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.
For years, Cercle has redefined how we consume electronic music. They’ve transformed pristine mountain peaks, ancient ruins, and historic monuments into temporal dancefloors, proving that music is not just something you hear; it’s something you experience in relation to the space it occupies.
Electronic music is at its best when it stops being just a collection of loops and starts feeling like a living, breathing entity. That is precisely what happens on ‘Bloom,’ the stunning new collaborative single from techno powerhouse ANNA and psychedelic maestro hailing from Tel Aviv, Israel, Freedom Fighters. Released via the forward-thinking Cercle Records, the track is a masterclass in what happens when two distinct artistic energies collide, drop their guards, and let pure intuition take the wheel.
There is something inherently magical about a collaboration that feels entirely unforced. In an electronic music landscape often dominated by calculated algorithms and engineered radio plays, true artistic synergy is a breath of fresh air. Enter ‘Fire To The Water,’ the stunning new deep house single from French melodic maestro Hugo Cantarra and London’s powerhouse duo Eli & Fur, arriving courtesy of the always-tasteful Cercle Records.
Another debut single has been certified by Cercle Records with ‘Tears’ by UK-based DJ and producer Kidnap. This breathtaking debut single will become the next massive hit for Cercle Records and Kidnap. The track is filled with the richness of harmony and saturation of warmth. Fueling the production with a delicate blend of soulful percussion and a deep bass to express this euphoric electric groove. Sublimed by a spacious sample from jazz singerMélanie De Biasio, this atmospheric gem delivers a profound raw emotion meets immersive soundscapes.
The titans of melodic house are back. Tinlicker has officially returned to Cercle Records with their latest masterpiece, ‘Melancholia.’ This single is a profound reflection on the fragility of life and the intricate ways we express love to those around us.
Coming off their Ibiza 2023 season, the melodic techno duo, Off Night managed to release their compelling new EP entitled ‘Mindwaves’. The first track the EP and title, featuring Juterus begins with high voltage and elements. Its dark and haunting lyrics are an innovative combination of vocals and melodic chords. The second track of the EP, ‘Synthetic Energy’ begins with robotic lyrics flowing with a low tempo, evolving into an obscure sound. The rich and heavy release in the track’s drop creates a euphoric and dark vibe. This three-track EP which includes the official remix of ‘Mindwaves’ lets the listeners enter the minds of the duo and their emotions in creating melodic techno. The EP is out now and available on Beatport and to stream on all platforms.
Off Night has been making melodic beats and performing at nightclubs for over six years. Hailing from Kyviv, Ukraine, they first began grinding behind the decks and forming residency shows in their home city. Their style of sound is inspired by combining dark 80s techno and new-age melodic melodies. Carving their path through this giant melodic wave, they were well in it before this wave even began. Their ambition and devotion to creating new material showcase their passion for dance music and being music producers. When they are behind the decks in Ibiza or around the world the production and mixing skills are overwhelming with satisfaction. Their first release was supported by legendary Pete Tong on his BBC Radio 1 show, and industry heavyweights Sascha Braemer and Oliver Schories. In 2021 Off Night became a resident of Ibiza Global Radio by hosting their radio show every first Thursday of the month. The duo looks to have a successful and bright future ahead.
One of the biggest-ever label showcase brands is coming to New York, SHÈN from the acclaimed progressive house and melodic techno megastar Franky Wah. The widely popular Ibiza residency party is heading to the Knockdown Center for a historical night on April 28. A carefully curated line-up of friends and peers is to come and tickets are now available.
Franky Wah has become one of the most visible breakout artists in the world over the last few years. He's played epic shows everywhere from Factory Town with Carl Cox to Printworks with Afterlife and has served up plenty of fresh tunes onEric Prydz’s PRYDAPresents, Anjunadeep, andSasha’s Last Night On Earth.
The last year, he launched his famed imprint SHÈN Recordings which led him to expand is even greater lengths to create an immersive showcase of his singular sounds. Followed by a featured thirty-track album entitled ‘This is SHÈN’ in collaboration with progressive legend Sasha and Lunar June. SHÈN is a Chinese term that refers to heaven and the human spirit. Those spine-tingling, significant vibes are what Franky captures in the music he is now playing and releasing, casting real spells on all who hear it.
LIVE MIX OF 'This is SHÈN'
The highly anticipated showcase brought by global party producers, Gray Area will be expected to be a deep and mesmeric event. Exposing the full sound and imagination from Franky Wah bellowing through the 50.000 square-foot building. Loaded with cutting-edge light, sounds, and audio-visual installations to make it an unforgettable one-off party in a truly unique space. Gray Area's two previous parties with Franky Wah sold out in advance and this one, the largest ever, will do too - so move quickly to secure your place on the dance floor.
"My first sold-out headline US show was in New York so it felt only right to bring the first SHÈN US showcase back to the city. I feel such a connection to New York and the people here that have welcomed me and my music so it’s an honour to be able to curate this SHÈN showcase right where my US journey began.” - Franky Wah
Paul van Dykis one of the leading legends in Trance, for decades his name was up in neon lights performing at iconicnightclubs and festivals. Recently, he announced his new VENTURE X live event concept which launches in North America this February 2023.
He famously feeds off his fans and the crowd, conducting in unison like the famous maestro he became to be. Shifting gears in a different direction with new elements and craft that were itchy to be unleashed. An entirely new context, focusing on embracing the unexpected. VENTURE X is an exciting new concept where the master DJ and curator sources from the finest trance, progressive house, and techno music available and brings it all together during one incredible evening. Completely unique in sight and sound, once entering VENTURE X the mind and body will turn into a force of nature like none other. This is the mission behind Paul van Dyk.
“VENTURE X allows me to explore the width of what electronic music means to me, not just what people expect me to play. It allows me the space to play what I think people should really know, feel, and be exposed to. People know me for trance but there is so much more. VENTURE X allows me to do this as a musical concept because I won’t play 130 BPM straight through but rather a wider musical experience. With most DJ sets I find you either have techno but missing the progressive sequence that takes you on a journey or you have a progressive sound that’s missing the punch. For me, that’s what it’s about, the drive, the push, the pull, and the memories that you create.” -Paul van Dyk
The VENTURE X North American tour is in full motion, stopping acrossing the nation and Canada in cities including New York City, Montreal, Pontiac, Denver, Portland, San Francisco, and Austin. See the full tour dates below.
