Intel continues to pull back on its manufacturing projectsIntel cancelled multiple manufacturing projects in Europe and delayed its Ohio chip plant for the second time this year.

Ex-Gemini, Kraken exec appointed as CEO of crypto advocacy groupJi Hun Kim became acting CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation in December 2024 after the departure of Sheila Warren.

Big Fish Audio Electric Sunset: EDM Construction KitsCruise into the golden hour of groove with Electric Sunset: EDM Construction Kits from Big Fish Audio, a vibrant fusion of retro nostalgia, modern EDM energy, and feel-good funk aesthetics. This electrifying collection features 15 construction kits packed with over 3GB of original content, built for producers who want to infuse their tracks with shimmering synths, infectious basslines, and dancefloor-ready rhythms that radiate style and soul. Inspired by the sonic textures of Future Funk, the swagger of disco, and the punch of festival EDM, Electric Sunset delivers a euphoric palette of sounds designed to move feet and turn heads. From chopped vocal samples and glittering keys to driving drum machines and neon-lit leads, each loop captures the warm energy of a retro summer night with a futuristic twist. Every kit includes full instrument stems, Drum Tracks, and one-shot Drum Hits, giving you the tools to fully customize your arrangements or build entirely new grooves from scratch. Whether you're producing upbeat house, pop-infused EDM, or genre-blending hybrids, Electric Sunset delivers the inspiration and flexibility to bring your brightest ideas to life. Feel the heat. Catch the vibe. Make waves with Electric Sunset: EDM Construction Kits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqmhzCyvR-c Read More

DIY Spotlight: Charlotte MorrisPhiladelphia folk artist Charlotte Morris was highly scored in a recent New Music Critique, so impressed were we with the songs from her Both Sides album. She’s worked hard to get to this point, having fallen in love with music as soon as she could walk and talk.“By age 12 I was writing songs and teaching myself guitar, piano, ukulele, and others,” Morris says. “With songwriting, music grew from something I loved into something I needed.”After college, Morris moved to New York to pursue theatre. “However, it was at that time that I found my way back to songwriting,” she says. “This was the biggest change I’d ever been through—making such a huge move—and I didn’t know how else to process it other than writing. A little less than a year after moving, I released my debut EP, To New York, with Love, and started to figure out how I could move forward in this crazy industry that is music.”Morris describes her sound primarily as folk/Americana. “First and foremost, my music is rooted in honest and emotional storytelling,” she says. “I write what I’m feeling, so that might be really folky one day but super rock/pop-driven the next. Overall, my music is intimate, personal, and raw; it’s meant to feel like a conversation between best friends or a look into my personal diary.”The aforementioned Both Sides was released in May of this year. “It is the most honest and vulnerable I’ve ever been in my music,” Morris says. “It’s a collection of stories—some mine, some inspired by others—but all rooted in truth, growth, and the messiness of being human.”For Morris, DIY means owning “every aspect of your artistic identity.”“From writing, arranging, and performing, to recording, releasing, booking shows, and marketing,” she says. “Of course, it’s great to have help in as many of these areas as possible, but I still want to have ownership over the final decisions and what the world sees of me.”Morris is taking a well-earned break this summer but will be back on the road later in the year.Visit charlottemorrismusic.com for more.The post DIY Spotlight: Charlotte Morris first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Painting in Metal with Selective Electroplating
Most research on electroplating tries to find ways to make it plate parts more uniformly. [Ajc150] took the opposite direction, though, with his selective electroplating project, which uses an electrode mounted on a CNC motion system to electrochemically print images onto a metal sheet (GitHub repository).
Normally, selective electroplating would use a mask, but masks don’t allow gradients to be deposited. However, electroplating tends to occur most heavily at the point closest to the anode, and the effect gets stronger the closer the anode is. To take advantage of this effect, [ajc150] replaced the router of an inexpensive 3018 CNC machine with a nickel anode, mounted an electrolyte bath in the workspace, and laid a flat steel cathode in it. When the anode moves close to a certain point on the steel cathode, most of the plating takes place there.
To actually print an image with this setup, [ajc150] wrote a Python program to convert an image into set of G-code instructions for the CNC. The darker a pixel of the image was, the longer the electrode would spend over the corresponding part of the metal sheet. Since darkness wasn’t linearly proportional to plating time, the program used a gamma correction function to adjust times, though this did require [ajc150] to recalibrate the setup after each change. The system works well enough to print recognizable images, but still has room for improvement. In particular, [ajc150] would like to extend this to a faster multi-nozzle system, and have the algorithm take into account spillover between the pixel being plated and its neighbors.
This general technique is reminiscent of a metal 3D printing method we’ve seen before. We more frequently see this process run in reverse to cut metal.

