experiences. First off, the Miami Music Week Oasis is set to serve as the new social hub with the likes of pool parties and yoga sessions. From there, Mentor Sessions will provide networking opportunities and discussion hosted artists such as Josh Wink and Sydney Blu alongside industry professionals. Beyond, there is Education Programming, and great exposure opportunities through Signed On The Spot for demo submissions.

In addition, industry panels will cover a wide range of topics for discussions. To zone in, topics such as building lasting brands, navigating talent buying, the future of social media, and nightlife marketing will be discussed. Finally, for more details including the full list of announced panels and partners, you can visit the link here.

Winter Music Conference is one of the greatest hubs for networking where industry insiders and passionate people share a space. To register for Winter Music Conference badges and purchase them, you can visit their website here.

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35th Anniversary Perks and Events

The big ticket item here looks to be the MMW Oasis at Generator Miami. The press release explains this as a social hub with perks exclusive to badge holders. For instance, cocktail hours, pool parties, and networking events are just a few of the big reasons to jump on those early sales now. Also, this will include the new Mentor Sessions for pro badge holders. From this, professionals can obtain a unique educational experience from industry insiders. Namely, this will include intimate Q&A sessions in a classroom-style setting. Furthermore, all badge-holders will have access to WMC sanctioned events, yoga sessions, and travel benefits. Seemingly, this will provide in-depth industry perspectives on topical items within the comprehensive realm of EDM.

Badge Tier Pricing and Benefits

The 35th Anniversary badges are broken down into 3 tiers: Access, Plus, and Pro. The event is still four months out so the press release lists early bird pricing as a result. The price tiers currently stand at $280, $405, and $650 for Access, Plus, and Pro, respectively. More importantly, it details specifically what benefits apply to each badge. For example, the Pro badges offer the most perks being the only level with Mentor Sessions and industry mixers. Clearly, those are the most exclusive of the 3 tiers, hence the 300 badge cap. Nevertheless, all three tiers provide access to the main stages, exhibition hall/amphitheater, and MMW Oasis. Regardless of which tier you choose, you’re certain to get quite a bit of value added to the experience.

Indeed, organizers look to level-up with the WMC’s triumphant return for its 35th anniversary. Coupling that with Ultra Music Festival’s return to Bayfront, Miami Music Week should be a solid investment for 2020. Above all, it will be interesting to see how the festivities play out following years of turmoil and uncertainty. Check out the full WMC35 press release here and watch the trailer below.

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