Blastoyz speaks out regarding set time discrepancies and industry disrespect

Blastoyz calls out mainstage politics after DJs have refused to play after him, sparking a conversation about silent disrespect in the scene.

Israeli DJ Blastoyz has called out what he sees as a subtle yet corrosive form of disrespect within the festival ecosystem. Yet another behind-the-scenes shuffle saw his confirmed mainstage slot moved to accommodate another artist’s demands, prompting his recent Instagram post.

Blastoyz shared that “specific artists” have refused to play after him for years. Not because of logistics, but rather because of the “energy level” of his sets. He described a recurring pattern where artists ask promoters to switch slots so they do not have to follow his high-intensity performances. Unquestionably, this cycle has turned a professional schedule into something more “personal.”

For his latest show, a “friendly” production team initially confirmed him for a prime mainstage time, mirroring previous years. Days later, the artist slated to follow him declined to confirm and requested his exact slot. Invariably, the festival pushed Blastoyz into a later position. Rather than negotiate around what he called “games” for the spotlight, he chose to move to a different stage entirely.

Blastoyz emphasized that the issue extends beyond a single festival, framing it as an industry-wide symptom. Specifically, he voiced that artists in the scene “consciously try to weaken others instead of being a cultural force.” He argued that healthy lineups require artists who are willing to “proudly pass the torch to the next gen,” instead of limiting the crowd’s experience to hour-long sets.

Blastoyz has spent more than a decade crafting a signature sound that has carried him to the world’s biggest stages. The Israeli producer has appeared twice in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll. Moreover, he has performed at events like Tomorrowland, EDC Las Vegas, Ultra Music Festival, Creamfields, and Sziget. Moreover, he boasts collaborations with OG’s like Seven Lions, Kill The Noise, and Jason Ross.

​Despite his frustration with backstage politics, Blastoyz’s focus remains firmly on the dancefloor. He will return to the high seas on Groove Cruise Miami 2026, spanning from January 22-25. He will play Friday at Studio B on Deck 4 and Sunday at the Pool on Deck 15, hinting at good vibes. Make sure to show him some love if you’re aboard!

About The Author

Ginger Ale

Having grown up just an earshot from Ultra Miami’s venue Bayfront Park, it was next to impossible for me not to fall in love with electronic music. My love for music was evidently strong enough for me to write my college essay on festival culture and continue attending Ultra for 12 consecutive years (still counting). As an avid traveler, I’m definitely not afraid to hop on a plane for a music event. My current bucket list festivals right now are Tomorrowland in Belgium, Cercle Festival in France, Kappa Futur in Italy, and Sonus in Croatia. Though the list could go on forever, some of my favorite artists are Franky Wah, BICEP, Cassian, and Mochakk.

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