How to make horror game music and sound effects
From Dead Space to Silent Hill, we break down the auditory elements of several iconic video games to gain insights into how to make our own horror game music and sound effects.

Universal Music is working with an AI company to build an “ethical” music generatorUniversal Music Group is working with the AI company Klay Vision to create an “ethical” foundational model for generating AI music.
Klay Vision is currently creating a “Large Music Model” named KLayMM and is planning to launch a product in a matter of months. The company’s founder and CEO Ary Attie has said the company believes “the next Beatles will play with KLAY”.

READ MORE: “What AI means to Universal Audio is less important than what it means to the music-making community”: CEO Bill Putnam Jr. shares why the brand doesn’t “make a big deal” out of AI features

Both claim the model will work “in collaboration with the music industry and its creators,” but haven’t yet explained how, while Klay plans to make music AI “more than a short-lived gimmick”. Nonetheless, they have numerous issues relating to AI usage in mind, including copyright as well as name and likeness rights.
“Building generative AI music models ethically and fully respectful of copyright, as well as name and likeness rights, will dramatically lessen the threat to human creators and stand the greatest opportunity to be transformational, creating significant new avenues for creativity and future monetisation of copyrights,” Universal Music has said.
Attie adds: “Research is critical to building the foundations for AI music, but the tech is only an empty vessel when it doesn’t engage with the culture it is meant to serve.
“Klay’s obsession is not just to showcase its research innovation but to make it invisible and mission-critical to people’s daily lives. Only then can music AI become more than a short-lived gimmick. Our great artists have always embraced the newest technologies – we believe the next Beatles will play with Klay.”
“We are excited to partner with entrepreneurs like the team leading KLAY, to explore new opportunities and ethical solutions for artists and the wider music ecosystem, advancing generative AI technology in ways that are both respectful of copyright and have the potential to profoundly impact human creativity,” adds Michael Nash, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer of Universal Music.
The news follows UMG’s involvement in lawsuits against AI music generator sites. In June, it along with Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Records Inc sued AI music platforms, Suno and Udio alleging copyright infringement of recorded music at “an almost unimaginable scale.”
In addition, its months-long dispute with TikTok, in which it pulled its entire song catalogue from the platform, was ended with a new licensing arrangement that covers AI-generated music.
The post Universal Music is working with an AI company to build an “ethical” music generator appeared first on MusicTech.

Why Musicians Should Stop Wasting Time on SuperfansMarketing insights from Byron Sharp explain why musician should stop wasting time on superfans. Casual listeners drive lasting growth. Learn how top artists like Taylor Swift use this approach to expand their reach and impact.
The post Why Musicians Should Stop Wasting Time on Superfans appeared first on Hypebot.

Charli XCX revinvents Remix Albums: BRAT Summer Stats and StrategiesCharli XCX's effect on popular culture with her 'BRAT' green energy has been enormous. Now with her new release Charli XCX revinvents remix albums. Learn the strategies and stats behind BRAT Summer.
The post Charli XCX revinvents Remix Albums: BRAT Summer Stats and Strategies appeared first on Hypebot.

Independent music market sharesGlobal : Fragmentation AND consolidationMIDiA is excited to announce our latest report “State of the independent music economy: Fragmentation AND consolidation”. It represents the most extensive piece of research we have ever done. Through a combination of our annual Independent Label and Distributor Survey and an exhaustive (and exhausting) programme of desk research, MIDiA collected company level revenue data totalling $10.6 billion of recorded music revenue. When combined with major label financials and data collected from artist distribution platforms, this means that MIDiA’s total recorded music market dataset has 93% of all global revenues accounted for, at company level. We are confident there has never been such comprehensive research done of the sector, until now!

The full report is immediately available to MIDiA clients and has also been sent to all labels and distributors that took part in our survey. Here are some highlights:

Non-major labels are firmly streaming-first, with it accounting for the majority of their income and Spotify being more than half of it. However, they also feel streaming has its challenges – 87% of non-major labels feel it is becoming more difficult to get artists to cut through and 78% find it difficult to retain fan interest. