On March 11th, GRiZ shook the hearts of EDM lovers when he posted a video on social media titled “WE ARE SO BACK!” This is a pivotal moment because he announced in June 2023 that he would be taking time off from touring and his music career to nurture his relationship with himself, his family, and his friends. At the beginning of October, GRiZ played his last show and then posted on October 7th, 2023, “Time to sign off for a while.” That was the last time anyone has seen or heard from the space captain himself.

In this video, GRiZ parks a tractor in a quiet field as he begins to stack bales of hay. Is this possibly an inkling of a new hobby he picked up during his time away? Could he have been training his mind, body, and spirit on a farm while in the stillness of nature? Who knows. But as he’s stacking hay, music begins to build to the moment where he catches his breath. Reaching for a pair of vintage over-ear headphones around his neck. The moment they cover his ears the music, what we expect is one of his new songs, begins to bump.

Suddenly, this working man feels the rhythm and starts the tractor, throws it in drive, and punches the gas to every beat of the build-up. Ripping the tractor through the field while head-banging. The track emits funky, space bass music that we all knew and loved GRiZ for. It’s his trademark sound, and hearing this has returned hope to our hearts. The video ends with him saying, “Back to work,” and the dates 10/10/25-10/12/25.

There has been zero explanation about what the dates are for. Could it be his first performance back? Could it be a festival he is hosting for three days? Everyone is eager to find out. You can click the link in his bio to sign up for text updates on what is soon to come. But with a little research, I have found there is a Seven Stars General Store Grand Opening event happening on those dates. The website looks normal, but the more you look, the more GRiZ vibes you find. GRIZ’s return event will be on October 10. You can watch the fun video below.

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A post shared by GRiZ (@griz)

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The Living Wage for Musicians Act proposes the establishment of a novel payment framework, known as the Artist Compensation Royalty Fund. This fund aims to circumvent traditional intermediaries, such as record labels, redirecting listeners’ funds directly to the artists. Here is what Tlaib had to say about it:

“Streaming has changed the music industry, but it’s leaving countless artists struggling to make ends meet behind. It’s only right that the people who create the music we love get their fair share, so that they can thrive, not just survive”

Under the provisions of the Living Wage for Musicians Act, funding for these initiatives would be derived from two primary sources. First, an additional subscription fee, proposed to range between $4 and $10, would be implemented. Second, a 10% portion of non-subscription revenue generated by streamers, including proceeds from advertisements, would contribute to the Artist Compensation Royalty Fund.

Moreover, Tlaib and Bowman have championed the bill with the backing of the Union of Musicians and Allied Workers. Recognizing that streaming platforms are contemplating subscription fee hikes, the union and its advocates assert the importance of proposing a framework that guarantees these additional fees directly benefit musicians. Even though it’s too early to tell how much support the bill will gain, this is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for the industry.

For now, you can take a look at the Living Wage for Musicians Act here.

Stay tuned for more news!

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5. Le Youth

Fondly referred to as “the people’s DJ” by his most loyal fans, Le Youth is unapologetically fearless when challenging the status quo. After releasing his debut album, Reminders, in 2022, the producer came to play in 2023 with the release of his acclaimed sophomore album, About Us. He’s sold out countless stops across North America on his 30-date About Us tour and continues to mesmerize fans with his expressive and melodic style of production. He’s also been a staple on the beloved This Never Happened imprint for years; clearly this producer has found his niche as 2023 has truly propelled him to stardom.

4. Agents of Time

Agents Of Time may have gotten their start a few years ago, but this Italian duo has made quite an impact in 2023. With a consistent string of impressive releases throughout the year, including ‘Zodiac‘ and ‘It’s All Good,’ they’ve been put on the map and they’re here to stay. With talent and innovation that shines through in every track, album, and live set, Agents Of Time are masters of their sound and worthy additions to this year’s top breakout artist list.

3. Chris Avantgarde

Thanks to his recent ventures with Anyma, including ‘Simulation‘ and ‘Eternity‘, as well as his triumphant return to Afterlife with his latest release, ‘Perception‘ Chris Avantgarde continues to impress with each new release, proving this rising star is here to stay. Classically trained and proficient with multiple instruments, Avantgarde is not just a DJ; he’s a multi-talented and innovative musician. If that wasn’t enough of a resume, he also writes and produces for major pop artists and creates scores for video game titles. He also manages his own imprint, entitled VNTGRD. Keep your eye on Chris Avantgarde in the coming year, as this man has proved himself to be a force.

