The Blessed Madonna Calls Out Róisín Murphy over Claims of “Censorship”
The Blessed Madonna publicly rebuked Irish singer Róisín Murphy after Murphy delivered a Parliament speech warning artists to self‑censor to avoid “cancel culture.” Murphy’s remarks revive a 2023 controversy over her anti‑trans comments and led to her removal from the Istanbul festival lineup. In an Instagram post, The Blessed Madonna dismissed Murphy’s claims of censorship as mere consequences, questioning her portrayal of being silenced. The exchange highlights the growing culture‑war tensions shaping the music industry’s public discourse.
Chase & Status to Feature as Characters in New James Bond Game, 007: First Light
IO Interactive announced that British drum‑and‑bass duo Chase & Status will appear as themselves in the upcoming James Bond video game 007: First Light. The game, slated for a May 27, 2026 launch on Xbox, PlayStation and PC, continues the franchise’s tradition of...
Long-Time Rainbow Disco Club Resident Sisi Has Died Aged 46
International DJ Tetsuyoshi Kisisita, known as Sisi, died on April 22, 2026 at age 46 after a cerebral haemorrhage. A resident of Japan’s Rainbow Disco Club (RDC) since the early 2010s, he built a reputation as a record‑digging tastemaker and...
Ninajirachi Was Never a Club Kid – Her Rise to EDM Stardom Made Her One
Australian producer Nina Wilson, known as Ninajirachi, has transitioned from a decade‑long home‑studio career to international EDM stardom. Her 2025 album *I Love My Computer* received critical acclaim and amassed millions of streams, leading to headline tours across Europe, the...
Illegal Rave Attendees in Marseille Could Face Fines of €3,000 Under Proposed Legislation
French MPs in Marseille have introduced a draft law that would penalise participants in unlicensed rave parties with fines of up to €3,000 (about $3,240) for repeat offenders. Organisers of events exceeding 250 attendees could face six months in jail...
Boomtown Announces Expansion of “World-First” Hydrogen-Powered Stage for 2026
Boomtown announced that its HYDRO stage will be upgraded to HYDRO XL for the 2026 festival, boosting capacity from 8,000 to 20,000 spots, a 150% increase. The new arena will be powered entirely by green hydrogen fuel‑cell technology, delivering zero‑carbon...
Carl Cox: “The Arches Is Still a Big Loss for Glasgow”
Legendary Glasgow nightclub The Arches, which shut its doors in 2015, remains a cultural loss according to veteran DJ Carl Cox. In a BBC Scotland interview ahead of his headline at the Pavilion Festival, Cox recalled the venue’s free‑spirited atmosphere...
New Music on Our Radar This Week: Surusinghe, Machinedrum, horsegiirL
Mixmag’s weekly round‑up spotlights a wave of electronic releases slated for late April through June 2026. Highlights include Machinedrum’s independent mini‑album BL00MS and the revival of his IAMSIAM label, horsegiirL’s debut album NATURE IS HEALING inspired by an ayahuasca journey,...
NEOPOP Celebrates 20 Years with ANTIPOP Theme for 2026
Portugal’s NEOPOP Festival announced its 2026 “ANTIPOP” theme to celebrate a two‑decade run. The three‑day event returns to the historic Forte de Santiago da Barra in Viana do Castelo from August 6‑8, featuring more than 100 artists. Headliners include Richie Hawtin’s...
Carl Cox Honoured with Mural in Cardiff Ahead of The Prodigy Tour Leg
Legendary DJ Carl Cox was honored with a large‑scale mural on Cardiff’s boardwalk ahead of his Utilita Arena performance on April 19, where he opened for The Prodigy. Welsh street artist Steve Jenkins painted Cox’s likeness, the band’s logo and...
The Cover Mix: NOTION
British DJ and producer Notion lands the cover of Mixmag and will debut a exclusive Mixmag Lab set in London on April 22. The set is designed to spotlight fresh tracks from Notion and his favorite producers, deliberately steering clear...
London's "First" Spatial Audio Listening Room to Launch in Soho
Polygon Productions is launching Polygon Portal, London’s first spatial‑audio listening room, in Soho next month. The venue features a 360° L‑Acoustics sound system that delivers immersive, multi‑dimensional audio experiences. Labels such as Sony, Ninja Tune, Partisan and Ghostly International will host showcases,...
