It all started while I was sifting through old emails and stumbled upon a media invite from DJ Label, an up-and-coming record label based in Miami. As luck would have it, their team was heading to New York for opening weekend at The Summer Club NYC in Long Island City. Leading the lineup for the season’s debut event was Conobi, a rising DJ and producer originally from the Bronx. Now Miami-based, Conobi was discovered by DJ Label, who saw his talent early on and took a chance on his sound. “I'm originally from the Bronx, New York, and moved to Miami almost two years ago. Motion is everywhere right now, so as you can imagine, but yeah, I moved to Miami two years ago after I lost my job. I got laid off, and that's how I met Scooter; that's how I met my community and started at parties, and here we are.”
Some DJs are born to be artists, natural boundary-pushers who refuse to let their sound be dictated by passing trends. Over the last decade, Newcastle’s Chris Costigan, universally known as Cristoph, has firmly established himself as one of the most genuine, passionate, and unwavering forces in the electronic music landscape. As the boss of his own imprint, Consequence of Society (COS), and the driving force behind the acclaimed COS Radio Show launched in 2022, Cristoph is shifting the paradigm of artist autonomy. “You create your own platform; that way, you don't have to rely on other labels. They'll have a release schedule, and you have to fit into that. I've always wanted my own label. I really enjoy nurturing people / bringing them through, and seeing them succeed. I want COS to be that platform to allow artists to express themselves through their music”.
Here is an enhanced, more expansive version of the paragraph that elevates the storytelling, emphasizes the musical journey, and builds anticipation for the interview. It was back in December 2025 when Subculture II was officially released, a monumental compilation that prompted me to write an exhaustive, track-by-track review, deeply reflecting on the unique sonic identity of every artist featured. While that project laid the groundwork, it was the subsequent release of his brilliant guest mix for Consequence of Society that served as the ultimate catalyst. Suddenly, everything clicked into place. The intricate "connections" between the artist and the music, the seamless synergy between the compilation and the mix, it all converged to reveal something undeniable. In that moment, the distinct, driving, and deeply atmospheric sound of Michael Anthony was fully realized, marking him as a definitive voice in the progressive underground.
“I put a ton of unreleased music in there. I just feel that's a great place to kind of showcase that. I feel like I'm finally at the point where I have a lot to give as far as the product goes, as far as unreleased tracks go. Even in my sets, I feel like I'm really comfortable holding my own musical identity. Opening up properly for someone like Cristoph or Dosem or whoever the case is, Dirty South recently. Even the Consequence Society label party that we did in Miami, it's like setting the tone. That's something I'm very comfortable with; that's kind of where I'm at now.” - Michael Anthony
Michael Anthony is a master of the warm-up, seamlessly setting the vibe for global acts like Cristoph, Nora En Pure, Dosem, andDirty South across Miami and New York. First witnessing his talent at Brooklyn’s Ornate Studio, we were instantly hooked. His deep, melodic opening set kept the floor moving and set the bar exceptionally high for the night ahead.
“Opening is all about getting people to gravitate toward the dance floor. At the very beginning, you’re essentially playing to the walls. People trickle in, and naturally, they head straight to the bar. My entire mindset is: How do I get them off the bar and onto the floor? How do I make them feel comfortable? That’s why my production is heavily groove-based. It’s not about hitting you over the head, breaking your back, or exhausting you early in the night. It’s about creating a comfort zone where you just want to come closer to the booth and exist with everyone else. You start at a low bass level, build a steady foundation, and then hand it off seamlessly so the headliner can come in and drop the big tracks.” - Michael Anthony
His biggest supporter and friend is label boss of Consequence of Society, Cristoph. Michael Anthony has opened for many of his sets and events, especially at the COS Miami Closing party and in Chicago. Michael Anthony has been featured on the COS Subculture compilations Vol. I & II, and FaCet Vol. 4 and his own COS Mix. That was how I first discovered Michael Anthony’s music by listening to the COS compilations and mixes. “I was on both Volume 1 and Volume 2. For the first one, Chris invited me directly, which was a massive confidence boost, and having someone you admire look at your work and want it on their project. For the second volume, we were just talking, and he mentioned it was coming together. I literally told him, "I'm going to make something tonight and send it over." I finished the track in 12 hours, asked him if it worked, and he loved it. What’s beautiful about the Subculture VAs is seeing how Chris curates different genres and styles into a single body of work that makes total sense. It also connects you with the other artists on the bill. I reached out to Dumouz K after hearing his track 'Gravity' on the first compilation, and now he’s a good friend. It really highlights the emerging subculture of artists that Cristoph is championing.”