Germany’s recorded music sales grew 1.4% in the first half of 2025, marking a significant slowdownThe country's recorded music industry trade group is urging the EU to create the conditions needed for an AI licensing marketplace
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FestiVAL 2025 is the first hybrid IRL/virtual microfestival — and it hopes Twitch is tuning inThis weekend in Los Angeles dozens of artists will take the stage at FestiVAL, a 24-hour microfestival running from 12 pm on 26 July in an undisclosed location. The audience? Over 800,000 attendees — potentially.
FestiVAL is the “world’s first hybrid IRL/virtual microfestival”, according to the organisers, and will play host to Twitch-partnered DJs, performers, and other content creators on the platform. These acts will all livestream the entire festival from various perspectives on their respective channels, providing viewers with a more holistic experience of the event.
“We’re trying to give everybody all the streams, angles, and perspectives so that they really feel like they’re there and that they’re not missing anything,” says Chris Valdes, AKA Valdudes, co-founder of the festival alongside CaseSpowboy, and a Twitch-performing DJ in his own right.

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IRL (in-real-life) attendees, meanwhile, will be able to see the live comments of at-home viewers projected on a screen. Although it’s “another way for the viewers to feel involved in the festival,” says Valdes, it’s also about bringing the Twitch energy to FestiVAL as a whole. “It just adds this whole other element of interaction and magic that will create opportunities of awesomeness that we haven’t even planned on yet,” Valdes adds. In practice, that might look like in-chat memes emerging from moments of the festival, as well as live reactions to a track a DJ plays or an event from the in-person crowd.
DJs playing at the festival include Valdudes, CaceSpowboy, Chris Cox, Gabriel & Dresden, Magda Halina, Teknokat and more. In addition to DJs, FestiVAL will also welcome TheSushiDragon (“a tech guru, visual artist, genius”, says Valdes) plus ‘IRL streamers’ DippedInPoison, McD00dle, and WhoIsChelsea. These creators will be broadcasting on Twitch, interacting with IRL attendees, and even hosting minigames themselves, like tarot card readings.
FestiVAL is certainly a Twitch-focused event, but it is yet to secure the financial support of the livestreaming platform — it first has to prove itself.
“We, the community, came up with [FestiVAL] and said to Twitch, ‘Hey, what do you think? Do you want to help us out?’” says Valdes. “It has to go perfectly…and then they’ll send over their official sponsorship support. So far, it’s all looking good!“
The event does, however, arrive a year after the launch of Twitch’s DJ program, which was seemingly the company’s acknowledgement of its DJ community and their lucrativeness. During COVID-19, the number of streamer DJs rose, and there are still thousands of DJs streaming regularly on Twitch. The company’s goal was to offer more opportunities for DJs on the platform to monetise their performances and build a better framework for licensing and royalty payments from streams on Twitch.

