Pretty Lights and a small team of determined creatives have orchestrated an online auction that resonates far beyond the confines of his dreamlike dancefloors.
As Western North Carolina grapples with the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the pioneering electronic artist has joined a feverish rally to offer a beacon of hope through a rare collection currently under the digital hammer. It’s a luminous lot comprising over 150 coveted items, each crackling with a pulse of his creativity and his band’s ineffable connection to fans.
“Our fans are really about lifting each other up and the sense of community that we’ve built is such a beautiful thing,” Meghan Zank, Pretty Lights’ partner, tells EDM.com backstage prior to his set at Austin City Limits. “So they all want to help. When we see any major devastation, we think, ‘What can we do?'”
Pretty Lights, whose real name is Derek Vincent Smith, echoed that sentiment. He and Zank worked with Erin Fritts, Jennifer Rodriguez and Emily Picart to execute the 72-hour online auction, “Creatives For WNC Relief,” which features contributions from all around Pretty Lights’ vast community. The band’s videographer Corey Ramos, a Charlotte native, has also played a pivotal role.
“We’re a few hours away, so it definitely hit home, seeing how many friends live out there. Their city was devastated and they can’t go back, and some friends are relocating,” Ramos laments. “It was just so unexpected and they’re just not prepared for that kind of stuff. They’re prepared for blizzards—not flash flooding.”
“It was tough to see. So after a week of kind of just figuring out how we could help, we figured this might be the best way. A lot of people have love for that area through the music scene.”
Among the treasures up for grabs are over 15 autographed official prints—rare relics no longer available to the public—alongside tickets to upcoming shows and high-quality photo prints captured by Pretty Lights’ photographer, Brittany Teuber. Other highlights include lessons from renowned drummer Adam Deitch and Lettuce guitarist Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff.
An official photo print of Pretty Lights captured by the band’s official photographer, Brittany Teuber.
“Creatives For WNC Relief” even includes a guarantee for song or sample requests at Pretty Lights’ performances, letting fans take part in curating the very sound that defines their lives. But as bidders vie for these gems, they’re also contributing to a larger narrative of resilience and restoration.
To that end, the silent auction speaks volumes about the transformative power of art in times of crisis. Zank paints a picture of a deeply passionate grassroots effort to prove that electronic music can help rebuild, both spiritually and materially.
“The music that [Smith] makes really comes from the deepest part of his soul,” she says. “It speaks to the human experience and I think it’s super relatable. And he’s just a really true artist. So I think when something’s real, it just attracts power. Taking care of each other—it’s not about just him, it’s about our team and the community around us.”
“Connection is a big theme around here,” Ramos adds. “I feel like any way that PL gets a chance to connect or fuse the connection themselves, they’ll take advantage of it.”
“Creatives For WNC Relief” ends October 15th at 7pm EST (5pm MST, 4pm PST). You can place bids here.
End Overdose is leading a hi-tech charge in the fight against drug overdoses, unveiling a cutting-edge e-training tool that promises to make a significant impact at EDM events.
The nonprofit, one of EDM.com‘s best industry leaders of 2022, says the initiative will “revolutionize overdose response training” at the concerts and festivals in which their teams are providing education. Dubbed “Narcats World,” the e-learning resource arrives in the midst of a growing need for medical preparedness at large-scale events, where limited onsite resources can leave attendees vulnerable.
Harm reduction remains one of today’s most timely flashpoints in the electronic dance music community and its festivals, which remain heavily scrutinized due to its inextricable link to drug use. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are the primary driver of overdose deaths in the United States, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, citing CDC data.
End Overdose believes “Narcats World” will democratize training by making it more accessible while improving retention and preparedness. Its deployment is designed to educate more ravers while boosting their confidence in managing real-time overdose situations.
The organization says “Narcats World” can increase retention by up to 75%. They’ve gamified the platform to offer rewards to participants, and incorporated narrative storytelling and “multi-sensory” specs like haptic feedback to keep them engaged.
It’s important to note that the e-learning tool is still in its development phase and End Overdose has not formally rolled it out to events at the time of this writing.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the road to success for independent artists seems to be getting even steeper.
A new report published by Right Chord Music and Musosoup, “The Musician’s Census 2024,” highlights a series of hurdles that make navigating the path of an independent musician more difficult than ever.