I first discovered Michael Anthony's music on the Consequence of Society label by following the COS mixes to the Subculture VAs. When I first listened to ‘Connections’ featured on Subculture II, I was reminded of the distinctive melodic sound Michael Anthony had established. Cristoph didn’t create a label; he created a community and a platform where all talent can be discovered.
“What Chris has built is incredible. The fan base immediately rallied around the label from day one. Suddenly, you have people sliding into your Instagram DMs to say how much a track means to them, which helps you form real connections quickly. It also opens doors to organic collaborations. Other artists see your release on the label and reach out to work together. We just did a label showcase in Chicago, and we've played Miami—the possibilities feel endless. It really is an authentic community, and at its core, that’s what this industry and this city should be about: supporting your own.” - Michael Anthony
Michael Anthony has been featured on many other mixes and compilations, such as the PURRFECTION Compilation 2026, and he manages his own mix series, Melodic Awareness Radio. He recently launched a milestone in his Melodic Awareness Radio series by releasing the 30th episode on the same weekend when the New York Knicks won the championship after 53 years. “It goes back to the sheer volume of music I'm making. It’s a great way to give back to the people who enjoy my sound and showcase what I’ve been working on without dealing with the typical red tape of label release schedules. If I make something cool, I can just drop it in next month’s episode. It also allows me to return the favor and support other emerging producers who send me their tracks.” The Melodic Awareness Radio gives Michael Anthony a chance to showcase his talent and workflow, and to showcase unreleased music.
“Right now, I probably have about 35 to 40 unreleased tracks sitting on my drive. There are definitely clusters of three or four songs that were made in the same headspace and fit perfectly as EPs. If I ever do an album, I want to intentionally sit down and construct a cohesive, holistic body of work from scratch. For now, it’ll be a mix of singles and EPs. But I also have a habit of hoarding my tracks just so I can surprise people with them in my live sets! They'll all get out eventually.” - Michael Anthony
Michael Anthony is constantly in the studio perfecting a signature sound that refuses to compromise. While others pivot toward mainstream trends, Michael’s loyalty belongs entirely to the underground. His dedication to authentic deep and melodic house isn't just a stylistic choice; it's his core philosophy as an artist, ensuring his original passion always leads the way. His workflow is twenty-four-seven: eat, sleep, breathe music. “Honestly, it’s born out of necessity. If I’m out there searching for a track to put in my set and it simply doesn’t exist, I make it. If there’s a vocal I love, but the original doesn't fit the vibe of my sets, and I can't find a proper remix, I’ll sit down and make the edit. Beyond that, I’m always writing and building new ideas. I’m incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a tight-knit community of people who live and breathe music. My WhatsApp is easily 30 tracks a day—us sending ideas back and forth, going, "Oh, this would be cool to sample," or "Maybe I'll try to make an edit of this." That constant stream of inspiration keeps me moving.”
Every great DJ's sound is built on a foundation of inspiration. Michael Anthony’s style is shaped by a rich lineage of electronic music royalty. Drawing influence from the iconic legacy of Danny Tenaglia as well as the cutting-edge progressive sounds of his friend Cristoph, Michael channels these diverse inspirations to hone his craft and cement his own distinct identity behind the decks. From his Melodic Awareness Radio to opening for iconic DJs at a club or festival, Michael Anthony will always perform an original set because his song catalog keeps growing from more inspired DJs and sounds.
