Explore the best ways to find new music. From music discovery apps and DJ sets to record shops, find your next favorite underground artist.
Share
Every month, we dig through the weird, wild, and wonderful world of music to bring you the 10 stories you actually want to read.
From gossip and gear to AI madness and underground legends retiring, here’s the latest music news for April 2025.
Electronic music’s most influential figures are making headlines with groundbreaking moves, fresh projects, and unexpected comebacks. In the latest music news for April 2025, we look at how these legends are redefining their careers while continuing to influence the sound and spirit of the dance floor.
Legendary French DJ and producer Laurent Garnier has announced on France Inter Radio that he will soon retire from full-time touring, limiting his performances to around ten shows per year in more intimate venues.
At 60, Garnier reflected on his decision, saying, “I’m going to stop touring like I always have,” and questioning his place in a nightlife culture driven by youth.
From his groundbreaking 1994 album “Shot in the Dark” to headlining the world’s biggest festivals, Garnier has shaped the evolution of techno for over three decades. His final large-scale performances will include appearances in Porto, Tignes, Japan, and European festivals such as Awakenings. For fans who have been dancing to his sets since the late 1980s, these dates mark the end of an era.
His choice underscores the physical and cultural demands of DJing and reflects the challenges veteran artists face in a fast-changing, trend-focused industry. It is also a statement of values, encouraging younger DJs to focus on passion and artistry rather than purely commercial pressures. Garnier will remain active in music, but his scaled-back schedule makes every upcoming set a moment to be savored.
Canadian DJ and producer Tiga has sold a significant portion of his music catalog, including “Sunglasses at Night” and “You Gonna Want Me”, to BEAT Music Fund, a division of Armada Music Group. Speaking to Music Business Worldwide, Tiga called the deal “a pivotal moment for me as an artist” and expressed hopes that Armada’s backing will help spread techno to wider audiences worldwide.
The sale is part of BEAT’s ambitious $500 million investment in music rights, which has already brought the catalogs of Kevin Saunderson and Jax Jones into its collection. This reflects a growing trend in which electronic music legacies are treated as both cultural landmarks and highly valuable assets.
Fan reactions on X have been split. Many see the deal as well-deserved recognition and financial security for one of electronic music’s most distinctive voices. Others question whether aligning with a major group might dilute the underground spirit that has defined Tiga’s career.
With this agreement, Tiga gains the freedom to pursue new creative directions without the constant pressure of sustaining past hits. Whether that leads to fresh club bangers or more experimental projects, the sale positions him to shape his legacy on his own terms.
Belgian duo 2manydjs have composed the soundtrack for Banger, Netflix’s new black comedy directed by So Me. The film stars Vincent Cassel as DJ Scorpex, a once-famous artist attempting a chaotic comeback while facing off against rival DJ Vestax, played by Mister V.
Banger blends irreverent humor with a nostalgic yet fresh dive into DJ culture. The soundtrack delivers the same energy that has made 2manydjs a fixture of club culture for years, combining underground beats with cinematic punch.
For the duo, the project is more than a film credit. It demonstrates their versatility as artists who can tell stories through music, expanding their influence from dance floors to the screen. The film also reflects a larger shift in entertainment, as electronic music increasingly finds an authentic place in mainstream productions.
For fans, Banger offers a rare moment to see their subculture brought to life on a global platform. It invites audiences to consider the balance between authenticity and satire in DJ life, all while proving that the party can thrive just as much on screen as it does under the strobe lights.
Claude VonStroke is stepping back into the spotlight after selling Dirtybird Records in 2022, embracing a new philosophy for his DJ career. In a recent Billboard interview, he summed it up with a smile: “I want to be the Bill Murray of DJing.” His vision is to bring joy, appear unexpectedly at gigs, and spread the same delight that Murray’s surprise public appearances are famous for.
