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INsiders Guide

INsiders: Micah McLaurin, Day Zero, Theodora, Gina Birch, Luke Tyler Shelton…

(credit: Demain Pant)

Virtuoso pianist and prolific pop artist Micah McLaurin is carving out his own niche and has released the official, Until Dawn Pride dance remix for his new single “Satisfied.” Reimagined by chart-topping DJ and producer duo Until Dawn (Chappell Roan, Ava Max, Agnes), “Satisfied (Until Dawn Remix)” arrives just in time for Pride Month and the start of summer.

A call has echoed across oceans, traveling through tide and jungle, rhythm and silence, until it reached a stretch of sacred coastline in northeastern Brasil—where ritual drifts on the current and time melts into the sea. It is here, on the enchanted shores of São Miguel dos Milagres, Brasil, that Damian Lazarus will bring Day Zero to inscribe its next chapter, defined by a mission of global expansion. Infused with the brand’s storied blend of immersive experience and spiritual energy, Day Zero Milagres will honor the profound connection between ancient ritual, natural beauty, and local culture—set against one of the planet’s most vibrant landscapes. 

Day Zero’s ethos has always been about harmonizing with the land it inhabits, forging an experiential dialogue between local traditions, timeless spiritual currents, and a celebration of renewal. Every edition is crafted as a living homage to the region’s heritage: whether through the sacred Mayan symbolism of Tulum or the desert mysticism of Masada. For its Brasilian chapter, São Miguel dos Milagres emerges as a synergetic vessel. Nestled along Alagoas’ picturesque coastline, where crystalline tidal pools meet lush jungle, the region pulses with Indigenous heritage and hypnotic rhythm. Here, emerald canopies part to reveal turquoise waters, and every grain of sand feels steeped in ancestral memory. In this sacred setting, Day Zero will weave together the natural majesty of Brasil’s northeast with its own signature ceremony—creating a communal rite that honors the land, its people, and the enduring spirit that binds them.

In Damian Lazarus’ own words on Day Zero’s expansion to Brasil, “after a long and thoughtful search for the perfect location to begin a new chapter of Day Zero, we’re thrilled to introduce the world to São Miguel dos Milagres, on Brasil’s breathtaking northeast coast. This region—rich in mysticism, natural beauty, and cultural depth—offers both a spectacular setting and the infrastructure to welcome our global community. We’re also proud to be collaborating with some of Brasil’s most experienced and respected event partners, whose vision and expertise have shaped many of the country’s most iconic gatherings. 2026 is going to be a very special year for Day Zero as we embark on incredible new adventures.”

Register for Day Zero Brasil here

Visionary artist Theodora returns with the highly anticipated music video directed by Melchior Leroux, for her single ‘Fashion Designa’, out today. A bold visual statement as much as a musical one, the video is a vivid celebration of art, identity, and experimental style, set to Theodora’s signature pulsing beats and razor-sharp lyrics.

Drawing inspiration from film noir classics and infused with a high-fashion, old-school cinematic vibe, the video sees Theodora stepping into a series of striking personas. Each scene is a carefully crafted world, an artful montage of angles, outfits, and attitude, that cements her status as one of the most creatively daring artists on the scene.

‘Fashion Designa’ is not just a song, it’s a visual feast. Captivating camera work, fire fashion moments, and an immersive storytelling approach make the video feel more like a short film than a standard video release. Theodora weaves through characters and moods with cinematic precision, embracing both elegance and edge.

With this release, Theodora continues to redefine what it means to be a pop innovator – genre-blending, style-shifting, and always pushing boundaries.

Legendary artist, Raincoats co-founder, songwriter, filmmaker, and feminist icon Gina Birch today shares new single “Doom Monger” taken from her eagerly awaited second solo album, Trouble, arriving via Third Man Records on Friday, July 11. Pre-orders are available now. An official music video – directed by Birch and famed photographer/filmmaker Dean Chalkley – is streaming now on YouTube.

