News

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.

Blockchain-powered music streaming platform Audius has unveiled a $3 million cryptocurrency reward program, designed to incentivize both artists and fans engaging with the platform. The initiative aims to encourage content creation, fan interaction, and streaming activity, offering crypto-based earnings as a reward for participation.

As a decentralized streaming service, Audius allows artists to distribute their music without major label intermediaries, giving them more control over royalties and fan monetization. With this latest initiative, the platform is further bridging the gap between blockchain and music, reinforcing the growing trend of Web3 integration in the music industry.

This crypto reward program follows Audius’ previous efforts to incentivize direct artist-fan engagement, including NFT collectibles and tokenized fan experiences. As music streaming continues to evolve, Audius is positioning itself as a trailblazer in the decentralized music economy.

Dimitri Hegemann, founder of the iconic Berlin techno club Tresor, has proposed transforming the Mall of Berlin into a cultural and creative hub. In an interview with Tagesspiegel, Hegemann envisions the Leipziger Platz shopping center evolving into “Tresor Tower,” a visionary space dedicated to the creative industries. This concept includes studios, music venues, hostels, and more, aiming to shift the city’s focus from profit-driven real estate projects to initiatives that prioritize art, culture, and innovation. Hegemann emphasizes that repurposing vacant or underperforming properties could revitalize Berlin’s cultural landscape, fostering environments where innovative ideas can flourish.

Berlin’s Home Again Club Festival 2025 has officially been announced, promising an immersive five-day celebration of electronic music from May 28 to June 2, 2025. Taking place across two renowned locations, RSO.BERLIN and the Valley Stage, the festival aims to showcase the diverse spectrum of Berlin’s club culture while blending international and local talent.

This year’s edition builds on previous successes, bringing together a carefully curated lineup of DJs and live performers across house, techno, and experimental electronic sounds. RSO.BERLIN, a staple in the underground scene, will host intense late-night club sessions, while the Valley Stage will offer an open-air experience during the daytime.

London’s beloved nightclub and live music venue The Gun has officially announced its permanent closure, marking another loss for the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. The decision comes as a result of rising operational costs, including increasing rent, energy bills, and the financial strain on hospitality businesses in the wake of economic uncertainty.

Located in Hackney, The Gun has been a cultural hub for electronic music, hosting underground club nights and fostering a space for emerging DJs and live acts. Since its opening, the venue has built a reputation for championing local talent and eclectic electronic sounds, drawing crowds from across the city.

In a statement, the venue’s management expressed disappointment over the closure, citing the financial struggles faced by independent clubs in London. They thanked their patrons and artists for their support, acknowledging the impact the venue had on the local music scene.

The closure of The Gun is part of a wider trend of venue shutdowns across London, as independent clubs and grassroots spaces continue to struggle under economic pressures, licensing challenges, and shifting nightlife habits.