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Foreign Air’s new album, Such That I May Glow, marks another high point in their career, building on a reputation for dark, groove-driven productions and soaring, melodic hooks. With over 200 million streams, sync placements with brands like Nike and Microsoft, and tours alongside Phantogram and Bishop Briggs, the DC/NC duo of Jesse Clasen and Jacob Michael has carved out a distinct space in the alt-electronic scene. This third studio project pushes their sound into a sharper, more intentional space, pairing their songwriting instincts with a polished, modern production approach. A big part of that comes from their work with Native Instruments’ Play Series. The expressive pianos and keyboard textures became a central part of the...

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @TheDisco_Nect (@DJWS, @PartyWithStrategy_, and @CautionItsHeavy) to share their journey and vision for disco’s revival. At (02:34), White Shadow recalls meeting Strategy and Heavy during a Will Ferrell event that bonded them through disco, leading to their takeover of @CelesteChicago. By (10:57), Crooked introduces the idea of the “working class DJ,” sparking candid talk about burnout, money struggles, and questioning whether DJing was worth it. The crew reflects on DJs struggling to see themselves as artists (11:20), the evolution of Chicago’s house scene, and how nightlife has shifted from ticket sales to social media clout. At (23:50), they debate whether open format is...

Mojaxx was working on his reviews of the new VNL DANCE and TRIX cartridges from Ortofon, as well as the SKRATCH 101 stylus from Jico, and the Audio AT-XP7 carts. But then he started recording audio comparisons, and well, things got a little out of hand. So on the new episode of Beatsource Tech, he talks through and provides audio samples for 25 different DJ cartridge and stylus combinations. So whatever kind of needles you’re looking for, you might well find them included. Check out the sample recordings and download them in WAV format: Check out Mojaxx’s comparison of 25 DJ cartridges on DJcity TV. Sign up to DJcity for free. New users: Unlock full download access for just $10. The post This DJ Cartridge Review Got Out Of Hand...

Native Instruments is returning to Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) this year with an in-depth look at the culture that’s always been at the heart of our community. Centered around the launch of the latest Traktor MX2 DJ controller, we’re hosting a takeover day on Thursday, October 23, bringing together global icons like Richie Hawtin and exciting underground talent for a series of conversations, demos, and panels that explore the future of DJing and electronic music. Voice of the culture Traktor has always been where sonic boundaries get pushed. It’s the tool that bridges the gap between legends like Richie Hawtin and fresh DJs breaking through today. We’re excited to show how these different worlds influence each other and highlight how...

Chicago-based producer and DJ Kice has built his name on a rare combination of cultural fluency and club-focused precision. His latest single “Al-Ain,” out now on Treble Recordings, marks a pivotal point in his sound. It’s a confident blend of Mediterranean and Arabic instrumentation with modern house grooves. Drawing from his Jordanian heritage, he layers the expressive tones of the oud, nay, and qanun over deep, rolling rhythms, crafting tracks that feel grounded in tradition while built for the dancefloor. Central to this process is Native Instruments’ Guitar Rig, a tool Kice uses to shape and integrate live-recorded instruments into polished electronic arrangements. From subtly enhancing the resonance of an oud phrase to giving...

Notable tracks that were added to DJcity this week. View them all here. Download the tracks below. (* indicates DJcity Exclusive) JHAYCO – SCORPIO David Guetta, Teddy Swims & Tones And I – Gone Gone Gone PLUTO & YoungBoy Never Broke Again – 2 Crash Outs CID & Taylr Renee – Fancy $hit Katy Perry (ft. Juicy J) – Dark Horse – Lincoln Baio Remix * Rihanna – Where Have You Been – CYRO Remix Disclosure, Chris Lake & Leven Kali – one2three – Tall Boys Hype Edit * Chicago – Street Player – Sandy Groove Remix The Notorious B.I.G. – Hypnotize – REDD Remix Kehlani – Folded – FS Green Baby Boo Edit DJcity’s weekly picks are selected by Sir Marcus. To receive them via email, click here Sign up to preview the tracks for free. New users...

The DJing landscape has transformed in the past few years. Vibrant online communities and a new generation of DJs have altered what it means to mix in the age of streaming. The brand new Traktor MX2 was created for this very moment – to make DJing expressive and intuitive from day one. It’s an all-in-one controller that carries forward the S2’s portable, accessible legacy while embracing today’s creative demands. It was made to make DJs stand out from their very first set. We spoke with Lead Product Manager Michael Koczynski and Senior Manager, Product Design Rami Naayem, two team members behind the design of the MX2, to learn how it was built to empower both newcomers and seasoned Traktor users, why design choices like underlighting...

