Google’s best Gemini demo was fakedGoogle’s new Gemini AI model is getting a mixed reception after its big debut yesterday, but users may have less confidence in the company’s tech or integrity after finding out that the most impressive demo of Gemini was pretty much faked. A video called “Hands-on with Gemini: Interacting with multimodal AI” hit a million views […]
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NTERTAIN launches ‘The Art Of Being Latin’ Miami Art Week ExperienceEvent to feature exclusive presentations by Lex Borrero, Tainy, director Angel Manuel Soto, Storm Pablo, Sofia Reyes, Ahol Sniffs Glue, Vic Garcia & more
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NatLife Sounds Trance 90s-2000s For Novation Peak/Summit Trance 90s-2000s For Novation Peak/Summit synthesizers – is a first sound library dedicated for Classic Trance era. Here is 28 perfectly recreated sounds with a 2 Animated... Read More

On Tuesday, Paul Vogel, CFO of Spotify, cashed $9.3m in shares – 24 hours after his company confirmed 1,500 layoffs. Tonight, Daniel Ek has announced Vogel is out.News comes three days after Spotify announced worldwide layoffs affecting 17% of its workforce
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3rd Annual ASCAP Foundation Holiday Auction Kicks Off Online(Photo credit: Lester Cohen/ Getty Images for ASCAP; L-R Snoop Dogg, shoe artist Frankie Zombie and Dr. Dre.)

Top musical talent is coming together to help support the next generation of songwriters and bring music education to young people as part of the third annual Holiday Auction for The ASCAP Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting music creators. In the past year alone, ASCAP Foundation programs benefited more than 300,000 people, including 60,000 students from 700 schools. 

A range of A-list artists and songwriters from all corners of the music world have contributed items for bid including hip-hop icons Dr. Dre + Snoop Dogg (signed, custom Air Force Ones designed by Frankie Zombie) and Big Daddy Kane, pop stars such as Olivia Rodrigo, Selena Gomez and Reneé Rapp, renowned DJs Steve Aoki and Martin Garrix, indie luminaries Cigarettes After Sex and mxmtoon, rockers Travis Barker (Blink-182), Tenacious D, Papa Roach, Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi guitarist) Chicago and Josh Klinghoffer (former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist), songwriting legends like Paul Williams, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Desmond Child and Poo Bear, social media sensations Laufey and Paul Russell (“Lil Boo Thang”), country hitmakers Alan Jackson, Chris Stapleton, Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne, Jordan Davis and Carly Pearce, Broadway and film titan Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Prince of Egypt) and many more.

The auction takes place online at www.ascapfoundation.org/auction23 from today through December 14.

“We could not be more excited that the Holiday Auction is becoming an annual tradition for The ASCAP Foundation,” said Nicole George-Middleton, The ASCAP Foundation Executive Director. “It has been incredible to see the donations pour in from ASCAP’s top members as we work together to raise funds to support future music creators. It is truly a one-of-a-kind auction for music fans, and we thank our supporters from the bottom of our hearts for their generosity.”

The items on auction include autographed guitars, vinyl, handwritten lyrics, original song compositions written for the winning bidder, VIP tickets to awards shows, concerts and sporting events, meet and greets, personalized videos and more.

Additional donors include the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Gibson Guitars, the Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, DJ Flict and Los Angeles Football Club, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and acclaimed film and TV composers such as Natalie Holt (Loki), Michael Giacchino (Spider-Man: No Way Home, The Batman) and Lorne Balfe (Mission: Impossible films).

More information on auction items can be found at www.ascapfoundation.org/auction23. Bidding is open now.

About The ASCAP Foundation

Founded in 1975, The ASCAP Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting American music creators and encouraging their development through music education, talent development and humanitarian programs. Included in these are songwriting workshops, grants, scholarships, awards, recognition and community outreach programs. The ASCAP Foundation is supported by contributions from ASCAP members and from music lovers throughout the United States. www.ascapfoundation.org.

Michael Jackson’s first-ever studio recording released digitallyThe first ever studio recording of Michael Jackson’s voice has been digitally released, 56 years on from when it was originally made.
The recording session took place on 13 July 1967, when Jackson and his brothers took to Chicago’s One-derful Studios. Here they produced a song called Big Boy, marking the first time Jackson’s vocals were put on tape and the first recording from The Jackson 5.

