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Brixton Storeys is an all new, indoor-outdoor, multi-room event space set to offer new levels of late night audio-visual immersion. The venue on the site of the former Prince of Wales is the first in the area to have a 24-hour music and alcohol license and it launches on 18 April 2025. The venue promises to bring a new narrative to South London nightlife and kicks off with ‘A Tribute To Alfredo Balearic Beat’ roof party. Brixton’s famously bristling scene is about to be shaken up by a brand new music destination. This mid-size, 750-capacity venue has undergone a complete transformation to deliver a cutting-edge experience that blends world-class sound, high-tech production and electrifying atmospheres with a range of different genres, DJs, live acts and much more all set to bring it to life all year round. While the site may be familiar, Brixton Storeys is a wholly new concept that redefines what a multi-room venue can offer. With its unique 24-hour music and alcohol license, it is the only venue of its kind in the area and boasts brilliantly designed and fully reimagined spaces. “We wanted to bring a fresh narrative to Brixton nightlife but stay connected to the area’s heritage. This iconic venue is perfect for that and has been fully renovated with a new perspective that brings it right up to date. Along with transforming the main club into the Red Room which will bring all sorts of exciting headline artists, there will also be a real focus on events with emerging artists and LGBTQIA+ communities who will be given a platform to party in their own unique way.” Stevie Thomas, Brixton Storeys. Brixton Storeys will be home to three distinct spaces, including The Red Room, which has been wholly redesigned. With a focus on cutting-edge A/V offerings in partnership with Bigabox Productions, immersive lighting and superior acoustics from Turbo Sound and Funktion-One technology, Brixton Storeys sets an all new benchmark for nights out in the capital. The SKY Terraces, set to be completed by June, have been fully redesigned to incorporate two outdoor rooftop terraces, full sound systems and a DJ booth for plenty of sun-kissed, open-air musical fun. Though perfect for when the days warm up and the nights grow lighter, retractable roofs make the spaces suitable for all-season shenanigans. Finally, The Boudoir is a secondary indoor space for more intimate events. Brixton Stories is already attracting some of the UK’s most exciting club brands, with confirmed residencies and events from favourites such as Mas Que Nada, The Connection Party, Summerized Sessions, By Day By Night, Got Soul, Dazed, Up on the Roof, Cirque du Soul, Balliano Disco, Maizon, Milkshake, Wallop, UKG Brunch, Reggae Brunch, Supa Dupa Fly Brunch & a lot more to follow. Brixton Storeys has partnered exclusively with Ticketmaster to enhance the venue’s ticketing experience. Leveraging its powerful discovery platform, Ticketmaster Local, this collaboration will expand the venue’s reach, attract more audiences, and create seamless ticketing for fans—ensuring unforgettable, sold-out nights. “Brixton’s rich musical heritage sets the stage for Brixton Storeys to be a game-changer for the local scene. With our ticketing and marketing expertise, we’ll connect more fans to the venue and provide a superior ticketing experience—so they can simply focus on having an unforgettable night.” Tim Goom, Client Development Director, Music at Ticketmaster Brixton Storeys isn’t just a renovation—it’s a complete reinvention of what a music space can be. With an all-new layout, world beating production and well curated lineups of agenda-setting club brands, it promises to bring something all new to the local area and wider London scene. For more information and event listings head to; brixtonstoreys.com Brixton Storeys 467-469 Brixton Road, London, SW9 8HH brixtonstoreys.com The post New Venue Brixton Storeys set to launch on site of former Prince of Wales with 24-hour license appeared first on Electric Mode.

Reggatronic trailblazer LePrince debuts on Filth On Acid with his latest ‘Who Dem’ EP. Known for his genre-blending approach he ventures into uncharted territory, fusing his deep-rooted love of hardstyle with his signature rhythmic energy and influences of reggae and hip-hop to create a sound built for maximum impact in the club. The EP sees LePrince explore the raw intensity of acid-infused techno and hard-style, presenting a trio of tracks designed to ignite dancefloors worldwide. Opening with the solo cut ‘Who Dem’, he delivers a relentless rush of pounding drums and electrifying acid lines. Teaming up with Sevn Rhodes for ‘Issa Vibe’, the energy escalates with driving rhythms, rapid-fire synths, and raw vocal hooks. Closing out the release, ‘Hardcore’, with Maski & Banga lives up to its name, unleashing unrelenting kicks and soaring trance-techno synths in a track primed for peak-time destruction. LePrince’s ability to merge influences from across genres is rooted in his diverse musical background. Raised in Amsterdam, his early years were shaped by Surinamese Kawina and Kaseko music before he expanded into reggae and electronic sounds. His breakthrough came in 2010 when he won first place in an HIV awareness campaign using music as a tool for education, alongside being recognized as Best R.O.C. Artist for Central Netherlands. His track ‘Forgive Me’, produced by Leffy Ignacio Cairo, gained widespread recognition and cemented his status as an artist with a unique voice in the industry. Now stepping into new sonic realms and pursuing his reggatronic sound, LePrince continues to evolve, bringing his immersive live performances to some of the world’s most iconic stages. He debuted his solo act at major festivals such as Defqon.1, Qlimax and Sziget, combining DJing and live performance that bridges cultures, styles, and generations. With his debut on the legendary Filth on Acid championing his sound, LePrince reinforces his reputation once more, delivering a release that defines a new wave of genre fusion. BUY / STREAM: LEPRINCE – ‘WHO DEM’ EP HERE LePrince socials: https://www.instagram.com/leprince7/ https://www.facebook.com/LePrinceMusic The post LePrince debuts on Filth On Acid with reggatronic ‘Who Dem’ EP! appeared first on Electric Mode.

