Etsy shuts down synthmaker's store because they don't believe his instruments are really handmade

By Ken Taylor

A few days ago, Brooklyn-based electronic musician and DIY synthmaker Brendan Byrne was surprised to find his store on the online marketplace Etsy was shut down because the site claimed he could not have handmade his instruments on his own—a requirement for those wishing to sell products through the site. After first taking this is a compliment, Byrne went through the process of proving to Etsy that his synths were in fact handmade, but they have yet to reactivate his store. Is he just that good?

Interview

Headhunterz brings hardstyle to North America for a brief tour

By KC Orcutt

Netherlands producer Headhunterz (aka Willem Rebergen) has often been cited as one of the leaders of the hardstyle genre and movement. He recently began his foray into curating through his own imprint, Hard With Style Records. In the midst of his current brief tour in the US, including a set at Electric Daisy Carnival last Friday in New York, Rebergen took the time to answer a couple questions about what he’s been up to recently, how he got his start in dance music, and his newly launched label.

Beatport #1

Hardwell's remix of "Alive" moves to #1

By Sean Lewis

Hardwell has remixed his way into Beatport’s #1 spot with his version of Krewella’s track “Alive.”

Cratedigger Essentials

40 Essential Detroit Techno and House Tracks, Part 1

By Beatport News Editors

With the Movement Festival right around the corner—a homecoming for Detroit electronic music if there ever was one—now seems as good a time as any to have a peek through the annals of Motown’s techno and house legacy. Of course, it’s impossible to assemble a definitive list of the top 40 Detroit tracks of all time, so we took a different tack: here’s what we consider essential, all nicely packaged together as downloadable charts or individual tracks.

Morning Roundup

Krewella's Yasmine takes a stand, Jimmy Edgar and Machine Drum hit the studio, Dada Life's new protege, and will Daft Punk's LP be the fastest-selling album ever?

By Ken Taylor

Krewella’s Yasmine Yousaf isn’t one to take too kindly to internet haters. She went on a bit of a rampage on the band’s Tumblr to defend artists everywhere against vitriolic legions. Hear what she’s got to say after the jump.

Track of the Day

Kate Simko gets "Lost in London" on her new EP

By Andy Lee

Since releasing her highly anticipated debut album, Lights Out, in 2011, Londoner-by-way-of-Chicago Kate Simko has persistently worked to establish her position on the forefront of dance music. Known for her unique take on house and techno, Simko has continued to demonstrate her diverse musical prowess with each and every release.

Music News

Five Diplo jams you need to hear right now

By Jason Black

As you may have read in our Major Lazer feature from earlier today, Diplo is one seriously hard worker, and he’s got a discography miles long. We picked out a few choice cuts from that long list to get you started.

Interview

Diplo strikes gold—and red and green—with his new Major Lazer album

By Jason Black

There’s no denying it that Diplo (aka Wesley Pentz), the Grammy-nominated producer, remixer, and and head honcho of Mad Decent Records, is one of the hardest-working men in the music business. Through unending curiosity and exploration of the world’s vast musical heritages in Jamaica, Africa, the US, and beyond, Diplo has a knack for seamlessly connecting the dots between the global underground and the commercial music mainstream. And in connecting those dots, he’s racked up production credits for MIA, Santigold, Drake, Usher, Snoop Dogg, Beyonce, and Bruno Mars, among many others.

RIP

House DJ, producer, and vocalist Romanthony dies at 46

By Ken Taylor

Billboard has confirmed that DJ, producer, and singer Romanthony died earlier this month on May 7 at his home in Austin, Texas. The cause of his death has not be made public.

Music News

Chuckie and MK offer up career advice

By Emmy Morales

It’s maybe an odd combination of musical guests from which to glean career advice together, but hey, MK and Chuckie both hold some sway in their respective fields. The Guardian recently tapped the two for a few tips on what it takes to be a successful producer or DJ today.

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