Full Bucket Music releases Paralogy, a FREE Crumar Trilogy plugin
Full Bucket Music has released Paralogy, a free paraphonic synth plugin inspired by the Crumar Trilogy. 2026 is off to a very good start in the free plugin world. After plugin giveaways from Universal Audio, Waves Audio, and Canvas Audio, one of my favorite indie developers, Full Bucket Music, has released another free instrument. Paralogy [...]
View post: Full Bucket Music releases Paralogy, a FREE Crumar Trilogy plugin

Who gets to inherit the stars? A space ethicist on what we’re not talking aboutWhile it's easy to romanticize space as an escape to a pristine frontier where people will float weightlessly among the stars, it’s worth remembering there are no oceans or mountains or chirpy birds in space. It's “not nice up there,” said Rubenstein. “It is not nice at all."

The Journey of Finding the Right Press BrakePress brakes are invaluable tools when working with sheet metal, but along with their almost infinite versatility comes a dizzying number of press brake types. After starting with an old-school, purely mechanical press brake, [Wes] of Watch Wes Work fame had been thinking of upgrading said press brake to a hydraulic configuration, but soured on this after facing all the disadvantages of the chosen approach. Thus, one does what any rational person does and purchases a used and very much untested 45-ton computer-controlled hydraulic press brake.
The video first explores the pros and cons of the various types of press brakes, with the issue of providing a balanced force across the entirety of the press brake’s dies being the largest problem. Although various mechanical and hydraulic solutions were attempted over the decades, a computer-controlled press brake like this Gasparini PBS 045 that [Wes] got is probably one of the more effective solutions, even if it provides the headache of more electrical and electronic things that can go wrong. The above screenshot of its basic workings should make that quite obvious, along with [Wes]’s detailed explanation.
As it turned out, this about 25-year-old Italian press brake wasn’t in such a terrible nick, but needed some badly needed TLC and obligatory breaker testing to bring it back to life. While it doesn’t like you not centering the part, this can be worked around by specifying that the part is actually larger than it is. Although [Wes] got it working well enough to do some work with it, it still has some gremlins left in it that will hopefully be hunted down over the coming time and video(s).

Vessel Audio Sigma Engine VSTSigma Engine by Vessel Audio. The Ultimate Hybrid Workstation for Modern Producers. Elevate your sound with Sigma Engine, a powerhouse VST instrument engineered specifically for the next generation of Hip-Hop, Rap, and Trap. Developed by Vessel Audio, Sigma Engine bridges the gap between legendary hardware history and futuristic sound design—all while keeping your workflow fluid and fast. The Multi-Sample Advantage. Sigma Engine delivers unparalleled authenticity. Each of the 100 presets has been meticulously crafted using high-definition multi-samples. By capturing the original hardware at multiple pitches and velocities, we've ensured that every note—from the deepest 808 to the highest lead—retains the rich harmonics and character of the source machines. The Sonic DNA. Experience a curated collection of sounds inspired by the titans of synthesis: The 90s Era: Clean, "glassy" digital textures reminiscent of the legendary Korg Triton. The 80s Era: Thick, lush analog warmth modeled after the Jupiter 8 and Oberheim. Modern Synthesis: Cutting-edge, aggressive tones built for today's Billboard charts. Total Sound Sculpting. Take full control over your textures with professional modulation and shaping tools: Dynamic LFO: Fine-tune Rate and Depth to add movement or rhythmic "wobble" effects. Envelope Control: Use Attack and Release knobs to transition from sharp, aggressive plucks to atmospheric, evolving swells. Precision Filtering: Sculpt your frequency spectrum with built-in High Pass and Low Pass filters to create room for your mix or add lo-fi grit. Built-In FX Suite. Polish your sound without reaching for external plugins: Chorus & Delay: Add width, movement, and rhythmic depth. Reverb: From tight rooms to massive, ethereal spaces. Distortion: Add heat, saturation, and "sauce" to your 808s and leads. Light on Resources, Heavy on Sound. Stop freezing tracks and bouncing to audio. Sigma Engine is optimized for Low CPU Usage, allowing you to load multiple instances across your project without taxing your system. It's built for stability, ensuring your creativity never hits a technical wall. The Full Toolkit for Modern Hits. Low End: Earth-shaking 808s, gritty Synth Basslines, and organic Acoustic Basses. Atmosphere: Lush Pads and cinematic Strings. Melodics: Piercing Leads, soulful Keys, and crisp Plucks. Stop searching for the right sound and start creating it. Unlock the power of Sigma Engine today. Read More

