Vivienne van Vliet

Let’s be frank up front here: there aren’t that many actual Thanksgiving songs in existence. No one’s out here singing about turkey, gravy and pilgrims, and while there’s probably a couple tunes about colonial genocide, that’d only spoil everyone’s appetite. So if you’re looking to put together a playlist for the big family meal, you’re forced to stick to the more figurative meaning of the holiday rather than the literal or historical implications – that is, showing gratitude. And in that case, there are a lot of bangers to choose from. On this list of the best Thanksgiving songs, you’ll find rappers celebrating their mamas, rock’n’roll cult figures raising a glass to their friends and funk legends giving it up to themselves. You have pop divas appreciating their exes and reggae icons praising Jah. And if you just really need a song that at least has some tenuous connection to the most gluttonous day of the year, we’ve dug one of those up, too.  Written by Rachel Sonis, Vivienne van Vliet, Andrew Frisicano, Hank Shteamer, Ro Samarth, Andy Kryza and Matthew Singer Recommended: 🦃 The most festive Thanksgiving songs for kids🎄 The 60 best Christmas songs of all-time👯 The 22 best friendship songs💑 The 60 best best love songs of all-time

As another year draws to a close, we recap what electronic albums we loved the most in 2015. An impressive number of dance music discs came out this year—so many that we decided to devote an entirely separate feature to the genre. While it’s easy to associate many of these musicians with the parties they’ve deejayed, it’s important to remember that—hey!—they happen to produce music as well! And these ones are pretty damn good at it too. Check out our ranked list of the best dance music albums of the year so far, which ranges from ambient techno to “italo-ketamine house.” Curious as to what our favorites were in all other genres? Make sure to peep at our more general list of the 25 best albums of 2015 and let’s see more of this can-do attitude in ’16. See you on the field!RECOMMENDED: See the best of 2015

Sorting through the options when shopping for the music aficionados among your friends can be a daunting task. We’ve saved you a little time by collecting our favorite music-related gift ideas of the year—from the best portable-speaker bargains to the coolest new box sets. Check out the best gifts for music lovers below, ordered by price. RECOMMENDED: See the full holiday gift guide

Whether you want to ring in New Year's Eve with some trippy Black Sabbath edits, rave through Christmas in New York with a stack of hard-hitting techno or just stash away hours of worthy music for a rainy day, look no further than our list of the best DJ mixes of 2017. You'll find house music compilations, extended funk workouts, pulsating techno songs and more, selected by our expert mix-diggers. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best of 2017

We asked three music and nightlife editors, each with varying musical tastes, to tackle our list of the best DJ mixes of 2016. What results is a collection which includes plenty of dance music fit for the best clubs in NYC, as well as a couple podcasts that fall neither strictly under house music nor techno songs. From Detroit electro veteran DJ Stingray to young Bristol-based DJ, producer and label boss Batu, here are our favorite DJ mixes of the year. RECOMMENDED: See the best of 2016

Summer in New York calls for a number of fun activities, including kickass summer concerts, outdoor parties and plenty of movies in the park and outdoor screenings. But what's really more relaxing than indulging in an ice-cold cocktail or beer on a gorgeous rooftop? Because we know how much New Yorkers enjoy drinking with a view, we've put together a go-to map of the best rooftop bars in the city. You're welcome. RECOMMENDED: Best summer drinks in NYC

MoMA knows a thing or two about curation. Each summer, their Warm Up at Long Island City's PS1 unveils a massive new outdoor art installation, multiple indoor installations, rotating outdoor "stage environments,” as well as a wildly diverse program of DJs, producers and live bands from virtually every burgeoning and established genre. But how to choose those many, many artists? By curating the curators, of course. Each year they gather an all-star team of progressive culture connoisseurs who lovingly assemble that season's selections. Only a museum could do this much year-round curation for one party and not have it feel schizophrenic. There’s a reason they’re still the undisputed kings of summer music parties after 18 years. Now, we try our hand at their game, and curate our top acts on this year's roster—taking place Saturdays, June 27 through September 5.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to MoMA PS1 Warm Up

