After emerging onto the scene in 2013, WEISS has ascended through the dance music ranks at an impressive rate, receiving support from a host of legends ranging from Armand van Helden, Eats Everything and Carl Cox to Elton John along the way. His 2018 hit single ‘Feel My Needs’ took the world by storm, reaching #1 in both the BBC Radio 1 Dance Chart and ARIA Club Chart (also being voted the #1 track for the year), and winning ‘Best Track’ at the DJ Mag ‘Best of British’ awards.
WEISS has circled the globe countless times to complete tours worldwide, in the latter part of 2019 he embarked on his biggest ever tours of North America and Oceania covering 30 dates across 7 weeks. It is this connection that brings WEISS and his experiences to CULTR. We present, WEISS’ Around The World.
Los Angeles
California
The mad thing is I wasn’t originally the biggest fan of LA but I’ve fallen in love with it more and more over the years. The restaurants are incredible and if you’re lucky & get an offer to party at someone’s house in the hills, then take it!!
Ibiza
Spain
It’s always a No.1 go to place for me to party with my friends during the summer. Not only is the nightlife amazing but Old Town is a real mix of old & new with a chilled atmosphere and beautiful restaurants.
Barbados
Carribbean
Barbados has a special place in my heart: I went there as a kid and love the beaches & crystal clear water. Waking up in the morning and finding yourself surrounded by red crabs and swiminning with the turtles is a memory I’ll never forget.
OTR has just embarked on his most fulfilling venture in his young career thus far. With the release of his debut album “Lost At Midnight” via Astralwerks, it is exciting to see the artist’s vision finally coming to fruition. Featuring artists like Panama, Shallou, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Au/Ra, and more, the 12-track LP serves as a digital embodiment of the talent rooted in the 26-year old aerospace engineer-turned-producer.
The captivating project will throw you into a whirlwind of emotions as you are captured by the records alluring atmosphere. Offering enchanting soundscapes, melancholic chord progressions, and catchy toplines along the way, “Lost At Midnight” evidently reaches the peak of electro-pop. Pulling you by the heartstrings, OTR effortlessly transports the listener into a pit of vulnerability which is the very essence as to why the album is incredibly addictive to listen to in the first place. Finally showcasing his genius to the world, we can safely declare that this is OTR’s moment.
“Writing the album over the last two years was an incredible experience. Now that it’s out, I’m happy to see people empathize with the raw emotion I put into each track, signifying different points in my life.” – OTR
With all that being said, what better way to pinpoint the significance of this album than to hear it from the artist himself. Hear the story of how he put this all together in the track-by-track breakdown below.
Shawn Mendes and Cuban born Camila Cabello released their joint single, “Señorita,” last week via Island Records. The song achieved instantaneous success worldwide rocketing to #1 on Spotify’s Global chart as the biggest single-day debut of a male/female duet ever. The video garnered 50 million YouTube streams in the first 48 hours of release while trending #1 around the globe. Other notable chart #1s include Spotify US Chart, iTunes, Apple Music Pop and Apple Music’s Top Videos.
GRAMMY nominated Toronto born multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes released his highly anticipated self-titled third album in May 2018. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart as well as multiple additional worldwide markets, including Australia, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Holland & more and shot to #1 on iTunes in more than 80 countries immediately upon release. The album became one of the top best-selling album debuts of 2018 and made Shawn the third youngest solo artist to ever have three consecutive #1 albums.
Multi Grammy nominated Cuban born singer/songwriter Camila Cabello (Epic Records / SYCO) released her debut solo album, CAMILA in January 2018 to rave reviews. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart at the same time as her single “Havana” Reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making Camila the first solo artist in nearly 15 years to reach the #1 spot on the Hot 100, Billboard 200 and Artist 100 charts in the same week. The RIAA platinum-certified album, CAMILA, launched its debut at #1 on 110 iTunes charts around the world, breaking the record for most #1 positions for a debut album in iTunes history. Camila also became the #1 artist on global Spotify.
