As June involves an in depth and the summer season solstice greets us with its long-awaited heat, the nation’s observance of Delight Month ends on a somber observe.
This half-century-old custom took on a extra solemn tone this yr, because of an more and more hostile political regime. Nevertheless, even by these turbulent instances, main cities from throughout the nation rallied for the LGBT neighborhood to honor its contributions within the type of ecstatic parades and festivals.
From the East Coast to the West, Delight occasions illuminated the darkened skies, however none shone brighter than Washington, DC’s World Delight Music Pageant.
Jordan Sabillo for World Delight Music Pageant
Serving because the host metropolis for this yr’s festivities, our nation’s capital was chosen to anchor the worldwide occasion sequence with occasions scattered all through DC. The primary celebration comprised a two-day music pageant held throughout the Pageant Grounds At RFK Campus.
Co-produced by Insomniac Occasions, Capital Delight and Jake Resnicow, the multi-stage pageant featured a group of artists from throughout numerous genres and featured a big variety of dance music artists.
All through the weekend, dance music illustration was entrance and heart with performances by Zedd, Galantis, LP Giobbi, Purple Disco Machine, Spencer Brown, Kaleena Zanders, Patrick Mason and Dombresky’s Disco Dom alias.
EDM.com was in attendance at World Delight 2025, the place we sat down with 5 of dance music’s best to have fun this monumental occasion and talk about its implications.
Rita Ora
“It gets me emotional,” mentioned Rita Ora as we requested about her World Delight efficiency.
“My single came out today, and when you release something for the first time, every time you do it, you get this fear in your stomach,” she continues. “But to perform at something like World Pride, where you are reminded that you’re loved and appreciated—and also the community is all about acceptance—it’s one of the best release dates of my life to have that support. It’s just priceless and grateful.”
Tania Hauyon for World Delight Music Pageant
Ora was referencing her newest single, “Warmth,” which she carried out reside to an adoring crowd mere minutes earlier than speaking with us. The English famous person, who was influenced by the UK rave scene, proudly embraces her love of dance music after having collaborated with the likes of Tiësto, Kygo, David Guetta and extra.
“I always want to respect the dance community, especially because it made my career,” she mentioned. “The DJs have always had my back, so I am always going to find time for dance music.”
When requested about her favourite dance music monitor, Ora lit up and mentioned: “Anything with Avicii. I miss him so much, and I think he was a genius.”
HAYLA
As a current winner of the Digital Dance Music Award for Dance Track of the 12 months, HAYLA‘s look at World Delight solely bolstered her status.
“The vibe and the energy in the crowd was absolutely incredible,” HAYLA gushed as she recalled her sweltering daytime efficiency. “World Pride being in DC is extremely important, and I think the crowd shows strong unity and community. I think this energy needs to be spread across the country. It was really important for me to be here and show solidarity.”
Jordan Sabillo for World Delight Music Pageant
The British powerhouse vocalist, whose whirlwind of a yr consists of a number of high-profile performances and her debut album, made it some extent to lend her abilities to the occasion in hopes of being a ray of hope to the LGBT neighborhood.
“To be invited to come to this festival and to be able to speak to people through music is powerful, and the fact that I can be here showing my support and love for the audience is something I am really grateful for,” HAYLA mentioned.
As probably the most recognizable voices in EDM, her foray into the dance music world is pretty current. She spoke extremely concerning the style’s hovering vocals and melodies, which she leaned into as her profession blossomed.
“I’m from a band background,” she says when requested about her begin within the music trade. “I’ve been in many different bands, many different genres, but I’ve always loved dance music. It’s always been there, bubbling in the background.”
HAYLA says she hopes her music is usually a supply of inspiration for not solely the LGBT neighborhood, but in addition for anybody struggling to seek out themselves.
“When I write something, I hope that it’s gonna resonate with someone, and anyone who listens to my music feels like they have a home… If it feels like there’s something you’re going through, they know someone else has gone through it too, so you don’t feel isolated,” she defined. The ability of music can convey pleasure and produce individuals collectively, and if I’ve managed to create one thing like that, I really feel extremely proud.”