For over two decades, VonStroke built Dirtybird into a label, festival, and clothing brand while shaping the sound of modern tech house with tracks like “Who’s Afraid of Detroit?”. Stepping away meant leaving behind the endless stream of 600 weekly demos and the stress of event planning, freeing him to focus entirely on making music.
His return is more than a personal reinvention. It taps into a broader movement of artists reclaiming their roots and redefining success on their own terms. By choosing a lighter, more spontaneous approach, VonStroke is showing that veteran DJs can stay relevant without burning out.
Fans can expect fresh music and an unpredictable schedule that keeps the dance floor buzzing. In an industry that often takes itself too seriously, his re-emergence feels both weirdly wholesome and perfectly timed—proof that sometimes, the best rebrand is just having fun again.
Innovation is reshaping how music is created, performed, and experienced. In the latest music news for April 2025, we explore how new tools from streaming giants and the rise of AI-powered production are transforming the way artists and fans interact with sound.
Apple Music has introduced “DJ with Apple Music,” a new tool that allows subscribers to create and perform mixes using more than 100 million songs. The feature works with leading platforms such as Serato, Numark, and Algoriddim’s djay. Stephen Campbell, Apple Music’s head, described it as “bringing the full power of Apple Music into the creative workflow.”
Building on previous initiatives like DJ Mixes and Apple Music Club, this update makes professional-level mixing accessible to anyone with a subscription. The news has sparked enthusiasm among emerging creators, many of whom see it as a breakthrough for bedroom DJs looking to experiment and share their sets. Some have raised questions about the reliability of licensing and potential streaming glitches, but the feature’s integration of Apple’s extensive catalog with tools like stem separation offers considerable flexibility for both live performance and home practice.
Apple’s step into this space could influence how a new generation approaches live performance, embedding DJing more deeply into the fabric of contemporary music culture.
The IMS Business Report 2025 has revealed that 60 million people used artificial intelligence to create music in 2024. According to DJ Mag, 10 percent of surveyed listeners experimented with generative AI to produce tracks or write lyrics.
For many young creators, these tools represent a game-changing opportunity, offering the ability to craft professional-sounding music without the cost of studio time. The trend is helping to democratize music production and giving bedroom producers the chance to reach wider audiences. Social media reaction has been mixed: some praise AI for opening doors to creativity, while others worry that it could dilute human artistry and flood platforms with formulaic content.
The report also highlighted the strength of the electronic music sector, which generated 12.9 billion dollars and attracted 566 million new fans in 2024. While labels may use AI to shape distinctive sounds, there is a risk that overreliance could lead to standardized output. This reality places new pressure on artists to innovate and stand out.
The discussion mirrors broader debates around AI in art and media, from visual design to deepfake technology. As the music industry navigates a tech-driven future, the challenge will be ensuring that AI enhances creativity rather than overshadowing it.
From high-profile acquisitions to ownership disputes, the music world is facing moments that test the balance between creative integrity and corporate influence. These stories reveal how values, ethics, and business decisions collide in ways that shape the future of the scene.
Boiler Room’s recent sale to Superstruct Entertainment and investment firm KKR has ignited controversy, with several artists announcing boycotts. The backlash stems from reports of KKR’s investments in weapon manufacturers and companies operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
In a statement on Instagram, Boiler Room declared that KKR’s portfolio “categorically does not align with our values” and reaffirmed its “unapologetically pro-Palestine” position. The platform explained that its staff had no influence over the sale, as DICE, the previous owner, held complete control of the shares.
Artists including Ikonika and Beatrice M. have withdrawn from scheduled performances, citing ethical concerns. In response, Boiler Room has pledged to maintain editorial independence and to continue supporting pro-Palestine initiatives.
The situation highlights the ethical challenges facing music platforms that position themselves as socially conscious, especially when corporate ownership comes into play. It also reinforces the role of collective action in holding companies accountable. As a global cultural hub known for bringing underground club culture to a worldwide audience, Boiler Room now faces the challenge of preserving trust while navigating a new corporate landscape.