2. Mau P

I don’t think there are any surprises that Mau P has made this list. His name has been on everyone’s lips for months during this stellar breakout year from the up-and-comer. His name first started trending in 2022 with his mega-hit, ‘Drugs From Amsterdam,’ and he’s followed it up this year with hit after hit like ‘Dress Code,‘ ‘Gimme That Bounce,’ and an official ‘Ray Of Solar‘ Remix. Fresh off two EDMA (Electronic Dance Music Award) wins for House Song of The Year and Dance Song Of The Year for ‘Drugs From Amsterdam,’ Mau P continues to rise with his energetic mix of house and techno, clearly making his mark on the scene. We expect more big things from this one in 2024, so stay tuned.

1. Eli Brown

Although no stranger to the scene, Eli Brown took off this year, with hit singles like ‘Diamonds On My Mind‘ and ‘Be The One.’ A force to be reckoned with in the house realm, his records have made an impact upon a flurry of industry heavyweights, including Carl Cox, Green Velvet, Fisher, Claude VonStroke, Black Madonna, Denis Sulta, Calvin Harris, and Annie Mac, the latter of which selected an Eli Brown song twice to become the ‘Hottest Record In The World’ on her BBC Radio 1 show. Eli Brown’s success on the radio, admiration from his peers, and banger-studded discography has left its mark on fans in 2023.

Honorable Mentions

While we had to narrow the list down to five, there are a few honorable mentions worth sharing, including James Hype, Mochakk, Sara Landry, Pickle, Rebuke, and Peggy Gou. These artists have all made a lasting impression on fans and industry stakeholders alike, and we can’t wait to see what 2024 holds.

The post Year In Tunes – EDMTunes Top 5 Breakout Artists Of 2023 appeared first on EDMTunes.

For Hainbach, the journey to the six-figure year comes primarily from just a few of his tracks. ‘The Guide‘, a 2020 release, hit over half of the sum with 560,000 plays, while ‘The Wooden‘, from his latest album Voice Magnetic, notched up 116,000 plays in only six months. Despite these accomplishments, the financial yield remains meager, echoing the struggle many artists face in the digital music landscape.

The Looming Silence

As Hainbach grapples with the modest returns from Spotify, a looming threat adds to the discord. Reports suggest that tracks accumulating less than 1,000 plays annually will face demonetization starting next year. This prospect raises concerns for lesser-known artists, hinting at a future where their creative output on Spotify may yield nothing in return. In this silence, the producer advocates for alternative avenues to sustain their craft.

“Bandcamp or coming to a live show is still the best way to support me and other artists.”

-Hainbach

Final Thoughts

While the debate continues as to which is the best way to directly support artists for them to make a living out of what they love and are most passionate about, unless you’re already on top of the world and amassing an exorbitant cult of followers, audio streaming giant Spotify is certainly out of the question for the best lifeline for those who we value for their contribution to music.

[H/T] – Music Radar

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Spotify Wrapped has become a highly anticipated year-end tradition for music lovers, offering a detailed summary of their listening habits throughout the year. The guide extends this experience to the creators themselves, offering them recommendations in order to capitalize on the feature, such as recording a video to be displayed for their top fans, giving away discounts on merch via Shopify, and promoting upcoming shows.

“Get Ready for Wrapped” also encourages artists to set their goals for the upcoming year. Artists can outline their goals in the coming year and strategize their efforts accordingly. Obviously, this is a great tool for all artists using the platform, as we know the popularity of the Wrapped feature. As a matter of fact, it was shared 60 million times by users in 2021, and this does not include the screenshots. For this reason, artists should make the most out of it.

The 2023 edition of Wrapped should be made available by late November or early December. For the moment, you can take a look at the full Spotify guide here.

Stay tuned for more news!