Yamaha launch MGX Mixers, URX Interfaces & CC1 Controller Yamaha are geared up for an eventful NAMM Show, with not one but three new product launches planned for their pro-audio line-up.

Nord unveil the Electro 7 Combining Nord's latest piano technology with the Organ and Rotary Speaker features from the Nord Organ 3, the Electro 7 promises to deliver exceptional versatility in a lightweight footprint.

Let's Spend the Night Together: Mick Rock, David Bowie and the 'Don't Dream it, Be it' EthosTim Curry on set of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' - copyright Mick Rock

When Tim Curry strutted onto the big screen in a black garter belt, shimmering corset top, spiked stilettos and ruby red lipstick, it was a mindset-shifting moment in pop culture. Even those who initially disregarded the low-budget musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show as trash, had to admit the imagery in it was pretty unforgettable. Its catchy songs and sexy stylings seemed destined to be iconic from the start. 

Fifty years after its release, the film’s celebration of individuality, sexual freedom and freak-dom resonates more than ever. In celebration of the anniversary, Los Angeles definitely paid homage in significant ways last year, from panels and Q&A’s with stars (at The Roxy, The Academy Museum and The Grammy Museum) to special screenings, the most memorable of which brought a real time warp to Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s Cinespia and a surprise visit from a wheelchair bound but still bitingly droll Curry and alongside co-star Barry Bostwick aka “Brad,” plus the famed group, Sins O’ the Flesh (who got their start enacting the film at The Nuart theater in L.A.) doing choreo in front of the giant outdoor screen.  

Alaska Thunderfuck at FAB LA - by Steve Lucero for FAB LA

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS

A marvelous display took place in December via the lens of legendary rock n’ roll photographer Mick Rock, who released a Rocky Horror book this year documenting scenes from the set during the making of the 1975 cult classic.  Rock, best known for his vibrant work with David Bowie, as well as various album covers for Iggy Pop, Joan Jett and Queen, passed away in 2021, but as his wife Pati Rock told us (exclusively), he left behind an endless treasure trove of images, both digital and on film. The Rocky book is just the first of what she says will be many more upcoming tomes highlighting the decadent music figures and cultural game changers he shot like only he could. 

Using the Rock book as inspiration, curator Kii Arens, best known for the LA LA Land Gallery in Hollywood, welcomed fans to his new DTLA art space, FAB LA, with a mind-flipping thematic soiree featuring Picture Show-inspired art by a who’s who of L.A. luminaries. RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Alaska Thunderfuck (who did a sultry sync on, what else?— “Sweet Transvestite”) and DJs Sean Patrick (Simon Says) and Chris Holmes (Paul McCartney’s personal touring deejay) provided the entertainment.    

Abhora Rules, Amy Doan and pal at FAB LA - by Steve Lucero for FAB LA

Designer Michael Schmidt (known for making shiny luxe looks for the biggest pop divas in the world, including Madonna, Cher, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Rihanna) made Ms. Alaska’s Curry-covered frock, perfect for her Frank-n-Furter frolic through the beautiful DTLA building. We should note that beyond dress-up, Alaska had a triumphant year with her stage show Drag The Musical making a splash off-Broadway in NYC and that she's the co-host of Hot Goss, one of our favorite podcasts of the year on the Moguls of Media (MOM) network, co-created with fellow drag doll Willam Belli. 