Ferry Corsten is back with his latest ‘Unity’ collaboration, after releasing the last one with Ilan Bluestone back in December – Ferry has teamed up with BT for a special collaboration in ‘1997‘.
Ferry Corsten has been busy with solo music in the first half of 2019, releasing ‘Freefall‘ – which feels like a more commercially viable release. He also returned to his Gouryella alias with ‘Surga‘.
Ferry Corsten has brought in another big name into the Unity project, with the legend that is BT. After remixing BT’s track ‘Suddenly’ in 2010, the pair are familiar with each other’s prowess in the studio, and that united vision is showcased in abundance. The team-up sees both artists strengths utilised to their best potential to create a track that is greater than the sum of its parts. As it should, the production leans heavily on the killer uplifting melody – which is a prominent throughout the entire track. The mix of each artist’s styles is present and concludes in an epic collaboration.
Ferry launched the UNITY project in 2018 with his collaboration alongside Paul Oakenfold titled ‘A Slice Of Heaven’, and continued working with artists within the Trance community throughout the year, such as DIM3NSION, Jordan Suckley, Saad Ayub and Ilan Bluestone, and after the success of 2018 has more releases in store after making his first donation to project partner, VH1’s Save The Music Foundation, an organisation launched to reinstate music programs in public schools, which to date has raised over $53 million and helped over 2,100 public schools.
Randy Perez and Not Yurs connect for “Get Down,” a steady, groove-driven cut that lands on Direct Action Records. It’s a lean, late-night record — no filler, just rhythm, motion, and pulse — built for clubs that keep their lights low and their sound systems heavy.
The track’s strength sits in its restraint. A rolling beat, clean percussion, and hypnotic bassline push the energy forward without ever losing focus. It’s music made for people who listen with their bodies first — sharp, functional, and warm in tone. Both Perez and Not Yurs bring their own edge, merging Arizona grit with Phoenix precision.
Perez has become a regular name in the Southwest festival circuit, turning heads at Decadence and Goldrush while sharing stages with Diplo, Jauz, and Sidepiece. His single “The Motion” earned spins on Insomniac Radio, helping mark his evolution from DJ to confident producer.
Not Yurs, a duo making noise in Phoenix’s underground, continue to build momentum with releases on Vivifier, Black Lizard, and Angry Dog Records. Their live sets balance clarity and chaos — the kind that hit just as hard in a packed club as on a festival stage. Performances in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami have widened their reach while keeping the core sound intact: crisp drums, big energy, no pretense.
“Get Down” feels like the meeting point of two scenes coming up in parallel. There’s nothing complicated about it — just the kind of track that cuts through a room and holds it. For both artists, it’s another sign of how regional names are linking across the U.S. circuit to create something tighter, deeper, and built to last.
Boots ’N Beats has quickly become one of the most talked-about live event movements in North America — and one of the first to unite Country and EDM music on a national scale. Founded by a group of young entrepreneurs under the Cracked Live portfolio, the brand has turned a simple idea into a coast-to-coast touring powerhouse that’s rewriting the rules of live entertainment.
What began as a small concept aimed at connecting fans across genres has grown into a 100-plus show touring series that’s selling out venues across the U.S. and Canada. In 2025 alone, the team has already sold more than 40,000 tickets, with projections to reach 60,000 by year’s end. The success has become a case study in how to modernize the live event model — proof that audiences are eager for fresh, cross-genre experiences.
“The fan response has blown us away,” says co-founder Ryan Sterne. “Country fans, EDM fans — it’s been amazing watching two worlds collide and build a completely new kind of concert experience.”
Each Boots ’N Beats show opens with an acoustic set of fan-favorite Country covers, setting a familiar tone before transitioning into a high-energy DJ-driven headline performance. The sets fuse Country hits with electronic drops, creating a night that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking — a crowd singing to Luke Combs one minute and dancing to a Calvin Harris–style remix the next.
Upcoming Tour Dates: Nov 15 – Portland, OR – The Den Nov 15 – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post Nov 21 – Las Vegas, NV – AREA15 Nov 21 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm Nov 21 – Phoenix, AZ – Thunderbird Lounge Nov 22 – Long Island (Wantagh), NY – Mulcahy’s Nov 28 – Edmonton, AB – Union Hall Nov 29 – Calgary, AB – Arrowhead Event Centre
Behind the scenes, co-founders Ryan Sterne, Brendan McLaughlin, and Dan Morgan run Boots ’N Beats like a tight, data-focused business. Sterne manages operations, McLaughlin oversees marketing and branding, and Morgan handles the systems that keep the tour moving efficiently. Their combined skills have driven rapid growth — from just one show a month in February to more than a dozen monthly by mid-year.
Each market is treated like its own business unit. The team tracks data city by city, testing creative ideas, tweaking ad copy, and adjusting ticket pricing on the fly. This practical, metrics-first approach lets them scale faster than traditional promoters while staying responsive to fans in real time.
With new shows booked across major U.S. and Canadian cities — including Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Portland, Charleston, and Calgary — the results speak for themselves. Boots ’N Beats has built a model that works: efficient, adaptable, and in high demand.
By blending Country’s authenticity with EDM’s energy, the team has created a modern, accessible format that connects with audiences on both sides — and keeps selling out night after night.
All My Loving (Solar Kings Remix) brings together Solar Kings, Conor Donnelly, and Seamus D — three artists with different styles but the same purpose: to make something that feels real.
Released through Magnetic Heaven Records, the single impresses with time testing features and an overall good personality musically. With Rain Castillo’s calm, soulful voice guiding it forward, the track moves – live percussion, natural rhythm, and a sense of space that invites the listener in, in a natural w way.
Together, they make something clean and thoughtful – like a sunrise or an awesome midnight run.
For these artists, this track feels like a reminder of why they started “All My Loving (Solar Kings Remix)” is a strong, steady statement – a song that feels comfortable in its own skin and showcases how far the group has come thus far.
This week’s Discovery Mix highlights standout new releases across house, bass, and indie-electronic music. From legendary names like Solardo, Chicco Secci, and Barely Alive to boundary-pushing newcomers such as Touch Groov and ANDRO, each track showcases the evolving sound of global electronic culture. Whether it’s deep groove, futuristic bass, or shimmering alt-pop, these artists remind us that the dancefloor is as diverse and alive as ever.
ELECTRONIC
Solardo & Alec Monopoly – “Cold Fresh Air” Defected has officially signed RSquared’s viral single “Fantasy,” marking a major milestone for the rising UK duo. Blending crisp percussion, disco-inspired energy, and an unmistakable 80s flair, the track captures the duo’s signature tech house sound and momentum. After the song’s viral moment in the Ibiza Final Boss clip, “Fantasy” quickly climbed to #8 on Beatport’s Tech House Main Chart and landed RSquared their first-ever Hype Overall #1. With support from Jamie Jones, Hot Since 82, and Marco Carola, plus inclusion in 1001 Tracklists’ “Future of Dance” 2025 list, RSquared continue to prove why they’re one of house music’s most promising acts.
Chicco Secci – “Running In The Air” After an eight-year hiatus, Italian DJ and Ibiza legend Chicco Secci returns with “Running In The Air.” A hypnotic Afro-inspired anthem, the track merges haunting vocal layers with deep percussion, celebrating Secci’s four-decade legacy across Italy, Ibiza, and Miami. It’s a testament to his ability to blend timeless emotion with forward-thinking production, bringing the essence of classic house into a new era.
Barely Alive – “Hands Up” Bass icon Barely Alive drops “Hands Up,” an explosive dubstep anthem built for moshpits and festival chaos. Following a huge Lost Lands performance, the track reignites the classic brostep sound with modern precision — aggressive, cinematic, and unrelenting. “Hands Up” bridges nostalgia and innovation, proving why Barely Alive remains one of the few acts capable of redefining bass music’s live experience.
