Suggested:
This past weekend, the dynamic DJ and producer duo YouNotUs—comprised of Berlin’s Gregor Sahm and Duisburg native Tobias Philippsen—turned a near logistical disaster into a triumphant debut at Tomorrowland, one of the world’s most iconic electronic music festivals.
Despite unexpected challenges, including a missed flight and last-minute chaos, the pair delivered a memorable performance that underscored their resilience and dedication to their craft.
The Bumpy Road to Boom
Getting to Tomorrowland was no easy feat for YouNotUs. The duo performed in Munich late Saturday night before a canceled connecting flight in Frankfurt left them scrambling for solutions. Without a backup flight or rental car initially available, tensions ran high. “I thought, until 40 minutes before the show, this wasn’t going to happen,” Tobias admitted. Ultimately, a rental car was secured, and Tomorrowland organizers pushed their playtime back by 30 minutes, allowing them to arrive just 10 minutes before their set.
The pressure didn’t stop once they arrived in Boom, Belgium. Without a planned car pass, they faced further delays but pushed through, determined to not let obstacles derail their dreams.
A Stage Like No Other
When they finally hit the stage, the stress melted away. “Being on stage feels like coming home,” Tobias reflected. The duo's Freedom stage performance showcased their unique take on EDM classics, blending their signature sound into well-loved tracks. They also used the opportunity to test audience reactions by improvising parts of their set based on the crowd's energy.
Gregor shared his amazement at the turnout: “We didn’t know how many people would show up at 2 PM, but the room was buzzing, and by the halfway point, the energy was electric.” Their carefully crafted Tomorrowland-exclusive edits had the audience fully immersed, cementing their place among the festival’s standout performances.
Building Momentum with Tomorrowland Music
Tomorrowland marked not only a pivotal live performance for YouNotUs but also the beginning of a deeper collaboration with the festival. On the same weekend, they dropped their first track with Tomorrowland Music, “Treat Myself,” a high-energy UK house-inspired single produced alongside Mat.Joe. Their partnership with the label promises more releases and exciting opportunities in the coming months.
This venture symbolizes a new chapter for YouNotUs, who recently restructured their team and signed with Universal. “We’re exploring more freedom in our sound,” Tobias said, hinting at upcoming uptempo tracks and diverse projects.
Conclusion
For YouNotUs, Tomorrowland wasn’t just a gig; it was a realization of a decade-long dream and a springboard for future aspirations. Overcoming logistical hurdles to deliver an unforgettable performance is a testament to their professionalism and passion. With new releases, a growing global presence, and their connection to Tomorrowland Music, this duo is poised to amplify their sound and reach new heights in the electronic music world.
