Crypto-backed PAC scales back ad spending in Massachusetts primaryThe $189,000 in media spending to support Representative Jake Auchincloss marked Fairshake’s latest attempt to influence the 2026 elections with funds from the crypto industry.

Open AI’s Astra model is on the way—and very good at breaking into computer systemsOpenAI previewed the precautions it is taking as it prepares to release Astra, its newest, cyber-critical LLM.

Geranium Production INS Browser for LiveINS Browser for Live is a standalone application designed to make hardware synthesizer presets easier to browse, search, audition and use with Ableton Live. It reads Cakewalk Instrument Definition (.ins) files and turns their Bank, Sub-Bank and Program information into a named, searchable preset library. Instead of navigating hardware banks by numbers or repeatedly consulting a synthesizer manual, users can search for presets by name, select them and audition them directly on the connected MIDI instrument. INS Browser for Live can also audition presets using configurable MIDI riffs, with tempo and transpose controls, and includes favorites and preset renaming. For Ableton Live users, the application provides the corresponding Bank, Sub-Bank and Program values required to recall hardware presets from Live. Instrument Definition files are plain text files and can be edited or created by users. INS Browser for Live includes a growing collection of Instrument Definitions for classic and modern hardware instruments, as well as an AI prompt designed to help users create definitions from synthesizer documentation. Main features: • Includes 200+ ready-to-use Instrument Definitions (.ins) for hardware synthesizers and MIDI instruments • Named and searchable hardware preset libraries • Instant search across thousands of presets • Direct MIDI preset auditioning • Configurable MIDI riffs for automatic auditioning • Tempo and transpose controls • Favorites and preset renaming • Bank / Sub-Bank / Program values for Ableton Live • MIDI controller information when documented in the Instrument Definition • User-editable, open text-based .ins format • No Max for Live required. Read More

Sony Music Needs a VP, D2C Fan EngagementThe VP is accountable for the quality and commercial performance of D2C fan engagement across the roster, and for the relationships that make it work: with label marketing, creative and commerce teams, with the international marketing team, and with partners across The Greenhouse. Much of the work is proposing rather than deciding - the label approves throughout - which makes credibility, judgement and influence without authority central to the role.

The role leads a team of five to six spanning creative direction and design systems, design and production, D2C product management, and CRM and lifecycle marketing. The ideal candidate combines strong D2C product instincts, fan marketing expertise, creative sensibility and operational rigour, with a deep understanding of how fans engage with artists, music, merchandise and culture across global markets.

Apply via ZipRecruiter.The post Sony Music Needs a VP, D2C Fan Engagement first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

How Gold Plastic Syndrome is Killing Toys and Game ConsolesIn a recent video [Sqwerks] does a deep-dive into the problem of disintegrating plastic enclosures of Nintendo DS consoles. These original NDS handheld consoles have a metallic-like coating that appears to interact with the ABS plastic, causing yellowing as well as extreme brittleness and correspondingly broken hinges. Unsurprisingly, this causes the shell to essentially disintegrate the moment you try to disassemble them for something like a screen replacement.
While somewhat the opposite of plasticizer migration into ABS from PVC insulation that we covered before, the underlying cause is probably similar, with the Transformers toy community having come to call it Gold Plastic Syndrome (GPS) based on the fact that it were mostly gold-colored parts on these plastic toys that seemed to be affected. Over time the additives used to add a cool metal sheen and swirls to the plastic appear to interact in a way that makes the ABS plastic very brittle.
Although the underlying cause of GPS doesn’t appear to be known yet, the Transformers community has documented this happening since the late 1980s and into the early 2000s, with even reports that some toys from the mid-2010s suffer from this. Whatever the underlying cause of GPS is, the result is always the same, with disintegrating brittle plastic and often a powdery residue.
In the case of NDS consoles, replacing the affected shell with a third-party replacement is still a viable option today, with [Sqwerks] recommending this solution. For other enclosures and toys where the plastic effectively is the toy, it might be that all we can do is watch them slowly disintegrate until we figure out how to revert GPS.

