Is Music PR Worth It Anymore? Can AI Replace Sync Music? (Ari Q&A Part 6)This week Ari answers more of your questions! If you’d like to submit to our next round of questions, please sign up to our email list.

Sontronics launch Saturn 2 Sontronics have released a new and updated version of their best-selling microphone that was discontinued in 2015.

Dave Lombardo Discusses First-Ever Solo Album, Favorite Drummers, Many ProjectsSeveral decades into his career performing with Slayer, Mr. Bungle, Grip Inc., Dead Cross, and countless other projects, drummer Dave Lombardo talks with AllMusic about issuing his first-ever solo album and the musical collaborations he continues to develop.

Universal Music Group wants an Associate Manager, Artist RoyaltiesIn this role, you will be responsible for all aspects of account management including income tracking, creating and managing artist accounts to ensure that we are accurately reporting royalties and participations to artists and third parties in accordance with the applicable agreements and licenses. You will also be responsible for accuracy in monthly royalty expenses and accruals, cash forecasting and partnering with label management on artists projects. This position affords the right candidate exposure to all aspects of royalty and participation reporting and to many key players in the business space. Apply at LinkedIn.

Speakers prepare to tell US House Financial Services Committee about stablecoinsFive experts will testify at a hearing titled “Understanding Stablecoins’ Role in Payments and the Need for Legislation,” with two of them releasing their scripts in advance.

Netflix will crack down on password sharing this summerNetflix’s long-awaited crackdown on password sharing is coming soon to the U.S., the streamer said on Tuesday.
Netflix originally planned to roll out “paid sharing” in the States during the first quarter of 2023. However, Netflix now says it’ll start rolling out the change — an update designed to convert account-sharers into paying users — a little later, on or before June 30.
This move is not limited to the U.S., either. “We are planning on a broad rollout, including in the US, in Q2,” the streamer said in its first-quarter 2023 earnings report. Alongside this announcement, Netflix also bid farewell to its 25-year-old mail-order DVD business. RIP.
Netflix’s quest to boost revenues by curbing password sharing kicked off earlier this year in Canada, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain. In these countries, Netflix requires paying users to set a “primary location” for their account. Going forward, if someone they don’t live with uses their account, Netflix alerts them to “buy an extra member.” Netflix says it will allow up to two extra members per account, and its fee per extra user varies by country. For example, it’s an additional CAD $7.99 in Canada and €3.99 in Portugal.
Speaking of revenue, Netflix fell short of analysts’ expectations for its first quarter of the year. The company said it brought in $8.16 billion during Q1 2023, while Wall Street anticipated a slightly higher figure — $8.18 billion. However, the firm reported higher-than-expected earnings of $2.88 per share in Q1; analysts had anticipated $2.86 per share.
Earlier in 2023, Netflix breezily summarized its paid-sharing update as a chance to clarify “confusion about when and how you can share Netflix,” but make no mistake, this is a crackdown. On Tuesday, Netflix played a similar tune, telling investors that the change “will result in a better outcome for both our members and our business.”
“We see a cancel reaction in each market when we announce the news, which impacts near term member growth,” Netflix said. “But as borrowers start to activate their own accounts and existing members add ‘extra member’ accounts, we see increased acquisition and revenue.”
Netflix ended regular trading with its stock price at $333.70 per share. After hours, the company’s individual share price slipped below $307, before rebounding to about $330 (as of 2:58p.m. PT).

Netflix kisses mail-order DVDs goodbye

Netflix will crack down on password sharing this summer by Harri Weber originally published on TechCrunch

Audiomovers INJECT INJECT communicates with any of a system's audio devices and allows DAW users to easily route audio in and out of DAW channels with no need to switch DAW Playback engine. Whether it's a... Read More

Music live stream platform Mandolin to shut downMusic live stream platform Mandolin is winding down operations, the company said in an email to users Tuesday. Mandolin, which won awards for innovations in fan livestream engagement, launched early. Continue reading
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BMG integrates frontline and catalog recordings businessesThe change means that Fred Casimir, EVP Global Repertoire, will now lead a team of around 90, responsible for marketing recordings around the world
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50 Best Boat Songs: Enjoy The Water (With Video!)We just had a week of 90-degree weather up here in Michigan (followed shortly by a week of 30-degree weather, but still…), which means that summer is approaching! 

Up here, one of our greatest pastimes is to get out on a boat, whether it be on one of our many rivers, bays, or lakes. 