READ MORE: Tom Petty’s Love is a Long Road sees 36,979% increase in Spotify streams following GTA 6 trailer launch

As reported in an exclusive by Billboard, fans can now purchase Big Boy (One-derful Version) today (Thursday 7 December) as part of two different “packages” via online music and royalty marketplace, anotherblock.
Available for $25, the “open edition” package includes the Big Boy (One-derful Version) digital track, images of master tape and agreements; downloadable song stems; and a digital vinyl B-side including Michael The Lover and My Girl along with their stems.
For $100, the “limited edition” package includes everything in the open edition, plus newly designed artwork and nine additional songs and stems from the 1967 Steeltown sessions. These are:

Big Boy (Steeltown Version)
We Don’t Have to Be Over 21 (To Fall in Love)
You’ve Changed
Tracks Of My Tears
Lonely Heart
Saturday Night At The Movies
Stormy Monday
Under the Boardwalk

As part of a partnership with Jackson’s mother, Katherine Jackson, a portion of the sale revenue generated from the track will go to the Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit serving Lake County, Indiana, where Jackson’s hometown of Gary is located.
anotherblock CEO and co-founder Michel D Traore comments, “As a passionate MJ fan myself, I was instantly thrilled about introducing this significant piece of music history to the world and expanding the narrative of Jackson 5’s early days.
“We engaged in numerous lengthy discussions about the recording, its meaning, history, and the optimal way to tell the story. In total, it took us about six months to piece everything together.”
Find out more at anotherblock.
The post Michael Jackson’s first-ever studio recording released digitally appeared first on MusicTech.

Independent labels ask Spotify to pause ‘blunt instrument’ royalty planA coalition of independent record labels has called on Spotify to answer questions about its revamped royalty structure and pause plans for early 2024 implementation. EU-based trade group Impala, which. Continue reading
The post Independent labels ask Spotify to pause ‘blunt instrument’ royalty plan appeared first on Hypebot.

TIDAL to lay off more than 10% of its workforceTIDAL’s parent company Block, Inc. has announced it will be making cuts – meaning 10% of TIDAL’s team will be out of jobs over the coming months.
“The growth of our company has far outpaced the growth of our business,” Block, Inc founder, billionaire Jack Dorsey, warned employees back in November.

READ MORE: TIDAL confirms hi-res FLAC streaming is now being rolled out across the platform

The 10% cut will result in roughly 1,300 of the 13,000 strong team being let go. 
“The team is going to be smaller than we are today by the end of next year,” Dorsey wrote in his notice to employees. The cuts will be determined “through performance management, scoping our work and restructuring to remove duplication and redundancy”.
“I believe it’s important to be upfront and transparent about all this, so you all can make your own decisions if you need to,” he expanded. “You may not be up for the uncertainty or shrinking our team, and want to leave. That’s perfectly reasonable. But I’d rather us provide the information than to work secretly in the dark.”
According to Block, Inc’s recent message to shareholders, Dorsey plans to cap the number of workers Block, Inc will take on. It will be “held firm at 12,000 people until we feel the growth of the business has meaningfully outpaced the growth of the company. We know the inverse is true today,” Dorsey wrote, despite the report also sharing Block, Inc’s third-quarter earnings that boasted a 21% year-over-year increase in profits, raising the company value to $1.9 billion.
Dorsey, who also founded Twitter and Cash App, has also made a hefty sum from his company Square. The software has reportedly processed as much as $46.22 billion worth of transactions, with Dorsey making 3.5% per transaction.
While the lay-offs may disappoint TIDAL workers, Dorsey believes it is in the company’s best interest. “Everything Square-core and I do will be done with transparency and straightforward reasoning you’ll have access to,” he concluded. “You may not agree with our decisions, but we’ll do our best to explain why we believe they are right.”
The post TIDAL to lay off more than 10% of its workforce appeared first on MusicTech.

Michael & Jay on how Spotify can improve Wrapped and help musiciansLike many fans, Michael Brandvold and Jay Gilbert enjoy getting their annual Spotify Wrapped. But they also see how it could be better, particularly in ways that would be useful. Continue reading
The post Michael & Jay on how Spotify can improve Wrapped and help musicians appeared first on Hypebot.

How Taylor Swift’s direct to fan engagement embraces Web3 principlesAnyone involved in music can learn from Taylor Swift’s success including how she and her team have embraced the principles driving the shift to Web3 and netting spectacular results. by. Continue reading
The post How Taylor Swift’s direct to fan engagement embraces Web3 principles appeared first on Hypebot.