Sonic wanderer and time traveler Luke Tyler Shelton today announces that his debut EP Blue Sky will be released on July 18 via Concord Records. He heralds this news with the new single “A Bus Ain’t A Home.” Like a sonic sunset as the horizon shrinks in the rearview mirror, Shelton sings nostalgically of all those he misses while out on tour. The warm, familiar tone of the piano and the twangy lilt of the pedal steel guide the listener across the country with their heart still tethered at home — Stream “A Bus Ain’t A Home” / Pre-save Blue Sky

Shelton shared, “‘A Bus Ain’t A Home’ is the second release from my recent sessions at Sunset Sound. It’s the first song I’ve written about being on the road and the experience of having to leave a loved one for extended periods of time.”

Recorded with a full band in Hollywood alongside Shooter Jennings and Jonathan Wilson, Shelton set out to create a sound that is less produced and more authentic. The result is soul-soothing rock-and-roll at a windows-down, cruising pace. With a style informed by his DIY community that holds a mirror to the near-mythic creative hotbed of early-70s Laurel Canyon, Shelton calls back a faraway time at the crossroads of country-rock, folk-pop, and Southern soul.

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LA-based art-pop singer-songwriter Kirsten Izer shares her highly-anticipated debut EP The Perfect Hire – a four-track exploration of love, heartbreak, and self-reclamation. Heartfelt yet powerful, the EP traces a journey through emotional pain and healing, as Izer reclaims her identity with each track. Written by Kirsten and co-produced with ARIA Award-winning producer Randall Belculfine (Tones And I, Tanerélle), the project weaves together electronic-alt textures and shimmering synths with Kirsten’s ethereal, soothing vocals.

Rising singer-songwriter John Blaylock returns with his evocative new single, ‘Burns Like Fire’. Known for his raw, soul-baring vocals and emotionally rich songwriting, Blaylock continues to carve a space that bridges classic and contemporary pop with a deeply personal voice.

‘Burns Like Fire’ is an exploration of the poignant push and pull in human connection — a slow burn of longing, confusion, and vulnerability. With vivid lyrical honesty like “Don’t fade out I’m coming, I’ve been lost for days” and “It burns like fire, I know it, I know it / And still don’t mind, I want it, I need it,” Blaylock captures the paradox of love and miscommunication in a world that rarely slows down to understand itself.

The track showcases Blaylock’s range not just vocally, but emotionally. His grounded presence and authentic delivery allows each lyric to land with sincerity, while the production delicately dances between stripped-down verses and a bold, anthemic chorus. Sonically, the track reflects a modern pop sensibility, while drawing on the melodic storytelling of timeless singer-songwriters.

Following the success of previous releases, ‘Burns Like Fire’ is poised to be Blaylock’s breakout moment — an undeniable showcase of his evolving artistry and ability to turn emotional chaos into a cathartic song.

rising songstress Dalia continues on her rise with atmospheric new alt-pop song Die 4 U. There are love songs – and then there are the ones you write after the kind of heartbreak that turns you into someone else. Dalia’s new single Die 4 U is the latter: a poetic, cinematic unraveling of first love, obsession, and the wild things we do when we think it’s forever.

Holy Fuck founder Brian Borcherdt (also known for Dusted and the viral Chipmunks on 16 Speed) reunited with long time friend and original Holy F drummer, Loel Campbell, who left to play full time in Wintersleep (and now subs in Broken Social Scene and Billy Talent). Together they came up with ideas for their existing bands but ultimately decided a whole new outlet was needed. Upon moving back to Nova Scotia, they recruited Holy F bassist Matt McQuaid to form Cut Cult. Mairi Chaimbeul would round out the group by contributing the occasional psychedelic harp.

Playing dance floors amidst the sweaty audience and recording live-off-the-floor in living rooms and old halls, Cut Cult found the opportunity to return to early experimentation and also shed the restrictions of their other bands, do things differently, sing more directly… and vent about things happening in real time.

Their debut Three Song EP was mixed by Matt Wiggins (Glass Animals, !!!, Florence and the Machine).

The countdown is now on for Sonus Croatia 2025, as the lineup is completed with a meticulous blend of international tastemakers and discerning regional talents, who play the sun-kissed paradise of Pag Island from August 17 – 21, 2025. In partnership with the world’s leading live events experience creator, Insomniac, Sonus Croatia is the perfect blend of musical escape and travel adventure with steadfast attention to sound, production and crowd experience. The last remaining second tier tickets are available via https://www.sonuscroatia.com/book/, including a limited time €50 discount on all-inclusive ticket and accommodation packages. Day Tickets will be available from next week.

