It has been a massive year for DJ culture, from major hardware releases to pivotal industry moments. At On The Rise DJ Academy, we’ve been keeping our ear to the ground to bring you the latest news, reviews, and insights.
As we look toward the future, we wanted to round up some of the standout stories from the blog this year. Whether you’re a gear head, an industry watcher, or just looking for fresh music from our talented students, here is our essential 2025 recap.
New DJ Tech: The Gear Defining 2025
This year saw some game-changing updates and releases that are reshaping how we play.
Streaming Takes Over: One of the biggest headlines was AlphaTheta’s integration of Apple Music with rekordbox, OMNIS-DUO, and XDJ-AZ. This update unlocks over 100 million tracks for instant streaming, making request-taking and set-building easier than ever.
Portable Scratching Evolved: Portablism got a serious upgrade with the Korg HandyTraxx. A spiritual successor to the Vestax Handy Trax, this new series comes in three models—including a vacuum tube version for warmth and a high-res digital version for archivists.
AI in the Booth: We also explored Tracksniff, an emerging AI tool designed to scan DJ sets on platforms like Mixcloud and YouTube to identify track IDs. While still early in development, it’s a fascinating look at how AI is changing track discovery.
Vinyl Innovation: For the 45s collectors, Reloop dropped the RP-7, a professional direct-drive turntable built specifically for 7-inch records. It’s compact, powerful, and finally gives 45 DJs a deck designed just for them.
Controller Updates: On the digital front, the buzz around the Native Instruments Traktor MX2 has been undeniable. With dedicated stem controls and a sleek new design, it looks set to be the new standard for Traktor users replacing the S2 series.
From DJ to Music Tech:
Serato and AlphaTheta dropped their first piece of music production gear: The SLAB, optimising features familiar to flagship DJ controllers for the many DJs out there who make music.
Newsworthy Topics: Industry Moves & Inclusivity
Beyond the gear, 2025 brought significant shifts in the business and culture of music.
Serato’s New Chapter: There was plenty of chatter about the future of Serato, but as we reported, Serato got a financial boost without selling out. The acquisition by Tiny Ltd ensures the team stays in New Zealand and the software remains authentic, just with more muscle behind it.
A Safer Industry: In a major step forward for equality, a New Trans Charter launched this year. Spearheaded by Saskhia Menendez and shesaid.so, this initiative provides a framework for venues and labels to ensure safety and inclusivity for trans and non-binary individuals in music.
OTR Student Showcase
Finally, nothing makes us prouder than seeing our students smash it. Here are a few highlights from the OTR family this year.
OTR Students Running Like Events
GDY GDY GURPS and Mien Muzik both held live events this year, showcasing their unique style of music curation and aesthetics.
Lyvonne The Don: We celebrated the release of her debut single, “Freelancer”. It’s an Afroswing anthem for anyone who knows the hustle of the freelance life—catchy, relatable, and fully “cooking.”
Sho Gabi: It’s been a busy year for Sho Gabi. First, we highlighted her multi-genre mix on Dalston Radio, blending Grime, Hip Hop, and Jersey Club.
Elijah b2b Sho Gabi: She also stepped up for a massive b2b set with Elijah at the G-SHOCK store. If you haven’t listened back yet, check it out for a masterclass in open-format energy, spanning everything from Baile Funk to UK Bass.