Fab fashion was called for at this fete, and Plastic God (known for his collectable digital art portraits of music stars, and recent collab with Hello Kitty, melding the Sanrio cat with legends like Boy George, Eazy E and Axl Rose); former MTV VJ Jesse Camp (now sporting a mustache!); Johnny Stuntz (hair stylist for Mariah Carey and Trent Reznor); makeup artist Darian Darling, pretty in Barbie pink; and Sugarpill Cosmetics' Amy Doan and partner Abhora Rules from The Boulet Brothers' Dragula: Titans 2; all delivered. Sequins, corsets and lip prints were just some of the Rocky references seen in the crowd.

Nick Launay and Jesse Camp at FAB LA - by Lina Lecaro

DATE WITH THE NIGHT

The plaster cast of a naked Susan Sarandon from the movie was the hit of the event. Nick Launay, a revered music producer whose worked with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arcade Fire, Public Image Ltd, Gang of Four, Killing Joke and Amyl and the Sniffers, to name a few, is the owner of the piece and the tale of how he came to acquire the famed “Janet” statue is pretty wild.

"We still had no idea what the statue was," Launay told us, revealing that a friend identified the plaster mold of Sarandon several years after he found it in an old warehouse. It lived at his dad's place but, "eventually I decided “Janet” needed to be in Hollywood where I currently live," he explained. "I had it shipped, and then restored to its original beauty by a renowned art museum specialist."

Launay who is currently working with Danny Elfman, also told us he's open to selling the priceless piece (serious offers only). Contact him via his Instagram if you're interested.

In a related note, a little birdie told us that the former Oingo Boingo frontman will be popping up on SNL with A$AP Rocky, whom he plays drums for on the rockin' new release, Don't Be Dumb and the first single, "Punk Rocky," this Saturday.

A moment of silence for David Bowie at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame -- by Lina Lecaro

THERE'S A STARMAN...

From his glitzy persona to his profoundly poetic lyrics, creatives in Los Angeles share a kinship with David Bowie that lives on to this day. Ten years after his death, tribute events are flooding stages big and small across the country in January. On Jan. 10., the date of his passing a decade later, several celebrations took place in L.A. that conjured the icon’s spirit in the most evocative ways possible. Angelenos have a special kind of D.B. devotion. The music industry is based in L.A. after all, and there are few artists who don’t count the chameleon-like performer as an influence, especially in rock n’ roll. 

Though Bowie once called L.A. his “favorite museum” –and he didn’t mean it as a compliment– it did influence him in many ways. It’s where he recorded most of 1976’s game-changing Station to Station and found a confidante in Rolling Stone writer and future filmmaker Cameron Crowe following an into from Ron Wood.

Still, his overall disdain for the city is well-documented. Crowe’s 2025 memoir, The Uncool, highlights the period of creative struggle and substance abuse before Bowie left for Berlin and entered his "Thin White Duke" phase, and as the book outlines with earnest dismay, he did not enjoy reflecting on his “lost year in L.A.” as its known, nor Crowe’s RS’s cover story from that time.

That said, things were different when Bowie received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Feb. 12, 1992. With wife Iman by his side, he was radiant and healthy, clearly appreciative of being recognized by the entertainment world, which always fascinated him and beckoned him to the big screen. He’d go on to make appearances in both 1996’s Basquiat and 2001’s Zoolander in the years that followed.

David Bowie's star -- by Lina Lecaro

We joined dozens of dedicated fans who gathered at the star – in front of the former home of the now-shuttered Knitting Factory L.A. music club, now an LA Fitness facility– to honor their favorite musician on the 10th anniversary of his death. To them, he was more than a music maker. He was a diety who encouraged fans to make art and be art and to express themselves "in beautiful ways," one of them said. They brought flowers, lit candles, and played his songs, culminating in a ritualistic circle around the star as “Black Star” played from a boombox. They all said they felt him there at that moment, and so did we.