Photo Credit: People Magazine / Instagram Green Day’s headlining set brought the heat to Coachella with a firework that hit a palm tree, causing it to catch fire dangerously close to the crowd. During Green Day’s set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival’s first weekend on Saturday, a firework lit a palm tree on fire in the nearby artist section. The fire was dangerously close to a crowd of onlookers. “This firework just flew into the crowd and exploded right next to FaZe Banks and all of his friends, causing trees and more to catch on fire at Coachella,” wrote Ryan (@scubaryan_) on X/Twitter. Gaming clan FaZe founder Banks also posted a video on the social media platform, showing his friend sitting in a chair and being checked out by paramedics. “Zack was literally on the tree that exploded. The most nuts shit.” Green Day’s performance marked their debut at the annual festival, especially as a headlining act. In 2014, frontman Billie Joe Armstrong performed as a guest with The Replacements. This past weekend, he also joined the Go-Gos to perform their 1984 classic, “Head Over Heels.” The band’s set featured a slew of their career-defining hits, as well as songs from their latest studio album, Saviors. Last summer saw Green Day honoring the 20th anniversary of their quintessential album, American Idiot, by announcing a deluxe edition featuring live performances and unearthed demos. The re-release included a 110-minute documentary, 20 Years of American Idiot, which included interviews with members of the band and archival footage. American Idiot was a massive success for Green Day and marked a significant comeback for the band, propelling them into the mainstream. The album featured several hits, including “Holiday,” “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” and its titular track. It also earned the band its first seven Grammy nominations. Coachella’s first weekend is now over, but next weekend kicks off the second half of the festival from April 18 to 20. Other headliners include Lady Gaga, Post Malone, and Travis Scott, with notable performances from Missy Elliott, Charli XCX, Megan Thee Stallion, Weezer, Tyla, T-Pain, Jimmy Eat World, Ed Sheeran, and Blackpink’s Lisa and Jennie. View the full article

Electronic dance music claimed the lion's share of Coachella's 2025 music programming, according to new data analysis from ROSTR. Published by Boardroom, the media company co-founded by NBA superstar Kevin Durant and business partner Rich Kleiman, the findings revealed that dance and electronic artists comprised a commanding 39% of the total lineup for this year's edition of the legendary California festival. That figure is nearly double the next most-represented genre grouping, 21% for indie, rock and alternative acts. Zedd, Sara Landry, Above & Beyond, The Prodigy and EDM.com Class of 2025 stars Beltran and Layton Giordani only scratched the surface of Coachella's massive 2025 electronic music billing. This significant presence marks a notable pivot in the talent booking strategy of the festival's organizer, Goldenvoice, which historically trended toward pop and rock music. Boardroom EDM enthusiasts could read the tea leaves in 2024 after Goldenvoice launched the groundbreaking Quasar stage, which now locks horns with longtime Coachella favorite Do LaB in an Empire Polo Club turf war over which is the festival's top raving hub. While nearly four in 10 acts booked for the 2025 festival represented electronic dance music, none were headliners, with that distinction going to Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone and Travis Scott. However, Gaga's lone onstage guest was the French electronic music icon Gesaffelstein. Prior to 2023's surprise last-minute headlining set by Skrillex, Fred again.. and Four Tet, Goldenvoice counted only Calvin Harris and Swedish House Mafia as Coachella's only other DJ headliners in the last decade. But that may soon change. CAA's Alex Becket, who became the powerhouse agency's first electronic music agent over a decade ago, prophesied the genre's swelling influence in major festivals prior to last year's Coachella. "Festivals want big shows and big moments so it factors in a lot for them," Becket told EDM.com at the time. "Big production was an essential part of the "EDM" boom in the early 2010s and has always been a big part of the EDM experience. 'Underground' shows with no production emerged in response to that, and now you're seeing the pendulum swing back the other way in many cases with underground artists building big shows. In this way we're seeing big productions with better music and it's a winning combo." View the original article to see embedded media. Elsewhere in ROSTR's Coachella 2025 lineup analysis was a 4% increase in indie, rock and alternative acts compared to previous iterations, with famed outfits like Green Day and The Misfits appearing alongside contemporary stars such as Sam Fender, Still Woozy and beabadoobee. Hip-hop and rap also saw modest growth with a 2% increase from last year, maintaining substantial representation across all three days of the festival with Travis Scott, Missy Elliott, Megan Thee Stallion, Mustard, T-Pain, Ty Dolla $ign and more holding down the fort. Follow Coachella:X: x.com/coachella TikTok: tiktok.com/@coachella Instagram: instagram.com/coachella Facebook: facebook.com/coachella