Women Aged Between 40-65 Say Clubbing Benefits Their Mental Health, Study Finds
A University of Leeds study published in April 2025 surveyed 136 women aged 40‑65 who regularly attend electronic‑music events. Over 92% reported that clubbing lifts their mental health, while 81.6% have been part of the scene for more than two...
New Music on Our Radar This Week: Oppidan, DJ Seinfeld, TOMORA
This week’s Mixmag roundup spotlights several high‑profile releases in electronic music. Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers and Norwegian singer‑songwriter AURORA debut as TOMORA with the 12‑track album “Come Closer” on Capitol Records, while Nine In Noize pairs Nine Inch Nails with Boys Noize for...
Massive Attack Share New Music for the First Time in over a Decade
Massive Attack has broken a ten‑year silence with the new track “Boots on the Ground,” a collaboration with legendary singer‑songwriter Tom Waits and his son Casey. The song, released through Play It Again Sam, is deliberately omitted from Spotify as...
Music Venue Trust Announces Grassroots Funding Scheme for Equipment and Soundsystems
The Music Venue Trust (MVT) has unveiled “Raise The Standard,” a grassroots funding programme that will upgrade sound systems, lighting, backline and other stage equipment at independent UK venues. The initiative is backed by LIVE Trust, major manufacturers and the...
Moby to Donate Profits From Coachella Performance to Animal Rights Organisations
Moby will donate 100% of the profits from his two Coachella performances to four animal‑rights organisations. The electronic‑music pioneer takes the stage on April 17 for the festival’s second weekend, following a debut set on the Mojave stage. His pledge...
Ibiza Residents Call for Cap on Balearic Tourist Numbers in New Survey
A new survey commissioned by the Ara Més alliance shows 69.1% of Balearic residents favor a cap on tourist arrivals. The poll, covering Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, also reveals strong support for limiting short‑term rentals, with 80.5% calling for fewer...
Legendary Bollywood Singer and Gorillaz Collaborator Asha Bhosle Has Died, Aged 92
Legendary Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle died at 92 from multiple organ failure after a chest infection hospitalization, confirmed by her son Anand Bhosle in Mumbai with a funeral on March 13. Bhosle, a Padma Vibhushan awardee and two‑time Grammy nominee,...
Norwich Music Venue Installs Artist Accommodation to Tackle High Touring Costs
Norwich’s Voodoo Daddy’s venue is installing on‑site artist accommodation, funded by the UK’s arena ticket levy that allocates £1 (≈$1.25) per ticket to grassroots venues. The renovation, part of a Music Venue Trust scheme, adds bunk‑beds, showers, a kitchen and...
New Music on Our Radar This Week: Flying Lotus, Peach, M.I.A.
Mixmag’s weekly round‑up highlights a diverse slate of new releases spanning electronic, hip‑hop, and world‑influenced music. The centerpiece is Flying Lotus’s deluxe yellow‑vinyl reissue of his debut album ‘1983’ for Record Store Day, alongside M.I.A.’s seventh album ‘M.I.7’ recorded in...
Freddie Gibbs Rumoured to Feature in GTA VI Mission
Freddie Gibbs is rumored to appear as a character in Rockstar's upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI, based on an exclusive tip from presenter HipHopGamer to PC Gamer. The speculation follows Gibbs' past contribution of the track “Still Livin’” to GTA V’s Radio...
Pacha New York Offers Coupons to Disgruntled Brooklyn Mirage Ticketholders
Pacha New York, the rebranded former Brooklyn Mirage, announced it will issue 100% ticket‑value coupons to patrons who never received refunds for canceled events before the venue’s bankruptcy. The coupons can be used for shows, food, drinks, and merchandise when...
Accra's Oroko Radio Announces Indefinite Hiatus
Accra‑based online radio Oroko Radio announced an indefinite hiatus, citing unsustainable finances and staff burnout. The nonprofit, launched in 2022 to spotlight Ghanaian and diaspora talent, has relied mainly on grants, collaborations, and volunteer work. Its last major event was...
Festival Line-Ups You Might Have Missed: Montreux Jazz Festival, Reading & Leeds, Boa Nova
The Montreux Jazz Festival marks its 60th anniversary with a 16‑day roster that includes PinkPantheress, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and Moby, aiming to bridge generations. Reading & Leeds festivals have bolstered their 2026 line‑ups with 60 new acts...
