Spotify will not ban music made by AI, says CEO Daniel EkSpotify boss Daniel Ek has confirmed that the streaming giant won’t ban AI-generated music.
Earlier this year, an AI-generated song using the voices of The Weeknd and Drake was removed from Spotify and some of its competitors such as Apple Music and Tidal.  The song, titled Heart On My Sleeve, reportedly generated 20 million streams overall in under 48 hours.

READ MORE: Spotify launches new Daylist feature based on daily listening habits

Now, however, Ek has argued in a new interview with BBC News that there were valid uses of artificial intelligence in making music.
Despite this, he says that in the case of Heart On My Sleeve, AI shouldn’t be used to impersonate real artists without their consent.
Ek says that the technique of using AI in music is likely to be debated for “many, many years” to come. He says he thinks it’s acceptable for AI to be used as a tool to improve music, like with Auto-Tune, but considers the idea of using AI to create music clearly influenced by existing artists – but not impersonating them – to be more contentious.
When asked about the challenge the industry is facing in regulating the use of artificial intelligence, Ek responds: “It is going to be tricky.”

 “You can imagine someone uploading a song, claiming to be Madonna even if they’re not. We’ve seen pretty much everything in the history of Spotify at this point with people trying to game our system,” he explains.
“We have a very large team that is working on exactly these types of issues.”
Spotify currently doesn’t allow its content to be used to train a machine or AI model, the likes of which can then produce music.

Ek’s most recent comments on the matter come after the Council Of Music Makers (CMM) published five fundamental rules it wants companies to embrace when it comes to developing AI music technologies.
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What Is a De-Esser and How to Use It On Your Vocal
A de-esser is an essential tool for mixing vocal recordings. Let’s explore how using a de-esser can fix unwanted sibilance in a vocal. If you’ve ever recorded or mixed vocals, you’ve probably encountered the sibilance problem. And as we previously discussed, getting a good-sounding vocal is crucial when mixing a song. What is Sibilance? Sibilance [...]
View post: What Is a De-Esser and How to Use It On Your Vocal

The Loog Piano is a portable, simplified digital piano for beginnersLoog, a brand that specialises in creating small and simplified instruments for young musicians, has launched a digital piano, the Loog Piano, on Kickstarter.

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Sporting a stripped-back, colourful design that’s supposed to be both easy to learn on and inviting to play, the Loog Piano acts as a portable solution for new piano players of all ages, says the brand.

The Loog Piano has full-sized velocity-sensitive keys, built-in speakers, a built-in rechargeable battery. It also has a keen focus on making learning the piano accessible and enjoyable by teaching beginners to play via handy flashcards.
In terms of design, the Loog Piano has certainly got a quirky look and feel to it compared to conventional pianos. It’s a small, compact unit and features a bright red fabric top, wooden volume knob, and responsibly sourced wood for the case.
When it comes to sound quality, the example video doesn’t fully reflect this due to it being captured via the camera’s mic. What we do know, however, is that there is just one style of sound available – Piano – and it has been achieved through sampling and modelling, focusing on “attack, decay, and air in between notes.”
Image supplied by Loog
According to Loog, the Loog Piano also has “piano dynamics” to replicate soft and loud piano sounds. It is, however, missing a sustain pedal input.
Someone who doesn’t need the Loog piano to learn how to play the instrument for the first time is Jordan Rudess. MusicTech were able to sit down with the keyboard and piano player as part of our My Forever Studio podcast in April.
In it, he tells listeners about a ‘Brian Eno trick’ he and Tony Visconti implemented when playing the piano part for David Bowie’s track, Slip Away. This involves using two pianos, one upright and one baby grand, placed close together. The sustain pedal on the upright piano is taped down, and the mics are positioned against the open upright piano to capture its resonance while playing the baby grand, creating a unique sound layer. This technique was used by David Bowie and Tony Visconti during a recording session.
The Loog Piano is priced at $229 for early bird backers on Kickstarter. The retail price is $300.
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Dance duo Joy Anonymous’ unique rise to stardom captured in new documentaryBritish electronic dance duo Joy Anonymous feature in a new documentary, made in partnership with Brooklyn Brewery, that captures their unique, community-driven rise to stardom.

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Shot between London and Brooklyn, the film follows the past year through the eyes of Joy Anonymous – a year that included successful shows at Glastonbury and Coachella, four sold-out New York shows, and London headline gigs.
The documentary explores how the pair – made up of Henry Counsell and Louis Curran – established a dedicated following during the lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was during this time that the pair began playing pop-up gigs – called ‘meetings’ – with like-minded people looking for a much-needed dose of live music, at Southbank next to the Thames river in London. As a result of these street performances, they slowly built a community of fans, going on to release an album, Human Again, in 2021.

