The Mothership Stage: Far Out Among the Stars

As gates opened and RESIDUO welcomed ravers to this intergalactic party,  they were greeted by the legendary flying saucer PHXLIGHTS sign inspiring those to snag a quick picture with their rave families, or should I say fellow space cadets? When the sun finally vanished to reveal the stars in the black sky, night 1’s special B2B performance showcased JOYRYDE B2B Habstrakt was loved to the moon and back.

Watching JOYRYDE collaborate with a friend and fellow DJ-producer Habstrakt on stage livened him to express his delight that spread to the crowd’s body language. JOYRYDE said he was grateful to be there at PHXLIGHTS with his friends and family while rainbow visuals were displayed in the background. With this masterful combination of these two heavy-hitting names, it created another flavor of bass house that felt extremely special to PHXLIGHTS.

If this set couldn't become more special for this duo, JOYRYDE asked the crowd to wish Habstrakt him a happy birthday and the crowd without hesitation proceeded. In the midst of everyone dancing themselves clean, a rave family dressed as a group of astronauts in full helmet gear! 

For the past three years in Arizona’s EDM scene, the spinning cloths, formally known as flow stars, weren't extremely popular, but they were popular in Arizona this weekend! It was eye-opening to see this new and upcoming change happening in the local flow art print paired with matching Kritter Klips and a tail!

It wasn’t exactly related to aliens but it was a space-strawberry-inspired look! Seeing this specific outfit inspired me to buy matching Kritter Klips and corresponding tail at The Dreamland Studios vending booth! One unexpected perk about this festival map: there was always a food vendor in close proximity to every stage which saved time!

On night 2, ALLEYCVT shared her space bass transcending the crowd, followed by Apashe and Dr. Oliver Tree. After, the crowd finally made it to their destination into a futuristic soundscape with Deorro B2B Valentine Khan and Kaskade. 

@olddirtyleather & @svnshine.fm

Extraterrestrial Earthlings at The Evo Silent Disco 

Two channels hosting to the sounds of house, bass, DnB, and the genre-bending combination of all of it was a perfect spot to spend time away from the main stage if you needed a break from the crowd. Plus, who doesn't like channel surfing to give support to all of the artists? By the end of the night 1, most people scattered this stage’s dance floor to see Seven Lions.

Even though PRETTYHARD’s performance was the second to last set for this stage, Sed’s Vortex was seen at the front of the stage supporting him–seeing DJ-producer-couples support one another is another form of PLUR in my book! Night 2 scheduled artists DOMINATRIX, SAFEWORD, and more to continue Arizona’s trip beyond the galaxy. 

BeatBox Invasion Stage: Abducted by the Sound

Near the outskirts of the BeatBox Invasion Stage, Weird & Wonderful cast members were dressed in chrome outfits and large green yoda ears! If you’re a stage-hopper like me, watching performers in full character on the way to the next stage deserves to be listed on the itinerary of fun at every festival!

Despite the Invasion stage being a side stage, many would think this stage wouldn’t rise to the occasion with a packed stage, but this stage was packed during SEPPI’s hardcore performance that had everyone dancing to every bass drop on night 1! District XII, a local heavy riddim DJ, still had dancers clinging to every heavy bass drop because Arizona celebrates local artists from their community like any other headliner! Night 2 carried another well-loved riddim DJ-producer BLVCKROSE, Cafe Caderas, and more to end the weekend’s excursion. 

As an artist singing for all to feel less alone with her heartfelt lyrics, her new solo track “Embers” accomplishes just that. Famous for combining beauty, ferocity, and vulnerability in her voice, “Embers” is one new release out of many to come along with other projects this 2024. I, Mary Mason, on the behalf of homegameauction, collected HAYLA’s jewels of wisdom: giving oneself the license to experiment, the meaning behind the song lyrics in “Embers”, and the life lessons which motivate her to seek true expression while at this year’s Electronic Dance Music Awards. 

iHR: Thank you so much for your time! It’s an honor to interview you, especially under these circumstances being here at the EDMAs! How do you feel after your performance? 

HAYLA: Singing is my favorite thing to do, so honestly, I was honored when they asked me to perform here at the EDMAs! It’s my first time in Miami and to be surrounded by this, I had a few moments where I had my eyes opened to the amazing area–the setting is incredible. The audience sang along and danced a little bit too! It was an early performance and really cool! 

iHR: How did you prepare for this performance since performing for the EDMAs can be different from any other club or festival appearance?

HAYLA: I knew we had the time slot that we did. I knew the tracks I wanted to perform were the collaborations I had before: the crowd-pleasers, but I love singing those songs. You write and perform them, but seeing people sing them, I think that connective part is the best part. I also wanted to perform some of my own music, so I performed my upcoming single “Embers”.

iHR: Speaking of “Embers”, with lyrics: “Fire burn in the darkness/ Take a breath/ Fill my lungs with you/ Memories of us/ See the embers of dust and it all fell apart”. Can you tell me more about the meaning behind them? 

HAYLA: “Embers” was written with my good friend Martin Mason MIles and produced by the amazing MotherEarth. I wrote this song about being able to burn everything that reminds you of a person to ashes except that tiny ember that won't let anything other than time put it out. 

iHR: What was your favorite part of the process when filming the music video for your collaborative track with John Summit, “Shiver”? 

HAYLA: It was an incredible day! I’ve never been on a big set like that before. Seeing the inner-workings of how something like that works and seeing the set is what makes it incredible. It was great to see the amount of people who knew what they were doing and moving to the speed of things. Obviously, me and John are friends now which made it fun to be on set together; he’s so lovely. 

iHR: With that, you and John Summit create an otherworldly duo, what is your favorite thing about working with him?

HAYLA: Thank you! I think he has a euphoric way of producing. I feel like all of his drops and chord sequences make it atmospheric. Because the sound is always so vast, but it allows my vocal to breathe as well. I think when you’re working with producers you try to make sure no part gets. He’s kept the integrity of my vocal which I appreciate. It’s just so fun to sing along because it's like that big sound like the music behind us now is doing. He’s just a great producer, he has a great ear, and I feel like it’s emotional as well.

iHR: Which female singers inspired you to become the powerful vocalist you are today? 

HAYLA: Whitney Houston! Definitely! I was obsessed! The first musical thing I ever had was The Bodyguard on tape. I used to have this Fisher Price karaoke machine when I was four-years-old and I used to sit there, play it, and reverse it. I have a recording of it, it’s actually hilarious! Whitney was my #1 idol, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand–quite a few of artists I grew up listening to with my parents. We always listened to music constantly; they’re not musicians themselves but it was a massive part of my life growing up. I think I just latched on, especially because my mom and I would sing together. We still do! 

iHR: Congratulations on all of your well-deserved EDMA nominations and awards! How has this recognition and impact of the awards made you feel? 

HAYLA: I think it’s incredible! I’m so grateful to have the recognition! It means a lot! I had an interview and didn’t realize I had won at first. The recognition isn’t lost on me, so It really does mean a lot! 

iHR: 2023 was a pivotal year for your discography, what helped you stay motivated to create? 

HAYLA: That’s a really good question actually! I think you can have those bouts of doubt. I felt like I had a creative role,  a few things to say and get off my chest. The nice thing about writing is it can sometimes be like a diary. So, you might write something and it may not look like anything at all. Then, you piece it together like a jigsaw puzzle–a diary but a crossword. 

iHR: As a writer, it reminds me of some lines/song lyrics mattering more than others. 

HAYLA: Yeah! Kind of like: what’s that? I’m feeling that but what about it sticks out? Maybe this line is more relatable to others, maybe it can help people feel less alone and not on their own. This year, I definitely like I had a lot more to say as an artist. It doesn’t always happen because you can have those moments like: oh, shit, I guess I have nothing to say here. But, I felt like there was more to say! I feel as if I’m in control of my mind a bit more. HAYLA points to her head. Write, please! 

iHR: I love your festival fashion so much because I am a HUGE fan of black, latex, leather, anything that emulates dominatrix fashion. What inspires your choice of performance outfits? 

