Michelle Kestrel Michelle Kestrel returns with ‘Unfettered’, an atmospheric organic house release balancing global rhythmic influence, ambient electronic textures and deeply immersive melodic movement. Released through Sage Rites, the track unfolds through gentle percussion, warm melodic progression and spacious ambient layering, creating a listening experience designed equally for DJ sets and reflective personal listening. Rather than focusing on high-intensity dancefloor moments, ‘Unfettered’ leans into calm emotional flow and gradual atmospheric evolution. Organic instrumentation and soft rhythmic movement guide the arrangement throughout while ambient pads and subtle melodic textures create a feeling of weightless movement and introspection. That organic approach reflects Michelle Kestrel’s wider artistic identity. As a producer, multi-instrumentalist and live performer, she has spent years exploring the intersection between electronic production and global percussion traditions, blending acoustic and digital elements into immersive soundscapes rooted in rhythm and atmosphere. Her studies in Indian classical tabla with masters of the Lucknow Gharana in both California and Kolkata continue influencing the rhythmic depth and precision present throughout her work today. Additional inspiration drawn from Brazilian, African and Middle Eastern musical traditions further shapes the fluid and globally influenced nature of her productions. Alongside performances across festivals and live electronic events throughout the Pacific Northwest, Michelle Kestrel has also expanded into wellness-focused sound design through meditation, ambient and healing arts projects. With ‘Unfettered’, those influences merge naturally into a polished and emotionally resonant organic house release. Atmospheric, meditative and rhythmically rich throughout, the track captures the balance between electronic immersion and human musical expression that continues defining Michelle Kestrel’s evolving sound. Michelle Kestrel https://open.spotify.com/artist/3vBzhSrO5Gc71OyDaGTSax

Critical Rise Critical Rise returns with ‘Still Hear Your Name’, a deeply atmospheric melodic techno release built around emotional storytelling, cinematic tension and immersive club-focused production. Driven by haunting vocal elements, hypnotic grooves and evolving melodic progression, the track explores themes of memory, longing and emotional distance while maintaining a strong sense of late-night dancefloor energy. Warm atmospheric textures gradually build across the arrangement before unfolding into larger melodic moments and dynamic drops designed to balance introspection with physical movement. Rather than relying purely on peak-time intensity, ‘Still Hear Your Name’ succeeds through emotional pacing and atmosphere. The production moves fluidly between restrained cinematic sections and more driving club-focused passages, creating a constant sense of tension and release throughout. That balance has become central to the sound Critical Rise continues refining. The project, led by Spanish producer Daniel Serrano Cobos, first emerged through progressive and afro house releases before evolving towards a more emotionally driven melodic techno identity rooted in cinematic structure, melodic depth and immersive sound design. Across recent material, Critical Rise has increasingly focused on creating tracks that feel equally suited to underground club settings and more reflective personal listening. Emotional storytelling remains just as important as dancefloor impact, giving the music a deeper and more human quality beneath the heavier rhythmic framework. With ‘Still Hear Your Name’, Critical Rise delivers another polished and emotionally resonant release that captures the darker and more introspective side of modern melodic techno. Atmospheric, powerful and carefully detailed throughout, the track continues establishing a sound built on tension, feeling and immersive electronic movement. Critical Rise https://instagram.com/criticalrise https://open.spotify.com/artist/2idZPflS2FNgee8vGOw7eF

