Few events feel as anticipated as the start of the new year. Beyond The Mountain Festival 2025 knows just how important it is to gather for the occasion and celebrate the human connection, both with nature and between ourselves. But not only does nature accompany us into 2026, a huge lineup of artists is coming to soundtrack that very journey alongside us.
From December 30th to January 1st, Beyond the Mountain Festival 2025 transforms Swellendam into a three-day playground for those who want their New Year’s Eve to glow up in the presence of some good techno, trance, house and psy sounds. Leading the charge this year are an incredible selection of over 40 artists, including international and local acts, ready to bring their own twist to the mountain and local treasures. Here’s what you can’t miss!
Divination
Divination is the psychedelic trance project of UK producer Daniel M. Thomas, also known as one-half of Antispin. Signed to South Africa’s Expo Records, he’s spent nearly a decade crafting high-energy sets built around tight grooves, hypnotic hooks, and that unmistakable psy-tech pulse. With releases on heavyweight labels like Iono, Iboga, and Nano Records, and collaborations alongside Sonic Species, Avalon, and Yestermorrow, Divination’s sound sits firmly at the frontlines of the psy scene.
Antispin
As the collaborative project of Divination and Octognoma, Antisipin blends psychedelic trance with experimental sound. Since 2008, they’ve been blasting dance floors worldwide at festivals like Ozora or Universo Paralello & more. It was their debut album, Cropped Circles (2012), that set the tone for their evolving sound, and recent releases on Trick Music UK showcase their knack for fusing intricate production with dancefloor energy.
Seth Schwarz & Lydgen (Live Set)
Seth Schwarz & Lydgen join forces to bring their unique twist to melodic techno. Seth Schwarz, with a classical music background, merges electronic beats with symphonic composition. Known for recording dozens of instrumental layers per production, his sets balance organic house with ambient electronica. Together with Lydgen‘s angelic vocals and mixing skills, they’ll deliver something hypnotic that will be nothing short of danceable.
Avem
The Swiss creator who rules both the audio and visual booth, AVEM, has a knack for house, downtempo and techno, with hints of Krautrock and hip-hop feels. Since 2017, he’s been on the label radar with Heimlich Musik and LOKD, delivering live shows that combine synths, field recordings, acoustic experiments, and ethereal vocals alongside his striking visuals. If you hadn’t gathered, AVEM is guaranteed to stand out on the festival’s signature stages.
Abby Nurock
Abby Nurock is a Johannesburg-based vinyl DJ and co-founder of SAMP Records. Since 2002, she’s been spinning deep house, acid, disco, techno, and electronic grooves, and well, you name it. A veteran of festivals and clubs worldwide, Abby brings the local flavour to Beyond The Mountain, keeping dance floors alive with her #StrictlyVinyl ethos and analogue touch.
Bongani Zulu
Another heavyweight from South Africa’s electronic scene, Bongani Zulu, has received warranted praise for his versatility and ability to excite the crowd by blending house grooves with jazz-fusion. Known for both his diligent introspection and residency at TOYTOY, he will keep listeners engaged from start to finish.
Miles from Mars
The dynamic duo of Max Kibble and Shane Renew bring a distinctly South African twist to psychedelic techno. Miles from Mars drives their sets with hypnotic grooves, rich synth textures, and pounding basslines that have earned them the loyal following they have today. With years of combined experience, their sound blends seamlessly into a deep, melodic style — reflected in releases on labels like Zenon Records and Digital Structures.
Irshaad.S
Cape Town’s Irshaad.S has carved his place in the underground with a sound that sits somewhere between dub techno, deep house, and hypnotic minimalism. As the founder of Audio Imprint and co-curator of the SlowDown series, the humble selector has fostered spaces that quietly reflect the same precision and depth found in his music.
Headroom
Headroom is the long-running project of South African producer Adam Metcalfe, a name synonymous with the country’s psychedelic trance scene. With over two decades in the game, he’s crafted a signature psy-tech sound that calls for a charismatic and humble dancefloor in equal measure. If you pay a visit to his set at Beyond The Mountain Festival 2025, expect a ride through layered rhythms and interesting melodic turns.
