The announcement of the official MDLBeast lineup for Soundstorm 2025 has sent waves of excitement through the global music community, setting the stage for another historic event in the Saudi desert. This year’s festival promises an unparalleled gathering of talent, transforming the vast landscape into a pulsating epicenter of sound and light. While the multi-day event is packed with stars, Thursday’s schedule emerges as a particularly dazzling spectacle, featuring a formidable roster of international headliners and revered icons. For any attendee, navigating this musical marathon requires a guide to the very best on offer.
Let’s delve into the crème de la crème of Thursday’s performances, highlighting the artists you simply cannot afford to miss.
The Global Headliners: The Pillars of Thursday Night
These are the household names, the artists whose songs have dominated radio waves and streaming platforms worldwide. Their presence on the MDLBEAST Soundstorm stage signifies the festival’s massive global pull.
Topping this prestigious list is Calvin Harris. As one of the world’s most successful DJs and producers, his closing set from 12:25 AM to 2:30 AM is destined to be a festival-defining moment. With a catalog of hits featuring superstars like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Ellie Goulding, Harris is a hit-making machine guaranteed to deliver a seamless set of euphoric dance anthems.
Following closely is the inimitable Post Malone. Slotted from 11:15 PM to 12:30 AM, his performance offers a compelling blend of hip-hop, pop, and rock. Known for his raw vocal talent and charismatic stage presence, hits like “Rockstar,” “Circles,” and the Oscar-nominated “Sunflower” will create a massive, sing-along atmosphere, providing a powerful counterpoint to the electronic-heavy lineup.
The legendary Swedish House Mafia bring their iconic brand of progressive house for a marathon two-hour set starting at 1:00 AM. As pioneers of the modern EDM explosion, their anthems, especially the timeless “Don’t You Worry Child,” are more than just songs; they are generational touchstones that will unite the entire crowd in a shared, emotional experience.
Completing this tier of megastars are DJ Snake and Major Lazer Soundsystem. DJ Snake, with his explosive hits like “Taki Taki” and “Turn Down for What,” is a master of high-energy performance. Meanwhile, Major Lazer Soundsystem, the visionary project helmed by Diplo, promises a vibrant, genre-bending journey through dancehall, moombahton, and electronic beats that will keep the energy soaring into the early hours.
The Electronic Music Vanguard: Icons of the Underground
Beyond the mainstream headlines, Soundstorm’s Thursday lineup is a masterclass in curated electronic music, featuring some of the most respected DJs and producers in the industry. These artists may not have the same chart-topping pop presence, but their influence within the global dance music scene is immense.
The inclusion of Black Coffee is a testament to this depth. The Grammy-winning South African DJ is a true artisan of deep house, known for his sophisticated, rhythmically complex sets that are both hypnotic and uplifting. His performance is a must for purists seeking a more nuanced musical journey.
For those who lean towards melodic and progressive sounds, Nora En Pure and Miss Monique are essential viewing. Nora En Pure is a leading force in melodic deep house, her sets often described as a beautiful, sun-drenched soundscape. Miss Monique, on the other hand, has risen rapidly as a queen of progressive and melodic techno, driving crowds into a state of trance with her flawless mixing and soaring selections.
Techno and house enthusiasts are also exceptionally catered to with the likes of Jamie Jones, a titan of the modern tech-house movement, and Camelphat, the duo behind the seminal hit “Cola” and countless other dark, vocal-driven house tracks. The organic and mystical sounds of Bedouin offer a more atmospheric and worldly closing option for those looking to dance until sunrise.
See also: Treatment Pathways for Neuropathy: Medications, Therapies, and Lifestyle Adjustments
The Vocal Powerhouses: Stars of Song and Rap
While the DJs command the decks, Thursday also boasts formidable vocal talent that brings a different kind of energy to the stage.
Don Toliver and Lil Yachty represent the vibrant spectrum of modern hip-hop and trap. Don Toliver’s psychedelic auto-tuned melodies and Lil Yachty’s playful, influential rap style provide a crucial rhythmic pivot from the electronic beats, ensuring the lineup maintains a dynamic balance.
Adding a fresh wave of pop and R&B flair is the Grammy-winning Tyla. Her global smash “Water” has become a cultural phenomenon, and her live performance is one of the most anticipated sets, promising to bring a dose of infectious amapiano-influenced pop to the desert.
Crafting Your Personal Thursday Night Journey
With such an abundance of talent, clashes are inevitable. The key is to prioritize. Do you want to bask in the pop-infused glory of Calvin Harris, or dive into the legendary reunion of Swedish House Mafia? Is your night defined by the hip-hop swagger of Post Malone or the deep, rhythmic pulses of Black Coffee?
Perhaps the best strategy is to embrace the festival’s spirit of discovery. Move between stages, catch the first half of one set and the closing of another. Let the energy of the crowd and the pull of the music guide you. From the main stage spectacles to the more intimate, curated stages hosting artists like Franky Rizardo and Jimi Jules, every corner of Soundstorm offers a unique auditory adventure.
The Final Beat
Soundstorm 2025’s Thursday lineup is not just a list of performers; it is a carefully constructed symphony of modern music culture. It seamlessly bridges the gap between colossal commercial success and revered underground credibility, offering every attendee a chance to witness their personal heroes while discovering their next musical obsession. As the lights flash and the bass reverberates through the desert, one thing is certain: this will be a night of unforgettable moments, soundtracked by the very best in the business.
