DJ BenG, known for his warm disco-infused house mixes, brings a refreshing sound that aligns with the arrival of warmer summer weather. In discussing his creative journey, Ben openly addresses the challenges he faced in finding his artistic inspiration and highlights the importance of seeking support from the DJ community. This engagement has helped him tap into new ideas and influences, ultimately enriching his music.

I had the pleasure of catching up with Andy Bacon, the founder of Sonar Events, to dive deeper into what makes Sonar so special, its journey so far, and what we can look forward to this year.

Ivybridge and Rural Police reported that officers responded to notifications of an ongoing rave at Cadover Bridge around 07:00 BST.

Alkie, one half of the Symbiosis duo, has created an inaugural mix that highlights his favourite house sounds. This episode showcases a variety of tracks that have resonated with him over time. Listeners can expect to traverse the house music spectrum throughout the mix. Alkie is a noteworthy addition to the house music landscape.

We are pleased to introduce a new artist who specialises in the intersection of high tempo tech house and techno music. Mazarus has been developing her DJing skills over the past three years, during which time she has performed at numerous events and shared lineups with established artists across the South West of England. This podcast mix showcases her current punchy tech house sound which we love!

Tim French, a DJ and producer from Plymouth, steps back into our podcast spotlight, known for his Progressive House, Breaks, Melodic, and Techno sound. He has previously held residencies at notable venues in the South West, including the Dance Academy and The Warehouse in Plymouth. Tim is recognised for his progressive and melodic music styles, which he showcases at venues throughout the region. This podcast mix features his signature sounds, including tracks commonly heard in his Cosmic Sounds DJ sets.

We explore the thoughts of artists and music sharing. In today's digital age, discovering new music has become more accessible than ever due to online platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, and download services such as Beatport. While traditional methods of exploring music, such as visiting record shops, have diminished in popularity, the process of musical exploration remains significant and enriching, especially when one encounters a standout track. For performing artists, the quest for fresh music is a continuous endeavor, often regarded as equally important as the performance itself. This raises an interesting question: is it appropriate for artists to keep the details of their music sources confidential? This topic invites further discussion from some of the South West DJs and producers on the nature of music discovery in the modern landscape.

Hey folks! Ben Holtam here—aka DJ BenG—your go-to guy for all things beats, basslines, and good vibes in the South West. As we gear up for another epic summer, I’ve rounded up the must-hit music festivals of 2025 across Cornwall, Devon, and beyond. Whether you're an avid raver, a wellness enthusiast, or a family seeking entertainment, the South West's festival scene caters to your needs. Let’s dive in!

Making her Little South debut, Sugarshaker is no stranger to the South West dance music scene having played at clubs and festivals across the region. Sugarshaker is a house, trance and techno DJ and this mix will bring a smile to your face. Expect a progressive mix with stabs of mood-lifting trance. We caught up with Sugarshaker where we learned about her DJ history and past and future residencies!

The curators of the West Cornwall raves are currently preparing for their next event scheduled for May 2025. This event will take place in the fields of West Cornwall, near the village of Zennor. A lineup of DJs, including Ambassador 626 Kavos, Charlie M, Deckhead, DJ Brady, Lady Embrace, Ste Ellis, and Steve Lid, among others, will be performing. The event is a collaborative effort involving prominent dance music promotion groups such as Raw Rotation, Inception, Kernow Rave Culture, and TNT.

The Paradhis Festival is a new summer event scheduled for July 4th to 6th, 2025. It will be held at Boconnoc Estate in Cornwall, providing a picturesque setting. The festival focuses on the themes of music, wellness, and nature, aiming to create an enriching experience for attendees.

In episode two of our 2025 podcast mix series, we feature Reece Johnson, known for his ability to blend contemporary and classic tracks into vibrant mixes. His latest funky house mix embodies the essence of summer, showcasing an array of carefully selected songs. In the following section, Reece shares insights about his upcoming projects and what listeners can expect from him this year.

In 2024, a total of 24 podcast mix episodes were released, showcasing a variety of genres including breakbeat, liquid drum and bass, house, trance, and techno. Due to the high caliber of artists featured throughout the year, competition was intense. However, one artist stood out, achieving over 56,000 plays globally. Dave Hunt has been recognised with the honour of 'Podcast Mix Of The Year 2024' featuring some high quality techno!

We kick start our 2025 podcast series with Tommie Quick who brings the energy! Blaming a festive toblerone sugar rush, he has whipped up a hard dance mix. Tommie discusses how he is enjoying the new wave of energetic dance music which is reminiscent of the late 1990s hard house sound.

As the end of the year approaches, preparations are underway for the announcement of the Podcast Mix Of The Year 2024. This prestigious title has previously been awarded to notable artists, including DJs Tim French in 2022 and Wallis Ryan in 2023. The upcoming announcement will reveal the new recipient of this honour, highlighting the popularity of the podcast episode and the focus of artist attention gained from the South West dance music community.

The Electric Bay Festival will take place at Torre Abbey Meadows in Torquay on Saturday, July 12, and Sunday, July 13, 2025. This year's festival will feature its largest headline act yet, the renowned artist Fatboy Slim, known for his contributions to the dance music scene.

This event is the inaugural show in a planned series of techno and breakbeat events organised by Pluvio, who aims to collaborate with various DJ friends. The kickoff event will occur on April 4th, 2025, at The Venue in Penzance, featuring performances by notable artists Culprate and Omadhaun as the leading DJs on the lineup.

Trance heavyweight DJ and producer Ferry Corsten is scheduled to perform at the Exeter Move nightclub on January 25, 2025. The event will also feature various artists, including Nick The Kid, Joey Rogers, Allister Whitehead, and Adam Green. The nightclub offers an intimate atmosphere, allowing attendees to be steps meters away from the DJ decks. Boasting a stomping high-fidelity sound system credit to the bespoke-built and finely-tuned Funktion-One sound system, set within an underground environment. This event is tailored for dedicated electronic music fans.

Cornwall is not only a popular summer destination but also offers a range of attractions during the winter months. Visiting Cornwall during the Christmas season can provide a unique and enjoyable experience. This guide offers insights into various events and activities taking place in Cornwall this Christmas.