This past Saturday, we went to MoMA PS1 for one of our favorite summer music parties, Warm Up. With this year’s extravagant outdoor art installation, as well as a stellar lineup (including Moritz von Oswald, who made it in our list of the 10 best acts to see at Warm Up 2015), the day-time party proved to live up to its expectations yet again. Check out our favorite photos below, and, if you haven’t done so, be sure to stop by Warm Up soon—the series ends September 5. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to MoMA PS1 Warm Up

MoMA PS1’s Warm Up kicked off last month, but the summer music festival’s best acts have yet to take over the L.I.C. art museum’s courtyard. With a stacked lineup of DJs performing every Saturday, we decided to cherry pick the best of the best by highlighting four acts that are going above and beyond genre stereotypes. From U.K.’s finest musical curators to one of America’s hottest hip-hop artists, here are this summer’s unmissable acts making electronic music more exciting than ever. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to MoMA PS1 Warm Up

For New Yorkers, summer means finding any and every possible excuse to get that Vitamin D and bathe in the sun's warmth. Our growing list of things to do outside in New York already includes some of the best summer concerts and outdoor parties, as well as five months of non-stop movies in the park and outdoor screenings. Because we featured the best rooftop bars in NYC, it was only appropriate to highlight our favorite New York restaurants with outdoor seating as well. Now, we've compiled the finest open-air restaurants—including the 10 best rooftop restaurants (differentiated in blue)—in one simple map. (Do yourself a favor and bookmark this page!) RECOMMENDED: See more things to do in NYC this summer

Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival once again descends upon multiple venues and clubs in NYC to host some of our favorite underground dance music DJs. One of the best things to in the fall, the festival is filled with excellent parties over three music-filled days. Check out our top picks for this year's BEMF below. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival

If all those amazing record stores, best parties and phenomenal concerts in NYC have left you feeling inspired head to a phenomenal, local music store. No need for ordering online when Gotham has some of best places in the country for finding instruments and gear of all varieties and qualities at just the right price. Whether you're searching for the perfect Strat, a gorgeous piano or the right vintage synth, New York City's got what you need at these music stores. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to shopping in NYC

This Queens venue may seem unassuming in its plain-brick corner facade—but a balanced mix of local and international acts, combined with a no-frills DIY vibe, has made H0L0 a sure destination for music heads of all genres. Catch acts ranging from noisy techno (L.I.E.S. artist Vereker) to GQOM (DJ Lag) to U.K. dubstep and bass music (Loefah), as well as plenty of one-off live performances (Dave Harrington of Darkside).

In February, Belgian multimedia producer François Vaxelaire launched the Lot Radio out of a reclaimed shipping container on a small lot on Brooklyn’s Williamsburg/Greenpoint border, hosting live DJ sets and talk shows, and streaming them from the Lot’s website 24/7 (thelotradio.com). “I think the most important thing is that it’s independent,” says Vaxelaire, adding that the idea came to him when he discovered the lot at 17 Nassau Avenue six months ago. He envisioned it as a small “island” where artists, DJs and passersby could enjoy a casual exchange of music. And he’s making it happen: The station has already hosted respected names such as Ninja Tune DJ and producer FaltyDL, Tiki Disco resident Lloydski, Trouble & Bass alumna Star Eyes and several ladies from the Discwoman crew. The 20-foot-long black shipping container is equipped with a club-standard DJ booth and a fully functioning coffee counter, which now also sells pastries and sandwiches. Emma Olson, a founder of Discwoman and the DJ known as Umfang, describes the Lot Radio as the ideal broadcasting medium: “A chill outlet where people can have fun outside of the club.” Although the project is backed by house and techno veterans, Vaxelaire says he aims to cater to a wide array of music fans, using the shipping container as literal common ground. “It’s the connection between the online and the offline world,” he says. “I think it’s tapping into this younger energy that no one else is taking advantage of,” says Turtle

Sonic Groove's Reade Truth celebrates his legendary Path Records at our favorite Bushwick tropical oasis with the label's second installment at Bossa Nova Civic Club. The Jersey City-based imprint has released music from Truth himself, Richard Hinge and Chicago's House Preservation Society contributor Jake Reif—all of whom will be taking on the decks for a night of O.G. electronic music vibes.

