GRAMMY Nominations 2025: Best Progresive R&B AlbumThe 2025 GRAMMY nominations are here and we're going to help you to untangle it all right up until the big event, continuing with the Best Progressive R&B Album category.

Take a listen to the nominated albums below--who do you think will win?

See the full list of nominees in every category here.

BLOOMDurand Bernarr

Adjust BrightnessBilal

LOVE ON DIGITALDestin Conrad

Access All AreasFLO

Come As You AreTerrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon

Flo photo courtesy of Republic Records.The post GRAMMY Nominations 2025: Best Progresive R&B Album first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

This $1,800-value plugin bundle is just $69 for Black Friday – get it and you’ll never need to buy a plugin againWith so many deals floating around, Black Friday can often feel quite overwhelming. Thankfully, Plugin Boutique has made things easy for all the producers out there, and has curated an insane $69 mega bundle that contains every plugin you could ever possibly need.
[deals ids=”jhQFloZ37h1MQAvawIlRI”]
Quite frankly, Plugin Boutique’s official Black Friday 2025 Bundle is a staggering deal. Bursting with nearly 40 unique tools and sample packs, the original value of the bundle comes up $1,800 – and you can get it all for just $69. That’s a whopping 96% off the usual price.
The bundle includes a huge range of tools, from synths, to vocal processors, to effects, to diverse sample packs. There’s plenty of top brands included too, with plugins from Native Instruments, iZotope, Baby Audio and loads more.

READ MORE: Black Friday music deals 2025: The best early deals we’ve found on synths, DJ controllers and plugins

So, let’s get stuck in, shall we? Well, if we’re talking about synths, Plugin Boutique has cherrypicked a nice selection to include in this bundle. There’s Native Instruments’ phase modulator Kontour, as well as GForce’s versatile polyphonic synth, AXXESS.
DHPlugins also makes an appearance with its multi-tool rompler and synth, HALO-2 Lite, while ZAK Sound’s Arctic Spaces also boasts a slew of dual-layer synths, wavetables and arpeggiator abilities with 100 presets to toy with. Then there’s UJAM’s Usynth CORE, which offers its own healthy collection of synths.
If you’re hunting for some unique saturation tools, the bundle also includes a trio of saturation-centric picks. Singomakers’ Faturist offers a slew of saturation and distortion abilities, while United Plugins’ FireMaximizer is an all-in-one clipping, saturation and limiting tool. There’s also Brainworx’ bx_saturator V2, for those needing to tweak their M/S and toy with multi-band saturation.
Reverb-heads, don’t worry – there’s plenty of tools for you too. AudioThing’s Things – Texture granular reverb is included, as well as an ultra-intuitive Toneknob Stargazer one-knob reverb plugin from Audified.
The reverb plugins on offer also vary from ultra-vintage – like Wave Alchemy’s reimagining of the worlds first digital reverb, EMT 250 – to iZotope’s ultra-modern, AI-powered Neoverb.
Speaking of AI-powered tools, Stagecraft’s Simple Stems is also included. The plugin is essentially a nifty stem separator, which should make grabbing vocal tracks and any instrumental stems easy as pie.
Elsewhere, there’s a truckload of simulators and effects plugins. There’s Minimal Audio’s Flex Chorus effects tool, while Audiority’s PolyComp boasts analogue simulation abilities.
There’s also a nice selection of nostalgic simulation tools, with Karanyi Sounds’ Technocolor, Baby Audio’s Super VHS and Safari Pedals’ The Camel Strip all offering their own vintage 90s cassette filters, VHS-style simulation, and other unique tools.
Honestly, the list just goes on. From Kiive Audio’s S-Quick Strip mixing tool, to Denise Audio’s Bite Harder bit-crushing, to Tuned Plugins’ vocal sculpting Vocal Chain, to Pitch Innovations’ Rhythm Box sequencer, you’re sure to be satisfied by the variety on offer.
Oh, and there are also a slew of sample packs thrown in for good measure. From breakbeat jungle, to hardcore techno, to UK garage, there’s sure to be a loop or sample that will get your creative juices flowing.
On top of everything, there’s also a 1 month Artist Plan subscription for Loopcloud included. So you’ll be able to search through an even wider selection of over 4 million royalty-free loops, samples and pre-sets on top of the pre-existing sample packs – not too shabby!
All of that, and more, could be yours for just $69 – and the deal will be running from now until 4 January 2026.
To find out more, head to Plugin Boutique.
Check out the full list of plugins below:
Acon Digital – Equalize
ALM / Busy Circuits – MFX Echos
Audified – Toneknob Stargazer
Audiomodern – Gatelab 2
Audiority – PolyComp
AudioThing – Things – Texture
Baby Audio – Super VHS
BLEASS – Vox
Brainworx – bx_saturator V2
Denise Audio – Bite Harder
DHPlugins – HALO-2 Lite
Excite Audio – Bloom Bass Impulse Lite
GForce Software – AXXESS
Iceberg Audio – Beatgrader
Industrial Strength – Hardcore Techno
iZotope – Neoverb
Karanyi Sounds – Technocolor
Kiive Audio – S-Quick Strip
Loopcloud – 1-Month Artist Plan
Mastering The Mix – MIXROOM
Minimal Audio – Flex Chorus
Native Instruments – Kontour
OneZero Samples – Rare Jungle Breaks
Pitch Innovations – Rhythm Box
Plugin Boutique Presets – Serum Expansion Pack: Cinematic
Plugin Boutique – Exceed
Renegade Audio – Retro Funk Vocals
Rewind Samples – SKYHIGH: UK Garage
Safari Pedals – The Camel Strip
Singomakers – Faturist
Stagecraft – Simple Stems
The Tone Foundry – Late Night Drum & Bass for Serum
Tuned Plugins – Vocal Chain
UJAM – Usynth CORE
United Plugins – FireMaximizer
W.A. Production – Outlaw
Wave Alchemy – Dawn
ZAK Sound – Arctic Spaces
The post This $1,800-value plugin bundle is just $69 for Black Friday – get it and you’ll never need to buy a plugin again appeared first on MusicTech.