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April started with a bang over here in Argentina. And no, luckily for the date, what we lived wasn’t an April Fool’s joke. It was as real as it could get. Young prodigy Spencer Brown had a pending date with the Land of Tango, and a while ago he announced he’d come here to spend a couple hours playing the best he could offer.

Recently, I talked about the parties in Argentina and just how good they are. To put it in perspective, here’s my self-quote from Marsh’s Argentina article:

“Argentina is one of the best places around the world to hold a party. Its people work wonders. Parties don’t usually start before midnight, and the tonic here is to dance, quite literally, all night long. If the sun is rising behind the de la Plata river (I’m specifically talking Buenos Aires here), you still have a while to go before leaving. That’s how incredible the parties are over here.” -Me.

Spencer’s BA Debut

This was, as the title suggests, an otherworldly night. From start to finish, the crowd and the DJs helped make this one for the books.

The Bow, Buenos Aires

The Bow is, just like 2GTHR, located in the River area of Buenos Aires. While the latter is part of Costa Salguero, the former is just nearby, in a place called Punta Carrasco. In said place stand several venues, for example Mandarine Park, Bayside, and, of course, The Bow. The place is full of history, having been home to a handful of Trance and Progressive acts along the years.

The place is quite comfortable, styling a classic club design, and with the booth raised around 2 metres over the dancefloor. Two bars on the sides plus one out on the backyard have you stocked with your favourite drinks at all times. Lights, hanging screens, and more, make this a great place to go see someone play. Have a look at some pictures below:

The Spencer Experience

Spencer Brown came and smashed it all night long, to try and put it into words. Opening the night was his friend, collaborator, and Anjunadeep mate, Ezequiel Arias, who ran from midnight until 03:30. Then Spencer jumped into the booth. And, oh boy.

He opened his set with that one song that got me to him: ‘Divine Intervention‘. It’s still one of my favourite songs of all time, from all artists. It’s got that bittersweet melody, the chords consonant and dissonant just in the right amount, a perfect track altogether. Listen to it right here. Then, all through the night, he played tons of tracks, old and new, including melodic gems like ‘18 Min Loop‘, ‘Pursuance‘, and closing the night with ‘Will I Ever Find Love?‘. Also, not to be left aside, an absolutely tremendous amount of darker, harder-hitting tracks were dropped on the dancefloor, such as ‘Windows 95 On Acid‘, his remix for Kx5‘s ‘Escape‘, and even a new collaboration he and Arias made to premiere that same night. Have a listen down below:

Also also, there was one track I never thought I’d get to hear from him: his unreleased remix of Michael Jackson‘s hit ‘Thriller‘. Wow! Just wow. I was in total disbelief when he dropped it. I still remember the evil smile he had just before the iconic line. It was a night to remember for quite some time.

Final Words

It’s safe to say we all had an amazing time last Saturday. Spencer was also absolutely amazed by the energy of the Argentinian crowd, and it’s highly likely that he’ll come back for another dose of manija (the word used in here to denote excitement and energy). We will be eagerly waiting!

The venue has uploaded the official pictures on their Facebook page. Click here to see them! Also, have a snippet of my blurry and unprofessional POV of the great, great night Spencer delivered in Buenos Aires.

Dear Spencer: is it too much of a dream on my side if I beg for this set to be the next diviine mixseries episode?

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Early Years

His journey in the music industry began at a young age when he was introduced to music through his family. His mother would make him and his sisters sing in front of the church every Sunday, and his older brothers were full-time rappers who inspired him to pursue music as a career.

In the third grade, J Aktive learned how to play the saxophone, which taught him how to read and write music. By the time he was a preteen, he recorded his first song and continued to make music throughout his teenage years. At the age of 22, he moved to Downtown Los Angeles and created Aktivate Productions, where he directed and edited music videos for other artists to make a living.

Making a name for himself

After years of being behind the scenes in the music industry, J Aktive wanted to take his music career into his own hands. He saved up money and dedicated everything he had to become a full-time artist. In 2022, he dropped his first debut album Bad Luv with the leading single ‘Pist Off‘ going viral on social media getting reposted from celebrities such as Janet Jackson, Deion Sanders, Mario Lopez, Dougie Fresh, and many others alike.