HAYLA: I’ve always loved the gothic-alternative look. Black is my favorite color. I choose what I wear by feeling a lot of the time. All of my clothes are black, so how am I going to choose? I was experimenting a little bit and I felt like I wasn’t elevating myself to the level I wanted to be at. So, I found Beau Tiger Rae who is my amazing stylist that I’ve been working with. He’s given me a license to experiment. I was experimenting and I was wondering is that for me? He said, “Yes, it’s for you. Why wouldn’t it be for you?”. Dressing up is fun and it’s for everybody! I think it’s an extension of expressing the self! He’s given me more license especially because he finds me pieces and he’ll ask, “Would you wear that? I think you’ll look good in it.” I try the fashion piece on and I think: I should have always had this. I’ve always loved fashion, leather, and latex. I have a pair of Doc Martens I’ve had for as long as I can remember; they’re battered and beaten up, but I am never getting rid of them. My expression has been elevated a little bit more now. 

iHR: It’s wonderful to hear you and your stylist are allowing for more creative freedom even in this aspect of your self-expression because I think allowing creative freedom can spread to other parts of your artistry. 

HAYLA: It’s funny actually because I feel like it’s a tidbit of feeling more daring like yeah, I’m going to do that. Yeah, I’m going to wear that. And, feel comfortable in it! I feel like I’ve given myself license in other ways as well. 

iHR: You’ve curated almost 10 years of your discography, is there a part of your artistic expression you’d like to change or strengthen?  

HAYLA: Oh, my gosh, yes! I’ve always played musical instruments to a degree where I form an understanding, but I don’t push myself further with it. I really want to become better at playing piano because I would love to be able to show that to people. Also, playing guitar. I need to get over being freaked-out about showing people that! I’ve developed more confidence in other areas like writing in who I am as HAYLA–that side that people see. Other things I wished I had taken more time and care in cultivating. I still have hurdles to chip down, I think my mission should focus on trying to get over those hurdles and stick to something, so I can be more multifaceted as well. I’d like to write my completely own stuff without relying on anybody else. I love working with other people, but I’d like to be more self-sufficient. 

iHR: It’s admirable and inspiring that you show a lot of grace with this concept of confidence as a process. 

HAYLA: It’s funny because some people expect confidence to fully be present sometimes. At times, confidence can show up depending on the day, the mood, feelings, emotions. It’s a total process! There are times where you’re not feeling great, but you still have to take an hour to listen to your favorite music and take deep breaths to get yourself centered. 

iHR: I’m curious, what is a recurring life lesson you keep learning? 

HAYLA: I’ve doubted myself so much throughout my life about loads of things. I know everyone does. I’m a terrible overthinker, my God, if I could turn that off I would. I think in the past if I second-guessed myself, I was putting it off for no reason. It’s like you against what your anxious mind is telling you not to do, it’s there to prove yourself wrong and going forward and thinking like why can’t this space be for me? Why can’t I do that? Why can’t I wear this? Why can’t do those things? In the most healthy way, it’s kind of like giving myself the excuse to do it anyway! 

iHR: What is next in store for you this year?

HAYLA: I have been working on an album; it’s nearly done. I think we’re looking at November for the release date hopefully. I’m really looking forward to that! There’s a few collaborations as well that I can’t say anything about just yet. Maybe some gigs and touring at the end of the year. 

As a household name in electronic dance music, the “Shake What Ya Mama” producer plans to contribute more of his no-boundaries-outlook and personal artistic vision of house music among the scene and share the togetherness of community among his fan base this year. This tech-house-shooting-star accomplished new levels of recognition in 2023 such as reaching millions of streams and headlining debut performances at festivals he once dreamed of like Tomorrowland 2023. 

This next musical chapter in his discography has become quintessential to him like the essence of water. Inspired and elated to share what is to come, I, Mary Mason, at homegameauction had the privilege to interview Bleu Clair about the album art and meaning behind “Underwater” as well as his ever-evolving relationship to house music. 

iHR: Thank you so much for your time and congratulations on your newest release, “Underwater”! Despite your irresistible use of basslines and percussion in this track, the lyrics allude to vulnerability and fear; with the fear, it causes one to seek refuge to hide, “try to breathe underwater”. What inspired you to produce these lyrics that feel universal? 

Bleu Clair: Thank you for having me! I just found that vocal sample on Splice, and I fell in love with how it sounds and the lyrics during the first listen. But, the original sample’s BPM was quite different and I had to do a lot of processing on that vocal. Nonetheless, I’m really happy with the outcome. 

iHR: The album cover art for “Underwater” contains the Bleu Label stamp that reads: “New Age of House Music”. Can you tell us what this “New Age of House Music” means to you? How do you want to further support this new age with your music or creative vision?

Bleu Clair: It’s a tag that I always put on my artwork, merch, and show flyers. It’s just that I feel like the house music scene has always been here for a long time and I love the genre a lot, but I wanted to try to do something new on it without sacrificing the main element of house music.

iHR: If I’m not mistaken, you’re the second DJ (other than Angger Dimas) from Indonesia to tour in the US. How would you like to see the EDM scene give more representation and inclusivity to DJs from different backgrounds? 

Bleu Clair: Yeah, and now we also have Papa Khan and Ootoro touring the States–I’m really proud of them. We feel like our music received more appreciation in the states compared to what we experience back home. But, it is understandable since dance music (especially house and dubstep like what Papa Khan is doing) is not the mainstream thing there. 

iHR: As a lover of tech house, it was a dream to experience your B2B set with San Pacho at Decadence Arizona 2023! You both made the crowd feel extremely special on the dance floor during New Year’s. How did that experience change your opinion or perception of B2B performances altogether? 

Bleu Clair: Thank you! That set was our second set together, and both of them are completely unplanned. Patrik is a good friend and very talented producer, so we just play what we like, try to match the vibe with each other. Super happy with how it went though haha!

iHR: I’ve been a fan of your music since 2022 and you remain as one of my favorite tech house artists! Surprisingly enough, I was also listening to a lot of lo-fi, ambient electronica when I came across your track “Hyperspace”. What inspired you to collaborate with Teza Sumendra on this mellow, relaxing track that sounds different from the rest of your discography? I LOVE this genre-bending track by the way! 

Bleu Clair: I’ve always been a big fan of Teza and I think his singing is some of the best that I’ve ever heard. So, I sent him a couple demos, and he liked the hyperspace instrumental demo. Funny thing is: it only took around 15 minutes to record the whole vocal for that song. He works very quickly and efficiently.

iHR: Your fans absolutely love the groovy feel of your BLEUPRINT mixes! Do you feel as if you have more creative freedom to experiment with this side project? Also, would you ever want to experiment with an EDM subgenre outside of tech house? 

Bleu Clair: I always try to release as many unreleased tracks on BLEUPRINT mixes as possible just so I can test which tracks receive good feedback and which do not. Sometimes I also release some unreleased tracks I like from DJs. Yes, the first time I tried to make music on a laptop, I started making dubstep and bass music since I was really influenced by Skrillex at that time. I think it’s very possible for me to start producing other genres.

iHR: Being a food-enthusiast, you never shy away from sharing delicious posts of food paired with music updates on your Instagram. What is your favorite food to eat while you’re on tour? 

Bleu Clair: Local food in the city that I’m visiting! Everytime I visit a city I’ve never been to before, I always google “famous food spot in x city” before going there. 

iHR: Your evolving discography has been wonderful to follow! What is next in store for you this 2024?

In an effort to curate more passion and appreciation for the EDM community, artists Green Velvet, Dr. Fresch, TOBEHONEST, Kito, and BIJOU supported the mission of coming together in the name of music to enrich this Phoenician community. This special underground event attracted a collective to Warehouse 215 to celebrate an atmosphere of inspiration, connection, and hedonistic-good house music. 

Chandeliers and Bookshelves: Warehouse Meets Luxury

Veteran ravers: do you remember your first warehouse rave? Many ravers remember their first warehouse rave as an underground, one-for-the-books experience but nothing too luxurious. With your typical warehouse rave, the address on the event flier isn’t announced until 10pm, the warehouse has one A/C unit, everyone is drowning in sweat, and there’s absolutely little to no light–just music imposing as the atmosphere.

At Warehouse 215, it’s a grand, elevated experience. Eclectic yet underground, there were at least two chandeliers in every room, The Reading Room Stage had a bookshelf wall with succulents and books which embellished the ambience–it’s a warehouse-gone-glamorous! 

