April was a jam-packed month for the music industry, filled with festivals, conferences and music releases in time for summer. Here are nine stories you may have missed.
Meadows in the Mountains Files for Bankruptcy
After over a decade of mountain-top magic, Meadows in the Mountains has filed for bankruptcy. Rising production costs and post-COVID challenges have made the festival financially unsustainable. It’s a huge loss for Europe’s alternative festival circuit.
IMS Returns to Ibiza
The 2025 International Music Summit brought together industry leaders to discuss AI integration, streaming royalties, and artist autonomy. Highlights included a keynote from Grimes’ manager and heated debate around major labels’ role in club culture. The future of the scene feels both uncertain and full of possibility.
Electronic Music Industry Hits $12.9 Billion
According to the 2025 IMS Business Report, the global electronic music industry has reached a valuation of $12.9 billion – up from $11.3B last year. Growth is being driven by festivals, tech investments, and sync licensing. But critics argue the underground still sees little of the profit.
Watergate Goes Open-Air
Berlin’s iconic Watergate club is launching an open-air summer series on the Spree. Starting in June, the program features acts like Âme, Adana Twins, and more. With Berlin clubs under pressure from noise complaints, the move outdoors feels both strategic and symbolic.
Toronto’s Rave Scene at Risk
Toronto City Council is considering new restrictions that would limit warehouse and after-hours events. The proposal could force promoters to apply for expensive licenses or shut down altogether. Local collectives like Secret Society and 4AM are rallying support to fight back.
TikTok: Electronic > Indie
Electronic music is now pulling more views than indie on TikTok, with genre-tagged content outperforming in reach and engagement. Viral trends like “techno makeovers” and sped-up trance edits are dominating For You Pages. But is TikTok shaping taste, or just speeding it up?
Electronic Music Takes Over Coachella
Coachella 2025 saw electronic artists dominate the main stages, with acts like Peggy Gou, BICEP, and Charlotte de Witte drawing some of the weekend’s biggest crowds. One viral moment featured Deadmau5 allegedly performing drunk – sparking a flood of memes and think pieces. The line between rave and pop spectacle has never been thinner.
Fyre Festival Returns… as a Streaming Service
Billy McFarland is relaunching the Fyre brand – both as a festival, and as a music and creator streaming platform. Early mockups suggest features for artist monetisation and exclusive livestreams. With its past still infamous, it’s unclear whether this is redemption or round two of disaster.
Anyma Announces UNVRS Residency
Anyma, one half of Tale of Us, has announced a weekly UNVRS residency at Hï Ibiza running every Tuesday from June 17 to September 30. Expect next-level visuals powered by AI and Unreal Engine, plus surprise B2Bs with genre-blurring artists. It’s set to be one of the most tech-forward residencies of the season.