In today’s content saturated world, magazines and blogs remain one of the best ways to discover music. We’re privileged at Mixcloud to host a truly global collection of influential publications across all genres and moods.
Everyone has their preferred publications, but here are the top 10 magazines and blogs we spent the most minutes listening to in 2017.
10. A Strangely Isolated Place
In 10th place is ‘A Strangely Isolated Place’. Born of the belief that everyone is inspired by their own strangely isolated place, this music blog, record label and most importantly, community, has been dedicated to promoting ambient and electronica since 2008.
Mixcloud are proud to give a home to the mixes, podcasts and other curiosities of this strangely isolated place.
9. Mastered JP
Mastered is an online Japanese magazine based in Tokyo which showcases the freshest Japanese fashion, lifestyle and culture – they also happen to run a monthly mix series of some of the most cutting edge sounds from Japan and beyond.
Not a bad place to start if you want an introduction to what’s bubbling up on the island nation.
8. The Night Bazaar
The Night Bazaar serves up an embarrassment of riches across the dance music spectrum. It’s regular mix series covers everything from tech-house to d’n’b.
This year has seen established heavy-hitters like Terry Francis and leading luminaries of the new school like German Brigante.
7. 444
444 showcases the sounds of the Hungarian underground, covering everything from folk to reggae to witch house. Having amassed more than 10 million accumulated listener minutes on Mixcloud, it might just be worth keeping an eye out on what percolates out of Hungry in 2018.
6. FvF
In their own words, FvF (Freunde von Freunden) is an “international interview magazine that portrays people of diverse creative and cultural backgrounds in their homes and within their daily working environments.”
One of the ways in which this storytelling platform channels its message is through its regular mix series, produced by FvF’s tightknit team and circle of friends.
5. Mixmag
The indomitable Mixmag have been a mainstay of electronic dance music for what seems like forever (1982 in fact). As committed to breaking new sounds as to permitting the giants of dance music to do their thing, it’s no wonder that they’ve managed to climb into the top half of this list.
Some of the highlights this year include contributions from Awesome Tapes from Africa, Paul Oakenfold and Mr. Mitch.
4. Jenkem
Jenkem are a New York-headquartered skateboarding magazine. It has managed to collate a collection of rowdy mixes made and curated by the skateboarding world’s stalwarts.
Ever wondered what a skate session with Bam Margera or Daewon Song would sound like? Here’s your answer.
3. XLR8R
There are few more appropriate statements of intent than “accelerating music and culture” – which is what XLR8R have been doing for over 22 years now.
Their mix series hit the milestone of 500 this year, while they similarly managed to amass over an impressive 5 million minutes worth of listening this year on Mixcloud. Or, in other words, just under 10 years worth of listening. Not bad.
2. Resident Advisor
If you are interested in electronic music, chances are you’ve probably heard of Resident Advisor – an “online music magazine and community platform that’s dedicated to showcasing electronic music, artists and events across the globe”.
Its mix series is a leading authority in the world of dance music and it’s really no surprise to see RA on this list.
1. Stamp The Wax
With a simple mission – to give a platform to music they love, Stamp The Wax’s rapid ascent shows no signs of letting up. Stamp The Wax are a testimony to what hard work and commitment can achieve on Mixcloud.
We’re keeping a close eye to what they do in 2018.