Of course, Mick Rock famously captured Bowie, highlighting his magical Ziggy Stardust persona in the book, Mick Rock. The Rise of David Bowie. 1972–1973 (we'll never forget the opening party at the Taschen store on Beverly Blvd.) His Rocky Horror work was a year later, in '74, and very much in the same spirit, highlighting the outlandish expression ("don't dream it, be it"), androgyny and musical magic that still inspires so many to this day.

If you're in L.A., visit David Bowie's star in Hollywood and check out upcoming Bowie events this week including a Saturday evening tribute show from Music Connection-profiled artist Julian Shah-Tayler, a DJ-driven bar night next week, and the Celebrating Bowie tour at the end of the month, featuring members of Devo, Fishbone and Eagles of Death Metal, in February.

The Mick Rock 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' exhibit closes on Sunday, Jan. 18, but the book is available here. More info on the artshow here.

The post Let's Spend the Night Together: Mick Rock, David Bowie and the 'Don't Dream it, Be it' Ethos first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Snowflake, Databricks challenger ClickHouse hits $15B valuationThe $400 million round was led by Dragoneer.

Jam like It’s the 1980s With A Mini-IBM PCA lot of retrocomputer enthusiasts have a favourite system, to the point of keeping up 40 year old flame wars over which system was “best”.   In spite of the serious, boring nature of the PC/AT and its descendants, those early IBMs have a certain style that Compaq and the Clones never quite matched. Somehow, we live in a world where there are people nostalgic for Big Blue. That’s why [AnneBarela] built a miniature IBM PC using an Adafruit Fruit Jam board.
If you haven’t seen it before, the Fruit Jam board is an RP2350 dev board created specifically to make minicomputers, with its two USB host sockets, DVI-out and 3.5mm jack. [Anne] loaded a PC emulator by [Daft-Freak] called PACE-32 than can emulate an IBM compatible PC with an 80386 and up-to 8 MB of RAM on this particular board. The video is VGA, 640×480 — as god intended– piped to a 5″ LCD [Anne] picked up from AliExpress.
That display is mounted inside a replica monitor designed by [giobbino], and is sitting on top of a replica case. Both are available on Thingiverse, though some modification was required to provide proper mounting for the Fruit Jam board. [giobbino] designed it to house a FabGL ESP32 module– which has us wondering, if an RP2350 can be a 386, what level of PC might the ESP32-P4 be capable of? We’ve seen it pretend to be a Quadra, so a 486 should be possible. It wasn’t that long ago that mini builds of this nature required a Raspberry Pi, after all.
Speculation aside, this diminutive IBM build leaves us but with but one question: if you played Links386 on it, would it count as miniature golf?

Duran Duran at the Honda Center, Anaheim, CARock and Roll Fame inductees (2022) Duran Duran played the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA on January 8th. Duran Duran is 4/5 of their classic lineup with lead vocalist Simon Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, bassist John Taylor, and drummer Roger Taylor. Dom Brown has been the guitarist since 2006 after Andy Taylor left the group for the second time. It’s been nearly 45 years since the group released their debut album and to this day the group continues to sell arenas worldwide. This short run of seven shows also included stops in Palm Desert, CA, Las Vegas, NV, San Diego, CA, and Phoenix, AZ. This 20-song set included a number of hits like “The Wild Boys,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “A View to a Kill,” from the James Bond film of the same name, “Notorious,” “Ordinary World,” and “The Reflex.” There were also covers of ELO’s “Evil Woman,” Rick James’ “Super Freak” mashed with “Lonely In Your Nightmare,” with the last song before the encore being “Girls On Film,” combined with Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer.” They returned for a two-song encore of “Save a Prayer,” and “Rio.”