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“[Twitch DJ] had two major effects,” explains Valdes. “The good effect has been that Twitch can now push DJs and promote us on the front page, host DJs at TwitchCon, and really bring them into the fold of Twitch — and ultimately get sponsorship money for an event like this.
“But the big drawback,” Valdes cautions, “is that since the launch [of Twitch DJ], it’s been slowly introducing more fees that we have to pay [as DJs on the platform]. So, more views, to speak, should translate into more revenue — and it does — but then, combined with the fees, some people are still making the same amount, or even less. People are still doing their thing and going strong, but it’s definitely been a struggle for a lot of DJs.”
To support its DJs, FestiVAL will pay its acts to perform, but artists will also be able to generate additional revenue via their individual Twitch streams. Viewers can donate and subscribe to creators during their set, offering an additional revenue stream for their performance, marking a first in the electronic music festival scene.
“We’re really hoping that that is the new model going forward,” explains Valdes. “Livestreaming is huge, we know people love it. Festivals are huge, we know people love those. We really want to bring those two worlds together, and help Twitch DJs break out, just not only on Twitch, but in the greater landscape.”
If it works, FestiVAL could mark a blueprint for the next generation of music events — one that recognises livestreaming not just as a stopgap, but as a permanent stage.
Grab your ticket for the event at festivalttv.com and find streams and updates on its Discord server. 
The post FestiVAL 2025 is the first hybrid IRL/virtual microfestival — and it hopes Twitch is tuning in appeared first on MusicTech.

Helping Artists identify and nurture Spotify Super ListenersAs a fans move along the path from initial discovery to superfan, being active listener is an important milestone in the journey. As their own plans for superfans take shape, the streamer is helping artists identify and nurture Spotify Super Listeners.
The post Helping Artists identify and nurture Spotify Super Listeners appeared first on Hypebot.

Soundtoys 5.5 arrives With the launch of Soundtoys 5.5, the renowned collection now includes the recently released SpaceBlender plug-in, an array of new factory presets and resizeable GUIs across the whole collection.

Top 5 Best Selling Merch for MusiciansThinking about selling merch but not sure where to start? Learn the best selling merch for musicians. They are easy to launch, customizable, and perfect for musicians at any stage.
The post Top 5 Best Selling Merch for Musicians appeared first on Hypebot.

“Most vocal solutions fall into two categories: they’re overly complex or overly simple. We felt there was a gap we could fill”: Why guitar modelling giant Neural DSP has ventured into the world of vocal processingThis week saw the launch of Mantra, a new comprehensive vocal processing plugin from Neural DSP, a company which, until now, has been associated primarily with guitar amp modelling and processing.
Mantra is designed to “reimagine the entire vocal chain”, with compressor, EQ, pitch correction, de-esser and harmonisation functions all housed within one plugin. In fact, Neural calls it a “world-class vocal studio in one plugin”.
But why now for Neural DSP to foray into the world of vocal processing, when its stake in the guitar and bass digital processing market is already so strong? Ultimately, it came down to spotting an opportunity, as Neural DSP CPO and Co-Founder Francisco Cresp and Plugin Product Manager Francois Barrillon tell MusicTech.

