Trax Magazine Closes the Curtains on 26 Years of Music Journalism

French pillar of electronic music and youth culture Trax Magazine is set to cease publication following the closure of its owner, Bon Esprit. The magazine’s editor-in-chief Simon Clair announced Trax will go out of business in a Twitter post. 

“It’s the end of a beautiful story,” Clair wrote. “The only regret that will remain is not releasing the latest issues that we’ve been working on for months.” 

“Above all, thank you to all those who have ever purchased this magazine. We would have liked to stay with you for a while longer, but as in all beautiful parties, whether we like it or not, sometimes the light has to be turned on again at the end.”

Social media users described Trax’s closure as a “great sadness” that “says a lot about the music press’ state.” 

One netizen said “the business model isn’t there,” alluding to how independent media struggles to survive without paid editorial and recommendations. He further added that quality journalism requires financial backing – a daunting challenge that demands significant resources and support.

“There’s such a tidal wave of faux artists that it’s hard to pick up the real emerging talents without a lot of investigation.”

While the magazine’s journey ends in print, Trax’s spirit will live on at a farewell party scheduled for June 23rd.

Since its 1997 Paris launch, Trax Magazine quickly established itself as a fundamental voice in France’s electronic music scene. 

From featuring industry giants The Chemical Brothers on their inaugural issue cover to spotlighting figures like Jeff Mills, Richie Hawtin, and Dave Clarke, the magazine was always committed to promoting a spectrum of talents.