OG member of the Fade to Mind crew, eclectic Los Angeles–based DJ Ashland Mines—better known as Total Freedom—knows how to get the crowd hyped up. His genre-traversing style borrows elements from all ends of the musical spectrum, whether top 40 club bangers or U.K. breakbeats. Given his stellar set at the Boiler Room's fifth anniversary party in London just a couple of weeks ago, we're sure he's bringing nothing but heat to Output's big-room dance floor. Joining him are Hood By Air's Shayne and musical prodigy Arca. The Venezuelan producer—who has collaborated with Kanye West (on Yeezus), FKA twigs and Björk (on Vulnicura)—comes fresh off the release of his much anticipated second LP, Mutant. In addition to his celestial end-of-the-world productions, Arca's one-of-a-kind sound also lends itself to his distinct and innovative style of DJing: Harsh and unforgiving trap beats are mixed with muffled chords and chaotic melodies in his 25-minute mixtape, &&&&&. DJ sets from Arca are hard to come by, so don't miss out on this night.

This night of seriously underground house, techno and the indescribable is back in Bushwick. The party welcomes New York's own Todd Sines, who's recorded for such esteemed labels as Planet E and Morris Audio over the years, as well as Brooklyn's very own Patricia, whose genre-traversing releases on Spectral Sound and Opal Tapes continue to impress. Seattle rising star Josef Gaard joins the bill, with support from Exit System's LA01.

Capriccio is back with another banger, this time hosting seven lethal, otherworldy artists at a secret Brooklyn location for a "7 Ways to Kill" theme. "Strictly for the freaks," the party collective promises "something beyond the dance, mystical, raw, dirty, romantic, futuristic.…" Taking on the decks are Sonic Groove's Reade Truth, Detroit's Interdimensional Transmissions artist Patrick Russell and Capriccio's own Alex from Queens. Live sets will be sonically delivered by Confused House founding fathers and L.I.E.S. artists Steve Summers and Bookworms, Traxx's Nation affiliate NGLY and Opal Tapes artist 51717. RSVP for specific location by emailing letsgocapriccio@gmail.com.

Dutchman Steve Rachmad has been an integral part of the techno scene, specifically since the 1995 release of his album Secret Life of Machines—a timeless classic which more recently [in 2012] received the remix treatment from legendary artists such as Ricardo Villalobos and Joris Voorn. Under the alias STERAC, Rachmad unleashes his "darker and deeper techno output," releasing music on Ben Klock's Klockworks label as well as the long-running, Amsterdam-based Delsin label. Joining STERAC are two of New York's most renowned names in techno. Sonic Groove's Adam X comes fresh off the release of his celestial new album, Coherent Abstractions, on Ron Morelli's L.I.E.S. (and under his alias ADMX-71), with Brooklyn-meets-Berghain resident and the Corner's label boss Anthony Parasole making his return to Output in the midst of nonstop touring. Support comes from Dusk & Haze founder Sophia Saze, while Output favorites Frank & Tony (Scissor & Thread) take on the Panther Room all night long.

One of dubstep's seminal producers and boss of the pioneering Hyperdub label, London's Kode9 pays a visit to Bushwick's Palisades, fresh off the release of his first solo album, Nothing. Support comes from PAN artist M.E.S.H. and Purple Tape Pedigree's Geng.

