News

In an industry where late nights and alcohol often go hand in hand with performance, Zedd has shared a refreshingly honest perspective on his journey to sobriety behind the decks. Appearing on Lewis Howes' School of Greatness podcast, the electronic music superstar, whose real name is Anton Zaslavski, revealed that alcohol was his pre-show ritual to combat performance anxiety for over a decade. "My default used to be to drink onstage for over 10 years, every single show, because I still get nervous," Zaslavski said. "And for the longest time, I thought I wouldn't be able to play shows sober. But that's a really, really dangerous thing to say when you play a lot of shows." Zedd. Julian Bajsel What makes his revelation particularly...

Tomorrowland has launched an architectural design studio to expand its influence beyond its Belgian festival grounds and into everyday spaces. Known for his "couture architecture," renowned architect Dieter Vander Velpen has teamed up with Tomorrowland to launch Great Library Design Studio. Inspired by the festival's immersive "Great Library of Tomorrow" exhibition, the firm's goal is to translate the Tomorrowland universe into real-world luxury environments. Tomorrowland is revered for its grand stage designs and intricate storylines, which lean heavily into fantasy. This vision is now being reimagined into spaces ranging from high-end hotels to exclusive entertainment venues. Vander Velpen describes the project as an effort to merge...

There's a fine line between honoring the past and redefining it, and Taiki Nulight NERO walk it masterfully in their 2025 rework of "Innocence," out now. The original track, the lead single from NERO's seminal debut album Welcome Reality, was already a defining moment in the band's career. But in the hands of Taiki Nulight, its cinematic sound mutates into something even darker and more formidable. Few producers could take on a track as iconic as "Innocence" and emerge victorious, but Nulight isn't just anyone. He's long been considered one of the world's most prolific producers of UK Garage music, but his recent foray into dubstep could reach even greater heights. For longtime fans, "Innocence 2025" respects the original's soul...

Do you know your mix bus from your aux and your sends from your returns? When it comes to audio routing, the terminology can quickly get confusing. But behind these dry terms lies a powerful creative tool. Clever use of audio routing in a DAW can help keep your projects organized, improve your workflow, and create interesting sonic effects that can’t be achieved through other means. So how does audio routing work? In this article, we’ll cover all the basics. We’ll explore the fundamental concepts and explain the terms you need to know. We’ll also demonstrate some creative uses of DAW signal routing, from subtle sonic polishing to daring sound design. Jump to these sections: What are the basics of audio routing? What is routing in a...

Beats as crisp as Grand Rapids' famous craft beers will soon be shaking the city after the organizers of Breakaway Music Festival announced a massive lineup for its 2025 Michigan edition. Presented by CELSIUS in partnership with MiEntertainment, the nation's fastest-growing independent festival brand is returning to Grand Rapids' Belknap Park for two nights of open-air raving from August 15-16. Breakaway co-founder Zach Ruben said the city "has felt like a second home" for the festival for nearly a decade. "Our partnership with MiEntertainment has been invaluable and we’re excited to continue to build on the incredible support the city and the locals have shown us," he said. "Together over the years we’ve been proud to expand the...

EDM.com Class of 2025 star Jessica Audiffred has announced a career-defining event: a six-hour 360° DJ set to celebrate her birthday and long-awaited debut album, Rave New World. The three-pronged celebration will take place at Verdeespina Studios in her hometown of Mexico City on April 12th. While an official release date has yet to be announced, Audiffred said the show will celebrate the impending release of her debut album, meaning attendees can expect to be among the first to hear many—if not all—of the music from Rave New World live. With an exciting mystery announcement teased for the end of the night, speculation is already running wild about what Audiffred has in store. Whether it's a new project, tour or something even...

Just one day before its 13th anniversary, Alesso and Ryan Tedder have come together to reveal a sequel to their iconic EDM track, "Calling (Lose My Mind)." Released in 2012 by Alesso, Tedder and Swedish House Mafia's Sebastian Ingrosso, "Calling (Lose My Mind)" is now widely considered a generational dance anthem. Coupled with Tedder's soaring vocals, the track’s euphoric progressive house melodies defined an era of festival anthems and became a staple during what many consider the "golden age" of electronic dance music. After topping Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs chart at the time, the song solidified Alesso and Ingrosso's reputation as masters of emotive, high-energy dance music. It is still played at major festivals all over the...