“Like Brooklyn Brewery, we’re part of a movement that celebrates people coming together, without barriers,” they say. “We’re proud of the music we make and the community we’ve built. If we can move just one person, in whatever way, be it physically or emotionally, then we’ve done our job.”
They added: “The brewery’s most popular new brew, Brooklyn Pilsner, is a beacon of joy, a crisp, bright and refreshing Pilsner-style lager that gathers crowds and fires up the good vibes. A refreshing crafted beer, Brooklyn Pilsner is a sip of the joyous side and a beer for everyone.”
Joy Anonymous are now set to embark on a tour across the UK supporting The Streets, before playing Australia and New Zealand as headliners later in the year. They just supported fellow collaborator Fred again.., who also delivered a stunning Glastonbury 2023 performance, for a number of sold-out shows at Alexandra Palace in London in September.
The documentary, Brooklyn Brewery Presents The Joy Anonymous Documentary, described as “a short film of creativity, diversity, and inclusion”, is available to watch on YouTube now.
Keep an eye on joyanon.com and brooklynbrewery.com for more information and follow Joy Anon via Instagram and Brooklyn Brewery UK on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date with the brand’s latest news.
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“Let your instinct lead the process,” says dancer-turned-producer DJ KarabaDJ Karaba’s route into dance music was not straightforward. The Montreal-based DJ/producer was once a dancer for the likes of Drake, Camilla Cabello and Selena Gomez. She pivoted to becoming a DJ in 2016, then a producer in 2020, with her acute sense of rhythm helping shape a blend of afrobeat, UK funky and house that draws on her Congolese roots.

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Her EP Souvenirs, released in August 2023, brings summer to an end in style, boasting four springy dance jams with influences spanning jazz, soul, reggae, and more.
We speak with DJ Karaba about her background and transition from dancer to DJ/producer, her influences from her multicultural heritage on her music, recommended Congolese artists for music enthusiasts, and her music production process favourite gear.
Souvenirs by Dj Karaba
Coming from a dance background, when did you switch to being a DJ/producer, and how does your dance experience help you as a musician/DJ?
I started pivoting in 2016. I was on tour as a dancer, and that tour was suddenly cancelled. It got me thinking about my plan B after dancing or if I would ever get injured. I sat down with a friend of mine, and we talked about the possibility of becoming a DJ. I enrolled in one semester at the DJ Scratch Academy in Los Angeles to learn the basics. Then, I bought my first controller, the Pioneer DDJ SX20.
I started producing four years later, during the pandemic in 2020. I wanted to make sure I felt very comfortable with DJ skills before starting to produce. That time during the pandemic was the best time to do it because there were no more gigs for DJs. I got introduced to my mentor, Stephen Ramsay (Young Galaxy), and he helped me with everything related to Ableton Live.
I definitely think that being a dancer has helped me with my music and DJ sets. My approach always has one goal: to make people move. So when I create, I always look at the rhythm of things and make sure it makes me want to move. If it does, then I know I’m on the right track.
DJ Karaba in her studio. Image: Courtesy of DJ Karaba
Your sound is a mashup of different genres. Who inspires you across different music genres that influence your sound?
That’s a great question because that’s exactly what I want people to say about my sound. First of all, being of mixed Congolese/French & Italian heritage has had a huge impact on the music I listened to as a kid. My dad would always play ndombolo, Congolese rumba, soukous, etc. My mom was a huge fan of Motown music (Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Barry White, etc.). So that alone has shaped the way I look at music, and there is definitely an influence of all those genres in my music. Also, when I was a teenager, I was really inspired by French house with Daft Punk, Cassius, Justice & Bob Sinclar. So I believe my music is inspired by this background of being a music lover of many genres.

Can you recommend artists from your Congolese heritage that music enthusiasts should listen to?
Definitely the two leading Congolese artists I grew up listening to would be Papa Wemba & Koffi Olomide. Also, another one from my generation is Fally Ipupa. I would also recommend this specific album called Racines by the group Bisso Na Bisso. This album is a masterpiece and was released in 1999, but I still go back to it.
Any recent track that’s been a hit with your fans?
Yewena by Afro Exotiq. No lyrics, just straight amazing production skills and an insane groove.

Where and when do you find inspiration for creating music?
I mostly make my music in my home studio in Los Angeles. I’d say I am most inspired when I’m in a mood, to be honest – most likely annoyed by something or someone or when I feel super vulnerable.
How does percussion factor into your music?
I believe it’s the essence of my music. I always start my production with percussion because, for me, I’ve got to have a groove before anything else. So percussion plays a huge role in my music. It’s definitely the leading element.
What’s your top production advice?
Don’t go into a production session with too much expectation. For me, I don’t want to restrain myself, and because I’m such a music lover of all genres, I prefer to lead the process with a feeling or emotion. Therefore, I just ask myself, “How do I feel today and how can I translate that into music?” From that point, I think that’s when you get the best results because you really let your instinct lead the process – that’s what music is all about.
Liking what you’re hearing? Keep up to date with all things DJ Karaba via djkaraba.com.
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Talkdesk conducts third round of layoffs in less than 14 monthsTalkdesk, a company once valued at $10 billion that sells software to help large corporations improve customer service, has laid off more employees — the third round of cuts in less than 14 months. A Talkdesk spokesperson confirmed Tuesday via email that it had made “limited headcount reductions in a few areas.” She declined to […]