While enjoying the waves and rays, we need some jams to enhance our time, right? 

Enter this list of the best boat songs to help you enjoy the water even more! 

I’ll go into detail on my top 20 picks and then offer dozens of more ideas past that. 

#1 “Sailing” by Christopher Cross (Pop)

“Sailing” by Christopher Cross is a timeless pop classic that captures the spirit of adventure and longing for freedom. Released in 1980, this Grammy-winning hit showcases Cross’s smooth vocals and melodic guitar riffs, creating a soothing and dreamy atmosphere. The heartfelt lyrics evoke images of sailing on open waters, seeking solace and escape from the challenges of life. With its catchy chorus and memorable melodies, “Sailing” remains a beloved anthem that continues to inspire listeners to set sail on their own personal journeys.

#2 “Come Sail Away” by Styx (Rock)

“Come Sail Away” by Styx is an iconic rock anthem that tells the story of a protagonist’s longing for escape and adventure. With its epic guitar riffs, soaring vocal harmonies, and powerful piano-driven melody, the song takes listeners on a musical journey. The lyrics evoke a sense of wanderlust and a yearning for freedom as the protagonist dreams of setting sail to unknown destinations. “Come Sail Away” is a timeless rock classic that continues to captivate audiences with its emotive storytelling and majestic musicality.

#3 “The Boat That I Row” by Lulu (Pop)

“The Boat That I Row” is a pop song by Scottish singer Lulu. Released in 1967, it features an upbeat melody and Lulu’s soulful vocals. The lyrics depict a confident and determined protagonist who navigates through life with independence and self-assurance, comparing her journey to rowing a boat. The song’s catchy chorus and Lulu’s powerful performance make it an enduring and iconic pop hit, showcasing her talent as a dynamic and charismatic vocalist. “The Boat That I Row” remains a beloved classic that continues to captivate audiences with its catchy melody and empowering message.

#4 “Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding (R&B/Soul)

“Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding is a timeless R&B/Soul classic that was released posthumously in 1968. It features Redding’s soulful vocals and a laid-back groove with memorable whistling melodies. The song reflects on longing and loneliness, with lyrics that capture the bittersweet emotions of watching the tide roll away while waiting for something that may never come. With its unforgettable hooks and emotive performance, “Dock of the Bay” remains a beloved song that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences with its soulful sound.

#5 “I’m On a Boat” by The Lonely Island feat. T-Pain (Comedy Rap)

“I’m On a Boat” by The Lonely Island feat. T-Pain is a comedic rap song that humorously celebrates the joy of being on a boat. With catchy beats, clever wordplay, and exaggerated braggadocio, the song pokes fun at rap tropes while reveling in the absurdity of the situation. T-Pain’s auto-tuned vocals add to the comedic effect, making it a hilarious and memorable song that’s perfect for a lighthearted, comedic mood. It quickly became a viral hit and continues to be a favorite among comedy rap enthusiasts for its playful and entertaining lyrics.

#6 “Boat Drinks” by Jimmy Buffett (Country/Pop)

“Boat Drinks” by Jimmy Buffett is a catchy country/pop song that captures the carefree spirit of life by the water. With its laid-back vibes, playful lyrics, and infectious melody, the song is a quintessential anthem for those who love to unwind on a boat with their favorite drink in hand. Buffett’s signature blend of country, pop, and tropical influences creates a feel-good atmosphere that makes you want to kick back, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life on the water. “Boat Drinks” is a classic Jimmy Buffett track that transports listeners to a sunny, beachy paradise with its breezy melodies and toe-tapping rhythm.

#7 “Orinoco Flow” by Enya (New Age/Pop)

“Orinoco Flow” by Enya is a captivating blend of New Age and Pop music that transports listeners on a soothing musical journey. With its dreamy melodies, ethereal vocals, and lush instrumentation, the song evokes a sense of tranquility and adventure. Enya’s enchanting voice floats effortlessly over the mesmerizing music, creating a sense of serenity and escape. “Orinoco Flow” is a timeless and evocative composition that has captivated audiences with its mystical and otherworldly allure, making it a beloved classic in the genre of New Age and Pop music.

#8 “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot (Folk)

“The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot is a haunting folk ballad that tells the tragic story of the 1975 shipwreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior. With its mournful melodies and poignant lyrics, the song paints a vivid picture of the perilous journey and the crew’s fateful fate. The most memorable quote from the song, “The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down,” has become iconic, capturing the enduring impact and legacy of this tragic event. Lightfoot’s emotive vocals and masterful storytelling make “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” a timeless and unforgettable folk masterpiece.

