Carl Loben

As Editor-in-Chief of DJ Mag, Carl Loben chronicles electronic music’s evolution from underground movement to global phenomenon. His work prioritizes:

  • Cultural Context: Tracing connections between music trends and societal shifts
  • Historical Preservation: Archiving pivotal moments in rave culture
  • Grassroots Innovation: Spotlighting regional scenes over commercial interests

Pitching Priorities

  • Do: Highlight untold stories about genre evolution or community impact
  • Avoid: Press releases about DJ equipment or generic festival coverage
“Great dance journalism makes you hear familiar tracks in new ways – that’s my daily mission.”

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More About Carl Loben

Bio

From Melody Maker to Dance Music Authority

  • 1990s Foundation: Cut teeth at Melody Maker during Britpop’s heyday, interviewing Oasis and Blur while developing sharp cultural analysis
  • Millennial Pivot: Transitioned to DJ Mag in 2000, documenting UK garage and dubstep’s rise as Staff Writer
  • Leadership Era: Promoted to Editor-in-Chief in 2015, steering the publication through EDM’s commercial boom and techno’s resurgence
“House music’s heartbeat lies in its ability to reinvent while staying true to its Chicago roots – that tension fuels endless creative possibilities.”

Defining Works

Loben’s 2023 deep dive into the 1988 house anthem reveals why this track became a civil rights-era rallying cry. Through interviews with Joe Smooth and NYC club veterans, he traces how the song’s gospel-infused hope resonated through AIDS crisis raves and Black Lives Matter protests. The piece stands as both music criticism and social history, exemplifying Loben’s ability to contextualize dance culture within broader societal shifts.

In this 2022 podcast episode, Loben demystifies music journalism for emerging artists. He emphasizes storytelling over technical specs, advising producers to “lead with the human angle – why this track matters to you at 3 AM in the studio.” The discussion reveals his editorial priorities: authenticity, cultural impact, and historical awareness.

Loben’s 2024 Bluesky thread spotlighted overlooked New York producers shaping contemporary house. Combining archival research with fresh interviews, he mapped connections between 90s Shelter regulars and today’s queer underground parties. The interactive format showcased his adaptability in digital storytelling.

Pitching Insights

1. Lead With Cultural Context

Loben prioritizes stories that connect music to broader movements. A successful 2023 pitch about Berghain’s COVID recovery tied door policy changes to Berlin’s housing crisis. When approaching him, highlight how your subject reflects or challenges industry norms.

2. Unearth Historical Threads

His Westway Records retrospective demonstrated how niche labels influence mainstream trends. Pitches should identify underappreciated lineage – e.g., how Jersey club samples inform hyperpop.

3. Focus on Grassroots Scenes

While covering major festivals, Loben consistently amplifies regional collectives. The 2024 Bristol bass scene profile succeeded by mapping DIY venues’ post-Brexit survival strategies.

4. Avoid Celebrity-Driven Angles

Edits consistently remove name-dropping of superstar DJs unless tied to substantive analysis. A rejected pitch about Calvin Harris’ Ibiza villa focused on real estate over musical impact.

5. Embrace Multimedia Storytelling

Loben’s award-winning 2021 VR club feature shows his interest in format innovation. Successful pitches incorporate visual elements or interactive data about streaming trends.

Industry Recognition

  • 2023 Association of Electronic Music Award: Won “Media Champion” for democratizing coverage beyond superstar DJs
  • Mixmag Legends Honor: Recognized for preserving rave culture’s oral history through 500+ interviews
  • Red Bull Music Academy Fellowship: Selected as 2019 mentor for emerging music journalists

Top Articles

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