In uncertain times, when money’s tight, war is everywhere, and the world is going mad, we need our beloved electronic music scene more than ever. The vibing to tunes, the escapism, the dancefloor interaction with friends old and new. Dance music culture is a saviour for many of us — and what’s apparent is that its sense of community is essential. The community spirit that bedrocks dance culture became much more obvious during Covid. But before that, our scene was already showing its benevolence — repeatedly, in ways big or small. In recent years plenty of DJs have started their own foundations, become lynchpins of charities, or done worthy community work. And our cover artists this issue — Alok, Michael Bibi, and Jyoty — are no exception.
The philanthropy that emanates from the Alok Institute is highly commendable. Through it, the Brazilian DJ/producer has helped tens of thousands of people in Africa, Asia and South America, and highlighted the plight of Indigenous peoples, while his Keep Art Human project seeks to stress the importance of human creativity in a world of increasing AI automation (see page 50).
Solid Grooves boss Michael Bibi, now in remission from cancer himself, has established the One Life foundation to raise funds and awareness for cancer charities. Read his story, expertly told by Amy Fielding, from page 78 onwards. And Jyoty — who’s used her platform to support charities, provide education, and raise awareness around injustices — speaks this issue about her mission to prioritise people of colour on the dancefloor and change perceptions around who can be, and how to be, a successful artist (p100). These three internationally famous DJs and a raft of other folk in our global scene demonstrate that electronic music has a soul and a heart, and that looking after one another in times of hardship — and caring for those less fortunate than ourselves — is something admirable to aspire to.
Carl Loben
Editor