“Anyone across the house and techno spectrum, really. We were just talking about Danny Tenaglia; he’s always been a massive inspiration. Going to his parties and watching him play those marathon sets, where he smoothly transitions from house to disco to techno to progressive sounds, taught me so much. I admire guys like that who can take people on a genuine journey, which is exactly what Cristoph is doing tonight. Eric Prydz is obviously a huge pillar for me too. But I also have to credit the late-2000s EDM boom in America; artists like Swedish House Mafia and Dirty South. Those massive records, big vocals, and sweeping melodies are what opened the doors for me when I was younger.” - Michael Anthony
Michael Anthony shows no signs of slowing down, balancing the curation of his Melodic Awareness Radio show with a relentless studio schedule dedicated to fresh solo singles and EPs. Most notably, the anticipation surrounding his long-awaited collaboration with progressive titan Cristoph is finally reaching a boiling point; the track, titled ‘Spacer,’ is officially slated for release this July. It marks a major milestone in an already stellar trajectory, bridging his signature atmospheric style with a massive global platform. It’s been played by Cristoph at festivals and events globally, and this summer it will finally be available.
“We have a massive collaboration coming out very soon, and we’re working on some really exciting new show concepts. Above all, my focus is consistency and maintaining a steady release schedule and continuing to produce every day. As for gigs, people often ask when I’m playing in New York next. I actually make it a point not to play here too frequently because I live here. I deeply respect the local residents who play every single week, but I want to use my hometown appearances sparingly and make them feel special. Instead, things are opening up nationally. We’ve got city offers coming in following our shows in Chicago and Miami, so traveling more is definitely on the horizon.” - Michael Anthony
Supporting local talent is a big step and the best way to support your favorite DJ. Buying tickets to their gigs and events, plus buying the tracks on Beatport, goes a long way. By helping build the DJs' community and supporting the music to help them grow and become better artists, it goes a long way for the DJ as an artist. It will create a domino effect for DJs in getting gigs and performances. More bookings for festivals and probably more signing to labels. The more support from the fans, the better the artist will become. If you’re a fan of an up-and-coming underground DJ, then support as much as you can. That’s all Michael Anthony said at the end of the interview as his final thoughts.
"There are so many talented artists out there trying hard to break through; if you genuinely like someone’s music, their brand, or who they are as a person, support them. It costs absolutely nothing to share an artist's post to your Instagram Story, but from an algorithmic perspective, it matters immensely. It breeds a healthy vibe in our industry. Shoot them a message. Send a track to a friend. Support your DJs, and support your local talent." - Michael Anthony
Interview Segment: ‘Either/ Or'
EDX or Nora En Pure?
EDX
Dosem or Dirty South?
That’s messed up because I’m friends with both! But I have to say Dosem—we just put out an EP on his label and I love what he's doing. We'll see if Dirty South answers the demo email I just sent him!
Open Air or Nightclub?
Nightclub. I love a sweaty, dark room.
Melodic or Progressive?
ProgressiveHouse
All Night Long or Back-to-Back?
I’ve actually never played an all-night-long set, so I’ll go with Back-to-Back.
Football or Futball?
Futball
Day Event or Weekend Festival?
Day events. I have a 20-month-old son, so I’m up at 6:00 AM regardless. Day events are incredibly cool nowadays anyway.
When a blizzard hits New York City, most people bunker down at home, just like this weekend. Five years ago, a blizzard did not stop this original pack of ravers from trekking through the storm for one night of dancing, and Wolves of Winterwas born. What started as a spontaneous moment of anxiety has evolved into a tradition that defines winter nightlife in New York City. On the night of the 5th anniversary of Wolves of Winter, the MyPlayground Media team had the opportunity to talk with DJ Lars. The visionary behind this iconic party, at Bogart House in Brooklyn to dive deeper into the journey, the challenges, and the vision for the future of Wolves of Winter.
Artist Interview Episode 014: LARS
The Origin: Wolves of Winter
During the inaugural year, DJ Lars witnessed a community so passionate about electronic music and connection that they would brave a New York City blizzard to be part of something special. That resilience, that pack mentality, became the foundation for what Wolves of Winter represents today.
