Jim Irsay Collection Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Downtown Los Angeles, CA January 11th.The greatest private memorabilia collection to be on public display; The Jim Irsay collection came to the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Downtown Los Angeles, CA January 11th. The Jim Irsay Collection owned by its namesake is the owner of the Indianapolis Colts and brings together historic documents and possessions of U.S. Presidents and U.S. History artifacts such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, a copy of the Declaration of Independence which one less than 60 in existence of the 200 made starting in 1820, a John Wilkes Booth wanted poster, musical instruments owned by the Beatles, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Bob Dylan, Prine, Kurt Cobain, Johnny Cash, Jerry Garcia, and more, sports memorabilia including Jackie Robinson’s bat, Muhammed Ali’s belt from “The Rumble in the Jungle”, and hollywood memorabilia including Al Pacino’s script for Scarface, one of the Wilson volleyballs from Castaway, and Sylvester Stallone’s training boots for Rocky and his script, there was also tech memorabilia including an early Apple manual signed by Steve Jobs. The one item Irsay considers “the most culturally significant piece of the 20th century”  would be the original working manuscript for the 12-step program for Alcoholics Anonymous because of his and his family struggles and the millions of lives it has helped saved. This was the first time the event has taken place in Los Angeles. To simply put it these are the type of artifacts you would see at the Smithsonian and Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. 

The best part of all, the collection was free to view with just an RSVP with Evenbrite and included an All-Star concert. The exhibit was held in the Expo Hall first starting with U.S. history followed by the original scroll of Jack Kerouac’s novel “On The Road” which is 20 feet in length, then instruments and the closing part was sports, hollywood, and tech. 

By 4 P.M. there were already close to 200 fans waiting to get into the Shrine. It was no surprise between the collection and concert the venue would be at capacity. Outside the Shrine Auditorium entrance a car once belonging to author Hunter S. Thompson and another was the car retired Colts running back Edgerrin James was driven in for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The music began around 8:30 P.M. Sadly, Irsay, who never misses a Colts game or one of his events, was hospitalized with a respiratory infection just a few days before the event. Also before the concert, it was announced Stephen Stills would not be there. 

The Jim Irsay Collection band included guitarists Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tom Bukovac who recorded on over 700 albums, Danni Nucci (also actor in Titanic), and Mike Wanchic (John Mellencamp), Drummer Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp/ John Fogerty), bassist Mike Mills (R.E.M.), blues harmonica legend Billy Branch, vocalist Carmella Ramsey (Reba McEntire/ John Hiatt), and keyboardist Michael Ramos (John Mellencamp). Joining what was already an All-Star band would be a few music icons who have each performed with the band. The band would perform Shepherd’s “Down for Love.” Shepherd introduced the first guest a guitarist that influenced Jimi Hendrix. It would be none other than one of the last living Blues giants Buddy Guy. Guy had performed a headline set at the Hollywood Bowl this past summer but due to doctor’s orders was unable to perform at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads festival in September. Guy performed two songs with the band, then the band would perform four songs before the next guest. Mils would sing lead on “(Don’t Go Back) to Rockville” and “Superman”

Shepherd introduced the next guest which was actually an iconic instrument. This would be David Gilmour’s most famous guitar with Pink Floyd, the ‘Black Strat’ auctioned off at Christies in 2019 along with a number of other important Gilmour owned guitars. The guitar was purchased by Irsay for $3.9 million. In 2022, that price was beaten with Kurt Cobain’s Fender Jaguar from the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video purchased for $4.5 million. Both guitars were on display. The band along with Irsay performed at Farm Aid 2023 and the ‘Black Strat’ was used by Shepherd on  “Have a Cigar” sung by Nucci and “Comfortably Numb” sung by Bukovac. To top if off the performance included a Pink Floyd style laser show. 

The next guest would be one of half of the Wilson sisters of Heart, one of the greatest voices in Rock N’ Roll,  Ann Wilson. Wilson was set to perform three songs including Led Zeppelin’s “Rock N’ Roll” which was cut from the set. Wilson performed a cover of The Who’s “Love Reign Over Me” and Heart’s “Barracuda.” Heart performed their first shows in four years this past December. In 2022 Wilson performed several shows along with Jeff Beck and ZZ Top.  Wilson performed “Barracuda” with the band at Farm Aid last year. 