Cymatics Releases FREE Memory Analog Chorus Plugin
Cymatics has just released Memory, a freeware vintage chorus plugin for Mac and Windows users. The inspiration for the plugin comes from the renowned guitar pedal Shallow Water, and it borrows its analog nature with subtle pitch fluctuations. Memory has a slick and modern-looking interface, with a handy visual representation of the effect in action [...]
View post: Cymatics Releases FREE Memory Analog Chorus Plugin

Sampleson HAPTIC PERC - Turn any object into a percussion instrument Turn any Object into a Percussion Instrument VST/AU Virtual instrument and Effect. Win and Mac. Make everyday objects (such as a jar, a plate or anything you want)... Read More

Audio Ease release Altiverb 8 reverb plug-in The latest version of Altiverb introduces support for immersive audio, Apple Silicon processors, VST3 hosts and more. 

Gift Guide 2023: 12 affordable holiday gifts for producers and musiciansWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. For more information on how this works click here.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… but you don’t know what to buy. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. If you’re asking ‘What should I buy for a music producer this Christmas?’ then you’ve come to the right place. MusicTech’s gift guide is rammed with twelve of production-focused present ideas that should steer you in the right direction.
READ MORE: We’re giving away a Roland AIRA Compact S-1 worth $150
Whether it’s synths for creating melodies, headphones delivering pristine sound, affordable, high-quality microphones, or even a robust field recorder for capturing the sound of Santa’s sleigh, we have something special for every music maker. Check out these twelve affordable ideas:
Gift Guide 2023: 12 affordable presents for producers and musicians, at a glance:

Artiphon Orba 2
Korg NTS-1 Nu:Tekt Digital DIY Synthesizer
Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator
Korg Volca
Sennheiser HD25 On-Ear Closed-Back Headphones
Samson Q9U cardioid dynamic USB/XLR microphone
Austrian Audio MiCreator Studio
IsoAcoustics ISO-Puck Set
Zoom H1n
Bjooks: Books on Music Tech, Artists, and Creators

Artiphon Orba 2

A fine stocking filler, Artiphon’s Orba 2 is a fun instrument that will keep a music maker of any level busy for hours. It’s an expressive handheld sampler stocked with over 100 instruments, making for on-the-go hands-on music creation. You could literally create and record a whole song in the park with no computer required thanks to its built-in speakers and headphone output.
Today’s best deals on the Artiphon Orba 2

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Korg NTS-1 Nu:Tekt Digital DIY Synthesizer

A nifty little synth, Korg’s NTS-1 Nu:Tekt is another small, stocking-friendly device. It’s a mini synthesizer and multi-effects system in a compact USB-powered design that you assemble yourself. Putting it together could easily make for a fun post-Christmas dinner activity once everyone else has fallen asleep on the sofa. NTS-1 is also compatible with the logue-SDK, so you can run any custom oscillator and effect content available for Korg’s Minilogue XD and Prologue synths, or, create your own. Price: $89/£85
Today’s best deals on the Korg NTS-1 Nu:Tekt Digital DIY Synthesizer

Check deal at Guitar Center
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Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator

It’s not a calculator. Teenage Engineering’s vast range of Pocket Operators are quirky pint-sized gadgets and sequencers packed with huge musical potential. Perfect for on-the-go beats or composing your magnum opus, these playful machines bring a whole lot of musical fun in a tiny package. If you’re looking for fun through synthesis this Christmas, a cute little Pocket Operator is a fantastic choice. Price: $59/£46 – $99/£78
Today’s best deals on the Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator

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Korg Volca

Korg’s Volca range are portable powerhouses. These compact synthesizers, beat machines, and samplers pack immense sonic capabilities into their pocket-sized frames. Offering diverse functionalities, from analogue synths to drum machines, they’re ideal for on-the-fly jams, studio setups, or sonic explorations. Versatile, fun, and creatively inspiring, Volcas are potentially the perfect companions for your producer friend or loved one this christmas. Prices: $149/£119 – $199/£158
Today’s best deals on the Korg Volca

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Sennheiser HD25 On-Ear Closed-Back Headphones

A classic for DJs, Sennheiser’s HD25s have been a mainstay in DJ booths for years – and for good reason. Renowned for their durability and superb sound, these headphones boast excellent noise isolation, perfect for DJs and studio professionals. With swivelling ear cups, they offer flexible monitoring options, while their lightweight design ensures comfort during prolonged use. Delivering precise sound reproduction, these headphones are a go-to choice for professionals seeking unparalleled audio quality. Price: $149/£119
Today’s best deals on the Sennheiser HD25 On-Ear Closed-Back Headphones

