News

Producers are often the unsung heroes of the music industry – the backbone behind the biggest hits. In this blog, you’ll learn about the top music producers impacting and shaping the music scene in 2025. These talented rising producers are trailblazing music production trends, and working with the world’s top artists. Read on to learn about some of the best music producers who are creating today’s hits and working behind the scenes with award-winning artists. Jump to these sections: Joey Hamhock Paige Blue YUME Ian James Lucas Quinn Sammy Soso Sean Cook Andrew Wells De La Cruz Datsunn Adam Yaron CoBannah Follow along with this tutorial using Komplete Start, the ultimate music production suite packed with a vast array of inspiring...

Crafting a hit pop song hinges on many elements, but the sonic palette you choose is crucial. The right sounds can instantly elevate a track, adding depth, character, and that essential modern edge that defines the genre. Kontakt by Native Instruments is a software sampler that allows users to play, edit, and even build your own instruments using pre-recorded samples with a vast library of sample-based instruments from Native Instruments and third-party developers. A powerful tool for pop music production, Kontakt allows you to create melodies, and craft modern sounding tracks with ease. In this blog, we’re making the sound selection process easier by exploring five free Kontakt instruments that are excellent choices for pop music...

Don’t wait for inspiration to strike – find your initial spark with cutting-edge instruments and sounds during Summer of Sound. Save big on the best upgrades for your music production setup and explore a world of instruments and tools designed to help you perfect your sound, overcome production hurdles, and finally deliver tracks with the professional quality your music deserves. We’ve got all the details below. Explore Summer of Sound deals Jump to these sections: What is Summer of Sound? Explore Summer of Sound deals: Komplete Fan favorites Software bundles Maschine Keyboards Traktor iZotope plugins Partner deals What is Summer of Sound? Whether you’ve been making music for years or are just beginning your journey, Summer of...

A clean vocal doesn’t always mean a safe one – and JiLLi’s approach proves that clarity and character can go hand in hand. On her latest release “Shallow Waters” with David Hohme and N2N, her vocals cut through with intention: warm, detailed, and emotionally locked in. It’s no accident. Her workflow bridges precision and experimentation, with iZotope RX playing a key role not just in cleanup, but in shaping the final sound. Known for her polished toplines and sample pack work with industry-leading sample pack companies, JiLLi’s voice is something that has defined more than a few artists’ entire careers. As a vocal instructor at Icon Collective, she also brings a technical mindset to every project. In this interview, we get into her...

Notable tracks that were added to DJcity this week. View them all here. Download the tracks below. (* indicates DJcity Exclusive) KAROL G – LATINA FOREVA Burna Boy (ft. Travis Scott) – TaTaTa Proppa & Waka Flocka Flame – Grove St. Party DJ Snake & Bipolar Sunshine – Paradise – Colin Jay Remix * Chappell Roan – Pink Pony Club – Tall Boys Hollaback Girl Edit * Taylor Swift – Love Story – Mark Anthony Cielo Edit * Zapp & Roger – More Bounce To The Ounce – MarkCutz & TheKidRC3 Remix * Bruno Mars – Treasure – Mr. Sherman Remix Tove Lo – Habits (Stay High) – Bessey Remix Sean Paul – We Be Burnin’ (Recognize It) – Esox Remix DJcity’s weekly picks are selected by Sir Marcus. To receive them via email, click here. The post 🔊Karol G...

While it’s often said that modern DJs are spoiled with advanced hardware and software, Mojaxx always sees potential for growth. In the latest episode, he shares his personal top 5 wishlist items for the future of DJ technology. Check out his insights on what could be the next game-changers in the DJ world. Check out Mojaxx’s wishlist for the future of DJ technology on DJcity TV. The post My Ultimate DJ Tech Wishlist (Future Gear Dreams!) appeared first on DJcity News - Music and news for DJs and producers.

On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the crew is joined by @TheCapts to discuss their new radio show on @SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock channel (1:07). They dive into why they chose Yacht Rock, citing its unique vibe and @Questlove’s take on it as “the best sitting down dancing music” (10:05), and introduce a star-studded guest DJ lineup including @DJJazzyJeff, @IAmMarkRonson, and @ZTrip (10:50). They break down their top Yacht Rock tracks (19:40)and discuss the evolution from Season 1 to Season 2 of their show (31:01).. The episode also features a candid discussion on the relevance of DJ agencies today (1:07:00), the emergence of “Detroit-style” LA (1:15:00) and exclusive membership clubs (1:24:00). Follow the R.O.A.D. Podcast on...