Galerie Project celebrates its Fall Exhibition Opening with an audio-visual interactive experience centered around the pets-in-space theme "Domesticated Space Travelers." Rising media artist Hugues Clément presents a live VJ performance and 3D mapped visual installation, while musical curation comes in the form of both live and DJ sets. Brooklyn resident and modular technician-musician Antenes tops the musical bill for what's sure to be an incredible live set. Featured in the documentary I Dream of Wires, Antenes uses self-built sequencers and synths in all of her tracks, creating one-of-a-kind unique sounds augmented in her vinyl-only sets of “acid-laced techno, shimmering electro and beyond.” Nil Label's Chavez & Velasco take on the decks for a vinyl DJ set, with support from Galerie Project residents Jad Atoui and Doric. Selected art from a handful of local artists will be for sale, and beer & wine will be served at the open bar.

Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival (BEMF) has announced the dates for its 9th edition, including an impressive initial lineup. Now spanning two weekends, with a full week of nightly panel discussions in between, the festival takea over some of the best clubs in NYC from Friday, November 4, to Saturday, November 12, 2016. BEMF's panel series explorea issues such as gentrification, community and technology, while the musical program remains focused on Brooklyn's local scene, highlighting talented newcomers and underground dance music. Live shows, DJ sets and after parties will take place at venues such as Analog BKNY, Good Room, House of Yes, Music Hall of Williamsburg, Output and Trans-Pecos. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival BEMF 2016 Phase 1 lineup: Friday, November 4thDeviation: Benji BRóisín Murphy + Infinity InkDanny Daze + Jimmy Edgar + Barnt + Jubilee Saturday, November 5thKerri ChandlerThe Bunker: Function b2b Silent Servant + Mike Servito + Gunnar Haslam + Justin CudmoreBen Sims b2b Truncate + DJ Qu + Greg GowLobster Theremin Label Night: Route 8 (live) + Asquith + Jon Fay Wednesday, November 9thBirds That Fly Label Night: Kidnap Kid + Amtrac + Jey Kurmis Thursday, November 10thFaltyDL + Benjamin Damage Friday, November 11thKing Britt (all night long) Saturday, November 12thWe Still Believe: The Black Madonna b2b Mike Servito + Honey Dijon + Turtle Bugg

This past weekend, the independent London-meets-New York label Tri Angle Records celebrated its fifth anniversary in conjunction with Red Bull Music Academy Festival New York. The label was named one of the top 50 labels in America in 2011 by Billboard and has released music by some of the best artists in experimental electronic music since its 2010 inception. Friday's event, which was held at the old JPMorgan building at 23 Wall Street, hosted several of Tri Angle's most critically acclaimed members, including the Haxan Cloak (who helped produce Björk's latest album, Vulnicura), Evian Christ (known for his flawless ability to fuse rap and R&B with electronica), the lesser-known but increasingly popular Lotic and the relentless noisemaker Vessel. Taking into account that the Haxan Cloak coproduced (along with Arca) Björk's latest album and is joining her on all festival dates this coming summer, as well as the fact that Björk was seen rocking out at Vessel's previous NYC show at Pitchfork's Tinnitus series, it didn't come as much of a surprise that the Icelandic legend was in attendance at the RBMA Festival event. Festivalgoers were in for a rare treat when the singer and producer did an impromptu DJ set in the side room. Björk's set was appropriately filled with Tri Angle tracks, as well as remixes of well-known artists, from infamous British singer-songwriter Kate Bush to R&B sensations Jeremih and Brandy. Listen to the live recording of Björk's set from Red Bull Music Acad

