• Native Instruments Traktor MX2 Review – An Editor’s Choice Controller Perfect for Creative DJing

    Native Instruments has a reputation that works against them and in their favor at the same time.
    They release some of the best software-based instruments in the game all the time (like, they have an insane release calendar every year of VSTs and Kontakt libraries). But when it comes to hardware, they’re a bit more selective; when they drop something new, it’s usually from a particular perspective. They do not flood the market with controllers every year, so when a new one comes out,
  • Camp Snap Pro vs. Flashback One35 V2: Two Cool Digital Cameras With Old School Ideas

    Table of ContentsCamp Snap Pro Review: Minimalist, Screen-Free, and StraightforwardFlashback One35 V2 Review: Disposable Vibes, Elevated ExecutionCamp Snap Pro vs. Flashback One35 V2: The Key DifferencesFinal VerdictThere’s a quiet rebellion happening in photography right now, and it’s not what you would expect. It’s not about more megapixels, faster autofocus, or AI-powered everything. It’s about going retro or back to the old school. No screens and no instant gratificat
  • The 25 Best Disco & Funk Tracks Of 2025

    That’s a wrap on 2025! This year has been full of amazing Disco & Funk music, and the renewed popularity in the Disco House genre has been something to behold! Let’s celebrate some of the best Disco and Funk music the year had to offer!Check out the 2025 year-end SoundCloud playlistRead Past Disco and Funk Charts HereJANUARY:Supertaste – Supernova (Jafunk Remix) [Supertaste Music]If you are familiar with Supertaste‘s original version of “Supernova&rdqu
  • Telepathic Instruments Orchid Review: A Cool Quirky Chord Synth Built For Inspiration

    When I first saw the Telepathic Instruments Orchid, I wanted it. Immediately. The design looks like something from the 90s had sex with something from the 70s, and you get a Mac/WORProcessor/IBM typewriter-looking thing with one octave worth of keys, some knobs, and a lot of mystery. Even the marketing was mysterious; you couldn’t tell if you were the joke, it was the joke, or it was a legitimate device.
    So when I was at ADE back in October and saw the Telepathic Instruments Pop Up store,
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  • PartyKeys Keyboard & PartyStudio Review: A Fun Music Creation System Without The DAW

    Let’s just start this review by saying this is not professional gear; it’s more akin to the Rock Band video game than it is a Logic Pro. What’s cool is that it takes you out of that “serious” music making universe and puts you in an on the fly let’s go jam or busk mentality.The PartyKeys Keyboard and PartyStudio combo is designed for a very specific kind of musician—the one who wants to play, not program. It’s not trying to replace a DAW, compete w
  • Solarstone presents. Pure Trance Radio Episode 471

    This week’s show is a Chillout Moment Special for Christmas Eve 2025.
    Stoby – Light Harbour (Ambient Mix)
    Solarstone – The Last Defeat PT. I
    Solarstone – innermost
    Coldcut – Autumn Leaves (Irresistable Force Remix)
    Solarstone – Twilight
    Solarstone – Forever (Update Project Mix)
    Air – A New Star in the Sky
    Pippa-Reid Foster – Turning Tides
    Conjure One – Sleep (Solarstone Afterhours Mix)
    Clare Stagg – Stargazing (Solarstone Afterhou
  • Solarstone presents. Pure Trance Radio Episode 472

    Solarstone pres. Pure Trance Radio Episode 472
    This week’s show is a Requests Special for New Year’s Eve 2025.
    Worakis – Adagio for Square [Parlophone]
    Alucard – Sliver [Solaris]
    Highasakite – God Don’t Leave Me (Solarstone Subterranean Mix) [White Label]
    Solarstone – Shards (Lostlegend Remix) [Pure Trance]
    Timo Maas pres. Mad Dogs – Better Make Room (James Holden Remix) [Silver Planet]
    Winterlight – Mirror (Solarstone Subterranean Mix) [Sola
  • The Wonderful HumminGuru Orbit Vinyl Static Remover: Editor’s Choice Award

    Table of ContentsWhat Problem the HumminGuru Orbit Actually SolvesWhy Static Electricity Is a Real Issue for VinylHow the HumminGuru Orbit WorksThe Rotating Design Is the Secret SauceBuild Quality & DesignSet It and Forget it –Who This Is The HumminGuru Orbit For?Environments Where Static Is a ProblemHow It Fits Into a Real-World Vinyl SetupThe Bigger Picture On Record CareFinal ThoughtsThere are a lot of things that can go wrong with the vinyl listening experience, from warped records
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  • ROLI Piano and ROLI Airwave: The Future of Learning Meets the Future of Performance – Editor’s Choice Award

    I remember the first time I heard about ROLI and saw that squishy MPE Seaboard keyboard for the first time at NAMM almost a decade ago, it was mind-blowing. Multi Polyphonic Expression was in its infancy, and the music producer community was intrigued and at the same time intimidated, or at least I was.The product demonstrations were stunning, but made you feel like a neophyte, even if you did play an instrument. The performers were taking it to another level, doing things no one had ever seen b
  • Martin Jensen on Flow, Confidence, and Me, Myself, Online

