Do you still feel like wearing a piece of merch makes you a part of a specific subculture? Or has that sense of exclusivity and meaning been lost? This week, our host Otto Kent speaks to writer Claire Mouchmore about our shifting relationship with merch, and how that's changed along with the internet and the explosion of niche identities. Plus, we discuss new features on YouTube music, UK laws against spiking, and the nonrefundable fees paid by African and Asian artists when they apply for UK and EU visas.

The Week is a production by Telekom Electronic Beats and ACB Stories.

Host: OttO Kent

Producer: Aaron Gonsher

Edit and sound design: Marc Übel

Executive Producer: Isabel Woop

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you also miss the magical, fun parts of social media? With noplace hitting the top of the American app charts Kikelomo and OttO Kent are reminiscing on their personal journey in social media. They’re sharing hot takes, making confessions about being comment warriors, and talking about what it takes to put the social back in social media. Plus: Balenciaga’s raver bracelet and Peggy Gou and Fred Again… being broadcasted to a test lab of sperm.

The Week is a production by Telekom Electronic Beats and ACB Stories.

Host: OttO Kent

Producer: Carlos Steurer

Edit and sound design: Marc Übel

Executive Producer: Isabel Woop

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melt-Festival is celebrating its final edition this weekend after more than 25 years. We spoke to the legendary Ellen Allien, who has played the festival more than anyone, about her memories from the famous Sleepless Floor over the years, and what made Melt so significant to ravers in Germany and beyond. Also, Juba presents this week’s news: Honey Dijon curating a jukebox in tribute to the Stonewall Rebellion, the Blessed Madonna popping off at Rishi Sunak for using one of her songs on his socials, and DJ Mag's list of 2024's Top 100 Music Festivals.

Watch "The Sound of the Stonewall Uprising" with Honey Dijon

Listen to REDISCOVER Stonewall on Amazon Music

Check out Electronic Beats on Instagram if you want to learn more about Melt's history.

The Week is a production by Telekom Electronic Beats and ACB Stories.

Host: Juba

Producer: Aaron Gonsher

Edit and sound design: Marc Übel

Executive Producer: Isabel Woop

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.