The Musician’s Census is one of the most in-depth surveys of grassroots musicians. The global study gathered responses from 300 independent artists across 64 countries, and the trends that emerge paint a stark picture of an industry where getting paid, being heard and building a fanbase are becoming monumental tasks for musicians trying to stay financially afloat.
One of the most alarming revelations of the data centers on payment. Nearly two-thirds of respondents admitted they aren’t fully aware if they are receiving the full extent of what they are owed, nor are they certain they aren’t. It’s a baffling reality that leaves musicians questioning how they can sustain their careers when financial transparency is often elusive.
Another overwhelming challenge, the report suggests, is the sheer difficulty of gaining exposure. A staggering 54% of musicians said getting their music heard is their biggest hurdle. Market over-saturation was cited as a one major factor, with the constant flood of new releases making it nearly impossible to stand out along with the proliferation of AI-generated music.
Ultimately, 68% of respondents agreed that the path of an independent musician is “tougher than ever,” underscoring the mounting obstacles in the bedrock of today’s music industry. You can read and download the full report here.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. If you have information regarding access to resources for members of the music community affected by Hurricane Helene, please reach out to editorial@edm.com.
As Hurricane Helene continues its pernicious path through the Southeastern United States, scores of beleaguered music venues and professionals are seeking a lifeline.
Helene has mutated into one of the largest and most harmful storms to develop in the Gulf of Mexico in the last century after making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane September 26th in Florida, according to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The death toll today climbed over 215, making the storm the deadliest since 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, according to Axios. Emergency shelters are now opening en masse in the aftermath of the historic flooding, which left hundreds of thousands of people without water, power and cell service.
The eye of Hurricane Helene in the Gulf of Mexico.
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Helene hit North Carolina especially hard last weekend, causing widespread devastation across coastal and inland communities. Emergency services were reportedly overwhelmed by calls for help as heavy rains triggered flash floods across the region, sweeping away entire homes and venues.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has called the storm “catastrophic” and recently received approval from the federal government to declare a Major Disaster, per a press release issued by his office. The edict allowed the state to secure access to a “significant funding commitment.”
“The people in western North Carolina are hurting from this devastating storm and we are all working to get resources to people as fast as we can,” Cooper said. “We have deployed rescue teams, transportation crews, water, mobile kitchens and more. This is going to be a long-term recovery and this federal declaration will help us respond.”
Read on to find out how to support independent music venues and people during the ongoing crisis caused by Helene.
How to support the music community impacted by Hurricane Helene
Pioneering electronic music artist Pretty Lights has launched a silent auction to raise to raise much-needed funds for relief efforts in Western North Carolina. It features over 150 items, including rare autographed prints and drum lessons. You can place bids here.
The National Independent Venue Foundation Emergency Relief Fund is providing essential financial aid to help keep venues and festivals afloat. The organization is accepting donations here.
MusiCares, a nonprofit providing health, financial and rehabilitation resources to music industry professionals in times of need, offers an Emergency Financial Assistance Program providing financial grants.
Salvage Station, a beloved music venue located in Asheville’s historic River Arts District, was completely destroyed. The venue’s owners have launched a campaign to raise funds, which will be “strictly given to our employees to survive during this devastating time.” You can donate here.
Another popular independent venue in the River Arts District, The Grey Eagle, has cancelled or postponed all of its concerts until the city of Asheville gets running water back. Its owners are accepting in-kind donations to support staff members.
A special benefit concert is taking place October 26th at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium featuring Luke Combs, Eric Church, Billy Strings and James Taylor. 100% of proceeds from “A Concert for Carolina” will benefit ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, according to Explore Asheville, who pledged $1 million as the presenting sponsor. Tickets go on sale Thursday, October 10th at 10am here.
A hurricane relief concert, “From Wilmington, With Love,” featuring Ben Folds will take place on October 29th at the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. 100% of proceeds will benefit local charities assisting with emergency food, housing and home repairs via the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, managed by United Way of North Carolina. The show is hosted by the City of Wilmington with support from Live Nation, the Wilmington Arts Council and the NC Music Office. Purchase tickets here.
Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts, an independent venue in Charlotte, is now moonlighting as a drop-off location for essential supplies like batteries, flashlights, water purification tablets, blankets and baby formula. Its owners have ensured they will deliver items to a slew of impacted venues.
Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts is also hosting a benefit concert on October 11th to help fund the efforts of Beloved Asheville, a local nonprofit providing aid to those in need across western North Carolina. A portion of the night’s sales as well as all donations received at the door will be directed to the organization. You can purchase tickets here.
Over in Tennessee, Nashville’s The Basement club has organized a benefit concert on October 7th to help raise funds for victims in the eastern part of the state as well as western North Carolina. You can purchase tickets here.
A group of venues launched the “NC Indie Music Venues United for Western NC” initiative to direct a portion of ticket sales throughout the month of October to relief efforts. They will be splitting the proceeds between the NIVA’s Emergency Relief Fund and NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund, among other organizations.
After last-year’s record-breaking Amsterdam Dance Event, the world’s leading electronic music summit is once again painting a mosaic of rave culture you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world.
Whether you’re trying to chase the biggest DJ sets, discover the underground sounds of tomorrow or seek out the best insights the electronic music industry can offer, ADE is the skeleton key to every door. 2023’s remarkable conference brought together 500,000 from all over the world.
Our annual ADE list dives deep into the week’s programming to highlight various must-attend festivals, parties, panels and more from the Lab, Pro, Festival and Arts & Culture programs. Read on to discover 24 events you can’t miss at ADE 2024, in no particular order.
You can purchase passes and find out more about ADE here.
Tomorrowland presents: Our Story 2024
Location: Ziggo Dome | De Passage 100, Amsterdam Date and time: Friday, October 18, 2024 | 19:00 – 23:30 Lineup: N/A
Tomorrowland will celebrate its 20-year anniversary with an Our Story show in the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on Friday October 18, 2024.
Taking place during Amsterdam Dance Event, people from around the world can expect a spectacle and journey through 20 years of Tomorrowland’s musical history with some of the finest electronic artists set to perform their most iconic tracks in front of 15.000 guests. Guided by the Symphony of Unity, a symphonic orchestra with musicians and vocalists to unite classical and electronic music live on stage. The line-up will remain a secret until the artists take the stage.
Location: Felix Meritis (Zuilenzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam Date and time: Friday, October 18, 2024 | 16:30 – 17:15 Lineup: Amelie Lens, Charlotte de Witte
Amelie Lens and Charlotte de Witte headline the ADE Pro Conference, exclusively opening up about their new-found partnership and future plans for the first time. The two cornerstones of today’s techno scene join forces for a string of unique, collaborative DJ sets, and take visitors of their ADE Pro panel on the journey leading up to this project with them.
Renowned for their commanding stage presence and fearless audacity to push the limits on stage, De Witte and Lens are combining their talents to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans in Belgium, having confirmed a trio of b2b sets at Ghent’s Flanders Expo in January and February of next year. For those who can’t wait – join ADE Pro for an in-depth sneak peek.
You have the opportunity to submit a question, which could be addressed by Charlotte and Amelie during their session at ADE Pro. Click here to send it in.
Chris Stussy’s Tips and Hacks for a Long-Lasting Career
Location: Felix Meritis (Shaffyzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam Date and time: Friday, October 18, 2024 | 16:15 – 17:00 Lineup: Chris Stussy, Joe Muggs
Every artist dreams of establishing themselves as both a successful creative individual and someone with a long, fruitful career. While many artists work to maintain their career and image over the years, Chris will share his personal take on how he approaches this. In this intimate and highly personal keynote, Chris will outline his approach to his career, how he maintains his mental and physical health under the constant pressure to deliver, how he separates the multiple demands of his career from his personal life, his techniques for making the best out of touring, and how he stays authentic with his dedicated fanbase.
Location: ClinkNOORD | Badhuiskade 3, Amsterdam Date and time: Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 17:00 – 23:00 Lineup: RayRay, Rich DietZ, BRANDON, Makasi, Carly Wilford, FREAK ON, Ryan Shepherd, Luca Testa, Andrea Damante
Taking over ClinkNOORD, a trendy hostel located in Amsterdam’s Noord area, EDM.com is aptly kicking off an explosive week of partying and networking in the Dutch capital.
Featuring a world-renowned lineup, EDM.com & Friends takes place from 5pm to 11pm and directly follows “Insider Access: Global Networking Event,” the brand’s annual networking event and demo drop, which has taken place in Miami, Montreal, Tulum, London and more throughout the past year.
