Guide to SXSW 2026 PanelPicker Voting: Best Panels & MoreSXSW PanelPicker voting is live! Every year we collab with the smart team at Rock Paper Scissors to find the best panel, presentation and pop-up proposals (I dare you to say that fast three times...) and put them together in our Guide to SXSW 2026 PanelPicker Voting.
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Waves SuperRack V15 Expands to Full Immersive Audio MixingWaves Audio, a global leader in professional audio plugins and signal processing technologies, has released SuperRack V15, bringing full immersive audio mixing capabilities to its entire SuperRack lineup.A statement from the company discloses that V15 introduces support for 5.1.4, 7.1.4, and 9.1.4 channel configurations across SuperRack SoundGrid, Performer, and LiveBox. This update enables engineers to create immersive mixes for live broadcasts, streamed events, and concert sound, unlocking new workflows for modern audio production.The update also includes the Waves Immersive Wrapper plugin across all SuperRack products. A statement from the company explains: “Any Waves mono plugin can now be transformed into an immersive processor: simply insert Immersive Wrapper into any SuperRack slot, load a mono Waves plugin inside, and mix immersive live audio in real time.”Immersive Wrapper is now bundled with SuperRack LiveBox, making it a comprehensive solution for immersive mixing. With Dante® or MADI connectivity and compatibility with all major mixing consoles, LiveBox allows engineers to run multiple plugins natively in real time for live broadcast and concert applications.Joel Singer, co-founder and Chief Engineer of Music Mix Mobile, commented: “As we expand into immersive broadcasting across our mobile units, flight packs, and studios, SuperRack V15 has solved a longstanding challenge: access to a wide array of immersive plugins. Its release now allows us and our guest engineers to deploy favorite dynamics and effects tools within an immersive environment. This marks a major advancement for both M3 and Waves.”Key features of SuperRack V15 include:Support for 5.1.4, 7.1.4, and 9.1.4 configurations in SoundGrid, Performer, and LiveBox

Compatibility with immersive-ready VST3 plugins, including non-Waves plugins

Bundled Immersive Wrapper with LiveBox

Improved plugin search menu for faster workflow

Support for Intel Core Ultra computers

Learn more here.The post Waves SuperRack V15 Expands to Full Immersive Audio Mixing first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Lorena Cabral, Daniela Gutiérrez promoted at Downtown Artist & Label Services, as firm expands presence in Música MexicanaDA&LS recently expanded its collaboration with Genesis Records to include the catalog of Mexican singer-songwriter Edgardo Nuñez
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MSGE, VIVID, StubHub, NIVA reports show a slowdown in concertsReports from Madison Square Garden Entertainment, two major ticket resellers and the National Independent Venue Association point to a slowdown in concerts and ticket sales. That view stands in stark contrast to Live Nation's recent stellar report investors.
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Gen Alpha has no interest in Rock Music, says new surveyMusic's youngest consumers Gen Alpha has no interest in rock, alt-rock, hard rock, classic rock or any of rock 'n roll's many permeations, according to a new survey.
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Showgirls and Swifties: The Announcement of Taylor Swift's New AlbumIn an elaborate and convoluted marketing rollout, Taylor Swift is slowly announcing her new album The Life of a Showgirl. Where will it stack up compared to the previous 11 albums in her discography?