"The way it started was I had this venue and all these people coming out, and a blizzard came through New York City, and my anxiety went through the roof. Thought nobody was gonna show up, and they all trekked it through the snow from far and wide, and I dubbed them all the wolves of winter for coming out to the party, and it kind of just became a tradition from there to give people a reason to dance in the dead of winter in New York City." - DJ Lars
The name itself carries meaning. Wolves are known for their loyalty, their strength in numbers, and their ability to thrive in harsh conditions. By calling his attendees "wolves," DJ Lars created an identity and a sense of belonging to something bigger than just a party. It's a community built on shared values and a love for dance music.
"Best city in the world? My family's from Long Island. I'm from outside of Philadelphia. I spent a lot of my life coming in and out. I lived here at one time. I used to DJ all over the city in Brooklyn and Manhattan. I got to a point where I want to just start hosting my own events and just be more in control of the lighting, the sound, the DJ line-up, and, you know, the ticketing." - DJ Lars
Brooklyn, in particular, has become synonymous with underground and progressive electronic music. The borough's intimate venues, world-class sound systems, and diverse music community make it the perfect location for an event such as Wolves of Winter. By choosing to host his own events rather than simply performing at others' venues, DJ Lars took ownership of the sound quality, the lighting design, the artist lineup, and the overall experience. Choosing this decision to move from being a performer to being a promoter and curator represents a significant shift in the electronic music industry. It's a trend we're seeing more in DJs and producers taking control of their own narratives and creating experiences that reflect their artistic vision.
The Origin: Wolves of Winter
It’s not all fun and games, and being the host of your own party, running an event like Wolves of Winter is far more complex than most attendees realize. Beyond the music and the dancing, there's an intricate web of logistics, marketing, and coordination that happens behind the scenes
“The most difficult thing is finding what really resonates with others to get them excited to like, share, and help me market it. In the sense that there's so much behind the scenes that I have to do, for example, we've got our lighting guys here. There's so much coordination. I also work full-time, so just like finding that right way to really trigger and get people to get excited to want to invite others, because at the end of the day, like these things are successful when people come and that has been a tricky part that I'm very lucky that I have such close friends who are like so supportive and do that for me and it really like takes a load off of my plate." - DJ Lars
There are many steps that a person must complete before executing the event full force. In an oversaturated event market, standing out requires more than just booking a good DJ. It requires authentic storytelling, community engagement, and the old-fashioned word-of-mouth marketing. DJ Lars emphasizes that the most effective marketing comes from genuine excitement, when attendees are so moved by an event that they naturally want to share it with their friends. From booking artists to managing ticketing, coordinating with venue staff, arranging transportation, and handling technical requirements, event promotion demands constant attention to detail. For a quality dance music event, professional lighting and sound systems are key essentials to creating an immersive experience that justifies the ticket price and keeps people coming back year after year.
What makes DJ Lars' achievement even more impressive is that he manages all of this while working a full-time job. This is a reality for many independent event promoters in the music industry, by juggling day jobs with their passion projects, relying heavily on their network of supportive friends and collaborators.
"The most challenging part definitely is locking down the proper venue. There's a lot that goes into it with sound, space, like location, and then obviously like pricing. Bogard House has been amazing for everything, the amazing sound system, space, and they treat me really well. But I had fought this battle between good space and good sound for a very long time until I was able to really find the right fit for both." - DJ Lars
Finding the right venue is perhaps the most critical decision an event promoter can make. It's not just about having a large enough space; it's about having the right combination of factors that create an optimal experience. A world-class sound system is non-negotiable for electronic music events. Poor sound quality can ruin even the best DJ performance. Bogart House's Funktion-One sound system is industry-leading, providing the clarity, power, and precision that electronic music demands. Bogart House clearly checks all these boxes, which is why it has become the home of Wolves of Winter.
The Dream: Wolves of Winter Festival
In the past, in the music industry, there have been many curated events and parties that morphed into three-day festivals. We had to ask DJ Lars if he could turn Wolves of Winter into a festival, and who would be on the lineup? Where would it be?