Guy and Ian Charbonneau Record Eric Clapton's "Crossroads Festival" 2023Father and son recording engineers Guy and Ian Charbonneau recorded audio for Eric Clapton’s 2023 “Crossroads Festival” in downtown Los Angeles on September 23-24 at Crypto Center, utilizing the renowned Le Mobile recording truck. Guy recorded Side A of the main revolving stage aboard Le Mobile and Ian recorded Side B using the M&B Audio truck.

Pictured are (L-R) Ian and Guy Charbonneau with Le Mobile truck.

Performers this year included Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, Marcus King, H.E.R., Taj Mahal, John Mayer Trio, John McLaughlin, Keb’ Mo’, Santana, Stephen Stills, Molly Tuttle, ZZ Top and many others. In addition to Le Mobile and M&B activity, Ian’s new company The Recording Project recorded the two foreground C and D satellite stages with his custom remote recording system. While the revolving stage full bands were setting up, short solo performances took place with Sheryl Crow, Eric Gales and Gary Clark Jr. In addition to recording the entire event, mixing was also done for live pay-per-view broadcast streaming in support of the Crossroads Centre Antigua Addiction Recovery Center. 

Having worked for 30+ years with his father Guy and Le Mobile remote recording truck, Ian recently founded The Recording Project and created his unique fly-pack portable recording system, which can be loaded into a few cases and checked as baggage on any airline. With his new mobile system, Ian has already recorded concerts with Imagine Dragons, Melissa Etheridge, Macklemore, Dua Lipa, Khalid, and Jack Harlow, to name a few.

Pictured is Ian Charbonneau with his remote mobile fly-pack recording system.

Ian explains, “My new system consists of a DirectOut Technologies, MC Prodigy modular audio converter loaded with 64-channels of high quality MicHD preamps packaged in a custom rack with all inputs on the back side. It allows for 48 or 96K recording. The converter / preamp connects via Fiber cable to (2) Avid Madi Pro Tools system for redundancy.”

For 50 years, Guy Charbonneau’s Le Mobile has been recognized as one of the heavyweights in the remote mobile recording industry. At the heart of Le Mobile is a legendary, impeccably maintained, Neve 8058 console.

For more info about The Recording Project visit: therecordingproject.com/about.html

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Eric Clapton performs onstage during Day 1 of Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival at Crypto.com Arena on September 23, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Crossroads Guitar Festival)

Nomura’s Laser Digital receives in-principal approval for operations in Abu DhabiThe Japanese bank joins a rapidly growing number of digital asset firms operating in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the United Arab Emirates.

Waves MetaFilter Is FREE Until September 30th!
Waves Audio and Black Octopus Sound Offer the MetaFilter ($149 list price, $29 sale price) plugin as a FREE download until September 30, 2023. Waves MetaFilter was offered for free in another limited-time deal in March this year, courtesy of ProducerGrind. This time, Waves Audio teamed up with Black Octopus Sound to provide the plugin [...]
View post: Waves MetaFilter Is FREE Until September 30th!

Live Nation scraps artist merch fees at its US club venues as part of new ‘On the Road Again’ programLive Nation will also pay artists an extra $1,500 per show to cover fuel and travel expenses
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Studio One 6.5 has arrived The headline feature of Studio One 6.5 is something which many users have been waiting for: support for immersive audio formats including Dolby Atmos.

Softrave Postmodern Lo Fi Hip Hop Drums vol 1 Sample library Postmodern Lo Fi Hip Hop Drums vol 1 contains 181 drumloops in 65-75 BPM. Suited for Lo Fi Hip Hop, Chillhop and Leftfield Lo Fi. YouTube/cB7qDBoNDPE Read More

Live Nation clubs drop merch fees, add $1500 cash in On The Road Again initiativeLive Nation today launched “On The Road Again,” a Willie Nelson-inspired intiative designed to help developing artists with the increasingly high cost of touring. All Live Nation-owned and operated clubs. Continue reading
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Primary Wave strikes ‘multi-million-dollar’ catalog deal with estate of iconic songwriter P.F. SloanPrimary Wave acquire Sloan’s publishing and writer’s share in his works, as well his master royalty income
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How music marketers can adapt to 3-second attention spansConsumers, including once loyal fans, are getting harder and harder to reach due to the rise in short-form content, but there are still ways to grab their attention. Let’s dive. Continue reading
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