Premium subscription streaming generated $3.1B for rightsholders in the US in H1 2026, up 7.8% YoYIndustry wholesale revenues hit $5.97 billion, up 6.9% YoY
Source

Golden DSP launches Silkbrush Reverb for $39
Golden DSP has released Silkbrush Reverb, a ducking reverb plugin for macOS and Windows, priced at $39 during launch. Silkbrush is designed for vocals and other lead sounds that need ambiance without being pushed back by the reverb tail. It combines a modulated hall-style reverb with built-in ducking, so you do not need a separate [...]
View post: Golden DSP launches Silkbrush Reverb for $39

Trinnov Nova goes immersive The latest update for the Nova introduces immersive audio support along with a number of other improvements and bug fixes. 

Rob Clouth’s Noise Canvas is a FREE spectral sound design tool
Rob Clouth calls its spectral sound design tool Noise Canvas “kind of like Photoshop, but for sound,” which already paints a picture of something more freeform and visually intuitive than typical sound design. Some of you may already be familiar with Noise Canvas, since Rob has been working on the free and open-source project for [...]
View post: Rob Clouth’s Noise Canvas is a FREE spectral sound design tool

Job openings in music tech this month: Major label studios, Star Wars, AV repairs, and moreEA wants someone to design sounds for the new Star Wars: Jedi game, but that’s not the only cool job in music tech this month. There is also a chance to really make a difference by working with people on the autism spectrum. Or even work with the next K-pop superstar at HYBE.
Avex Music Group – Studio Manager
Avex Music Group and its clients have touched on releases with Bruno Mars, Drake, Rihanna, and many more of the biggest stars on the planet. Needless to say, these artists and their collaborators have very high standards for the studios where they work. The Studio Manager is in charge of maintaining that standard. That includes assisting engineers and producers with recording sessions, but also managing calendars, maintaining appearances, and keeping track of all the equipment.

Salary: Unknown
Location: West Hollywood, CA, USA
Required qualifications: 2+ years of relevant experience managing or supporting operations within a professional recording studio, creative facility, or similar hospitality environment.
Best for: Experienced studio techs

Sony Music – Studio Manager, West Coast – US Latin
If the above job is in your wheelhouse, but a bit below your experience, this is a similar role at the highest level. Bad Bunny is leading a Latin music revolution, and so major labels are grabbing some of the best talent. As one can imagine, the biggest music companies are working at the best studios. Everything needs to run like clockwork.
Except, unlike smaller studios, this role requires hiring and purchasing. So, being an expert in equipment and engineering is also very important to know if potential candidates are up to snuff and if the studio actually needs that new mixing console.

Salary: $83,000
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Required qualifications: Experience in studio operations, production facilities, hospitality, or comparable high-touch environments.
Best for: Experienced studio professionals

NightBird Studios Fall Internship
Another LA studio is looking for interns, and it’s still a good idea for those looking to get in the door. Camila Cabello, Chance the Rapper, U2, Florence Welch, and dozens of others have worked out of this legendary spot on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. As expected, the duties are very much supportive. Going on runs, maintaining clean facilities, and resetting studios, but the people working there will be helping to create music that could live on for generations. A great opportunity to learn what it’s like to be in a top-tier recording facility.

Salary: College credit
Location: West Hollywood, CA
Required qualifications: Enrolled in a school program to receive academic credit
Best for: Aspiring studio pros, young producers

Crooked – Audio Engineer
Crooked produces over 40 different kinds of podcasts in its mission against authoritarianism, which means there is a lot of work for audio engineers. This position handles the audio process end to end. Testing equipment, recording the podcasts, mixing, editing, and sound design.