Photos by Alex KluftThe post Duran Duran at the Honda Center, Anaheim, CA first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

A1 Studio Productions Musical Saws, Grinders & Blades Sample PackSaws, drills and grinders. Aren't they music to your ears as well? Get creative with these cutting and grinding blades of all types. Unique experimental and special effect sound beds including percussive strikes from circular blades that produce chimey, bell and triangle like qualities. Processed sounds excellent for gritty ambient, drone and SFX textures. From high pitched, shimmering blade hits to low noisy rumbles, sounds like no other. Great for easy royalty free music and video production. Drop these into your mix or favorite sampler instrument and grind away. 17 percussive blade hits. 13 Chainsaw Madness. 11 Circular Saw Swirls. 16 Twisted Grinders & Drills. 15 Skill Saw Surgery. 4 Hedge Trimmings. 20 Saw Blade Ensembles (time and pitch warped). Expect bass enhanced saws, re amped chainsaws, swirling diamond blades and the unexpected. A total 312 MB with 96 one shots of 16-bit 44.1k WAV files sorted by type. Most have a fade in or fade out ranging from a few to 40 seconds or more. These lack a clear tonal center, key, or scale, making them ideal for creating experimental, atmospheric and interesting soundscapes. Ready to use samples you can further time stretch, pitch, chop, slice and loop into your own original cuts. Unusual sounds you could slip into any genre. Listen to the demo of just some of the raw sample files. No effects needed. Read More

Humble Bundle offers Make Music, Change Lives bundle starting at $1
Humble Bundle delivers some of the best deals you’ll find anywhere, and not just because the prices are low. Make Music, Change Lives is their latest bargain offer. We’ve had bargains like IK Multimedia’s SampleTank 4 Max V2 for $30, and Miroslav Philharmonik 2 CE for $1. But the best thing about grabbing a bargain, [...]
View post: Humble Bundle offers Make Music, Change Lives bundle starting at $1

IK Multimedia showcases ReSing (FREE) and a new expansion pack
At NAMM 2026, IK Multimedia showcased its free vocal processing plugin ReSing, alongside a new expansion pack  If I’m honest, when I first heard about ReSing, I had fairly mixed feelings. On the one hand, I’m a big fan of IK Multimedia; I think they get it right more often than not, and last year’s [...]
View post: IK Multimedia showcases ReSing (FREE) and a new expansion pack

Spotify is raising its Premium prices again for users in the USSpotify has announced that its Premium subscription price will be rising by $1-$2 for its US customers, depending on your plan. Estonian and Latvian customers will also face their own respective price hikes.
The streaming giant has been steadily increasing its prices over the last 3 years. Spotify first increased its initial $9.99 price tag back in 2023, with the following year seeing yet another hike to $11.99. Now, a Spotify Premium membership will cost $12.99 in the US.

READ MORE: Shadow library claims it “backed up Spotify” – all 300TB of it

Other plans across the service will also be subject to a price increase. Student Plans will also raise by $1, moving from $5.99 to $6.99, while Duo and Family plans will both rise by $2, now sitting at $18.00 and $21.99 respectively.
The spike in price comes after 2025’s introduction of lossless audio. At the time, sources claimed that lossless audio would be an exclusive reserved for those willing to pay for a new, pricier Premium tier – however, Spotify opted to make it available to all of its Premium subscribers. It seems increasing prices across the board was the compromise.
Alongside lossless audio, 2025 saw a slew of new features being introduced to Spotify. From AI Prompted Playlists, an improved Spotify DJ, and a track mixing tool for playlists, the streaming platform has been working hard to improve its service.
“Occasional updates to pricing across our markets reflect the value that Spotify delivers, enabling us to continue offering the best possible experience and benefit artists,” Spotify explains in its announcement.
In other Spotify news, as of 1 January, Daniel Ek has stepped down as CEO. Ek attracted criticism in the final leg of his leadership after it was revealed he had invested €600 million in AI weapons company Helsing, with some artists even removing their music from the platform as a result of the move.
In Ek’s wake, Spotify co-presidents Alex Norström and Gustav Söderström have risen to the top of the company as co-CEOs.
The post Spotify is raising its Premium prices again for users in the US appeared first on MusicTech.

Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern to retire at end of 2026CMA says successor is expected to be announced in February
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