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  • X by Adriatique OFFSONAR

    The first round of label party announcements for OFFSónar 2026 has just been released: Barcelona’s most anticipated electronic music week is beginning to take shape. This year’s festival, which takes place at the renowned Poble Espanyol venue from June 18 – 21, 2026, features some of the most exciting artists in current dance music. These first three confirmed label showcases set the tone for what looks to be an incredible week of activities for fans preparing to attend Barcelona Sónar Week.

    The first announcement features Swiss melodic techno duo Adriatique with their X Recordings showcase, London’s renowned minimal techno brand FUSE, and breakthrough Brazilian star Mochakk‘s party series Mochakk Calling. For dedicated aficionados of electronic music, OFFSónar 2026 is a must-attend since each artist adds a unique sound to the historic surroundings of the hilltop location.

    What Makes OFFSónar 2026 Special Are The Label Party

    Since its launch in 2018, OFFSónar has been Barcelona’s top companion event to the main Sónar festival. OFFSónar’s label party idea, in contrast to conventional multi-genre festivals, enables curators to create small, unified experiences that represent their artistic vision. It regularly sells out its reduced-capacity events, making it the most sought-after event during Sónar Week thanks to its curatorial style.

    The Poble Espanyol location itself is worthy of praise. Every June, this outdoor architectural museum becomes a refuge for electronic music, with sunlight courtyards, cobblestone streets, and expansive vistas of Barcelona creating an unparalleled ambiance. Each of the venue’s several stages – Plaza Mayor, Monasterio, Carpa, and Picnic – offers a distinct atmosphere and acoustics.

    1. Mochakk Calling Takes Over Plaza Mayor with Brazil’s House Music Phenomenon

    Pedro Maia, 26, Brazil, will bring his party series Mochakk Calling to Barcelona on Saturday, June 20. Mochakk has been one of the most captivating new voices in house music. He went viral in 2022 with a TikTok video that received 1.3 million likes. They have performed at big events including Coachella, Time Warp, and Sónar itself, and they have earned residencies at Ibiza’s renowned Circoloco at DC-10.

    Mochakk’s varied musical upbringing, his father’s love of rock and blues, and his mother’s love of funk and disco are the sources of his reputation for high-energy, diversified house sets.

    Mochakk at Plaza de España in Sevilla for Cercle
    Mochakk at Plaza de España in Sevilla for Cercle

    2. FUSE Returns to Barcelona as London’s Minimal Techno Institution

    Enzo Siragusa’s FUSE returns to OFFSónar on Saturday, June 20th, taking over the Monasterio and Carpa stages for an all-day, low-key, high-tech workout. Since its founding in 2008, FUSE has grown to become one of London’s most reputable underground organizations. It runs two highly regarded record labels and organizes more than 300 successful events throughout Europe.

    FUSE is a symbol of the development of British house and techno culture, founded by Enzo Siragusa, a first-generation Cockney-Italian who got his start in the UK rave scene. Rich NxT, Seb Zito, Rossi, Traumer, and numerous other artists that frequently perform on the decks at FUSE events across the globe make up the label’s roster, which reads like a who’s who of avant-garde minimal house.

    3. Adriatique present X with their Melodic Techno’s Cutting Edge vibes

    Swiss pair Adriatique (Adrian Shala and Adrian Schweizer) will make a comeback on Friday, June 19th, with their Adriatique present X concept. It will take over three stages for an immersive display of melodic techno. The pair has earned seats at major festivals and clubs around the world thanks to their emotionally charged, developing brand of techno, which unites underground credentials with mainstream appeal.

    After years of honing their sound on labels like Afterlife, Diynamic, and Rose Avenue, the team founded X Recordings in 2023. This label embodies their artistic vision. The label, which collaborates with musicians like Yubik, Vincent Vossen, Undercatt, and singer Delhia de France, focuses on modern melodic house and techno that remains steadfastly ahead of the curve.

    The fully immersive production of the Adriatique present X events is what sets them apart. These events, which started as a hometown showcase in Québec in 2022, have since moved to New York’s Brooklyn Mirage, London’s Labyrinth, and Amsterdam’s Gashouder. All of them include state-of-the-art visuals that enhance the mesmerizing soundscapes.

