2026 NI community roundup: from the studio to the stage

Whether it’s a 3 a.m. session in a home studio or a rooftop performance at sunset, the secret to a great track is the same: showing up and putting in the work. There is no substitute for the hours spent refining your craft, and this year, we’ve been incredibly inspired by how you’re using Native Instruments gear to push your sound forward.

Take a look at how these creators are practicing, performing, and finding their flow – plus, start your practice routine with professional sounds in Komplete Start for free.

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Finding your rhythm

Consistency is the heartbeat of any production journey. From finger drumming to late-night mixing, these artists show that greatness is built one session at a time.

1. StoneBeatz is hitting the pads hard, getting his practice on with Maschine Mikro.

2. That’s what we call dedication – DJ Cassie is practicing with Traktor at 3 am.

3. Austin Millz takes the studio outside, adding some signature swing to an Amerie track with Maschine on the rooftop.

4. Artist VALENZUELA (@joshimizu) runs through his brand-new track “PAIN IN MY EYES” on a Kontrol keyboard.

Taking it to the stage

Practice is the foundation, but performance is where it all comes together. Whether you are playing a full hip hop set or scoring for film, these creators show the power of expressive play.

5. DJ Seven Whales delivers a full “Office Hours” hip hop set using a Traktor DJ controller.

6. Michel Barbaro brings a Van Halen classic to life on the Kontrol S61 keyboard using the Alicia Keys and Noire libraries.

7. Malcolm Norwood demonstrates the art of building tension in film composition using the S88 Kontrol keyboard.

8. Diana Llerena Vásquez uses the Kontrol M32 keyboard to loop a track as a foundation for her live drumming.

Start your next session

Inspiration is everywhere, but the best way to find it is to start playing. Every time you sit down with your gear, you’re one step closer to your next breakthrough. We can’t wait to see what you create next!

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