Location: Felix Meritis (Teekenzaal 1) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam Date and time: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 | 13:30 – 14:15 Lineup: Michelle Verhoef, Sara Landry
The high BPM scene is back with a vengeance with the meteoric rise of Hard Techno taking the global music and event industry by storm. It has evolved into a cultural movement that includes fashion and several lifestyle trends. Fueled by a young and highly engaged community, the Hard Techno scene looks like it’s here to stay. During this conversation we explore the origin and impact of hard techno from both an artist and event angle in a fireside chat between Sara Landry, a self-taught producer, audio engineer, and DJ known for her dark, driving, and divinely feminine brand of industrial techno, together with Michelle Verhoef, the General Manager of Verknipt, who, as well as being an electronic music industry maverick, is also paving the way for the hard-techno sound and for women in music.
Beyond Streaming: Unlocking new revenue opportunities for artists
Location: Felix Meritis (Teekenzaal 2) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam Date and time: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 | 11:15 – 12:00 Lineup: Aly Gillani, Anjali Nazarenko, Myradh Cormican, Scuba, Becky Wixon
Gain insights into unlocking alternative revenue streams to help diversify artist’s income beyond traditional methods and enhance creative freedom.
In this panel, artists will gain insights into unlocking new revenue streams and diversify their income beyond traditional methods. Explore practical strategies for working with brands, from sonic branding to licensing and bespoke composition, as well as approaches to merchandising and creating digital experiences that engage fans. These insights will help artists enhance their creative freedom and deepen their cultural relevance while building a more sustainable career.
Hosted by Songtradr’s Head of Talent, Becky Wixon, this session features industry professionals with vast experience including DJ and producer Scuba. The panelists bring diverse expertise from helping to elevate the careers of artists like Chase & Status, through to establishing artist partnerships and projects with brands including Magnum and Heineken. The discussion will highlight how alternative revenue streams can offer greater creative independence, financial security, and brand-building for artists.
Location: Felix Meritis (Zuilenzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam Date and time: Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 12:15 – 13:00 Lineup: Don Diablo, Laidback Luke, Lorne Padman
Any artist who has (or desires) a long career is highly likely to want to take a different musical or creative direction at some point, which is inherently dangerous in terms of how their army of fans will react, but equally, it is, after all, what being an artist is all about. How do they deal with the risks involved in reinventing themselves or shifting their musical direction or genre?
Emerging technologies are also constantly reshaping the music experience, and Don Diablo + Laidback Luke discuss the dynamic intersection of immersive technology and artistic evolution, sharing experiences of how they’ve navigated their own reinventions, offering practical advice on preparing fans for new directions, such as through teaser content, behind-the-scenes insights, and engaging storytelling. The importance of transparency with fans, explaining their motivations for change and how it aligns with their artistic growth are also on the agenda.
Location: Felix Meritis (Koepelzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam Date and time: Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 14:00 – 14:45 Lineup: Dimitri Hegemann, Ellen Allien, Holly Dicker
At the beginning of this year, the Berlin Techno scene was added to the intangible cultural heritage list in Germany by UNESCO, bestowing a unique status on a unique scene which has inspired people all over the world. The music and culture is part of the DNA of Berlin, with many of the clubs in the city having become institutions, and many of the local underground artists now being some of the biggest names in the industry. This panel is a tribute to the UNESCO status of Berlin Techno. Together with Dimitri Hegemann, founder of the renowned Berlin club Tresor, and legendary techno artist and label owner Ellen Allien, the speakers will discuss the importance of this movement on electronic music in general.
Location: Felix Meritis | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam Date and time: Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 15:00 – 15:45 Lineup: Louisahhh, Dangermami, Tristan Hunt
Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Burnout Prevention and Creativity,” featuring three influential voices from the music industry: Lilia ‘Dangermami’ of Femme Bass Mafia and RSO Berlin, Tristan Hunt, and Louisahhh. This session will delve into the critical issues of diversity, inclusion, and burnout prevention within the music industry, providing actionable insights and practical tools for fostering a supportive and thriving environment.
The panel will explore how dysfunctional systems can be reformed, the specific needs of marginalized groups, and effective tools and resources for preventing burnout while fostering creativity. Attendees will gain insights into creating supportive environments that enable all voices to flourish.
