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Soaring ascents, the kind that can take an artist from obscurity to stardom in what seems to be the blink of an eye, don’t occur often, in dance music or elsewhere – those who are lucky enough to have that experience often disappear just as quickly. But there’s little chance of a quick fade for South Africa’s Palesa Desiree Shilabje, the DJ and producer known to the world as DESIREE, who in just a few short years has proved to be one of the international festival circuit’s most exciting new stars. Here, Bruce Tantum hears her story, and about how her evolution through music has been as organic as they come

Blending hip-hop, house and influences from New York’s ballroom scene, Cakes Da Killa has been opening up the conversation around LGBTQ+ artists in rap. He speaks to Nathan Evans about developing his style, the appropriation of queer and ballroom culture, and finding inspiration in the Harlem Renaissance for his new album ‘Svengali’

Monterrey, Mexico producer and DJ, Regal86, has made a splash with his prodigious release schedule and wide stylistic range. Alongside a thundering techno mix for the Recognise series, he speaks to Michael McKinney about relishing imperfections, coming up in the local underground, and the parallels between car customisation and his ever-evolving sound

Returning to the city after a five-year hiatus, Simple Things delivers a 10th anniversary programme that celebrates Bristol’s vibrant music scene whilst welcoming a kaleidoscope of international sounds into the fold. DJ Mag’s Olivia Stock reports back

Encompassing parties, a record label and a beloved radio show, Errol and Alex Rita’s Touching Bass has created an open space to celebrate Black music in all its forms, from jazz to jungle and beyond. Alongside a woozy mix exploring the DNA of Touching Bass’ past, present and future by Sammseed, Ria Hylton documents the movement’s ethos and story so far 

Kuedo’s first album, 2011’s ‘Severant’, blended filmic synths with trap beats and provided a blueprint for synthwave artists the world over. But after scoring a Blade Runner animation with Flying Lotus and various other projects, his new record offers a more expansive vision. George Bass quizzes him about avoiding nostalgia, eco-anxiety, and finding the confidence to make his music more emotional