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New US Visa Rules: What Proclamation 10998 Means for Touring DJs
Effective January 1, 2026, sweeping US visa reforms under Proclamation 10998 are creating major hurdles for international artists. The new rules, combined with the end of third-country visa processing, threaten to reshape the landscape of live music and DJ culture across the United States.
Bangkok's Nightlife Leveled Up: Inside the New Atlas Super Club
Bangkok's nightlife scene was transformed in late December 2025 with the launch of Atlas Super Club. The Bali-based brand unveiled a massive, multi-level venue designed for festival-grade experiences, signaling a major shift in Southeast Asia's electronic music landscape for 2026 and beyond.
Minimal & Deep Tech in 2026: Beatport's End-of-Year Data Decoded
An analysis of Beatport's top 100 Minimal / Deep Tech tracks from late 2025 reveals the key sonic trends for early 2026. Published January 2, 2026, the report highlights a shift towards tight percussion, modular textures, and unwavering focus on groove for DJs and producers.
SoundExchange Royalty Rates Rise 12% for 2026: What DJs Need to Know
As of January 1, 2026, new SoundExchange royalty rates for noninteractive streams are in effect, increasing 12% to $0.0028 per performance. This post breaks down the rate hike, the new 30-day payment deadline, and the financial impact on digital broadcasters and DJs.
Spotify Pro Mix: Craft DJ-Style Transitions in Your Playlists
Spotify's December 29, 2025 update introduces "Pro Mix," a powerful new tool for all users. Create and share playlists with seamless, customized transitions between tracks, giving you the power to mix like a professional DJ directly within the app, no external software needed.
Beatport's 2025 Top Sellers: HUGEL Takes the Crown in a Tech House-Dominated Year
Beatport unveiled its official 2025 best-selling artists list on December 29, 2025, with HUGEL claiming the top spot. The data-driven chart, featuring Max Styler and Chris Lake in the top three, confirms the unwavering dominance of house and tech house genres for DJs worldwide.
The Final Encore: Why Soaring Insurance Costs Are Silencing Festivals
A December 2025 report reveals a stark reality: skyrocketing insurance premiums are making music festivals financially unsustainable. With iconic events like Bluesfest folding and artist livelihoods at risk, the live music industry faces an existential threat.
PRS for Music's Record £274.9M Payout: What It Means for Creators
On December 16, 2025, PRS for Music announced a record £274.9 million royalty payout, its largest of the year. This distribution highlights growing revenues from streaming and live performance, offering vital income for songwriters, composers, and especially DJs in the electronic music scene.
Sacramento's New Permit Rules: A Game-Changer for Local DJs?
In April 2025, Sacramento rolled out a new, affordable 'Limited Entertainment Permit.' This change is a game-changer for DJs, making it easier for smaller venues like restaurants and cafes to host live sets by reducing costs and administrative hurdles. Here’s what you need to know.
SoundCloud's VPN Ban: Protecting Labels or Punishing Creators?
On December 15, 2025, SoundCloud enacted a platform-wide VPN ban, citing copyright enforcement. The move, intended to uphold geo-licensing deals, has sparked outrage among DJs and producers who rely on VPNs for security, collaboration, and global access, disrupting essential professional workflows and raising privacy concerns.
Spotify's 1,000-Stream Rule: Is It Silencing Smaller Markets?
Implemented in early 2024, Spotify's policy requiring 1,000 annual streams for royalty eligibility is drawing sharp criticism. A new report from Bulgaria's ANMIP-BG highlights fears of "cultural erasure," arguing the rule disproportionately harms independent artists and labels in smaller European markets.
YouTube Pulls Data from Billboard, Shaking Up the Music Charts
In a landmark move, YouTube announced on December 17, 2025, it will stop sending streaming data to Billboard. The decision, effective January 16, 2026, protests a new methodology that devalues free streams, fundamentally altering how a hit song is defined and discovered.