Salary: $90,000
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Required qualifications: 3+ years of experience with sound editing and recording equipment
Best for: Experienced recording engineers, vocal experts

EA – Sound Designer (Star Wars Jedi)
The next Star Wars Jedi game is on its way to consoles and digital stores. Even though the sound of lightsabers igniting was designed half a century ago, there are still plenty of starships that no one has ever heard before. How cool would it be to make your mark on the Star Wars universe? Two key things to note about this position. It’s a 12-month term. Once the sounds for the game are ready, services will no longer be required. Also, the position requires expertise in Reaper.

Salary: $104,400 – $157,400
Location: Chatsworth, CA, USA. Vancouver, BC, Can. Madison, WI, USA.
Required qualifications: 2+ years of professional game audio experience, preferably on AAA titles. Experience contributing to at least one shipped title is preferred.
Best for: Sound design nerds

Extron – Repair Technician
Extron supplies all sorts of AV tech, including speakers, amps, streaming equipment, and much more. Working with all of these different types of circuits, cables, and wire configurations will surely inform working on synths, experimenting with different modular patches, and it could even lead to some unique sample sources.

Salary: $28.00 to $30.00 per hour
Location: Anaheim, CA
Required qualifications: AA or AS Degree, or equivalent hands-on progressive and relevant experience.
Best for: Technologists

HYBE America – Studio Engineer
HYBE has been instrumental in bringing K-pop to the global audience, and now the entertainment giant is hiring all around the world, too. This position will be working out of HYBE’s studio, recording, editing, and mixing music for its artists, and also assisting with sound operations during their shows. A key element is understanding Korean. So, if picking up Duolingo has been on the list for a while, this may be a sign.

Salary: $73,000 to $95,000
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Required qualifications: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in an entertainment recording studio or commercial recording studio environment
Best for: K-pop heads, experienced studio producers

Jazz Hands For Autism – Administrative & Studio Assistant
This is a promising position for someone who wants to get started working in studios, and this role will make a real difference. Instead of just ensuring a recording studio functions smoothly, you’re helping people with autism experience the magic of creating music. This requires more fine-tuned communication skills than a standard role, but there will be an educational element as well, providing information to participants on how a real studio works.

Salary: Unknown
Location: Culver City, CA
Required qualifications: Excellent written and oral communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in writing and in person.
Best for: Studio heads, compassionate people

 
The post Job openings in music tech this month: Major label studios, Star Wars, AV repairs, and more appeared first on MusicTech.

Roland launch FP-40 piano & Piano Sphere app Roland have just launched a new digital piano that integrates with a mobile app in an effort to encourage returning players and hobbyists to get more enjoyment from learning and playing the piano.

Dithering in #musicproduction was quite an interesting topic. Every dithering algorithm has it's own color (or sound character), it pretty much depends on the material - sometimes truncated conversion sounds better if there is a lot of "muddiness" or "wooliness" in the particular mix, better to pick up by ears imho. Also 32 to 24, 24 to 16, 32 to 16 are quite different conversions, TPDF is the most neutral dithering though (triangular "white noise" kind of)

Release Title:
leave me to dissolve
Main Artist:
innferna
Release Date:
21/08/2026
Primary Genre:
Drum & Bass
Secondary Genre:
Electronic
https://publme.lnk.to/leavemetodissolve
#newmusic #Release #Music #indepedent #artist #Electronic

Release Title:
Вопреки
Main Artist:
Даня Юрк
Release Date:
11/08/2026
Primary Genre:
Hip Hop/Rap
Secondary Genre:
Hip Hop/Rap
https://publme.lnk.to/463944-
#newmusic #Release #Music #indepedent #artist #hiphop #rap

Release Title:
Asian
Main Artist:
VLCAM
Feature Artist:
EXE.CUTOR
Release Date:
08/08/2026
Primary Genre:
Dance / Electro Pop
Secondary Genre:
Trance
https://publme.lnk.to/Asian
#newmusic #Release #Music #indepedent #artist #pop #dance #electronic