Photo Credit: Robot Picnic / YouTube The LA Philharmonic embarked on unfamiliar territory with a guest-filled Coachella set led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic delivered an unforgettable 50-minute set at Coachella on Saturday, featuring stars like Becky G, LL Cool J, Maren Morris, Zedd, and Laufey. The stars performed some of their biggest hits, accompanied by the iconic symphony. The outdoor stage in Indio is a far cry from what the orchestra is accustomed to at their usual home in downtown LA’s Disney Hall. But according to Dudamel, the performance was a long time coming. “It will be beautiful,” Dudamel said the week before the show. The performance was a culmination of an idea that dates back to the early days of the conductor’s 17-year tenure with the orchestra. Notably, that tenure ends for Dudamel when he moves to New York for a leading role with the NY Philharmonic next year. But that just makes the Coachella show all a more glorious send-off. “This was a dream that I had for many years,” said Dudamel of the Coachella performance, admitting that despite his long-running dream, it was only within the last year and a half to two years that the LA Phil held serious discussions with Coachella producers to make it a reality. “We have the opportunity to do many wonderful things here at the Hollywood Bowl [where rehearsals took place], this wonderful venue where we have the chance to interact with wonderful pop artists on different music styles that we have the chance to do,” Dudamel explained. “But in the context of a festival that represents a culture itself, it was always a dream. We were talking a lot about how to do it and when, and I think it’s perfect timing. We have built something very beautiful together with the team.” The LA Phil’s performance during Coachella Weekend 2 will feature different guest stars—the identity of which will not be revealed ahead of time, to keep it a surprise, as was the case with Weekend 1. Saturday’s show featured contemporary hits interspersed with classical music, including LL Cool J’s medley with the climactic “Rock the Bells.” The mash-up marked a first in the symphony’s long and glorious history. “LL Cool J has been invited for as many years as Coachella’s been around, and he’s never been to Coachella, as a guest or anything,” noted Joanna Rees, Vice President of Programming at the LA Phil. “And so it was Gustavo and the Philharmonic and this opportunity that is bringing him out to the desert. The way he did with orchestral collaboration came out of this amazing [Zoom meeting] we were on with Todd —LL Cool J —and Gustavo talking this idea through, and watching the two of them go through what was in their minds, you could just see it happening live. They were both getting each other super excited about the ideas and the possibilities—and now it’s happened.” “He actually has basically sampled, in his medley, Beethoven’s Fifth and Stravinsky’s ‘Firebird,’” said Megan Umber, LA Phil Chief Programming Officer. “And I’ve never seen anybody do it, actually, for all the years that we’ve done pop collaborations—properly fitting the orchestral music (of great composers) into his songs.” In addition to its Coachella sets this weekend and last, the LA Phil is keeping its regular spring schedule at Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown LA, where they’re currently presenting Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” The Coachella crowd got a nice taste of that, with Dudamel leading an excerpt from the work as rearranged by Max Richter. This was interspersed with traditional pieces from the classical songbook, such as the Strauss cue best known by modern audiences from its placement at the beginning of Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey.” View the full article

Photo Credit: Sheléa for PBS Sheléa stars in the upcoming special, “Aretha! With Sheléa and The Pacific Symphony,” a televised tribute to soul legend Aretha Franklin. Hot off a national tour as Stevie Wonder’s special guest on his 2025 “Sing Your Song!” tour, Sheléa is now starring in an upcoming PBS special, “Aretha! With Sheléa and The Pacific Symphony.” The televised tribute to the legendary Queen of Soul will premiere on PBS stations starting May 30, and will also be available for free streaming on PBS.org and the PBS app. Sheléa will also release her new Aretha Franklin-inspired self-penned song, “Never Give Up On Love,” which drops on April 25 on all streaming platforms. The track is the first of several new originals she’s set to release this year. “I wrote the song for those who are losing faith in finding love,” says Sheléa. “It comes when you least expect it.” “Aretha! With Sheléa and The Pacific Symphony” was filmed on November 9, 2024, at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California. Conducted by Emmy Award-winning Music Director Rickey Minor, the special showcases Sheléa performing timeless Franklin hits like “Chain of Fools,” “Say A Little Prayer,” “Respect,” and “Natural Woman.” It also features tracks like “Until You Come Back to Me” and “I Knew You Were Waiting,” a duet with Stevie Mackey. Sheléa is accompanied by the Pacific Symphony and a choir of background vocalists, delivering a truly unforgettable performance. Sheléa is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, pianist, producer, and actress who has received the attention and support of music’s most powerful icons: Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Rickey Minor, and David Foster. Widely recognized for her vocal mastery, she’s often compared to the legendary Whitney Houston, while her piano skills are likened to the piano prowess of Alicia Keys. She has also garnered accolades from the likes of Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Queen Latifah, Jamie Foxx, and many more. With years of making a name for herself as a vocal powerhouse, she has performed at The White House, The Library of Congress, Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and The Vatican. In the fall of 2022, she made her debut at the Royal Albert Hall with maestro Jules Buckley to a sold-out crowd, returning for another unforgettable performance in 2024. Merging her musical talent with her new love for acting, Sheléa landed her first major role as Dorinda Clark in Lifetime TV’s critically acclaimed biopic, “The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel,” which drew nearly three million viewers. View the full article

