News

If you’re a beatmaker or a producer, what comes to mind when you think of Kontakt? You might picture realistic orchestras, cinematic pads, and detailed sampled instruments. That’s all accurate: Kontakt uses meticulously sampled and creative instruments. But Kontakt is actually an extremely flexible sampler. Under the hood is a powerful sound design platform, packed with deep modulation and automation tools that can transform your sounds into something truly unique. If you have the full version of Kontakt, which is also included with the NI 360 Pro subscription, you can take full advantage of these modulation features and get deep into tweaking. In this blog, we’ll break down advanced automation and modulation tips to help you master...

Beatsource recently launched its DJ Exclusives program, which has been 20 years in the making. It’s built around an entirely new, never been done licensing model, and means that DJs can access the types of remixes and edits which have previously only been found on record pools, but in a way which ensures both the original rights holders and the DJs themselves get fairly compensated for their work. On the new episode of Beatsource Tech, Mojaxx explains what the DJ Exclusives program is, and how it all works. Check out DJ Exclusives here: https://www.beatsource.com/genre/dj-exclusives/11 The post Beatsource Has Just Changed EVERYTHING | Explaining The DJ Exclusives Program appeared first on DJcity News - Music and news for DJs and...

Adana Twins’ latest single, “Keep On Coming,” is a collaboration with Ocean Flor and vocalist Jesse Trinidad that pushes their sound into even more expressive territory. Released via their own TAU imprint, the track opens with a vulnerable, cinematic feel and slowly builds into something more urgent and euphoric, to the point where Pete Tong opened his Coachella set with it. One of the secret ingredients holding it all together is Guitar Rig. Known for its flexibility and emotional tone shaping, Guitar Rig helps the Hamburg-based duo push subtle layers forward, add grit where needed, and give their basslines the weight they need to carry the track. In this interview, they walk through how their use of Guitar Rig has shifted over the...

On August 8, 2025, Subtronics, the Philadelphia-based bass music innovator, dropped ‘Itchy Scratchy’ via Cyclops Recordings. As Jesse Ewald, he’s made waves with headline sets at Ultra Music Festival and all-original performances at Cyclops Desert at Rawhide, cementing his status in electronic music. His April 2025 EP Fibonacci Part 1: Oblivion blended dubstep, riddim, and techno, showcasing his knack for chaotic yet precise production. With ‘Itchy Scratchy’, Subtronics dives into UKG music, transforming a viral internet moment into a track primed for dancefloor domination. ‘Itchy Scratchy’ samples Paige Ewald’s viral rant about “wonky woo woo wubby music,” delivering a UKG anthem with pulsing basslines and crisp, glitch-heavy...

Notable tracks that were added to DJcity this week. View them all here. Download the tracks below. (* indicates DJcity Exclusive) J Balvin & Jay Wheeler – Si Te Vas Cardi B – Imaginary Playerz Maroon 5 & Lil Wayne – Love Is Like LOML & Vice – Mr. Brightside Jaden Bojsen & Sami Brielle – LET’S GO – Rob DVS Classic House Intro * Lady Gaga (ft. Colby O’Donis) – Just Dance – Freejak Remix * Katy Perry – Teenage Dream – Tall Boys Remix * Justin Bieber – YUKON – Da Phonk Club Edit * Fantomel & KATE LINN – Dame Un Grrr – Good Times Ahead Remix Rihanna – S&M – Tim T Won’t Be Possible Edit DJcity’s weekly picks are selected by Sir Marcus. To receive them via email, click here. The post 🔊 Weekly Picks: Cardi B, J Balvin, Vice, Freejak...

Modern production tools give us endless creative options, but sometimes the results can sound a little too modern. Many of us are inspired by the sounds of decades past. How can we capture these sounds in our tracks? Most of us can’t access the old equipment that imparts an authentic vintage sound. This is where Session Guitarist – Electric Ruby comes in. This guitar VST faithfully captures the warm sound of a hollowbody jazz guitar. With hundreds of chord and riff patterns and a ton of customization options, it’s a great tool for dialling in bluesy guitar licks, vintage jazz tone, and other old-school sonic signatures. In this article, we’ll demonstrate five ways to add vintage soul to your tracks using Electric Ruby, covering chords...