The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session, offering the audience an opportunity to engage directly with the panelists, ask questions, and delve deeper into the topics covered.
Celebrating the Legacy of ‘The Godfather of House’ Frankie Knuckles, 10 Years On
Location: Felix Meritis (Koepelzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam Date and time: Friday, October 18, 2024 | 16:15 – 17:00 Lineup: Cinthie, Frederick Dunson, Maria May, Tedd Patterson, The Blessed Madonna
The Frankie Knuckles Foundation and Defected Records present: Celebrating the legacy of ‘The Godfather of House’ Frankie Knuckles, 10 years on. What every DJ needs to know about the true origins of House & why heritage is still vital to dance music today.
The Frankie Knuckles Foundation and Defected Records come together to commemorate 10 Years since the passing of Frankie Knuckles regarded by many as the architect of the global House sound. Frankie’s musical influence is profound and relevant to a whole new generation of producers and DJs. His legacy lives on with the Frankie Knuckles Foundation. Here we examine Frankie’s contribution to House music and the importance of heritage in Dance music today by the DJs and people that were there.
Accessible Festivals: Best practices, presented by HandicapNL
Location: Felix Meritis (Zuilenzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam Date and time: Friday, October 18, 2024 | 15:15 – 16:00 Lineup: Andrew Lansley, Calvin Khan, Eva Eikhout, Farida Baalbaki
In this panel, two major music festival organizers and a Deaf DJ will share best practices and insights on creating inclusive festivals, while also highlighting the key elements of a Dutch model for accessible events.
Disabilities at events are caused by how they are organised. Event organizations could readjust events every edition. This is a unique chance to adopt a social model and move towards empowering ways of dealing with disability and ensuring everyone can enjoy the magic of live events. Among the pioneers in this movement are Glastonbury (U.K) and Amsterdam Open Air (NL), both of which have implemented comprehensive measures to accommodate all attendees.
Glastonbury, one of the world’s largest and iconic festivals is nominated for “World’s most accessible music festival” and Amsterdam Open Air, a pioneer in the Netherlands, had the premiere last summer of the first Sit-Down Cafe, an inclusive activation for all festivalgoers to meet and party. Eva Eikhout (NL) will host this conversation to share Andrew Lansley and Farida Baalbaki’s latest insights and measures on accessible festivals. With DJ Calvin Khan, we will dive into inclusive sound for Deaf audiences.
Handicap NL presents this panel in light of the collaboration Onbeperkt Feest with Dutch festival frontrunners, which aims to make festivals accessible.
Audio Obscura ADE x Innervisions [24 hrs] w/ Âme & Dixon & more
Location: RAWFACTORY | Joan Muyskenweg 39, Amsterdam Date and time: Saturday, Oct 19, 2024 | 13:30 – 13:30 Lineup: Âme, Dixon, Sama’ Abdulhadi, Modeselektor, DJ BORING, Bambounou, FJAAK, Gerd Janson, Jimi Jules, Julya Karma, Marie Montexier, Roman Flügel, Sarkawt Hamad, Sedef Adasi, Trikk
On the Saturday of ADE, we go all-in and dive into an around-the-clock musical journey with Innervisions, featuring artists such as Âme, Dixon, Trikk, Jimi Jules, Marie Montexier, Fjaak, Sedef Adasï, and many more as they push the boundaries of electronic music.
This all-day experience includes a daytime and nighttime RAWFACTORY event, finishing off with an extraordinary closing show somewhere in Amsterdam.
Dolby Atmos House: Armin van Buuren Listening Session
Location: TOBACCO Theater | Nes 75-87, Amsterdam Date and time: Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 14:00 – 15:00 Lineup: Armin van Buuren
Have you ever been immersed in ultra-precise sound that comes from all around you? At the Dolby Atmos House in TOBACCO Theater, right at ADE’s epicenter, we’re immersing you in the limitless possibilities of multi-dimensional sound with Dolby Atmos in our auditory sanctuary. At our home base, you’ll find inspiration and a place to connect and recharge while joining the artists and engineers pushing the boundaries of audio and experiencing music.
The Dolby Atmos House is free and open to everyone, although capacity is limited.