Berlin’s influential electronic music label !K7 has been acquired by Create Music Group in April 2025, a decision approved by founder Horst Weidenmüller shortly before his passing in February. “This transition is a deeply personal one for me,” Weidenmüller said, expressing his belief that !K7 is “in the right hands” with Create’s vision.
The acquisition follows Create’s recent moves to expand in the electronic music space, including the purchase of Ostereo. For many fans, the news brings cautious optimism. Some hope that Create’s resources will strengthen !K7’s reach, while others worry that corporate ownership could dilute the label’s carefully curated identity.
Since its founding, !K7 has built a reputation for championing diverse electronic sounds, from trip-hop to techno. Its catalog is a touchstone for listeners who value the creative freedom of independent labels over the mass-market approach of major players. This acquisition underscores the delicate balance indie labels must strike when partnering with larger companies, marking a pivotal moment for the future of electronic music.
From Berlin’s underground stations to the high-priced world of rock star experiences, music continues to shape culture in unexpected places. In the latest music news for April 2024, we look also at how iconic names and bold city projects are blurring the lines between performance, public space, and the fan experience.
KISS bassist Gene Simmons is giving fans the chance to step into his world for a day, with a $12,500 package offered on his solo tour. The experience includes helping set up the stage, sharing lunch with Simmons, and taking home a signed bass. Speaking to the New York Post, he explained, “When I was a kid, I was always curious about what it’s like behind the scenes.”
The offer is promoted as a rare opportunity to experience the life of a rock star, appealing to devoted KISS fans who have followed the band’s spectacle for decades. Reactions, however, have been divided. Some critics on social media have called the price “greedy,” pointing to KISS’s long history of premium merchandise such as the KISS Kasket. Others see it as a dream chance to enjoy backstage access and the larger-than-life personality that has made Simmons a rock icon.
Beyond the debate, this moment reflects a broader conversation about the value of fandom in an era dominated by VIP packages and exclusive paid experiences. Whether viewed as clever marketing or as another example of rock’s commercialisation, Simmons has ensured that the KISS legacy remains firmly in the public eye.
Berlin’s public transport operator BVG is exploring an unusual way to brighten the city’s daily commute. The plan involves hosting live DJ sets at Kottbusser Tor station, with techno performances on the U8 platform and jazz on the U1 and U3 lines. The aim is to showcase local talent connected to Berlin’s legendary club culture while lifting commuter moods, reducing crime, and celebrating the city’s rich musical heritage.
Supporters see the idea as a bold cultural move that fits perfectly with Berlin’s reputation as the world capital of techno. Critics, however, question whether such initiatives divert funds from essential transport improvements.
The project reflects Berlin’s ongoing talent for weaving art into public life, from vibrant street murals to late-night club events. If the trial succeeds, it could redefine the role of public transport as not just a means of getting from A to B but as a space for cultural experiences. BVG’s challenge will be to keep the balance between entertainment and functionality, ensuring the beats bring people together rather than disrupting their journey.
From legendary DJs reshaping their careers to tech innovations changing how music is made and performed, April 2025 has been a month of big moves and cultural debates.
If you liked these stories, check the latest music news from March 2025 for more strange, inspiring, and ever-evolving tales from the world of music.
Subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss the latest news and trends.
And if you want to wear your love for sound, check our merchandise – perfect for music lovers who live for the underground.
Share
Luca is an underground music expert with more than ten years
of DJing and playlist curation,
focusing on new artists. He has appeared at Primavera Pro and BIME Pro, and he writes for the Playlo blog about music news,
tips, and independent artists.
If you seriously can’t live
without us (we get it),
follow us below.
No spam, only great music
from independent artists.
We promise!
By subscribing you agree to our
T&C's and Privacy Policy.
Do you know a great song?
Submit it now and join the
ultimate competition where
any music genre can win.