Serj Tankian of System of a Down Brings Multi-Sensory Art to New JerseySerj Tankian is best known as the commanding voice of System of a Down, but later this month, New Jersey audiences will see a different side of him. The GRAMMY-winning musician, composer, and visual artist will bring his immersive exhibition to Wentworth Gallery in Short Hills on August 24, showcasing a collection of original works that merge visual art with music.A statement from the gallery reveals Tankian’s approach as “a unique fusion of sound and canvas.” Each painting is paired with a musical composition created specifically for it, accessible through Arloopa, a free app that uses optical recognition to let viewers unlock the soundtrack as they view the work.“I see music and visual art as extensions of the same soul,” Tankian explains. “When I paint, I’m composing. When I compose, I’m painting. Each informs the other in ways words cannot express.” He adds that his goal is to create “a deeper connection—one that invites not just observation, but participation.”The exhibition comes just days before System of a Down’s return to the stage in New Jersey, with two consecutive shows at MetLife Stadium on August 27 and 28. The schedule offers fans the rare chance to experience Tankian’s art in an intimate gallery setting before seeing him perform live with the band.Tankian’s visual art career began in 2013 with his debut exhibition Disarming Time in Los Angeles, where he introduced his concept of “musical paintings”—original artworks embedded with unique compositions. A statement from the artist notes that each piece is “visceral, layered, and deeply emotional,” reflecting the same intensity found in his music.Born in Lebanon to Armenian parents and raised in Los Angeles, Tankian’s creative output—whether in music, painting, or activism—has been shaped by a global perspective and a deep sense of social consciousness. With over 40 million albums sold and a GRAMMY Award for “B.Y.O.B.” in 2006, he has long been recognized as an artist who transcends boundaries.The post Serj Tankian of System of a Down Brings Multi-Sensory Art to New Jersey first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Music publishers allege Anthropic used BitTorrent to pirate copyrighted lyricsAnthropic may face a new allegation from music companies: That it not only downloaded, but distributed lyrics without permission
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SXSW 2026 PanelPicker Voting Is Open: Two Hypebot FavoritesSXSW 2026 PanelPicker voting is officially open through August 24 and everyone is eligible to vote. Included in the proposals are two Hypebot favorites.
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Live Music Society Toolbox Grants Available For Small VenuesApplications for 2025 Live Music Society Toolbox Grants are opened for small U.S. independent music venues and listening rooms. LMS has distributed $4.8 million in funding to small non-profit and for-profit venues since launching in 2020.
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Besides Nirvana: 13 Great Alternative Rock Albums from the Early 1990sEarlier this year, we surveyed some great indie-rock albums from the years before Nirvana broke. Now, let's look at some of the best alternative rock LPs that competed with Nirvana in the CD racks.

Attorneys general from 14 states question FireAid’s $100M fund distributionThe inquiry, led by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, centers on growing complaints that fire victims have received no direct assistance.
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RØDE Unveils NT1 5th Generation Studio MicrophoneRØDE, a trusted name in professional audio, introduces the NT1 5th Generation, a modern evolution of its iconic mic.A statement from the company highlights artist Kyle Charles Hall’s endorsement: “Made for Music. Kyle Charles Hall’s words, not ours (although we agree).” Hall relies on the NT1 5th Generation to “capture the dreamy textures of his signature brand of woozy indie pop,” from “warm, velvety vocals” to “the subtle detail of every instrument.”According to RØDE, the NT1 5th Generation “fuses the classic sound signature of the iconic NT1 with cutting-edge, next-generation technology.” Key features include the patent-pending Dual Connect output, allowing both XLR and USB connectivity; a world-first “unclippable” 32-bit float digital output; advanced digital signal processing; and high SPL handling — all while maintaining the NT1’s signature warmth and clarity.The company describes it as “a true studio workhorse that excels on everything from vocals and speech, to guitar, piano, drums and percussion—the ultimate studio microphone.”RØDE states that the NT1 remains “unchanged by design,” but ready for the demands of modern recording.Explore more about the NT1 5th Generation here.The post RØDE Unveils NT1 5th Generation Studio Microphone first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

The Many Layers of FandomFandom goes far beyond simply being a label or identity, it’s an ongoing journey fueled by active participation and deep connection. Learn why true fans invest time and passion beyond consumption and how layers of fandom redefine what it means to be a fan in the digital age.
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Live Music Industry News Roundup: Hard Rock, Resale, PROs, MoreThis week in live music we take a look at ticket resales, soaring Metal and Hard Rock ticket sales and PRO reporting.
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