Have the urge to party but don't know where to go? Play our collection of the 20 best dance music albums of the year, and browse through our weekly list of dance-worthy events, with house music, techno, minimal, acid, hip-hop and more on the bill.  RECOMMENDED: Our full guide to NYC nightlife Deep Space Cielo; Mon 29 at 10pm; free before 11pm or $12 afterDance-music deity François K's weekly Deep Space soiree focuses on dub in all its glorious, echo-drenched forms but extends its reach to all types of underground dance music. The only dress code is "an open mind." If that's a stretch, the evening's futuristic vibes will set the tone. Tropical Goth Bossa Nova Civic Club; Wed 2 at 7pm; freeBring out those dark florals: Bossa Nova curator Chris Video hosts yet another rager at our favorite tropical-oasis dance club. New York's own Gavin Russom (Entropy Trax, DFA Records), Miami-based UCHI (Cyborgs) and Bossa regular L.Sangre star as guest DJs. Local tastemakers Kiddo Sincere, Deadontheinternet, Chris Video, Admin and Zachery Allan Starkey will throw down their usual bangers on the decks as well. Virginia + Umfang + Olive T Good Room; Thu 3 at 10pm; $15German producer and DJ Virginia has steadily progressed from growing up in Munich to touring and landing residencies at clubs such as Sven Väth's Cocoon. She's produced with big names such as Steve Bug and Steffi, leading to her solo debut on Ostgut Ton. Joining her are Discwoman's Umfang and Olive T. The Bunker: Orphx + DJ Nobu +

Electronic music fans rejoice! It looks like NYC finally has a community-oriented radio station dedicated to 100% live-broadcasted DJ mixes. Multimedia producer Francois Vaxelaire has launched the aptly-named Lot Radio from a shipping container on the Williamsburg/Greenpoint border. The music-centric radio station has been streaming online video and audio in beta mode on its website since early February—and the station has already featured local DJs and familiar names like Tiki Disco resident Lloydski, Ninja Tune's FaltyDL, the Bunker's Clay Wilson, Trouble & Bass alumni Star Eyes and the Discwoman collective. The concept is backed by veterans of the house and techno scene, and is reminiscent of established global live broadcasts such as the U.K.'s Rinse FM and NTS Radio, Amsterdam's Red Light Radio and Berlin Community Radio. But the station will cater to a wide array of music fans, airing diverse DJ mixes as well as talk shows. The Lot Radio also plans on opening an on-site coffee kiosk to fund the station. Check out the live broadcast (and poke your head in the chat room) at thelotradio.com, or listen to previously broadcasted shows on Mixcloud.

We featured Brooklyn-based record store Halcyon on the cover of our nightlife issue back in 2001, crowning it “The Beating Heart of NYC’s Underground.” Fifteen years later, our claim still stands strong. Since opening up shop in 1999 in Carroll Gardens, Halcyon has moved into two other locations—the most recent being a space adjacent to South Williamsburg venue TBA Brooklyn. We're now beyond excited to learn that the devoted electronic music curators are moving into a new permanent home—and what venue could be more fitting than NYC nightlife haven, Output? Halcyon's new location at the northeast corner of Output will house not only its comprehensive record store but also a coffee shop, café and event space. During the day, customers can enjoy coffee sourced from For Five Roasters, fresh pastries and made-to-order sandwiches; while nighttime offerings will include Roberta's famed brick oven pizza as well as a line of coffee-based cocktails from the Speakman Group. (We'll be first in line to try the legendary Espresso Milkshake!) Open seven days a week from noon till 8pm, DJs and music enthusiasts alike can take advantage of the new hybrid, two-level store—which frequently hosts local and international DJ talent for intimate, in-store mixing sessions. Halcyon will also hold special events in conjunction with Output—pairing a deep appreciation and understanding of NYC's underground music culture with fundamentals of the club scene. Visit Halcyon's new Williamsburg location at 74

The Cure fans, rejoice! If you're not into festivals or simply don't have enough money to splurge on tickets (plus airfare) to Coachella and Lollapalooza, you'll be ecstatic to find out that the legendary British post-punk band is embarking on its first full-fledged North American tour since 2008. Three shows have been confirmed for 2016's 25-date tour—including one June 18 at Madison Square Garden. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 9, at 10am, with online presale starting Thursday, October 8, at 10am. Given the Cure's epic 3-hour performance at the Beacon Theater in 2011—spanning three of their best albums and three additional encores for a total of 48 songs—we're pretty sure you won't want to miss out on this potentially life-changing concert experience. Let's just say it'll be "Just Like Heaven." But just in case you do need further convincing, here's a video of the Cure performing "A Forest" live in 1992.

