Electronic dance music DJ GRiZ returns to the rave scene bringing a star-studded festival lineup and new tracks following a 17-month hiatus.
On March 11, GRiZ took to Instagram announcing he was “back to work,” sharing a reel with new music and mysterious dates, leaving fans to speculate. Days later, he announced his coming festival, Valley of the Seven Stars, set to be Oct. 10 to Oct. 12 in Arlington, Virginia.
“I’m excited to see the joy and excitement from everyone to see him back,” Drew Sandoz said. “I’m manifesting that this will be one of the most magical and beautiful festivals ever, and I can’t wait for October.”
Presale tickets on Tixr sold out quickly, and the public sale sold out even faster – in just 45 seconds.
“I was so anxious the whole morning,” Jonathan Fresquez said. “Right at 9 a.m., Tixr froze and I freaked out, but I was able to get a ticket.”
The nearly two-year hiatus from releasing music and posting on social media left fans hungry for his signature blend of funk and soul sounds accented with saxophone and electronic rhythms.
“I was never worried about whether GRiZ would come back, I knew he would,” Ricky Barnett said. “I felt that he still had so much to give this beautiful community, and it was just a matter of time."
On March 21, he satiated fan’s hunger with a new EP, GEMiNI – released only on Apple Music initially, hours later landing on Spotify and other streaming services.
“The new ep is fantastic, I started an Apple Music subscription just to listen to it,” Fresquez said. “My favorite song has to be ‘Take Me Home,’ specifically the last drop.”
GRiZ’s iconic sound is matched with an explosive stage presence and personality showcased in his performances, which fans yearned for in his absence.
“I’ve always been the black sheep in every situation—and his music felt like what I imagine my soul would look like: vibrant, colorful, and full of hope,” Barnett said. “The way he cares for his fans and gives his all in every performance is so inspiring.”
Between the upcoming festival and brand new tracks, GRiZ has fans feeling emotional and excited for what’s to come in his return to the scene.
“I’m hoping to see him still grow not just as a musician, but as a person,” Sandoz said.