Photo Credit: BubbleTeaNeo / reddit The death toll for the Jet Set nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic rose to 226 people over the weekend. Officials said they were able to rescue 189 people alive from the rubble, while 200 more were injured. 14 still remain hospitalized, four of those in critical condition. The roof of the night club collapsed during a merengue concert on April 8 during a live performance by Rubby Pérez. Rubby Pérez was tragically killed in the accident, as was Octavio Dotel, a former MLB pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. Friends and relatives waited for a forensics institute to return their loved ones’ bodies. Health minister Victor Attalah said there was a delay in identifying victims because the majority of them had to be matched using biometric data. Officials have said it is too soon to determine why the roof fell, though prosecutors investigated the scene on Thursday after rescue crews began packing up and removed heavy construction equipment used to move rubble. Video footage from the night the roof collapsed show people leaving the venue as dust and rain began sprinkling the crowd. Survivor Iris Pena said she left the venue after dirt started falling into her drink and a stone fell and cracked the table she was sitting at. Another video shared online shows performer Rubby Pérez on-stage singing while someone comments about a slab having fallen from the roof. Moments later, the roof collapses and the video devolves into darkness, crashing, and screams. The Jet Set nightclub building was 52 years old and was previously operated as a cinema. Standing two floors high, the club featured a spacious dance floor with huge disco balls, speakers, and light fixtures. The club was designed to host 700 people seated and 1,000 people on the floor. There is some speculation that a previous fire in the building in 2023 may have weakened the concrete and steel support structure. Architect Garivalddy De Aza analyzed the photos of the roof collapse on Instagram and offered his opinion “when a structure like that is affected by a severe fire, the durability of the concrete deteriorates significantly and it “turns into a kind of weak concrete.” The owners of the night club say they are working fully with authorities who are investigating the disaster. View the full article

Photo Credit: Windows Apple Music now offers Dolby Atmos playback on Windows, upping its support of devices outside the ecosystem. The strategy makes sense to capitalize for Apple’s Services division—main competitor Spotify’s high-fidelity audio offering is still MIA. Dolby Atmos is a surround-sound audio format that allows music to be heard in an immersive, three-dimensional audio experience. The feature was added to Apple Music for Windows in a recent update—which will require a PC and headphones with Dolby Atmos audio playback support. Apple first debuted Dolby Atmos support for Mac and iOS devices in June 2021, so the Windows update has been a long time coming. Apple initially delayed supporting Dolby Atmos playback on Android devices when the feature launched more than four years ago. But now Apple Music supports both Android and Windows devices—though Windows support requires the additional step of installing the Dolby Access app for full functionality. That app requires a $14.99 license to continue to playback Dolby Atmos audio after a seven-day free trial. Despite the additional step required, Apple Music is now one of the only major DSPs to give Windows users access to spatial audio. Spotify officially announced its HiFi audio service at its Stream On event in February 2021—but Apple’s support of Dolby Atmos for free took the wind out of those sails. From 2021 throughout 2024, CEO Daniel Ek continually reaffirmed that high-fidelity audio was coming to Spotify. Now rumors suggest Spotify is testing what it’s calling ‘Music Pro’ which is an add-on priced at ~$5 month that bundles HiFi audio with features like AI tools and concert ticket availability and additional audiobook listening hours. This new premium add-on is expected to launch this year—but it’s unclear how willing Spotify Premium users will be to pay extra when both Apple Music and Amazon Music include HiFi in their base streaming tiers. The ‘Music Pro’ add-on plan is also still pending label negotiations. Spotify secured a multi-year deal covering HiFi streaming with Warner Music Group in February 2025. It also secured a similar deal with UMG for ‘new paid subscription teirs’ and ‘super fan experiences’ in January 2025. Talks with Sony Music are ongoing and not yet finalized. Spotify’s rumored AI-powered song remixing may be part of the hold-up. View the full article

MPH is back with his latest single, "Alone," a stunning UK garage track featuring Carla Monroe—and it couldn't have arrived at a better time. Just in time for sunnier days, the spring release features an uplifting groove built for warm weather and late-night drives. "Alone" also proves once again why MPH is at the forefront of the contemporary UK garage movement. Opening with emotive piano chords and Monroe’s striking delivery ("Won’t cry, I’m better off alone"), the track builds with confident energy before culminating into a bouncy, high-energy drop. MPH blends fluttering synths, propulsive vocal chops and a palpitating bassline in a euphoric whirlwind that makes it impossible to sit still. Listen to "Alone" below and find the new single on streaming platforms here. Follow MPH:Instagram: instagram.com/mph_uk X: x.com/mph_uk TikTok: tiktok.com/@mphuk Facebook: facebook.com/mphukofficial Spotify: tinyurl.com/kb5an64w

