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In a compelling roundtable hosted by Kwame Safo, legendary techno pioneer Kevin Saunderson, acclaimed DJ and broadcaster DJ Paulette, and emerging talent Lovie came together to discuss Black representation in electronic music.

The conversation, part of a feature by Mixmag, explored their personal journeys as Black artists navigating a genre deeply rooted in Black history yet often whitewashed in mainstream spaces. Saunderson, one of the founding figures of Detroit techno, spoke about the cultural origins of the sound, while DJ Paulette highlighted ongoing challenges with visibility and recognition in UK club culture.

Lovie, representing the new wave of talent, emphasized the need for intersectional representation and equitable access to platforms. The dialogue offered both a retrospective and a forward-looking perspective on how to reclaim and honor the genre’s heritage while creating a more inclusive future.

In a bold blend of mobility and music, Techno Train and Tram events are transforming public transportation into rolling rave venues, redefining the underground party experience across Europe.

What began as a niche novelty is quickly becoming a phenomenon. Events like Techno Train Nürnberg in Germany turn standard rail carriages into multi-floor dance clubs. Spanning seven hours, this rave-on-rails features three dance floors spread across 12 carriages, moving through Bavaria’s countryside with pounding beats and immersive lighting.

In the Netherlands, the 50:HERTZ Club Train departs directly from Amsterdam Central Station, inviting dancers into a mobile techno space with professional sound systems, DJ booths, and panoramic views. Meanwhile, Lelantus’ Melodic Techno Train offers a more refined, open-air vibe—blending sunset journeys with melodic sets, creating a sensory blend of rhythm and scenery.

The MSU Museum in East Lansing, Michigan, is currently spotlighting the roots and revolutionary spirit of electronic music with its newest exhibition, “Techno: The Rise of Detroit’s Machine Music.” Running from February 4 through April 30, 2025, the exhibition explores the rich history of techno and its profound connection to Detroit’s Black cultural and industrial legacy.

Through immersive displays, archival materials, and multimedia installations, the exhibition traces how a group of visionary artists—like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson—transformed industrial soundscapes into what would become a global electronic music movement. The exhibition also dives into techno’s ties to Afrofuturism, showcasing how the genre reflected futuristic visions, social resistance, and self-determination.

As part of the program, MSU recently hosted a live DJ set by John Collins, a member of Detroit’s legendary Underground Resistance collective. His performance brought the exhibition to life, celebrating the rebellious energy that continues to fuel the genre.

Italian techno powerhouse Joseph Capriati has just released GU47: Montreal, his debut entry in the prestigious Global Underground City Series. Known for capturing the spirit of electronic music capitals around the world, the series welcomes Capriati’s interpretation of Montreal’s vibrant nightlife and underground culture in a powerful two-disc compilation.

The album is split into two sonic journeys:

• The Bright Disc explores lush, emotive house and melodic techno with selections from artists like Âme, Louie Vega, and Solomun.

• The Obscure Disc dives into deeper, driving techno featuring names such as Len Faki, KINK, and Óscar Mulero.

Capriati also includes an exclusive original track, “Meandri,” further showcasing his range as a producer. The release is available now in multiple formats, including deluxe CD packages for collectors and audiophiles alike.

Brooklyn’s beloved queer bar ANIMAL is marking its first anniversary this March with a full slate of celebratory events that reflect the bold, inclusive, and playful energy that has defined the venue since it opened in April 2024.

Located at 307 Meeker Avenue, ANIMAL has quickly become a staple in the borough’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, known for its themed dance parties, fetish nights, drag performances, and commitment to community empowerment. Over the past year, it’s also hosted queer maker markets, published its own zine (ANIMAL PRINT), and offered a safe, expressive space for all gender and sexual identities.

To celebrate its milestone, ANIMAL is throwing a weeklong anniversary series:

• March 19: FILTHY ANIMAL – a no-holds-barred fetish and cruise night.

• March 21: Kickoff party featuring drag artists Gail Force One and Joann Fabrixx.

• March 22: Main celebration with daytime and late-night sets by Kandylion and ThoughtKnot.

