Everything posted by Ravebot
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Copyright Office Legal Battle to Run Into At Least July, New Scheduling Order Shows
Under a newly confirmed schedule, the lawsuit filed by former Copyright Office head Shira Perlmutter is expected to run into at least July 2025. Photo Credit: Maddi Bazzocco One scheduling sub-dispute later, the legal battle for Copyright Office control is seemingly set to proceed into at least July. That’s according to a new preliminary injunction scheduling order from the presiding judge, who signed off on most of the deadlines proposed by the involved parties. As many know, those parties – reinstatement-minded former USCO head Shira Perlmutter on one hand and Trump administration officials on the other – spent a good bit of May clashing over the case’s timetable. To be sure, during May’s final week and change, Perlmutter filed the complaint, the government fired back, and the former Register of Copyrights sought a restraining order as well as summary judgement. Now, with the dust having largely settled from the restraining order and summary judgement pushes, the heretofore breakneck proceedings are easing into a more measured pace. In response to a related conference order, the litigants on June 4th requested a June 10th deadline for Perlmutter’s preliminary injunction motion. From there, the defendants would have until the 24th to respond, followed by a July 1st cutoff for Perlmutter’s reply in support of the original motion. As initially mentioned, Judge Timothy J. Kelly just recently approved these scheduling particulars. Notably, with regard to the preliminary injunction itself, both sides had also asked the court to “schedule a hearing at its convenience for the week of July 7 or July 14-16.” Here, however, Judge Kelly only wrote that he would “determine whether a hearing is necessary at a later time.” In any event, the high-stakes suit doesn’t appear to be trending towards an immediate resolution; it’ll be worth charting the above-described motion and responses throughout June. And in the bigger picture, as explored in detail by DMN Pro, there’s quite a lot riding on the Copyright Office’s future from an IP policy perspective. While nothing is set in stone, the available evidence suggests Perlmutter’s reinstatement might be unlikely. But if their past comments are any indication, the acting Copyright Office and Library of Congress replacements aren’t exactly Big Tech advocates. The point is certainly important when it comes to pressing AI training questions. So is the possibility that the acting appointees could make way for permanent successors following the Perlmutter action’s resolution. To state the obvious, the music space, the wider entertainment sector, and the tech world alike have an interest in who takes the reins. View the full article
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Marshmello, Ellie Goulding & AVAION Link On Historic First Collab, “Save My Love”
Marshmello, Ellie Goulding, and AVAION have teamed up to release their debut collaborative single, “Save My Love.” Arriving today, the track marks a first-time union of dance music titans, as the superstar EDM producer-DJ and award-winning British singer-songwriter combine forces alongside German melodic talent AVAION for a summer house tune overflowing with dancefloor euphoria. Taking center stage on “Save My Love” is the latest of many iconic dance vocals from Goulding, who has worked with a host of greats from Calvin Harris and Kygo to Major Lazer and Skrillex, before the track drops into a wash of fluttering stutter house grooves from the pair of producers. The track follows Marshmello’s March-released collaboration with AR/CO, “Worlds Apart,” as the helmeted dance music hero’s fourth release of 2025, joining “Slow Motion,” featuring the Jonas Brothers, and “Fale Então,” with Argentine rapper Trueno. Listen to Marshmello, Ellie Goulding, and AVAION’s new single, “Save My Love,” below. Featured image courtesy: Marshmello. The post Marshmello, Ellie Goulding & AVAION Link On Historic First Collab, “Save My Love” appeared first on EDM Maniac. View the full article
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Marshmello, Ellie Goulding & AVAION Link On Historic First Collab, “Save My Love”
Marshmello, Ellie Goulding, and AVAION have teamed up to release their debut collaborative single, “Save My Love.” Arriving today, the track marks a first-time union of dance music titans, as the superstar EDM producer-DJ and award-winning British singer-songwriter combine forces alongside German melodic talent AVAION for a summer house tune overflowing with dancefloor euphoria. Taking center stage on “Save My Love” is the latest of many iconic dance vocals from Goulding, who has worked with a host of greats from Calvin Harris and Kygo to Major Lazer and Skrillex, before the track drops into a wash of fluttering stutter house grooves from the pair of producers. The track follows Marshmello’s March-released collaboration with AR/CO, “Worlds Apart,” as the helmeted dance music hero’s fourth release of 2025, joining “Slow Motion,” featuring the Jonas Brothers, and “Fale Então,” with Argentine rapper Trueno. Listen to Marshmello, Ellie Goulding, and AVAION’s new single, “Save My Love,” below. Featured image courtesy: Marshmello. The post Marshmello, Ellie Goulding & AVAION Link On Historic First Collab, “Save My Love” appeared first on EDM Maniac. View the full article
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Madonna Introduces New EDM ‘Veronica Electronica’ Alter Ego
Think of the Queen of Pop, Madonna. Now, imagine her as Veronica Electronica. Yes, you read that right. The pop icon recently took to social media to introduce her fans to her new alter ego, Veronica Electronica. The announcement came as a prelude to her forthcoming electrifying remix album, promising to take her fans on an exhilarating ride into the realm of electronic dance music (EDM). Madonna, who has always explored new territories in her music, revealed that she “ventured into electronic music” under the guidance of renowned producer, William Orbit. This collaboration was instrumental in shaping her highly anticipated remix album. Her transformation into Veronica Electronica is not only a testament to her evolving musical persona but also a symbol of her commitment to pushing boundaries and breaking norms. On Thursday morning, Madonna dropped the bombshell announcement of the release date for this much-anticipated project. Scheduled to hit the music stores on July 25, the album will serve as a treasure trove for Madonna’s fans, featuring eight rare and unreleased remixes, some of which were conceived during her ‘Ray of Light’ phase. The original demo version of “Gone, Gone, Gone,” and fresh edits of “Drowned World/Substitute for Love,” “Ray of Light” and “Sky Fits Heaven” are expected to be the highlights of the album. The Anticipation for Veronica Electronica Madonna’s announcement of Veronica Electronica has sparked excitement among her fans. The announcement also came with the promise of an EDM remix album, set to be released on July 25. This album, aptly titled ‘Veronica Electronica’, promises to be an exciting blend of new and old, featuring eight rare and unreleased remixes from her past work. Among the tracks, fans can look forward to new edits of classics like “Drowned World/Substitute for Love,” “Ray of Light” and “Sky Fits Heaven.” The album will also feature the original demo version of “Gone, Gone, Gone.” To whet fans’ appetite, Madonna dropped a first taste of the LP with “Skin (The Collaboration Remix Edit).” Madonna’s venture into the world of electronic music is not just about creating foot-tapping tunes. It’s about pushing boundaries and exploring new sounds, much like she’s done throughout her career. With Veronica Electronica, Madonna continues to be a trailblazer in the music industry, proving that evolution is key to longevity. Embracing Veronica Electronica Madonna’s evolution into Veronica Electronica is a testament to her ability to reinvent herself, pushing the boundaries of what is expected from her. This new persona is yet another example of how Madonna continues to lead the charge in evolving pop music, this time by venturing into the world of electronic dance music. As fans eagerly await the release of ‘Veronica Electronica’, it’s hard not to marvel at Madonna’s audacity to venture into new musical landscapes. Her consistent efforts to redefine herself and her music are what make Madonna a true icon, a beacon of inspiration for other artists, and an ever-evolving force in the music industry. So, let’s embrace Veronica Electronica and get ready to embark on this new musical journey with Madonna. As she herself declared, Veronica Electronica is her ‘other half’, and it’s clear that this other half is all set to take the music world by storm. The post Madonna Introduces New EDM ‘Veronica Electronica’ Alter Ego appeared first on EDMTunes.