Have you ever sat down to write a song, only to find that you had a case of writer’s block, and couldn’t find a place to start? Or do you find that you’re always writing songs with the same theme, chord progressions or melodic ideas? If you’d love to break out of your old routines, and get into the world of inspired song writing, this article is for you! In this guide, we’ll share 50 of the best songwriting prompts so that you can get song ideas started quickly. With these songwriting ideas you’ll always have inspiration for a new song, whether you’re writing alone or going into a co-writing session. Follow along with this tutorial using Komplete Start, a free bundle of professional-grade instruments, synths, and sounds. Get Komplete...

Martin Garrix is breaking new ground with "Angels For Each Other," a collaboration with Indian singer-songwriter Arijit Singh in which he sings on his own track for the first time. Out now via his own STMPD RCRDS imprint, the track blends English and Hindi, melding diverse musical influences and offering a unique fusion of Garrix's signature sound and Singh's soulful Indian melodies. "Angels For Each Other" is also the first-ever English language showcase for Singh, the world's most followed artist on Spotify. In a behind-the-scenes TikTok video, the superstar Dutch DJ shared his excitement about lending his vocals to his own music. "If you had told me a few years ago that I'd be singing on one of my own songs one day, I never would...

One of New York's most popular electronic music venues, Brooklyn Mirage, has reinvented itself multiple times over the past decade. Its latest transformation, revealed today, is its most ambitious redesign yet. "The Brooklyn Mirage has always been a place to dance, to lose oneself in moments of pure, electrifying energy,” said Josh Wyatt, who took over as CEO of Avant Gardner last fall. "When we decided to rebuild the venue from the ground up, we aimed to honor its legacy while expanding the dancefloor, creating immersive side-quest spaces, and pushing the boundaries of music, art and technology.” Brooklyn Mirage’s signature, sprawling LED wall is undergoing a major transformation. Its span has been extended to envelop even more of...

DJcity’s Indie Sleaze playlist features remakes of Indie Dance classics from the 2000’s & 2010’s. Below are some of the top tracks you’ll find in this new playlist. View the full playlist with over 50 tracks. View the full Indie Sleaze playlist with over 50 tracks. The post 🚨New Playlist Alert: Indie Sleaze from DJcity appeared first on DJcity News - Music and news for DJs and producers.

On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome New York’s finest @DJSpinna and guest host @DJGoldfingerNYC. Spinna reflects on getting into the iconic Paradise Garage at just 16 (2:00), talks about the rise of NYC house clubs in the late 80s and early 90s (17:00), and reveals some of his legendary DJ equipment (45:00). He discusses being called the founder of theme parties with his ‘MJ vs Prince’ party (1:04:00), shares #Prince’s reaction to the event (1:11:00), and reflects on his top DJ memory—performing with #StevieWonder (1:19:00). The crew also talks about how new DJs often quick mix out of songs after a lack of immediate crowd reaction (1:47:00). Finally, Spinna looks back on his career and his growth as a DJ...

Calvin Harris is set to become the first artist to secure a double residency at the iconic Ushuaïa Ibiza, one of the world's most illustrious clubbing destinations. The superstar DJ and producer will take over Ushuaïa's open-air stage for 25 exclusive performances, performing on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the season. Harris, a longtime dominant force in electronic dance music, is set to introduce a new live concept for the shows at Ushuaïa, according to a press release. The landmark residency marks a milestone in Harris' remarkable career. Fresh off his headlining performance at Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience in October, his return to the brand's flagship White Isle club promises to captivate fans from all over the world under...

While algorithms churn out beats by the terabyte, Hardwell knows that the soul of electronic music remains fundamentally human. Speaking with Haute Living, the iconic DJ and producer shared his perspective on AI's impact on music production, highlighting a fundamental tension that exists at the bleeding edge of creativity. For now, Hardwell's position holds firm: human producers remain relevant precisely because they can leap forward in ways algorithms can't predict. While AI can synthesize existing patterns with remarkable fidelity, genuine innovation—the lifeblood of electronic music—remains elusive for algorithms trained on existing data. "The great thing about electronic music is that it's always pushing boundaries, and AI is...

