&FRIENDS Festival, Manila’s premier electronic dance music festival, is set to make waves once again on June 19 and 20. This year’s edition promises to be its most expansive yet, as it transforms Okada Manila into a global hub for dance music enthusiasts. With a powerhouse lineup featuring four of the most influential names in electronic music, the festival is poised to be an unforgettable experience for fans from across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Photo: Galantis and Porter Robinson/Instagram
Galantis, the Swedish dance powerhouse, leads the charge this year. Known for their electrifying live performances, the duo consists of Christian “Bloodshy” Karlsson — a Grammy-winning songwriter behind hits for stars like Britney Spears and Madonna. Galantis has captivated listeners with an impressive track record of over 7.3 billion cumulative worldwide streams. Their chart-topping anthems, such as “Runaway (U & I)” and “No Money,” have played a pivotal role in their global success. Their latest album, *Rx*, continues this trend, featuring the hit “Lighter” with David Guetta and 5 Seconds of Summer. Fans can expect an exhilarating performance that’s as much a visual feast as it is an auditory one.
Porter Robinson, an American DJ and producer, is another major highlight of the festival. Starting his journey in electronic music during his teenage years, Robinson quickly made a name for himself, securing a spot on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list for seven consecutive years. His debut album, *Worlds*, revolutionized the EDM landscape and set the stage for further accolades, including Grammy nominations for subsequent works like *Virtual Self* and *Nurture*. Robinson’s most recent album, *SMILE! :D*, was supported by an extensive world tour, further solidifying him as a beloved figure in the electronic music scene. His return to Manila marks a special moment for fans eager to experience his unique sound live.
Subtronics, born Jesse Kardon, has taken the electronic music world by storm. With his dynamic performances that redefine live bass music experiences, Subtronics is a must-see act this year. Recently named the highest-selling North American electronic touring artist, his label, Cyclops Recordings, showcases his commitment to pushing the envelope in bass music. His latest studio album, *FIBONACCI*, debuted at the Ultra Music Festival and sold out numerous shows across North America, proving he is at the peak of his career and creativity.
Yellow Claw, the Dutch DJ duo, rounds out the main acts with an infectious blend of trap, hip-hop, and hardstyle. Over their decade-long career, they have sold out countless shows and amassed billions of streams. Their newest album, *Jesus Loves Trap Music*, exemplifies their signature high-energy style and promises a set that will ignite the festival atmosphere. With collaborations featuring major artists and a thriving record label, Barong Family, Yellow Claw is poised to deliver an unforgettable performance filled with crowd-pleasing hits.
Joining these headliners is Monstercat, which will host a full label takeover, featuring two key acts: ARMNHMR and Arcando. ARMNHMR, known for their emotionally charged melody-driven bass music, is the first Asian American EDM duo to hold a Las Vegas residency, earning them a loyal fan base. Meanwhile, Arcando, celebrated for his crossover sound, continues to gain traction following Martin Garrix’s viral remix of his track “Jungle.” This collaboration promises to inject further excitement into the festival lineup.
The undercard is equally impressive, featuring talents like WUKONG and KIARA. Both artists are on the rise, with WUKONG garnering attention for his unique Oriental Rave sound, which fuses traditional Asian instrumentation with contemporary electronic beats. KIARA’s refreshing musical approach adds to the festival’s diverse offerings, creating a space for emerging artists to shine.
The festival will also feature regional stars like Amanda Sze, DJ Cupcakes, Orange Juice Asia, and Smooth Brain Girly. These artists represent the next wave of Southeast Asian dance music talent, establishing a vibrant connection to the local scene and contributing to the festival’s dedication to showcasing both global icons and regional rising stars.
The meticulously curated lineup encapsulates &FRIENDS Festival’s commitment to delivering world-class music and experiences that unite fans. Attendees can expect an immersive festival atmosphere marked by large-scale productions and top-tier visuals. The festival promises a seamless blend of exhilarating music and breathtaking spectacle over two electrifying nights.
Tickets are priced starting at PHP 8,250 and will be available through Ticketmelon, with Early Bird Tickets set to go live on March 25. Given the buzz surrounding the festival, fans are encouraged to secure their passes early to avoid missing out on this monumental event.
Since its inception, &FRIENDS Festival has cemented its status as a beacon of electronic music in Asia. With previous performances by esteemed artists like Zedd and Illenium, the festival has firmly established Manila as a key stop on the global electronic music circuit. Fans can look forward to more lineup announcements and festival updates in the coming months, ensuring excitement remains high as the event draws near.