Music Tech You Might Have Missed: Roland SPD-SX Pro, Akai MPC Sampler, Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3s
Roland released firmware version 2.0 for its SPD‑SX PRO sampling pad, adding custom trigger LEDs, expanded memory, backup file support, and time‑stretching features, priced at $1,500 (≈$1,470). Bang & Olufsen completed its Atelier centenary series with the Beolab 90 Monarch and Zenith editions, limited...
"Nothing Lasts Forever": An Emotional Farewell to Corsica Studios
London’s iconic Corsica Studios hosted its final night on March 28‑30, 2026, ending a 24‑year run as a cornerstone of the city’s electronic music scene. The venue, founded by Adrian Jones and the late Amanda Moss in 2002, has been...
The Mix 100: Sama' Abdulhadi
The Mix 100 spotlights Palestinian‑born DJ Sama’ Abdulhadi, now based in Paris, as she blends techno with Arabic samples while championing Palestinian rights. Despite travel bans that keep her from Ramallah, she continues to secure high‑profile club and festival bookings. Her...
Documentary Series Charting 100 Years of Japan's Listening Bar Culture Premieres in London
"A Century In Sound," a three‑part documentary tracing a hundred years of Japan’s listening‑bar culture, opened at London’s Barbican Centre with screenings on March 22, April 2 and April 18, 2026. The series, first shown at Sheffield Doc Fest in May 2025, follows New Zealand directors...
Listen to Frankie Knuckles’ Last-Ever Recorded Mix
To commemorate the 12th anniversary of Frankie Knuckles' death, Mixmag has resurfaced his final recorded set from March 22, 2014 at Miami’s Winter Music Conference. The hour‑long house mix, released as the magazine’s Christmas Eve 2015 “In Session,” blends original...
The Cover Mix: Marlon Hoffstadt AKA DJ Daddy Trance
German producer Marlon Hoffstadt, aka DJ Daddy Trance, appears on the March 30 2026 Mixmag cover with an exclusive “Cover Mix” that revisits the old‑school trance that shaped his early career. The 14‑track set spans seminal 1990s and early‑2000s releases, from Dance 2 Trance to...
Bandcamp Launches New Weekly Radio Show for Electronic Music
Bandcamp has expanded its Bandcamp Radio portfolio with a new weekly program called Electronic Radio, dedicated to electronic music. The show debuted on February 25, featuring guests Nathan Fake and Electric Indigo, and is hosted by DJ and producer Emily...
Fred Again.. And Thomas Bangalter Tease Release of Ally Pally B2b Set
British producer Fred again.. announced the upcoming release of his historic back‑to‑back set with Daft Punk co‑founder Thomas Bangalter, recorded at London’s Alexandra Palace on February 27. The teaser was posted on Reddit on March 26, with a YouTube premiere scheduled for 5 PM GMT...
Gorgon City in The Mixmag Lab
On Thursday, March 19, 2026, electronic‑music duo Gorgon City performed live at Mixmag Lab’s London venue, Number 90 Lock. The set featured their signature house, garage, tech‑house, and bassline tracks, following warm‑up sets by Shuffa and Camille Doe. Mixmag streamed the performance, allowing...
Boys Noize B2b VTSS in the Mixmag Lab X ARC Music Festival
The Mixmag Lab staged a special back‑to‑back set by electronic veterans Boys Noize and VTSS at Chicago’s Arc Music Festival. The performance highlighted the duo’s ability to fuse pop‑culture references with gritty techno‑punk, drawing both underground and mainstream fans. ARC,...
DJ Nobu Selects 10 Leftfield Tracks He Has on Rotation While Touring
Veteran techno DJ Nobu, known for his high‑octane global sets, is channeling meditation and lay Buddhism into a new five‑track EP titled *Shō*, due on fabric Originals on 27 March. The minimalist, meditative record marks a stylistic pivot from his usual...
Roland Claims New AI Tool Has "Human Intent at Its Core"
Roland unveiled Melody Flip, an AI‑powered melody‑suggestion plug‑in for major DAWs, developed with Sony Computer Science Laboratories. The tool analyzes a track’s musical DNA—structure, BPM, key, chords, genre, and mood—and matches it to a curated library of 300 creative palettes. Roland...