Because social media is full of people who want to seem heroic without the inconvenience of actually doing anything heroic, its newest trend has everyone using AI to generate action figures of themselves. The trend is going viral as ChatGPT users flood our social feeds with AI-generated images of themselves as plastic collectible toys in blister packs, complete with accessories and suspiciously better posture. It's narcissism meets nostalgia, and it’s infectious. The trend, which makes use of OpenAI's GPT-4o model, is proving especially popular in the EDM community, wherein DJs and their fans are creating action figures en masse. View the original article to see embedded media. How to create your own custom AI action figure on ChatGPT1. Log into ChatGPT Navigate to chatgpt.com on the web or download ChatGPT on the App Store or Google Play. Log into your account or easily create a new one using just your email address. You will not be able to upload a photo of yourself unless you have an account. 2. Upload an image of yourself Click the + icon and then the "Upload from computer" button to drop a photo of yourself into the chat. A headshot or selfie will suffice, but it's best to use a full-body image for the most accurate results. It's important to note that the free version of ChatGPT allows users just three opportunities per 24 hours to try the image prompt feature. The AI can be erratic, so make sure you source the clearest and most authentic photos of yourself in case your first attempt generates a dissatisfactory result. 3. Enter your prompt Copy and paste the below prompt into ChatGPT, and fill in the brackets with your own details so the action figure matches your personality. As is the case with any AI prompt, it's important to be as detailed as possible. "Use this photo of me to create an action figure of myself in a blister pack, in the style of a premium collectible toy. The figure should be standing up and have a [FACIAL EXPRESSION]. The blister pack should have a header with the text [ACTION FIGURE NAME] in large letters and a subheading of [TAGLINE] below it. Include accessories in compartments to the side of the figure: [LIST OF ACCESSORIES]." Once you've submitted your request, ChatGPT will take two to four minutes to generate the image. You can then ask the program to make changes, like the clothes, accessories or text on the packaging.

Few could have predicted that a man who never shows his face would steal the spotlight at the music industry's most photographed festival, but Gesaffelstein did just that as the only special guest of Lady Gaga's Coachella 2025 headline set. The legendary producer, whose brutalist French electro has soundtracked countless fashion runways and underground clubs alike, is an ideal Gaga collaborator. As they previously showed in their track "Killah," the pairing represents the perfect marriage of pop theatricality and techno intellectualism. Joining Gaga onstage Friday night, Gesaffelstein emerged from the shadows to perform the song live in his signature, sleek all-black suit and reflective chrome mask, creating a striking visual counterpoint to her maximalist aesthetic. Gaga at one point went haywire on the drums in one of the performance's most electric moments. At the same time, Gaga released Gesaffelstein's brand-new remix of "Abracadabra," a song that appeared on her chart-topping album Mayhem. They performed that track live as well. There are collaborations that make sense on paper, and then there are those that ignite something primal. Gesaffelstein's remix of "Abracadabra" belongs in both categories. Elegance meets menace in his stunning remix, where he strips the original's glam pop sheen in favor of a claustrophobic, brooding banger with synths that wail like banshees in some kind of operatic nightmare. It's chrome dipped in blood, a return to the influential producer's electro-noir roots. You can listen to Gesaffelstein's remix of "Abracadabra" below. Follow Lady Gaga:Instagram: instagram.com/ladygaga TikTok: tiktok.com/@ladygaga X: x.com/ladygaga Facebook: facebook.com/ladygaga Spotify: spoti.fi/34ORJbf Follow Gesaffelstein:TikTok: tiktok.com/@gesaffelstein Facebook: facebook.com/gesaffelsteinmusic Spotify: spoti.fi/3cKr0Nv

Max Styler is keeping his foot on the gas with a massive summer tour spanning multiple continents this summer. Styler, the house music breakout and newly minted member of the EDM.com Class of 2025, announced the tour via social media this week. His schedule features a packed itinerary of 40 shows from mid-April through late-August, including major U.S. cities and high-profile performances across South America, Europe and the UAE. Fans can catch him at marquee festivals like EDC Las Vegas, Bonnaroo, Tomorrowland and Creamfields, alongside headlining club gigs that promise to bring his surging catalog to life. The California-based producer has been on fire with releases like "I Know You Want To," his electrifying Don't Stop EP and an official remix of John Summit’s "Tears." His groove-forward sound is equal parts dark and unapologetically fun, earning him a a rapidly growing fan base and acclaim from Tiësto, Afrojack, Dom Dolla, Alison Wonderland, MEDUZA and many more electronic heavyweights. You can purchase tickets to Styler's summer tour here. Max Styler/X Follow Max Styler:X: x.com/maxstylermusic Instagram: instagram.com/maxstyler TikTok: tiktok.com/@maxstylermusic Facebook: facebook.com/maxstylerofficial Spotify: tinyurl.com/5n7exwyp