#9 “Sloop John B” by The Beach Boys (Pop/Rock)

“Sloop John B” by The Beach Boys is a catchy and upbeat Pop/Rock tune that showcases the band’s signature harmonies and vocal prowess. Inspired by a traditional folk song, the track’s most memorable quote, “This is the worst trip I’ve ever been on,” reflects the song’s narrative about a troubled sailing trip. With its infectious melodies and tight vocal harmonies, “Sloop John B” has become a timeless classic that captures the carefree spirit of the beach and the joy of singing along to a catchy tune.

#10 “Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin (Pop)

“Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin is a timeless Pop classic that has been performed in various venues around the world. Originally released in 1959, the song has since been covered by numerous artists and featured in films, TV shows, and commercials. It has been performed in iconic venues such as the Copacabana nightclub in New York City, the Moulin Rouge in Paris, and the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas. Darin’s smooth vocals and the song’s lively big band arrangement create a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere, transporting listeners to a bygone era of glamorous performances in renowned venues across the globe.

#11 “Boat on the River” by Styx (Rock)

“Boat on the River” by Styx is a soulful and introspective Rock ballad that has been performed in various places, showcasing the band’s versatility. The song’s acoustic guitar-driven melody and emotive vocals tell a poignant story of self-reflection and contemplation. Styx has performed “Boat on the River” in numerous venues, from sold-out arenas to intimate acoustic sets, showcasing the song’s timeless appeal. Its heartfelt lyrics and melodic hooks resonate with audiences, making it a beloved track in Styx’s discography and a cherished gem in the realm of Rock music.

#12 “Boats and Birds” by Gregory and the Hawk (Indie Folk)

“Boats and Birds” by Gregory and the Hawk is a tender Indie Folk song with poetic lyrics and delicate acoustic instrumentation. It has been performed in intimate settings like coffeehouses, small venues, and open mic nights, captivating audiences with haunting vocals and intricate guitar work. The emotive and evocative nature of the song has made it a favorite among Indie Folk enthusiasts worldwide.

#13 “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” (Children’s Song)

“Row, Row, Row Your Boat” is a beloved children’s song that has been passed down through generations. Its simple yet catchy melody and playful lyrics encourage kids to sing and engage in imaginative play. The song’s timeless charm and repetitive structure make it a favorite among young children, who delight in singing along and mimicking rowing motions.

#14 “Boatman” by Levellers (Folk/Rock)

“Boatman” by Levellers is a Folk/Rock anthem that combines energetic instrumentals with powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics. The song’s rousing chorus and driving rhythm create an infectious and uplifting vibe, making it a favorite among fans of folk and rock music alike. “Boatman” is a spirited and memorable tune that captures the essence of Levellers’ unique blend of folk and rock influences.

#15 “Boat to Nowhere” by David Crosby (Folk/Rock)

“Boat to Nowhere” by David Crosby is a Folk/Rock gem that showcases his soulful voice and poignant songwriting. The introspective lyrics and melodic guitar work paint a vivid picture of a journey without a clear destination. Crosby’s emotive performance and heartfelt storytelling make “Boat to Nowhere” a captivating and timeless addition to the Folk/Rock genre.

#16 “The Riverboat Song” by Ocean Colour Scene (Britpop/Rock)

“The Riverboat Song” by Ocean Colour Scene is a high-energy Britpop/Rock anthem that oozes with swagger and attitude. With its infectious guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and powerful vocals, the song exudes a sense of rebelliousness and adventure. It’s a timeless and electrifying track that has become a staple in the Britpop genre, capturing the essence of the era with its raw energy and catchy hooks.

#17 “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (Rock)

“Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a timeless Rock classic that features an infectious rhythm, powerful vocals, and memorable guitar riffs. The song’s energetic and soulful vibe, along with its iconic “Rollin’ on the river” chorus, has made it a beloved anthem that continues to captivate listeners with its irresistible groove and catchy melodies.

#18 “Boat Trip” by Ziggy Marley (Reggae)

“Boat Trip” by Ziggy Marley is a vibrant Reggae tune that brings the laid-back vibes of the Caribbean to life. With its catchy rhythms, infectious melodies, and Ziggy Marley’s smooth vocals, the song creates a feel-good atmosphere that’s perfect for cruising on the waves or dancing along to the reggae beats.

