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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

Released on 30th January 1989, New Order’s fifth album is a sun-flushed pinnacle of dance rock, directly inspired by the hedonistic energy of Ibiza’s burgeoning club scene of the time. 35 years on, with the help of the album’s engineer Michael Johnson, Ben Cardew reflects on its legacy, and its influence on the acid house era

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

1st May 1994 was the first big London protest against the looming Criminal Justice Bill, the piece of legislation that first proscribed a genre of music — rave music, “wholly or predominantly categorised by the emission of a succession of repetitive beats” — in law. Despite widespread demonstrations at what was seen as draconian power-grabs by the UK authorities, the Bill became law later in 1994. Here, Harold Heath looks back at the reaction from the dance music community at the time, and the Act’s lasting impact on the rave scene today

Flawless DJ, frequent hitmaker, dedicated mentor: Tony De Vit was a true hero of UK dance music. The most high-profile resident at hedonistic queer club Trade, he helped create the hard house sound, and was renowned not only for his impeccable mixing, but his compassion and care for others. Ahead of a new documentary, and with hard house at large once more, Stewart Who? reflects on his legacy with those he was close to, and those he influenced

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

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

The latest and greatest DJs and producers rising to the top this month. From deep Afro-house and trance-infused techno to atmospheric jungle and beyond, here's May 2022's list of upcoming talent you should be keeping track of

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

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