Mixmag

26/10/2025

Blawan has just released ‘SickElixir’, his first full-length album on XL and a follow-up to a string of EPs on the label that have seen him deviate from the 4x4 techno through which he initially made his name before the pandemic to new, more off-kilter sonics.

On the album’s release day, hours before his headline show at London’s Village Underground, the Yorkshire-born producer discussed how, in exploring his unnerving, brutal and soul-baring sound, he has managed to change the course of his life.

In an interview that spans his early love of death metal, losing himself within the Berlin techno circuit and nearly quitting music all together, he speaks about the path of self-salvage that led to the sometimes-violent, occasionally serene and wholly unorthodox, ‘SickElixir’.

26/10/2025

Daft Punk's Thomas Bangalter returned to the decks for the first time in 16 years in Paris last night.

The legendary French artist played alongside Fred again.., Erol Alkan and Busy P at the Centre Pompidou as part of Because Beaubourg, celebrating 20 years of Because Music.

It also marked the final show at the Centre Pompidou ahead of planned renovation works which will see the venue close for five years.

26/10/2025

🚨 Thomas Bangalter's first public DJ set in 16 years 🚨

Marking his first set in 16 year, the former robot appeared during Busy P and Erol Alkan's set at Becuase Music's 20th birthday celebrations in Paris

26/10/2025

Afro house’s newest evolution 3-Step originated in South Africa but is having a powerful and unifying impact across borders.

Afro house’s newest evolution 3-Step originated in South Africa but is having a powerful and unifying impact across borders. In the first of a three-part series exploring the cultural shift 3-Step is spearheading, Shiba Melissa Mazaza analyses the climate of fear and toxic nationalism that was per...

26/10/2025

An Egyptian rights group has called for an end to live music and other events at the Pyramids of Giza amid fears that loud noises and other production elements could endanger the 4,000-year-old monuments' "structural integrity".

The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR) filed a lawsuit earlier this month (October 8), seeking a suspension of events and other "unlicensed activities" currently taking place at the Pyramids of Giza.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was constructed around 4,200 - 4,6000 years ago, has been the setting of an influx of live music events since January 2023, when Egypt's Tourism Ministry approved plans to "rent" the area for private functions.

Recent events include a party from Ibiza's Circoloco in November 2024 which ran until 3:AM, and a headline audiovisual show from Anyma earlier this month. Tiësto is also expected to play at the Pyramids on December 19.

In its lawsuit, the ECESR claims that "loud nighttime concerts that employ sound equipment producing high-frequency vibrations" are capable of "destabilising" the ancient stone structures, while "laser lighting systems do not comply with international standards for illumination at heritage sites."

The suit was filed by ECESR on behalf of a range of Egyptologists, researchers and archeologists, alongside cultural heritage experts and tour organisations — the Governor of Giza, Ahmed Rashad, has also been named among plaintiffs.

25/10/2025

R&B singer and house music vocalist Erik Rico has died, friends and fellow artists Aaron Paar and Chris of C Boogie have confirmed.

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that a small group of concerned friends confirms the passing of our beloved brother, Erik Rico,” they wrote in an Instagram post over the weekend (October 18).

According to Aaron and Chris, Erik passed away several months ago in late July. No cause of death was stated.

“Confirming this news has been a painful process,” they wrote. “We owe immense gratitude to our friend, Jacklyn, whose diligence and tireless efforts ultimately uncovered the truth of his passing.”

Born in North Carolina and raised between NC and New York, Erik first emerged in the music scene in the ‘90s after being scouted and signed by Columbia Records’ Randy Jackson.

Erik began to produce music for the likes of Jurassic 5 and Q-Tip before working on his own projects. His first solo record, ‘Journey Back To Me’, was released in 2008.

As a vocalist, producer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist, Erik would later collaborate with the likes of Ron Trent, DJ Spinna, and Mystic, putting his name on the house music circuit across North America.

Just a few years ago, Erik moved to Mexico where he chose to step away from social media and put all of his time and energy into music.

“Erik was loved by his music community worldwide,” Aaron and Chris said in tribute. “We will profoundly miss him as a brother, friend, and musical companion. Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans across the globe.”

25/10/2025

Spotify ads from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) mentioning "dangerous illegals" do not violate the streaming platform's advertising policy, a spokesperson has claimed.

The streaming giant has come under fire for a series of recruitment ads currently running on its platform, encouraging US residents to become ICE agents.

The current ICE recruitment drive comes amidst allegations of human rights abuses against the federal organisation, with over 100,000 people currently in detention as a result of President Donald Trump's push to crackdown on undocumented migrants in the country.

According to The Guardian, a report from US Senator Jon Ossoff's office published earlier this year found "at least 510 instances" of physical and sexual abuse in ICE facilities, including mistreatment of pregnant women and children.

According to Rolling Stone, the ad features a quote that reads: "You took an oath to protect and serve, to keep your family, your city, safe. But in sanctuary cities, you’re ordered to stand down while dangerous illegals walk free."

The Independent reports that the ads - which are also running on platforms such as HBO Max, Twitter, YouTube and ESPN - are offering a "sign-up bonus of $50,000" to applicants in Chicago and Seattle.

Tricia McLaughlin, a secretary for The Department for Homeland Security (DHS), claimed that the ads have been a "resounding success" with "over 175,000 applications" having been submitted so far.

Spotify users in the US have pledged on social media to cancel their subscriptions, with one Twitter user writing: "I’ll be moving to Apple Music since Spotify has decided to allow ICE RECRUITMENT ADS. Usually I wouldn’t announce my departure, but this is just gross."

25/10/2025

Amsterdam! Today!

ADE - Saturday Oct 25
4pm - 1am

FREE PARTY!🎉 ❤️🎉

Mixmag, the world’s biggest, longest-running and most respected global dance music media brand, is teaming up with actor, DJ and musician Idris Elba’s Sound International label at ADE, for a celebration of the best house music from around the globe.

Inspired by Elba’s uncle’s legendary 1980s London sound system of the same name, Sound International aims to spread the inclusive message of house music, while elevating upcoming talent, especially from exciting emerging and previously underserved scenes.

Also, from 4pm to 6pm ahead of the party on Saturday, we are also doing this very cool little thought leadership / social impact networking session called “The Ideas Exchange”

We have some absolutely amazing speakers. Including Idris Elba’s cousin, Umar Anthony Elba, representing Idris pan African social impact investment organisation, Akuna Group 💪💥💪 Saturday.

Promises to be an amazing start to the day. Once again admission is free. If you know of any industry types or anyone with a socially conscious bent, please extend the invite 🙏

Entry is free! Sign up below.

24/10/2025

“Eyooo Mixmag Lab was an extremely good time…I went heavy on my own productions & unreleased tunes from mates on this one, with a few classic whoppers thrown in, enjoy x”

One for the last remains of summer, Laurence Guy delivers feel-good tunes in his Mixmag Lab London 🌿

24/10/2025

sim0ne kicked off the first leg of this year’s Burn Energy tour in Gdańsk with a set filled with hard house classics and a special tribute to Tony De Vit.

24/10/2025

“Good fun playing a set in the Mixmag Lab, featuring a few of our own productions, tracks from friends, and some favourites that soundtracked our summer.“

With some of the sexiest and slinkiest house releases from the last few years we were delighted to welcome The Trip into the Mixmag Lab London.

24/10/2025

Ghetts has been accused of hitting a 20-year-old man in East London last weekend, who later died in hospital from his injuries

The musician, real name Justin Clarke-Samuel, allegedly failed to stop after hitting a 20-year-old man in London — who later died in hospital from his injuries