MAURINO – “Solo Una Vez” (ft. Ir Sais) Chilean-Dutch artist MAURINO closes his latest EP with “Solo Una Vez,” a lush, rhythmic collaboration with Ir Sais. The track merges Latin pop, reggaeton, and urban textures into a vibrant flow about rediscovering lost love and holding it close. With layered guitars, percussion, and synths guiding its pulse, it captures MAURINO’s “Future Latin” style — emotional, danceable, and alive with cross-cultural spirit.
WonkyWilla – “The System” WonkyWilla drops “The System,” a mind-bending bass anthem that pushes his sound into darker, more cinematic territory. The track surges with mechanical growls, glitch-heavy drops, and futuristic synth work that feels like a rebellion against conformity itself. Designed for the late-night festival chaos he’s become known for, “The System” balances heavy low-end power with moments of hypnotic calm, capturing his ability to blend aggression and groove seamlessly. Following its release, WonkyWilla continues his nationwide Galactic Circus Tour through April 2026, bringing this excellent sound and track to life across the U.S.
INDIE + POP / ALTERNATIVE
Robert Luther Smith – “Didn’t I Say” Veteran singer-songwriter Robert Luther Smith follows his comeback single “Hole In My Heart” with “Didn’t I Say,” a reflective, soul-infused track that explores love’s uncertainty and the fear of losing it. Blending analog warmth with a modern R&B pulse, the song moves with quiet intensity — more meditation than melody. Smith’s voice anchors the emotion, questioning what love means when it’s both divine and fragile. It’s an introspective moment from an artist who writes with time-earned depth and restraint.
DLG. – I Learned It the Hard Way DLG. steps into his own space with I Learned It the Hard Way, an 11-track debut that trades polish for presence. The album drifts between soft R&B tones and hazy alt-pop textures, carried by his relaxed voice and quiet honesty. Each song feels like a late-night reflection — steady beats, warm chords, and stories that never rush to their point. Made with help from his mother, who created the artwork, the record ties personal roots to modern sound. It’s a calm, thoughtful debut from an artist finding truth in the spaces between genres.
Danny Riley – “Walk the Line” Blending classic Americana grit with modern country energy, Danny Riley’s “Walk the Line” brings dance-floor swagger to the heart of small-town storytelling. Built around a driving rhythm, lively harmonica, and sharp guitar lines, it’s a track about self-awareness and motion — honest, upbeat, and built to move. Riley’s mix of country, soul, and Red Dirt influences makes “Walk the Line” both familiar and new, a reminder that old-school can still hit fresh when played with heart.
ANDRO – ‘Virgo’ Former Jungle vocalist ANDRO shares his new single “Virgo,” a smooth, 80s-inflected neo-soul track from his upcoming Broken Limerence EP. Exploring fleeting romance and astrological allure, ANDRO blends emotional lyricism with rich production, continuing his evolution as one of London’s most expressive emerging artists. His soulful voice and cinematic sound design strike a rare balance between intimacy and power.
Zoé Hammer – “Dreams” Swiss-Brazilian artist Zoé Hammer unveils “Dreams,” the lead single from her forthcoming album Birdlike. Blending dream pop and orchestral fantasy, the track explores self-reckoning and transformation through vivid lyrical storytelling. With lush arrangements and cinematic production, Zoé crafts a surreal world of sound that feels both introspective and ethereal, marking a bold step in her artistic growth.
Kris James – Pixelated Heart Liverpool singer-songwriter Kris James releases his new album Pixelated Heart, a bold pop statement about resilience and reinvention. With standout single “Smashed My Own Record,” Kris fuses emotional depth with polished hooks, showcasing his growth as both storyteller and innovator. The album balances heartfelt vulnerability with sleek pop ambition, proving that sincerity can still shine in the modern mainstream.