The Three Stages of Intimacy: The Guild, The Reading Room, & The Cathedral 

Smaller venues like Warehouse 215 are notorious for bringing people together; sometimes there can be too much anonymity at festivals as it can be harder to recognize people you may know. If you can’t recognize your friends or artists among large crowds, you can’t expect to connect with others.

Three close-knit stages were planted in the rich, elevated warehouse: The Guild, The Reading Room, and The Cathedral. Spacious and close views of the DJ, every space-turned-dance-floor opened a sense of closeness between yourself, other ravers, and the artist.

As much as all ravers love the feeling of dancing at a massive stage, there’s nothing like being able to watch your favorite DJ make every move on the mixing board. It allows ravers to see artists’ facial expressions, movement, and production methods–a look inside artists’ personalities.

Without this small setting, ravers like myself wouldn’t have been able to notice Green Velvet’s stoic demeanor during “Sheeple” and “Jolean." He doesn’t introduce himself to the crowd on the microphone or have a facial expression unless it's his signature smile widening from ear-to-ear as the last sound leaves the speaker and his set concludes.

The Ultimate Seduction: BIJOU’s Performance 

BIJOU is one of Arizona’s most prolific and cherished DJs while highly regarded among both g-house and bass house, especially after winning the 2023 Bass House Song Of The Year Award from the Electronic Dance Music Awards for “I know” featuring Marten Hørger.

Since he’s involved with his local community and EDM scene, fans were ecstatic to hear him mix “Gang Gang” and “Losing Control” by OMNOM . “Something for your mind, your body, and your soul”, BIJOU sampled “The Realm” by C’hantal and it felt like a guided meditation to “pleasures of the higher sense." 

Soon after that, Dr. Fresch couldn’t help himself from jumping on stage to play a mini B2B with his best friend and played their collaborative tracks like “Hello (Gangsta $hit)”. Biased towards loving bass house to the ends of the earth, this was my favorite performance of the weekend. 

B2B2B2B2B…

Dr. Fresch was halfway through his set when he said, “We’re not going home until we decide on a song we like” and proceeded to bring a multitude of other artists on stage for a B2B2B2B2B… If you were standing on the outskirts of the stage entrance, you could see a train of DJs at the right side of the stage approaching the decks, taking turns in an order right after the other.

Some of those DJs were No Thanks, Garrett Murphy, Burman, and BIJOU. It wasn’t until Dr. Fresch ended his set by announcing there were twenty DJs who joined him on stage–what a party! By now, you could imagine the immaculate, tastemaking yet various styles of house music emitting from those speakers simultaneously. 

The Passion in Community and Creativity

Community, art, and love were pillars of inspiration for Thomas Turner, Founder of The Phoenix Warehouse Project. The three foundational pillars of this project have one commonality: coming together. Setting the intention of celebrating music and dance, local artists like AVITAS, Peachy Keen, and other creatives were seen reconnecting and frolicking to each other’s performances; artists hopped off stage for fans or friends to shake hands and snag a quick picture.

The Weird And Wonderful Cast gave hypnotizing performances on both nights, so much that people would stop dancing to watch the coordinated dances before them. Visual artists Nonotheartist and Rami completed a live B2B painting for the VIP section for surveyors to witness the work in progress which shows warehouse raves have the potential to be immersive!

Smaller venues/events open the possibilities of meeting your new best friend or sharing kind words with your favorite artists–it keeps the PLUR and inspiration going around. Plus, who doesn’t feel more passionate about EDM, happy to connect with others, and pursuing your own passions after a memorable event? 

Event and Lineup 

This year’s lineup creates its own altered orbit as it incorporates more B2B performances and completely new names to ever appear on the lineup. Night 1 debuts Seven Lions, NGHTMRE, goddard., and SABAI to begin your journey across the galaxy! NIght 2 continues the trip to the moon and back with artists Kaskade, Dr. Oliver Tree, Alleycvt, Apashe, and more for this annual diamond planet experience.

Both nights will feature must-see B2B performance from JOYRYDE B2B Habstrakt and Deorro B2B Valentino Khan in their rarest form of fusing their sound to create an out-of-this-world performance you can’t find at every major festival. 

Three stages (or flying saucers) will station on the raceway: The Mothership Stage AKA the main stage, The Fallout Silent Disco, and The Invasion Stage. The Fallout Silent Disco presented by Evo Vapes highlights local house and bass artists such as PRETTYHARD and Dominatrix to name a few–words to the wise: there’s a disco ball on the dance floor at this particular stage!

Similar to last year, Beatbox showcases The Invasion Stage with more local artists like BLVCKROSE and Seppi. The classic Voodoo Ranger 1UP Arcade should be a stop on your trail to the Milky Way if you’re in the mood to play games, win games, and try their new Hardcharged Tea!

View the full lineup to plan your performance schedule now. Single-day passes are available starting at $80, while two-day passes are priced at $150. 

Travel and Hotels

Ticket and hotel packages are unavailable for this event. After landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) and checking into a nearby hotel, a 30-minute uber ride is required to arrive at Phoenix Raceway. Goodyear, Arizona is a neighboring city with plenty of hotels and access to ubers/rideshare. In fact, Goodyear is closer to Phoenix Raceway than Phoenix.

Arriving and exiting the event with a designated driver and vehicle is the best case scenario for transportation as parking is always free; premium parking is available. Plus, uber rides may become too expensive at 2am or not enough drivers are able to complete your transformation request (speaking from experience).

Relentless Beats offers shuttle packages for roundtrip transportation from Downtown Tempe which is 25 minutes away from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. If absolutely necessary, it can be wise to buy a shuttle pass and request an Uber transportation from the shuttle stop in Tempe because Tempe is a college town with many Lyft/Ubur drivers ready to bring you home! Single-day and 2-day shuttle passes range from $49-$75. 

What to Wear to PHXLIGHTS: Supernova

PHXLIGHTS attendees partake in their own secret handshake in festival fashion as it encourages the alien, astronomical, and extraterrestrial lovers to dress for this otherworldly theme! If you’re wearing neon green like the skin of an alien, antennas as a space robot, or astronaut suit like Neil Armstrong, you know the secret handshake!

Frolicking Fantasy Floral Sequin Outfit

Spunion Rings Outfit

Date In Wonderland Marabou Outfit

Kooky Chronicles Recycled Mushroom Outfit

Wearing alien-inspired greens is the go-to choice for many, but who says you can’t dress up like the sun, a star, or even a planet? If you’re going for a futuristic vibe for this champagne supernova of a festival, homegameauction’ limited edition Digital Dojo Halter Top and matching Digital Bell Bottoms will make you feel like you’re from 3024!

For those with the ethereal souls as nebulas or shooting stars, the Rolita Couture x iHR Forever Angel Pixie Baby Doll Dress will allow you to shine under the lasers. Alien allies, you’ll look spot-on with this green Ignite My Fire Fishnet Bodysuit or any clothing item from the Trippy Treats Collection.

With more than just ranking #1 on the charts, she swam, drowned, and caught her breathful song of passion in the underrepresented waves of pioneering a creative path in the male-dominated music industry. Because VASSY’s impact in EDM is an example for other aspiring female artists to affirm their creative path is worthy and possible to pursue, she was awarded the first female winner of the 2023 EDMA Icon Award.

Making monumental herstory (not history) and taking steps forward for EDM-womankind, the Queen of EDM has recently reconnected with her genre-defying sound in an effort to resurrect from her creative claustrophobia. The jazz-indie-pop-artist-turned-EDM-queen showcases Supreme, a 7-track LP of VASSY’s tastebreaking discography powering reggaetón-inspired ballads, victorious song titles, and most importantly, her strength in authentic self-expression.

I, Mary Mason, on behalf of homegameauction was granted the opportunity to celebrate Women’s History Month this March by discussing with this figure in EDM royalty about female empowerment, perseverance in the face of rejection, and joyful determination that flourished in the creative process of Supreme.

iHR: VASSY, thank you very much for your time! “Supreme” is a song of high self-confidence and powerful self-affirmation. It inspires me as a listener to look at myself as the apple of my own eye. How do you stay true to feeling like your most authentic self?   

Vassy: By remaining true to myself despite feeling like ‘i don’t belong’ or not part of some click or club. I have always been a bit of an outsider in most things throughout life and that's ok with me because I have to live with myself so as long as I love what I see or love who I am that's what matters most. It also helps to have friends and family out of the business to be surrounded by people who do important things like save lives, screen for cancer, operate on animals, study marine life or climate change. Just try to keep a diverse group of friends and positive people around you that you can learn from and be inspired. 

iHR: I would love to know more about your creative process for your newest 7-track album, Supreme! Why did you feel this was the perfect title for the album? 