 The third guest would be REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin who joked about having to perform after Ann Willson. Cronin joined the band for four REO Speedwagon classics and Branch added a harmonica solo to “Roll With the Changes.’ Second to last would be J. Geils Band frontman Peter Wolf performing five songs with the band. Closing the show would be none other than ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons for “Sharp Dressed Man,” “La Grange,” and a cover of Freddie King’s “Going Down.”  After the concert ended, the band along with Cronin, Wolf, and Gibbons took a bow. 

Setlist:

Down for Love- Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Damn Right I Got The Blues- Buddy Guy

I’ve Got to Use My Imagination/ She’s 19 Years Old- Buddy Guy

I Can’t Hold You Out/ Watch Yourself- Elmore James (Kenny Wayne Shepherd)

Blue On Black- Kenny Wayne Shepherd

(Don’t Go Back to) Rockville- R.E.M. (Mike Mills)

Superman- The Clique  (Mike Mills)

Have a Cigar- Pink Floyd (Kenny Wayne Shepherd w/ David Gilmour’s ‘Black Strat’)

Comfortably Numb- Pink Floyd (Kenny Wayne Shepherd w/ David Gilmour’s ‘Black Strat’)

Love Reign Over Me- The Who (Ann Wilson)

Barracuda- Heart (Ann Wilson)

Take it on the Run- REO Speedwagon (Kevin Cronin)

Keep On Loving You- REO Speedwagon (Kevin Cronin)

Riding the Storm Out- REO Speedwagon (Kevin Cronin)

Roll With the Changes- REO Speedwagon (Kevin Cronin)

Hard Driven Man- J. Geils Band (Peter Wolf)

Just Can’t Wait- J. Geils Band (Peter Wolf)

Centerfold- J. Geils Band (Peter Wolf)

Love Stinks- J. Geils Band (Peter Wolf)

Lookin’ for Love- The Valentinos (Peter Wolf)

Sharp Dressed Man- ZZ Top (Billy Gibbons)

La Grange- ZZ Top (Billy Gibbons) 

Going Down- Freddie King (Billy Gibbons)

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Forget Taylor Swift; these stats will shape 2024 for 99% of musiciansA new Luminate Year End Music Report is rightfully making headlines with its findings. Eye-catching stats like “Taylor Swift Made Up 1.7% of Total U.S. Music Market in 2023” make. Continue reading
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Mackie launch DLZ Creator XS, ProFXv3+ & MobileMix Mackies latest releases include a compact podcasting workstation, live streaming mixers, a portable PA solution and an all-in-one unit aimed at game streamers. 

This music venue in Rotterdam is “first club worldwide” to have moving DJ boothA music venue in Rotterdam is believed to be the first club worldwide to host a moving DJ booth.
The booth has been in operation at Toffler since its opening weekend in November 2011, but has recently garnered new attention due to a popular video shared on Instagram.

READ MORE: CES 2024: This device teaches your dog to play the piano

The moving booth allows for more space to be created as the club fills up throughout the night. It also means that even if it is not full to capacity, it will still feel just as busy as the space can be kept on a smaller scale.
After the Reel of Toffler’s moving booth caught our eye on Instagram (thanks to @techno.germany), MusicTech reached out to Toffler to find out more. A spokesperson for the club revealed that the booth has been operating “seamlessly” since its opening, and that it works via a hydraulic system.
“The DJ booth and the light and sound system at Club Toffler in Rotterdam (NL) have the unique ability to move back and forth during the night. In the early evening, the club has an intimate atmosphere, but as the dance floor fills up, the club physically extends, creating more space and intensifying the lighting,” they say.
“The hydraulic system, designed specifically for the venue, is a global premiere. It allows the club, located in an old underpass in Rotterdam’s central business district (Weena), to adjust its size by moving the back wall and the DJ booth based on the number of visitors.”
The movement of the booth “is nearly imperceptible” according to the Toffler spokesperson, due to its low speed throughout the night. The DJ booth also accommodates a variety of DJ equipment, from CDJs to Technics.
“The DJ booth is practically at the same height as the dance floor, ensuring that attendees at the front always have a direct view of the DJ,” they later add. “This feature helps the club remain lively throughout the night, maintaining a ‘living room’ ambiance.”
Check it out in the video below:

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A post shared by 𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤 𝙂𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 ® (@techno.germany)

Find out more about Toffler.
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NAMM 2024: The hottest rumours and latest announcements from this year’s showNow that Christmas and New Year are out of the way, a far more important date in the calendar – NAMM 2024 – is right around the corner. Yep, one of the world’s biggest musical instrument and technology trade shows is returning to the Anaheim Convention Center between 25-28 January, and we’re buzzed, if you can’t already tell.
‘But MusicTech, it doesn’t start for another week, why should we care?’ we hear you say. Well, while the show officially kicks off on Thursday 25 January, the biggest brands in music have already begun announcing new products in a bid to get some of your valuable attention ahead of the big weekend.
As such, you – the musicians and producers these products are targeted at – may very well be prone to information fatigue in the wake of the sheer volume of product announcements that’ll arrive in the coming days. But that’s why we’re here.
We’re here to filter out the info you don’t need, and bring you the biggest and most noteworthy product launches – and hottest rumours – from this year’s NAMM show. Let’s dive in.
Yamaha SEQTRACK
Credit: Yamaha
Yamaha has unveiled the SEQTRACK, an all-in-one device for all your production needs, with a staggering selection of tools in a portable format. Features include a step sequencer, drum machine, sampler, two AWM2 synthesizers, a reface DX-style FM synthesizer, plus a microphone, speaker, rechargeable battery and even an accompanying app.
Producers have already noted visual similarities between the SEQTRACK and Teenage Engineering’s OP-1 and OP-Z, but at only £447.60/€478.80/$599, it’s markedly more wallet-friendly.
Read more about the Yamaha SEQTRACK
NAMM 2024: MOTU’s 828 audio interface receives “complete redesign”
Credit: MOTU
The 828 has been a favourite in professional studios since the first model was launched in 2001, thanks to its connectivity options, reliable performance, and industry-standard compatibility. Since then, we’ve witnessed MK2 and MK3 versions launched, followed by the Thunderbolt-compatible 828x and the 828es, which draws on MOTU’s own AVB (audio video bridging) technology.
Now, just in time for NAMM 2024, MOTU has gifted us with a “complete redesign” of the 828. It looks to be a complete refresh, hence the simple ‘828’ name, as opposed to being the 828 MK4 or another version.
Read more about the MOTU 828
Dtronics DT-303 is an FX box built to beef up 303 basslines
Credit: Dtronics
Dtronics has launched the DT-303, a compact little device that has one goal: to beef up 303 basslines. That’s the Roland TB-303 and Dinsync RE 303.
Tiny but deadly, the small pedal consists of three knobs that will hyper-charge and distort the 303’s sound, allowing you to fine-tune the level of distortion, filter and volume.
Read more about the Dtronics DT-303
The post NAMM 2024: The hottest rumours and latest announcements from this year’s show appeared first on MusicTech.

NAMM 2024: Yamaha unveils SEQTRACK, an all-in-one music creation station for composing and performing anywhereNAMM 2024: Yamaha has unveiled the SEQTRACK, a compact one-stop shop for all your production needs, with a staggering selection of tools in a portable format.
Equipped with a step sequencer, drum machine, sampler, two AWM2 synthesizers, a reface DX-style FM synthesizer, plus a microphone, speaker, rechargeable battery and even an accompanying app, the SEQTRACK positions itself as an all-in-one solution for producers on the go.