After being one of the main players in guitar and bass amp modellers and plugins for some time, why now for Neural DSP to foray into the world of vocal processing?
Francisco Cresp: “We’ve spent years building tools that remove technical friction for guitarists and bassists. Getting a great tone used to mean spending a lot of money and dealing with complicated gear. We changed that by making it simple to get professional results, whether you’re on stage or working from a bedroom studio.
“When we looked at vocal production, we saw a similar opportunity. Most existing solutions fall into one of two categories: they’re either overly complex, requiring stacks of plugins and deep technical knowledge, or they’re overly simple, offering very limited control and unsatisfying results. We felt there was a gap we could fill.
“With Mantra, we wanted to combine the best of both worlds. We used our expertise in analog modelling to design modules like saturation and compression that feel and respond like high-end studio gear. But we also designed the interface and workflow to be modern, fast, and intuitive, so you don’t have to spend time figuring out plugin chains or routing.
“Another key part was tracking. A lot of vocal plugins sound great in mixing, but they’re not usable when tracking because of latency. Mantra was built to deliver a fully processed sound in real time, with no noticeable latency, so vocalists can perform with confidence and hear the near final sound as they record.
“We saw this as the right time to enter the vocal space because we had the experience, the tech, and a clear understanding of where we could offer something different.”
Credit: Neural DSP
A lot of the messaging surrounding Mantra’s release relates to the simplification of vocal processing workflow. Was this a strategy to appeal to those less experienced with vocal processing, or for more advanced users, too?
Francois Barrillon: “We wanted Mantra to be immediately usable for anyone, even if they’ve never mixed vocals before. But the idea wasn’t to oversimplify or limit control. Instead, we focused on making powerful tools faster and more intuitive to use. Beginners can simply browse through presets and get great results by adjusting just a few of the quick controls.
“Even experienced producers often find vocal chains messy and time-consuming. You’re dealing with multiple plugins, routing, latency issues, and overlapping parameters. Mantra puts everything you need in one place, with a signal path that just works, so you can stay focused on the sound and performance with no interruptions to your creative flow.
“So yes, the accessibility helps newer users, but we designed Mantra to be a serious tool that advanced users would trust in real sessions.”
Credit: Neural DSP
Does Neural DSP plan to release more tools catered to vocals – or perhaps production and mixing, more broadly – in the future?
Cresp: “We’re always paying close attention to how people are making music and what kinds of tools they’re reaching for. With Mantra, we saw an opportunity to apply our strengths, particularly in analog modelling and intuitive interface design, to an area that could benefit from both.
While we don’t have anything specific to announce at the moment, we’re certainly exploring ways to expand on what Mantra represents. If we feel there’s something meaningful we can contribute, something that reinforces our core goal of removing technical friction from the creative process, we’ll definitely consider it.”
Mantra is available now for €199. Learn more at Neural DSP.
The post “Most vocal solutions fall into two categories: they’re overly complex or overly simple. We felt there was a gap we could fill”: Why guitar modelling giant Neural DSP has ventured into the world of vocal processing appeared first on MusicTech.

Echograin releases Tranzwave v2.0 wavetable synth for Kontakt Player (now 20% OFF)
Echograin has launched Tranzwave Version 2, a major update to its Fizmo-inspired wavetable synth for Kontakt Player. The new version of Tranzwave refines nearly every aspect of the instrument while expanding its creative potential with deep modulation and randomization features. Tranzwave was already a solid tool for atmospheric and textural synthesis, but this new update [...]
View post: Echograin releases Tranzwave v2.0 wavetable synth for Kontakt Player (now 20% OFF)

Terry Marshall, co-founder of Marshall Amplification, donates £100k of his own money to grassroots venuesTerry Marshall, the co-founder of Marshall Amplification, and his wife Lesley, have made a personal donation of £100,000 to the Own Our Venues funding initiative to secure the futures of vital grassroots venues.
Own Our Venues was launched in 2023 by Music Venue Properties (MVP), with the aim of securing important grassroot music spaces, which have been rapidly closing down throughout the UK. The initiative has already raised £2.88 million to secure five grassroots music venues by placing them into community ownership, protecting them from the instability of commercial landlords and ensuring they remain “affordable, accessible, and artist-first”.

READ MORE: The £1 ticket levy scheme has already raised £500,000 for grassroots venues

Grassroots venues, also known as GMVs, are essential in nurturing rising and local music talent. Music Venue Properties recently announced a new £3 million fundraising Own Our Venues campaign with the aim of protecting a further seven iconic GMVs: The Joiners (Southampton), Bedford Esquires, The Croft (Bristol), The Sugarmill (Stoke), Peggy’s Skylight (Nottingham), The Pipeline (Brighton), and The Lubber Fiend (Newcastle).
Marshall comments: “Small venues have played a vital role over the years in my long career as a professional sax player, and, of course, created the path to success for countless other musicians too. But so many have closed their doors since I first started out at the age of 14.
“My wife Lesley and I get to grassroots venues whenever we can, as we both appreciate live music close up and personal. (I still do the occasional guest appearance at 81). We hope that future generations of musicians and music lovers will be able to have these amazing experiences too. That’s why we’re supporting Own Our Venues with a substantial contribution. With enough support from others in the music industry and fellow artists, Own Our Venues can make that hope a reality. It’s up to you.”