Vassy: I am in a Supreme state of mind and in a supreme part of my life. I say this because I feel supreme, I am supreme in the sense that I feel at peace with myself and who I am and what I do and who I have become. It is a supreme state of mine, an inner peace, it sets the tone for the album and where I am at in my life is a very supreme chapter. 

iHR: Since Women’s History Month is happening in March, how have your female-led friendships/relationships shaped you into the woman you are today?

Vassy: I have a very diverse group of friends who are all amazingly beautiful strong women, some vulnerable, some emotive but all very strong. The women who raised me were all strong amazing women who had courage and took chances and were not afraid to speak up and be bold. My grandma, who we call ‘giagia’ its Greek for grandmother, was as tough as it gets, fought 2 wars, raised two daughters as a window on her own, raised cattle and ran her own agricultural farm… she was truly a hero to us all. My mum and my sister are both strong women. I am blessed to be surrounded by so many incredible remarkable women. I have many female friends who are proud of my success and I am proud of theirs, we support one another and hold each other up. 

iHR: Being a woman in a creative yet male-led industry, how did you remain determined during moments of doubt or rejection before your music started to rise to popularity?

Vassy: My philosophy in life is that Rejections are simply Redirections!!! It is a very male dominated space in the dance world and at times it can be really frustrating for me and most women to have to deal with so many guys and their egos, we get bullied at times too by men where they probably would not have the guts to do that to a guy, we also get called bossy or Diva’s if we know what we want or say what we want where as boys can do the same and that's just called getting down to business.. There are double standards sometimes..it gets tedious ..…….as I say it may be a boys club but it's a woman's world!!

iHR: With positive, joyful song titles on Supreme like “Pursuit of Happiness” and “Good TImes Roll”, what inspires you to share the concept of happiness in your discography? I find it heart-touching by the way!

Vassy: Awww thank you I think because I was genuinely happy at the time that or i pretended to be lol but fake it till you make it!! Just kidding but also not, you know if the body leads the mind will follow ... .What I mean by that is if you believe in the laws of attraction philosophy in that if you say things in a positive way you attract positive energy. It is you who manifests your dreams and future as Kevin Costner once said in the movie ‘Field Of Dreams’ If you build it, they will come”  In my mentoring i have always encourage kids to dream out loud and not be afraid to speak out their dreams and goals of who they want to be and what they want or want to become. So I try to also practice what I preach. Plus honestly it was so much bloody fun making this LP!! Playing with all the genres of music the freedom to be me with no pressure was invigorating. 

iHR: From the bottom of my heart, congratulations on earning the 2023 EDMA Icon award! It was well-deserved and your impact is prevalent for many women (including myself) in EDM. How does it feel to be the first female winner of this award?

Vassy: Insanely amazing. I am an Aussie girl from a very remote little town up north in Australia where they shot crocodile dundee and grew up in an ethnic household with immigrant parents, I mean I had every obstacle you can imagine ahead of me to face including coming to America where i knew no one, had no one and was a no one all over again. I had to start from ground zero and build myself and become someone again to be noticed… and here I am a multi platinum Icon …If I can do it anyone can just have to believe in Yourself, put in the world. I feel proud to lead the way for many other female ICONS to come :)

iHR: Because you’re a beacon of inspiration for so many in the EDM community, what is one piece of advice that still helps you pioneer your music career today?

Vassy: Rejections are Redirections. Stick to plan A, once there's a plan B you have already compromised plan A. And remain authentically yourself. 

iHR: “Our Moment” influences listeners to reclaim their inner personal power in empowering self-belief. Why was it important for you to write these strong lyrics? 

Vassy: Because I am a huge advocate for Love is Love, all for one and one for all, equal rights we are one and soon… i bleed you bleed, i cry you cry, i eat you eat ... .the moment is now we have one shot at life our moment to be authentic to be alive to speak our truth. 

iHR: From rainbow outfits and yellow feather capes, your performance outfits look so fun and expressive! What are your favorite clothing items or accessories you like to wear on stage?

Vassy: Haha, I love colors I am literally a rainbow child and i wish my super power was flying so i have a thing for feathers hahahah and no it's not some weird kinky thing, i love feathers because they are soft and natural yet powerful because of their ability to give you freedom and independence, each feather gives you the ability to fly, spread your wings and take off metaphorically speaking and literally. 

iHR: What is next in store for you this year? Any upcoming project details you’re allowed to share with your fans at this time?

Vassy: Yes, my current single Krazy is #3 right now across the US at dance radio across the US, by the time you print this it may be #1, fingers crossed. My new single comes out and I have new releases coming out next month and in May plus shows in California, Australia and in Miami at the EDMA Awards. 

Event and Lineup 

Passionate about stationing events solely in Downtown Phoenix, Phoenix Warehouse Project’s mission is to cultivate art, love, and culture to further their support of the local underground EDM scene. As the project partners with Warehouse 215 and other warehouse spaces, future events will surround cannabis, art, yoga, and of course, more (EDM) performances. 

"With Phoenix Warehouse Project, we aim to add even more texture to an already culture-rich community in Downtown Phoenix by serving as a hub for art, love, and culture," says Founder of Relentless Beats, Thomas Turner. 

The first weekend in March at Warehouse 215 commences the debut weekend for the passion project with Green Velvet, San Pacho, and TOBEHONEST on Friday, Mar. 1. Meanwhile on Saturday, Mar. 2, Dr. Fresch, BIJOU, and Black V Neck are set to perform one of the most special performances Downtown Phoenix has yet to experience. Glittering the atmosphere with their sparkle are The Weird and Wonderful troupe performances to elevate this warehouse experience. 

Tickets/Passes (Designed to Support a Cause)

Centralizing the notion of love as one of the three pillars of Phoenix Warehouse Project, a portion of proceeds from every purchased ticket is forwarded to Childhelp, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing and treating child abuse. Imploring you to dance for a cause and provide support to others in every footstep under the disco ball until 3am, single and weekend passes are on sale now as well as VIP passes from $49-190. See you there and welcome to the underground! 

Travel and Hotels

Since it’s a smaller event, ticket/hotel and shuttle packages are unavailable at this time. After landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) and checking into a nearby hotel, a 15-minute uber ride is required to arrive at Warehouse 215. 

Because of limited parking in Downtown Phoenix, arriving and exiting the event with an uber ride may be your best option if you don’t want to pay for a nearby parking garage fee. Otherwise, valet parking service is available at Warehouse 215. 

Warehouse Rave Fashion: What to Wear to the Phoenix Warehouse Project Debut Weekend

Anything and everything goes in the freeing environment of warehouses! When underground warehouse raves don’t contain a central theme like major festivals, it gives everyone the blank canvas of freedom of expression!

Hardstyle Hottie Outfit

Sometimes, warehouse fashion consists of industrial-inspired outfits consisting of black wide leg pants, quintessential blackout sunglasses, and leather chain accessories such as homegameauction’ Gonna Show You Belt. However, I’ve seen the most experiential festival fashion at warehouses. In fact, I’ve seen ravers in full feather coats and LED butterfly wings!

Voltage Vixen Outfit

Make your own warehouse fashion that feels special and unique to YOU! If you love the industrial look, YRUFO Mecha Chain Unisex Wide Leg Pants can be a great base for your look. Take a look at its match-made-in-heaven-pairing, the Bass Destruction Cutout Bodysuit–combine with your favorite footwear that allow you to dance for almost eight hours and you’re ready to sweep the warehouse with your best moves.

Eternal Sleep Outfit

For some unknown reason, seeing ravers wear a variety of robes in their festival fashion is a serotonin boost, especially if they have vivid colors like the Trippy Tide Mesh Robe! Last but never least: ALWAYS spread PLUR wherever you are and the iconic Garden Gnome Sprouts Hair Clips 8-Pair Set graces you with the opportunity to share PLUR in a non-kandi way! 

As this is the second reprisal of Body Language in Relentless Beats history, come join the juggernaut fun of experiencing underground EDM history during this poetic movement-inspired festival.  