READ MORE: NAMM 2024: Dtronics DT-303 is an FX box built to beef up 303 basslines

The SEQTRACK is essentially split into three sections: the drum machine sits on the left, the synth and sample is in the middle, and the section on the right is in charge of sound design and effects, with pitch, volume, pan, attack, decay and filter knobs.
The drum section consists of seven tracks – kick, snare, clap, two hi-hats and two percussion sounds – which can be programmed from the devices 2,000-sound sample library, or with custom samples, which the user can record using the built-in microphone.
Additionally, users can switch all three sections between mono, poly and chord modes, while the seven keys can be played in a standard keyboard mode or with the addition of an arpeggiator.

While the SEQTRACK sound library already consists of over 2,000 sounds and virtual instruments, that’s set to expand with each new sound pack released in the future.
As mentioned previously, the SEQTRACK comes with an accompanying app, which will allow even further, more intricate adjustments to take place. This free app will also include an intuitive visualiser, allowing users to create stunning visuals to compliment their tracks.
With its lack of screen display, some have already noted visual similarities between the SEQTRACK and the Teenage Engineering’s existing OP-Z and OP-1 boxes. The SEQTRACK is markedly more affordable, though, something Yamaha was no doubt aware of when designing a new product for this niche.
In terms of availability, the SEQTRACK comes in either bright orange and grey, or a cool grey and black.
Yamaha will be showing off the SEQTRAK at this year’s NAMM Show in Anaheim, California from 25th-28th January at booth 300DE. The SEQTRACK is set to cost £447.60/€478.80/$599.
For more info, head to Yamaha.
The post NAMM 2024: Yamaha unveils SEQTRACK, an all-in-one music creation station for composing and performing anywhere appeared first on MusicTech.

5 Music Marketing Mistakes (most) Musicians make & How to avoid themThere are a few common marketing mistakes that might be keeping musicians from reaching success. Here are a few examples of how to improve any current strategies. by Chris Robley. Continue reading
The post 5 Music Marketing Mistakes (most) Musicians make & How to avoid them appeared first on Hypebot.

Indie Spotlight: Music and audio platform Music.AIMusic.AI is an AI-powered music and audio platform used by labels, tech companies, and developers. Forty million users leverage our tools to process over one million minutes of audio daily. . Continue reading
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Yamaha SEQTRAK: all-in-one production system SEQTRAK is a lightweight, portable production system that packs in a range of drum programming, synthesis, sampling and sound design capabilities. 

Techno DJ Reinier Zonneveld has developed an AI clone of his brainTechno wizard Reinier Zonneveld is constantly hunting for new ways to twist and transform electronic music. From cutting-edge tech to innovative live performances, the Dutch DJ is boldly pushing the limits of what electro has the potential to be.
And his latest idea is quite extraordinary. In a recent announcement, the DJ revealed that he has been working on R², an AI clone of his own brain.

READ MORE: Dutch DJ breaks Guinness World Record with 11-hour set

“Four years ago I started exploring the use of AI in my music,” he explains. “Fast forward [to] 2024, I developed an AI clone of my own musical brain with the help of a dear friend.”
Trained on 2000+ hours of Zonneveld’s own music and live performances, the AI clone is apparently able to intuitively conjure up its own electro beats in the blink of an eye. The model is unique since I trained it on my own original compositions,” he says. “It is able to play together with me and create music on the spot, suddenly opening up a whole new world of possibilities in my performance.”

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A post shared by Reinier Zonneveld (@reinierzonneveld)

While the notion of R² sounds wildly futuristic, it’s a sign of how intelligent artificial intelligence has truly become – and a sign of how it may play a key role in electronic music’s future.
The grand live debut of R² is set to be later this year, at Zonneveld’s Spaarnwoude performance on 17 August.
This comes just a year after the Dutch DJ pulled off a staggering 11 hours and 11 minute set,  earning a Guinness World Record for world’s longest live electronic music performance. He broke the previous record by 11 minutes.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Reinier Zonneveld (@reinierzonneveld)

The post Techno DJ Reinier Zonneveld has developed an AI clone of his brain appeared first on MusicTech.