These hi-fi headphones we rated a 9/10 are $250 off this Black Friday[deals ids=”5TvRJGngIPgjiWNd35mQ3M”]
This Black Friday, Focal’s coveted Bathys headphones are a whopping $250 off at Zzounds.
Revered for its pro-grade studio gear, Focal has introduced more affordable headphones like the Bathys and Lensys Pro into its lineup. The Bathys, on offer here, are headphones with a wireless option, a wired analogue connection and even a fully digital USB-C connection providing up to 24-bit, 192kHz listening. Active noise cancellation is also on offer, with eight microphones to accurately capture your voice on calls.
With a unique design and several colourways, they’re pretty stylish, but it’s the sound capabilities that are most impressive.
The Bathys pack 40mm drivers with a 15Hz-22kHz frequency response, with a sound profile faithful to source material rather than imposing its own character. We found them to be impressively revealing – stereo separation, mastering decisions, even the loudness of heavily compressed tracks all come through distinctly. That transparency is rare among consumer headphones, which often cram all tracks into the same tonal shape. The low end is powerful and weighty, while the upper frequencies are pleasently articulate.
Our reviewer Hollin Jones said this about the Focal Bathys: “They straddle a line between premium consumer headphones – like Apple’s Airpods Max – and the more rarefied arena of audiophile hi-fi, where people consider paying thousands for a product. They could be an entry point to the audiophile world, for people who appreciate excellent fidelity but aren’t ready to go all-in with a huge investment.
“Sonically, these are gorgeous headphones…They’re a taste of the higher end of the hi-fi world without the full cost of admission, and with enough tech to satisfy today’s listeners.”
This $699 deal runs until 1 December 2025, so you haven’t got an awful long time to make the most of this deal.
For our other top Black Friday deals, check out our rolling guide. 
The post These hi-fi headphones we rated a 9/10 are $250 off this Black Friday appeared first on MusicTech.