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After Signing with Suno, Timbaland is Creating an AI-Focused Genre Called ‘A-Pop’
Photo Credit: TaTa by Stage Zero After signing with AI music startup Suno, Timbaland is creating an AI-focused genre, as well as his first AI-generated artist. Timbaland is determined to make AI music his own way, announcing the launch of a new AI entertainment company, Stage Zero, which will work on an AI-focused genre he calls “A-Pop.” The company is already introducing the world to their first AI-generated artist, called TaTa. According to Stage Zero co-founder and film producer Rocky Mudaliar, TaTa is one of the first steps in Timbaland’s “A-Pop” (artificial pop) project. Timbaland has been champing at the bit to create AI music since last year when he started using AI music creation program Suno, made by a company on which he now serves as creative director. Timbaland says he “fell in love” with the voice that Suno generated when he uploaded unfinished demos of his songs onto the platform. “It came to a point where I’m like, ‘Yo, this voice, it’s amazing.’” That voice became the pink-haired young woman known as TaTa. While there’s no word yet on when TaTa’s first single might be released, Stage Zero says they plan to make her seem as real as possible. She will have a social media presence, in addition to more AI-generated imagery of the virtual artist. Despite AI remaining a touchy subject, particularly in the music industry where the technology has been challenging copyright law, Mudaliar believes the opposition will subside, eventually. “[AI is] not going anywhere,” he says, comparing what he calls the inevitability of its eventual acceptance to the way influencers were initially viewed in the cultural zeitgeist. Human creators will be involved in the process of creating TaTa and her music, as well as that of other AI artists. But it’s difficult not to look at such an endeavor as a way to minimize human involvement. Often at the cusp of creating generation-defining music, it will be interesting to see if his latest move will prove to be a meaningful one. View the full article
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Which DSPs Paid Out $10 Million+ to Alleged Fraudster Michael Smith? Spotify, Pandora, and (Probably) SoundCloud Say They’re Off the Hook
An over $10 million question: Which DSPs made material payments in the alleged years-long fake stream scheme purportedly orchestrated by Michael Smith? Photo Credit: Simone Secci Billions of fake streams and millions in allegedly stolen royalties later, many questions remain about the federal case against accused fraudster Michael Smith. Perhaps the biggest of all: Which DSPs failed to flag – and consequently paid into – the years-long scheme? At least according to the indictment, that scheme saw Smith make off with north of $10 million in fraudulent royalties between 2017 and 2024. Behind the sizable sum, the defendant allegedly used bots to stream “hundreds of thousands of” AI songs. The machine-generated recordings’ titles didn’t scream “hit” – ever heard of “Zyme Bedewing”? – and were attached to “artist” profiles like “Calorie Event” and “Camalus Disen,” per the indictment. Apparently, the gibberish titles and the exclusive reliance on AI didn’t raise red flags throughout the entire streaming world. In an age when most tracks are failing to crack 1,000 annual streams – to the financial detriment of the involved talent – how did some services let the alleged scam and its billions of plays run unimpeded? Given AI’s growing prevalence, that’s another multimillion-dollar question with massive implications for the music industry. While we won’t arrive at an answer overnight – the case itself is still navigating through choppy discovery waters – there’s nothing stopping us from peeling back the streaming fraud onion layer by layer. In this spirit, we got the ball rolling by asking on-demand music platforms point blank about their contributions to Smith’s alleged scam. We’re still awaiting responses from several DSPs, and one can certainly argue that silence will ultimately prove more telling than straight answers. An important note here: The indictment specifically mentioned Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music, but the alleged scheme’s tracks made their way onto even more platforms than that. Though they’ve long since been removed, of course, the uploads also reached SoundCloud, Africa’s Boomplay, and multiple others, lingering “artist” profiles show. Getting down to it, then, Spotify previously told DMN it’d paid less than 1% of the $10 million in allegedly fraudulent royalties described in the indictment. “Spotify invests heavily in automated and manual reviews to prevent, detect, and mitigate the impact of artificial streaming on our platform,” a spokesperson told DMN. “In this case, it appears that our preventative measures worked and limited the royalties Smith was able to generate from Spotify to approximately $60,000 of the $10,000,000 noted in the indictment. “As Spotify typically accounts for around 50% of streamshare, this shows how effective we are at limiting the impact of artificial streaming on our platform,” the rep proceeded. Like we’ve noted in prior coverage, that Spotify seems to have stopped the alleged scam – on its own service – presents additional questions yet about communications (or the lack thereof) with the MLC, distributors, and more. But we’ll dive into the multifaceted topic another time. As things stand, SiriusXM told us that Pandora had contributed even less than Spotify to the alleged scam. “Pandora’s estimated royalty exposure for tracks relating to the indictment in question was $1,500.00, underscoring the speed and effectiveness of our preventative measures,” a SiriusXM spokesperson told us. “We have several measures in place, leveraging AI machine learning and other technologies, to identify and filter behavior to prevent data disruption and inaccuracies,” the company continued. “We use conservative thresholds that monitor for multiple types of behaviors in violation of our terms of service at the listener level, and in our continued efforts to combat attempted fraud we regularly evolve our methods of identifying both anomalous streamed tracks and listeners.” Next, SoundCloud opted against disclosing its cumulative payout to Smith – while directing us back to a September 2024 statement touting the fan-powered model as a means of preventing fraud. “In a pooled royalties model, it’s easy to game the system with vanity accounts that exist to blindly play certain tracks over and over, commonly supported by bots,” SoundCloud said. “In contrast, fan-powered royalties tie royalties directly to the contributions made by real listeners. “Fan-powered royalties are attributable only to listeners’ subscription revenue and ads consumed, then distributed among only the artists’ listeners streamed that month. No pooled royalties mean bots have little influence, which leads to more money being paid out on legitimate fan activity,” the platform proceeded. With those clarifications, we can cross Spotify, Pandora, and presumably SoundCloud off the list of possible payers into Smith’s alleged scheme. And needless to say, we’ll provide further updates as other responses come in – or fail to arrive. Meanwhile, we’re also teeing up updates exploring, among different things, Smith’s alleged co-conspirators as well as separate instances of alleged streaming fraud. If a $10 million alleged royalty scam can go (partially) undetected for years, it’s safe to say DSPs are hardly impervious to smaller-scale efforts to boost uploads via non-organic listening. View the full article
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Trump Preparing to Extend TikTok Ban Deadline for a Third Time, Insiders Reveal
