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The funding of independent radio stations is always precarious, but the current cost-of-living and energy crises threaten their survival. Following the shuttering of Worldwide FM and Bristol’s SWU FM, we look at the challenges facing these beloved cultural lifelines

Horse Meat Disco held their first party at what would become known as The Eagle pub in Vauxhall, London on New Year’s Day 2004. As their weekly Sunday night queer party grew, so did their international reputation, and they haven't stopped since. Here, Andy Thomas charts the soaraway success of the disco house collective over the last two decades

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, Dirty K charts a history of ‘90s and early ‘00s East Asian rave music in ten tracks

Lifting the vocals from Jah Screechy’s reggae standard 'Walk & Skank’, SL2’s‘On A Ragga Tip’ surfed the hardcore rave wave at the turn of the 1990s before crossing over to bring breakbeats and bass into the pop charts. The track has transcended genres and styles to stand alone as an enduring dance classic. Joe Roberts calls up Slipmatt, aka Matt Nelson — the ’S’ in SL2 — to learn its story

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

Youngsta is one of dubstep’s foundational figures, an integral force in shaping the genre from its earliest days at iconic club night FWD>>. A specialist through and through, he’s stayed true to the sound throughout its evolution, pushing the original minimalist style that’s now seeing a resurgence in interest. Delivering an On Cue mix of stripped-back dubstep ammunition, he also speaks to Rob McCallum about how the sound came to be, the vital impact of his sister, Sarah, overcoming addiction, and his hopes for the future

Though arguably most prominent in the ’90s, free parties and illegal raves have never gone away. Despite the increased surveillance from authorities, passionate DJs and sound systems continue to throw events in a similar way that they always have, looking to create a sense of community and an alternative to the commodified dance mainstream. Dave Jenkins heads to a free party, and speaks to some of the illegal rave scene’s advocates about why they keep the fire burning

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