Ross Mintzer – aimless mystics Singer, songwriter, and producer Ross Mintzer unveils aimless mystics, a global fusion of pop and EDM inspired by Buddhist philosophy. Self-produced and rich with live saxophone textures, the album radiates mindfulness and creative liberation, bridging spiritual reflection with festival-ready energy. Each track feels like a meditation in motion, designed for both personal reflection and collective connection.
Touch Groov – “Feelin Good” Oklahoma-based collective Touch Groov debuts with “Feelin Good,” a lo-fi funk and neo-soul electronic fusion that glows with cinematic texture. Their forthcoming Doorway to Dystopia Vol.1 EP captures the pulse of late-night nostalgia and futuristic rhythm — equal parts chill and chaos, proof that new ideas still groove hardest underground. With analog warmth and digital precision, Touch Groov brings emotion back to the dancefloor.
Legendary DJ, tastemaker, and radio host, Pete Tong, will bring his iconic ‘Ibiza Classics’ show back to the beautiful setting of Blenheim Palace on 27th June 2026, as part of the ‘Blenheim Palace Festival’. Offering fans the chance to see various acts across a series dates in late June and early July, (including Teddy Swims on 30th June, and Katy Perry on 1st July), the festival is set within the historic grounds of the palace, which was built between 1705 and 1722, and is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Oxfordshire location, blessed with 12,00 acres of land, was previously location to Pete Tong in 2023, as part of the Nocturne Live series, when Tong performed alongside guest vocalists such as Hayla, and of course, his 65-piece orchestra reimagining various classics from the White Isle. The popular series, which has also spawned events at the O2 Arena, and recently, the Royal Albert Hall, sees the British producer collaborate with Jules Buckley and the Essential Orchestra on a range of dance anthems.
Starting in 2015 as part of BBC’s late-night Prom when BBC Radio 1 introduced Pete to Jules Buckley. Together, they were tasked to merge the best of two different worlds, classic and electronic music. With its infectious, energetic dance culture, Ibiza Classics brings a new dimension to everyone’s favourite tunes, and more than 10 years on, the tickets for this open-air spectacular will prove to be one of the UK’s hottest events, in Summer 2026. More information on the Blenheim Festival can be found via this link.
‘Slow Horses’ is the brilliant, bleakly funny series about Slough House—the administrative dumping ground for MI5 agents who’ve completely botched their careers. Led by Jackson Lamb, played by Gary Oldman as a truly disgusting, flatulent slob who is somehow, against all odds, completely loveable, they are the intelligence world’s rejects.
It’s a show that’s rare for being as smart and genuinely enjoyable as it is, whilst also remaining incredibly easy to follow. The latest season continues this streak, delivering another intricate and compelling story that hooks you from the first episode.
What stands out this season is how the threat feels much closer to home, dragging the agents directly into a conspiracy that is clearly much bigger than any of them. They find themselves caught in a plot that stretches far beyond their remit, forcing them to race against time to unravel the mystery and stop things from escalating before a real disaster happens.
The show remains one of the very few on television that can turn around a new season with such high quality on a yearly basis. This consistency is remarkable. The writing is as sharp as ever, balancing grim espionage with bleak humour, and the entire cast continues to be flawless.
It’s just brilliant, compelling television that respects its audience’s intelligence without ever becoming complicated for the sake of it.
Gaming in Australia is now a way of life, with consoles, esports, online casinos, and mobile games. It is no longer a hobby but a combination of fun, socialisation, and technological creativity. Australians do it to have fun, to compete, and occasionally, to get a bit of luck.
The Rise of Online Casinos and Digital Wagers
Alongside video games, casino gaming has carved its own space in Australia’s entertainment culture. Online casinos have become a normal part of how people play, offering convenience from the comfort of home.
These platforms put as much value on user experience as they do on chance, with clean layouts, reliable payment options, and designs that work smoothly on any device.
As confidence in online gaming grows, many Australians now turn to updated lists of casinos ranked for 2025 to see which ones tick the boxes of security, quick access, and entertainment. It shows how the country’s gaming culture keeps evolving, combining enjoyment with awareness in an increasingly digital space.