Photo Credit: Solen Feyissa President Trump is ready to extend TikTok’s deadline for a federal ban for the third time as the White House prepares to hold trade talks with China. The previous extension to the law that forces TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance to divest the app in the US or face a federal ban expires June 19. However, the White House is expected to hold tariff discussions with China this week. “The president has said he’s willing to [announce another extension] if it has to happen,” said a government official close to the situation on Tuesday, adding that the Chinese government “just want[s] to hold this up as leverage in the trade talks.” According to a Wall Street banker involved in the deal to sell the app to US investors said Trump could be persuaded to let TikTok disappear from app stores on June 19—if he believes it will give him a strategic advantage in negotiations with China. The Biden administration signed the law to force divestiture or face a ban on TikTok to go into effect on January 19, the day before Trump’s inauguration. Once he took office, Trump promptly signed an executive order to push the ban by 90 days. Trump then announced a second extension in April, claiming they were close to reaching a deal that would allow TikTok to be controlled by a majority-US company, while a minority stake would be retained by Beijing-based ByteDance. Should that deal be completed, the consortium of private sector names will be led by tech giant Oracle, founded by Trump supporter and friend Larry Ellison. But that deal quickly went belly up when Trump launched his extensive trade tariffs, with especially rigid sanctions against China: a 145% rate. That rate was already reduced to 30% last month, as talks for a final deal resumed. Trump was previously a critic of TikTok, seeking to get it banned during his first term. He has since turned around on the platform, believing it was integral to his reelection in 2024. View the full article
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We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Venue—Subtronics Adds 6th Night at Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles As Sellout Spree Continues
Photo Credit: Subtronics.net Subtronics adds a sixth and final night to his 360-degree shows at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles after overwhelming demand. Due to overwhelming demand, Subtronics has added a sixth and final night to his 360-degree shows at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles, set for Tuesday, December 2. The previous five shows, set for December 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, are sold out, making Subtronics’ run one of the fastest-selling sets of shows in the venue’s history. The six-night stretch also marks the second-highest number of performances by an electronic artist at the Shrine, just behind Fred Again…’s nine dates. Subtronics hit the stage at Ultra’s Main Stage earlier this year, while in May he kicked off his residency at the Wynn in Las Vegas. The DJ and producer is scheduled to perform two nights at the Brooklyn Mirage on July 31 and August 1. In April, Subtronics released his latest EP, Fibonacci Part 1: Oblivion, through his record label Cyclops Recordings. The EP is part of a larger project that will come to fruition when Part 2 drops later this year. Subtronics is managed by Red Light Management’s Eric Silver, Elyse Young, and Brandon Garber, and booked by Wasserman Music’s Jake Bernstein. Jesse Kardon (Subtronics) came up in the Philadelphia music scene, and never expected his “wonky beep boop music” to go anywhere beyond small online circles. The son of a tour manager and promoter, he got his associate’s degree and went to Temple University intending to follow in his father’s footsteps. His DJ gig started out as a hobby, and it took Kardon about nine years to “figure out” and perfect Subtronics. But by the time he was 23, he had become fully devoted to the project, thanks to the support of his father. “It’s unbelievable for me,” said Jesse’s father, Rich Kardon. “I remember the first time [a band I worked with] played Red Rocks. I was a tour manager for ten years, and did Red Rocks back in the mid-80s, and always loved the venue. […] And then, to see my kid on stage at Red Rocks, it was mind-blowing.” “It’s crazy how that corner of dubstep popped off,” said Subtronics. “It was not something anyone ever expected. We were definitely the weird ones. It was just goofy and fun.” Now a touring juggernaut, Subtronics has successfully brought his unique sound to continuously sold out major events, including the annual Miami Music Week ‘Deadbeats vs Cyclops’ event in March; his Cyclops Rocks at Red Rocks in April; and most recently, the launch of his 2025 Wynn residency in Las Vegas. View the full article
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Dancing Astronaut’s New Music Friday: Jackie Hollander, Amy Wiles, RÜFÜS DU SOL, and more (June 6, 2025)
Words by Alex Lambeau, Zach Salafia, and Ross Goldenberg. New music highlights from Dancing Astronaut’s Artists to Watch in 2025: Jackie Hollander, Malóne & Baby Bash – What The World Is Exactly two decades ago, Akon and Baby Bash released an all-time classic. Fast forward to present day and Jackie Hollander has brought it back to continue her red-hot release run. Teaming up alongside Malóne, an iconic vocal sample to turn it into the ultimate summer anthem. Hollander’s summer tour run is already 17 dates deep and most recently featured stops at both Breakaway Ohio and Project Glow in D.C. Amy Wiles & Angel City – Dream Away Amy Wiles is continuing to refine her signature melodic sound. And she’s done so on “Dream Away,” her newest single in the form of a collaboration with Angel City, who provides her legendary trance vocals to the record. A year in the making, “Dream Away” arrives as a euphoric summer anthem ripe for her sets around the planet, which most recently included a stop in New York for Anjunabeats’ takeover. Zerb & Kiki Gyan – 24 Hours In A Disco (PACS Remix) After opening the year with his double-sided FAREWELL EP, PACS has returned for his third offering of the calendar. Zerb had revived Kiki Gyan’s iconic ’70s classic “24 Hours In A Disco” just a month prior, and PACS has flipped the original, repurposing Gyan’s famed vocal and reimagining Zerb’s toned-down approach for a melodic techno undertaking that once more reaffirms his Dancing Astronaut Artist to Watch status. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Argy & Omiki – Wind After months of teasing their collaboration, Argy and Omiki’s long-awaited meeting “WIND” has finally landed via New World. With a string of genre-defining releases like “Aria,” “Tataki,” “Pantheon,” and acclaimed remixes for the likes of The Chainsmokers, Zerb, and Hugel, Argy has firmly cemented his status as a global innovator in electronic music. A track that’s quickly become a fan-favorite moment in Argy’s sets, “WIND” now follows the massive success of Argy’s LP New World and the rise of his imprint of the same name. Seth Hills & DAMEN – Losing My Mind When Seth Hills manned the decks at Tomorrowland’s House of Fortune stage last July, he unloaded more than a few previously unreleased weapons. And one of those was a meeting with DAMEN. Fast forward almost a year to the day later and “Losing My Mind” has fittingly arrived via Tomorrowland Music, with Hills and DAMEN loading up a searing plate of melodic techno that incites exactly what its title suggests every time it hits the live circuit. RÜFÜS DU SOL – Inhale / Exhale Remixed Vol. 2 RÜFÜS DU SOL have doubled down on the reimagining of Inhale / Exhale with its second remix pack. Landing as 22-track expansion of the first remix album that landed back in May, the remix album sequel sees the trio invite a compelling group of electronic acts to put their own spin on the project, including Samm, Vintage Culture, LP Giobbi, and more. Arriving in the wake of their record-breaking, coinciding album tour, this follow-up collection reinforces the trio’s impact at the club level, continuing their evolution as one of the most influential forces in modern electronic music. Featured image: drewsmedia The post Dancing Astronaut’s New Music Friday: Jackie Hollander, Amy Wiles, RÜFÜS DU SOL, and more (June 6, 2025) appeared first on Dancing Astronaut.