    Martin Jensen has spent the past few years refining how he balances crowd energy, personal instinct, and large-scale creative concepts within his DJ sets. While his club and festival performances remain rooted in direct audience interaction, his broader work has increasingly explored how context, location, and format can reshape what a set communicates.That curiosity recently resurfaced through the return of Me, Myself, Online, Jensen’s livestream series that first gained global attention
  • Digital Merch Platforms for Musicians: 6 Sites To Sell Your Amazing Drip, Swag, And More

    All Images Are Sourced And Credited From Respective Brands’ Websites.Table of ContentsFourthwallGumroadSellfyPayhipBandzoogleFanhouseFAQs About Digital Merch Platforms for MusiciansIt’s no secret these days that making a living from your art often means wearing many hats, and one of those involves selling digital merch directly to fans; in fact that’s a phrase we hear so often that it’s almost cliche even if there’s a lot of truth to it.Digital merch platforms for m
  • The Incredible iLoud Precision 6 MK II with ARC X – 2025 Editor’s Choice Award Winner

    Table of ContentsBuild Quality: Compact, Serious, and Quietly ConfidentSound Quality: Honest, Controlled, and DeepLow EndMidrangeHighsARC X Calibration: The Room Finally Joins the TeamLogic Pro X IntegrationWho This Is ForCompetitors: How It Stacks UpiLoud Precision 6 MK II SpecsLiving With Them:Final Thoughts: Editor’s Choice, EarnedFlipping out monitors in your studio is like breaking up with someone: you have doubts and a roller coaster of emotions. I recently made the switch from a set
  • The Awe Inspiring Union Audio Elara.6 – Review By Magnetic and Junior Sanchez

    In the world of boutique analog mixers, there are only a handful of names that command instant respect. Union Audio is one of them. Founded by Andy Rigby‑Jones—best known for his pivotal role in designing legendary mixers for Allen & Heath (think Xone:92 and its peers) and PLAYDifferently Model series with Richie Hawtin—Union Audio has quietly but confidently become the go‑to for purists and audiophiles who demand nothing but the best. Based in Cornwall, UK, their rep
  • The Best Gear For Music Producers That Released In 2025: Magnetic Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award

    Every year, we spend an unreasonable amount of time putting new gear into real situations and seeing what actually holds up once the excitement fades and the work starts. Some products feel impressive for a few days, some look good on a spec sheet, and some quietly become part of the routine without ever asking for attention. By the end of 2025, the difference between those groups was obvious.This list brings together the pieces of gear that earned their place through daily use, long sessions, a
  • The Future of Music Promotion Platforms in the Streaming Era

    The music industry has fully crossed into a streaming-first economy, and after more than a decade of transition, the consequences are now impossible to ignore. Global recorded-music revenue surpassed $30 billion in 2024 and is projected to approach $45 billion within the next five years, yet the real story sits beneath those headline figures. Independent music now accounts for roughly 40 percent of recorded-music revenue, signaling a structural shift in who holds leverage across the industry.Tha
  • Best Digital Record Pools for DJs Who Perform Live

    All Product Images Courtesy OfTheir Respective Brands And Are Used For Promotional Purposes Only. Above Image C/O Magnetic Magazine Recording Artists Discognition at Arc 2025.
    Quick BreakdownDJcityBPM SupremeClub KillersDigital DJ PoolHeavy HitsHeadliner Music ClubFranchise Record PoolBest for high-volume coverage and frequent gigsFAQ about Record Pools for DJsDigital record pools for DJs play a quiet but essential role in how modern DJs prepare, perform, and stay relevant. For club DJs, open-fo
  • Learn The Essentials Of How Editorial and Algorithmic Playlists Impact Your Streaming Revenue

    If you have ever released a track and then watched Spotify for Artists like it was a heartbeat monitor, you already understand how central playlists are to the entire streaming ecosystem. Streams rarely arrive in a straight line, and they almost never come from a single source. Understanding how editorial and algorithmic playlists impact your streaming revenue can make or break the early stages of an artist’s professional career.
    Spotify responds to patterns, engagement, and consistency, a
  • How SEBS Learned to Let the Room Lead the Set

    SEBS and Sohail close out 2025 on MoodCollective with Nah, a club-ready single that marks their debut on the MOOD sublabel and caps off the label’s year. Released on December 12, the track leans into a direct, high-energy framework built for peak moments, pairing a rolling groove with a rap vocal that locks quickly into the room.For SEBS, Nah represents a turning point in confidence and execution. The record came together fast and began circulating almost immediately, reinforcing an approa
  • How Sohail Built Trust in Muscle Memory Behind the Decks

    SEBS and Sohail close out the year on MoodCollective with Nah, a high-impact club record that signals a new chapter for both artists. Landing on December 12, 2025, the release marks their debut on Nicole Moudaber’s MOOD sublabel and arrives as the final MoodCollective cut of the year.Built around a rolling groove and a direct rap vocal, Nah reflects a shared focus on dancefloor momentum and instinctive energy. For SEBS, the track represents a fast-moving creative breakthrough that gained t
  • Inside Talal’s Delta EP and the Methods Behind His Sets