Event and Lineup 

More than providing representation only for popular headliners, Body Language identifies as a “boutique festival experience” which seduces ravers with an intimate, yet sophisticated experience while honoring alternative forms of artistic expression in the underground scene. This is the place to stand close to Hugel at the decks but also to introduce yourself to your new underground artist as they jump off stage. 

Because Body Language evolved into its next phase of musical movement with lineup curation, this year welcomes two new stage takeovers presented by State Of Mind and Drumcode at The Mirage Stage alongside Charles D and Natalia Roth. Adding to the mix of stages of sweet rhythm, The Labyrinth Stage invites Eric Prydz, AC Slater, and OMNOM.

Meanwhile at The Abyss Stage, EMA, Christian Braun, and AVITAS are organized to demonstrate the depths of their discography. However, gates and music begin at 2pm and curfew is 11pm. Surprisingly, the only two headliners making a second appearance at Body Language are Dombresky and Walker and Royce. Other taste-breaking artists include Deadmau5, Meduza, Sofi Tukker (DJ set), and many more! Besides the three stages, The Weird and Wonderful Cast curated the new space, Cupid’s Groove featuring RESIDUO, CECE, and Safe Word. 

Take a gander at the full lineup to set your eyes and ears on a performance you’re living (and dying) to see. Single-day passes are available starting at $76, while two-day passes are priced at $150. 

Travel and Hotels

Unfortunately, ticket and hotel packages are unavailable for this event. After landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) and checking into a nearby hotel, a 30-minute uber ride is required to arrive at Phoenix Raceway. Goodyear, Arizona is a neighboring city with plenty of hotels and access to ubers/rideshare. In fact, Goodyear is closer to Phoenix Raceway than Phoenix.

Arriving and exiting the event with a designated driver and vehicle is the best case scenario for transportation as parking is always free; premium parking is available. Plus, Uber rides may become too expensive at 2am or not enough drivers are able to complete your transformation request (speaking from experience).

Relentless Beats offers shuttle packages for roundtrip transportation from Downtown Tempe which is 25 minutes away from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. If absolutely necessary, it can be wise to buy a shuttle pass and request an Ubur transportation from the shuttle stop in Tempe because Tempe is a college town with many Lyft/Ubur drivers ready to bring you home! Single-day and 2-day shuttle passes range from $39-$75. 

What to Wear to Body Language

homegameauction’ new arrivals will always help you style the outfit hiding in your mind’s eye! With Valentine’s Day just a few days before the fest, you’ll be ready to prance around in pink hearts with Ari x homegameauction Love's A Mesh Pastel Rainbow Top and matching skirt. Want to express your inner cyberpunk during techno sets? The Circuit Board Long Sleeve Cutout Bodysuit and Special Agent LED Glasses can set your wires on fire! My personal favorite outfit I’d sport on the dance floor is the Eternal Sleep Halter Top and Eternal Sleep Skirt because of its detailed ribbons and classic black color perfect for anyone!

Drop The Beat Recycled Fabric Outfit

Everblossom Marabou Butterfly Outfit

Love's A Mesh Pastel Outfit

Burn Bright Outfit

Making heads turn even on the website is the holy grail of bodysuits, iHR’s newest Power Move Vinyl Mesh Bodysuit that will make you look and feel like a vixen! If you want to twin with your festie bestie, it is also available in its pink counterpart, Sweet Like Sugar Vinyl Bodysuit. 

After-Parties

Can I get a moment of silence (or blasting basslines) for official Body Language after-parties? As a returning lover of Body Language, the official after-parties truly keep the party pumping as it is the main attraction to dance in all flavors of house and techno for 24+ hours! If you think ending your night at 11pm is too early, the after-parties have your name written all over them because official Relentless Beats after-parties usually end from 3am-6am. 

The lineup for day 1 and day 2 after-parties have not been announced just yet, but entry is currently $25. Secure your full nights of non-stop dancing and buy your passes here before prices increase or sell-out! 

Determined to break her personal records in her discography and self-expression, her new EP, STAR CITY highlighting “Lockdown” with Scrufizzer is scheduled to release on November 17th. The fierce, red-headed party-starter-producer remains creating a new generation of house music with old-school 90s rap, deep basslines, and her exclusive use of bold, flirtatious lyrics of self-confidence.

Self-claiming this EP accurately captures her vision as an artist, this EP is a reiteration of her electronic orchestra characterized in unique ferociousness and female empowerment.

To accompany her EP, Nostalgix has just announced her Star City Tour which is her biggest tour to date. I, Mary Mason of homegameauction, caught up with Nostalgix after her performance at Goldrush Festival 2023: Sonoran Skies to discuss her recent single, “WAR” with Rico Nasty, a difficult phase in her career which lead to her current success, and a small reminder for confidence.  

iHR: How do you feel after your performance? 

Nostalgix: So good! It was so much fun. I didn’t know Arizona was this hot ‘cause it’s my first time out here, so I’ve been sweatin’. 

iHR: Congratulations on your latest release, “WAR” with Rico Nasty! What can you tell us about the creative process and how you knew you had to work with Rico Nasty?

Nostalgix: Thank you! I just really wanted to work with a very powerful and unique, badass vocalist because I feel like to me, that’s what the instrumental of the record was. So, I think it  made sense, you know, Rico Nasty is the embodiment of badass and unique; I was like this is a perfect mix. 

iHR: You really carry that badass energy as well, which leads me into my next question. As a female genre-bender in EDM, can you describe how rap and house music intersect for you?

Nostalgix: Oh, my God, I think it’s the perfect blend of everything. For me, when I got really interested in EDM and I was learning all about it, I went to go see Dr. Fresch; it was the first time I saw G-house which is kind of like a blend of hip-hop and house music. It’s very swaggy and cool. It made me fall in love with dance music in general and made me want to produce. So like, I feel like now, I’m carrying that energy and doing it in my own way. 

iHR: That’s beautiful. To say you’re bold but flirty with your sense of fashion and style is an understatement. Where do you derive your fashion inspiration?

Nostalgix: Thank you! Honestly, from everywhere! All of my influences of what I see day to day, but I think for me, the biggest approach to being creative or choosing what to do is if I see something cool, I lean towards it. I don’t think twice, I just go for it. I think that’s where I get a lot of my fashion inspo because if I see something cool, I can take that and style it, turn it into an outfit or tie it into a release. 

iHR: Again, you carry such fearless energy. With that being said, what advice would you give to someone who would like to become more confident in their self-expression?

Nostalgix: That’s such a cute question! I think you just gotta go for it! You have one life, you gotta push yourself, you won’t always be confident and that’s okay. But, I think it’s reminding yourself: I’m going to put my best foot forward and I’m going to try my best and maybe today I’ll be the baddest bitch in the room, maybe I won’t be, but that’s okay, but I’ll try. 

iHR: Fake it ‘til you make it. 

Nostalgix: That part. 

iHR: So, was there ever a point in your career where you felt like you hit a wall or stuck without any progress? How did you overcome that phase?

Nostalgix: I wouldn’t say I hit a wall, but last November I was in this period where I was looking for new management. I spent three months managing myself in between touring and playing festivals. To be honest, it was my first time doing anything like that and I had no idea what I was doing, but I was very much just figuring it out and overworking myself so I feel like I hit a wall at that point, but not in terms of not growing. I was still growing, and people were excited about what I was doing, but I was tired. I was overworking myself to the ground trying to make everything work. It was a one-girl-show! 

iHR: I love that it seems like you were reaching for something else. Also, I love your track “My Type”, I actually sent the song to someone who I tried shooting my shot with; it worked. Who is your celebrity crush you would dedicate the song to?

Nostalgix: Charlie Puth. I think he’s really cute. He’s so wholesome and very talented. Cool person. 

iHR: As a fellow writer, what inspires you to write?

Nostalgix: I think life experiences. One thing I’ve learned about myself is I feel like I’m very good at writing parts of me that I wouldn’t express day-to-day. I feel like when I write it’s like I have this attitude I bring to my songs that I don’t necessarily have in day-to-day life. It’s a cool way for me to express that and get to perform that on stage. 

iHR: Out of curiosity, would you be open to producing a Boiler room set?

Nostalgix:  I would love to! Are you kidding me? I see those videos and it looks so sick! The energy would be insane! It’s gonna happen for sure and I look forward to that day! 

iHR: You made history as one of the few female acts to perform the mainstage at EDC Las Vegas and you’re still rapidly progressing. What is next for you?