​Rounding up festival news from across the dance and electronic world​ Continue reading... View the full article

Luxembourg City. Photo Credit: Cedric Letsch Is Spotify kicking off another major pricing recalibration? Possibly, as the service has nixed its “Mini” plan and rolled out across-the-board Benelux price increases. Spotify just recently emailed the relevant customers with word of the price increases, which are also making a splash in local media. And the axed “Mini” tier, which had offered mobile-only Premium access on a week-to-week (and, in some countries, day-to-day) basis, is spurring discussion on Reddit and Spotify’s forums. (According to Wayback Machine captures, the Mini phase-out might have started last year, when the daily option was quietly replaced with a week-long sub in India, for instance.) Beginning with the Spotify price increases, Individual now costs €12.99 per month in Luxembourg and the Netherlands, compared to €11.99 in Belgium. Meanwhile, Student will set fans back €6.99 per month, compared to €17.99 monthly for Duo (except in Belgium, where the price is €16.99) and €21.99 monthly for Family (€20.99 in Belgium). With price increases now common enough – and with on-demand platforms carrying more plans and “bundles” than ever – it’s difficult to track streaming packages’ costs, besides the precise timing of changes, across all markets. But Spotify’s competitors are likewise opting for heightened prices in Benelux, where regional outlets have closely covered the increases from the outset. Evidently, the Stockholm-based service is confident that it has price-ceiling space to spare. Against the backdrop of streaming-growth slowdowns in established markets, the increased prices may represent one component of a wider 2025 strategy. More immediately, following not-so-subtle calls last year to begin charging for ad-supported tiers, Spotify is leaning harder than ever into advertising. Plus, earlier this week, the service went ahead and denied rumored plans to begin integrating adverts into Premium. Despite Spotify’s current position, logic suggests that there’s still a long-term opportunity to (if so inclined) sneak a few ads into Premium. In theory, the forthcoming “Super-Premium” tier could fit into the possible strategy, which would presumably leverage new releases from commercially prominent acts. Closer to the present, other plan changes are afoot at Spotify, which looks to have shelved the aforementioned Mini tier at April’s beginning. That development came to light in updates provided by users themselves, who, far from thrilled with the change, are taking to Spotify’s help board to vent. Mini had been available in a variety of emerging markets, among them Egypt, India, and South Africa. In general, these nations are achieving strong streaming-adoption and -volume improvements but comparatively limited revenue increases. It remains to be seen whether the demise of Mini will fuel accelerated conversions for monthly and annual subs. View the full article

Mumbai, where Hungama, now preparing to shut down its music streaming service, is headquartered. Photo Credit: Hardik Joshi So long, Hungama Music: The Indian streaming service is reportedly set to cease operating this coming Tuesday, April 15th. Music Ally identified the quick-approaching shutdown today, pointing to an official update that the Mumbai-headquartered company provided to users. “Starting 15th April, 2025, the Music Section will bid goodbye as we make way for exciting new experiences!” the update reads, proceeding to confirm the continued availability of movies and more on the overarching Hungama OTT app. Meanwhile, Hungama Music looks to have deleted both its X and Instagram accounts. And higher-ups didn’t appear to have put out a formal statement at the time of this writing. But as noted by the mentioned outlet, Hungama had just pivoted to a subscription-only model in 2023. ByteDance’s Resso also dropped its free tier during 2023 – and proceeded to shut down in India the following year, when Airtel’s Wynk Music called it quits as well. In other words, when it comes to straight volume, the music-streaming competition is in some ways thinning out in India, where Gaana was comparatively early to put ad-supported listening in the rearview. Furthermore, after extending its “Mini” plan’s length from one day to one week in India last year, Spotify did away with the shorter-term subscription option in all markets this month. Now, India-based subscribers must spring for Individual at ₹119 (currently $1.38) per month, Duo (₹149/$1.73), or Family (₹179/$2.08). Of course, the developments raise several pressing questions. Chief among them: Exactly how long will it be before subscription adoption becomes the norm in India? At least according to one in-depth 2024 report, lessened streaming competition or not, it’ll take years for services’ paid-listening prioritization to translate into material results. Per the 2024 analysis, streaming platforms’ listener base actually shrunk in India last year, when the nation’s total on-demand subscribers finished at approximately 11 million. By 2027, the subscribership figure will roughly double, and total industry revenue will crack ₹78 billion (currently $906 million), the EY report estimated. “We believe that for the subscription model to achieve its potential in India,” the document elaborated, “platforms will need to work towards making prices more attractive and comparable with other competing products, embrace extensive bundling and provide exclusive content around artists to engage with their fan base.” View the full article