Off in LALA Off in LALA returns with ‘Come Alive’, a hypnotic electronic release balancing Afro house rhythm, melodic house atmosphere and emotionally charged dancefloor energy. Built around tribal percussion, soaring vocal work and immersive melodic progression, the track thrives on tension and release throughout its runtime. Rolling grooves and pulsating low-end movement create a constant sense of forward momentum while atmospheric synth textures and gritty ethereal harmonies add emotional depth underneath. Rather than relying on oversized festival-style drops, ‘Come Alive’ gradually builds intensity through rhythm, layering and emotional pacing. The result feels deeply physical and immersive, designed equally for heads-down club movement and more reflective late-night dancefloor moments. Vocals remain central to the release’s identity, gliding through the production with a balance of vulnerability and power that reinforces the track’s emotional pull. Combined with the hypnotic tribal rhythms and melodic atmosphere, the arrangement captures the feeling of surrendering fully to the momentum of the music itself. That approach reflects Off in LALA’s wider artistic identity. Based in Las Vegas, the producer, vocalist and DJ blends influences from dirty south grit, golden-era progressive house and Ibiza-rooted underground culture into a sound shaped equally by songwriting and club functionality. Across her work, Off in LALA consistently focuses on emotional connection through rhythm and atmosphere rather than purely technical dancefloor construction. Her productions sit in the space between introspection and release, balancing darker textures with moments of melodic optimism and uplift. With ‘Come Alive’, that vision comes through clearly. Tribal, atmospheric and emotionally immersive throughout, the release delivers a confident fusion of Afro house and melodic electronic music built for deep dancefloor connection. Off in LALA https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ldYF5goZV33ws2HLtr18Z

Snowk Japanese DJ and production duo Snowk return with ‘Soen’, an emotionally driven melodic house release built around smooth atmosphere, reflective melody and understated electronic warmth. Known for releases through Kitsuné Musique, the duo continue refining their soft and deeply atmospheric approach to electronic music on a track that feels equally suited to solitary listening and late-night movement. Built around chill melodic progression, flowing synth textures and restrained rhythmic energy, ‘Soen’ leans into emotion without becoming overly dramatic. The production remains calm and spacious throughout, allowing the melodies to gradually unfold while maintaining a gentle sense of forward momentum underneath. That balance between nostalgia and movement has consistently shaped Snowk’s wider identity. Formed by producers Yutaka Takanami and Fuminori Kagajo, both raised in snowy regions of Japan, the project often explores themes of drifting memory, emotional distance and quiet urban solitude through immersive melodic electronic music. There is a softness to the duo’s production style that feels intentional rather than minimal. Warm pads, subtle percussion and carefully layered atmospheres combine to create a floating sensation that mirrors the imagery often associated with the project itself - snow slowly settling across city streets and late-night landscapes. With ‘Soen’, Snowk deliver another polished and emotionally immersive release that continues their blend of melodic house introspection and cinematic atmosphere. Smooth, melancholic and quietly uplifting throughout, the track captures the feeling of emotional stillness in motion. Snowk https://www.instagram.com/snowk__ https://open.spotify.com/artist/2IEDOKhzkk1EKk93fZ759r https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL98wS7d1tKRAE86nuwGy5A

Yetti Yetti returns with ‘Keep Moving, Don’t Stop’, a high-intensity drum and bass release built around explosive drops, rave-driven energy and relentless dancefloor momentum. Taking influence from the modern mainline drum and bass sound associated with artists such as Sub Focus and Dimension, the track combines futuristic synth textures, gritty electronic detail and pounding low-end pressure into a release designed for maximum impact. From the opening moments, ‘Keep Moving, Don’t Stop’ locks into a fast-moving and aggressive rhythmic flow. Crisp percussion and driving bass movement build tension quickly before giving way to heavy drops engineered for peak-time club and festival settings. The production remains polished throughout while still maintaining enough rawness and rave-inspired coarseness to keep the track feeling energetic and unpredictable. Rather than slowing down for emotional breakdowns or melodic introspection, Yetti keeps the momentum consistently high from beginning to end. Every section feels built to push energy levels further, making the release equally suited to high-intensity workout playlists and late-night dancefloor environments. There is also a strong sense of modern rave influence running underneath the drum and bass framework. Sharp synth work, futuristic atmospherics and tightly controlled transitions give the track a cinematic edge while still prioritising direct physical impact above everything else. With ‘Keep Moving, Don’t Stop’, Yetti delivers exactly what the title promises. Fast, aggressive and built for movement, the release captures the adrenaline-heavy energy currently driving the modern dancefloor drum and bass scene. Yetti https://instagram.com/yettimusic https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Z98Ovf0sHPSZU3DTIbeQ0