#19 “Boat Drinks” by Alan Jackson (Country)

“Boat Drinks” by Alan Jackson is a laid-back Country tune that captures the carefree spirit of the beach and the joys of escaping to the water. With its catchy melody, twangy guitars, and Jackson’s smooth vocals, the song is a perfect soundtrack for kicking back, sipping drinks, and enjoying the sun-kissed vibes of a coastal getaway.

#20 “Boat Leaks” by Beastie Boys (Hip-Hop)

“Boat Leaks” by Beastie Boys is a high-energy Hip-Hop track from their album “The Mix-Up.” With its funky grooves, catchy samples, and clever wordplay, the song showcases the Beastie Boys’ unique style and wit. It’s a standout track that embodies their innovative approach to blending genres and pushing the boundaries of Hip-Hop music.

30 More Examples Of The Best Boat Songs

#21 “Boat to Sail” by Loggins and Messina (Rock)

#22 “Boat Behind” by Kings of Convenience (Indie Folk)

#23 “The Boat That I Built” by Tom Chapin (Children’s Song)

#24 “Boat on the Ocean” by John Butler Trio (Folk Rock)

#25 “My Boat” by Little Joy (Indie Pop/Rock)

#26 “Boats on the Water” by Gregory Page (Folk)

#27 “Boat Drinks” by Zac Brown Band (Country)

#28 “Boat of Love” by The B-52’s (Pop/Rock)

#29 “Boat Song” by Woodkid (Indie/Pop)

#30 “Boat on the River” by Baba Shrimps (Indie Folk)

#31 “Yellow Boat” by Julia Holter (Indie Pop/Experimental)

#32 “Boat Dance” by The Black Lillies (Americana)

#33 “Boats Against the Current” by Eric Carmen (Pop)

#34 “Boat Club” by Blood Orange (R&B/Pop)

#35 “Rock the Boat” by Aaliyah (R&B/Pop)

#36 “Boat to Nowhere” by Johnny Reid (Country)

#37 “Boat” by Minus the Bear (Indie Rock)

#38 “Boats and Trains” by George Michael (Pop/R&B)

#39 “Boat” by Yusuf/Cat Stevens (Folk Rock)

#40 “Boat Behind” by Lykke Li (Indie Pop)

#41 “Boats on the Shore” by Adam Cohen (Folk Rock)

#42 “Farewell to Tarwathie” by Judy Collins (Folk)

#43 “The Boat is in the Barn” by Built to Spill (Indie Rock)

#44 “Boats on the River” by Moon Taxi (Alternative/Indie)

#45 “Shrimp Boats” by Jo Stafford (Jazz/Pop)

#46 “Boat to Liverpool” by Nathan Carter (Country)

#47 “Boats” by Kenny Chesney (Country)

#48 “Boatman’s Call” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (Alternative Rock)

#49 “Boats on a River” by Peter Gabriel (Progressive Rock)

#50 “Boat to Nowhere” by Randy Travis (Country)

Tracy Maddux on how AI can positively transform the business of musicEven as the music industry struggles to contain AI-generated music, it’s essential to explore how it can also transform how the business runs from fighting bad actors to rewarding artists. Continue reading
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Latin music label The Wave Music Group inks long-term distribution deal with Capitol Music GroupDeal follows the news that Latin music officially generated more than $1bn in US recorded music revenue in 2022.
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Heavyocity Mosaic Neon Introducing Mosaic Neon, the next chapter in the acclaimed Mosaic Series line of virtual instruments. Mosaic Neon elevates a wide palette of quintessential synth sounds into dynamic, score-friendly... Read More

AI will transform music; the question is how?Every new technology goes through a period of being overhyped before the dust settles, and that technology either fades or builds steadily thereafter. Think 3D printing, VR, NFTs. In my 20+ years as a media and tech analyst, only three technologies have had a level of hype that felt like it was going to live up to expectations: 1) the internet (which was already in full swing by the time I started out – I’m not that old); 2) smartphones / apps; and 3) AI. Those technologies have one big thing in common: what they could become is ungovernable by its originators. But while it was human-power that unlocked that potential of the first two, it is the technology itself that is the accelerant for AI. Of course, people will amplify it as well, but AI itself is already creating many of the new pathways. The business, societal and even humanity implications are so vast that the implications for music are small in comparison. This, however, does not mean that they will not be equally transformational and disruptive within the confines of the music business. Which brings us nicely onto ‘heart on my sleeve’.

