Welcome back to Rave Culture Cast! After a break this Summer, I'm back to share some major updates on some major life changes, career growth and the future of my podcast 👀It's been a wild journey since this all began in April 2019. I'm excited to take a look back at how this all began and what direction I'm headed in next 💙Thank you to all my RaveCasters for listening and supporting over the past 5 years 🫶➡️ Catch my radio show on Insomniac Radio ONE every Monday - Friday from 5-7pm PST and Saturdays 9am - 12pm PST! https://insomniacradio.com/
➡️ Download the app here - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/insomniac-radio/id6739225590
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Bonnaroo 2025: The Festival That Ended Too Soon 💔
This was my first Bonnaroo experience and it was memorable to say the least! Although we only got one day on the Farm, it was an incredible start to the weekend and I got the idea of what the Bonnaroo community is all about 🫶
In this festival review, I'm covering:
👉 Travel, Accommodations & First Impressions
👉 My Top Sets & Stages Designs
👉 Food, Drinks & Brand Actviations
👉 Camping & Afters
👉 Weather & Festival Cancellation
I'm super grateful to have gotten the chance to experience Bonnaroo even if it was just for one day!
Grab your tickets to Project Glow (affiliate link): https://bit.ly/3ovt98c
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This week, I'm joined by Pete Kalamoutsos—the powerhouse promoter and visionary behind Washington D.C.'s thriving electronic music scene! As the founder of Club Glow and Echostage, Pete has helped transform D.C. into a global dance music destination 🌎
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In this episode, we dive into the origin story of Club Glow, how Echostage became a world-renowned venue, launching Project Glow Festival, and his latest role in producing WorldPride DC 2025—the first of its kind in the U.S. Get inspired by Pete’s journey, passion for the scene, and vision for the future of inclusive, large-scale events in dance music 🎶
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Connect with Rave Culture Cast: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast
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Affiliate Links:
We’re back from the desert and giving you our full Coachella 2025 recap and honest review! 🌴✨In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and fellow content creator @VibeWithAde to break down everything about our weekend—from our Airbnb and travel setup to the GA experience, best and worst performances, fave stage designs, and what the crowd was really like this year. We also dive into the food and drinks, brand activations, and whether Coachella is worth it for dance music fans!If you're thinking of going next year or just want the real scoop on how it all went down, this episode is for you 👀🎶👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments—did you go? Are you planning to in 2026?Connect with Ade: https://www.instagram.com/vibewithade/Connect with Rave Culture Cast: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast Affiliate Links:💸 USE CODE LOOPX-EMMAKAPOTES to save 15% off Loop Earplugs: https://www.loopearplugs.com/💸 USE CODE: KAPOTES to save $ off any lunchbox orders over $99 - http://bit.ly/2JklpS7💸 USE CODE: EMMAK for $5 off lunchbox's Mini Backpack, Lite Pack, Phone Satchel, Snack or Sling pack - http://bit.ly/2JklpS7
Step into the world of immersive experience design with Nova Han, the visionary Creative Director of Electric Forest 🌳 In this episode, we explore Nova’s two-decade career bringing to life fan-favorite installations like The Hangar, Dream Emporium, Honeycomb stage, Tripolee, and the legendary Ranch Arena performances featuring String Cheese Incident 🎶Nova shares how she brings imagination to reality—balancing creativity with fan feedback, environmental challenges, and real-world logistics. We dive into the art of immersive storytelling, building unforgettable festival moments, and how she leads one of the most iconic creative teams in live entertainment today! Connect with Nova Han: https://novahan.com/Follow Nova Han: https://www.instagram.com/novahan/Connect with Rave Culture Cast: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast Affiliate Links:💸 USE CODE LOOPX-EMMAKAPOTES to save 15% off Loop Earplugs: https://www.loopearplugs.com/💸 USE CODE: KAPOTES to save $ off any lunchbox orders over $99 - http://bit.ly/2JklpS7💸 USE CODE: EMMAK for $5 off lunchbox's Mini Backpack, Lite Pack, Phone Satchel, Snack or Sling pack - http://bit.ly/2JklpS7
Shop Loop's Earplugs & save 15% off with code LOOPX-EMMAKAPOTES: https://www.loopearplugs.com/
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Planning your first trip to Coachella or looking to level up your experience? In this episode, I’m joined by content creator and local Coachella legend Angel Chavez to break down everything you need to know about the iconic festival.