The electronic music community is constantly evolving with new sounds inspired by the scene of yesteryear. EDM.com's weekly Fresh Picks series discovers new music and unearths influential tracks that help define the underground dance scene. You can find the below tracks on EDM.com's Fresh Picks Playlist. Follow to stay up-to-date and submit tracks for consideration here. EDM.com Fresh PicksTheodore Shapiro - Elevator Down (ODESZA Remix)Rich DietZ & 2AR - All I NeedHarry Hayes - More of YouAmtrac - Heart StopElend Winthrop - I'll Be FineSultan + Shepard & Rinzen - Before the StormBand of Horses & Gryffin - The Funeral (2025 Edit)Low Mileage - With MeSam Day - amazing (SVDKO Remix)Visages & Eric Nakanishi - KintsugiDrinks On Me & Why So Low - On FireINZO & LSDREAM - Artifacts Of A Higher DimensionDr. Ushūu & Emily Stiles - GasolineTENNA - Calentura

Photo Credit: Tingey Law Jay-Z’s battle with Jane Doe lawyer Tony Buzbee heats up as Buzbee files to dismiss the rapper’s lawsuit against him — and makes fresh allegations, too. Tony Buzbee, who represents over a hundred alleged Sean “Diddy” Combs victims, has filed a motion to dismiss Jay-Z’s defamation lawsuit against him. Among those Buzbee represents is a Jane Doe who accused Diddy and Jay-Z of raping her when she was a minor in 2000. Jay-Z has staunchly denied those allegations, which culminated in the Jane Doe dropping her case against him. But Buzbee claims he had an agreement with Jay-Z, stating, “The relentless pressure that [Jay-Z] and his associates placed upon Doe became too much for her. On February 4, 2025, an agreement to resolve the litigation was reached between [the two parties], through their attorneys, which included the voluntary dismissal of the [Southern District of New York] action.” Alex Spiro, an attorney representing Jay-Z, calls Buzbee’s claims “a total lie.” He added that Buzbee “brought a false case, lost badly, and was forced to dismiss quickly. End of story.” Now, an attorney for Buzbee, Marc E. Kasowitz, has released a statement that calls Spiro’s statement a “total fabrication.” “There was an exchange of emails between me and Spiro, which set forth the agreement very quickly.” He added, “As part of that agreement, Spiro agreed to withdraw the […] motions for sanctions that he had brought against Mr. Buzbee’s law firm.” Further, Kasowitz said Buzbee’s legal team “agreed to withdraw the lawsuit that Jane Doe had brought for rape against Jay-Z and [Combs] even though Jane Doe continued to maintain that the allegations in that lawsuit were true, and Jay-Z and Spiro agreed not to send any more people to harass and intimidate Jane Doe and her family.” “One week later,” he added, “Jay-Z and his lawyer breached that agreement flagrantly by sending supposed investigators to harass and intimidate Jane Doe and her family.” Spiro confirmed in court documents that Kasowitz did, in fact, contact him regarding dismissing the Jane Doe lawsuit against Jay-Z. He asserted that he told Kasowitz that his client “would never settle the lawsuit or pay any money to resolve it, given it was a heinous false accusation.” He acknowledged that Kasowitz asked them to stop investigating Buzbee’s law firm, but denied there was any “explicit agreement” in place to drop the Jane Doe suit, calling that claim untrue. Jane Doe, meanwhile, has claimed that a supposed audio recording of her recanting her allegations was manipulated by private investigators. “I never stated […] that [Jay-Z] did not assault me.” She also said investigators came to her Alabama home without warning and “twisted her words” during an impromptu interview. Buzbee also denounced the recording as doctored. “The tape is a fraud,” he told TMZ. “They tormented and harassed and tricked that poor woman and took what she said out of context and secretly recorded her.” He added, “She stands by her claim that Jay-Z assaulted her. She has never wavered on that point once.” View the full article

Photo Credit: Spotify Spotify invests over a million dollars to help authors and publishers produce more audiobooks in other languages, starting with French and Dutch. Spotify has announced a plan to invest €1 million ($1.1 million) to boost audiobook production in languages other than English, starting with French and Dutch. Adoption of Spotify’s audiobook offerings has been relatively slow in the Netherlands and France, which is why Spotify wants to start with these languages. According to Spotify, less than 3% of French-language books are currently available in audio format, with only about 20,000 audiobooks in French compared to around 750,000 physical books. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, around 15,000 Dutch audiobooks are available out of a physical library of around 209,000 titles. Spotify launched its audiobook service in France and the Benelux region (Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg) back in October. The company believes the slow adoption can be attributed to the high production costs of creating audiobooks, which may deter publishers from converting written works into audio formats. The company has emphasized its commitment to working with human narrators, but Spotify recently partnered with ElevenLabs to encourage authors to publish cost-effective AI-narrated content. However, that partnership has raised concerns among the publishing community. Spotify has also left the music industry thoroughly displeased, as the company’s audiobook offering being bundled into its music plans reduces music royalties. Even worse, Spotify recently secured a win against the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), as a federal judge dismissed the latter’s copyright lawsuit levied against the former. “The Court finds that […] the only plausible application of the law supports Spotify’s position,” wrote Judge Analisa Torres. “Under the facts alleged, audiobook streaming is a product or service that is distinct from music streaming and has more than token value. Premium is, therefore, properly categorized as a Bundle, and the allegations of the complaint do not plausibly suggest otherwise.” The MLC alleged that Spotify had initially added audiobook access to its Premium offering in November 2023, which was before the shift in “bundling” was made official in pricing and royalty statements. But the judge found the timing to be of little consequence. That decision may have an impact on future negotiations and other streaming services’ bundling classifications. It’ll be worth keeping an eye on to see how things evolve. View the full article