From Pastime to Lifestyle
Gaming in Australia has developed into a big aspect of contemporary culture out of a low-profile pastime on weekends. It used to be all arcade machines and plain old home consoles several decades ago. Nowadays, it covers not only esports arenas and Twitch streams but also mobile games on the bus ride home.
Australians do not just play games; they live them. Gaming is being integrated into everyday life, with an estimated 74% of households owning two or more gaming devices. It is not only young ones anymore; adults also play games, and in many cases, with games, they get to relax and unwind after a workday or get to bond with their friends.
The Social Side of Gaming
To most Australians, gaming is not about playing, but about connecting. What used to be an activity done alone has turned into an exercise of one of the most accessible methods of networking, making friends, and even keeping in touch with family. Games are no longer just a long game after dinner, but rather a social hangout over a weekend with friends.
It is even easier through online platforms. Players are chatting using headsets, sharing videos on social media, and partying with each other like football players do on the field. Casino gaming has not been left behind in this culture, with online platforms in Australia providing interactive experiences that connect entertainment with community.
Esports and Competitive Play
Esports have had a total transformation of the way gaming is perceived in Australia. It is a spectator sport that was once a small hobby. Today, tournaments are sponsored by stadiums that include players, fans, and sponsors countrywide. Gaming has become a serious and well-organised competition with the assistance of events such as DreamHack Melbourne and university leagues.
There are games that attract an enormous online audience, occasionally in the hundreds of thousands. In addition to the entertainment itself, esports has come to sustain coaches, event organisers, technology teams, and the sponsor industry. It is not only about victories, but careers, creativity, and community.
In 2024, the Australian esports market was worth $137 million, and it is expected to reach $240 million by 2033. This is an indication that this former niche market is now a viable participant in the national economy. Being a professional gamer or streamer is not a fantasy, but an actual job to many young Australians.
Gaming as a Creative Industry
Behind all of the games is a developing creative industry. Australian developers are becoming recognised worldwide as creators of innovation and storytelling. Some games have shown that small local companies can create entertainment of global quality.
Cities such as Melbourne and Brisbane have turned into gaming start-up areas. Game design is now one of the most promising digital exports in the country, with government grants and also with international partners. It is an indication of how gaming is no longer something to play, but rather something to create, form, and fantasise.
Mental Health, Balance, and Inclusion
Games are also involved in wellbeing. To most Australians, gaming is a method of calming down, letting go of stress, and remaining mentally stimulated. The power to accomplish something, to solve puzzles, and to socialise brings the players a feeling of fulfilment and relaxation.
Mental health is now more mindful of the developers, and features are added that allow breaks or are designed to enhance mindfulness. Inclusivity is also growing. Most people can now see themselves represented in more games with characters of varied backgrounds, genders, and identities.
To Wrap Up
Gaming in Australia has grown into something much bigger than just a way to pass the time. It’s become part of everyday life; a space where people meet, compete, and create together. From story-driven games and packed esports arenas to the digital tables of online casinos, the culture shows how deeply gaming is woven into how Australians unwind and connect.
It’s about more than the games themselves. It’s about the friendships built, the creativity sparked, and the small escapes that make life a bit lighter. And as technology keeps changing, one thing’s certain: Australians will keep finding new ways to play, share, and feel part of something bigger.
Guillermo del Toro has long dreamed of adapting Mary Shelley’s classic, and his Frankenstein proves it was a story he was born to tell. After a brief, exclusive run in cinemas, the film is now streaming on Netflix, and it stands as a heartbreaking, visually spectacular and visceral tragedy.
The acting is the film’s sensational high note. This is a two-hander of incredible performances. Oscar Isaac’s Victor Frankenstein is a whirlwind of manic ambition and profound selfishness, but it is Jacob Elordi as the Creature who anchors the film. Buried under breathtaking prosthetics, he delivers a performance of tragic vulnerability, capturing a soul yearning for connection, driven to rage only by humanity’s cruelty.