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Music Organizations Rally Behind NY Ticketing Reform Bills to Protect Fans and Artists
Photo Credit: Izumi Two influential music industry groups, the Music Artists Coalition (MAC) and the National Independent Talent Organization (NITO) have thrown their support behind New York legislative bills A.8659 and S.8221. These bills aim to overhaul the state’s live event ticketing system—giving artists more control over how their tickets are sold. Their advocacy reflects a growing frustration among artists, venues, and fans over exploitative ticketing practices and excessive fees in the live entertainment industry. Assembly Bill 8659 and Senate Bill 8221 are designed to address several persistent problems in the ticketing market. This legislation would ban speculative ticketing, requiring resellers to actually own tickets before they list them. It would also cap secondary market ticket mark-up at 25%, curbing extreme resale prices. The legislation would also empower artists and venues to mandate that resold tickets be offered at face value—including all fees—to ensure fans pay a fair price for access. Finally, ticket resellers in New York would be required to register with the state, adding an additional layer of accountability and oversight. NITO, which represents independent talent agents and managers, has been vocal in urging lawmakers to pass these bills. IN a public statement, NITO emphasized that speculative ticketing “misleads fans into buying tickets that do not actually exist at the time of purchase, driving artificial scarcity and fueling inflated resale prices.” The organization also highlights the importance of capping resale prices and fees, noting that “bots and platforms add extreme fees—often over 40% of the ticket price—to already inflated listings.” NITO believes eliminating these practices is essential to restoring integrity to ticket-buying to protect both artists and fans. Meanwhile, the Music Artists Coalition highlights how speculative tickets hurt fans directly. “What we want is simple: do not interfere with our artists’ relationship with our fans,” their statement begins. “As musicians, MAC’s members create their art with the hope that it will connect with people. They want their fans to be able to attend shows at a reasonable price that enables them to craft a unique musical experience. They don’t want their fans competing against brokers, or bots, who intercept these tickets and drive up the price, diverting money from fans’ wallets to people who have no involvement whatsoever in the creation of the shows and music.” “We also want to end the practice of someone selling a ticket that they don’t own. This practice, called speculative ticketing, is unheard of in other industries. How can someone sell something that they do not own? Even before our artists’ tickets are put on sale for the general public, shady resellers are already listing them at inflated prices. Then, often using bots, they go and buy tickets at the face value price and resell them at the inflated price.” “We’ve heard many stories of fans flying to a show, staying in a hotel, only to get to the ticket scanner and find out that the speculative ticket is not a real ticket. The resellers might offer to refund the money for the ticket, but it doesn’t solve the fan getting shut out from the show. This bill ends speculative ticketing by requiring resellers to actually own tickets or have written contracts before they can sell them. This simple requirement protects fans from fraud and ensures artists can maintain trust with their audiences.” As the bills move through the legislative process, the unified support from these major music organizations sends a strong message to lawmakers about the urgent need for comprehensive ticketing reform in New York. View the full article
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OMRI. Hits His Groove on ‘Nothing Wrong’
OMRI. has been building something special and his Crosstown Rebels debut “Nothing Wrong” feels like the moment everything clicks into place. This three-track EP showcases a producer who understands that the best dance music doesn’t just move bodies. The title track’s “Love Mix” floats on clean, pulsing foundations, gradually revealing layered vocals and subtle emotional textures. It’s designed for those liminal club moments between peak euphoria and dawn reflection – the kind of track that lingers long after the night ends. The “Club Mix” strips things back to expose the track’s minimalist core, functional but deeply soulful. AYYBO’s remix pushes into darker, sci-fi territory with West Coast punch, yet OMRI.’s emotional DNA remains unmistakable. This feels like a fully-formed artistic statement because OMRI. has been methodically building toward it. His previous work across Hot Creations, Nervous, and REALM established his hypnotic sensibilities, while co-founding Collecting Dots proved his curatorial instincts for off-center club music. Collaborations with Moscoman, Adam Ten, and Yamagucci further cement his place in a globally-minded electronic movement. With a Crosstown Rebels co-sign and a summer of dates at Hï Ibiza on the books, OMRI. isn’t just poised for a breakout. He’s already mid-metamorphosis. If ‘Nothing Wrong’ is any indication, the next chapter is going to be worth following, closely. The post OMRI. Hits His Groove on ‘Nothing Wrong’ appeared first on Dancing Astronaut.
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From Oslo to Paris: dublon’s Sophisticated Debut EP
Norwegian producer dublon has been quietly perfecting his jazz-house fusion, and “Nectar” – his debut EP via French label Delicieuse Musique – proves the wait was worth it. This isn’t your typical bedroom producer fare; it’s bridges club culture and live musicianship with genuine finesse. The seven-track collection reads like a European tour diary, capturing everything from golden-hour soul to smoky late-night introspection. Dublon’s assembled an impressive cast of collaborators, including New Zealand jazz legend Nathan Haines, Stockholm’s TABLE, Texas alt-pop artist Deza, and French producer Tour-Maubourg. “Salve” featuring Deza and TABLE radiates that SG Lewis-backed warmth, while “CPH” with Nathan Haines delivers a flute-laced tribute to Copenhagen that’s equal parts stylish and club-ready. The EP’s smoky slow-burner “Brush” showcases Tour-Maubourg’s touch, building to the raw, piano-led title track that strips everything back to dublon’s classical foundations. What makes “Nectar” work is dublon’s restraint. These tracks roll with TR-909 grooves and tumbling jazz improvisations without ever feeling overwrought or academic. There’s real soul here – the kind that comes from someone who’s spent time absorbing the culture that informs every track. “Nectar is the soundtrack to a European summer,” dublon explains, and that’s exactly what it delivers – groovy, melancholic, and refreshingly human in an increasingly digital landscape. For a debut EP, it’s remarkably assured work from a producer who clearly knows the difference between jazz-house and jazz-house done right. The post From Oslo to Paris: dublon’s Sophisticated Debut EP appeared first on Dancing Astronaut.