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Samson Q9U cardioid dynamic USB/XLR microphone

Perhaps you’re buying a gift for a streamer, a vocalist or a voiceover artist. This mic, heralded by some as the “king of budget XLR/USB dynamic microphones”, is a superb choice for those looking to record their voice for a number of different uses. You can connect it to your laptop, tablet or computer and start recording clear audio in a matter of minutes. It’s also built sturdily for the price, so it suits the hustle and bustle of the home or on-the-go recording. Price: $149/£119
Today’s best deals on the Samson Q9U cardioid dynamic USB/XLR microphone

Check deal at Guitar Center
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Check deal at Thomann
Check deal at Plugin Boutique

Austrian Audio MiCreator Studio

Austrian Audio doesn’t mess around when it comes to music gear – especially microphones. Well-built while delivering clarity in its results, the MiCreator Studio looks the part, is ultra-portable due to its small size and is robust and well-built. It’s got a satisfying and intuitive jog wheel, direct headphone monitoring, and USB-C connectivity. It accommodates additional mics or instruments like the MiCreator Satellite, perfect for music creation, live streaming, voiceovers, or online meetings. Price $220/£175
Today’s best deals on the Austrian Audio MiCreator Studio

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IsoAcoustics ISO-Puck Set

ISO-Pucks are small circular isolators that provide isolation for studio monitors, speakers or guitar amps. You place them under your speakers, and they provide isolation from the surface below, reducing vibrations feeding into neighbouring surfaces, also preventing the vibrations from reflecting back into the cabinet from the supporting surface. That means your producer friend or loved one can focus on the sonically soothing vibrations they create themselves, rather than any unwanted ones. Price: $56/£43
Today’s best deals on the IsoAcoustics ISO-Puck Set

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Zoom H1n

Does your partner record the atmospherics of the city when you’re on a date? Or perhaps you have a spouse pulling up their voice note app at any sign of morning birdsong? The Zoom H1n is a top-notch yet affordable handheld field recorder with a real X-Y microphone arrangement, 24 bit/96 kHz linear PCM and a built-in monitor speaker. With this, you can – potentially at the detriment of your relationship – amp up their field recording abilities with the Zoom H1n and turn them into a professional documenter of the sonic landscape around you.
Price: $97/£77
Today’s best deals on the Zoom H1n

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Bjooks: Books on Music Tech, Artists, and Creators

This gift guide is in no way just about electronics and studio accessories. A brilliant book, especially a book by the music production book-focused book brand, Bjook, can inspire and educate your gift recipient. If their music sounds like it needs some work, these books can offer valuable insights and resources for music producers, with some teaching even coming from the likes of Hans Zimmer. They explore diverse topics such as sound design, electronic music history, synthesis techniques, and the creative processes of renowned artists.
Price: $45 – $75 / £45 – £63.
Today’s best deals on the Bjooks: Books on Music Tech, Artists, and Creators

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The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

Rick Rubin is a revered producer, the co-founder of Def Jam Records and is generally a widely respected sage in – not just music – but various creative scenes. Rubin’s philosophies often emphasize simplicity, authenticity, and creating a conducive environment for artists to express themselves freely. This book, The Creative Act: A Way of Being, took bookshelves by storm in 2023 when it saw Rubin “distil the wisdom gleaned from a lifetime’s work into a luminous reading experience that puts the power to create moments – and lifetimes – of exhilaration and transcendence within closer reach for all of us”, writes Amazon. This is the perfect companion for the creative in your life.
Price: Hardback – $26/£20
A gift voucher to their favourite music store
Sometimes, money towards the next guitar, synth, microphone or piece of studio gear is all a music maker really wants. If you can’t quite put your finger on what they need, then there’s no harm in buying a voucher for their favourite music store, so they can go away in their leisure and buy that piece of tech that’s been on heir 2023 wishlist. With zZounds, for example, there’s the option to buy a voucher worth $/£25 all the way up to $/£1,000, so whatever your price range, you can keep a producer in good spirits this holiday season.
Check deals at Amazon
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Check deal at Thomann
 
The post Gift Guide 2023: 12 affordable holiday gifts for producers and musicians appeared first on MusicTech.