Matt Otridge, COO of Music Venue Properties, adds: “Grassroots venues are where careers begin and ensure communities have access to local, live music. They’re rehearsal spaces, testing grounds, and second homes for countless artists. That’s why Terry and Lesley’s incredible £100,000 donation is more than generous, it’s leadership.
“It shows the deeply personal impact these spaces have on everyone and reminds the music industry that we all have a role to play. Their contribution builds on the belief already shown by over 1500 community investors, and we’re proud to welcome them into the Music Venue Properties family.”
If you’d like to support the funding initiative, investments are available from just £50. Find out more via the Own Our Venues Crowdfunder.
The post Terry Marshall, co-founder of Marshall Amplification, donates £100k of his own money to grassroots venues appeared first on MusicTech.

Nomad Factory release Liquid Bundle III Nomad Factory have launched the latest version of Liquid Bundle, kitting the six included plug-ins out with some GUI upgrades and performance improvements.

You can now share legally-safe remixes made with Hook directly to SoundCloud Hook, the app that lets you legally remix songs for social media, has officially integrated with SoundCloud.
The Hook app launched in October last year, allowing music fans to share short-form remixes and mash-ups to platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, all while compensating the original artist. This new, “strategic integration” with SoundCloud means fans can now share their Hook-made remixes, which can be up to 60-seconds long, directly with SoundCloud’s community.

READ MORE: Subtext now lets Artists on SoundCloud text their fans directly

The collaboration also enables DJs to discover new remixes on Hook, and export them to their own SoundCloud pages. Using SoundCloud’s integrations with Serato, Algoriddim, Denon DJ, Numark, and other DJ software and hardware, they can also be mixed into their live sets.
Hook’s aim is to continue a sustainable model of monetisation for the future of music creation, with each of its remixes rights-cleared and trackable. Since its launch, Hook has signed deals with “dozens of music partners” which includes music from more than 1,200 artists such as Hardwell, Swae Lee, Soulja Boy, Sadie Jean, Jaden Smith, Killer Mike, and many more.
To mark this integration with SoundCloud, the two platforms have teamed up to create the Lil Wayne Tha Carter VI Remix Challenge. To enter, Hook users can select one of three featured tracks – Hip-Hop (feat. BigXthaPlug, Jay Jones), Sharks (feat. Jelly Roll, Big Sean), or Banned from NO – from Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter VI album to create their own remix.
Fans who listen to the record on SoundCloud will be invited to customise the featured songs via the Artist Storefront on each track page for both web and mobile, where they will be sent directly to Hook. By sharing your finished remix to SoundCloud, you’ll be in with a chance to win prizes including tickets to Lil Wayne’s upcoming tour, and a signed copy of Tha Carter VI vinyl.

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“Fans aren’t just listening to or reacting to music anymore; they are helping to shape it,” comments Hook Founder and CEO, Gaurav Sharma. “For many years now, SoundCloud has played a key role in helping to transform and catalyse music trends around the world.
“This partnership builds a bridge between creation and culture, enabling fans to go from ‘listener’ to ‘remixer’ to ‘music tastemaker’ in seconds. Nothing could mark this collaboration in a more appropriate way than this fun Lil Wayne remix challenge that we think fans are going to love.”
To learn more about the Hook app, or find out more about Tha Carter VI Challenge, go to the official Hook website.
The post You can now share legally-safe remixes made with Hook directly to SoundCloud  appeared first on MusicTech.