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @DjMeloD, @DJDStyles, and @DJ4Real24 to talk about their careers, @theBeatJunkies, and their Cali pizza spot @MadeFromSkratchPizza. They kick things off with Melo-D gives flowers to @DJAngieVee’s “Yer Not Down,” and D-Styles celebrates the iconic “Low End Theory” party that helped launch artists like @FlyingLotus, @Tokimonsta, and @Daedelus (03:55). The crew also reflects on how today’s DJ competitions differ from the Beat Junkies era (18:45). Jaime introduces the Beat Junkies Institute of Sound as “the Avengers teaching you how to be superheroes,” while the fellas joke about bad DJ habits, online instruction, and even a ROAD discount code. D-Styles on “Phantasmagoria” (20:01) and...

Drum beats are the backbone of practically every style of popular music, so having an understanding of programming basic drum patterns and different types of drum beats is an essential for producers and beatmakers of all kinds. In this guide to basic drum patterns we’ll show you how to make the seven types of drum beats every producer should know, covering drum beat patterns for funk, rock, jazz, hip-hop, house, trap and drum ‘n’ bass. Jump to these sections: How do you make different drum patterns? 7 drum patterns every producer should know: Funk Rock Jazz Hip hop House Trap Drum ‘n’ Bass Conclusion: Start making beats today To make these beats, we’ll use sounds available in NI 360 Essentials and Komplete: Studio Drummer, Battery...

Just received your brand new Traktor MX2 and not sure where to go from here? New to the world of DJing, and excited to get mixing? Fear not, getting started is easy. Mastering the art of the ones and twos… not so much. The following words will guide you through setting up your new controller, understanding how it’s connected, what else you’ll need, and playing your first tracks. The Traktor MX2 is the perfect introduction to the fundamentals of selecting, cueing, and blending music, with scope to expand your skills and explore more expert techniques such as using stem files, scratching, or harmonic mixing. Discover Traktor MX2 Jump to these sections: What’s in the box? What else do you need? Connecting your DJ gear Checking your...

Traktor, from Native Instruments, still has a loyal fanbase of users, especially in the electronic music scene. But in discussions around entry level beginner DJing, they’re rarely in the conversation in 2025. The company are looking to change that with the launch of their new affordable controller, the Traktor MX2, so on the new episode of Beatsource Tech we give it a full review and ask – is this enough? Check out Mojaxx’s review of the Traktor MX2 from Native Instruments on DJcity TV. Sign up to DJcity for free. New users: Unlock full download access for just $10. The post Native Instruments Traktor MX2: The Best DJ Controller For Beginners? appeared first on DJcity News - Music and news for DJs and producers.

The Traktor MX2 is here, and it’s our most powerful two-channel controller yet. The MX2 has everything you need to start DJing and stand out, from a straightforward mixer layout to a full set of creative, pro-level tools. It’s an all-in-one setup that means you’re ready to mix anywhere – at home, in the studio, or in the club. The MX2 also comes with the full version of Traktor Pro 4 software and a two-month Beatport Streaming subscription for new customers, so you can start right out of the box without needing a downloaded library. The MX2 is designed to let you break new ground from day one, with a setup that can grow as your skills and style develop. Discover Traktor MX2 Hands-on control: simple mixing and powerful expression...

Blonde Maze’s new album Second Sight leans into emotional detail through careful sound design. Released on Enhanced Chill, the project builds around subtle production choices that carry personal weight, with many of its core ideas formed through Kontakt libraries like Ashlight, Arkhis, and The Gentleman. Amanda Steckler, the producer behind Blonde Maze, has always written from lived emotional states, often starting songs from a specific relationship or moment. With this record, she relied more heavily on textural instruments to help those feelings translate. Jump to these sections: Balancing sound design with emotional presence How Arkhis and Ashlight shaped the album’s tone Kontakt libraries that anchored full tracks Organizing...