The Tim Bergling Foundation, founded by Avicii's family in the wake of his tragic death by suicide in 2018, is calling on young people to share their stories for a new book. The initiative aims to collect over 1,000 messages from individuals under 25, which will be featured in the second edition of the organization's series, This Is What We Need – For A Better Day. Inspired by Avicii’s track "For A Better Day," the project was developed to amplify youth voices in conversations around mental health, where adults have traditionally dominated the dialogue. The new book aims to provide a platform for young people to express their ideas, needs and hopes for a brighter future, with the foundation pledging to use these stories to spark...

Martin Garrix is breaking new ground with his upcoming single, "Angels For Each Other," a collaboration with Indian singer-songwriter Arjit Singh. In a behind-the-scenes TikTok video, the superstar DJ and producer shared his excitement about lending his vocals to his own track for the very first time. "If you had told me a few years ago that I'd be singing on one of my own songs one day, I never would have believed you," Garrix said. "So, so stoked for the release this Thursday. So much love to everyone for the crazy support so far." The highly anticipated track marks a fresh chapter for Garrix. "Angels For Each Other" blends English and Hindi, melding diverse musical influences and offering a unique fusion of his signature sound...

Sometimes, the loudest voices don’t need to say a word. ESSE is a name currently enshrouded in mystery, but their sound is unmistakable—there’s little need for an introduction when the music already speaks volumes. At the center of the intrigue is ESSE's "Block Rockin Beats," a bold rework of The Chemical Brothers' seminal classic. With coiling analog synths, deep grooves and a throwback energy that feels both nostalgic and fresh, it’s an interpretation with a modern edge, honoring the track’s raw breakbeat energy while layering it with a deeper, more brooding intensity. Where the original exploded like a riot in the streets, ESSE's twist simmers with a controlled burn, tightening the groove and letting the synths stretch and coil with...

Creating a memorable atmosphere is one of the key elements of a great DJ performance. While the music is essential, the visual experience can elevate a party, live performance, or event to the next level. Smoke machines and visual FX are crucial tools for enhancing the visual impact of your DJ set. Whether you’re DJing at a club, festival, or private party, these effects add energy, depth, and an immersive environment that draws the crowd into the experience. In this article, we’ll walk through the 7 best smoke machines and visual FX for DJs in 2025, helping you choose the right tools to create that unforgettable atmosphere. From high-quality smoke machines to cutting-edge lighting effects, here are the top products you need to...

Those attending Miami Music Week in 2025 might want to include in their plans E11EVEN Miami, the downtown hotspot known for never closing its doors, who have announced five consecutive days of dance music mayhem. Running from March 26-30, the venue's lineup features Diplo, Marshmello and Gordo, among others taking command of the decks. Steve Aoki's Dim Mak label will close out the week with a showcase featuring electronic music vets Laidback Luke and Flosstradamus alongside rising stars like Nostalgix. What distinguishes E11EVEN in Miami's saturated club scene is its 24-hour operational schedule, allowing clubbers to transition seamlessly between daytime pool parties and nighttime events without ever experiencing that dreaded "closing...

House music is coming home in 2025 after the organizers of Chicago's ARC Music Festival unveiled a jaw-dropping lineup that proves the genre's birthplace is still beating strong. The beloved techno and house music festival returns to Chicago's Union Park over Labor Day Weekend from August 29-31. This year's lineup marks ARC's "most sonically diverse and ambitious curation yet," according to a press release. Heading to the Windy City in 2025 are Jamie xx, Richie Hawtin, Boys Noize, Amelie Lens, FISHER, Hot Since 82, John Summit, Anfisa Letyago, Nicole Moudaber, Honey Dijon, Duck Sauce, Claude VonStroke, Sub Focus and many more. The lineup also features a slew of compelling b2b sets from the likes of Skream and Hamdi, Ahadadream and...