    Practical Tips for Planning Your OFFSónar 2026 Experience

    • Tickets: The official website, offsonar.co, is where you can purchase tickets for OFFSónar events. Early purchasing is highly advised due to the limited capacity and the series’ history of selling out. There will be both single-day tickets and multi-day passes available.
    • Location: With breathtaking views of Barcelona, Poble Espanyol is situated atop Montjuïc Hill. The location is very close to the metro (España station on L1/L3) and just requires a short uphill walk. You will be moving between the four separate stage locations all day and night, so comfortable shoes are a must due to the outdoor layout.
    • Time: Events usually take place in the afternoon or early evening. Particularly at the Plaza Mayor stage, the high setting offers breathtaking sunset sessions. Many guests schedule their entire Sónar Week around OFFSónar’s schedule, booking particular OFFSónar dates for their favorite label showcases while attending Sónar by Day and Night.
    • What to Expect: These are legitimate outdoor club events. Barcelona has lovely weather in late June (usually between 24 and 28°C), but because it’s outside, there may be wind or chilly temperatures after dark. Consider the dancefloor-ready aesthetic while packing appropriately.
    • Accommodations: During Sónar Week, all hotels and Airbnbs in Barcelona are fully booked, and rates are at their highest. For quick access to Poble Espanyol, reserve lodging as soon as feasible, preferably in the Poble Sec, Raval, or Gràcia neighborhoods.

    With the confirmation of these first three label parties, OFFSónar 2026 is already beginning to take shape as a must-see event for fans of electronic music. These early announcements are only the start of what looks to be an incredible edition.

    There are still four label parties scheduled for the June 18-21 run at Poble Espanyol, which means there will be more chances to enjoy the finest contemporary dance music in one of the most stunning towns in Europe.

    OFFSónar Barcelona is the most sought-after event during Sónar Week because of its renowned venue, intimate capacity, and top-notch curating.

    The post What are the OFFSónar 2026 label parties? appeared first on The Groove Cartel.

  • Eden Girma is a multi-instrumental musician, vocalist, producer, and composer hailing from Madison, WI.  Having grown up at the nexus of widely varying and vibrant musical traditions, Eden creates through a variety of audio-visual-technological media — bridging realms such as popular music, improvisatory collaboration, expressionism, and experimental electronics. Through a genre-bending compositional ear and a … Continued

    The post ListN Up: Eden Girma (December 18, 2025) appeared first on I CARE IF YOU LISTEN.

  • It’s that time of year again, and we’re excited to share a list of our contributors’ top albums of 2025. Some of the artists are new on the scene; others have been in the game for 30+ years. Some are blasting apart the calcified boundaries of the concert hall; others redefining the limits of musical … Continued

    The post Our Top Contemporary Classical and Experimental Albums of 2025 appeared first on I CARE IF YOU LISTEN.

  • PAAX

    The Argentinian combo PAAX and singer Monique‘s new project, Hurricane, is making its Songspire Records premiere.

    Hurricane is the patient sort, but it fits right in with melodic house. No desperate attempt to get attention, no dash to the drop. Rather, PAAX’s two producers, German Wagener and Nicolas Damonte, let the song breathe. A soft infiltration of piano melodies creates a contemplative atmosphere. A distinct emotional line is woven throughout by Monique’s vocal technique, expressing emotion without going overboard. Knowing when to back off is the true skill here.

    The way Hurricane manages space is what makes it function. Monique’s voice can find its place, the piano can resound, and the bass end can sit without being crowded. It’s the kind of production that seems simple until you attempt it yourself and discover how many choices are involved in creating something that feels so organic.

    The two remixes broaden the song’s appeal without deviating too much from its essence. While maintaining the original’s tone, Pakkio Sans pushes it in a more electro direction by tightening the bassline and adding a little edge. When you want something with a little more drive late at night, this is the version for you. In contrast, Sokur’s remix emphasizes swing and percussion to provide a more groove-focused sound. Both adaptations are successful because they recognize the sense of methodical progression and emotional clarity that made the original so captivating.

    For those who are acquainted with PAAX’s catalog, Hurricane carries on its investigation of texture and shape. It’s a good starting point for newbies, showcasing their production skills and musical sensitivity without being overbearing. In any case, it’s a release that recognizes the importance of knowing when to say less and, as a result, mean more.

    The post PAAX feat. Monique – Hurricane appeared first on The Groove Cartel.

  • As a sound artist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer, Dameun Strange’s conceptual chamber and electronic works explore the African diaspora through an Afrofuturist lens. Drawing on West African polyrhythms, synthesizers, jazz harmonies, and found sounds, Strange creates genre-defying performances that bridge ancestral narratives with contemporary expression. Over the years, Afrofuturism and electro-acoustic sound slowly emerged in his … Continued

    The post For Dameun Strange, Music is a Conduit for Individual and Communal Expression appeared first on I CARE IF YOU LISTEN.

  • N1NJA & Nana Atta Make a Strong Afrotech Statement with ‘Umusa’

    London-based artist N1NJA, who has been featured as a rising talent on Beatport, joins forces with known South African vocal artist Nana Atta on the latest release, “Umusa.” Meaning the name “grace,” Umusa is more than a collaboration, but a spiritual gathering of two artists meeting at the intersection of time, intention, and energy on […]

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    YouTube for Artists: New Features and Updates for 2026

    YouTube is rolling out fresh tools for artists in 2026. The focus is simple. Help musicians grow faster, look more professional, and get paid more consistently. If you treat your channel like a real music business, these updates matter. If you haven’t already, check out our YouTube For Artists Ultimate Guide to see everything YT4A has to offer.


