Neon Nights: Tracing Phoenix’s Electronic Dance Evolution
December 2, 2025
December 2, 2025
How Has Rave Culture Changed?
For an electronic artist to reach a high level, they need to put in serious work. It’s not just about creating incredible music, a task that often takes years of grinding; they also need to learn how to market and brand themselves, as well as manage and support a team. Success rarely happens overnight, and almost all the artists on festival lineups have put in serious work to get there. For those at the top, the amount of effort they’ve invested is almost unimaginable, often requiring extreme levels of sacrifice. With that said, it’s understandable why some artists are taking time for themselves. A break is not only great for their well-being but also for the fans, as it signals that their favorite artist will eventually return. Let’s delve into the hiatuses of three major artists as we patiently await GRiZ’s comeback.
While Skrillex never truly took a complete break from releasing music or posting on social media, he significantly reduced his activity from 2018 to 2021. During this time, he shifted his sound away from the Brostep he brought to America, transitioning into house music influenced by afro-beat rhythms. This genre change surprised many, but Skrillex demonstrated his incredible innovation and skill as a producer. Since his return, he’s released two albums leaning more towards house, and he’s back in full force, playing shows and pop-ups unpredictably.
Pretty Lights recently took a significant break and then returned in full force, showing no signs of a loss in popularity. Dominating the 2010s, Pretty Lights was a force to be reckoned with, inspiring artists like GRiZ and Odesza, who have remixed Pretty Lights songs. Combining live instruments and electronic funk, Pretty Lights was truly a spectacle to see live. Pretty Lights went on a five-year hiatus in 2018, remaining silent until 2023. Emerging from the break, he launched The Soundship Space Tour, featuring live editing and instruments, and took the world by storm. Pretty Lights and his live band are now headlining and playing for six hours at Bonnaroo, and they’ve unmistakably reclaimed their spot at the top.
GRiZ is the most recent example of a major artist taking a break, with his indefinite hiatus including a social media blackout and no expected music releases until his return. Having been in the scene for over a decade, GRiZ constantly produced EPs and LPs while performing tirelessly. He saw a tremendous rise through the ranks in 2021, and was at the highest peak he had ever achieved in 2023, where he performed multiple sets at the largest festivals in the United States, with fans packing out the stage at every opportunity. However, in 2023, he announced via Instagram that he would be taking an indefinite hiatus to focus on himself. As we eagerly await his return, we wish him the best and live by his motto, “Show Love Spread Love.” While we anticipate his comeback, we hope this time allows him the rest he deserves.