Wilson (AUS) Electric Eden Records welcomes Wilson (AUS) with ‘Ijube’, a melodic house and techno release balancing rhythmic precision, emotional atmosphere and immersive late-night energy. Built around warm basslines, flowing percussion and evolving melodic detail, the Original Mix gradually unfolds through subtle progression rather than dramatic peak-time intensity. The groove remains steady and hypnotic throughout while layered synth textures and melodic motifs slowly expand across the arrangement, creating a deep and emotionally charged club atmosphere. Rather than overcrowding the production, Wilson (AUS) keeps the focus on movement, pacing and atmosphere. Every element feels carefully placed, allowing the release to maintain a smooth sense of forward motion while still carrying enough emotional weight to remain memorable beyond the dancefloor itself. That balance between functionality and emotional storytelling continues shaping Wilson (AUS)’s wider sound. Drawing influence from Australia’s growing melodic electronic scene, the producer consistently explores the space between underground club music and cinematic melodic progression, creating tracks designed for both dancefloor immersion and personal listening. With ‘Ijube’, Wilson (AUS) delivers another polished and atmospheric melodic house release. Warm, fluid and emotionally detailed throughout, the track captures the kind of restrained late-night energy that continues defining the deeper side of modern melodic electronic music. Wilson (AUS) https://www.instagram.com/wilson.aus https://open.spotify.com/artist/0jWG1iqf0pgTKJ0CtGI1z6

Austin Digo returns with ‘Amrita’, an atmospheric electronic release balancing melodic techno depth, trance-inspired emotion and hypnotic dancefloor energy. Built around pulsating rhythms, ethereal vocal textures and evolving melodic progression, the track moves fluidly between moments of intensity and calm. Warm synth layers and rolling low-end movement gradually build throughout the arrangement while meditative vocal elements drift across the mix, creating a dreamlike and immersive atmosphere. Rather than focusing purely on peak-time impact, ‘Amrita’ leans heavily into emotional pacing and hypnotic flow. The production unfolds patiently through tension, release and melodic expansion, allowing the track to feel both physically driving and emotionally reflective at the same time. That duality between energy and serenity gives the release much of its identity. Trance-inspired melodic details sit naturally alongside darker melodic techno textures, creating a sound that feels expansive and cinematic without losing its dancefloor focus. The arrangement also maintains a strong sense of movement throughout. Pulsating percussion and steady rhythmic progression anchor the track underneath its more atmospheric elements, giving the release a constant forward momentum that feels designed for immersive late-night club settings. With ‘Amrita’, Austin Digo delivers a polished and emotionally charged melodic electronic release that balances hypnotic groove with spiritual and atmospheric depth. Dreamlike, uplifting and deeply immersive throughout, the track captures the feeling of losing yourself completely within rhythm and emotion on the dancefloor. Austin Digo https://open.spotify.com/artist/26yZE1qFx4yrYEYwKkl5In

ypppa Assisi-based electronic artist ypppa has unveiled ‘Kingdom Upside Down’, the lead focus track from his new 13-track concept album ‘Protocol Override’. Blending trance-infused synth work, breakbeat rhythms, acid bass pressure and dystopian storytelling, the track delivers a dark, high-energy electronic experience that balances club functionality with a wider conceptual narrative. From the opening moments, ‘Kingdom Upside Down’ locks into a relentless groove driven by punchy drums, sharp synth motifs and a rolling acid line that maintains tension throughout. A commanding vocal sits at the centre of the production, repeating the track’s central refrain: “Bow down, glow now, live like a saint in a kingdom upside down.” The result feels both euphoric and unsettling, reflecting the wider themes explored across the album. Lyrically, the release paints a picture of a hyper-controlled society where conformity becomes currency and individuality is slowly eroded beneath comfort, convenience and constant surveillance. Rather than presenting a straightforward political statement, ypppa frames the story through a cyberpunk lens inspired by dystopian fiction and digital-age anxieties. Musically, the influences are equally clear. Elements of The Prodigy, Pendulum and The Chemical Brothers sit alongside darker melodic influences associated with Nine Inch Nails and Linkin Park. Across ‘Protocol Override’, recurring themes of code, signals, mirrors and system failure connect each track into a continuous narrative rather than a collection of standalone releases. “Most systems don't trap you with force, they trap you with comfort,” explains ypppa. “‘Kingdom Upside Down’ is about the moment you notice the lock under the gold.” Dark, energetic and packed with purpose, ‘Kingdom Upside Down’ stands as one of the album’s defining moments, delivering both peak-time electronic intensity and a message that lingers long after the final drop. ypppa https://open.spotify.com/artist/4vEXM2GsyBWp0ObJ4wzq5W

