Let’s set the stage: it’s Escape Halloween and there’s a new bombshell on the decks at the Beat Box art car. Any guesses who it could be?
Freakonico, better known as Love Island’s Nic Vans, took center stage for his first festival set. Now you may be wondering, how did a Love Island contestant end up here?
Let’s rewind to June, when a clip of Nic and Huda went viral for the now-infamous “mamacita” moment. After racking up millions of views, it’s no surprise Riot Ten dropped a dubstep track with the viral audio. With fans discovering Nic was already a raver, the viral clip becoming a dubstep track just made sense.
@riottenmusic OUT NOW on SOUNDCLOUD 😂 @Love Island USA #loveislandusa #remix #funny #edm #rave #dubstep #huda
By early August, Nic surfaced on stage with Subtronics in Miami. Turns out Subtronics and Level Up were closely following Love Island. But Bass Canyon later that month? That’s where things really took off. Nic appeared at the Crater stage with Riot Ten, caught Sullivan King’s guitar mid-air during his set, and popped up in the Excision b2b ATLiens visuals. ATLiens even posted an unmasking video titled “a new ATLien has entered the villa.” Oh, and he officiated a raver wedding.
@atliensofficial secrets out @Nicolas Vansteenberghe #fyp #edmtiktok #loveisland
If you thought Bass Canyon was wild, think again. Of The Trees brought him out at Breakaway Philly in September, but Lost Lands? That’s where Nic got to smash Sullivan King’s guitar. Talk about full circle. Add to that photos with Kompany, Level Up, Illenium, Emorfik, Layz, Stoned Level.
The finale? That Escape Halloween set. After posting joking videos about “playing for huge crowds” (spoiler: a few friends at an empty venue), Nic actually delivered this time.
So what does this say about crossovers in EDM? Authenticity is everything. Nic’s takeover worked because he was a raver long before the viral moment. Ravers knows when someone’s using the scene for hype, but when someone genuinely loves the culture? The community welcomes them with open arms.
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