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What we cover:
🏜️Coachella’s evolution over the years
🏜️Stage breakdown
🏜️Lineup highlights and memorable sets
🏜️Coachella festival hacks
🏜️Best accommodation options
🏜️And how to navigate the festival like a pro!
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Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned vet, this is your go-to guide for making the most of Coachella 2025! 🌴✨
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Connect with Rave Culture Cast: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast
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Angel's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachellaAngel
Angel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachellaangel/
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TIMESTAMPS:
In this episode of Rave Culture Cast, we’re joined by a true trance legend—Giuseppe Ottaviani! With over two decades of shaping the genre, Giuseppe shares how his classical training and passion for performing at a young age led him to become one of the most innovative live acts in trance. We dive into the inspiration behind his new album and groundbreaking live show OTTAGON, and his thoughts on the future of trance music. Plus, he shares insights on building his live show, his favorite international crowds, playing B2B sets, and up-and-coming trends in the trance community. ..Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of trance’s finest! 🎶✨.Connect with Giuseppe Ottaviani: https://www.instagram.com/giuseppeottaviani/Connect with Rave Culture Cast: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast
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💸 Discount Codes 💸Shop lunchbox's lite pack and save $5 with code EMMAK - https://www.lunchboxpacks.com/products/lunchbox-liteSave 15% off any Loop Earplugs with code LOOPX-EMMAKAPOTES - https://www.loopearplugs.com/
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TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Intro1:30 Loop Earplugs2:35 Guest intro3:15 Giuseppe Ottaviani Early Career12:35 OTTAGON Live Show18:12 OTTAGON at Dreamstate19:40 Upcoming Tour & Show Concept23:25 The State of Trance Music26:22 Musical Influences28:30 International Crowd Energy30:00 B2B Sets33:46 OTTAGON Album Production37:05 Thrill of Performing Live37:40 Memorable Crowd Interactions40:00 Hobbies Outside of Music42:46 Upcoming Shows & Album Release Date
Big changes, fresh energy, and a brand-new chapter! 🔥 Ms. Behave (formerly one-half of Gem & Tauri) joins me on Groove Cruise to talk about her solo journey, what’s next for her sound, and how she’s embracing this exciting transition!
In this interview, we cover:
🛳️ The magic & energy of Groove Cruise 2024
🎶 Stepping into her solo career & making booty shaking tunes
💃 Expanding into curating shows & festivals
🔮 Manifestations for 2025
Connect with Rave Culture Cast: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast
Connect with Ms. Behave: https://www.instagram.com/ms.behavemusic/
Book your Groove Cruise 2026 Packages (save $50 off per person per room with code RaveCultureCast) - https://www.groovecruise.com/miami26
Book your Groove Cruise 2026 Packages (save $50 off per person per room with code RaveCultureCast) -https://www.groovecruise.com/miami26
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Groove Cruise 2025 just wrapped, and I’m giving you the ultimate recap and review! 🎶🛳️ In this episode, I’m breaking down everything from:
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💙 What makes Groove Cruise special
🛳️ Royal Caribbean experience & what's included
🎧 Stage breakdown & top sets of the weekend
👍 Pros & cons – what worked & what could be better
😂 Funniest moments & best memories
💡 First-timer tips & things to know before you go
💰 Pricing breakdown & how to book Groove Cruise 2026
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If you're thinking about setting sail on the world's best festival cruise, this episode is your go-to guide!
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Connect with Rave Culture Cast: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast
Luci is back on Groove Cruise, and she’s bringing a whole new era of music with her! 🚢✨ In this interview, we dive into her artistic evolution—from bass to a genre-blending mix of pop, rock, and electronic—and how it’s shaping her most authentic sound yet. We also chat about: 🎶 The energy of Groove Cruise & her diverse sets on this sailing 💿 Her massive 2024 releases, including Comfortable, Tink, and She Bangs Like a Fairy on Acid 🧚♀️ The creative process behind her stunning visuals & music videos 🎮 How gaming and social media help her connect with fans 🔮 What’s in store for 2025! Connect with Rave Culture Cast: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast Connect with Luci: https://www.instagram.com/luci_official/ Book your Groove Cruise 2026 Packages (save $50 off per person per room with code RaveCultureCast) - https://www.groovecruise.com/miami26
WHAT A DUO! I had the pleasure of sitting down with the mega-talented DJ & vocalist Tita Lau and had a very special guest crash our interview 👀 It was such a pleasure chatting with Tita & Jame Hype about their first Groove Cruise experience, how they survive a bender weekend, and the return of their legendary kitchen livestreams🔥 These two also give their best advice for aspiring artists & producers looking to make a name for themselves in the music industry. Connect with Rave Culture Cast: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast Connect with Tita Lau: https://www.instagram.com/tita_lau/ Connect with James Hype: https://www.instagram.com/jameshype/ Book your Groove Cruise 2026 Packages (save $50 off per person per room with code RaveCultureCast) - https://www.groovecruise.com/miami26
Casmalia is back on Groove Cruise, and she’s had an absolutely massive year! From launching a successful business to landing her first major European label release, playing b2b with VNSSA & LP Giobbi, and even hearing John Summit & Patrick Topping drop her track at Hi Ibiza—we're covering it all live from Groove Cruise 2025🔥 Connect with Rave Culture Cast: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast Connect with Casmalia: https://www.instagram.com/casmaliamusic/ Book your Groove Cruise 2026 Packages (save $50 off per person per room with code RaveCultureCast) - https://www.groovecruise.com/miami26
Shop Lunautics festival beauty & hair accessories & save 10% off with code EMMAK: https://bit.ly/3Rf6vQA If you've ever wanted to land a job in the festival industry, today's guest is a shining example of how to carve a path for yourself!