Future dropped his latest album, Dirty Sprite 2, just a week after announcing its release, and the surprise move has already turned-up some interesting hype-generating promo efforts by the Atlanta rapper. In addition to dropping several bombs including “Blow a Bag” and “F*ck Up Some Commas,” Future did a five-part series of behind-the-scenes documentaries for Complex (see the full version here), and just last week, his Freebandz brand combined forces with Concepts NYC to create a two-day pop-up in downtown NYC, selling limited edition merchandise and signed copies of DS2. Didn't make it to the pop-up store last week? Luckily, you've got another chance to catch “Future Hendrix” in the flesh. Yesterday, via Instagram, the rapper announced a series of free shows—Freebandz presents “Salute the Fans”—visiting four U.S. cities over the next four days. All we know right now is that the New York gig will take place Wednesday, July 22: More details will be announced via Future's Instagram/Twitter the morning of the show, so stay tuned. Update: Details have been announced via Future's official Instagram: The free show will take place today, Wednesday, July 22, at the Highline Ballroom. Doors are at 9pm, and the first 600 people in line are guaranteed entrance.

If you're a fan of Atlanta rapper Future—or just rap music in general—the past two weeks or so have felt comparable to the Twelve Days of Christmas. Just last week we caught news of the official release date (this coming Friday, July 17) for Future's much-anticipated album Dirty Sprite 2. On July 10, the Twittersphere lost it when Drake tweeted that he'd be on the album. Since then, Future has been teasing the release with a series of documentaries, conceived in collaboration with Complex—the first of which was published on YouTube two days ago. The second was thrown up on FutureVEVO's account less than 24 hours ago. And, finally, as of 12 hours ago, we've received official intel confirming Dirty Sprite 2's track listing (below). But the real bonus here is for us New Yorkers, because Concepts NYC just announced an exclusive pop-up store to celebrate the release of Future's DS2. Freebandz will be combining forces with Concepts to create a “pharmacy-themed pop-up store” at 225 Hudson Street on Thursday and Friday. Fans will be able to purchase DS2, as well as a selection of very rare “Cncpts x Freebandz” merchandise. Future himself will appear at the end of both days. Check the flyer below for details.   Dirty Sprite 2 track list 1. Thought It Was A Drought2. I Serve the Base3. Where Ya At feat. Drake4. Groupies5. Lil One6. Stick Talk7. Freak Hoe8. Rotation9. Slave Master10. Blow A Bag12. Rich $ex13. Blood On The Money14. Trap Niggas15. The Percocet & Stripper Joint16. Real Si

It's been an especially bleak winter for many Brooklynites so used to frequenting Bossa Nova Civic Club on any given day of the week. The Bushwick bar, which has hosted local and international house and techno talent since opening in December 2012, was forced to close for renovations at the end of January after being targeted by the MARCH task force. The MARCH program (Multi Agency Response to Community Hotspots)—comprised of the city's police department, fire department, health department, buildings department and state liquor Authority—is no newcomer to the nightlife scene. The program forced up-and-coming Williamsburg hot spot TBA Brooklyn to shut down back in November, and the venue has yet to reopen. As weeks went by with no indication of BNCC reopening anytime soon, it seemed that everyone's favorite “tropical fantasy dance club” would become subject to the same imminent fate. Fortunately, Bossa Nova Civic Club was able to reopen last weekend. In the span of about six weeks, owner John Barclay (well-known in New York's DIY scene for his parties at 285 Kent and Trip House) and the Bossa crew worked on renovations to meet the city's requirements—which involved tearing down an entire wall in order to construct a second entrance with an American Disabilities Act–compliant ramp. Barclay also took this time to revamp the DJ booth, which now has turntables and mixer built in, and brand-new CDJs elevated above. With its renovations allowing for a larger capacity, as well as its