Metropolis Festival returns to the RDS this November, bringing a cutting-edge fusion of electronic and live music to the heart of Dublin. The 2016 edition builds on Metropolis’ reputation for immersive experiences, transforming the sprawling industrial spaces of the venue into a labyrinth of sound and light, curated for electronic music enthusiasts and urban explorers alike. This year’s lineup leads with Solomun, whose melodic house and driving techno sets have soundtracked some of the globe’s foremost dancefloors.

Moderat, the Berlin-based trio celebrated for their emotive synthesis of bass, techno, and indie sensibilities, offer a live A/V performance sure to push the boundaries of the festival context. Groove Armada bring decades of genre-bending energy, primed to deliver both classic anthems and recent club-driven cuts. SBTRKT’s forward-thinking blend of bass music and soulful vocals promises a set filled with unexpected turns and signature grooves.

On the boundary-pushing end, BADBADNOTGOOD merge jazz improvisation with hip hop and electronic rhythms, appealing to heads across genres. Cyril Hahn’s pristine, R&B-infused house will provide the festival’s late-night pulse, while Clams Casino’s immersive take on atmospheric hip hop and trap expands the margins of modern beatmaking. Novelist, a rising voice in grime, ensures a raw, energetic presence.

Jessy Lanza’s synth-driven, minimalist pop will carve out space for both intimacy and movement, and Mall Grab rounds out the lineup with his rave-informed, lo-fi house aesthetic, keeping the dancefloor in perpetual motion. Metropolis Festival 2016 is poised to redefine the Irish festival landscape, offering a meticulously curated programme that bridges the gap between club culture and expansive, cross-disciplinary art. It’s an invitation to step into a city within the city, where each room, corridor, and stage pulses with possibility.