From Mixcloud launching a new original upload feature for artists to Armin van Buuren releasing part two of the ‘Feel Again’ album trilogy, here’s this week in electronic music –
Lady of the House Founder Temporarily Steps Down After Bullying Allegations
Laila McKenzie, co-founder of the collective and record label Lady of the House (LOTH), has stepped away from her responsibilities following harassment and bullying accusations from a former employee and an artist.
Last week, DJ duo Black Girl / White Girl (BGWG) announced the cancellation of their performance at Amsterdam Dance Event with Lady Of The House. BGWG accused McKenzie of “bullying, gaslighting, threats and verbal abuse.”
“We refuse to endorse an organization or individual who, while publicly profiles themselves as wanting to advance women and non-binary people in music, behaves in a manner that is 100% at odds with that goal behind closed doors,” the pair wrote in their statement shared on Twitter.
After the allegations shared by BGWG, a former Marketing Manager of LOTH named Emma revealed similar experiences with McKenzie to Mixmag. “She was constantly condescending, stressing that she has more experience than I do,” she said. “I resigned after five days because she spoke to me as if I was totally worthless.”
As per a statement released by LOTH, the advisory board has accepted Mckenzie’s request to “take time away from day-to-day management,” during which the board will continue to review the accusations that have surfaced.
“During this time, all projects and ongoing activities will be managed by the advisory board, including the launch of our label and support of our first slate of artists,” read the statement. “LOTH exists to champion underrepresented communities within club culture and the dance music industry. (Our team) is dismayed that this overarching mission is being undermined by unfounded accusations.”
Martin Garrix and Alesso Confirm Collaboration
Months after Martin Garrix brought Alesso on stage for an impromptu b2b set during one of his Vegas residencies, Garrix has finally confirmed a collaboration with Alesso.
“We’re working on something together. It’s a beautiful progressive song,” said Garrix in an interview. The duo featured each other in Instagram stories, leading fans to speculate a collaboration of some sort was bound to happen until the confirmation. No further has been revealed by the artists regarding the track yet.
Burning Man Reveals ‘Animalia’ Theme for 2023
Burning Man 2023 is about to get wild! The festival has announced its theme for next year’s edition: Animalia. “This year’s Burning Man theme will celebrate the animal world and our place in it—animals real and imagined, mythic and remembered,” read their announcement statement.
With this theme, attendees are welcome to bring to life the “mythic beasts we carry with us in our minds – imagined or idealized, objects of fear or fancy.” The statement added, “This coming year in Black Rock City, or wherever you burn, you are invited to bring your imaginary menagerie with you. Not flesh-and-blood animals, thank you very much, but the creatures of spirit that give you confidence and courage, and that may express themselves in whatever art you choose to create.”
Burning Man 2023 will take place from August 27 through September 4 in Black Rock City.
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Armin van Buuren Releases Part Two of His ‘Feel Again’ Album Trilogy
Dutch DJ and producer Armin van Buuren has dropped the second installment of his highly-acclaimed ‘Feel Again’ trilogy albums. ‘Feel Again, Pt. 2’ features Maia Wright, Gareth Emery, Owl City, Diane Warren, Husky, Simon Ward, Scott Abbot, and more!
“During the pandemic, I noticed how important it is to me to have a strong connection with family, friends and also fans”, said van Buuren. “I vowed to double down on my effort to strengthen and deepen all of these different connections, and this album, as well as my plan to launch a community, reflects that. I hope this second part of the trilogy will resonate with listeners and bring us closer than ever before.”
The 13-tracked LP, shared on October 21, is a follow-up to van Buuren’s ‘Feel Again, Pt. 1’ released earlier this year in May. In addition to this, the DJ has been awarded as ‘The World’s No. 1 Trance DJ’ by DJ Mag as per 2022’s DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll.
Mixcloud Launches a New Original Upload Feature for Artists
Since its inception in 2008, Mixcloud has been a staple for artists to share long-form audio (DJ sets, radio shows and podcasts). The platform has now introduced a new feature for shorter-form audio called ‘Tracks’.
The feature lets artists upload snippets of their songs ranging from 30 seconds to 15 minutes. Basic Mixcloud users can upload up to three tracks, and those with premium subscriptions will be able to upload as many as possible. These ‘Tracks’ will be displayed on a separate tab in an artist’s account.
“This makes Mixcloud the only platform that offers both livestreaming, long-form audio, and short-form tracks as well,” said CEO Nico Perez in a video. The platform urges artists to upload original content, and not ‘remixes or bootlegs’ on Mixcloud.
VTSS, Jessica Audiffred, Kyrist Announced for Annie Nightingale Scholarship 2022
BBC Radio 1 reveals VTSS, Jessica Audiffred, Kyrist as the recipient of the Annie Nightingale Scholarship 2022. The initiative was launched last year to support up-and-coming women and non-binary people in dance music and give them a platform by BBC Radio 1’s first female DJ and the station’s longest-serving presenter, Annie Nightingale. The three winners will feature on a special Saturday night edition on November 5 from 9 PM to 12 AM GMT with Nightingale.
Jessica Audiffred, a Mexican DJ and producer, reacts to her selection and calls it a “dream.” Audiffred said, “Especially considering the UK is the birthplace of Dubstep. I can’t wait to connect with new fans in the region.”
“I’m so happy to have been chosen as a recipient of the Annie Nightingale Presents Scholarship, it’s a huge honour to be involved in something like this amongst such inspiring women in music. I’m excited to tell my musical journey and showcase my sound worldwide,” expressed Bristol based DJ and producer, Kyrist.
The third recepient, VTSS, stage name of Polish DJ and producer Martyna Maja, shared, “It’s gonna be really exciting to play on BBC Radio, I’ve had my essential mix streamed before but this is such a different experience and I can’t wait to have my mom in Poland listen to it live as obviously she doesn’t understand a lot of the things I’m doing but this is one of those she gets the importance of.”
Revaux Makes A Return With A Thumping EP
Revaux has made a roaring return with an EP that not only exemplifies their style, but explores other genres as well. he four-track ‘Mamba’ EP, which is an exhibition of soaring textures that are laid out for maximum dance-floor impact, is out on on Kyrist’s Kynetic Sound imprint. Kyrist, who started her label early this year, has been comfortably placed her name as one of the finest acts in drum & bass, while pushing the techy and gritty sounds she has been championing over the years.
The duo’s knack for dishing out deep, funk driven rollers took them to labels like Shogun Audio, Lifestyle Recordings, Vandal Records, Technique Recordings, and many more, before going into a long hiatus from 2019.
