Features

In this excerpt from Ears To The Ground: Adventures in Field Recording and Electronic Music, author and DJ Mag contributing editor Ben Murphy explores the use of found sounds in dance music as a means of examining and expressing cultural heritage in our surroundings

With his new podcast, Queerly Beloved, Northern Irish DJ Cormac explores what it means to be a queer artist in dance music today. Interviewing contemporary figures about their histories of queer discovery, the Panorama Bar and fabric regular continues an intergenerational conversation surrounding the life-affirming moments, communal  experiences and enduring challenges of LGBTQ+ expression. Alongside an On Cue mix packed with HI-NRG anthems and Italo house, Marke Bieschke learns more

If hard techno is energetic work, then Sara Landry is a divine healer. Driven by an innate desire to connect with and unite the crowd, the California-born DJ is often credited as the high priestess of the breakneck sound, but behind her signature cloak of organised chaos lies an unshakable force for good. We catch up with the international star to learn more about her spellbinding sets, and why the masses are craving a fierce new edge

Daft Punk split up three years ago, but thanks to a near-constant stream of archival video releases, album reissues, merch drops and more, the robots feel more present than ever. But what are the limits to one of dance music's most iconic acts' prolific post-split existence? Will it start to wear thin? And what does it all say about the brand-focused and content-driven ecosystem we find ourselves in today? Ben Cardew dives in

A key member of highly respected independent label, Griselda Records, Buffalo rapper Benny the Butcher has just stepped up to the majors with his new album ‘Everybody Can’t Go’ for Def Jam. He speaks to DJ Mag about listening to his fans and mentorship in the hip-hop scene

In this series, we invite DJs, producers and label heads to dig into their digital crates and share the contents of their collections. This week, Eddington Again spotlights adventurous pop gems packed with emotion and playful experimentation

Over the past three years, the name RIOT CODE has become synonymous with a strain of hard, fast techno, landing on labels like Noise Manifesto, HOMAGE and NineTimesNine and hammered out at parties like Teletech. Formerly a duo, the Derry-based project is now an individual venture for Oliver Grant, who’s ready to lift the trademark mask and take things to the next level. Alongside a storming Recognise mix that capture’s RIOT CODE’s past, present and future sounds, he speaks to Olivia Stock about going solo, navigating the techno scene as a trans artist, and what the future holds

Moving effortlessly through a range of tempos and flavours, the NYC-based, Lagos-raised DJ Akanbi demonstrates his party-starting sound with a live recording from New Year’s Day at Nowadays, and speaks to Michael McKinney about the evolution of his GROOVY GROOVY events, and taking the dancefloor somewhere new with his anything-goes approach

Delhi-born, Brooklyn-based synthesist, composer and singer Arushi Jain’s modular explorations are guided by boundless curiosity, and a researcher’s sense of wonder. On her new album for Leaving Records, ‘Delight’, she weaves enchanting vocals, organic instrumentation and elements of Indian classical music into her unique electronic framework, reflecting on love, longing and the nature of beauty. Tara Joshi learns more

Vienna-born, Manchester-based salute’s DJ sets and productions shine at the intersection of garage, French house and ‘80s synth styles. Ahead of the release of their star-studded debut album on Ninja Tune, they tell Kamila Rymajdo about their musical upbringing, flying the flag for Black artistry, and their joyful sound that, simply, makes people feel good

The latest and greatest DJs and producers rising to the top this month. From rowdy breaks and dreamy deep house to ambient electro and otherworldly techno, here’s April 2024’s list of upcoming talent you should be keeping track of

In this series, we invite DJs, producers and label heads to dig into their digital crates and share the contents of their collections. This week, Anastasia Kristensen spotlights ten idiosyncratic techno gems and electronic experiments

Continuing the legacy of his Lovefingers blog, Andrew Hogge’s ESP Institute is a truly anything-goes imprint, unbound by genre or style. Alongside a mix from its catalogue, he tells Anna Wall about how how his DIY attitude and digger’s mentality has helped him unearth countless new musical gems

Cakes Da Killa’s sound is always evolving — and his new LP, the jazz-kissed ‘Black Sheep’, is the latest step in the NYC-based rapper’s musical maturation. Produced alongside his longtime collaborator Sam Katz, it might be his best yet. Bruce Tantum learns more

Allen & Heath’s Xone:92 celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Remaining an industry standard, the mixer has stood the test of time. Here, DJ Mag’s tech editor, Mick Wilson, takes a look at the history, the heritage, and the enduring importance of this well-loved, if polarising, piece of DJ technology

For three decades, Yen Sung has been at the beating heart of Lisbon’s club scene. As a longstanding resident at Lux and its downtown predecessor Frágil, and as a producer of timeless house tracks, she’s rightly earned her legendary in Portuguese dance music. But as April Clare Welsh learns, she’s busier and more energised than she’s ever been. Alongside a thumping On Cue mix of pure dancefloor energy, she shares her story

Thirty years on from first opening its doors, Cavo Paradiso is a true destination club. Having made its name during the peak of progressive house, this Top 100 Clubs staple now caters for an international crowd. Martin Guttridge-Hewitt hears about the ups, the downs, and the secret to Cavo’s longevity

Bordeaux-based DJ, producer, and label/talent agency owner Anetha is known for her inventive techno tracks and all-encompassing sets, but on her debut album, she’s put her voice front and centre for the first time. Claire Francis speaks to her about celebrating motherhood, platforming new artists, and her love of fashion

Get acquainted with TDJ, the Montreal-born artist bringing trance-driven eclecticism to her DJs sets and EPs

In this series, we invite DJs, producers and label heads to dig into their digital crates and share the contents of their collections. This week, CORIN spotlights “glitched beats, ecstatic trance synths, heavenly vocals and sci-fi realms”