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Amidst the horrors of russia's war on Ukraine, local DJs, producers and music professionals have had their lives ripped apart, but many have passionately continued their work at home and abroad, using their experience to provide funds and direct aid to causes on the ground. Here, Tanya Voytko talks to artists from across the country about their personal experiences over the past six months, and to learn how they’re striving to preserve and promote their rich and diverse electronic music culture

Belfast’s Irish language rap trio Kneecap have created a serious buzz with their fiery, politically-attuned lyrics and chaotic live shows. Their Toddla T-produced debut album, ‘Fine Art’, and forthcoming feature film are set to catapult them even further onto the global stage. But as Brian Coney learns, their commitment to their native tongue, doing things their own way, and reshaping the narrative of modern Belfast remains their top priority

Audiophile sanctuaries for a premium auditory experience, listening bars — or hi-fi bars — are increasingly common in the UK and Europe. They prioritise a top-notch sound system and equipment, but increasingly differ from their Japanese forerunners. Ria Hylton learns more

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

Spiral Tribe were ‘90s Britain’s hardest hardcore techno crew –  a travelling party troupe of anti-authoritarian acid-adventurers, and a scourge of the establishment. With co-founder Mark Harrison in the midst of writing a book on their story, and PRSPCT Recordings recently releasing a collection of classic cuts from live Tribe duo R-Zac, Harold Heath dives into their history, legacy and vow to 'Never Stop'

Since beatboxing first arrived on British shores from the US in the ’80s, the passion and innovation of UK acts have taken the art to unimaginable heights. Jak Hutchcraft charts the development of the scene, speaking to boundary breakers and educators, and finds it in ruder health than ever