• March 23: Community Appreciation Day with free entry and back-to-back DJ sets by North Satellite and Peter Madden.

In just one year, ANIMAL has proven that a queer bar can be more than just a nightlife destination—it can be a cultural force and community anchor. With its mix of edgy programming and heart-forward activism, ANIMAL’s second year promises even more for Brooklyn’s queer creative scene.

Swedish techno titan Adam Beyer has officially announced his first full-length album in over 20 years, titled Explorer Vol. 1. The release is set for June 13, 2025, and will mark a significant return to the album format for the Drumcode founder, whose last LP, Ignition Key, came out in 2002.

With a career spanning three decades, Beyer has long been recognized as one of the most influential figures in global techno, known for his high-energy DJ sets and precision-crafted productions. Explorer Vol. 1 promises to showcase a more expansive side of Beyer’s sound, weaving in melodic, ambient, and percussive elements alongside his signature peak-time techno.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Beyer reflected on the process of revisiting the long-player format:

“This album is a journey through different emotions and sonic spaces. It felt like the right time to explore something deeper, more narrative-driven.”

The album is expected to be released via Drumcode Records, with a supporting world tour to be announced soon. Fans and techno heads alike are eagerly awaiting what could be one of the defining releases of 2025.

Ableton has unveiled Live 12.2, the latest update to its popular digital audio workstation (DAW), bringing several significant improvements designed to enhance music production workflow and sound design capabilities.

One of the most notable changes is the revamped Auto Filter, now featuring:

Real-time visual feedback, allowing producers to see how the filter affects their audio.

New filter types, expanding the creative possibilities for sound shaping.

Additionally, the new ‘Bounce to New Track’ function streamlines the production process by allowing users to quickly export and re-sample audio without disrupting their workflow.

Berlin police have launched an investigation into an alleged sexual assault at Berghain, one of the world’s most renowned nightclubs. The incident reportedly took place earlier in March, prompting authorities to look into the circumstances surrounding the event.

Berghain, known for its strict door policy and underground electronic music culture, has long been considered a safe space for clubbers, but this report has raised concerns about security and safety measures within the venue. Police are currently gathering statements and reviewing surveillance footage to determine the next steps.

This case comes as part of a broader conversation about safety in nightlife spaces, with many advocating for enhanced security measures and better protocols for handling incidents within clubs. Berghain has yet to release an official statement regarding the investigation.

The Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) has officially unveiled its new home and the first wave of speakers for its highly anticipated 2025 edition. The annual conference, known for fostering growth, collaboration, and innovation in the African music industry, has become a vital platform for artists, producers, and industry professionals looking to connect with the global music scene.

Set to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, the 2025 conference will host a diverse lineup of speakers, including leading artists, label executives, festival organizers, and tech innovators. While the full schedule is yet to be announced, organizers have promised insightful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, covering topics such as artist development, streaming trends, and the intersection of African music with global markets.

ARMC has played a crucial role in amplifying African voices in the electronic and urban music sectors, bringing together emerging and established talents from across the continent and beyond.

Melodic techno visionary Anyma has extended his Las Vegas Sphere residency into 2025, offering fans an immersive audiovisual experience that seamlessly blends music, AI-generated visuals, and cutting-edge stage production.

As one-half of the Tale Of Us duo and a core figure in the Afterlife label, Anyma (Matteo Milleri) has gained recognition for his futuristic approach to techno, fusing cinematic storytelling and 3D visuals with pulsating beats. His Sphere residency, which initially launched in early 2024, has been hailed as a next-generation performance experience, leveraging the venue’s 360-degree LED screen and advanced sound technology to create a multi-sensory spectacle.

The Las Vegas Sphere, known for hosting groundbreaking visual and sound-driven performances, provides an ideal platform for Anyma’s sci-fi-inspired aesthetics. With this extended residency, fans can expect more AI-enhanced visuals, deep melodic techno sets, and high-tech stagecraft, further solidifying Anyma’s reputation as a pioneer of immersive electronic music experiences.