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Premiere: John Alto previews next chapter with ID-filled set upload [Watch]
Since being awarded the Dancing Astronaut Artist to Watch in 2025 title at the end of last year, John Alto has already earned his stripes in his path to defending our decision. In the first half of this year alone, Alto has already racked up impressive musical milestones that include serving as the debut signee on Alesso’s Body Hi label — as well as having reworked the forenamed Swede’s new single with Becky Hill — on top of his live circuit cameos that include Coachella, EDC Las Vegas and more. And now, Alto is taking everything that he’s been working on behind the scenes over the previous year and putting it center stage with the upload of an hour-long set. Alto had previously teased at the start of May that a set upload in the works, which would only contain music that he’d personally worked on. That set is now available via Alto’s YouTube, with him offering an endless sea of IDs that give a front-row seat into what’s to come for the remainder of 2025 and beyond. Alto explained that he’d been “spending a lot of time in the studio during the last eight months,” adding that he’s “stoked to give [everyone] a glimpse of what [he’s] been creating” and that he’s “got some really big things coming later this month, this is only the beginning.” And while details have yet to be revealed, Alto also added that it’s set to be one of his biggest career achievements thus far. Out of the 14 included tracks across the 56-minute runtime, 10 are unreleased, showcasing the depth of Alto’s current production vault. From the opening moments all the way down to his linkup with Alesso from last year — while also including yet-to-be released edits of LISA, RÜFÜS DU SOL, VNSSA, Years & Years, and more — Alto’s ID-loaded set reaffirms his Dancing Astronaut Artist to Watch standing once more. Featured image: John Alto/YouTube The post Premiere: John Alto previews next chapter with ID-filled set upload [Watch] appeared first on Dancing Astronaut.
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“I can’t find the hook. It just keeps on going, and then it ends”: Barry Manilow’s issue with modern songwriting
Barry Manilow thinks songwriting has changed, and that young artists don’t write the same way he was trained to. Manilow – known for hits such as Copacabana and Mandy – is currently amid his The Last Concerts tour, and is planning to release a new album by the end of the summer which he says will probably be his last. Manilow also runs the Manilow Music Project, which has provided schools with instruments and equipment for over 30 years. READ MORE: “I’m not just producing tracks anymore… I’m producing stars from scratch”: Timbaland unveils AI entertainment company – and its first Suno-powered artist In an interview with Billboard, he discusses the forthcoming album: “I’ve been working on it for a long time…for so long that the style of music has changed [laughs]. I had to go back and redo [the songs] so they sounded a little more contemporary. “I had to take all the strings out, all the background vocals out ‘cause they don’t do that anymore. They don’t use strings and background vocals and all that. Even I heard that it sounded dated, so we had to go back and redo it,” he says. “The songwriting has changed. Young people don’t write the way I was trained to write. There’s no verse which goes into the chorus which goes back to the verse which goes to [the] ending, and you change keys. They don’t do that. “They start the song and then they just…it feels like a run-on sentence to me. I can’t find the hook. I can’t find the chorus. It just keeps on going, and then it ends,” Manilow continues. However, he assures his own album will stick to the classic formula. “That’s not what this album is, and that’s not the way I know how to write, and I think my contemporary songwriters and people I work with would say the same.” Barry Manilow will continue playing shows for his Last Concerts tour in July. He is also playing a number of shows in Las Vegas as part of his residency at the International Theater. You can find out more via his official website. The post “I can’t find the hook. It just keeps on going, and then it ends”: Barry Manilow’s issue with modern songwriting appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article
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GRYFFIN & Chance Peña: Hard Time Lover
Drawing on dance titan GRYFFIN’s indie roots, ‘Hard Time Lover’ channels the emotional resonance and melodic instrumentation that first catapulted GRYFFIN into the spotlight. Anchored by Chance Peña’s wistful vocal delivery and fluttering guitar lines, the track explores the complexities of loving someone through their darkest moments. A wondrous blend of lyrical storytelling and danceable rhythms, ‘Hard Time Lover’ is a testament to GRYFFIN’s signature that moves both the heart and body. Listen here. ‘Hard Time Lover’ follows a string of genre-expanding releases like ‘In My Head’ with Kaskade and the thunderous ‘Air’ alongside Excision and Julia Michaels. Since the release of his third full-length album PULSE last year, GRYFFIN has dabbled across electronic subgenres, pushing the boundaries to showcase the full spectrum of his sound. With each new single, GRYFFIN highlights his ability to meld emotive songwriting with innovative production that is continuously evolving. This year, GRYFFIN returned on the road for his PULSE: PHASE 2 Tour, which has seen him headline Atlanta’s Coca-Cola Roxy, Austin’s Moody Amphitheater, Boston’s Roadrunner, and Nashville’s The Pinnacle in recent weeks. GRYFFIN will close out the tour with his two-night PULSE FINALE in New York City ahead of festival appearances at Lollapalooza, Ultra Europe, Ultra Japan, Lost In Dreams, and more. The post GRYFFIN & Chance Peña: Hard Time Lover appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Sixth Ocean Unleashes ‘Kraken’ : Out Now on Captive Soul
On June 6, 2025, Captive Soul welcomes a powerful new release: Kraken by rising Indian talent Sixth Ocean. This gripping melodic techno piece is a fierce, emotive journey – an embodiment of the mystery and majesty the track is named after. With soaring leads and cinematic depth, Kraken is both a dancefloor weapon and an emotional release, echoing Captive Soul’s vision of music with meaning. As the mythical creature stirs from the deep, so too does a soundscape full of tension, beauty, and unleashed power. Kraken doesn’t just drop – it emerges. Hailing from Mumbai, India, Sixth Ocean is an emerging voice in the melodic house & techno landscape. Known for his soulful soundscapes and captivating leads, he crafts music that’s not just for the club, it’s an emotional journey designed to resonate deeply with listeners. Sixth Ocean has brought his unique melodic sound to stages across India, captivating audiences with emotionally charged sets. He has shared the stage with international icons like John Summit, ARTBAT, Ben Böhmer, Miss Monique, Agents of Time and many more, supporting their shows with standout performances that have solidified his place among the most promising names in the scene. Like all my tracks, when I started working on this track, I didn’t have any plan, all I knew was that I was going for a peak time melodic techno track and I wanted a memorable lead synth that stands out. I like to be lost in the music while I’m creating it. I try to forget about everything and everyone, dissolve into the moment and let the universe create through me and Kraken is an outcome of this phenomenon. I think I came up with the chords in the breakdown first and then the lead synth and melody mysteriously arose from a series of sound design and sequencing experiments. Once I had that, I crafted the supporting elements around it and the track was formed. SIXTH OCEAN During the show with John Summit in India, Sixth Ocean was deeply moved when John played two of his tracks – a powerful and unforgettable moment that marked a milestone in his artistic journey. With recent support from global tastemakers like Vintage Culture, ARGY, Korolova, Massano, and Henri Bergmann, Sixth Ocean is quickly establishing himself as an artist to watch. His music represents more than just rhythm; it’s an invitation to immerse in the present moment, to enter the “Sixth Ocean“: an imaginary realm where time dissolves, and only music remains. Korolova dropping ‘Kraken’ with Sixth Ocean in Mumbai Captive Soul: Elevating the Emotional Frontier Founded by Ukrainian DJ and producer Korolova, Captive Soul has become a beacon for deeply melodic, emotionally immersive electronic music. Each release, including Kraken, furthers the label’s mission to fuse beauty with drive, storytelling with sound. This is music made to move bodies and open hearts. The post Sixth Ocean Unleashes ‘Kraken’ : Out Now on Captive Soul appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Alok Releases ‘Don’t Mess With The Fire’ for Fatal Fury