    Smarter analytics built for artists

    You get cleaner data that actually helps you decide what to post next. See who is watching, where they are from, and which formats are working. Shorts, long-form, and live are tracked clearly. You can spot returning fans vs first-time viewers and plan content for each group. If a snippet pops off in a specific country, you will see it in time to respond. Blowing up in Mexico? Why not release a bilingual version of your track? Less guessing. More action. Learn more about analytics for artists here.


    Cleaner branding and channel layouts

    Your channel can finally look like a true artist hub. Set custom sections for new releases, popular Shorts, and upcoming shows. Keep a consistent look across your main page, mobile, Shorts, and live. The templates are simple. No design degree needed. The result is a page that feels intentional rather than random. Learn more about channel optimization here.


    Shorts are now a growth engine

    Shorts are not filler anymore. They are a discovery funnel. Tagging is better, music usage is easier to trace, and monetization is part of the program. A strong 10- to 20-second moment can pull people to your whole track, pre-save, or live stream. Treat Shorts like trailers for your songs and releases. Learn more about why you should Promote Your Music on YouTube Shorts here.


    Monetization gets wider access

    More artists can monetize without a big label setup. You get ad revenue on Shorts, Super Thanks on videos, Super Chat on live, and Channel Memberships for perks and exclusives. If you distribute through companies like Symphonic or TuneCore, you are likely covered. Multiple income streams. One platform.


    Better rights management and reporting

    Content ID accuracy is improved. Royalty tracking is clearer. Disputes are simpler to handle. You get more confidence that your music is identified correctly and that the money flows where it should. Less admin. More time to make and release songs.


    Stronger YouTube Music connection

    Your Official Artist Channel syncs more cleanly with YouTube Music. Search results show your verified content first. Topic channels funnel into your official page. Fans can move from a Short to your video to your catalog without friction. This helps discovery and keeps your ecosystem tidy.


    Creator Music expands placement opportunities

    Creators can license your songs with less friction. You get attribution and royalties. Independent tracks are easier to find inside the Creator Music library. That means more placements in vlogs, reviews, travel videos, and daily content. More reach and passive discovery that stacks over time.


    Fan tools that build support

    Use Memberships for early listens, demos, stems, or behind-the-scenes content. Turn on Super Thanks and Super Chat, or run live Q&A sessions. These features turn casual listeners into core supporters. Learn more about YouTube’s refreshed pre-release tools here.


    How to approach YouTube in 2026

    Post consistently across formats. Use Shorts to test hooks and moments before the full drop. Keep your channel layout up to date for each release. Review analytics weekly and adjust. Turn on every monetization option you qualify for. Use Creator Music to seed placements. Talk to your audience. Small moves, repeated, win.


    Visibility and discovery tips to help fans find you

    Use clear titles with song name, artist name, and version info. Add keywords like YouTube for Artists 2026, Shorts for musicians, YouTube Music release, and indie music marketing, where they fit naturally. Put the most important links at the top of your descriptions. Pin a comment with one clear call to action and spread your reach by getting on YouTube Music Playlists.

    If you are serious about YouTube in 2026, this update gives you the playbook and the tools. Keep it consistent, keep it human, and let the data steer the next move.


    FAQ

    Are these updates for independent artists too?

    Yes. If you have an Official Artist Channel and distribute properly, you can use most of these features.

    Can I earn from Shorts?

    Yes. Shorts are part of the ad revenue-sharing program.

    What should I post right now?

    Post three to five Shorts per song idea, one performance or breakdown video per week, and go live around release moments.

    How do I get my music into Creator Music?

    Work through a distributor, like Tunecore, that supports it, or apply through YouTube’s music partners. Then promote your tracks to creators who fit your style.

    What metric should I watch first?

    Return viewers and watch history by format. If people come back, you are building a real audience.

    Looking to Promote Your Music?

    Try our Spotify Playlist Pitching and TikTok Music Promotion services.

  • Fritz Kalkbrenner Delivers a Melodic Triumph with ‘Calling You’

    “Calling You” marks another standout moment in Fritz Kalkbrenner’s evolving sonic journey, presenting a track that feels both emotionally gripping and tailor-made for the dancefloor. This single uses a foundation bed composed of synthesizer textures and organic bass and percussion responses that have a rhythm consistency capable of entrapping anyone who listens. As Fritz Kalkbrenner […]

  • Whisnu Santika Drops Emotional Single “I’ll Be Yours”

    Whisnu Santika begins a new chapter within his emotive sound with his latest single offering, “I’ll Be Yours,” an impressive collaboration with regular collaborator Rey Putra and young Indonesian singer-songwriter Cosmo Kent. Released today, it comes at a perfect time, as Whisnu Santika will soon be taking stage at the highly anticipated Djakarta Warehouse Project […]