Little South
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.
Pendulum is scheduled to headline one of the Plymouth Summer Sessions concerts on June 13th, 2025, taking place on Plymouth Hoe. This event will showcase a large-scale drum and bass performance, with additional support acts to be announced in the upcoming months. Attendees can anticipate an engaging and vibrant atmosphere, making it a highlight of the summer season, contingent on favourable weather conditions.
Pendennis Castle in Falmouth will be the venue for a unique outdoor event featuring orchestral renditions of dance anthems, scheduled for September 2025. A large stage will be constructed within the castle grounds, providing a scenic backdrop for the occasion. Attendees of all ages are welcome to bring picnic supplies and enjoy an evening of iconic house and trance music performed by a live orchestra. This event promises to blend the historical setting of Pendennis Castle with the vibrant energy of orchestral dance music.
As we conclude 2024, Ben Lawrence makes his podcast debut for us. In his introduction, he shares his passion for the distinctive baselines and engaging vocal characteristics of dance music. Ben has produced a 60-minute DJ mix that features a variety of dance party tracks, making it an ideal soundtrack for home gatherings this party season!
South West DJs Technocrat and Torpitude, who are part of the SIGNaL DJs collective, are recognised for their contributions to the South West techno music scene. They explore their musical journey and discuss their evolving sound, which is currently incorporating broken beats around the 140 bpm range. A significant aspect of their approach is the emphasis on enjoying the creative process, highlighting the importance of having fun in their musical endeavors.
DancersHip is set to initiate a series of events in Plymouth, focusing on quality house music. On December 7th, 2024, they will host an event featuring notable house music artists, including Jonathon Ulysses, at the newly established Sawan nightclub. This event is organised by Flambé, a well-regarded event creator across the South West, who will also curate a DJ session for attendees on the night.
IOWLA is an established artist within the South West electronic music scene, known for utilising alternate pseudonyms throughout his career. With this mix he returns with the goods, delivering a distinctive blend of deep, broken beats. Notably, the latter part of his mix showcases electro influences drawn from his recent performance at the Durty Disco event held at the Masked Ball in West Cornwall.
On 30th November 2024, Truro will host a notable dance music event featuring Rui Da Silva at the Old Bakery Studios. Rui Da Silva is a prominent figure in the electronic dance music scene, known for his work as a DJ, producer, and songwriter. His track 'Touch Me' has become a classic in the genre, achieving significant popularity among DJs and listeners alike, and has inspired numerous remixes over the years. This event will provide an opportunity for attendees to experience his influential music firsthand.