Despite not having a record label backing him up, J Aktive’s debut album reached over 3 million streams across all streaming platforms. He executively produced all of his own music, came up with the topics, selected the beats, and worked closely with his engineer to fine-tune and enhance every aspect of the song to execute his original vision.

J Aktive’s independence in the music industry has allowed him to experiment with different styles of music and sounds without being confined to a label’s expectations. He has also been able to connect more intimately with his fans and build a loyal following through his transparency and authenticity.

Final Words

J Aktive has many new singles coming out in 2023, and he plans to release 20 uniquely different new singles throughout the year. He wants to take the “Russ” approach and release a song once a week until he runs out of unreleased songs. He also has a major single coming out with a Platinum-selling artist this spring that he’s super excited about.

In conclusion, J Aktive’s road to independence in the music industry has been a long and challenging journey. He has faced many obstacles, but he has persevered and carved out a unique space for himself in the industry. His dedication and passion for music are evident in his work, and he continues to inspire others to be the best versions of themselves. Keep up to date with J Aktive on Instagram and check out his music on Spotify.

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Paavo Siljamäki, Above & Beyond member and Trance veteran, has made headlines lately due to the revival of one his most famous solo aliases, P.O.S. He’s released remixes and singles, and also announced an album, Deeper Tales, along with a tour celebrating it. The tour begins very soon, on Thursday to be exact, and just ahead of him heading to North America, he made sure all of us, tour attendees or not, could listen to what he’s got in store for the coming months.

The hour-long mix was uploaded to Above & Beyond’s SoundCloud page, and it includes his three releases so far — the ”Lonely River‘ remix, alongside ‘Thunder & Sunshine‘ and ‘Polar Bears‘ — and also, and perhaps even tastier, a handful of IDs, from which stand out new vocal tracks, more melodies true to his style, his remix for Lakou Mizik & Joseph Ray‘s ‘Ogou (Pran Ka Mwen)‘, and even an exquisite take on Queen‘s immortal track ‘Who Wants To Live Forever‘. Have a listen by clicking the player above.

Read the story on his album announcement by clicking here, and click here for a review on his first original EP. Paavo’s ‘Deeper Tales’ tour is kicking off shortly, and if you wish to see if there are tickets left for your favourite city/gig, head over here. Finally, head below for his Anjunadeep Open Air Los Angeles DJ set.

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However, staff working in the U.S. must be vaccinated to enter Live Nation’s events, venues, and offices. Obviously, these practices have been tested before. “We believe this is a great model”, said Michael Rapino. “We have already implemented this successfully at many major shows including Lollapalooza”.

Live Nation said it hopes these practices will encourage more attendees to get vaccinated. The company also hopes that more organizers like them will adopt this model in the future.

For the moment, Live Nation is doing everything it can to ensure the full return of live music. As a matter of fact, they introduced $20 tickets for almost 1,000 shows. CEO Michael Rapino is very hopeful for the future of the industry. Here is what he had to say in the document.

“Our business and our industry is about uniting people and vaccines are one of the greatest tools for making sure that everyone can continue to enjoy live music together. We’ve gone through a lot this past year and it’s remarkable to see how far we’ve come”

Stay tuned for more news !

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Deezer calls this new system ‘User-Centric Payment’. The user-centric payment system will start in a beta stage in France next year (2020). Depending on the results, it will be fully implemented or left behind. In this new model, the subscription money you pay will only go to your favorite artists. Currently, users pay the artist per listen.

Other music streaming platforms such as Spotify have the same policy. It is not fair that an artist receiving 100,000 plays from his fans does not receive the economic benefit from those direct plays. Instead, that money goes through linked artists and their plays. Finally, the system calculates parameters and aggregates and gives the artist the final economic amount. As this old payment system is complex, Deezer explains how it works in this graph.

Deezer’s ready to test this new payment system. More than 40 music labels have agreed to test this system, but the real challenge is to bring the Big Three major labels into the testing. This new payment system would improve indie artists revenues and slightly decrease the top streamed artists earnings.

In conclusion, artists should get paid for the listeners they do have, instead of counting on tiny percentages of a much larger pool. If you want to check follow the debate about payment in streaming platforms more closely, feel free to check #MakeStreamingFair on social media.

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