Armin takes the stage to share insights on remastering his catalog in Dolby Atmos. He’ll discuss how immersive, multi-dimensional mixing adds new layers to his music.
This program is part of the Armada Music takeover.
Location: NDSM Warehouse | NDSM-Plein 85, Amsterdam Date and time: Sunday, October 20, 2024 | 16:00 – 01:00 Lineup: Peggy Gou, Alinka, Ambu Bambu, Anz, Bambounou, Brain de Palma, Marie Montexier, Pearson Sound, Salamanda, Spray (DE)
Just when you think you’ve experienced it all, there’s more! After a memorable first collaboration, Gou Talk by Peggy Gou returns to our DGTL ADE program. This year’s lineup includes the electrifying Peggy Gou herself, alongside artists like ANZ, Bambounou, and Marie Montexier. Also featuring Salamanda (Live) and Spray.
Location: Felix Meritis (Zuilenzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam Date and time: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 | 12:15 – 13:00 Lineup: Martin Garrix, Timbaland, Arthi Nachiappan
Location: Felix Meritis (Shaffyzaal) | Keizersgracht 324, Amsterdam Date and time: Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 12:30 – 13:15 Lineup: Eliah Seton, Emmy Lovell, Mau P
In this Insider Knowledge session, global DJ/producer Mau P will join CEO of SoundCloud Eliah Seton and SoundCloud’s Global Head of Music Emmy Lovell. Together, they will discuss the strategic moves that have defined Mau P’s career and rapid success, and how SoundCloud has been instrumental in supporting independent artists like him. This session promises to provide valuable insights for all levels of artists and music professionals looking to leverage digital platforms for success.
Location: Gashouder | Klönneplein 1, Amsterdam Date and time: Sunday, October 20, 2024 | 14:00 – 00:00 Lineup: CamelPhat, Maceo Plex, Amber Broos, Stephan Bodzin, Kevin de Vries, Miss Monique
We’re back with our annual Amsterdam Dance Event spree! We will return to our Temple of Techno and the Ziggo Dome with 8 events!
Bedouin x Drifters Presents: Human By Default Label Showcase
Location: 50:HERTZ CLUB TRAIN | Amsterdam Central Station, Amsterdam Date and time: Sunday, October 20, 2024 | 05:30 – 09:30 Lineup: Bedouin, Collé, Radeckt, Robin M, Kind Of One, Mitch de Klein, Special Guest
Step aboard for an unforgettable journey as Bedouin x Drifters presents a Human By Default Label Showcase like no other. Glide through the heart of Amsterdam on the 50:HERTZ Club Train, where music and sunrise views blend in perfect harmony. Over the course of four immersive hours, witness the city waking up while Bedouin delivers an intimate, one-of-a-kind performance. They are joined by Human By Default alumni Collé, Radeckt, Robin M and one special guest as well as Drifters residents Kind Of One and Mitch de Klein. This is your chance to connect with the music, the moment, and the magic of Amsterdam Dance Event in a truly unique setting.
Location: Eivissa Event Ship: Danzigerkade 55, 1013 AP Amsterdam Date and time: Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 22:00 – 04:00 Lineup: Ivy Lab, KOAN Sound, Posij, Rohaan, Skeler, Thys, What So Not
VISION and Kompass are proud to share an esteemed lineup of the globe’s most renowned producers and tastemakers. Claim your spot aboard this exclusive ADE showcase.
Location: WesterUnie | Klönneplein 4-6, Amsterdam Date and time: Friday, October 18, 2024 | 23:00 – 06:00 Lineup: Dennis Ferrer, DJ Holographic, Dunmore Brothers, Henrik Schwarz, Low Steppa, Melé, Olive F, Rio Tashan
We are celebrating 25 years of Defected at the Amsterdam Dance Event!
Monkey Project presents: Carlita & Friends at A’dam The Loft
Location: The Loft Amsterdam | Overhoeksplein 1, Amsterdam Date and time: Friday, October 18, 2024 | 13:30 – 20:30 Lineup: Carlita, HAAi, SG Lewis, Special Guest
Monkey Project is bringing its energy to Amsterdam for one of the most forward-thinking electronic music gatherings in the industry. On October 18th, experience this once-in-a-lifetime event at the iconic Loft with an exciting lineup.