Nostalgix: I think for me, the focus right now is to build my show and it’s been a big goal of mine since I started doing this: is to put on a unique show that you don’t get to experience anywhere else. So, that’s the music, the feeling you get while you’re at the show, the visuals, everything that fits in that kind of world. That’s what I’m working on, it’s in progress, and it’s happening, it’s coming! 

Setting the tone and setting of this corral-affair were five stages, one silent disco, and one art car will beautify the raceway with not only local names from Arizona’s underground rave scene but the hottest names in the EDM game such as Louis The Child (Playground Set), Nostalgix, Dion Timmer, and Alison Wonderland. 

The five stages: Paradise Prairie, Moonrise Mountain, Coyote Cove, Sound Cabin Art Car, and Cowboy Corral Silent Disco weren’t the only novelty to this Arizonian experience. Adding to the ambiance was the Voodoo Ranger 1UP Arcade, The Playground’s Roller Disco, and The Highland Lounge featuring photo opps to accompany a jovial feast for the ears!

Night 1: Goldrushers’ Return to an EDM Saloon 

Adding to the ambience of the old wild west, new stage production included larger and multiple screens to reach every side of the stage. The Weird And Wonderful Cast performers joined the front of every stage as face-painted cacti, cowboys in humongous hats, and more with sparklers to transform into a Sonoran-botanical-inspired character. The VooDoo ranger arcade attracted the vintage entertainment lovers in between stages, similar to a refuge away from the crowds but close enough to hear the music. 

Paradise Prairie is the main stage designed to present the superstars of EDM: Tiesto, Ship Wrek, Madeon, and KAYZO’s Unleashed full band experience. Breaking Goldrush lineup records: Louis The Child (Playground Set) was the space cow’s helmet of the weekend! The duo mixed tracks from the beginning of their discography and recent fan-favorites like “Compass” ft. Zella Day and “Better Not (with Wafia)”. The two explained the special nature of Playground sets allows them to have fun with creative freedom, especially with once being teens in the industry, now grown into adults. Tiësto played the final set on night one before Walker & Royce claimed the Coyote Cover for the after party. 

The Moonrise Mountain Stage is dedicated to bass-finatics, headbangers, feral railbreakers with the hottest names in heavy bass. Those artists climbing the top of the Moonrise Mountain Stage were Champagne Drip, Brondo, and Dion Timmer to name a few. Slushii’s dynamic performance caused security guards to make ugly bass faces and subtly dance as they monitored the crowd leaving nobody untouched from the Goldrush fun. Leaving the crowd on an even higher note, ATLiens’ finger dance moves predicted every bass drop as they knew they were playing one of the best sets of the weekend as they wore their black, red laser-eyed masks. 

Night 2: Facing the Ace-High Music

The Coyote Cove was the stage for coyote-ravers in love with all kinds of flavors of house and techno. Dombresky, Cloonee, Will Clarke, and Ben Böhmer Live. BLOND:ISH’s performance of bubbly, tropical tech house sent feel-good vibes in every strobe of lime green laser hitting the back of the dark stage.

Continuing the wholesome and heartfelt Goldrush experience at Paradise Prairie was Madeon in his special “Good Faith DJ set: Playing Music For Fun”; the crowd listened to Earth, Wind & Fire’s, “September” as the farewell track of the set. Followed by my personal favorite set of the entire weekend, Zeds Dead created the expected spiritual union of 90s hip-hop/rap and bass.

Automatically, the dance floor couldn’t help their happy feet and bodies groove to tracks “Gassed Up VIP”, “Atmosphere”, and Tape B’s remix of TLC’s “No Scrubs."

Because it wouldn’t be a Zeds Dead if the duo didn’t add some soul in this mix, they mixed Ella Fitzgerald’s “Summertime” in her live1968 performance. The last performance at Paradise Prairie was Zhu as his set began in complete darkness, emotional song lyrics and paired basslines shook the hearts of every raver as this was a sentimental set for many.

As this performance came to the end of the weekend, Blacklizt (Zhu’s side techno project) was the forefront of the after party as bouncy, rhythmic techno sounds of different subgenres came together to fill the 2am atmosphere.  

Meanwhile at Moonrise Mountain, Jessica Audiffred satisfied the ears of those in hopes of hearing DnB. Closing the weekend at this stage, Goldrushers collectively rocked the rails together in perfect unison to the deathcore bass drops in Kai Wachii’s set and grew in intensity until the end of the last track.

With such feral and excitable nature, it’s no surprise numerous performers said they loved Arizona’s crowd over the course of the weekend. Over the course of the weekend Arizona’s favorite local names claimed their name to fame in the sound cabin art car and Cowboy Corral Silent Disco like Gio Lucca, Raven & Ali, and BlvckRose. 

Mining for Style: Goldrush Couture

Any recurring Goldrusher will tell future Goldrushers dressing on-theme enhances the experience of this Wild Wild West-inspired experience! From entire rave families dressed in costumes posing as space cows to men in leather chaps with matching fringe harnesses, the Goldrush couture never disappoints.

The famous black cowgirl hat with diamond rhinestone fringe (you’ve probably seen in an Instagram post at least once) was the most popular accessory of the weekend and looked perfectly on-theme yet versatile in every outfit. A few bolo ties made appearances while my favorite Goldrush fashion item were thigh-high cowboy boots. 

The Champagne Corral VIP Experience

Relentless Beats’ VIP experiences always promise an elevated experience. Private bathrooms, viewing decks, bottle service, and exclusive sections on the dance floor closest to the stage can guarantee a positive experience in this fast-paced environment.

Because Relentless Beats makes VIP passes a novelty experience, this Goldrush poured an incoming of new additions for VIP Goldrushers. Goldrush debuted their “Glamour Booth” with hair and makeup stylists ready to pamper anyone in VIP in face paint, hair extensions, and fabulous glitter eye makeup.

The famous groove bus with fluffy, furry pillows and rugs intended for potential cuddle puddles made its way to the entrance just before Boothchella’s desert-themed photo booth. One of the most life-saving and essential additions in VIP were separate bathrooms and water stations which allowed more moments to be lived on the dance floor. 

Thrashing eardrums and breaking necks isn’t enough for this heavy-hitting juggernaut as he recently launched Sounds of Mayhem Records and debuted his latest EP, Beyond Oblivion. Before PhaseOne’s special B2B set with Cyclops at Excision presents Basstrack, I, Mary Mason, on the behalf of homegameauction explored the development during this stage PhaseOne will supersede. 

homegameauction: Thank you so much for your time! Your album, Transcendency illustrated your ability to genre-blend from rap featuring Bone Thugs-N-Harmony in, “Ultima” to classical in the dark, instrumental track “Cadence - Interlude”. Genre-blending seems like second nature to you, what is your biggest production tip to aspiring genre-blending DJs? 

PhaseOne: For me, I came from a rock/metal background before I knew what EDM was. I think it flows so naturally in my music because I’m just combining my 2 fav genres. Blending genres is def a solid way of giving yourself a signature sound, and these days thats extremely important, I’d definitely recommend exploring that as an upcoming artists but make sure you know the style very well because a lot of times it can come off super cheesy.

iHR: Your latest EP, Beyond Oblivion was released this August and it has nothing but positive feedback from fans. Does this album contain a storyline or narrative adding to the PhaseOne lore? 

PO: Not so much a story but more a statement. The previous EP I did this year was a full metal EDM crossover project and was a very personal endeavor for me, so Beyond Oblivion was more of a reminder to the fans that I still make heavy dubstep.

iHR: You recently shared an Instagram video of you experimenting with an acoustic cover of your single, “Eyes Wide Shut”. It’s striking to experience the duality of the song in its forms of symphonic filth and contrasting harmony. With Excision presents Basstrack on the rise, would you ever consider performing a live acoustic version of one of your singles? Or, releasing an official acoustic version of any track in your discography? 

PO: In theory I’d love to but I’m definitely not a studio vocalist, I can kind of get away with it for fun but in no way could i pull that off confidentiality haha

iHR: Your fans in Arizona are hyped to experience the Beyond Oblivion tour because many saw you last at Goldrush Festival 2021. Explain your favorite moment that has happened so far during the Beyond Oblivion tour. 