This $29 UAD Minimoog might be the only plugin I actually buy on Black Friday[deals ids=”1zd8USgFULAmqYZktXiwOc”]
It’s overwhelming, isn’t it, all these Black Friday deals? $1,500 bundle here, 50% off there. Candidly, I try not to get pulled into the frenzy of it…but this $29 Minimoog emulation might be the only deal that actually wins me over.

READ MORE: Minimoog Model D: The legacy of Moog’s massive miniature icon

The Universal Audio UAD Moog Minimoog is the only official, Moog-endorsed plugin emulation of the brand’s legendary monosynth. You’ve heard it everywhere, whether you know it or not, and it’s an absolute essential for many of your favourite producers. The truth is, the original price of $149 has always been a little out of my price range for a Minimoog emulation, given how many other convincing plugins there are for much less. But at $29, this is genuinely attractive, and I reckon I could get my money’s worth after just a few beatmaking sessions.
In fact, after writing that last paragraph, I pulled the trigger — here’s the receipt of my purchase so you know I’m not BSing you. Deals like this really only come around once a year; the UAD Minimoog is only on sale at $29 until 30 November, so you’ll want to act fast if you’re anything like me.
Living proof that I succumbed to the Black Friday sales. Image: Sam Willings
UAD’s version of the Minimoog is really as authentic as it gets, replicating everything, even down to the historic feedback effect, achievable on the original hardware by looping the output to the input. Universal Audio’s version also comes with the same custom mods that some producers would pimp out their Minimoogs with, including legato, sample and hold, an additional LFO, and switchable note priority.
If the Minimoog isn’t your thing, there’s a boatload of other insane deals happening this weekend at Plugin Boutique. That includes 83% off IK Multimedia software, 76% off Sonnox plugins, some big savings on FabFilter essentials, and more.
Check out our full guide to Black Friday. 
The post This $29 UAD Minimoog might be the only plugin I actually buy on Black Friday appeared first on MusicTech.

Audio Assault adds three FREE amp models to Amp Locker for Black Friday
Audio Assault offers three new amp models for Amp Locker for free this Black Friday. Amp Locker is Audio Assault’s free amp-sim platform where you start with a small set of amps, cabs, and effects, and then expand the collection with additional gear. It’s a similar concept to AmpliTube CS. The idea is that you [...]
View post: Audio Assault adds three FREE amp models to Amp Locker for Black Friday

HoRNet Plugins Deelay stereo delay plugin is free until Cyber Monday
Hornet Audio has made its DeeLay plugin free again for Black Friday, and if you missed previous giveaways, this is a great chance to grab it. This time, the offer on HoRNet Deelay lasts 48 hours, and getting it is as simple as adding it to your cart and completing checkout. There are no coupon [...]
View post: HoRNet Plugins Deelay stereo delay plugin is free until Cyber Monday

From WMG’s Suno deal to Spotify’s reported US price hike plans… it’s MBW’s weekly round-upThe biggest headlines from the past few days – all in one place
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How to Book Venues, Plan Concerts and Market Live Shows & ToursWith as much as 80% of the typical musicians income coming from performing live, it's essential to do it right. Learn how to book venues, plan concerts and market live shows with advice drawn from Berklee College of Music's popular Touring 101 online course.
The post How to Book Venues, Plan Concerts and Market Live Shows & Tours appeared first on Hypebot.

Neumann RIME gets an update The latest version of RIME brings a whole host of new surround and immersive audio-focused features to users of Neumann’s NDH 20 and NDH 30 headphones.

Last Call: Only 2 Days Left to Prep Profiles for Bandsintown High NotesArtists, only 2 days left to get your profiles up-to-date for Bandsintown’s 2025 High Notes, coming out in December.
The post Last Call: Only 2 Days Left to Prep Profiles for Bandsintown High Notes appeared first on Hypebot.

