When the news is full of death and destruction, we necessarily retreat into the bubble of our beloved international dance music scene, where lovely things happen all the time. Our three cover stars this quarter all have surprising extra-lovely strings to their bows alongside their amazing artistry.

Gaia and Hannah from Girls Don’t Sync started off hosting DJ workshops, and before they became a proper group the four members of GDS used their events to book and platform other women DJs in Liverpool. As Hannah says in the feature: “It wasn’t like we thought, we’re gonna be a girl group. It was kind of an accident.” Morphing from club night to DJ/producer act, GDS weren’t motivated by fame, ego, money or Instagram numbers. It was community, first and foremost, and boosting up other women that was their primary motivating factor. They’ve risen by lifting others. Now they’re running tings.

Cloonee is another UK artist who’s made huge waves in America since moving to LA from the UK in 2021. He had his mind broadened by Latin American culture after arriving in the States, started working with artists from these communities, and then decided to give back via fundraisers for the Para Los Niños community organisation to counter the unjust ICE arrests which that community has experienced in LA and elsewhere. Good on him. He’s rocking it on every level now. As is Lilly Palmer, who also provides advice for up-and-coming artists as she stands as a role model for DJs of all persuasions.

Random acts of kindness can help make our scene truly great. What will you be doing in 2026 to help others?

Carl Loben

Editor