PO: AZ crowds are always so fun! I’ve never had a bad show here. So far this tour has been nothing but rowdy and I’m excited to see AZ’s reaction on the lager basstrack scale.

iHR: Congratulations on the debut of your record label, Sounds of Mayhem Records! You’ve explained SOM Records as a home for experimental and rock/metal-inspired EDM. As a listener, I perceive the record label as a conduit to create more experimental music for those that adore your sound. Are you inspired to curate a SOM Records stage takeover at a festival?

PO: Yes 100%, the label is early days now but we’re off to a solid start! Long term label shows and stage takeovers are definitely on the cards!

iHR: In your words, how do the similarities between metal and dubstep intersect for you? How is it extremely natural for you to fuse the two genres together to make your distinguished sound? 

PO: Coming from a metal background, I was always the engineer in my bands and would engineer my friends bands too. Once I heard dubstep I immediately could hear the correlation between the two aggressive styles of music. When it comes to blending the two I made it my goal to be the one to do it the most tasteful. Ever since the beginning of dubstep people always would say that “dubstep is just the new metal”, even Skrillex did a record with Korn (it sucked but the idea was there). It took me years of trial and error to try and perfect the blend, but I think I’m now at a place where my music incorporates both styles pretty accurately and tastefully.

iHR: If you were to experiment with a genre that is way out of your production style such as nu disco, techno, acid house, etc. which genre would it be and why? 

PO: I’d probably try techno. I like dark music and i think techno is one genre i might be able to make something cool out of (if i tried)

iHR: I revisit my favorite music albums when I want to appreciate the narrative or sonic storyline and re-learn the wisdom it once showed me. What are your favorite albums (or songs) that provide wisdom for you?  

PO: My music taste is very different to what I make. Mostly on my time off, I listen to old music (70’s, 80’s, 90’s classics) for nostalgia. But I also love listening to complicated music and trying to understand it - generally progressive rock & metal, where it's super musical and hard to keep track of with constantly changing time signatures/keys etc.

A perfect example (and one of my fav musical pieces) is from a 90’s band called liquid tension experiment, they have a song called ‘when the water breaks’ and it's a 17-minute musical journey. No vocals, just straight musical complexity.

iHR: Dubstep, riddim, and even metal are misconstrued as emotionless music when many would argue that’s incorrect. What emotions or feelings do you like to transmute in your music?

PO: There is definitely a time and a place for bass music and 90% of the time it's meant for the club, it's supposed to be a thing for live purely coz of the energy it emits. You’d never catch me listening to dubstep in my car lol. But yes, it is full of emotion, heavy stuff specifically is full of so much energy, you can see it at shows how much it makes people pumped and hyped, there’s also hints of aggression in there as it is such heavy music. And on the flip side there are songs full of emotion (more on the melodic sing-song vibe). 

Goldrush Festival, the festival known for fringed-cowboy hats and flared chaps in the wild west of Avondale, Arizona returns this 2023 to Phoenix Raceway as Goldrush: Sonoran Skies. On October 7-8, you’ll find yourself reinvigorated by the gold mine of special stages and sets curated especially for this backwater Sonoran Desert fest! See you there, cowgirls and cowboys! 

Event and Lineup

Phoenix Raceway, located in Avondale, Arizona is the corral for this year’s Goldrush Festival again. Five stages, one silent disco, and one art car will beautify the raceway with not only local names from Arizona’s underground rave scene but the hottest names in the EDM game such as Louis The Child (Playground Set), Nostalgix, Dion Timmer, and Ship Wrek. 

Single day and 2-day passes start at $120. If you’re looking for an enhanced experience, GA+ VIP passes, and tables are also available for purchase. For all tickets and extras to provide accommodations, visit the official festival website.  

The five stages: Paradise Prairie, Moonrise Mountain, Coyote Cove, Sound Cabin Art Car, and Cowboy Corral Silent Disco aren’t the only novelty to this Arizonian experience. Adding to the ambiance is the Voodoo Ranger 1UP Arcade, The Playground’s Roller Disco, and The Highland Lounge featuring photo opps to accompany a jovial feast for the ears! 

Travel and Hotels

After landing at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) and checking into a nearby hotel, a 30-minute uber ride is required to join the rodeo at Phoenix Raceway. Unfortunately, ticket and hotel packages are sold out! Not to worry, you can still book a hotel fairly close to Phoenix Raceway as Goodyear, Arizona is a neighboring city with plenty of hotels and access to ubers/rideshare. Currently, Relentless beats offers shuttle packages for roundtrip transportation from Downtown Tempe which is 25 minutes away from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. 

What to Wear to Goldrush 2023

Fish your fringed cowboy boots and big hat out of retirement to pair for this escapade! To all space cowgirls from outer space: the Holographic Freak Cowgirl Costume Set is destined to match your vibe! If you need two pops of color like a cotton candy galaxy, the Sparkle Supernova Cowgirl Costume Set is the set for you during this wild weekend. Feeling edgy and smoldering this October? iHR’s Rodeo Raver Bell Bottoms and Rodeo Raver Bra Top will cause you to kiss the mirror–talk about a rodeo raver babe with self-love! 

After Parties

Relentless Beats presents the after party stage: LIGHTS OUT. Night one will feature Walker & Royce to pump up the jam. As for night two, ZHU’s side techno project, Blacklizt will finalize the scenic weekend with a one-of-a-kind sonic surprise. Who can deny the hypnotic ZHU? 

Her latest single, "Afraid To Fail" is a testament of her artistic notion of accepting and controlling personal struggles in her upcoming album, Power of Panic. The darkest of mental health struggles serve as a reflective, creative source for this singer-songwriter-DJ-producer to motivate others. They, too, can transmute their pain into reformation. I, Mary Mason, had the honor of inquiring with Elohim on the behalf of homegameauction about self-validation as a female artist in the dance music industry, coping skills, and more after Electric Forest 2023. 

iHR: Elohim, thank you so much for your time! It’s an honor to interview you at this time in my life as mental health is a main priority for me. Your latest single, “Afraid To Fail”, is a song of perseverance and determination for those debilitating battles. The song reminds me that some battles are lost in the same spirit in which they are won. What motivates you to stay determined on your path or provides you hope when you “feel like a hamster on a wheel” during your most difficult moments? 

Elohim: Hi thank you for asking wonderful questions and talking to me! When I am having a defeated “want to quit it all” moment sometimes the simplest message from someone telling me my music meant something to them can quite literally alter the way my brain is thinking. After a show meeting someone and they tell me they needed that experience and it helped them in a difficult time. I always try to express my gratitude for that to people because I want them to know that their beautiful words have kept me going. 

iHR: If you were to create a music video for “Afraid To Fail”, which visual elements, concepts, or storyline would you like to incorporate?

E: I imagine it shot on a green screen treadmill and a HUMONGOUS hamster wheel with a tiny person endlessly running inside of it… maybe we reveal a hamster chasing her, I don’t know... Or a few different things chasing her… Hmm.

iHR: I’ve followed your performance presence for a year now. I’ve adored performance shots displaying you laying on the ground with a microphone in your hand wearing your signature white mesh mask. You exude intensity and vigor which inspires me to be unafraid to express myself. Can you describe the thoughts or feelings you experience on stage?

E: Thank you for saying that, it is really powerful to read what you wrote. See!! you just altered the way I was thinking! It’s like a breath of fresh air reading that! Some bonus oxygen to keep me going! On stage, I feel empowered! I feel emotional! I feel it is the place to release anything and everything I am holding on to. It feels like an emotional purge.

It is always different depending on the crowd, atmosphere, myself, and my state but I think that is why I keep doing it! You never really know what you're going to feel but it is always an opportunity for me to go out and try to share love, compassion, and empathy. My parents always said it doesn't matter if there is 1 person or 1,000 people in the crowd, always put on the best show and spread LOVE! 

iHR: With that, watching you perform at The Carousel Stage at this year’s Electric Forest was beautiful! Your white mesh mask is becoming iconic to your personal style. What attracted you to this specific mask and how does it serve your artistic expression? 

E: An amazing designer, Luke Vicious, let me go over to his very private studio and go through clothes. It was thrilling! He had made this mask with a matching shirt and said “You could try wearing this”. I got to my photo shoot and put it on and instantly felt something.

