Kindred Crowned Winner of Groove Cruise's Global DJ/Producer Contest
Emerging Maryland artist earns career-making slot aboard Groove Cruise Miami 2026.
Groove Cruise – the world’s biggest floating dance music festival – has officially crowned Kindred as the winner of the Groove Cruise x LabelRadar Global DJ/Producer Contest, in partnership with Beatport.
After nearly 700 submissions from artists around the world, Kindred’s entry stood out for its creativity, energy, and emotion – blending live vocals with sleek, club-ready production. Her reward? A life-changing set on Groove Cruise Miami 2026, sailing January 22–26 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas.
Hailing from Maryland, Kindred’s story runs deep – from early songwriting roots to studies at Berklee College of Music, IO Music Academy, and ICON Collective. Her sound fuses R&B soul and pop emotion with a dance-floor edge, leading to collabs with Adventure Club, Crankdat, Wolvero, and more, plus releases on Monstercat, Create Music Group, and Subsidia.
Check out a preview of her winning tune below.
“I am beyond grateful for this incredible opportunity! It’s my very first Groove Cruise, and the fact that I get to perform on it makes it even more special. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can’t wait to experience this journey at sea with all of you beautiful people!” shares Kindred.
As the grand prize winner, Kindred joins the Groove Cruise 2026 lineup alongside heavyweights like John Summit, Cloonee, and Green Velvet. The prize also includes an official release, a stateroom for two, travel support, a Beatport membership, plenty of Groove Cruise swag and more.
Runners-up NIGHTJARS, a rising duo from Quebec known for their emotional, cinematic sound, and Arobyss, a bass house firestarter inspired by UK grit and American rave energy, also walked away with software, streaming memberships, and exclusive Groove Cruise merch.
Since 2004, Groove Cruise has been dance music’s wildest voyage – a floating world of connection, freedom, and nonstop energy. The 2026 edition features over 100 DJs across 13 stages, a stacked lineup of female artists, and 96 hours of pure hedonism at sea. With help from Beatport and LabelRadar, the contest keeps the spirit alive – giving emerging talent the chance to shine on one of the most legendary decks in dance music.
Groove Cruise 2026 is officially sold out, but fans can now join the waitlist.