Brighton Music Conference Brighton Music Conference has concluded another successful edition, bringing together artists, industry professionals, labels, promoters and music businesses for four days of discussion, education and networking across the city's seafront venues. Returning for its 2026 edition, the event welcomed more than 240 speakers across 80 sessions and events, spread throughout 12 venues across Brighton. From keynote interviews and practical workshops to networking mixers and club showcases, BMC once again reinforced its position as one of the UK's leading electronic music industry gatherings. This year's programme expanded across four dedicated conference theatres, covering wellbeing, artist development, production, technology and wider music business topics. Among the standout moments was a keynote conversation with electronic music pioneers Orbital, who reflected on their careers and the changing landscape of electronic music alongside DJ Magazine editor Carl Loben. Other headline sessions featured Dave Seaman, Greg Wilson and discussions celebrating milestones including 30 years of Hospital Records. The conference's growing wellbeing programme continued to attract strong interest, with panels exploring sobriety, burnout, mental health, hearing protection and work-life balance. Sessions featuring Brandon Block, Denis Sulta, Angie Brown, Tom Middleton and Wildblood & Queenie highlighted the increasing importance of wellbeing conversations within electronic music culture. Elsewhere, the expanded workshop programme delivered practical insights across production, DJing, immersive audio, social media, virtual reality and vocal production, with contributions from artists and industry experts including Beardyman, Huxley, Saytek and Technics. Industry-focused discussions remained central throughout the event. Popular sessions covering A&R, artist development, radio, sync, PR, label contracts and DIY career building provided attendees with practical advice, while representatives from labels and organisations including Armada Music, Ninja Tune, Beatport and Broadwick Live offered insight into the realities of today's music business. Networking continued to play a major role throughout the week, with mixers, breakfasts, beachside gatherings and club events taking place across Brighton. Delegates were able to connect with professionals from every corner of the industry while experiencing the city's diverse nightlife scene. The wider city programme featured appearances from artists including Kenny Dope, Alan Fitzpatrick, Huxley, Anja Schneider, Jumpin' Jack Frost, Jess Bays, Just Her and Dave Seaman, alongside a special intimate performance from The Shapeshifters and three-time DMC World Champion JFB at Brighton's Upside Down House. Reflecting on the event, BMC founder Billy Mauseth highlighted the conference's continued focus on inclusivity, learning and community building. With another successful year complete, attention now turns towards 2027, with dates for the next edition expected to be announced soon. Brighton Music Conference https://www.facebook.com/BrightonMusicConference https://www.instagram.com/brightonmusicconference https://www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk/