"In the snow, because it started in New York, it needs to stay in New York. Maybe we find an area in Brooklyn where there's a more intimate indoor club, similar to this, and then maybe a space similar to a Superior Ingredients, where you have a retractable roof, and you know, if it started snowing, we could see the snow falling on us. More deep tame but maybe more into the tech house techno side of things, and then the main stage would be Steve Angelo. In techno would be Joseph Capriotti." - DJ Lars
This vision reveals DJ Lars' ambition and his deep understanding of what makes an electronic music festival memorable. A three-day Wolves of Winter festival would be a game-changer for Brooklyn's nightlife scene. In a breakdown of where, when, and who would perform at a Wolves of Winter Festival. DJ Lars imagines a smaller, more intimate venue would serve as the foundation. This is where the "wolves" would gather in their natural habitat, creating that close-knit community feeling that defines Wolves of Winter.
Imagine dancing to tech house and techno while snow falls around you. The ultimate expression of the Wolves of Winter concept. It merges the outdoor winter elements with the comfort and sound quality of an indoor venue. With headliners like Steve Angello and Joseph Capriotti, the main stage would deliver the energy and production value that festival-goers expect.
The Craziest Wolves of Winter Moment
This story was the ultimate test of an event promoter's resilience and problem-solving ability. With three-hundred people expecting to attend and two venues canceling just two hours before showtime, most promoters would have panicked. DJ Lars and his team found a solution.
"The second year, we had the two venues cancel on us two hours before showtime, and I had 300 people coming out. So we got double-booked, and then we had to get another venue canceled, and I had 300 people coming out, and we last-minute got a rooftop to open for us. He's like, you have 300 people coming? I'm opening for you and saved the day, and we just made it what it is. That was a lot of stress, and we somehow finessed it, and the party happened." - DJ Lars
The rooftop venue owner who stepped in to save the night from complete cancellation was willing to do so because of the relationship and reputation DJ Lars had built. Strong industry relationships are invaluable when crises occur. The attendees got their experience, and the Wolves of Winter tradition continued. That commitment to delivering for your community builds loyalty that lasts for years.
"Kind of the first thing is to figure out your capacity and like how much you can rely on your current network. It's good to be optimistic, but you have to be realistic, especially depending on how much you're willing to spend and the size of the space. So, you know, if you're playing some shows, figure out which ones you're really selling and just start small and incrementally, like go. Don't try to you know sell out a 400 or 500 person venue if you're only gonna get 100 people there, you know you don't want to put yourself in that hole. Just step by step, it takes time, and a lot of work, and consistency, you get there." - DJ Lars
The Future of Wolves of Winter
As Wolves of Winter celebrates its 5th anniversary, the event has evolved from a spontaneous response to a blizzard into a cornerstone of Brooklyn's winter nightlife. DJ Lars' vision for a three-day festival, his expansion into Chicago, and his commitment to quality and community suggest that this is just the beginning.
The Bogart House was packed to the brim with raver wolves; there were no phones in the air, just dancing and vibing to soulful house and electronic dance music. The night started slow, but within the first hour, most people arrived, despite the snowstorm that was heading to New York; it didn’t stop anyone from ruining the night. The electronic music scene is constantly evolving, with new sounds, new venues, and new communities emerging. But the core of what makes Wolves of Winter special is the sense of community, the commitment to quality sound and production, and the celebration of dance music culture.
Conclusion: Join the Wolves
The story of Wolves of Winter is ultimately a testimony about community, resilience, and the power of electronic music to bring people together. In a world that often feels divided, events like this serve as gathering places where people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate, dance, and connect. In New York City, Wolves of Winter has evolved into ravers tradition celebrating the passion of dance music. Can’t wait for the 6th anniversary of Wolves of Winter!
Interview Segment: ‘Either/ Or'
Armin van Buuren or Tiesto?
Tiesto
Eric Prydz or Steve Angelo?
Steve Angelo
Thomas Gold or R3hab?
Thomas Gold
SILO or Superior Ingredients?
Superior ingredients because of the ties to Output
On a humid summer in New York City, nestled on the streets was Aurora 57, where West Coast DJ and producer Airborne celebrated not only his birthday but another milestone in his ever-expanding career. Known for his high-energy performances and heartfelt connection to dance music, the Los Angeles native has built a reputation that stretches far beyond the Pacific coastline. Now, standing in one of Manhattan’s hottest nightclubs, Airborne reflects on his journey, his sound, and the vision propelling him forward.