Hip hop and pop music have long been genres where producers sample and reimagine sounds to craft a fresh and exciting track. One of the most intriguing sources of inspiration for songs is classical music samples. Classical music samples used in productions may be instantly recognizable, while others are stretched, warped, repitched and manipulated to create a new song. Sampling classical music connects the melodies of the past with the rhythms of today. In this article, we’ll look at six standout songs that sampled classical music in a genius way. Jump to these sections: Nas – “I Can” Xzibit – “Paparazzi” Blackpink – “Shut Down” Kevin Olusola – “Dark Winter” Kelis – “Like You” Dizzee Rascal ft. Giggs – “Nutcrackerz” Follow along...

Thanks to digital technology, it’s never been easier to make any sound you can imagine. But with that precision comes the risk of making music that’s a little too perfect. That’s why many producers and listeners crave imperfections in sound – the crackle of vinyl, the warble of tape, the hiccup of an out-of-time beat. In this article we’ll explore lo-fi, a sub genre of hip hop that embraces these imperfections. You’ll learn what lo-fi music is, discover the five key elements of a lo-fi beat, and get practical steps to create your own scuffed masterpieces using Native Instruments tools. The best part? You don’t need an expensive plug-in collection to start making lo-fi music. The 360 Essentials subscription gives you everything you need...

Image by Fabrice Caterini From July 24–27, the boundary-blurring world of Château Perché returns for its 10th edition, transforming the majestic Château de Farcheville—a 13th-century castle nestled just outside Paris—into a kaleidoscopic playground of music, art, and immersive storytelling. With over 6,900 attendees expected and more than 400 international artists set to perform across 11 bespoke stages, this year marks the festival’s most ambitious chapter yet. The 2025 theme, “Once upon a time there was a graphic fantasy utopia,” invites guests into a rich narrative universe where costume, fantasy, and collective imagination collide. Each day carries its own dress-coded aesthetic: sky-high whimsy on Pyjamas in the Sky with Diamonds...

Retro synths continue to play a massive role in electronic music, especially for producers working in-the-box who rely on virtual instruments to shape their sound. These classic vibes bring a familiar warmth and texture that digital-only productions often struggle to recreate, providing a foundation for both melodic and rhythmic elements. From thick chords to plucky arps, retro synth presets, and sound libraries help producers tap into a feeling that connects past and present without dropping thousands on vintage hardware. And yet, with the bedrock of these sounds being ones we’ve heard countless times – how do top-level artists push the boundaries of saw, sine, and square waves time and time again? Few understand this better than...

Notable tracks that were added to DJcity this week. View them all here. Download the tracks below. (* indicates DJcity Exclusive) Rihanna – Friend Of Mine DJ Snake & Bipolar Sunshine –Paradise Avicii & Elle King – Let’s Ride Away Snoop Dogg & Sexyy Red – Me N OG Snoop RØZ & Peso Pluma – Apaga La Luz Drake – Hotline Bling – Tall Boys Remix * Bad Bunny – EoO – MarkCutz Remix * Lady Gaga – Abracadabra – DJWS & The DISCO_NECT Remix Kid Cudi – Day ‘n’ Nite – POLOVICH Remix Modjo – Lady (Hear Me Tonight) – 5HOURS & Loruare Remix DJcity’s weekly picks are selected by Sir Marcus. To receive them via email, click here. The post 📣 HOT NEW 🔥 From: Rihanna, DJ Snake, Avicii, Snoop Dogg, Sexyy Red, Peso Pluma, + MORE appeared first on...

The second episode of Beatsource Retro Tech takes a look at the Red Sound Infader mixer. Some episodes will highlight products that significantly influenced the future of DJing. Others, like this one, examine devices that were intended to be revolutionary but ultimately fell short. The Infader from British brand Red Sound is a perfect example of the latter. Despite featuring a unique triple crossfader module, and being the first all-digital DJ mixer, it has sadly been largely forgotten. Sound On Sound’s Voyager 1 Review: https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/red-sound-systems-voyager-1-beat-xtractor Check out Mojaxx’s look at the Red Sound Infader mixer on DJcity TV. The post Are THREE Crossfaders Better Than ONE? The Red Sound...

