EDM’s Most Surprising Collaborations at Coachella 2025
Introduction
In a musical climate increasingly defined by algorithms and predictability, it’s the unexpected that cuts through the noise. And few places are more primed for surprise than Coachella. As the sun sets over Indio, the stages often become more than performance platforms—they become spaces for cultural synthesis, where artists take risks and audiences witness the unexpected.
Coachella 2025 proved especially meaningful for fans of electronic music, offering a lineup that didn’t just honor the diversity of the EDM genre, but expanded it—stretching its borders through live collaborations that blurred lines between styles, eras, and creative disciplines. These weren't just crowd-pleasing moments; they were artistic statements. And in doing so, they captured the very soul of what makes electronic music so vital today: its ability to evolve, absorb, and unify.
Zedd & John Mayer: A Meeting of Melodic Minds
Zedd’s set was poised to deliver fireworks—but no one could’ve anticipated just how genre-bending it would become. Known for his intricate, melodic production and cross-genre fluency, the German-born DJ turned his performance into a full-scale collaboration showcase. The most talked-about moment? A surprise appearance by John Mayer.
Together, the duo debuted an unreleased track titled “Automatic Yes,” blending Zedd’s atmospheric layering with Mayer’s guitar-forward warmth. The real surprise came when they transitioned into Mayer’s “New Light,” with Zedd stepping out from behind the decks to take on drums. It wasn’t gimmick—it was performance. It was musicianship.
Mayer’s inclusion wasn’t just a star moment—it redefined what a mainstage DJ set could be. Zedd’s additional guests—Maren Morris (“The Middle”), Elley Duhé (“Happy Now”), Julia Michaels (“Stay”), and Bea Miller—rounded out a performance rooted in collaboration, genre harmony, and emotional range.
Anyma & Yeat: Techno Meets Trap
In one of the most unexpected crossovers of the weekend, Anyma—the cinematic, progressive techno alias of Tale of Us’ Matteo Milleri—joined forces with rapper Yeat to unveil a haunting, genre-fluid performance. Known for his richly layered, emotive sound design, Anyma’s collaboration brought atmospheric depth to Yeat’s auto-tuned, chaotic vocal energy.
The pairing was a creative risk—and it paid off. Their unreleased track merged techno’s hypnotic tension with rap’s immediacy, drawing cheers from a crowd more familiar with drops than bars. It signaled a willingness from the underground techno world to interface with mainstream culture, without diluting its essence.
Sara Landry’s Pop-Up Techno Ritual
Sara Landry’s unannounced set didn’t involve a guest vocalist or pop star—but it stood out as a moment of genre subversion. Known for her intense, raw take on industrial techno, Landry’s surprise appearance drew in unsuspecting festival-goers expecting melodic house and delivered something far darker and primal.
While not a collaboration in the traditional sense, her presence symbolized an alliance between traditional techno culture and the broader EDM festival ecosystem. For many in the crowd, it was their first experience with unfiltered techno—and a powerful one at that.
Charli XCX, Troye Sivan, & the EDM Crossover Moment
While primarily billed as a pop set, Charli XCX’s Coachella performance doubled as an electronic showcase, thanks in part to her long-standing relationship with producers like A.G. Cook and SOPHIE. But the real surprise came when Troye Sivan joined her on stage to perform their club-tinged hit “1999.” The production leaned into electro-pop, backed by strobe-lit visuals and chopped-up synths straight from the underground.
This wasn’t just pop artists dabbling in EDM—it was electronic music culture repackaged for a mainstage audience. The sonic identity of the set was clearly electronic, with nods to house, bass, and synth-heavy trance woven through every transition.
When EDM Leans into Collaboration, It Thrives
What made Coachella 2025’s EDM collaborations so compelling wasn’t just who appeared on stage—it was how those appearances challenged assumptions. These were not just pop stars riding a beat or DJs dropping in a feature. These were full-spectrum, multi-dimensional performances, constructed with intentionality.
They reflected a growing trend: EDM is no longer a genre silo. It’s a framework—a collaborative canvas where house, techno, trap, and pop intersect. Where a blues guitarist can sit beside a DJ, or a rapper can find rhythm in the voids of minimal techno.
As festivals become increasingly homogenous, these moments stand out. They remind us that electronic music, at its best, isn’t about categorization. It’s about connection.
Conclusion: A Future Scored by Fusion
Coachella 2025 gave us more than music. It offered a glimpse into the future of live performance—one where genre is fluid, collaboration is essential, and electronic music stands at the center of it all.
Whether it was Zedd behind a drum kit, Anyma diving into trap, or techno surging into the mainstream via Sara Landry, the message was clear: the most exciting things in EDM are happening at the edges—where comfort zones end, and true artistry begins.
Which unexpected collaboration caught your attention this year? Share your favorite Coachella moment in the comments—or tag us with your dream EDM pairing.
Artist Spotlight: James Hype
Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Liverpool, James Hype has rapidly ascended to become one of the UK's most influential DJs and producers. Born James Edward Lee Marsland in 1989, his journey into music began at the age of 15 when he received his first set of DJ decks. By 16, he had secured a residency at a local nightclub, laying the foundation for a career characterized by innovation and a relentless drive to push musical boundaries.
James Hype's signature style is a dynamic fusion of tech house, UK garage, and urban music influences. His breakout single, "More Than Friends" featuring Kelli-Leigh, released in 2017, showcased his ability to blend soulful vocals with infectious house beats, earning him a top 10 spot on the UK Singles Chart.
In 2022, Hype achieved international acclaim with the release of "Ferrari," a collaboration with Miggy Dela Rosa. The track, which samples P. Diddy's "I Need a Girl (Part Two)," topped charts in several countries, including the Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium, and amassed over 215 million streams worldwide.
Beyond his original productions, James Hype is renowned for his high-energy live performances and innovative remixes. His reinterpretations of tracks by artists such as Meduza, Joel Corry, and Bruno Mars have garnered widespread acclaim, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and forward-thinking artist.
In 2020, he founded the Stereohype label, providing a platform for emerging talents and releasing a series of successful collaborations, including a Beatport chart-topping single with Tita Lau.
James Hype's influence extends beyond the UK, with performances at major festivals and venues worldwide, including Ibiza, Australia, Germany, Dubai, and France. His dedication to his craft and ability to connect with audiences have made him a mainstay in the global dance music scene.
As he continues to evolve and innovate, James Hype remains at the forefront of electronic music, consistently delivering tracks that resonate with both underground enthusiasts and mainstream audiences alike.
This Week in Orlando: Must-See EDM Events
Here’s what’s happening from Friday to Thursday at our city’s premier venues:
Friday, April 18
Cash Cash – Celine Orlando – 10:00 PM
Tuesday, April 22
STRFKR – The Beacham – 7:00 PM
Wednesday, April 23
STRFKR – The Beacham – 7:00 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
To fully embrace and contribute to this dynamic musical movement:
Attend Local Events: Participate in live performances and DJ sets that celebrate the fusion of funk, disco, and house music.
Explore New Music: Dive into playlists and albums that highlight this genre blend, supporting both established and emerging artists.
Join Online Communities: Engage with forums, social media groups, and local meetups dedicated to EDM enthusiasts to share experiences and discover new music.
Support Local Venues: Frequent clubs and event spaces that host nights dedicated to these genres, fostering a vibrant local music scene.
By immersing yourself in these activities, you not only enrich your personal musical journey but also contribute to the thriving community that keeps this genre alive and evolving.