Sydney Blu is one of a kind; she’s a powerhouse in all forms of music, influencing and creating infamous beats. She is known for her dynamic sets and hard-hitting productions on Mau5trap, Drumcode, and HE.SHE.THE. The Toronto native is known for her chart-topping releases and relentless advocacy for gender equity in dance music, making her the perfect force to be the face of Change The Beat. It recently made its way to the New York debut at 1 Hotel Brooklyn, featuring local and upcoming talent. MyPlayground Media had the opportunity to be a part of the New York debut of Change The Beat and interview Sydney Blu.
What starts as a late remix submission to a compilation blossoms into a friendship that will last more than twenty-five years, that’s what house music legend Robert Owensand New York’s underground DJ and producerGroovecreator.
“Roy Davis Jr. did a single with you called ‘Slide’ and he hit me up to do the single for it”, Groovecreator replies on how he first met Robert Owens. “Roy Davis Jr. signed me on Underground Therapy Music Chicago back in 1998, so I've been on his label for a long time. So he hit me up with Robert Owens, and I was the last one on the remix, and he loved it and he had to call Kirk, stop the press, and add me to the art, and he debuted at Boiler Room. Then you were telling me about the remix and how you loved it, and I said, I could give you an instrumental because I know you like to sing over your tracks. We exchanged numbers, and then that's how we met.”
Robert Owens counters a different scenario of how the two first met. “You know, I thought I had met you before that because I used to live in New York. I did clubs here and everything. I used to do a club around the corner from Sound Factory. But I remember the whole Roy situation. I'm saying, your mixes were the strongest. It's like the more jacking kind of mixes. So when you asked me later about doing a remix of one of the tracks off of my Naked series album, it was instant.”
He has created musical gems throughout the past decade, he’s a creator in the studio and on the decks. He has made a following fanbase for over ten years developing a timeless signature sound. The Magician headlined Elsewhere Brooklyn for his album release tour, ‘Voyage’. His sophomore release album features an array of talent with artists like Jake Shears, NAMPA, MY BABY, Bipolar Sunshine, and Boy Matthews. Working tirelessly in the studio from different locations to expand the mind and creativity including Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and Israel. Throughout the album, every melody, the compelling baselines, every riff and rhythm is every beat. The Magician put all his talent into delivering a masterpiece of a visionary album.
Ignited by an internal combustion engine fueled by raw emotion, Nigerian-born Lebanese artist Nicole Moudaber is at the forefront of her movement. For over ten years, the techno community has been hypnotized by sounds from one woman, Nicole Moudaber. Presiding over an empire that includes MOOD, her highly influential record label and global party brand, as well as a hugely popular radio show, a back catalog of incendiary house and techno releases, and a range of philanthropic endeavors. For years, she has taken the music industry by storm, every boom, every synth from every track she has ever produced. Each track she made throughout her career as a DJ and producer always gave goosebumps. Creating a Techno platform all on her own, Nicole Moudaber’s vision came true once her first episode, In The Mood, was released. “Honestly, I didn't think that I would get to where I am today, because when I first started, I only did it for love. I started making music. I didn't want to be a DJ; I didn't think of DJing. I just wanted to make the music that I love, and that gave me this feeling on the dance floor. So when I started getting bookings and requests worldwide, I took it seriously.”
Detroit is a magical city, it’s the city where Techno was born. Iconic DJs from decades of making music and performing have called Detroit their home. From the finest top-tier talents to the underground artists it's a talent pool in Detroit. Duo Ataxia, and one of the most talented and influential figures in Detroit’s music scene, Joshua Guerin aka Mister Joshooa, formed a powerhouse act. “What started as a bromance, and shortly evolved into a full-fledged marriage for sure.” The new DJ act was created through the power of passion, and a love of house and techno. “I think it was just like a mutual fascination with producing music and eventually partying all the time. We'd always end up back in the studio and everybody would be busy partying and making music, that's where our minds were at. So we naturally moved away from certain things and towards each other.”
