Highlights this year include Charlotte de Witte, known for her bold and innovative approach to production and performance, as well as her exploration of the boundaries of dance music, recently awarded “Best Techno DJ” by DJ Mag’s readers; Nina Kraviz, showcasing her fusion of techno, acid, and electro, an expert in immersive and intense atmospheres; and Goldie, the first superstar to emerge from the breakbeat/jungle movement, who popularised drum’n’bass as a form of musical expression, and who will be presenting a techno DJ set at NEOPOP Festival. Joining them on the bill is Ben Klock, an artist synonymous with the legendary Berghain and mentor of the Photon event series, recognised for pushing the techno experience to new heights with deep basslines and intense rhythms; Dax J, the British DJ who moved from pirate radio to the world’s biggest stages, delivering industrial-influenced, high-energy sets with refined technique; and BIIA, the national stalwart who mixes various perspectives of techno, creating raw, energetic and impactful narratives. Two novel b2b sets are set to take part at the NEOPOP Festival. Italian natives Joseph Capriati and Freddy K will take the stage together for the most unlikely performance, where the robust and emotional techno of Capriati combines with Freddy K’s minimalist and industrial style, in a set where anything is possible. Lewis Fautzi b2b The Advent will see these artists join forces for the first time in Viana do Castelo, in what promises to be a high-voltage techno set focused on powerful rhythms and hypnotic grooves.
This edition of Neopop is also rich in Live Act performances. Colin Benders, Lady Starlight, and Sterac bring their analogue modulars to the centre stage, complete with classic drum machines, and other electronic gear for a performance focused on improvisation and intensity, while Salbany set to turn the dance floor alight with his deep Detroit techno influences, exploring unknown territories with a minimalist approach.
NEOPOP Festival’s first announcement concludes with four debuts: Aurora Halal, known for her dark and psychedelic sets, alternating between euphoria and emotional troughs; MARRØN, an artist fusing techno and afro deep in a fast, dynamic, and captivating manner; Lake Haze, a master of intense atmospheres, rich textures, and immersive sound layers, bouncing between techno, house, and electro; and ZenGxrl, who brings to NEOPOP the rhythms of beat, afro house, amapiano, and other genres from her Angolan cultural heritage. The visuals for both stages will be handled by the collective DubLab.
NEOPOP Festival 2025 – First lineup announcement [A»Z]
Aurora Halal, Ben Klock, BIIA, Charlotte de Witte, Colin Benders & Lady Starlight & Sterac [live], Dax J, Goldie [techno set], Joseph Capriati b2b Freddy K, Lake Haze, Lewis Fautzi b2b The Advent, MARRØN, Nina Kraviz, Salbany [live], ZenGxrl
Tickets are available through the festival’s website, with the Festival Pass starting at €105 and the Festival Pass Plus at €200.