When we got the images back it felt RIGHT! For whatever reason when I looked at myself I looked strong. Still to this day when I see an image or video with me in the mask, it just feels powerful! I love the moment in the show when I rip it off and it always seems to excite the crowd which in return excites me!

iHR: As a female artist creating in a male-dominated industry, feelings of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and anxiety are unfortunately normal. What allows you to provide self-validation as a female artist in the dance music industry? 

E: I am not going to lie, it is really hard! Sometimes I am unable to self-validate and it feels impossible to get out of my own head. There are moments I see footage of myself performing and I feel as if I am watching someone else. Someone I want to be. Someone strong, in control, confidant, and bad ass. She is me but I don’t see me as her all the time.

Those moments when I can see that she is me are the best and give me a boost of confidence and resilience. Being human is really strange! We are inside of ourselves so we are brutally hard on ourselves while doubting everything. When we see other humans from the outside we adore and idolize them, give them compliments, wish we were them. I think they're looking at us the same way though… I wish we could love ourselves more!  

iHR: What are your go-to coping skills that allow you to reconnect with the truest and strongest parts of yourself? 

E: I would say creating is probably the quickest route to feeling like myself. Sitting at the piano, singing, writing, producing! Or even just listening to music. Family is really special for grounding and nature as well. I am not consistent with meditation and I wish I was but every time I do a 15-minute meditation, I feel changed. Sometimes a bath and sleep do the trick too.

iHR: From your entire discography, including unreleased IDs, can you name your favorite track to perform and explain why? 

E: BUCKETS!!!! This is the moment I ask the crowd to join me in an emotional purge! I ask the crowd to scream with me and let all their demons out! Whatever they've been holding on to. I count to 3 and we all scream at the top of our lungs. It is the most cathartic, empowering, and refreshing thing ever.

It has been such a joy to hand out flowers after every show, meet people, and hear how much they needed the emotional purge. Someone at Electric Forest said it shifted the energy of the entire tent!

iHR: You are known for transmuting your “hurt into art," why is it important for you to seize every opportunity to express yourself harder? 

E: Every opportunity—whether, good, bad, weird, magical, or scary—is the reason I am filled with inspiration. Sometimes it can be extremely difficult to peel yourself up off the floor when you're hurting so bad, but more times than not when I do I end up healed through my creation. The creation and the process of creating helps guide me to see things in a different light. 

iHR: Congratulations on the scheduled release of Power of Panic this 2023! Your fans (along with myself) are thrilled to experience the continuation of your sonic hope and healing! Will you be releasing another single?  If so, are you at liberty to share any details about the release? 

E: Thank you!!! It is exciting! This new chapter feels really strong physically, emotionally, and mentally. I will have a bunch of singles! The next song coming out is actually a collaboration, and it is not from my album. It is called “Stop Time” and I am excited for it to be out because the response at shows has been remarkable. So when that one drops you can expect my next single a few weeks later! I have been playing a lot of the album out at shows and it feels INCREDIBLE!

iHR: How would you like to grow or develop from this stage in your life? 

E: I want to continue learning to appreciate this life and every moment I am given. It is hard to grasp how miraculous it truly is that we are alive as humans at this exact moment in time. I want to live in every second, soak it up,  and accept myself with love and gratitude. That is what I desire from this stage. Thank you for the beautiful questions!

As every year’s theme welcomes new additions to the experience, The Dream Emporium inducted this year’s comforting yet motivational message: Dare to Dream. 

A Surreal Start to the Summer Solstice

The summer solstice began on June 21st when early arrival took place and the campsite was ready for a weekend of ether magic. June 22nd was the welcome day of a weekend destined with bursting sun that wouldn't fall until almost 10pm every night. Nearly 24 hours of music between the official stages, after parties (afters), and Lucky Lake swimming parties was a lineup crafted for those in search of breaking into their feral nature.

Pixie houses leading to Sherwood Court sheltered crystals/gems, rings, bracelets, and origami folded birds. The Giving Tree past the The Ranch Stage was surrounded with crowds of generosity prepared to give sunglasses, stickers, condoms, and even a whole vibration pack nudged onto a high branch for someone who lost their hydration pack.

Returning to the tree to find the item thankfully taken and appreciated by someone else was fulfilling based only on the satisfaction of giving without return. Giving without the expectation of return was one of the many lessons Electric Forest teaches in its novelty experiences. 

Despite 30,000 steps or more each day, a rain storm, possible sunburn, and palpable dust in the night’s atmosphere, was a recipe for congestion or wook flu. It didn’t matter to many because the communion of song and dance provided a rebirth of spiritual connection or tree-hugging magnificence. 

On night 1, Odesza entranced the Forest Family beginning their set with “Intro” continued with their talented drumline and fireworks for their finale. On night 2, DIESEL vibrated the microphone at The Tripolee Stage with a request to “open the pit."

On night 3, Disco Lines performed a genre-blending set of a lifetime at The Carosel Stage with his hyper house style heard in ”MDMA” mixed with moments of heavy bass which caused the crowd to collectively scream in a “woah."

At the same time at The Ranch Stage, Zeds Dead remixed Destiny’s Child songs such as “Say My Name” and “Bills, Bills, Bills” with irresistible basslines to dense lasers. It was breathtaking to find the lasers also dancing on the tall pine trees in latterns at Sherwood Court. 

My favorite performance from the entire weekend was Space Wizard’s fusion of dubstep and space bass on day 3. Feeling thankful to have seen a headliner on my bucket list, he ended his set advising the Forest Family, “Follow your dreams. I used to work at Walmart."

Dressed for the Pines

In “Forest Fashion," mushroom fairies dressed in pearl-laced red and white spotted mushroom cap hats and fluffy petticoat skirts were present across the stages.

Creative characters curated their individual DIY/hand-sewn outfits you couldn’t witness at just any rave: jewel crowns, tinsel jackets, Mad Hatter hats, crochet skirt sets. Walking between the stages you could hear multiple Hulk Holgans in costume warming up to you with a deep grunting of the timeless phrase “hell yeah, brother”. 

Rainbow-printed outfits and eyeshadow were another expression to celebrate Pride month. My personal favorite styled look included The Cuckoo Clock Fairies walking along the path around a The Observatory to Sherwood Court in spreading the imaginative energy in every “CUCKOO!” separated by the wall of their birdhouse-shaped helmets. 

The Dream Emporium 

The Dream Emporium was a never-ending channel of doors directing to rooms with a roller rink, a pastel pink cake and characters emulating the set from Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, a domination room with a domme, a human car wash, and a birth canal.

In the birth canal, a pastor guided groups with affirmations, “I accept myself. Today is my re-birthday and today I am here to dance and celebrate”. After, the birth canal lead to an igloo with a DJ mixing 80s dance hits such as “Funkytown” by Lipps Inc. dazzled with blue led ice cube art installations. 

Visiting The Dream Emporium was necessary to complete the Time Travel Agency Scavenger Hunt. Accomplishing the scavenger hunt awards you with a limited edition button pin and access to a secret door in The Dream Emporium and access to a hidden speakeasy.

Dare to Dream was printed on the pin to remind attendees of that simple yet powerful philosophy everyone needs to hear once in a while. 

Evol Afters of Experimental Music 

The rumor of days becoming nights only to become morning again are beautifully true. It’s a guaranteed promise of a dance between music, trees, and morning birds.

The after parties (afters) began at 3:15am and ended at nearly 8am. The two stages accompanied with four mountains of Hennesey Sound speakers provided were located directly next to each other  for EDM history to take place. 

Champagne Drip performed a techno set and a DNB set to remain known as his alias, Champagne Trip. On Day 2, Peekaboo B2B Ganja White Night started the party followed by TRUTH performing during the 6am sunrise. 

On night 3, SVDDEN DEATH finished a VOYD set at Sherwood Court then performed a house set in a pair of shades during the late hours of the night. Of course, ravers also wore shades in anticipation for the sun. Dark with riddim yet delicious with his nonstop rhythm, it was a house set designed for the vampires ending before sunrise. 

My personal tip for any after: bringing a small blanket preferably with a kitten print and comfortable shoes is the way to bring the comfort of your bed with you. Party on, my feral friends. 

The Forest Family once again exited Rothbury changed from soul-nourishment moments bestowed from the dance floor, ultimately leaving more grateful and hopeful than before. 

Until Electric Forest 2024, Forest Family—dare to dream!