Techno DJ Reinier Zonneveld has developed an AI clone of his brainTechno wizard Reinier Zonneveld is constantly hunting for new ways to twist and transform electronic music. From cutting-edge tech to innovative live performances, the Dutch DJ is boldly pushing the limits of what electro has the potential to be.
And his latest idea is quite extraordinary. In a recent announcement, the DJ revealed that he has been working on R², an AI clone of his own brain.

READ MORE: Dutch DJ breaks Guinness World Record with 11-hour set

“Four years ago I started exploring the use of AI in my music,” he explains. “Fast forward [to] 2024, I developed an AI clone of my own musical brain with the help of a dear friend.”
Trained on 2000+ hours of Zonneveld’s own music and live performances, the AI clone is apparently able to intuitively conjure up its own electro beats in the blink of an eye. The model is unique since I trained it on my own original compositions,” he says. “It is able to play together with me and create music on the spot, suddenly opening up a whole new world of possibilities in my performance.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Reinier Zonneveld (@reinierzonneveld)

While the notion of R² sounds wildly futuristic, it’s a sign of how intelligent artificial intelligence has truly become – and a sign of how it may play a key role in electronic music’s future.
The grand live debut of R² is set to be later this year, at Zonneveld’s Spaarnwoude performance on 17 August.
This comes just a year after the Dutch DJ pulled off a staggering 11 hours and 11 minute set,  earning a Guinness World Record for world’s longest live electronic music performance. He broke the previous record by 11 minutes.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Reinier Zonneveld (@reinierzonneveld)

The post Techno DJ Reinier Zonneveld has developed an AI clone of his brain appeared first on MusicTech.

Jyoty and Manuka Honey withdraw from Berlin’s CTM Festival amid alleged “crackdown” on pro-Palestine artistsDJs Jyoty and Manuka Honey have pulled out of this year’s CTM Festival in Berlin in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
The withdrawal serves as an act of protest in support of Strike Germany, which boycott’s German state-funded institutions after the country recently banned pro-Palestinian marches over fears of violence and anti-Semitism.
The announcement was shared through the Ravers For Palestine‘s Instagram account. The post explains how the pair will join more than 850 other cultural workers in the Strike Germany boycott, with many more apparently artists set to follow suit.
Other artists already involved include East African DJ Kampire, who expressed she “no longer feels comfortable” performing at CTM, as well as Dominican dancehall DJ Kelman Duran, underground EDM artist Van Boom, and more.
“In recent months, the German state and its cultural institutions have led an intensifying crackdown on artists – primarily Black, Brown and Jewish – expressing solidarity with Palestinians facing genocide in Gaza,” Ravers For Palestine go on to explain in their Instagram post.
“This month, the Berlin senate announced that artists and cultural workers will now have to agree to the controversial IHRA definition of anti-Semitism in order to receive state funding,” they continue, “a move which will further chill and restrict dwindling rights to political expression in Germany.”

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A post shared by Ravers for Palestine (@raversforpalestine)

The mandatory signing of the IHRA’s so-called ‘antidiscrimination clause’ has been criticised by many, with over 4,000 German and interational artists alike having signed a petition against the requirement. Despite claiming the new clause is a bid to quash racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia and any other “discriminatory expressions,” many believe the move restricts “artistic freedom”.
The strike has three demands: a focus on protecting artistic freedom, fighting against claims of pro-Palestine supporters being anti-Semitic, and combating structural racism.
Speaking on her own Instagram story, Manuka Honey clarifies that the boycott is not a swipe at the festival, but rather in support of Strike Germany.
“We are adhering to the call to action created by Strike Germany and boycotting state-funded cultural institutions… CTM is state-funded,” Manuka Honey explains, before adding that “collective action =\= cancel culture.”
Berlin’s CTM Festival have also released a statement showing their respect for the artist’s decisions, claiming: “we remain steadfast in our support of artistic freedom and dialogue. We are actively engaging in many conversations at the moment, and are committed to continuing these exchanges.”
“As a music festival we believe that art and culture provide valuable spaces for encounters and reflection, and remain dedicated to keep such spaces open to discuss and negotiate our differences with mutual respect.”

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A post shared by CTM Festival (@ctmfestival)

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