New music
EXIT Festival is ready to bounce back this July, hitting refresh with a must-see lineup.
Taking place in Serbia’s Petrovaradin Fortress, the festival has consistently spotlighted artists of all walks of life, championing sounds from all across the globe. Searching far and wide for the next wave of boundary-pushing performers whilst honouring those who’ve committed their craft to the dancefloor, not much has changed in EXIT’s winning formula. Across three heavy-weight stages, the festival will host an enthralling dusk to dawn rave, opening their doors to 20,000 attendees.
For the last two decades, EXIT’s Dance Arena has approached electronic music as a means for change. This year is no different, crafting a stellar all-female lineup that’ll soundtrack day one of the festival stage. Expect the pulsing selections of Nina Kraviz, Amelie Lens, Indira Paganotto, Tijana T, Miju and more.
Elsewhere, the weekend invites the legendary forces of Eric Prydz, Hot Since 82, Camelphat, The Prodigy and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. It’s an eclectic pool of acts that defy
EXIT Festival will take place between 6th – 9th July. Tickets are sure to be snapped up fast, so make sure to book ahead via this link.
Here are five spotlight acts that you simply cannot miss across the July weekend…
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Ben UFO
There’s only a hand-picked few who can tackle the future of dance music with the precision and focus of Ben UFO. Since the mid-noughties, the DJ, producer and label figurehead has formed the triple mastermind of Hessle Audio. Spanning across house, garage, dubstep, grime and all things in between, Ben UFO has fine-tuned his selections across mainstage crowds and heaving warehouses, crafting a fine balance between the old and the new. A key name taking over EXIT’s younger, progressive stage NSNS, you can be sure to expect the unexpected on the festival’s opening night.
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Chase & Status
Nothing beats a super-charged set from Chase & Status, and EXIT Festival knows it. The London duo have continuously asserted themselves at the forefront of drum ‘n bass, delivering the genre at its most defined and accessible. Taking over the Dance Arena once more, crowds will catch Chase & Status in the midst of their next chapter, re-imagining their sound through a fresh lens.
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Skrillex
It’s fair to say that Skrillex stands as one of the most divisive figures to govern contemporary music. Making his first steps into the industry in 2004, the DJ, producer and instrumentalist quickly became a visionary force within EDM, seeing its transgression into pop music worldwide. Although the artist’s early work has swayed listeners from one extreme to the other, it’s hard to breeze over his excellent ear for production – it’s something that is reflected across his contributors. This year’s album ‘Quest For Fire’ is demonstrative of Skrillex’s breadth as a collaborator, working with Missy Elliot on one track, then Flowdan or Four Tet on the next.
It’s a success story that demands attention, one that has racked up 8 Grammy awards to this date. Although it’s hard to tell where Skrillex will take his DJ sets in 2023, his appearance at EXIT’s Dance Arena is most definitely one to look out for.
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The Prodigy
Needless of an introduction, The Prodigy have creeped their way into pretty much everybody’s bucket list since the early 90s. Hailed as the leaders of Big Beat, the band have built a legacy that has consistently challenged and, in turn, defined electronic music.
Unabashedly rebellious, innovative and rampant in their influence, the band have pushed the limits, every step of the way. All is set in place for The Prodigy’s return to EXIT Festival, and you can be sure that it’ll be an absolute must-see performance for all.
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Wu-Tang Clan
To celebrate 50 years of hip-hop, EXIT have reached into the heart of oldskool rap and brought out none other than Wu-Tang Clan. Since releasing their monumental debut ‘Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ in 1993, the crew have led by example. Unnervingly authentic and dedicated to their craft, all nine members have consistently altered the standards of hip-hop, shaping its direction whilst handing their praise to the new and evolutionary. Set to headline the festival’s closing night, Wu-Tang Clan have planned a blazing return to the stage, showcasing the legacy of East Coast rap from start to finish.
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EXIT Festival runs between July 6th – 9th; for full ticket information visit their official channels.
Words: Ana Lamond