Location:De Hollandsche Manege: Vondelstraat 140, Amsterdam Date and time: October 18-20, 2024 | 14:00 – 23:00 Lineup:TBD
We’re back again for three days at familiar grounds: ‘De Hollandsche Manege,’ the oldest Dutch horse riding school situated in the city centre of Amsterdam.
TikTok has announced plans to close its music streaming platform, TikTok Music.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, will officially take TikTok Music offline and permanently delete its consumer data on November 28th, 2024, the company announced in a post on its website.
Originally called Resso, the app launched back in 2019 to compete with Spotify, Apple Music and other major platforms. The streaming service was only available to users in select countries, including Brazil, Mexico and Australia. It was not yet accessible to TikTok’s users in the United States.
When visiting TikTok Music’s site, users are presented with two deadlines. Subscribers will have until October 28th to transfer their playlists to another platform. They will also have to request refunds by November 28th, the day of the platform’s closure.
Billboard reports the company now plans to shift its priorities to the “Add to Music App” functionality, allowing users to save songs from TikTok directly to streaming services. This functionality is available to TikTokers in more than 150 countries, including the US and UK.
You can find out more about TikTok Music’s closure here.
A new campaign, #RespectTheCreators, is setting out to change an overlooked issue in the music industry: crediting the music played in social media videos.
Backed by prominent artists and organizations such as the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM) and techno pioneer Richie Hawtin, the campaign encourages DJs, promoters and platforms to give proper recognition to the tracks they play during live events and embed in promotional posts.
While live footage of DJ sets and festivals has become a major tool for marketing, the music that fuels these moments often goes uncredited, robbing the original creators of recognition and opportunities. The campaign aims to establish a new industry standard for crediting the music featured in these viral posts.
“Supporting the community and the musicians who make the musical structure that our scene stands on should be common decency,” said Hawtin. “So why do so many social media posts from DJs, promoters, and festivals fail to tag the music being played? It’s disrespectful and only takes further advantage of the musicians who are already struggling for recognition.”
Richie Hawtin performing at Chicago’s ARC Music Festival.
The #RespectTheCreators campaign points to the fact that up to 90% of social media content from DJ performances does not credit the music being played. As Data Transmission reports, research presented at IMS Ibiza showed that only about 3% of a DJ’s set includes their own productions, making it essential to properly acknowledge the tracks from other artists.
The campaign urges DJs to tag artists and list track names in videos of gigs or mixes where the music isn’t their own. Online platforms are asked to provide visible tracklists below all sets, while promoters should credit music in all event promotional materials.
“Crediting and tagging the producers and songs played in social media content is one of the easiest ways a DJ can show support,” added Ethan Holben, founder of the now-defunct DJ revenue-sharing platform Aslice. “The culture of electronic music is all about community, and that culture can be shifted forward through positive action. This campaign is the first of many movements that treat respect, acknowledgement, and equity for music makers as paramount.”
A landmark bill preventing the use of artists’ images, voices and likenesses without consent has been passed by the Illinois State Senate.
HB 4875, signed into law by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, formally enacts amendments to the state’s Right of Publicity Act, which passed back in 1999 to require written consent for the use of an artist’s likeness for commercial purposes. The revamped bill allows musicians, record labels and other rightsholders to sue parties using AI to generate and disseminate unauthorized digital replicas.
The bill defines “digital replica” as a “newly-created, electronic representation of the identity of an actual individual created using a computer, algorithm, software, tool, artificial intelligence, or other technology that is fixed in a sound recording or audiovisual work in which that individual did not actually perform or appear.”
Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced HB 4875, which had received bipartisan support since its introduction to the Illinois State Senate.
“In the last few years, we have seen an explosion of AI tools and AI-generated content, often created and distributed without authorization,” Edly-Allen said in a press release issued by her office. “While AI is a powerful tool with the potential to do much good, guardrails are necessary to protect artists and the general public.”
The scourge of AI-powered deepfake technology has emerged as the music industry’s most explosive flashpoint, raising urgent questions and fears surrounding authenticity. Deepfakes pose significant, existential challenges for musicians, who are rightly concerned about the potential for their work, voices and identities to be exploited and repackaged in misleading ways.