This week I'm joined by Melanie Monroe, the Marketing Director for The Festival Babes—a thriving network empowering female creators in the EDM community. Melanie shares how she established her brand & got her foot in the door to land an internship with The Festival Babes that led into a thriving career 👏 Discover her tips for building connections, thriving as a creator in the EDM scene, and balancing passion with purpose. Whether you’re an aspiring content creator, a festival lover, or a fan of inspiring success stories, Melanie’s journey is packed with valuable insights and a whole lot of bass 😈 Connect with Rave Culture Cast: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast Connect with Melanie: stan.store/melaniekmonroe Insomniac tickets: Skyline - https://bit.ly/3ZLtHKd Beyond Wonderland SoCal - https://bit.ly/41ap3Vl Forbidden Kingdom - https://bit.ly/4fcm97G Starbase Festival - https://bit.ly/40nxttz
Welcome to Season 8 of Rave Culture Cast! We’re kicking things off with a bang by diving into our "Ins" and "Outs" list for raves and festivals in 2025. From the trends we’re loving to the ones we’re leaving behind, here’s what’s shaping the future of the festival scene!
*Also quick editor's note - I f*cked up and put "holding festival organizers accountable" IN THE WRONG CATEGORY. That should've been in my in's list. My apologies 😩 Connect with Rave Culture Cast 💙: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast
Shop Loop's Earplugs and save 15% off with code LOOPX-EMMAKAPOTES: https://bit.ly/3ZLtHKd Insomniac tickets: Skyline - https://bit.ly/3ZLtHKd Beyond Wonderland SoCal - https://bit.ly/41ap3Vl Forbidden Kingdom - https://bit.ly/4fcm97G
2024 has been a challenging year for the music festival world. From extreme weather to logistical nightmares, cancellations left fans and industry professionals scrambling. In this episode, we unpack the causes behind these disruptions and explore their lasting impact on the festival scene. Connect with Rave Culture Cast 💙: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast
Insomniac tickets: Forever Midnight LA - https://bit.ly/4dFmHCs Skyline - https://bit.ly/3ZLtHKd Beyond Wonderland SoCal - https://bit.ly/41ap3Vl Forbidden Kingdom - https://bit.ly/4fcm97G
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 intro
2:46 UK Festivals Cancelled
6:33 Weather Issues at Festivals
10:00 Body Language
10:35 Firefly Festival
11:30 Ultra Miami
12:07 Imagine Music Festival
14:03 Texas Eclipse
15:35 Backwoods Festival
16:27 Nightmare Festival
18:09 Electric Zoo Refunds
18:43 Electric Forest
19:55 Lucidity
21:33 Same Same But Different Offer
22:28 Nocturnal Wonderland
24:00 EDC China
24:41 Lost Lands
25:16 South Star Festival
26:10 Final Thoughts
Was EDC Orlando 2024 everything we hoped for? In this episode of Rave Culture Cast, I'm breaking down the festival with YOUR feedback on the biggest pros and cons🎡 From my personal highlights to a behind-the-scenes look at working with Insomniac Radio and BeatBox Beverages, I’m sharing it all! Plus, we’ll dive into what needs improvement, including the much-talked-about crowd issues. Don’t miss this full recap of an unforgettable weekend in Orlando!
