William Reed, LA's most prolific DJ, has headlined Oscar afterparties, played alongside world-class producers like Calvin Harris, and helped organize illegal desert raves. Never wavering from DJing as an art form, William takes party-goers on a journey from sunset to sunrise no matter the atmosphere. How does one man play up to 300 sets per year, breathe life into the West Coast, and still manage eight hours sleep? Here's how William Reed does it. 

Darci, an anonymous producer-vocalist duo, molds hip-hop, electronic, and R&B elements into a laid-back vibe. The lyrics span celebration and depression, while the production emanates a 'driving through the city night' sound. Darci has performed alongside Lil Xan with more live shows on the horizon. Their latest release, 'On My Own,' stands atop their polished production and distorted vocals. We spoke with the dynamic duo over email to learn more about their songwriting process, skull cats, and creative inspirations.

Pierre Maulini, the frontman of STAL, never separates sounds from natural beauty. The cinematic, post-pop aura of STAL reflects the world outside of the studio. Pierre learned to blend the natural with the electronic while on tour with M83. He became close with Anthony Gonzalez, the mind behind M83, and became exposed to a side of music he had never experienced. After the tour, Pierre teamed up with longtime friend and drummer, Renaud Rodier, to form STAL. A fusion of electronic influences and Pierre's post-rock roots, STAL looks to break out with the release of their upcoming EP, Fresh Blood.

Lyta, an electronica-R&B artist from Houston, Texas, is starting to understand her soul. The first in her family born in America, Lyta possesses a soul rooted in refugee hardship. She knows what her family endured and gives everything back to them through her artistry. On the heels of her debut EP, Id, Lyta wrote this letter as an ode to her family's sacrifice and the journey of finding herself through music. 

Knowledge Learned Under Birmingham. Joshua, a rapper and part of the hip-hop trio K.L.U.B. Monsta, harnesses the sound and philosophies of a Birmingham, Alabama native. He constantly cultivates a more established world view and shines light on the political landscape in his lyrics. A dedicated MC, he reflects the reality of Birmingham through the music. "I run around the city, Southside and Crestwood," he says. "I get my sense of perseverance from Birmingham." In this letter, written by Joshua, he speaks on the pitfalls of the nine to five and the creative process behind When Gawd Ready.

Knowledge Learned Under Birmingham. Kel. Ricks, a rapper and part of the hip-hop trio K.L.U.B. Monsta, embodies this acronym and the city of Birmingham. He never forgets the civil rights history of the city and stays conscious of the struggle. "I walk down the same streets our leaders have walked, pass churches that have been bombed," he says. "We mold our music around the history of the city." In this letter, written by Kel. Ricks, he dives into the balance of creating art in Birmingham and the power of creative momentum. 

What is the Music Modernization Act? How will one piece of legislation alter the foundations of the music industry as we know it? How will this act affect every artist from the bedroom producer just starting out to multi-platinum artists selling out stadiums? The MMA is set to shake up the chain of command and serve artists a larger slice of the revenue pie. Here's what you need to know: