After a year in which time and the whole world seem to have stood still, life is slowly, slowly getting back to normal. With normality comes the return of music festivals, which means that for the first time in a long time we can make holiday plans that include close friends, exotic destinations and favourite artists.

In the following we will present a small selection of the most important festivals organised this summer. If we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s that what we previously took for granted can at any moment become unattainable, so life should be lived to the fullest and with as few regrets as possible. Festivals are the ideal ground for this.

Sonus Festival returns to the spotlight after its pandemic year and makes it seem more spectacular than we expected.

From 15 to 19 August in Novalja, Croatia, true pioneers of underground electronic music will collide with living legends of the genre, with a lineup including Richie Hawtin, Seth Troxler, Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens, Ben Klock, Maceo Plex, Loco Dice, Sven Väth, among others.

Amsterdam will party from 4 to 8 August for a new edition of the Dekmantel festival, considered the event of choice for those who want to feel the flavour of the new trends in electronic music.

“2021 marks the 8th edition of our summer centrepiece, and the options available have never felt more exciting. This ‘choose your own adventure’ programming is no accident. We love music of all stripes, so why not put the broadest possible array on display for those who travel from around the world to the Amsterdamse Bos? The cast changes year by year, but our guiding mission objective does not.

Whether you’re searching for EBM or jazz fusion, you’ll find only the best on offer. Plus, of course, music lovers as eager and receptive as you are to share the experience with – whichever experience it is that you decide upon. Welcome back.”

Helena Hauf, DJ Harvey, DJ Stingray, Floating Points [live], DJ Harvey, Karenn [live], Objekt, Robert Hood [live] are just a few of the sound names that will take the stage.

Perhaps some of you will have the opportunity to travel overseas this summer. We’re announcing a super electronic music festival in San Bernardino, California from July 31 to August 1. All electronic music genres will meet in the sunny state and this might be the best time to try experiencing am=n electronic music festival with that American glamorous touch.

It’s the HARD Summer Music Festival, which will bring fans Soul Clap, DJ Snake, Anabel Englund, Lee Foss, Maya Jane Coles, Capozzi and more. Tickets can be purchased here.

France doesn’t play around and will surely show everyone where the party’s at, in September. “The Peacock Society Festival is an electronic music festival in Paris, France. Held in the capital’s Parc Floral, the festival regularly plays host to one of the most impressive lineups of the year, with a wealth of scene veterans and exciting new talent from house and techno’s vibrant underground.

Looking back at posters from the previous editions gives a a flavour for the pedigree of performers you can expect to see, from Richie Hawtin and Luciano at the very first party in 2013 to Nina Kraviz, Dixon and Kaytranada last time out.

From the bright lights and big sounds of the warehouse to the beautiful surrounds of the botanical garden, the festival is a haven for discerning electronic music fans.”

We simply could not mention Barcelona in this spectacular list, not only because it represents one of the biggest electronic scenes on the continent, but also because everyone misses being able to party in the beautiful city. “DGTL Barcelona is an electronic music festival held in the famous Spanish city.

An off-shoot of the long-running Dutch festival, the Barcelona edition is now well-established itself having been held in the Parc del Fòrum since 2015. As we have come to expect from all of the DGTL events across the globe, the festival features a lineup of underground house and techno’s finest proponents – from skilled selectors and prodigious DJs to enthralling live acts.”