SOFI TUKKER
Using excessive off back-to-back album releases (Bread and Butter, respectively), SOFI TUKKER took to the stage at World Pride to showcase their latest bangers alongside nostalgic gay anthems, including a mix of Shania Twain’s “Man I Really feel Like A Lady.”
“I made that remix for Stagecoach,” Tucker Halpern said of his rework of Twain’s 1997 smash hit. “We considered including it proper earlier than we went on, and thought that it might be good right here. In order that was actually enjoyable seeing their response.”
“We all the time love doing the pleasure stuff,” added Halpern, who spoke on behalf of SOFI TUKKER due to bandmate Sophie Hawley-Weld’s need for vocal rest. “We have executed a ton of occasions with Jake Resnicow earlier than. I really grew up with Jake in Boston, so I felt proper at dwelling.”
The duo’s World Delight efficiency landed in the midst of their busy tour schedule, which features a Las Vegas residency with Wynn Nightlife. It additionally included a choreographed dance routine by members of the California-based dance group Bob’s Dance Store, with whom SOFI TUKKER have collaborated extensively on tour.
Tania Hauyon for World Delight Music Pageant
“We love Bob’s Dance Shop,” Halpern says. “Since coming out of the pandemic, we’ve been touring with them and they’ve become a really fun part of our show. They’re such a fun vibe to be around.”
When requested about what we might anticipate out of SOFI TUKKER within the coming months, Halpern excitedly mentioned: “Honestly, we’re finishing up some of the best music I think we’ve made. These are full-on bangers and we’re really excited about that.”
Anabel Englund
Not one to be shy, Anabel Englund totally embraced her individuality when talking concerning the significance of pleasure festivities.
“I’m pansexual and I feel that now more than ever we need to show who we are and be proud of it,” Englund informed us. “I see so many people shining their light, and what makes people afraid is when we gays are authentic. The world needs authentic people who are true to themselves and can go outside every day and be themselves.”
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The chart-topping artist delivered a standout showcase of her newest and biggest to the legions of followers she had within the viewers at World Delight.
“I feel like at pride events we get our opportunities to shine, and I love bringing dance music to the people because it’s really what speaks to my soul,” she mentioned. “It just makes me feel so good, and that probably translates to other people as well.”
The Southern California native, who hopes to start out engaged on an album within the close to future, expressed her love and appreciation for dance music tradition, which she says started to form her style in music when she was a young person.
“I found EDM when I turned 18 and was going to the clubs in Hollywood. I remember the music being so good, like it was speaking to me,” she recalled. “I just really like to blast dance music in my car. Whether I’m feeling sad or excited, it just feels so good.”
Tinashe
Tinashe’s musical trajectory has crossed genres a number of instances all through her profession, and her foray into the digital dance music house has been a very long time coming.
“Dancing in general is such a huge part of what I do and what I love and why I make music, so I think EDM fits into that so perfectly,” she says. “I love to play with different genres. I never like to stick to one vibe or style.”
Tinashe’s appreciation for dance tradition stems from its different sounds and rule-breaking strategy to music.
“I love to see EDM come up in the mainstream,” she says. “When it first got big, it felt like a homogenized version of what EDM sounds like. Now there are so many different styles, and as an artist, that’s so exciting to me.”
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Tinashe admitted to not attending too many festivals as a fan, however she did point out the enjoyable instances she’s had inside Coachella’s storied Yuma tent. As for her efficiency at World Delight Pageant, her presence was a big one.
“I love being a part of the queer community and I love the queer community,” she mentioned. “They’re such a huge part of my fan base and I wanna support them anyway I can. This year, of all years with this administration, we need as much pride as we possibly can. We gotta show out, so I’m excited to be here supporting this year in our nation’s capital.”
World Delight Music Pageant is scheduled to happen in Amsterdam for its 2026 run. Yow will discover tickets extra data right here.
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