“As an indie artist, every song I make is a piece of my soul,” added Dani Deahl, a DJ, dance music producer and Chicago Chapter Recording Academy trustee, who testified in the case. “House Bill 4875 is not just legislation—it’s a shield protecting that soul from being mimicked and monetized by unauthorized AI. It guarantees that our identities remain uniquely our own. This law ensures that as technology advances, it does so with respect for our rights and our very essence as creators.”
The legislation is just the tip of the iceberg with regard to AI-related protections for artists, as the swift proliferation of unethical deepfake tech has led to swelling support beyond the state level. Led by Delaware Senator Chris Coons, a group of Congress members in July introduced the NO FAKES Act, which seeks to establish federal guardrails “to protect the image, voice, and visual likeness of individuals” from unfair use.
The United States Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Intellectual Property held a hearing on Tuesday, April 30th titled “The NO FAKES Act: Protecting Americans from Unauthorized Digital Replicas.”
“This bill would protect people from having their images, voices, or likenesses used to create digital replicas that say or do things they never agreed to or would never say,” Coons said in his testimony at the time, per Tech Policy Press. “The bill accomplishes this broad goal in two ways: by holding individuals and companies liable if they produce an unauthorized digital replica of an individual’s voice image or likeness and by holding platforms liable if they host or distribute an unauthorized digital replica if the platform knows the person depicted did not authorize it.”
HB 4875 was officially signed into Illinois law August 9th, 2024 and will be enacted January 1st, 2025.
In the fiscal year since the grand opening of the Las Vegas Sphere, the next-generation venue’s proprietors have reported on remarkable revenue growth to the tune of over $1 billion.
Fueled by a string of high-profile music residencies both current and forthcoming, Sphere Entertainment’s flagship property in Vegas has proven to be a financial juggernaut since its September 2023 debut. The mesmerizing venue has quickly established itself as a premier destination for live entertainment, hosting iconic acts like U2, Dead & Company and Phish, each of whom have drawn massive crowds during their residencies. The Eagles are also slated to begin a highly anticipated 20-show residency in September, further solidifying the Sphere’s status as a magnet for top-tier talent.
Adding to the momentum, Anyma is set to make history as the first electronic dance music artist to perform at the Sphere. His limited six-show engagement, starting in late December, sold out in short order. With those momentous concerts on the horizon, it’s clear that demand for EDM talent at the cutting-edge venue is only positioned to accelerate as 2025 looms.
As Sphere Entertainment wraps up its fiscal year on a high note, its record-breaking venue in Vegas continues to set the stage for even greater achievements ahead.
“Fiscal 2024 marked the opening of Sphere in Las Vegas and a new chapter for our Company,” said Executive Chairman and CEO James L. Dolan. “Sphere has already welcomed millions of guests, world-renowned artists and numerous global brands. We are confident that we are on the right path to execute on our vision for this next-generation medium.”
The proprietors of Subvert, an upcoming music service, say they’re delivering something Bandcamp ultimately couldn’t: a “community-owned” platform unencumbered by corporate interests.
Bandcamp was sold to Fortnite creators Epic Games back in 2022. Amid layoffs at the gaming giant, music licensing firm Songtradr then acquired Bandcamp 18 months later in a move that resulted in layoffs of their own, amounting to roughly half of the platform’s staff.
Enter Subvert, whose founder, Austin Robey, saw those developments as a sign of the downfall of the platform and, on a larger scale, the music industry considering its emphasis on monetary value rather than music’s intrinsic personal value to artists and fans.
In an open letter posted on Subvert’s site, Robey highlights the need to address the “inevitable consequence of platform capitalism,” the upshot of placing more value in stakeholders rather than independent users. He says he envisions a music marketplace “where the community owns the code, controls the decisions, and shares in its success.”
“Subvert is a Bandcamp successor that is collectively owned, stewarded, and controlled by its community, with 100% of its founding ownership reserved for its artists, community, and workers,” Robey wrote in his impassioned letter. “We’re building a platform that has artists’ interests, collective ownership, and democratic governance hardwired in its very DNA.
“Subvert’s primary goal is to create a collectively owned alternative to Bandcamp—a marketplace that makes it easy for artists to directly sell physical and digital work, while also giving them greater control over their own destiny,” Robey adds.
Elsewhere in the letter, Robey promises platform updates and information in the weeks ahead pertaining to the launch. At the time of this article’s publication, the site also features a countdown with 36 days remaining.