The Best Black Friday Freebies 2025: Every Free Plugin & Sample Pack In One Place
Black Friday 2025 is here, and as always, we’re rounding up all the best music production freebies in one place so you don’t miss a thing. Please note that these are limited-time deals. Some last through Cyber Monday, while some expire later today. So if something catches your eye, grab it now. Let’s dive into [...]
View post: The Best Black Friday Freebies 2025: Every Free Plugin & Sample Pack In One Place

This free Moonscore sample pack by Ultra Caro gives you unique, etheral soundsAd feature with BandLab Sounds
BandLab Sounds’ latest soundpack is a collection of samples and loops by electronic artist Ultra Caro, and is based on her latest mixtape, Moonlight Diaries.
The French-born, London-based vocalist and artist spoke to us recently about her DIY ethic, blending ethereal synths, booming 808s, hyperpop vocals and shoegaze guitars, mostly made in the comfort of her bedroom and her studio in Hackney Wick.
“My vintage hardware is at home, but it’s nice to have two different environments to work on music in. I often get inspired in my bedroom at night still, and I use the studio more as a time to focus on mixing, or cleaning tracks, my samples — more for the ‘rational layer’ of it. I also use the studio for collaborations”, she explained.
Going into more detail about how she approaches creating and choosing sounds, she continues, “For my recent stuff, I use a Roland JV-2080 rack. There are so many gorgeous presets, and I’m very attached to the chorus within it. I also appreciate being ‘limited’ like that and having that strong sonic identity from this machine on my current songs.” And as for plugins? “there are so many VSTs out there, a lot of good ones, but recently I’ve stopped being so inspired by them, and switched to vintage synths, or using my voice a lot, as chops or textures.”
Ultrra Caro takes a unique approach to the whole concept of making music and sounds, which shines through in the sound pack. She told us, “Like a lot of producers nowadays, I’m self-taught, so I don’t know that much about ‘industry standards’. I know that I like imperfect mixes and gritty-sounding things — I’d say that I get quite bored by things which are too ‘clean’. It’s good to try to randomise productions or give them more grit by purposefully deteriorating or tweaking some elements”.
To grab the Mooncore soundpack now simply head to BandLab Sounds.
 
The post This free Moonscore sample pack by Ultra Caro gives you unique, etheral sounds appeared first on MusicTech.

Waves Audio offers the new Magma StressBox plugin for free on Black Friday
Waves Audio offers the Magma StressBox plugin as this year’s Black Friday freebie. We recently covered the announcement of another Black Friday freebie from Waves, and like last year’s offering (IDX Intelligent Dynamics), the developer kept its cards very close to its chest before announcing Magma StressBox. Before the initial announcement and the launch of [...]
View post: Waves Audio offers the new Magma StressBox plugin for free on Black Friday

Bhutan stakes $970K ETH via Figment in validator pushThe small nation’s Ether staking adds to its expanding blockchain activity as it remains one of the few governments holding Bitcoin.

Hydrofoil Bikes Are Harder To Build Than You ThinkHydrofoils are perhaps best known for their application on boring ferries and scary boats that go too fast. However, as [RCLifeOn] demonstrates, you can also use them to build fun and quirky personal watercraft. Like a hydrofoil bike! Only, there are some challenges involved.
Hydrofoils work much like airfoils in air. The shape of the foil creates lift, raising the attached vehicle out of the water. This allows the creation of a craft that can travel more quickly because the majority of its body is not subject drag from the water. The key is to design the craft such that the hydrofoils remain at the right angle and depth to keep the craft lifted out of the water while remaining stable.
The hydrofoil bike is created out of a combination of plywood, foam, and 3D printed components. It uses a powerful brushless motor for propulsion, and that’s about it. Sadly, despite the simplicity, it wasn’t an instant success. As you might expect, balancing on the bike is quite difficult, particularly when trying to get it started—as the foils need some speed to actually start generating meaningful lift.
After further research into commercial hydrofoil bikes, [RCLifeOn] realized that the buoyancy of the bike made it too hard to straddle when starting out. Some of the 3D printed foils also proved more than a little fragile. It’s back to the drawing board for now—the power system is likely up to snuff, but the dynamics of the platform need work. It’s perhaps no surprise; we’ve covered the challenges of hydrofoil stability before. If you want to go fast on water, you could go the easier route and just build an electric surfboard. Video after the break.