Deadmau5 tossing money into the crowd might look like generosity, but many are calling it performative flexing. At first glance, it paints a picture of an artist “giving back.” But when you factor in the multi-million-dollar net worth, his privileged background, and accusations of ghost production and PPP fund misuse, the act seems less like charity and more like a PR stunt.

The scene was Encore Beach Club in Vegas — a spot many assume caters to elites, but one that often lets in guests for free with a simple guest list text. While some attendees were thrilled at the opportunity to grab flying cash, others couldn’t help but question the optics: is this what we’ve come to celebrate in dance music?

With economic hardship hitting fans hard — many can barely afford rent, let alone a $100 show — seeing an artist literally throw money can feel tone-deaf. Especially when those same fans scrape together cash to attend. Whether it’s flex, fun, or fan appreciation, it sparked a bigger conversation: who’s the spectacle really for?

The electronic music scene is undergoing a reckoning, and voices like Knights of the Turntable aren’t pulling punches. Their brutally honest post exposes how the essence of DJ culture has been overshadowed by Instagram aesthetics and algorithm-chasing. What was once about crate-digging, crowd-reading, and gritty, raw energy has devolved into a fashion show under flashing lights — filtered faces, influencer hype, and curated sets over sweaty, unpolished authenticity.

Raves, once sacred spaces for the misfits and music-first souls, now feel like VIP lounges flooded with iPhones. The underground ethos — spontaneity, inclusivity, tension-building — is being replaced by pre-recorded performances and bookings based on TikTok trends. And those who still do it for the music? They’re often sidelined, deemed too “niche” for the metrics-driven machinery.

This isn’t just nostalgia. It’s a wake-up call. If you’re defending the system or blind to its shifts, maybe you were never in it for the culture in the first place. The scene must return to its roots — not to gatekeep, but to restore soul and substance.

In a move that’s set Instagram and music forums buzzing, Flume has unfollowed nearly half of the accounts he once followed — including major names like Skrillex, Toro Y Moi, Four Tet, and even previous collaborators. While at first glance this mass unfollow spree seems random, fans are speculating it’s part of a calculated move hinting at a new era — possibly even a new album.

Archiving posts and trimming down followers is a tactic many artists use to spark curiosity and signal transformation. It echoes moves made by artists before major announcements, and Flume’s own history — like going blonde before his last album cycle — adds fuel to the theory. Some fans also noted the possible removal of his Instagram highlights, suggesting a full brand refresh is underway.

Others argue it could simply be a digital declutter, as Flume was following thousands. Still, it’s hard to ignore the timing. Fans are hopeful for new collaborations too — with dream matchups like G Jones, Tipper, or Resonant Language leading the wishlist.

Whether it’s intentional hype-building or just social media housekeeping, one thing’s clear: the world is watching closely. And if this signals a new Flume chapter, we’re ready.

In a powerful and vulnerable Instagram story, Gabe Fraboni, founder of PHNTM Labs, opened up about a devastating chapter in his life. In 2024, his 10-year career collapsed, taking a toll emotionally, financially, and professionally. While he didn’t name names, many in the industry speculate the situation involves a high-profile unpaid collaboration with Kanye West — a massive production effort that allegedly resulted in no compensation despite the enormous resources poured into it.

Fraboni, known for being the creative force behind Martin Garrix’s iconic live shows including the legendary RAI performances, had helped build PHNTM Labs into a leading show production company. Losing everything wasn’t just about money; it was a shattering of years of trust and artistic vision. Yet, out of this rubble, Gabe is launching a new project — @stayserene, alongside collaborators @noblegent and @bekimtrenova — a symbol of healing and rebirth.

The incident is a painful reminder of how even in tight-knit industries, high-profile names can still leave destruction in their wake. It’s also a testament to resilience — sometimes, it takes losing everything to realize what truly matters.