Photo Credit: Creators Corp. Coachella has teamed up with UGC game studio Creators Corp. for a new Fortnite Creative game called Coachella Pillars. The multiplayer showdown launched today and transports players to the Coachella Canvas in a music-fueled competition. Suspended above the festival grounds, 2-12 players will stand atop Pillars of Sounds, attempting to knock each other off within spaces inspired by the festival’s environment—all set to a backdrop of the festival’s music. The map features over 30 customized tools inspired by musical instruments, allowing players to harness the power of sound and rhythm to win. Players will compete in a rotating selection of three unique arenas inspired by the festival stages, surrounding environment, and art, before the last player standing ascends to the Coachella Main Stage for an exclusive celebration. The music-infused twist combines the core mechanics of Fortnite’s Pillars mode with Coachella’s vibrant sound and festival visuals—bringing the concert experience to more than 220 million monthly active users. With Coachella Pillars, the festival continues to expand creative boundaries into gaming, transforming how fans around the world can immerse themselves in the festival. By blending competitive gameplay with Coachella’s artistry, the experience become about more than just watching the festival—but becoming part of it. Players can access Coachella Pillars in Fortnite Creative starting today. Use the island code 9331-9321-5753 to check it out. Goldenvoice has a long history of partnering with Fortnite to promote the festival. The initial collaboration in 2022 introduced Coachella-themed content as micro-transactions. In 2023, Coachella Island launched featuring a dedicated area with mini-games and art installations like the Coachella Ferris Wheel. 2024 saw integration with Fortnite Festival, bringing Coachella to the Jam Stage and Festival Main Stage. Tracks from artists including Blur, Bleachers, and Doja cat were featured last year. New Jam Tracks and emotes this year include music from The Marias, Jennie, Yeat, Amyl, the Sniffers, Djo, and more. View the full article

BTS, whose Army diehards are coordinating to report AI deepfakes depicting Hybe artists. Photo Credit: HopeSmiling BTS agency Hybe’s deepfake crackdown is in full swing, and South Korean police have made multiple arrests in connection with alleged AI-powered crimes. We touched on that deepfake-takedown push yesterday, when Ador vowed to pursue legal action against those making “malicious” online comments about NewJeans. The overarching Hybe, we noted, has for years been spearheading anti-harassment and -defamation efforts. (This undertaking centers in large part on a form through which fans can report infringement and “problematic” remarks. Here, Hybe requires one to provide, among other things, the post URL and author; there’s an option to identify the culprit’s IP address as well.) However, Ador also disclosed that it’d started “taking firm action against deepfake crimes, which have become a major social issue.” And one suspect accused of making and distributing “false videos exploiting artists” had already been “indicted and referred to the prosecution while in custody,” Ador indicated. Now, police have “apprehended” eight more individuals accused of putting out “sexually explicit” AI deepfakes of Hybe acts, according to the Korea Herald. As described by the report, the sting involved a total of 23 persons, 13 of whom were taken into custody. And of the eight facing charges concerning Hybe-related deepfakes, six were taken into custody, per the coverage. Regarding the charges-custody discrepancy, the Herald elaborated that “90 percent of the suspects are reported to be in their teens or 20s, with no stable employment.” Unsurprisingly, Hybe reportedly “provided critical information to aid in identifying the suspects,” thereby enabling the “prompt” arrests. Following the point to its logical conclusion, the Herald further reiterated that the K-pop giant had “received reports from fans.” In a statement, Hybe CEO Lee Jae-sang underscored his company’s plans to keep on targeting the parties behind explicit deepfakes. Meanwhile, evidence strongly suggests that diehard supporters intend to continue reporting the relevant AI outputs. “ARMY,” one superfan encouraged on X this morning, “keep reporting real issues on the Hybe Portal… they’re taking good care of our guys & we’re helping! These deepfake crimes especially, need to be stopped!” Closing with a quick update on the NewJeans-Ador contract battle, the group, now barred from engaging in solo career activities without the agency, just recently provided a detail-light update on its unofficial Instagram page. (That page was originally tied to NJZ, as which NewJeans members rebranded for a short time, but has since been renamed “mhdhh_friends.”) As translated by the Korea JoongAng Daily, the NewJeans members thanked fans for their ongoing support and vowed that “our time together will come.” The next court hearing in the NewJeans-Ador dispute is scheduled for early June. View the full article