GRAMMY-nominated Brazilian music superstar & philanthropist ALOK joins the official soundtrack for FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves with his new single ‘Don’t Mess With The Fire’. A futuristic fusion of 16-bit nostalgia and flat out production, the track comes decked out with its very own drum ‘n bass finishing move. Gear up for battle on June 6th, when the new single drops worldwide. Listen here. ‘Don’t Mess With The Fire’ sees ALOK join a soundtrack full of heavy hitters, including artists like Alan Walker, Steve Aoki, Solomun, and Afrojack across 19 custom tracks. The full soundtrack doesn’t only add a new layer to the aesthetic immersion of FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, but further injects the game’s ethos into today’s mainstream. About FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves: SNK’s beloved Fatal Fury series first hit the market in 1991, spearheading the fighting game boom of the 1990s that swept the industry thereafter. GAROU: MARK OF THE WOLVES (released in 1999) has, for some time, served as the franchise’s most recent installment. But that is all about to change: 26 years on, a brand-new entry – FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves – is set to arrive on the scene! FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves features a unique art style that stimulates the senses, an innovative REV System that supercharges the excitement, plus a host of other battle systems even more robust than before. The game also breathes new life into the series by introducing two distinct control schemes (ensuring fun and excitement for newcomers and veterans alike) as well as other fresh features and elements. The streets of South Town are a hotbed of action, wild dreams, and even wilder ambition. Here, at long last, a new legend is about to unfold… About ALOK ALOK is a bona fide two-time Latin-GRAMMY nominated dance music superstar and philanthropist holding the title of the second biggest Instagram following of any electronic artist globally, with over 28 million fans. On Spotify, ALOK concentrates more than 33 million monthly listeners and 5 billion streams, making him the most listened to Brazilian artist internationally. In 2024, he received his first two Latin GRAMMY Music Award nominations in the new ‘Best Latin Electronic Music Performance’ category for his songs, ‘Pedju Kunumigwe’ with Guarani Nhandewa from his The Future Is Ancestral album, and ‘Drum Machine’ with DJ Pickle. In 2023 he was named the No. 1 DJ in Latin America and 4th Best DJ in the world, according to the prestigious DJ Mag Top 100 DJ Poll. The post Alok Releases ‘Don’t Mess With The Fire’ for Fatal Fury appeared first on EDMTunes.
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The Hello Group and Sony Music Launch THG India: ‘A Great Moment for the Indian Music Industry’
Mumbai, where Sony Music India is based. Photo Credit: Hardik Joshi The Hello Group (THG) and Sony Music are once again broadening their partnership – this time with an eye on India, where they’ve officially launched THG India. LA-based THG and Sony Music India revealed that newly minted unit today, three years and change after the former announced a Sony Music Publishing JV. Apparently, Hello Group has quietly been pursuing growth in India in the interim – including by claiming an A&R win with a “crossover hit” featuring local talent as well as The Chainsmokers. Meanwhile, Sony Music – like not just its fellow majors, but Believe, Reservoir, and several others – has been spearheading India-focused expansion initiatives. In March 2025, to name one recent example, Sony Music Publishing extended its admin deal with TIPS Music. At the intersection of all these points, THG India is poised to zero in on publishing, artist management, and global touring alike in the market, the involved parties indicated in more words. In a statement, Hello Group founder and CEO Taylor Jones, whose company moved to hire a Mumbai-based executive assistant about four months back, emphasized plans “to amplify India’s voices like never before.” And in remarks of his own, Sony Music India MD Vinit Thakkar touted THG India “as a critical bridge” for the Indian music market, which is beginning to prioritize paid listening. (The shift hasn’t been without growing pains, and by some estimates, it’ll take quite a while yet to translate into healthy revenue results for the industry.) “This is a great moment for the Indian music industry and its vibrant creative community,” added the former Universal Music India COO Thakkar. “THG India marks our first international collaboration of this scale right here in India, and it serves as a critical bridge. “By combining THG’s strength in global live touring and their international network with our deep local expertise, we are strategically empowering Indian artists with the resources, seasoned management, and global network essential to truly accelerate their careers and resonate on the international stage,” he concluded. Regarding some of Sony Music’s other India buildout efforts, 2023 saw the major’s AWAL subsidiary set sail in the nation of 1.4 billion. And this past March, AWAL added (or more specifically re-added; the exec had previously spent the better part of a decade with Sony Music) Amazon India’s Aniket Parpillewar as head of India and South Asia. View the full article
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Three Dead, Nine Injured In Brutal Attack At Colombian Electronic Music Party
A private electronic music party in Puerto Colombia, Colombia, turned into a scene of horror this Monday, June 2nd, leaving three people dead and nine injured after armed assailants opened fire indiscriminately on attendees. The massacre, which unfolded at Finca Villa Olvega near the Papiros Toll Booth, has shocked the coastal municipality and ignited a major police investigation. The event, promoted as “Talent Tryout Sunday,” was underway when four armed individuals on two motorcycles burst into the private cabin around 10 PM. Without warning, they began shooting into the crowd of partygoers, causing immediate panic and chaos. Two victims, 25-year-old Luis Alfredo Vergara Julio and 19-year-old Ronaldo José Alarcón Castrilleros, died at the scene. A third victim, 25-year-old Maciel Karina Gómez, a DJ performing at the party, succumbed to her injuries at the nearby Portoazul Clinic while receiving medical attention. The nine injured individuals were also transported to the clinic, where most are reported to be out of danger. Authorities are treating the incident as a targeted attack, with preliminary investigations suggesting a violent dispute between rival criminal gangs over drug trafficking routes and revenues. A key focus of the inquiry is Raúl Henao Farías, alias “Choco,” a presumed member of the criminal structure “Los Costeños,” who was among the injured. Some of the deceased and injured also reportedly had prior criminal records. The Commander of the Barranquilla Metropolitan Police, General Edwin Urrego, confirmed the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the link to organized crime. The brutal nature of the attack has sent ripples of concern throughout the region. [H/T] El Universal The post Three Dead, Nine Injured In Brutal Attack At Colombian Electronic Music Party appeared first on EDMTunes.
