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lee ann roberts

Living a Life of Vibrancy With Lee Ann Roberts

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In Lee Ann Roberts’ hands, even the hardest techno can have subtlety and soul. The Amsterdam-based, South African-born artist has become a prominent force in the global techno scene thanks to her fierce determination and vibrant creative touch. She leads with her own NowNow label — a self-reliant platform that nods to the South African colloquialism meaning “soon”, which means a call to surrender to the moment, and follow where the music takes you. It’s a mantra she’s lived by as her career has sharply risen — from debuting on Spanish label Suara with “Miyamoto” and instantly scoring number two on Beatport’s Hard Techno chart.

She’s simultaneously been growing NowNow with her own productions and dropping alongside remixes from verified legends like D.A.V.E. The Drummer, Jay Clarke, and Dense & Pika. The vitality in Roberts’ sound undoubtedly comes from her broad outlook, inspired as much by the revolutionary misfits of rock as the visionary pioneers of electronic music. Her attraction to unusual and distinctive qualities in the music she makes and plays all add up to one of the most exciting forces in contemporary techno.

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Celebrate Fabric London’s 23rd Birthday In October

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Fabric is celebrating its 23rd birthday from October 15th-17th. The first 20 names have been confirmed for the 30-hour party, which will run from 11PM on Saturday through 5AM on Monday. There are slots for the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, Afrodeutsche, VTSS, JASSS, DJ Tennis, Margaret Dygas, Francesco Del Garda, KiNK, Josh Caffé, and fka.m4a, plus residents Craig Richards, Bobby., and Anna Wall.

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kyle watson

Into the Festive World of Kyle Watson

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Following a string of coveted festival appearances, sold-out headlining 2022 shows, and esteemed record releases, South African DJ and producer Kyle Watson is pleased to announce his forthcoming 12-date ‘My Machines’ tour. Kicking off in Tempe, Arizona in September and wrapping up in Denver, Colorado in late October, Watson will be presenting his brand-new show concept in some of the United States’ most venerated venues. The run will mark his first official U.S. tour since his ‘Into The Morning’ tour in 2018, which accompanied the release of his debut album.

In his ‘My Machines’ tour, Watson aims to tap into this expansive collection to develop a specially curated all-original Kyle Watson DJ set. Each show will feature a blend of the fresh and familiar, the old and the new, and a dash of personal edits and VIP mixes that have remained exclusive to his collection throughout his tenure as an artist. Alongside the auditory component of the experience, Watson has put together a visual element and brand that echoes the concept of ‘My Machines’ including custom visuals.

Tickets for the ‘My Machines’ tour are now available.

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6AM Guest Mix: Marcela Ospina

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This week’s Guest Mix features Marcela Ospina. Born and raised in Colombia, Marcela took an interest in electronic music in the early 2000s when house and techno became popular in the country and when she was a regular at the Cinema club. But it was only in South Africa when she began DJing.

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Alex H and His Solace With Music

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Alex Humberstone, now better known as Alex H and His Solace With Music is a Zimbabwean/U.K. music producer. His passion for music runs deep, which sparked the motivation to cultivate his own sound. After frequenting nightclubs in the U.K., and in Perth, Australia in 2008, he began producing his own music.

Becoming a master of melodies and finding solace in Progressive House, Alex began his innovative approach to tackling his passion for techno. He eventually joined up with Progressive House Worldwide releasing his first EP Beyond the Blue Horizon which rapidly climbed Beatport’s Top 100 charts topping at #5.

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Beatport’s New South-African Genre: Amapiano

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Beatport has added amapiano to its list of genres. The digital music retailer says the change is to help fans “discover the sound, translating into improved sales for artists and labels, and a better customer experience, as fans can find music that is truly representative of the amapiano culture.”

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Black Coffee

Black Coffee Wins Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Album

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South African producer Black Coffee won his first Grammy for his 2021 album, Subconsciously. The 12-track album was nominated under the dance/electronic album category at the GRAMMY Awards’ 64th annual celebration. Subconsciously prevailed over other LPs like Major Lazer’s Music Is the Weapon (Reloaded) and Marshmello’s Shockwave. 

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Black Coffee brought his eldest son, Esona, on stage to accept the award. He thanked “God for the gift of music” and the ability to “share it with the world” and “help people go through whatever they’re going through in life.” He also thanked French producer David Guetta for believing in him. 

Listen: Black Coffee Subconsciously 

Originally reported by Mixmag

Carl Craig Presents All Black Digital: A Celebration of Black History Month

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Carl Craig has built a legacy defined by the discovery, amplification, and showcasing of black excellence. Over the last thirty years his iconic Planet E label has acted as an incubator for the wide reaching and globally leading sounds of Detroit, fostering a creative mixing pot built from the unique perspectives of black and brown voices. Now, as the world takes a long awaited stride towards examining global race relations, Carl remains an intellectual leader for the music and arts community at large. Today, in celebration of Black History Month, Carl announces All Black Digital, a series of virtual conversations and performances in support of Bridges For Music and in partnership with Beatport and Qwest TV.

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Sun-El Musician

Sun-El Musician Celebrates His South African Heritage with Album

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Sanele Sithole, known as Sun-El Musician to producers, DJs, and artists as a global rising talent, and a signature sound of South Africa. Born in Mooi River, Sun-El Musician has made his name known among South Africa, peaking on South Africa’s Shazam chart at #1 in 2017 with “Akanamali”. Sun-El Musician also went on to go double platinum on the Recording Industry of South Africa charts with “Sonini”, “Bamthathile”, and “Ntab’Ezikude” from his album “Africa to the World”. Sanele’s album launch is highly anticipated by everyone with an ear for deep, soulful house.

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DJ Qness

DJ Qness: My Top 5 South African House Records

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South African artist Lazarusman has become of mainstay in electronic music over the last decade, most often featuring as a guest vocalist on releases with the likes Booka Shade, Joris Voorn, Coyu, Stimming, Hyenah and many more. Now he’s back, this time pairing up with fellow South African talent DJ Qness, a veteran of South Africa’s house scene who has released on the likes of Mo Black, Offering and Exploited.

In honor of the occasion, DJ Qness has shared his Top 5 South African House Records with us!

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