PLAYY. Music has officially launched! The world’s first ever social music platform, crafted specifically for independent artists and organisations. The revolutionary platform has been in the making for nearly two decades, and offers a sustainable alternative to other platforms which more often than not are highly exploitative. PLAYY. Music is not another streaming platform, instead it’s a practical, ethical and forward thinking solution that puts the power in the hands of those who create the music. In one unified hub, artists can manage all aspects of their career, from bookings, to live gigs, engaging with fans, streaming, sample sharing, sales, fundraising as well as licensing. It’s never been this simple and convenient for artists...

Kokiri has been a steady presence in electronic music for over two decades, but he’s never been the kind of producer to stay in one lane. Whether under his main alias or his hardcore-influenced side project nicedah, he’s pushed his sound through a wide spectrum of styles, releasing on labels like Toolroom, Ministry of Sound, Armada, and even putting out remixes for names like Wilkinson and Kelly Clarkson. Now, with the launch of his own imprints Kokidex and Hypersound, he’s finally built a home for his ideas to take shape without having to conform to outside expectations. We caught up to talk about the freedom of working in a purpose-built garden studio, the benefits of staying lean with your plugin setup, and why Raum and Kontakt...

Halloween season is here, and we’ve got a fresh batch of exclusive edits, remixes, and bootlegs to help you set the perfect vibe for your October gigs. The 2025 DJcity Halloween Playlist blends the biggest tracks of the year with reimagined Halloween classics – all flipped into DJ-friendly edits built for the dance floor. Whether you’re playing a costume party, club night, or haunted pop-up, these versions are designed to hit harder, mix smoother, and keep the crowd moving deep into the night. Each track has been handcrafted by DJcity’s global team of producers to give you something you won’t find anywhere else. These tools are made for DJs who want to stand out this Halloween. Here’s a short preview of the playlist. Click through...

Companies who make bags and cases for DJs have to constantly refresh their lineups in order to accommodate new gear releases, and industry trends. On the new episode of Beatsource Tech, Mojaxx takes a look at the latest additions to the Magma Bags range, which includes a new travel case for larger controllers, a crossbody bag, a bag to organise all your cables and small items, and a reissue of a beloved – if rather niche – 45 trolley. Check out Mojaxx’s review of Magma’s Fall lineup on DJcity TV. Sign up to preview the tracks for free. New users: Unlock full download access for just $10. The post What’s Your Bag? Reviewing Magma’s Fall Lineup appeared first on DJcity News - Music and news for DJs and producers.

The Pattern Player is an innovative tool introduced in Traktor Pro 4 that allows DJs to integrate rhythmic patterns into their sets seamlessly. This groundbreaking effects unit delivers an extensive library of drum kits and rhythmic sequences, drawing inspiration from legendary drum machines and the signature drums of leading electronic producers. The Pattern Player empowers DJs to layer intricate percussive elements directly onto their tracks and craft dramatic build-ups, explosive breakdowns, and transitions that go beyond conventional beat matching. When the Pattern Player is assigned to a deck, DJs can manipulate volume, pitch, and decay parameters, and add Traktor Pro 4’s effects for a truly unique sound. In this blog, we’ll...

Notable tracks that were added to DJcity this week. View them all here. Download the tracks below. (* indicates DJcity Exclusive) Taylor Swift – Opalite Diplo, Major Lazer, Busy Signal – GANGSTA – Bontan Remix Ñejo & Feid – Princessa Fred again.. & Amyl And The Sniffers – you’re a star Eve – Who’s That Girl? – Richastic Remix * Drake (ft. Rihanna) – Take Care – Dave Nunes, Marco Pedro & Cabu Pasilda Edit Haddaway – What Is Love – BVRNOUT Remix Fantomel & KATE LINN – Dame Un Grrr – Da Phonk, Ridge & Miroo Remix * Dr. Dre (ft. Snoop Dogg) – The Next Episode – Plastik Funk, Esox & Salvatore Mancuso Remix Justin Bieber – YUKON – UpsideDown Remix DJcity’s weekly picks are selected by Sir Marcus. To receive them via email, click here...

As the industry’s leading instrument-building tool, Kontakt is your gateway to the widest collection of sampled instruments available anywhere. But more than a sampler, this shapeshifting platform has powered two decades of blockbuster film scores and chart-topping hits, plus thousands of incredible instruments. And with hundreds of officially licensed instruments available from Native Instruments and other leading manufacturers – alongside thousands more from boutique developers, sound designers, and composers – you’ll never run short of inspiration. Whether you’re a producer looking for free Kontakt libraries for pop music, a composer searching for cinematic free Kontakt instruments, or simply someone looking for the new free...