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RÜFÜS DU SOL Inhale/Exhale Remixed (Vol. 2) Enhances Soundscapes To New Heights
Earlier last month, RÜFÜS DU SOL released their Inhale/Exhale Remixed album, a fantastic remix compilation of their must-hear album from 2024, Inhale/Exhale. It contained stunning remixes from the likes of Carlita, Enamour, Francis Mercier, and Kaz James. Fast forward to this month of June, RÜFÜS DU SOL has now dropped an exciting Inhale/Exhale Remixed (Vol. 2). This new remix album serves as an exhilarating expansion of the band’s earlier collection of 15 remixes, introducing an impressive array of 22 fresh remixes from an eclectic and meticulously curated lineup of artists spanning the electronic music landscape. Inhale/Exhale Remixed (Vol. 2) from RÜFÜS DU SOL brings out the atmospheric bliss In this vibrant collection, listeners can expect to hear the outstanding sounds of Brazilian heavyweight Vintage Culture, known for his genre-defying grooves, and the captivating energy of piano house powerhouse LP Giobbi. The Swiss sonic alchemist Jimi Jules brings his innovative touch, while Berlin-based live act GHEIST infuses their mix with a pulsating live energy. Melodic house producer Maga adds a lush layer of sophistication, complemented by the dynamic Dutch duo WEVAL and the imaginative soundscapes crafted by German music maker Tim Engelhardt. Turkish-American sound sculptor Samm and Swiss-French female DJ Deer Jade showcase their unique styles, while the brotherly duo Betical and Israeli tastemaker Sean Doron contribute their fresh perspectives. An unforgettable auditory experience The album also provides notable attention on creative collaborations, such as the great partnership between Italian duo Mind Against and Thai act Tharat, along with the Afro house collective & Friends teaming up with newcomer David Mackay. Furthermore, Inhale/Exhale Remixed (Vol. 2) features the atmospheric remix of ‘Lately’ by Adam Ten and Mita Gami, previously released last year, alongside RÜFÜS’ own club edit of the anthemic track ‘Music is Better’, ensuring that listeners are treated to a dynamic and immersive auditory experience. The post RÜFÜS DU SOL Inhale/Exhale Remixed (Vol. 2) Enhances Soundscapes To New Heights appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Chris Lake Channels Thumping House Energy on New ‘Savana’
Just weeks after igniting Coachella’s Campground with a historic, first-of-its-kind performance, Chris Lake steps back into the spotlight with his latest single ‘Savana‘. Out now on his own Black Book Records imprint, ‘Savana’ marks the third offering from his highly anticipated debut album Chemistry, ‘Savana’ arrives with the raw, magnetic energy that has become a hallmark of Chris’s evolution as a producer and live performer. Over the past couple of weeks, ‘Savana’ has quickly become one of Chris Lake’s most eagerly awaited IDs. Savana works in multiple situations, it’s the kind of track that hits at a festival, but you wouldn’t mind hearing it on the radio either. I love when I can balance on that edge between what makes people move on the dancefloor and what resonates in a more casual setting. It’s been fun to test the song in my set, and I have a feeling it’s only going to become more prominent.” -Chris Lake Recently, while on tour in Australia, the track took center stage during a landmark back-to-back with FISHER at a surprise pop-up event in Sydney, as well as at the Australian DJ’s now-iconic Out 2 Lunch Festival. As Chris Lake’s Chemistry era gains momentum, ‘Savana’ follows the critically acclaimed singles ‘Ease My Mind‘ with Abel Balder, which topped the ARIA Club Charts and ‘In My Head‘ featuring Amber Mark. Together, the releases paint a sonic preview to Lake’s most expansive body of work to date. A true testament to the DJ and producer’s appeal, both of the aforementioned releases, as well as ‘Toxic’ are currently charting in multiple countries including Australia, the Netherlands and Germany. With ‘Savana’ now unleashed, Chris Lake continues to shape the summer soundscape with uncompromising creativity and a deep reverence for the dancefloor. Stay tuned for more news! The post Chris Lake Channels Thumping House Energy on New ‘Savana’ appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Florian Picasso Provides Delightful New ‘Booty’ EP
After a transformative period of creative reinvention, Florian Picasso, founder of Dekadance, releases his second EP of the year. After a highly anticipated return with his Hi Heels EP in April, Picasso brings out a three-track EP. It ought to bring the highest vibes this Summer. Thus, the great-grandson of Pablo Picasso releases the Booty EP. It is available on Solomun’s highly coveted label Diynamic. Booty EP The title track ‘Booty (Riviera Mix)’ starts off the EP with a heavy and funky bassline. The heavily analog vocals give out a retro feeling. Alongside the acid elements of the track, all the elements exhale a warm yet dark and vintage-esque breath into the song. The grooves continue with the next song ‘Karaoke Corner (Riviera Mix)’. The track is a sexy and dark psychedelic trip. From echoes and stutters to harder synths and wonky percussion. Funny enough, the track has similar elements to the ‘Monster Mash’ by Bobby “Boris” Picket. Lastly, ‘Till I’m Dead (Riviera Mix)’ completes the EP. With even heavier kicks and distortions, the song balances out the darker tones with higher-pitched vocals. Not only are all three tracks unique and twisted in their own way, but they deliver finesse and cohesiveness. This is within the auditory artwork of Florian Picasso. Florian Picasso Florian Picasso is an enigmatic DJ with an artistic vision. His knack for curation is poised to become a reference point in the cultural lexicon. As the great-grandson of Pablo Picasso, he carries a legacy of creativity. However, it’s his own sound that’s making waves on the global stage. A DJ and producer with nearly two decades of experience, Florian is now experiencing a bold resurgence in the electronic music world. His recent highlights include a standout performance at Berlin’s iconic HÖR, a packed show at ADE with his music and arts collective Dekadance, and curating the sound and mood for Patek Philippe’s first watch launch in 25 years. These milestones mark just the beginning of what promises to be a defining chapter in his career. Florian’s new sound is as complex as his background — a mix of groovy, bouncy, and hard-hitting beats that reflect his passion for both spontaneity and introspection. His music is sexy and euphoric, while also deeply vulnerable and expressive. This unique blend of emotions is rooted in his journey: raised in a world of privilege and art, but as an adopted child, he also struggled with feelings of belonging. DJing became a way for Florian to process these emotions and channel them into music. His music speaks to both the mind and the body. Shake what your mama gave you this summer, and listen to the Booty EP here: The post Florian Picasso Provides Delightful New ‘Booty’ EP appeared first on EDMTunes.