New Dance Music-Dedicated Radio Station Opens in San Francisco, program.audio
Program.audio, a new online radio station dedicated to dance music, launched on March 21 from a 59‑year‑old Fotomat kiosk on San Francisco’s Haight Street. The venture is the brainchild of local DJs sfcowboy and erika, who previously ran a club night...
Legendary Bassist Melvin Gibbs Shares New Book Tracing the History of Black Music
Legendary bassist Melvin Gibbs is releasing a 300‑page book, *How Black Music Took Over the World*, on April 14 through Basic Books. The work charts the evolution of Black music from early diaspora rhythms to contemporary icons such as Beyoncé...
PinkPantheress Produced 'Tonight' Using only a MacBook Keyboard
PinkPantheress revealed she produced the lead single “Tonight” from her upcoming 2025 mixtape Fancy That using only the keyboard of her MacBook. She tapped piano chords, synths and bass directly in Logic Pro’s Musical Typing feature, avoiding any MIDI controller...
The Mix 098: Slim Soledad
Slim Soledad, a Brazil‑born gender‑non‑conforming producer and DJ, is set to release her debut album ‘Noches Calientes De La Soledad’ on March 20 via Headroom Records. The record blends raw São Paulo baile funk with techno, reggaeton and ghetto‑tech, featuring collaborators like Clementaum and Evissimax. Soledad’s background in...
How Portrait XO and Rick Feds Use Finger Drumming in Their Electronic Music Production
Berlin‑based Portrait XO and Riga‑originated Rick Feds are expanding finger‑drumming beyond performance, integrating AI, data sonification, and sustainable practices into electronic music. Portrait XO’s new album "The Cost of Connection" uses custom Neutone AI models and Max/MSP tools to translate...
Live Nation and Ticketmaster Antitrust Trial to Resume After 32 US States Reject Settlement
The U.S. Department of Justice antitrust trial against Ticketmaster and its parent Live Nation resumed on March 16 after 32 states rejected a tentative settlement. The proposed deal would have forced 50 % of tickets at Live Nation‑owned venues to be sold...
"Thanks DHL": William Orbit's GRAMMYs Broken in Transit From London to Venice
Legendary producer William Orbit posted on Instagram that three Grammy trophies he earned for Madonna’s 1994 *Ray of Light* were broken during a DHL shipment from Venice to London. He humorously noted that the shattered pieces now total nine fragments, while seven nomination...
UK Artists Can Now Apply for £125,000 Fund to Aid “Cost of Touring Crisis”
The Featured Artist Coalition (FAC) has launched the UKAT Fund, a £125,000 pool aimed at easing touring overhead for UK musicians. Artists can apply for up to £7,000 or 40 % of their tour budget, whichever is lower, with the first...
Black Music Accounts for 80% of UK Music Revenue Generated in Last 30 Years
A UK Music report reveals that Black‑artist‑made music generated £24.5 billion, representing 80% of the industry’s £30 billion revenue between 1994 and 2023. The study, titled *Black Music Means Business*, is the first of its kind in Europe and quantifies both commercial and...
Physical Bandcamp Sales to Be Counted Towards UK Chart Rankings
Physical music sales on Bandcamp will now be counted toward the UK Official Charts after The Pack Smart Group secured reporting rights with the Official Charts Company. Previously, only physical copies sold alongside a digital purchase were eligible for chart...
New Music on Our Radar This Week: Olof Dreijer, Jen Cardini, Jaguar
Mixmag’s weekly roundup highlights a wave of new releases across electronic music, featuring Olof Dreijer’s debut album “Loud Bloom” on DH2, Jen Cardini’s first solo EP “Petit Monstre” on SMIILEWAX, and Alewya’s debut album “ZERO” on Because London/LDN Records. Several...
NEOPOP Shares Initial 2026 Line-Up Featuring Helena Hauff, Goldie and Octave One
Portugal’s NEOPOP Festival has unveiled its first‑wave lineup for the 2026 edition, scheduled for August 6‑8 at the historic Forte da Barra in Viana do Castelo. The three‑day event celebrates two decades of electronic‑music programming and promises its most ambitious production...
The Best DJ Mixes Of The Year 2026 So Far
Mixmag has launched its inaugural guide to the best DJ mixes of 2026, offering a curated selection that spans house, techno, UK garage, amapiano, jungle, drum‑and‑bass, ambient, rap, grime, R&B and more. The feature includes club recordings, radio residencies and...