Expressive, evolving, and rhythmically dynamic sounds are the speciality of Circular, a polyphonic sequencer from Native Instruments for Kontakt and the free Kontakt Player that make it easy to create unique, sophisticated soundscapes. Featuring 255 presets and over 160 experimental sound sources, Circular caters to those looking for exciting new sounds quickly, and those looking for a more involved experience will discover an unimaginable array of sound design possibilities under the hood. Jump to these sections: What is Circular? How to turn a chord progressions into a rhythmic soundscape Increase expression with polyphonic aftertouch Create your own patch In this tutorial we’ll show you how to find the right preset for your...

On this week’s episode, the crew is joined by the ever-insightful @DJMoma, who dives deep into his recent creative process and thoughts on the global music scene. Moma compares the energy and music cultures of Cape Town and Johannesburg (01:33). He shares how he’s been drawing music in South Africa (14:10), collaborating with local artists and cooking up new Amapiano tracks from scratch in old-school jam sessions (20:00). Moma addresses Everyday People inspired parties (30:00), breaks down his philosophy behind throwing international parties and the cultural risks involved (28:10) and the crew touches on the gatekeeping still present in NYC nightlife (56:01). The crew discuss the value of anniversary parties (1:39:01) and whether...

Making music in the box is all fun and games until you need to replicate instruments that humans have been hearing outside the box for centuries. Strings and pianos, for example, are notoriously difficult to recreate in a digital environment, even with high-end VST instruments and samplers like Kontakt. But if anyone has mastered this challenge, it’s Paradoks. His latest release on Nora En Pure Purified Records, “C’est Toi,” is a testament to his ability to turn MIDI-based VST strings into some of the most lifelike, expressive string arrangements you’ll hear. Paradoks, a Belgian producer known for balancing club energy with emotional depth, relies on string-driven chord progressions to bring an authentic feel to his music. Since this...

Kontakt can bring new worlds of sound into your tracks. Whether you’re looking for punchy modern drums, vintage keys, or characterful instruments from across the globe, there’s probably a Kontakt library (or several) that will scratch the itch. What’s more, many of these instruments are free. In this article, we’ll run down five of the best free Kontakt libraries for hip hop production. Some of these instruments offer handy free hip hop samples to get you started on a track. Others deliver compelling soundworlds that will give your finished productions extra polish and depth. You can start using these samples, sounds, and more using the free Kontakt Player, a streamlined version of Kontakt that enables you to run the latest NI Kontakt...

Desi 101: What Exactly Is Desi Music? Let’s clear something up: Desi isn’t a genre. It’s a cultural identity. “Desi” is how South Asians across the diaspora refer to themselves and their culture. So when we say Desi music, we’re talking about the huge spectrum of South Asian sounds being created by artists from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and beyond – both at home and abroad. And that’s the beauty of it. Whether it’s classic Bollywood, high-energy Bhangra, or Urban Desi bangers built for Western dance floors, the sounds are global. For DJs, understanding this world opens up a powerful connection to multicultural crowds. South Asian music isn’t niche anymore – its packed dance floors in Toronto, London, NYC, and LA. And...

The Patterns Tool is a new feature in Kontakt that combines the ease-of-use of an arpeggiator with the powerful flexibility of a sequencer, making it easier than ever to create exciting new rhythms and musical sequences. In this guide to using patterns in Kontakt we’ll show you how to add the Patterns Tool to instruments, how to edit patterns, and how to create new rhythmic patterns in Kontakt. This will enable you to create exciting sequences more quickly, regardless of which style of music you make. Use Patterns in Kontakt free Jump to these sections: What is the Patterns Tool in Kontakt and what does it do? How do I access the Patterns Tool in Kontakt 8? How to use Patterns in Kontakt: Add the Patterns Tool Adjust the...

Afro-house is having a moment right now, and you can hardly throw a rock without hitting some commercial pop song being remixed into a laid-back Afro-house remix or flip. But as is the case with all genres that see such a spike in popularity, most of what’s out there is just a copy of a copy of a copy, with really only a few pioneers of the sound really doing anything that breaks the mold. AMÉMÉ is one of those rare few and he was kind enough to come on and answer some questions about programming and producing Afro-house drums, using Maschine as his central tool for getting ideas out of his head, into his DAW, and onto the dance floor. 2024 was a massive year for AMÉMÉ with releases on major dance labels like Armada, Insomniac...