The final round of names for the 12th edition of Sonus Croatia brings another wave cutting-edge performers to Pag Island, including house and techno trailblazer SYREETA, who came up through the East London scene to land resident duties at ANTS and HE.SHE.THEY, and Space Miami resident Thunderpony, famed for his deep and dynamic sets. Further additions include a wealth of regional talent, including Ani.BAGGIDashDejan Milicevic,GLIAHudiLabudMariano MateljanMENETea Vuckovic and Tom Bug. Furthermore, this year’s festival gets underway with an essential Opening Party at Aquarius on August 16th – playing will be Easternderz party and label founder East End Dubs, who blends dub, garage, tech and minimal, Dutch house titan Franky Rizardo, and Elena Mikac.

Stage partners have been levelled up too, with Italy’s Decibel Open Air, Madrid’s cultured club The Bassement, Düsseldorf party crew Kiesgrube and Ibiza favourites Keep On Dancing set to host, joining the previously announced Space Miami, LA’s Factory 93, London’s FUSE and Nordstern.

All this comes on top of the eclectic likes of previously announced headliners Adam Beyer, Anetha, ARTBAT, Ben Klock, Boris Brejcha, Deborah De Luca, DJ HEARTSTRING, Indira Paganotto, Joseph Capriati b2b Seth Troxler, Miss Monique, Reinier Zonneveld live, Ricardo Villalobos, Richie Hawtin, Sven Väth, and tens more. 

Sonus Croatia is a three-way partnership between veteran and industry-leading event producers Time Warp, Balkans electronic music tastemakers We Love Sound, and Insomniac, which is best known for its iconic EDC events. Between them, they bring world-class know-how that ensures every single detail is perfected across the whole festival, all while sticking to the same values that have made it such a revered celebration of underground music. 

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Sonus takes place across the renowned beachfront venues of AquariusPapayaKalypso, and Noa Beach Club. This year, Sonus will take over the Noa Beach Stage for a special one-off event, allowing people to swim and dance in the water for the first time. As well as the main stage action, the dancing continues across legendary boat parties, and up close and personal afterparties.

Away from the well sequenced sounds, the Novalja region offers a wealth of things to explore, from hikes into the stunning nature, mouthwatering local cuisine, water sports, kayaking, rock climbing, quad bike hire, bungee jumping, wind and kite surfing, all within a few minutes of the main site. Accommodation is just as varied and accessible, and ranges from villas and 5* hotels to glamping and apartments.

There is no finer blend of forward thinking music, escapist beauty and natural charm than at Sonus Croatia, which maintains a proud partnership with the Croatian National Tourist Board. #InspiredbyCroatia #CroatiaFullOfLife

Sons of Levin is a blues-driven jam band rooted in Boston, MA, led by brothers Dylan and Connor Levinson. With a dedication to delivering high-energy performances, their sound seamlessly melds classic blues-rock influences with an improvisational edge. At the heart of the band are Dylan’s dynamic vocals, Connor’s captivating guitar riffs, funky dueling keyboards, and a rhythm section that gets audiences moving. Drawing inspiration from rock legends like The Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin, and the Grateful Dead, Sons of Levin crafts music that honors the past while infusing it with a fresh and modern twist.

Formed during their childhood days in Fairfield, CT, the Levinson brothers have been performing together since middle school, evolving their passion into the compelling act known today. They’ve graced venues across New England, showcasing their ability to engage audiences through skillful instrumentation and merging cerebral jam sessions with melodic hooks, creating a memorable and electrifying experience.

The band’s songwriting spans from introspective explorations of one’s self and classic tales of blues heartbreak to lighthearted, feel-good tracks that highlight their versatility and authenticity. Sons of Levin’s upcoming 2025 EP dives into their blues-rock roots, capturing the spontaneity and raw energy of their live performances through carefully crafted tracks. Produced with an emphasis on live tracking and instrumental jams, the project offers a genuine reflection of the band’s evolving sound.

  • Email: neill@outloudculture.com
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