Bridging Beats: Winter Music Conference 2025
Introduction: Music as a Movement
Electronic dance music is more than just sound—it’s a force that unites people, creating shared experiences that transcend barriers. In Orlando, our EDM scene thrives on this sense of connection, filling dance floors and festival grounds with energy, passion, and community. But while our city pulses with vibrant beats, the heart of the industry beats strongest each year at the Winter Music Conference (WMC).
Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, WMC has long been a cornerstone of electronic music culture, setting the stage for the industry’s biggest conversations, collaborations, and innovations. As Miami Beach prepares for WMC 2025, Orlando’s EDM community has a unique opportunity to engage with this global gathering. Whether you’re an artist, a fan, or simply someone who loves the way music brings people together, this year’s conference promises something for everyone.
Winter Music Conference 2025: A Legacy of Influence
From March 26–28, 2025, Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort will host a gathering of industry leaders, top-tier artists, and passionate music lovers, all coming together to celebrate and shape the future of EDM. The first wave of programming has already been announced, featuring an impressive lineup of panels, workshops, and networking events.
What to Expect at WMC 2025:
🎶 Artist Panels: Engage with some of EDM’s most exciting names, including LP Giobbi, Shimza, HAYLA, Aluna, and Sydney Blu.
🎛️ Industry Expert Sessions: Gain insights from executives at Ultra Records, SoundCloud, Defected Records, and Warner Records on the future of electronic music.
🎧 Workshops & Masterclasses: Learn from top producers and DJs, refining skills in sound design, music business strategy, and live performance techniques.
🌎 Networking & Live Events: Attend exclusive parties, meet fellow music lovers, and witness the EDMAs/IDMAs Hybrid Awards Show, honoring excellence in dance music.
Artist Spotlight: Salute
No one is redefining house music as boldly as salute. Born Felix Angyumanu Nyajo in Vienna, Austria, to Nigerian parents, salute’s sound is a masterful fusion of house, UK garage, and future bass—a high-energy yet soulful blend that’s captivating dance floors worldwide. Often described as "fast, soulful house music," his style bridges emotional depth with rhythm-driven club beats.
His recent album "TRUE MAGIC" has solidified his place in the electronic scene, featuring standout collaborations with Disclosure, Rina Sawayama, Empress Of, Karma Kid, Sam Gellaitry, piri, and more. Tracks like "saving flowers", featuring Rina Sawayama, showcase salute’s ability to blend euphoria with introspection, a signature trait that keeps fans coming back.
Beyond the music, salute is shaping the future of the industry. In 2022, he introduced an inclusion rider, requiring at least one underrepresented act to be booked alongside him at every show—a move that underscores his commitment to diversity and equity in EDM.
With a growing global following and a fresh take on house music, salute is pushing boundaries while keeping dance floors alive.
Salute
This Week in Orlando: Must-See EDM Events
If you’re not heading to Miami just yet, Orlando has its own lineup of incredible EDM shows this week. Here’s what’s happening from Friday to Thursday at our city’s premier venues:
Friday, February 14, 2025
Black Tiger Sex Machine – The Vanguard – 10:00 PM
Ship Wrek – Celine Orlando – 10:00 PM
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Illusionize – Elixir – 10:00 PM
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Eli & Fur – Elixir – 10:00 PM
Thursday, February 20, 2025
NITTI – Celine Orlando – 10:00 PM
Psyclon Nine – Conduit – 8:00 PM
Note: Event details are subject to change. Please check the official event pages for the most current information.
Connecting with Orlando’s EDM community is easier than you think. Start by attending smaller, local shows where you can meet other fans and discover hidden gems in the scene. Follow venues like The Beacham and The Social on social media for updates, and don’t forget to network with fellow attendees—it’s a great way to find future events and build friendships.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to explore the venue, secure the best spot near the DJ, and soak in the full experience.
Challenge: Explore smaller venues like Haven Orlando to catch intimate performances and uncover rising stars.
How to Engage with Orlando’s EDM Community
Want to be part of something bigger than just a night out? Here’s how you can fully experience Orlando’s EDM scene:
🎟️ Support Local & Touring DJs – From underground tech house sets at Elixir to large-scale productions at The Vanguard, every show strengthens our scene.
🔗 Join the Conversation Online – Connect with local EDM fans and stay in the loop via groups like Orlando EDM Events on Facebook.
🎧 Discover New Artists – Take a chance on smaller shows and emerging DJs—today’s openers could be tomorrow’s headliners.
🏆 Plan Your WMC Trip – Even if you’re not attending all three days, a quick trip to Miami Beach during the conference could introduce you to game-changing experiences and connections.