    Talal steps into a new chapter on White Rose Records with Delta and Thrilla, a focused two track release which dropped on December 26. The EP builds on the direction he has been carving across labels like Renaissance and Spectrum and shows a clear attention to detail in how each idea develops. The title track moves with a steady sense of control while Thrilla leans into a brighter progression.Snag The Release Right HereThe interview that follows gives a practical look at how he prepares for sets
  • The Absolute BEST Electronic Dance Music Albums of 2025

    2025 was quite the year for music. Before we turn the page to 2026, let’s take one last look at some of the albums that made this year so special.You may remember that I did one of these lists midway through the year – some of those albums will be on this list as well. But, with just how strong the second half of the year was (three of these inclusions came out on the same day – July 11th), I couldn’t resist doing one more list and shining some more light on some absolute
  • VISION Celebrates Two Decades of Forward-Thinking Bass Music with a 40-Track Compilation

    The legendary bass music label VISION has just hit their 20th anniversary, and they’re celebrating in style – with a massive compilation.What began as a space for bass music pioneers Noisia to explore ideas without compromise has, over two decades, evolved into a platform defined by ambition, meticulous sound design, and long-term thinking. The anniversary release reflects that evolution with clarity, presenting a carefully curated selection of tracks that mark key moments in the lab
  • Sidechaining in Ableton 12: A Creative Guide That Goes Way Beyond The Basics

    Sidechaining in Ableton Live 12 gets talked about constantly, but most explanations stop at the same surface-level walkthrough. Load a compressor, select a kick (if you need a few more great kicks, check out the free sample pack we made with Black Octopus), dial in some settings, and move on. That approach works, but it rarely explains why sidechaining feels inconsistent across projects or why certain tracks lose momentum the moment the kick drops out.In my own sessions, sidechaining plays a muc
  • Discognition Delivers a Late-Night Take on Eli & Fur’s Air

    Eli & Fur’s Air (Remixes) lands as a year-closing release on NYX Music, but the real spotlight here falls on Discognition. Selected as a top winner from the duo’s official remix competition with Audius, Discognition’s version reframes “Air” through a lens that feels patient, controlled, and quietly confident.Rather than pushing for immediacy, Discognition leans into pacing and texture. The remix moves with a soft rhythmic sway, introducing subtle breakbeat eleme
  • How Mathame Let Real Life Shape Their DJ Sets and Visual Concepts

    Mathame’s work has always extended beyond the mechanics of DJing. Their sets, visuals, and pacing reflect a broader creative posture shaped by life outside the club, from personal relationships to moments of stillness and recalibration. That perspective has become increasingly visible in how they approach the booth, favoring space, restraint, and emotional continuity over constant escalation.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Mathame (@mathame_)
    That mindset now finds a clear fram
  • P.F. Flyers and Engineered Garments Deliver Clean Streetwear for DJs

    For DJs and producers, what you wear ends up mattering more than people admit. Long studio sessions, late nights, load-ins, travel days, and cramped booths demand clothing and footwear that hold up without calling attention to themselves. That is where the P.F. Flyers x Engineered Garments Grounder Slip-On lands in a very natural way.This collaboration takes a shoe with real utility roots and refines it into something that works in the same environments DJs and producers actually move through ev
  • Fosi Audio Holiday Sale Makes Modular HiFi More Accessible

    Fosi Audio has built its reputation on doing one thing very well: delivering straightforward, well-engineered audio gear that prioritizes performance over hype. Their December Holiday Sale leans into that same philosophy, offering meaningful discounts across amplifiers, DACs, and system bundles that actually make sense for real-world listening setups rather than flashy, one-off deals.Running from December 12 through December 25, the sale covers up to 30 percent off across Fosi Audio’s glob
  • inMusic Prepares to Open Its 2025 Holiday Flash Sale

    Image Credits: InMusicinMusic has entered the main Holiday Sale period for 2025, shifting from the Black Friday surge into a structured set of December offers across AIR Music Tech, Akai Professional, BFD Drums, Moog Music, and HeadRush FX. The seasonal promotions run through the end of the year, giving producers a clear window to secure discounted instruments, effects, expansions, and drum libraries during one of the busiest project months on the calendar.The Holiday Sale applies different pric
  • Crazy P on Playing Older Records Without Turning Backward

    Crazy P have always approached DJing with the mindset of musicians rather than archivists. Their sets move fluidly between eras, not as an exercise in nostalgia, but as a way of keeping club culture connected to its roots while remaining present in the moment. Older records are never treated as artifacts. They are tools that still function, provided they are placed with care.With decades of record-buying behind them, the group carry a deep internal reference library shaped by early 90s house, di
  • Petals In Sound Debuts on Fortunea Records with New EP “Days”

    Fortunea Records has somehow always managed to find artists at the moment their voice clicks into focus, and Petals In Sound feels very much like that kind of artist.The alias of UK-based producer and DJ Louise Baldwin, the project carries the imprint of lived-in dancefloor experience and careful, patient studio work. After more than a decade immersed in South East London’s club culture, Baldwin relocated to Crosby, Liverpool, where a slower rhythm and the enforced stillness of the 20

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