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cable vs streaming

To Cut the Cord or Not? TikTok Behind Increase in Streams

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Similar to cable TV “cord-cutting,” media executives do not feel threatened by the increasing popularity of the social media app: TikTok.

For more than a decade, cable and broadcast executives brushed aside the threat of cable TV “cord-cutting” (ditching traditional cable TV) as either a nonexistent threat or a temporary phenomenon. There were endless reports about how these users were poor and unimportant (they weren’t), or how the phenomenon would end once Millennials bought homes and started procreating (it didn’t).

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In Interview with Ellen Allien

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There’s no other artist able to distinguish themselves quite like Ellen Allien has. No one else has been able to obtain such notoriety with the unique style that she brings. Ellen has been able to differentiate herself from the rest, making her a legend in the techno community. Ellen is your favorite DJ’s favorite DJ; the influence to many artists that we look up to today. Ellen has not only started one label, but two. Besides her widely successful label Bpitch, Ellen also launched her new label UFO. Inc. last January. From having residencies across the world to being one of Berlins biggest acts, she was able to cement her presence in the techno realm.  

That unique style mentioned is blatantly intentional in order to make sure she distinguishes herself from the rest of the herd. She has mentioned that she wouldn’t play songs that are popular. She likes to play music that no one else is, make music no one else is, and cultivates projects that no one else is doing. She’s personally involved with everything she does, there’s nothing industry about her. From her own tracks, to the festival stages she curates, Ellen has full creative involvement. Obviously, she’s had help, but she only works with close friends that understand who she is. For example, the graphic designer for Bpitch has been the same since the beginning. 

If you have had a chance to listen to Ellen’s sets, either live or on YouTube, you are able to tell how innovative she can be. The way she chooses her music is interesting, because she’s enthralled by weird unpredictable music. She doesn’t focus on the high points or the popularity of a track, which is common among DJs. Instead, she likes music that’s more about intensity. As long as a track is intense, obscure, and unpredictable, it’s one for the collection. Her style of innovation has led her to a very successful career that has no signs of slowing down.  

There are a lot of interesting things about Ellen that go beyond her music. Playing around the world, Ellen shared some of her interesting experiences as well as perspectives being one of the most respected names in the techno world. There’s plenty to talk about, and what really captures people’s attention are Ellen’s roots in Germany.

In our interview, we take a deep dive to discuss her music, her culture, and her legacy.      Read more

9 Unforgettable Festival Escapes Worth the Flight

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Music festivals have been popping out everywhere and in different parts of the world, all with different concepts, lineups and offering diverse experiences from one another.If you’re one of the many people who has done their local and national festivals many times already, why not plan a trip with your friends or fly solo and find the inner music adventurer within you by attending a new festival abroad?

Enjoy beautiful sceneries and get lost in new countries and cities, all the while experiencing some of your favorite DJs in the process, some of which you may never get the chance to see back at home. From all over the globe, we give you nine of the most unforgettable festival escapes worth the flight:

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Opinion: America, This Weekend Go Out and Dance

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crowd-1056764_1920On a week where racial tension, violence and hate divides the United States, music lovers on all four corners of this beautiful country can find solace, refuge and warmth through the musical rendition of their favorite artists.

This has become a weekend where unity matters more than ever. Although we may be afflicted by fear, worry and confusion, there is arguably nothing more unifying, liberating and American than sharing dance floors with people of all walks of life, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or socio-economic background.

Whether you live in a metropolis the size of New York City, Chicago or Los Angeles, a seemingly sleepy pocket of American suburbia or surrounded by the majestic diverse nature that is so unique to this country, I encourage every member of the electronic music community to turn up the volume and unite under a common umbrella of acceptance, love and solidarity. Visit your local club, go to a show, attend a festival or spend the early hours of Sunday morning in a dark warehouse listening to techno. And if none of those are options, invite friends over and throw your own party – be your own DJ.

Sharing music is sharing love. At a point where almost every tweet, Facebook post and meme seems to divide, perhaps the gift of music can help bring people together.

America, this weekend please go out and dance.