Visually, this was a film made for the cinema, and it’s a shame its run was so limited. Del Toro’s signature, gothic style is on full display. The set design is vast and meticulous, from the intricate, copper-filled laboratory to the desolate arctic wastes. The film also doesn’t shy away from gruesome elements; in fact, it’s easy to forget what you’re watching until you are surprised by just how brutal and visceral some of the scenes can be.
While the story is semi-familiar, it feels entirely refreshing. The tweaks to the classic tale are very much welcomed, infusing the narrative with a deep, aching empathy. Del Toro shifts the focus from simple horror to a profound meditation on fathers and sons, creation and responsibility, and what it truly means to be a monster.
Stephen Witt’s ‘The Thinking Machine’ offers a timely and compelling look at the rise of Nvidia and its enigmatic CEO, Jensen Huang. In an era where AI is reshaping the world, this book provides the essential backstory.
The book is grounded in impressive, highly in-depth research. Witt’s narrative is not a simple retelling of public knowledge; it’s built on extensive, firsthand interviews. This access provides a rare and authoritative insight into the company’s inner workings and the personalities driving it.
As a result, ‘The Thinking Machine’ stands out as perhaps the most thorough and well-documented account available on the background of Nvidia and the strategic vision of Jensen Huang. It effectively charts the company’s journey from a niche gaming-chip maker to the global powerhouse at the centre of the AI revolution.
Witt excels at explaining complex topics. He navigates the technical details of GPUs, processing, and AI with great clarity. The writing achieves a perfect balance—it never makes you feel like an idiot but definitely doesn’t leave you confused. This accessibility is key to the book’s success, allowing both tech-savvy readers and newcomers to grasp the significance of Nvidia’s breakthroughs.
A particularly powerful component of the book is its ending. Witt shares a direct, personal experience with Huang that is quite eye-opening, revealing a complex side of the CEO that was only ever spoken of, not experienced. This firsthand encounter, as experienced by the author himself, adds a significant layer of depth to Huang’s portrait, moving beyond a simple, one-dimensional profile.
From a structural standpoint, the book is a satisfying length. It manages to be comprehensive without feeling overly long or too short, striking an effective balance that respects the reader’s time while delivering a complete story. Overall, ‘The Thinking Machine’ is an essential read for anyone interested in technology, business strategy, or the future of artificial intelligence, offering a deeply researched and engaging narrative.
Music isn’t just background noise—it shapes our moods, memories, and even our actions. From chill mornings to wild nights, music is there. But not all music does the same thing. That’s where this debate kicks in: jazz music vs EDM music. Both genres have die-hard fans. Both have influenced culture. But which one hits harder with modern listeners?
You’ve probably relaxed to some relaxing jazz music while working or studying. Or maybe you’ve danced all night to pounding EDM music at a party. These genres do very different things. So let’s break it down and figure out which genre really moves the modern crowd more.
Understanding the Core of Each Genre
To compare the two, we need to understand their roots. So, what makes each genre tick?
Jazz music came from early 20th-century African-American communities. It’s rich with improvisation, soulful melodies, and raw emotion. It’s flexible, expressive, and often feels deeply human.
Now, what is EDM music? EDM stands for Electronic Dance Music. It’s produced using digital tools, with heavy beats and repetitive rhythms. It’s designed to make people move—fast.
One is analog, raw, and personal. The other is digital, loud, and modern. But both speak to people. The question is—how?
The Emotional Power of Jazz Music
Jazz doesn’t need lyrics to make you feel something. A slow saxophone solo can express sadness better than words. That’s why so many people turn to relaxing jazz music to calm down. It speaks directly to emotion.
Listening to jazz can lower stress. Its unpredictable flow keeps your brain curious but relaxed. It helps with focus, sleep, and peace of mind. Many use jazz while reading, working, or even meditating.
Some famous jazz music artists like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Herbie Hancock still influence modern soundtracks. Even today’s chill playlists borrow from jazz chords and tempos.
