DJ Mag May 2019 (North America) - digital

Festivals, we love ’em! That’s why we always devote our May issue to rounding up the globe’s very best, from boutique offerings to full-power mega-fests. This year is no different — we’ve given you the low-down on a curated selection of what North America has to offer, plus top picks in Europe, the Adriatique and far flung destinations like Africa and Australia (find the full guide on pages 29-43). 

We couldn’t think of a better artist to front our festival issue than trance legend Armin van Buuren, a man who has been headlining festivals since many of our readers were in diapers! Armin spent an afternoon with our Global Editor Carl Loben at this year’s Miami Music Week (check out our MMW review on p83-87) to dish the dirt on what it’s like to spend more than two decades at the top (p20-27).

Elsewhere, DJ Mag NA takes the temperature with global innovators currently driving their local scenes; check out our long-reads with South African gqom stalwart DJ Lag (p77-79) and Lisbon-based promoter, DJ and radio host Violet (p80-81).

We also shine a light on inclusive promoters currently making a positive impact, including LGBTQ-allied party-starters He.She.They (p50-57) and the ultra-zen, super-friendly residents from Elements Lakewood Camping Festival (p89-91). In fact, from our cover star to our new acts to watch (p10-11), this issue is absolutely packed with artists, promoters and party-people doing the business in dance music right now — spreading love and unity on a dancefloor near you.

CHARLOTTE LUCY CIJFFERS

Editor, DJ Mag North America