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Win this remix contest and you’ll get your music released through UMG
To mark this year’s GeoGuessr World Championship, online beat battle platform Audeobox is hosting a unique remix competition in partnership with GeoGuessr and FL Studio – and the top prize is an official Universal Music Group release. The Remix Challenge invites producers from across the globe to flex their creative muscles and rework the GeoGuessr World Championship’s 2025 anthem, Legendary. The winner will not only get a major label drop, but they’ll be able to head to the championship finals, taking place between August 29-30 in Copenhagen. READ MORE: “There’s a terrible housewifely tidiness”: Why Brian Eno thinks there’s too much “fiddling” in modern music production Budding producers will be able to download stems of the championship anthem, which was originally performed by Mapei and written by Niki & the Dove and produced by YARO. The top three tracks will all receive one year of FL Cloud Pro, GeoGuessr merch and a Pro Subscription, as well as an Audeobox subscription, a unique badge, and loot cubes. The prizes then vary, with third place set to receive FL Studio Producer Edition, while second place will get FL Studio’s Signature Bundle. First place will receive FL Studio’s All Plugins Edition – as well as the all-expenses-paid trip to Copenhagen, of course. Entering is free – all you need to do is create an Audeobox account and download the official World Championship Anthem Stems. Once you’ve reworked Legendary into your own legendary mix, you’ll have to submit your remix through the official GeoGuessr Challenge page. The submission deadline is June 15, with voting opening to the public the next day. Voting will run for a month, closing on 16 July. While GeoGuessr started out as a quaint browser game back in 2013, this year will be the game’s third annual championship. The team are keen to utilise GeoGuessr’s global platform and offer a hopeful producer the chance of a lifetime. “GeoGuessr has always been more than just a game – it’s a global culture powered by an incredibly creative community,” Mikael Falgard, Head of Esports at GeoGuessr, tells EDM. “By partnering with Audeobox, we’re inviting remixers worldwide to put their own spin on our anthem and become part of this championship moment. We’re excited to hear the sounds our community creates.” Head to the official Remix Challenge page to find out more. Submissions close on 15 June. The post Win this remix contest and you’ll get your music released through UMG appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article
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“I’m not waiting to program a synth… I can make that sound”: How Ellie Dixon samples everyday objects to keep her set up low-cost
Pop artist Ellie Dixon uses everyday items found within the home to create her tracks, from chopsticks to microwave doors. Appearing on the latest episode of the My Forever Studio podcast – made in partnership with Audient – she reveals how doing so helps to keep her set up cheap and cheerful. Dixon has amassed millions of streams, and one of her most popular songs, Green Grass, utilises the sounds of wooden spoons. As a self-producing artist, she makes a lot of songs right from her own bedroom, and experiments with clutter lying around on her desk. READ MORE: My Forever Studio: Ellie Dixon is banned from Currys She explains, “I’m someone that wants something instantly, so I’m not waiting to program a synth or order some percussive thing. I can make that [sound], and I want to make that in the next two minutes because I’ve got an idea, or I’m making it with my mouth.” Asked what weird samples have snuck into her tracks, she replies, “My favourite is if you slam a microwave door – unbelievable snare sound, so good. You get such a slam, like you know how microwaves just always sound pretty violent? These natural sounds, they have so much natural variation, there’s this imperfection that I think we’re really drawn to as imperfect beings. “When there’s this mass draw to something, it’s normally quite an imperfect human aspect of it that we love, and [going] back to the psychology of music, I think our brains are very clever… If you manipulate a natural sound I think your brain can still tell it came from something natural.” Dixon adds, “Even if you’re not consciously making that connection you’re just going, ‘Oh there’s something about this that I like.’ And if you hear these everyday sounds that you hear in your world buried in music, I think it feels very familiar and homely.” Host Chris Barker suggests it can be dangerous however, because when people know a sound is made in this way, they can never un-hear it: “Yeah, you’ve got to be careful about the information you share,” says Dixon You can check out the full episode of My Forever Studio below: Ellie Dixon heads out on tour this September. You can grab tickets to see her via her official website. The post “I’m not waiting to program a synth… I can make that sound”: How Ellie Dixon samples everyday objects to keep her set up low-cost appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article
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HI-LO – United in Trance
Label boss HI-LO unveils his first solo release of 2025 with ‘United In Trance’, out June 6 on his imprint, HILOMATIK. Following a massive start to the year with ‘INFERNO’ (with KASABLANCA), ‘Born To Love’ (featuring Sarah de Warren) on HILOMATIK, and ‘Work That Body’ (with Temper) on Armada, the Dutch producer returns to the spotlight with a driving, euphoric techno-trance fusion that showcases the full force of his musical vision. Debuted at Ultra Music Festival and supported by Armin van Buuren, Afrojack, Eli Brown, and KSHMR, ‘United In Trance’ is a full-throttle, peak-time anthem that blends HI-LO’s signature techno power with the emotive textures and uplifting spirit of trance. Building on the genre-blurring momentum seen in his Oliver Heldens DJ sets, the track embodies a unifying sound that connects both of his musical personas in a bold new way. When I started this track during ADE week in 2023, I just wanted to make a full-on Trance anthem for my Oliver Heldens alias, but as I was developing the idea, it became more of a HI-LO techno trance banger. Trance music has served as a bridge between the two projects over the last few years; it’s something that unites them, especially in my versatile, higher-energy Oliver Heldens sets. That’s why I called this track ‘United In Trance’. The reactions on the track have been amazing in both my HI-LO and Oliver Heldens sets in completely different contexts, so I’m very excited for this one to be finally released! HI-LO Already generating major buzz in his recent live sets and across global dancefloors, ‘United In Trance’ marks another high-impact release from one of electronic music’s most versatile and forward-thinking artists. “United In Trance” is available June 6 on HILOMATIK. The post HI-LO – United in Trance appeared first on EDMTunes.