The Physical Energy of EDM Music
Now, shift gears to EDM music. It’s loud, bold, and built for action. If jazz speaks to your soul, EDM shakes your body awake. It’s a whole different vibe.
The beats in EDM are designed to match your heartbeat during intense movement. That’s why it’s a staple in clubs, gyms, and festivals. It’s not just music—it becomes a physical experience.
EDM artists like Tiësto, Deadmau5, and Calvin Harris aren’t just DJs. They’re headliners who pull in huge crowds. Their concerts turn into massive events full of lights, lasers, and energy.
Modern Listening Habits and Streaming Trends
Let’s talk numbers. Music today lives on phones, apps, and playlists. What are people clicking on? Which genre rules the charts?
Here’s a simple table showing listener habits:
Feature
Jazz Music
EDM Music
Average Listener Age
30–60+
15–35
Popular Playlist Use
Focus, Chill, Study
Workout, Party, Drive
Streaming Volume (2025)
Moderate growth
Very high growth
Live Event Attendance
Small, intimate venues
Huge festivals, global tours
Crossover with Other Genres
High (hip hop, lo-fi, soul)
High (pop, rap, house)
As you can see, EDM dominates the youth scene and social settings. Jazz, though smaller, holds strong in mature and calm environments.
How These Genres Affect the Brain
Let’s break down how each genre impacts your thinking, mood, and mental state.
Jazz Music Benefits:
Helps reduce anxiety and stress.
Boosts memory and focus.
Encourages emotional reflection.
EDM Music Benefits:
Increases physical motivation.
Elevates mood with high beats.
Helps with energy and movement.
So, it really depends on the listener’s goal. Want to chill and think? Go jazz. Need to move and hype up? Go EDM.
Jazz Music Shaped Modern Culture
Jazz might feel old-school, but it shaped a lot of what we hear today. Here are two key moments where it mattered:
The Civil Rights Era Jazz gave voice to Black artists when they had few platforms. It became the rhythm of change.
Soundtracks and Film Scores Many classic movies and shows used jazz to create emotion. Think of noir films or late-night dramas.
Even lo-fi music today often samples jazz beats and instruments. The impact is still strong.
EDM Music Redefined the Music Scene
EDM also had big moments that changed how people see live music.
Rise of Music Festivals Events like Tomorrowland and Ultra made EDM a global event scene. It turned DJs into icons.
Pop Music Crossovers Artists like Rihanna and The Weeknd have teamed with EDM artists for massive hits. It’s now part of the mainstream.
EDM didn’t just grow—it exploded. And it keeps evolving with tech.
Why the Listener’s Mood Matters Most
The real impact of music is personal. You might crave relaxing jazz music after a long day. Or need heavy EDM beats to power through a workout. Your mood shapes the genre you choose.
There’s no right or wrong here. Jazz and EDM serve different purposes. It’s like choosing between coffee and tea. It depends on the moment.
Both genres are tools. Use the one that fits your vibe.
Blending the Two: A Surprising Trend
Some producers now mix jazz and EDM. Sounds weird, right? But it works. These fusions blend jazz instruments with EDM beats. It brings emotion to the dance floor.
Artists like FKJ and Disclosure have done it. They use jazzy chords in electronic tracks. The result? A fresh sound that connects different generations.
This blend may be the future of genre-bending music.
The Casino Connection
Even casinos pick music to match players’ moods. Some areas play relaxing jazz music to keep people calm. Others use upbeat EDM music to add energy. It’s all about the atmosphere.
Many of the best casino apps UK also use background music to keep players focused. Whether you’re spinning slots or playing cards, the soundtrack matters. Music creates mood—even in digital games.
Final Thoughts
So, jazz music or EDM music? There’s no final winner. They both impact people, just in different ways. Jazz is deep, emotional, and timeless. EDM is loud, physical, and modern. You choose what fits your mood, setting, and lifestyle.
Both genres matter. Both have loyal fans. And both keep shaping music in 2025 and beyond.