Mav Mav inaugurates the newly launched Deep Science Recordings with ‘Drift EP’, a six-track release exploring the space between atmospheric electronic music and groove-focused house production. Acting as the first release on the house-focused sublabel of Scientific Records, the EP establishes the imprint’s core identity immediately through warm textures, spacious arrangements and refined dancefloor functionality. The Extended Version of ‘Drift’ introduces the release’s emotional centrepoint. Deep low-end movement, uplifting melodic details and airy production textures combine to create a sound equally suited to late-night club environments and solitary road-trip listening. Rather than relying on oversized moments, the track gradually unfolds through subtle progression and atmosphere. The Short Vocal Version brings a more direct and accessible edge through additional vocal hooks while maintaining the warmth and depth of the original arrangement. Elsewhere, Bop contributes two reinterpretations that lean further into UK garage and 2-step influence. Both the Vocal Remix and Instrumental Remix push the rhythmic energy forward through glitchy drum programming and intricate percussive movement, adding a sharper dancefloor focus without losing the EP’s atmospheric identity. The Nuage Speedup Remix raises the intensity further still, evolving from swung 2-step textures into a faster and more driving club-focused interpretation built around tension and release. Closing the remix package, Ralph Jacobs delivers a more restrained rework that stays closer to the emotional tone of the original while adding a rolling house groove underneath. Across all six tracks, ‘Drift EP’ succeeds in establishing a clear artistic direction for Deep Science Recordings. Atmospheric yet functional, immersive yet rhythmically focused, the release balances emotional depth with movement in a way that feels both refined and highly playable. Mav https://instagram.com/mavscientific https://open.spotify.com/artist/1H4nGnyL4Fd5Kyxn8QjrZP

VEXT VEXT returns with ‘FBD Project Natural Glide’, a fast-moving drum and bass release blending aggressive rhythmic energy with atmospheric emotional depth. Driven by crisp breakbeats, rolling sub-bass and shimmering synth textures, the track balances intensity and melancholy throughout its runtime. Ethereal vocal chops repeating the phrase “just for me” drift across the mix, creating a strong contrast against the heavier low-end pressure and rapid-fire percussion underneath. Rather than functioning purely as a peak-time roller, the release also carries a more introspective atmosphere beneath its club-focused structure. Tight sidechain movement and constantly shifting rhythmic detail keep the production dynamic while allowing the emotional elements enough room to breathe. The release marks another chapter in the return of VEXT, formerly a member of influential 90s jungle pioneers FBD Project. Long associated with the darker and more experimental edges of UK bass music, the producer continues exploring modern low-end electronic sounds while maintaining clear links to classic jungle and dub-rooted culture. That evolution became particularly visible through previous release ‘Dub From The Roots’, an eight-minute dubstep exploration built around heavy bass pressure, skanking piano motifs and glitched-out rhythmic textures, released via VEXT’s BACKUP RECORDINGS imprint. With ‘FBD Project Natural Glide’, VEXT shifts back towards drum and bass while maintaining the same emphasis on atmosphere, sound system weight and emotional tension. Fast, immersive and built for late-night energy, the track captures the balance between physical movement and reflective mood that continues defining his evolving sound. VEXT https://www.instagram.com/gavinwatton https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Yu3xiYgW83lYYLI47jyNw

Victor Sabattini Victor Sabattini joins forces with Colombian artists Groovn and FER PV on ‘Fuma Bebé’, a warm and groove-led house release shaped by multicultural influence and Latin rhythmic energy. Created during sessions in Medellín, the track blends soulful house textures with Latin-rooted percussion and flowing dancefloor movement, capturing the musical chemistry between all three artists. Rolling grooves, rhythmic vocal elements and smooth low-end pressure give the release a relaxed but highly danceable atmosphere throughout. Rather than pushing towards peak-time aggression, ‘Fuma Bebé’ leans into warmth, rhythm and fluidity. The production allows the Latin influences to breathe naturally within the house framework, creating a sound that feels equally suited to open-air sets, terrace sessions and late-night club environments. The collaboration also reflects the diverse musical backgrounds behind the project. Victor Sabattini first began building his career in Los Angeles before relocating to Tulum in 2019, where he became closely tied to the region’s underground electronic scene through private afterparties and club residencies. More recently, his time split between Tulum, Medellín and Bogotá has further shaped his multicultural approach to house music. Alongside him, Groovn continues emerging within the Latin house scene through performances across Colombia, while FER PV brings experience rooted in Colombia’s club circuit, including appearances at venues such as Armando Records and Octava Club. With ‘Fuma Bebé’, the trio deliver a smooth and highly rhythmic house release that captures the connection between Latin culture, underground club music and collaborative creative energy. Victor Sabattini https://instagram.com/victor.sabattini https://open.spotify.com/artist/6nDWpgkFm0QxSPpFIMWwdg