Sound design is the art of creating new and unique sounds for music productions. This can be accomplished using various techniques and tools, including free Kontakt instruments, free Kontakt libraries, and free sound design plugins. This guide will show you how to get started with sound design by using granular manipulation, modulation, and effects chains to craft original sounds. By the end of this article, you’ll be making inspiring sounds that will catch your listener’s ears and give your sounds texture, depth, and movement. Jump to these sections: Free sound design tools Granular manipulation Using modulation to create movement Effects chains Follow along with this tutorial using Komplete Start, free bundle of pro-grade...

On August 1, 2025, Cortese released Time (Remixed) via Morii, a four-track EP that reworks their UKG catalog with fresh, bass-heavy spins. Known for blending UK garage’s classic swung rhythms with contemporary low-end textures, Cortese has earned a spot in the UK’s electronic scene. Their collabs with 2XM and endorsements from Bicep, Conducta, and Step2 Records highlight their growing influence, with Time (Remixed) showcasing their ability to craft tracks that resonate in sweaty clubs and chilled playlists alike. Each remix on Time (Remixed) brings a unique angle. ENiGMA Dubz flips ‘Time’ into a 140 BPM dubstep roller, its warbling LFO bass driving peak-time energy. BOP reworks ‘Circadian Rhythm’ with atmospheric pads and a 135 BPM...

Synthesizers have completely transformed the way we create music. We owe much of that innovation to Bob Moog, an American engineer and electronic music pioneer. He was the founder of the synthesizer manufacturer Moog Music and the inventor of the first commercial synthesizer, the Moog synthesizer, which debuted in 1964. We had the privilege of speaking with Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive director of the Bob Moog Foundation and Museum and daughter of the synth pioneer himself. She shared with us insights into her father’s innovations and the foundation’s mission to inspire future generations through his work. Watch the video below to learn more about Bob Moog, his vast collection of modular synths and educational resources at the...

Following his collaborative EP with Sasha in 2023 and the recent launch of his ART CLUB label, Because of Art returns to Last Night On Earth with his first solo release for the imprint. Out now, “Queens Park / Work It” marks a new phase for the London-based artist, merging club-friendly melodies and peak time builds with low-end control that’s made for big systems. That control comes down to more than just good production, and it’s his mastering workflow that makes the difference. For Because of Art, Ozone has become a go-to tool not for polishing in isolation, but for reacting quickly, identifying mix imbalances, and locking in a club-ready feel. Whether it’s revealing overpushed elements or sweetening a finished idea with subtle...

Notable tracks that were added to DJcity this week. View them all here. Download the tracks below. (* indicates DJcity Exclusive) James Hype (ft. Sam Harper & Bobby Harvey) – Waterfalls Disclosure & Anderson Paak – NO CAP Farruko & Louis BPM – OE OE Ciara, Latto & Jazze Pha – This Right Here Vidojean X Oliver Loenn & Teejay – Drift Rihanna (ft. Drake) – Work – Trayze Shake It To The Max (Fly) Remix * Drake & Central Cee – Which One – MarkCutz Temperature Edit * Coolio (ft. L.V.) – Gangsta’s Paradise – WOODERSON Remix Sean Paul – Get Busy – Butterfly Effect Remix Acraze (ft. Cherish) – Do It To It – LAWZ Remix DJcity’s weekly picks are selected by Sir Marcus. To receive them via email, click here. The post New Music From James...

UK-born producer and songwriter Bearcubs has never stuck to one lane. Over the years, his sound has shifted between house, indie electronica, garage, and leftfield pop – always anchored by a consistent sense of tone and restraint. His latest release, “Take Me Home,” sits in that in-between zone he’s known for: part club track, part nostalgic slow burn. At the center of his drum programming is Battery, a tool that has helped him speed up his process while remaining open to unexpected textures and subtle movement. Whether he’s layering kit elements, adding organic variation, or re-recording drums through guitar pedals, he’s always looking for ways to keep his productions human and moving. In this interview, Bearcubs walks through his...

Today, August 8, 2025, Carol Jarvis drops her electrifying new single ‘I Want You To Stay’, a summer anthem that’s already heating up the electronic music scene. Known for her jaw-dropping trombone skills, Jarvis has built a stellar rep collaborating with heavyweights like Sting, Queen, and Amy Winehouse, and sharing stages with MUSE, Harry Connick Jr., Michael Bublé, and Taylor Swift on major TV gigs. After earning props from BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, and BBC Introducing as a session pro, she’s now stepping up as a solo force, delivering a dance-ready track that’s all her own. ‘I Want You To Stay’ fuses punchy electronic beats with house grooves and a hefty dose of brass swagger. Jarvis mixes in layered flugabone riffs and deep...

