Decoded Magazine and Mixmag Announce Historic Merger from May 1st

In a move that has stunned the electronic music industry, Decoded Magazine and Mixmag have officially announced their merger, set to take effect on May 1st. After a year of behind-the-scenes negotiations, the two iconic music publications have decided to unite forces, with Decoded Magazine taking the reins on all underground electronic music coverage, while Mixmag will double down on its EDM expertise.

From ADE Drinks to a Game-Changer

Sources close to the deal reveal that the merger discussions first began over a few drinks at Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) last year. What started as a lighthearted joke between industry veterans quickly snowballed into a serious conversation about the future of electronic music journalism. With both publications holding significant influence in their respective spheres, it became clear that a partnership could offer unparalleled global reach and expertise.

“It just made sense,” says Decoded Magazine owner Damion Pell. “The money is better than I have now, and the reach is insane. Plus, let’s be honest—everyone knows melodic techno is the future.”

The New Editorial Divide

The merger will see Decoded Magazine assume full responsibility for underground and niche electronic genres, ensuring continued deep-dive coverage of techno, house, progressive, and experimental sounds. Meanwhile, Mixmag will dedicate itself entirely to EDM, bass, and mainstream festival culture, offering comprehensive coverage of the biggest artists, events, and trends shaping the commercial dance music space.

A spokesperson from Mixmag stated, “We welcome Decoded into the fold with open arms and fully stocked bars. Their team is incredible, and we’re excited about the new dynamic this partnership brings.”

A New Era for Electronic Music Journalism

With this historic merger, the industry can expect an even more refined approach to electronic music coverage. Decoded will continue to champion underground sounds with exclusive interviews, in-depth features, and cutting-edge reviews, while Mixmag’s EDM division will cater to the global mainstream audience.

Fans of both platforms can rest assured that their favourite content will not only continue but thrive, with increased access to exclusive material, larger event coverage, and a wider audience reach. The first collaborative issue post-merger will debut at IMS Ibiza, where the new editorial teams will unveil their refreshed vision for dance music journalism.

What’s Next?

While details of the operational shift are still being finalised, industry insiders suggest that this merger could be just the beginning of a larger consolidation trend in music media. Whether this signals a new golden age for electronic music journalism or a seismic shift in industry power dynamics, one thing is for certain—this move will reshape the way fans consume electronic music content.

As Pell himself put it, “If we’re going to do this, we might as well do it properly. Now, who’s buying the next round?”

Happy April Fool

Related