• 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
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  • 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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  • A Look Into the Only Open-Source DJ Software On the Market: A Conversation with the Mixxx Team

    When we first learned about Mixxx, it almost seemed too good to be true.Built entirely as a free, open-source platform, Mixxx has quietly grown into one of the most capable and flexible DJ applications available today. It’s powerful enough for club performance, yet accessible to anyone with a laptop and a love of mixing. Oh, and because it’s open-source, it’s entirely customizable. There’s no way a piece of software like this should even work – but it does.
    Develope
  • Prisma Deer Releases Disco-Infused House Track “Fou de Joie” to Finish 2025

    Prisma Deer is closing out 2025 with a release that reflects both confidence and curiosity.
    The label boss of Cross Fade Records steps back behind the controls with “Fou de Joie”, a track that pushes his sound into a distinctly cosmic disco space while remaining firmly grounded in the physical pull of the dancefloor. Built around a bold, expressive Moog bassline, the record moves with optimism and momentum, its energy driven as much by groove as by atmosphere.As the track u
  • Rod Brito Explains How Timeless Tracks Still Win on the Dancefloor

    There is a clear difference between DJs who chase what is circulating and those who listen for what lasts. Rod Brito has always fallen into the second category. His selections and productions tend to prioritize structure, emotional pacing, and long-term resonance over immediate impact, which has quietly shaped his presence on dancefloors for decades.That approach runs directly through Waves Like This, his latest EP on Red Room. Released on November 21, 2025, the record reflects a deeper listenin
  • Pat Lok Talks Pressure, Focus, and Trusting Experience Behind the Decks

    Pat Lok has spent enough time behind the decks to know that things rarely go exactly as planned. From technical mishaps to unpredictable rooms, his approach has become less about controlling every variable and more about staying grounded when things go sideways. That mindset comes through clearly in this conversation, where he talks openly about pressure, presence, and learning how to keep moving forward when the booth turns chaotic.That perspective arrives alongside the release of Spectrum (Rem
  • From Campsite to Cozy Retreat: Why a Campground Cabin Pays Off All Winter

    Winter has a way of transforming campgrounds into peaceful, snow-covered retreats where the world feels quiet and calm. For many travelers, the idea of staying in a cabin during the coldest months combines the charm of nature with the comfort of a warm, private space. Whether guests want a restful holiday escape or a long weekend away from city life, a winter cabin offers a level of convenience that tents and RVs simply cannot match during harsh weather. Many travelers also take this opportunity
  • STATE Talk Community, Club Culture, and Why Scenes Still Need Physical Space

    STATE approach club music as something shaped through proximity, shared rooms, and long nights spent alongside other DJs rather than through distant online exchange. Originally from France and now based in London, the duo developed their sound inside a tight local network, where regular booth sharing and in-person feedback played a direct role in how their records and performances took form.Pre-Save and Stream The Release HereThat grounding carries through to their recent remix work for Nhii and
  • De La Groove Releases New Compilation “PANORAMA”, Provides Essential Tips for Running a Record Label

    De La Groove’s “PANORAMA” compilation has arrived, and it’s wonderful.As we’d expect from the French label, it’s a carefully assembled reflection of where house music stands right now and where it might be headed next. Featuring 13 tracks from a blend of established artists and rising voices, the release moves fluidly through deep grooves, atmospheric passages, and high-energy club rhythms. Funk, jazzy house, garage, and deeper strains all sit comfor
  • Nanoleaf Smart Multicolor Floor Lamp Review – Ambient Lighting That Actually Works in a Studio

    One of the things I underestimated for years as a producer was how much lighting affected my ability to stay focused during long sessions. I went through phases of overhead lights that felt exhausting after an hour, desk lamps that created glare on screens, and RGB setups that looked good for photos but felt distracting once the work actually started. At some point, I realized I wanted lighting that could sit in the room quietly, support the space visually, and then get out of the way.That was t
  • Solarstone presents. Pure Trance Radio Episode 470

    This week’s show features an archive Solarstone mix from 2004.
    One Man Army – The Anthem [JOOF]
    Bobina – Lazy World [Deep Blue]
    Yanave – Amythyst [Deep Blue]
    Sam Snap – Fever [White Label]]
    Vercetti – In Control [Lange Recs]
    Solarstone & Scott Bond – 3rd Earth [Made In England]
    Inner & Outer – Paroxetine [Deep Blue]Jungle Breeze – Mystery Island [White Label]
    Adam White – Ballerina [White Label]
    Recluse – Emotional Void [D
  • Why SOUNDBOKS Keeps Winning Holiday Gift Guides for Music Lovers

    When people talk about party speakers, the conversation usually drifts toward volume first.
    That makes sense, but it misses the bigger picture of what actually makes a system work in real life. Portability, battery life, durability, and how easily everything connects end up mattering just as much once the music starts and no one wants to babysit gear. That is where SOUNDBOKS has carved out its lane, and why it keeps showing up in serious holiday gift conversations year after year.Rather than cha
  • Felix Kessler and Alex Drift Provide Two Unique Takes on SITARA & Alex Drift’s “Chase The Moment”

    SITARA & Alex Drift‘s “Chase The Moment” was always built around motion (emotional, lyrical, physical) and with two new remixes recently landing, the track now reveals just how far that motion can travel. Rather than competing visions, the reworks by Felix Kessler and Alex Drift feel like parallel paths branching from the same core idea, each illuminating a different version of forward momentum.Felix Kessler’s remix, released on December 5th, refra
  • 7 Of The Best Social Media Marketing Tools for Music Producers, DJs, and Artists To Try

