Novah weighs in on phones on the dancefloor: “You can’t enjoy the music when you’re filming”

During the recent Tomorrowland 2026 festival, Belgian hard techno artist Novah addressed the ongoing conversation about the widespread use of smartphones on the dancefloor. Speaking with djmag.com backstage, she offered a nuanced perspective on how constant phone filming can influence the live music experience.

Novah expressed a personal sense of loss when witnessing attendees recording every moment of her set rather than immersing themselves in the performance. She encouraged festival-goers to occasionally set their devices aside and connect with the music's emotional and narrative layers. For Novah, the act of fully absorbing a live performance without distractions is an important part of the rave culture experience.

At the same time, Novah acknowledged the essential role that social media and video content play in building an artist's visibility and career in today's music industry. She recognized that platforms encouraging fans to share live moments have significantly contributed to her own rise, demonstrating the complex relationship artists have with digital exposure.

Reflecting on her own early experiences as a ravers, Novah recalled attending events without a phone in hand, often losing them in the crowd, and not having video recordings of those experiences. She suggested that this unfiltered engagement can be deeply beneficial for personal enjoyment and emotional connection to music.

Her remarks come amid broader industry efforts to recalibrate the balance between capturing moments and living them. Some artists and event organizers have been experimenting with phone-free zones and encouraging audiences to be more present, highlighting a growing awareness of how technology shapes concert and festival atmospheres.

At Tomorrowland 2026, Novah's performances drew significant attention, including a notable moment when fellow artist Alok was seen dancing in the crowd during her mainstage set. She also showcased her sound on the Atmosphere stage during the festival’s second weekend, further cementing her presence within the event’s diverse lineup.

While the debate over phone use at live music events continues, Novah’s reflections underscore the tension between embracing modern promotional tools and preserving the integrity of the communal music experience. Her stance invites fans to consider how they participate in live shows, weighing the benefits of capturing memories against the value of being fully present in the moment.

As Tomorrowland 2026 concluded its second weekend, the conversation Novah contributed to remains relevant for artists and audiences alike, as they navigate evolving norms around technology at festivals. The challenge lies in fostering environments where digital engagement and authentic listening can coexist, enriching the cultural fabric of electronic music gatherings.

Details about broader industry responses and further artist perspectives on this issue remain limited, but Novah’s insights provide a meaningful contribution to ongoing discussions about the modern dancefloor experience.