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Latest updates, tips and tutorials
Akai MPC OS 3.7 Update: Expressive Control & Workflow Mastery
Released on February 1, 2026, Akai's MPC OS 3.7 update transforms standalone devices into expressive instruments. This free update introduces powerful XY pad controls for real-time modulation, dynamic sample slice triggering, and major workflow enhancements that supercharge both production and live performance.
Beatport Adds Psy-Techno as an Official Genre Category
On January 27, 2026, Beatport officially recognized Psy-Techno by launching it as a new sub-genre. This move solidifies the sound's journey from a niche hybrid to a global force, providing a dedicated space for artists like Indira Paganotto and improving music discovery for DJs worldwide.
UMG vs. TikTok: Why the World's Biggest Artists Went Silent
On January 31, 2026, Universal Music Group pulled its entire catalog from TikTok after failed negotiations. The dispute centers on artist compensation, AI threats, and user safety, muting videos from stars like Taylor Swift and Drake and reshaping the platform's soundscape overnight.
Native Instruments Enters Insolvency: What It Means for Producers
On January 28, 2026, Native Instruments GmbH began preliminary insolvency proceedings in Germany, raising urgent questions about the future of Traktor, Maschine, and Kontakt. We explore the implications for users, the status of related brands, and what to expect during this uncertain period.
Spotify Bets on Human Editors to Shape Music Discovery in 2026
Following record 2025 payouts, Spotify's 2026 roadmap, announced on January 28, 2026, pivots to human curation. New programs and features aim to give emerging artists sustained support by making the platform's expert editors more visible, creating new opportunities for career growth.
SoundCloud Leak: 29.8M Users Exposed to Targeted Phishing
A major SoundCloud data leak affecting 29.8 million users was indexed by HaveIBeenPwned on January 27, 2026. The incident, originating in December 2025, links private emails to public profiles, creating a high risk of sophisticated phishing and social engineering attacks against creators and fans.
US Visa Pause: What Artists Need to Know About the New Policy
On January 21, 2026, the U.S. State Department paused immigrant visa issuance for nationals of certain countries. This guide breaks down the new policy, who is affected, what it means for international artists seeking permanent residency, and what steps they can take now.
Beatport Next 2026: Meet the 12 Artists Shaping Electronic Music
On January 22, 2026, Beatport unveiled its sixth annual 'Next' class. Discover the 12 globally diverse artists set to define electronic music this year, from high-energy house to hypnotic techno, and learn how the program champions long-term artist growth over fleeting viral fame.
Serato DJ 4.0.2 Released: New Support for AlphaTheta & Reloop Gear
Serato released its 4.0.2 update for DJ Pro and DJ Lite on January 25, 2026. This maintenance release focuses on stability and hardware, introducing official support for the new AlphaTheta DJM-V5 mixer and the portable Reloop Flux Go DVS interface, alongside critical bug fixes.
Spotify's 'Prompted Playlists': AI Curation for Any Vibe
Spotify launched 'Prompted Playlists' on January 23, 2026, an AI tool for Premium users in the US and Canada. Describe any mood, scene, or pop culture reference to generate a unique playlist that blends your taste with current trends, offering a powerful new workflow for music discovery.
SoundCloud's New Royalty Model: Why Engagement Now Pays More Than Plays
In a major policy shift announced in mid-January 2026, SoundCloud has updated its Fan-Powered Royalty system. The new model prioritizes listener engagement over raw stream counts, fundamentally changing how artists earn money and directly targeting the rise of AI-generated content and fraudulent streams.
RANE SYSTEM ONE: The Vinyl Feel Goes Standalone, No Laptop Needed
RANE unveiled the SYSTEM ONE on January 21, 2026, the first-ever all-in-one standalone DJ system with motorized platters. It combines the tactile feel of turntables with the power of Engine DJ, offering a new path for DJs who want to perform without a computer.