For those of you that have been on Mars for the last few days, this AI-generated track mimics the musical style and voices of Drake and The Weeknd. As Trapital’s Dan Runcie observed “[It] isn’t that good, but it’s an improvement from 2020’s TravisBott and other generative music attempts in recent years”. UMG’s response was to encourage DSPs not to host generative-AI tracks, and Drake himself was not happy with the last time a ‘fake Drake’ track did the rounds. Drake will probably be even less happy with this latest AI addition to the Fake Drake roster, which raises the question: will Fake Drake Break Drake?! While there are valid concerns from both parties, there is a real risk of this becoming an old world versus new world conflict, and in such scenarios, the new most often comes out on top.

AI is going to change the future of music. That genie is well and truly out of its bottle. Should more have been done by the traditional music industry to work with music AI companies earlier on? Of course, but we are where we are. So the focus now should be on trying to work out how to influence and shape what the future might be, through collaboration as much as (perhaps more than) enforcement:

We have been here before: The music industry was vehemently against P2P piracy (and I am old enough to remember that). After more than a decade of trying to fight it, the music business finally built an entirely new business around piracy’s successor technology – streaming. P2P infringed copyright, it took control out of the hands of the traditional business, and it created previously impossible use cases. AI is doing the same. What is different now is that the very ecosystem that streaming created (along with social platforms) puts AI into the hands (and ears) of billions of people, whereas P2P reached just tens of millions. Consumers will experience AI at scale before the industry can shape it. And in the digital world, consumers tend to get what they want.

Guitar or tape machine?: These two old technologies both reshaped music. One was about creating, and one was about copying. AI is a mix of both, which is what makes the response so difficult. Assistive and generative AI is already a mainstay of music creation, such as iZotope’s Neutron 4 and Splice’s CoSo. AI music is a continuum, from tweaking mixes through to composition, with virtually everything else in between. There is not one single, simple answer for ‘what to do with AI?’

Enforcement will be difficult: With the best will in the world, copyright law was not designed for AI. Music rightsholders will do their best to apply existing law, but they will face challenges in doing so. Meanwhile, there will simply be too much output to effectively pursue plagiarism cases, which take time and ultimately depend on the personal interpretation of non-expert judges and juries. If you think 100,000 tracks being uploaded per day to streaming now is a problem, when generative AI goes mainstream among consumers (which it most likely will), the number of new ‘songs’ created daily could easily be a hundred times that – perhaps even a thousand. 

Focus on the input not the output: So, the most scalable solution for music rightsholders will be to fix the problem at the top, by ensuring that generative AI tools only learn from what they have permission to learn from. ‘heart on my sleeve’ can only sound like Drake and The Weeknd because the tech learned from theirmusic. A number of generative-AI companies already only learn from selective, pre-authorised datasets. If this becomes the norm then an entire new licensing opportunity emerges for music rightsholders. Artists and songwriters will likely need to consent first, similar to how sync works. The alternative (trying to license and / or collect royalties on the millions, billions or trillions of songs that will be created) would be a fool’s errand.

The reason why AI feels so frightening to much of the music business is not just because of what it is, but also because it is a catalyst for pre-existing market shifts. The last half decade was characterised by the rise of non-traditional music, in the shape of ‘fake artists’, mood music, and independent artists. All of which have eaten into the market share of traditional music companies and creators. 

Streaming’s finite royalty pot makes revenue a zero sum game. Whatever may be done to try to ‘formalise’ AI music, it is almost certainly going to accelerate the fragmentation paradigm shift, by putting music creation in the hands of consumers. Radiohead once sang that “anyone can play guitar”. In practice, most people cannot, and do not. But literally anyone can ‘play’ AI.

There is growing concern among investors that this will mean market share erosion for the majors (and it probably will), but there is still a play for traditional labels and publishers, by licensing AI at the top. In doing so, they can benefit from the shift, just in the same way that major labels benefit from the rise of independent labels and artists through owning distribution platforms. That opportunity, though, requires the right approach and for it to be taken fast. The time is now.

I will leave the final words to President Biden, whose comments on AI as a whole apply just as neatly to AI in music:

“Look what’s happening with artificial intelligence right now. It poses enormous promise and enormous concern. Our world stands at an inflection point. The choices we make today are literally going to determine the future of this world.”

How to get started in Sync Licensing and why it’s so importantHaulix Daily explains how important is for musicians should try to get their music synced and how to do it. by Ashley Di Buduo of Haulix Hey there, music lovers!. Continue reading
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