Serato DJ Pro 4.0 Has Arrived – Join Us in LA to Experience It Firsthand Discover the biggest Serato update yet in an exclusive in-person event with the Serato team, Beatsource, and DJcity! Space is limited and RSVP required. Hit the link below to secure your spot. SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW The post LOS ANGELES DJs: Get Hands On With The New Serato DJ Pro 4.0 appeared first on DJcity News - Music and news for DJs and producers.

n Part 2 of our deep dive with legendary producer @Rashad_Ringo_Smith, the @RoadPodcast crew uncovers even more behind-the-scenes stories that shaped the sound of hip-hop and R&B.Rashad kicks things off by breaking down the making of the iconic “One More Chance” and its different versions (00:01), before opening up about the intense, high-stakes creative process at Bad Boy Records under the direction of @Diddy (09:01). He reveals how the classic “Bad Boy” sound came together — especially the blend of vocal powerhouses @theRealFaithEvans and @theRealMaryJBlige, which helped redefine R&B (20:03).He shares the wild backstory behind LL Cool J’s “Doin It” — a track originally made for Biggie — and the behind-the-scenes fallout with Puff and...

Fresh off their “Hunger” single and upcoming remix album Nox Anima RMX (out August 28th on bORDEL Records), French electronic duo Scratch Massive continue to build their world through a mix of dreamy, synth-heavy club records and richly textured film scores. Over two decades, they’ve shaped their voice with the same guiding principle: fewer tools, used deeply. In their studio, Kontakt still plays a foundational role; not because it’s the newest thing, but because it lets them move quickly toward emotion without second-guessing their workflow. Whether they’re working on a score or a club track, they return to the same trusted instruments, favoring fluency and feel over novelty. Paired with Reaktor, Slate + Ash, and other expressive...

Estiva’s new album Embrace is a balance of control and vulnerability, a club-tested record that also makes space for warmth, accidents, and soul. Released April 25 on Colorize, the album captures a producer at the peak of his craft: dialing in detail without losing feel, shaping tone without smoothing out its emotional edge. Tracks like “Satellite” and “No Echoes” showcase that tension beautifully, equal parts precision and intuition. During the production process, Estiva leaned heavily on iZotope Ozone, not just at the mastering stage, but throughout the writing. It helped him sculpt ideas in real time and keep momentum alive, while still offering the flexibility to refine, analyze, and step back. Whether he’s working with subtle...

The performance features in Serato’s DJ software have been constantly updated and improved in the two decades, but their music library has remained largely the same for that entire time, with competitors regularly raising the bar in terms of library management, leaving Serato behind. But now, with the launch of the Serato DJ Pro and DJ Lite version 4.0.0, the company have rebuilt their whole library from the ground up, adding in tons of long-requested features. It’s going in to public beta now, so check out the new episode of Beatsource Tech, where Mojaxx shows you everything that’s new. Join the public beta here: https://serato.com/forum/area/749 Check out Mojaxx’s rundown of the Serato DJ Pro 4.0.0 Public Beta on DJcity TV. The...

WELKER’s Dancing Around EP marks a confident debut on CamelPhat’s When Stars Align label – a confident debut that wastes no time showcasing its range. Across three distinct tracks, the Brazilian-born, LA-based producer leans hard into his roots, pulling live percussion, indie dance synth work, and gritty club energy into a release that feels equally suited for headphones and headline sets. Each track has its own momentum, but it’s the through-line of rhythm and detail that makes this EP land. He’s constantly layering chopped vocals over warped basslines or building full drum ensembles out of carefully processed one-shots, and WELKER shows he’s got a clear grip on transient balance, mix control, and the arrangement instincts to match...

Ever feel like managing all your creative tools is a bit of a juggling act? We’ve got something that makes it a breeze: Native Access. Think of it as your personal assistant for all things Native Instruments and NKS-ready software. This free app is your go-to spot for downloading, installing, activating, updating, and registering everything in one super convenient place. Plus, it’s got a new search feature that helps you quickly find exactly what you’re looking for. Our goal with Native Access is to simplify your software management so you can spend less time organizing and more time doing what you love – making music! Ready to dive in? This guide will show you everything you need to get started. Jump to these sections: Download...