    Table of ContentsHootsuiteLaterBufferMetricoolSprout SocialPlanolySocialBeeAbove Image Cred: Courtesy Of Magnetic Magazine Recordings’ Artist Discognition. Product Image Cred Courtesy Of Respective Brands
    If you are an artist trying to stay visible online, you already know social media can feel like a second full-time job, and having access to social media marketing tools for music producers can really make or break your career (and more importantly, your time and mental health).
    I have sp
  • Kujo on Performing at III Points With L-Acoustics DJ

    For nearly a decade, III Points has treated sound system design as a core part of its identity, not an afterthought. Every stage at the festival has been powered by L-Acoustics for eight consecutive years, establishing a consistent technical foundation across the site and positioning Mana Wynwood as a testing ground for new approaches to large-scale electronic music playback. That long-term collaboration set the stage for more ambitious experiments in how DJs interact with sound in a live enviro
  • How Learning Chord Progressions Speeds Up Your Music Production Workflow Right Now

    Table of ContentsThe Building Blocks: Chords, Keys and ScalesWhat Are Chords and ProgressionsKeys and Scales: Setting the FrameworkChord Progressions and EmotionMajor and Minor MoodsTension and ReleaseModes, Borrowed Chords and Advanced ColourHow Learning Progressions Boosts Production SpeedLess Trial and ErrorBetter Hooks and MelodiesCollaboration and Communication BenefitsConclusionWhen I started producing, the biggest bottleneck in my workflow came from moments where I had no idea where to ta
  • Lunacy Taps and Portals Brings Wild Delays (…And Why It Easily Won Editor’s Choice)[Review]

    Table of ContentsEditor’s Choice AwardTaps Multi-Tap Delay Engine and Timing ControlPitch, Tape Processing, and Per-Tap Control in TapsPortals Feedback Architecture Inside BEAMWorkflow, Presets, and Practical ConsiderationsDelay plugins are one of those things I reach for constantly, but I also tend to get frustrated with them faster than I expect. I will dial something in that feels good for a bar or two, then either the repeats disappear into the background or they start taking over the
  • Free Music Promotion Tools That Actually Work for Independent Artists

    Table of ContentsOne SubmitDaily PlaylistsPitchPlaylistsSoundplateThematicHonorable MentionsIndependent artists are constantly searching for free music promotion tools that actually work, especially when budgets are tight and expectations are high. I’ve spent years testing platforms, submission tools, planning software, and creator networks to figure out which free music promotion tools actually move the needle. Many options promise exposure but deliver very little in return, making it har
  • Amsterdam-based DANN is spearheading the new generation of club promoter and artist..

    DANN creates parties in unique spaces with legendary energy and innovationIn an electronic music landscape constantly seeking the next wave, producer and DJ DANN is making waves not just with his sound, but with how he brings it to the people. Following the release of his vibrant new single, “Make Us Wanna Dance,” a track that deftly navigates the intersection of classic House and the raw, swinging energy of UK Garage, we caught up with the Amsterdam-based artist for an in-depth conv
  • End-of-the-year interview with Solarstone

    Hi Rich! What’s up, how are you doing?Rich: “Hello thereI’m doing ok thanks, gearing up for Xmas, which is kind of fun now we have a toddler in the house, it’s all new bikes and Thomas the Tank Engine here!”
    We’re approaching the end of 2025. Looking back on it, what’s the first word that comes to mind and why?Rich: “Intense. The music business never slows down, only ever gets more challenging and demanding – and now that Paula & I have l
  • Gadi Sassoon Releases Forward-Thinking Live Performance Video for Latest Album “Modes of Vibration”

    Few artists move as fluidly between music, computation, and visual art as Gadi Sassoon.
    His new live performance video for his latest album “Modes of Vibration” makes that unmistakably clear, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the sculptural synthesizer that anchors the project: an instrument built from metal, code, and acoustic experimentation, designed to make sound visible in real time.This instrument, if we’re being honest, sounds like science fiction – an
  • Native Instruments and iZotope Launch Holiday Sale With Free Plugins and Storewide Savings

    Native Instruments and iZotope have officially launched their 2025 Holiday Sale, offering a combination of free plugins and tiered discounts across their catalogs. Running from December 15, the promotion is positioned as an end-of-year upgrade window for producers, mixers, and DJs looking to expand their toolkits while also lowering the barrier for newer users through limited-time free releases.At the center of this year’s campaign are two complimentary products: a new Massive X expansion
  • ARC On-Ear Review: IK Multimedia Just Solved Headphone’s Biggest Mixing Problem (And Took Home An Editor’s Choice Award For It)

    Table of ContentsWhy ARC On-Ear Brought Home The Editor’s Choice AwardARC ON·EAR and the Practical Problem It TargetsThe workflow value of hardware buttonsHeadphone Calibration and How It Changes My DecisionsStudio Simulation, Crossfeed, and Translation ChecksHardware Design, Connectivity, and Audio PerformanceControl Software, Presets, and Who Gets the Best ResultsI have spent years trying to get a dependable headphone monitoring chain that I can trust across laptops, travel setups
  • MIXX Revival 55 Turntable Review for Beginners and Casual Vinyl Listeners

    Table of ContentsHow the design fits into an actual living spaceGetting records spinning without overthinking itBluetooth and how it changed how I used itBuilt-in speakers and realistic expectationsPortability as an actual use caseWho the MIXX Revival 55 Turntable is actually forWhen I first brought the MIXX Revival 55 turntable into my studio (man cave), I tried to approach it the same way I would if a friend asked me whether it made sense for their living room, not whether it could hang with a

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