Features

On one level, Anané’s new EP, ‘Take A Ride’, is a playful throwback to the musical opulence of the disco era. But it cuts deeper than that. As the vocalist and songwriter explains, it’s also an ode to unity, freedom, and her own sense of confidence

Here are eight artists ready to take 2024 by storm. From a rising star of amapiano to the leading light of Sri Lankan d&b, via underground innovators from Glasgow, Rotterdam, Melbourne, Mexico City and beyond, these DJs are driving global dancefloors into an ever more exciting future

First famed for her UK funky anthems in the late ’00s, producer Karen Nyame KG left the scene behind after experiencing misogyny, double standards and a lack of support. Since 2018, she’s been re-energised, with a new sound, acclaimed DJ chops, and a music community that has welcomed and supported her. Alongside a smooth and soulful Recognise mix brimming with Afro percussive grooves and deep house, Ria Hylton learns about her move towards melody, and how those early years set the foundation for her return

Winner of DJ Mag’s Best of British Best Producer award for 2023, Ben Hemsley is on a mission to bring trance back to the masses. Harold Heath speaks to him about staying true to himself, his pivotal Creamfields performance, his production ethic, and working with his heroes

With lyrics inspired by her Zimbabwean heritage and life in Manchester, Meduulla’s route into rap was through poetry. She speaks to Sophie Walker about her dual perspective, her love of words, and appreciation for the power of hip-hop

At the height of grief, LA-based producer Lauren Mia never imagined her debut LP ‘RE:BIRTH’ would be bubbling in her subconscious — but it turns out the stars had greater plans

Helmed by 2 Bad Mice, Over/Shadow is one of the most essential labels in the modern jungle/drum & bass scene. Though initially formed around much of the classic Moving Shadow crew, its focus is set firmly on the future, releasing cutting-edge music from artists old and new alike, and aiming to create a sustainable model for all. Alongside a mix from its catalogue, Ben Hindle learns more

The latest and greatest DJs and producers rising to the top this month. From sizzling EBM and electro experiments to ballistic breaks, dubby bass and beyond, here’s January 2024’s list of upcoming talent you should be keeping track of

Greek-British DJ Madam X moved to Athens in 2021, and has found new levels of creative energy there. Niamh O'Connor strolls through the city with the KAIZEN label boss to learn how its laidback lifestyle has helped her refine her career, from preparations for her debut EP music to her MDMXERCISE fitness brand

Some people know exactly what direction their life will take from an early age. Then there are the rest of us, feeling our way through existence until we hit upon the right course of action. The Cleveland-born Taylor Character, better known as HoneyLuv, falls firmly in the latter camp, with years in basketball (with dreams of going pro) and a stint in the Navy before finally finding her true calling: DJing and production. Ria Hylton catches up with the rising house music star in London to find out more.

Part of the Herchester collective in Manchester, OneDa operates on the fringes of drum & bass, and isn’t afraid to go against the grain, as evidenced on her latest EP, ‘Pussy Power’. She tells DJ Mag about how acceptance of her sexuality — not least by herself — and a large degree of self-love have been crucial to her development as an MC, and in finding her voice

The votes have been counted and the results are in! Here are the winners in DJ Mag’s Best of British awards 2023

From all-time-great mixes and new editions of top class labels' club-focused series, to eye-opening archival collections and new material, there were more than enough compilations to keep us going through 2023. These releases often offer a prime vantage spot from where to spot the stars of the future — an early hint at genius that leads to incredible careers, EPs and albums. Here, DJ Mag contributors select their personal favourite comps of the year, offering an unranked overview of the sounds that made the past 12 months so memorable for electronic music in all its forms

Russell E. L. Butler has been making evocative music for nearly a decade. Their latest, the subtly dazzling, hugely expressive ‘Call Me G’ on T4T LUV NRG, is perhaps their best work yet. But, as Bruce Tantum learns in conversation with the Brooklyn-based artist, the album is more than just a collection of beautiful tracks.

In 2023, electronic music artists around the world used long-form works to showcase both range and specialism. DJs and producers best known for club-ready works explored personal themes through dream-pop, jazz and ambient, while others returned to the dancefloor with renewed vitality. Among fusions of hip-hop, amapiano, dub, dancehall and R&B we had dialled-in demonstrations of jungle, techno and deep house at their purest. Here, DJ Mag contributors select their personal favourite albums of the year, offering an unranked overview of the sounds that made the past 12 months so memorable for electronic music in all its forms

2023 has been a bumper year for bangers. From chart-bothering drum & bass, fusionist club scorchers and playful rave barnstormers, through underground avenues of garage, dubstep and breaks, into amapiano, anthemic house, R&B and experimental electronics, DJ Mag's contributors write about their personal favourite tracks of the year, offering an unranked overview of the sounds that made the past 12 months so memorable for electronic music around the world

In this series, we invite DJs, producers and label heads to dig into their crates and share the contents of their collections. This week, NYC's Analog Soul spotlight their all-time favourite house tracks

Nia Archives is a jungle sensation. Since exploding onto the scene just two-and-a-half years ago, she’s won multiple awards, become a festival headliner, and racked up millions of plays with a deeply personal take on the genre that also pays homage to its Black pioneers. Life’s not always been easy, and she’s had to become hyper-independent to survive and progress, but now she’s rewriting her story. Christine Ochefu learns about Nia’s upbringing, her love for everything ’90s, and how she’s creating space for young Black women to thrive in electronic music

In the fabric of New York's club scene, Kristin Malossi is a crucial thread. As DJ Voices, her sets favour "energy and drama over genre". As one of the bookers at underground institution Nowadays, she champions artists who imbue their selections with authenticity and adventure. Alongside her 90-minute Recognise mix, she tells Eoin Murray how a devotion to community and integrity informs everything she does

In South Africa's burgeoning ballroom scene, pioneering figures and DJs are finding their own ‘Ha’ in the country's past, and in the contemporary sounds of gqom, amapiano, and Afrobeats. Tazmé Pillay learns more