Connect with Rave Culture Cast 💙: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast Affiliate tickets: Shop lunchbox's lite pack (discount code emmak) - https://www.lunchboxpacks.com/products/lunchbox-lite Dreamstate - https://bit.ly/3MmtN3y Forever Midnight LA - https://bit.ly/4dFmHCs TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 2:15 Lunchbox ad 4:37 Your festival pros & cons 11:45 My festival pros 14:00 My festival cons 16:20 Crowding issues 20:00 VIP areas 21:28 Festival highlights 32:30 BTS of Insomniac Radio 40:10 Final thoughts on EDC
Grab your EDC Orlando 2024 tickets - https://bit.ly/3PEDUUl
Planning for EDC Orlando? In this episode, I cover everything you need to know before hitting the festival grounds! From essential FAQs and the best travel and accommodation options to the best after-parties, I break down every detail for a smooth experience 👏
Get tips on what to wear, how to handle the unpredictable Florida weather, and the best ways to navigate each of the iconic stages! Plus, stay tuned for my lineup review at the end so you don’t miss any must-see sets.
Whether you're a first-timer or an EDC veteran, this guide has got you covered! 🌈✨
Check out my full EDC Orlando playlist for more content: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgFsXLcc3w0uappP4lVY17bfdmND4YZjK
Connect with Rave Culture Cast 💙: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast
Insomniac affiliate tickets:
EDC Orlando - https://bit.ly/3PEDUUl
Dreamstate - https://bit.ly/3MmtN3y
Forever Midnight LA - https://bit.ly/4dFmHCs
▶️ USE CODE: EMMAK for 10% off at Lunautics - https://bit.ly/3hSrdRh
In this episode, I’m diving deep into my first-ever visit to the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre! 🎶✨ From where I stayed and how I got there, to insider tips for first-timers, and, of course, my thoughts on Seven Lions’ incredible set, I’m spilling all the tea! ☕ Whether you're planning your first trip or just curious if Red Rocks lives up to the hype, this episode has everything you need to know! 📍 Topics covered: ➡️ Where to stay ➡️ Tips for getting there (and getting home) ➡️ What to do in Denver ➡️ What to bring & expect for your first visit ➡️ Full review of Seven Lions' set Tune in for my honest thoughts on this bucket-list venue! 💥 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment with your Red Rocks experiences! 🙌 Connect with Rave Culture Cast 💙: https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast Insomniac affiliate tickets: Escape Halloween - https://bit.ly/3PF1BM3 EDC Orlando - https://bit.ly/3PEDUUl Dreamstate - https://bit.ly/3MmtN3y Forever Midnight LA - https://bit.ly/4dFmHCs
In this episode of Rave Culture Cast, our co-host Alex Amaro (@alex_amaro_music) joined by the one and only San Holo! On the heels of his album, Existential Dance Music, San Holo celebrates 10 years of his project with an anniversary tour and brand new EP, what is life? dropping this Fall. The highly anticipated EP features collaborations with Bipolar Sunshine and Tchami 🔥 We dive into San's journey in music and the impact it's made on fans lives. Tune in to hear some of his favorite fan stories & what’s next for his project! Catch San Holo on his 10 year anniversary tour here ➡️ https://laylo.com/sanholo/m/10yeartour
Grab your Chicago Music Nexus tickets and save $30 off with code RCC: https://www.chicagomusicnexus.com/ In this episode, I'm joined by two powerhouse voices in the music industry—Olivia Mancuso, host of the Elevated Frequencies podcast and branding expert, and Matt Sherman aka Sherm, DJ/Producer, A&R for Hood Politics, and host of Sherm in the Booth. We dive into how podcasting has propelled their careers, the challenges of wearing multiple hats, and their new joint venture—Chicago Music Nexus—an upcoming conference designed to help aspiring artists make valuable connections, expand their industry knowledge, and elevate their music careers. Tune in for insights, advice, and all the exciting details about their game-changing event! Connect with Olivia & Sherm 💙: https://www.instagram.com/oliviamancuso__/ https://www.instagram.com/sherminthebooth/ Elevated Frequencies Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3hdJfPkqJTGKPh0IKDMrI6 Sherm in the Booth Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/69mMr9wR1s0OnLCfXMBJxZ Connect with Rave Culture Cast 💙 https://beacons.ai/raveculturecast Insomniac affiliate tickets: iii points - https://bit.ly/3RAR9Wl Escape Halloween - https://bit.ly/3PF1BM3 EDC Orlando - https://bit.ly/3PEDUUl Dreamstate - https://bit.ly/3MmtN3y
