FVDED 2025: Bigger, Bolder & Built for Discovery — Meet 4 Must-See Day One Acts

By Ryan Hayes

Last year’s edition of FVDED was all about the big names, & this year is about discoverability. In just over a month, 60 artists will descend on Holland Park—up 12 from 2024. It’s Blueprint’s largest festival to date.

A fourth stage—Propagate—has been added, allowing for a more diverse array of soundscapes from across the dance music spectrum. Propagate will serve as a platform dedicated to spotlighting emerging talent and underground sounds, taking over where FVDED Lab left off in 2022.

This year will also feature a new and improved Forest Stage experience. Last year, the vibes were high—both in front of the stage and tucked away, vibing in the trees.

The festival still holds heavyweights. The godfather himself—Tiesto—is tackling Friday night along with trap don RL Grime, and Canadian icon Kaytranada.

But 2025 is about diversifying and discovery.

Without further ado, these are EDM Canada’s four Day 1 artists you can’t miss:

Zingara

In 2022, Zingara released ‘Astra,’ a seven-minute-long space odyssey through torrents of absorbing bass focused on inward reflection and self-actualization. Grab your best pair of headphones, close your eyes, and lock in. Her productions are hypnotic, often with ethereal vocals—and her releases have been relentless over the last three years. Her set is sure to weave a bass tapestry unlike most festival attendees have experienced.

Breakout release: Astra

On Repeat: Mind & Body EP Mix

In her own words—why this set’s one you won’t want to miss:

“Get ready to enter my ethereal realm ~ my FVDED set is a full sensory journey through energy and intention. Expect deep drops and spiritual vibes you won’t forget. Don't miss out!! <3”

HoneyLuv

The long and winding road that led Taylor to the creation of HoneyLuv is one of a kind; from a young NCAA basketball star to four years in the Navy, to BBC Radio 1’s Future Star of 2023 and a DJ Mag Breakthrough Producer award. HoneyLuv represents the heart and soul of house music: deep rolling basslines, soulful hooks, and a hypnotic progression. Her sets create a steady, rhythmic build—classic house music energy with modern swagger.

Breakout release: 365 (Thr33 6ix 5ive)

On Repeat: Sway & Fever

In her own words—why this set’s one you won’t want to miss:

“Life is crazy. I'm so excited to be sharing the space with these other dope artists and feeling their energy. It’s going to be a day of just vibing, making unforgettable memories, and liberation. I have some fire new tracks I’m hyped to play and I just know the crowd is going to be insane. The countdown to the park is on, I can’t wait to see everyone dancing!”

Me N ü

Out of the solitude and isolation caused by Covid, twin sisters rose to prominence through exploring hopeful soundscapes. With an ear for positivity, they sought to create something bright in a dark time. Although their first release dropped in March 2024, and their first-ever festival slot was seven months ago, the duo’s authenticity has propelled them forward at an accelerated rate. Their uplifting melodies and emotive lyrics are sure to bring a bright spot at FVDED.

Breakout release: JUMP

On Repeat: WONDER

In their own words—why this set’s one you won’t want to miss:

"Summertime festivals are home to some of our best memories, and our FVDED set is built to reflect that. We’re mixing nostalgic house favorites with our most loved remixes and originals to bring our signature Hope House sound. Can’t wait to see you there."

D.O.D

Over the last decade-plus, D.O.D’s sound has shifted dramatically—maneuvering seamlessly through electro, big-room, his own subgenre ‘future jack,’ and most recently, melodic house with a slant towards progressive. His sets are high energy, the vocals are silky smooth, and the synths are soaring. D.O.D began DJing at local clubs and bars when he was just fifteen in 1995, and it shows—he is an expert at his craft behind the decks, and his hour set is sure to melt away, leaving attendees smiling and energized.

Breakout release: More Cowbell

On Repeat: Somedays

In their own words—why this set’s one you won’t want to miss:

“I LOVE playing in Canada, the crowd energy is always at 100% so I’m absolutely buzzing to be playing for the first time ever at FVDED. I’ve been in the studio non stop recently working on some exclusive bangers for my festival sets around the world and the only way you’ll get to hear these is if you come and see me play!” 

FVDED 2025 is about more than just the headliners—it’s about the energy, the community, and the shared love of a sound. This year, lean in with the spirit of discovery. Step outside your refined taste, catch a set from an artist you’ve never seen, and let yourself be surprised. Whether you’re there for the music, the vibes, or to be part of the communal escapism—FVDED 2025 is your chance to explore the future of the scene while basking in the aura of legends. Your weekend, built one set at a time.

Duke Dumont: House Music, Fresh Air, & Sunsets at the Malkin Bowl

By Ryan Hayes

Since 1934 Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl has been hosting summer events and getting Vancouverites under the stars to experience live music. This year Blueprint is using the illustrious venue to extend long weekend vibes and chase away the post festival blues that will be stirring in house music fans after Foundation 10 Open Radius—the two-day event headlined by Purple Disco Machine & Fisher. Just five days later, on May 24th, Duke Dumont is set to bring club energy and festival ready choruses to the Malkin Bowl.

Over the last year Blueprint Events has focused on curated house music events covering the vast spectrum of the genre. Although Duke Dumont’s event isn’t Foundation Series branded it is the ultimate follow up to Open Radius. The storied producer has been active since the early 2000s—releasing house anthems like “I Got U” “Won’t Look Back” & “Ocean Drive” for well over a decade.

His debut album, Duality, released in 2020 with a contingent of tracks for house purists; “Therapy” & “Love Song” are sure to be highlights of his Malkin Bowl show.

The sheer power and perfection of “Ocean Drive” & the essential live music moment it will create should be enough to sell dance music fans attending…but if you still need convincing give his 2023 Red Rocks show a listen. It doesn’t disappoint.

EDM Canada is back!

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It’s been a long wait but it appears that EDM events are slowly coming back across Canada. It has been a long wait for the live music business as a wide variety of workers and clubs have been severely affected by the pandemic. Thanks to the high vaccination rate in Canada, it seems like we’re primed for a return to a semi-normal schedule this Fall.

While we’ve been eagerly awaiting the return of live EDM events, EDM Canada has been waiting alongside you all! The city calendars have always been hand-crafted and human curated, giving you an up-to-date snapshot of electronic dance music events that are coming up in your city. Passion has driven this site for the past 9 years, and I will keep it going!

David Mann
EDM Canada Founder

Happy birthday Canada!

On behalf of EDM Canada, I wish Canada a very happy 150th birthday. We have a lot to be proud about as a country as we are home to a host of extremely talented DJs, producers, musicians, and artists. Electronic dance music is in a good place thanks to the thousand upon thousands of devoted fans that attend festivals and club shows all across the country. Here's hoping for the good times to continue - happy birthday Canada! 

- David Mann (Founder & operator of EDM Canada)

What to do this weekend (August 8th - 10th)

Here are all of the upcoming events posted for this weekend across Canada: (Click on the event link for full ticket information)

Ottawa

Friday, August 1st - Iggy Smalls & Foster @ Babylon

Saturday, August 2nd - DJ Acro @ Babylon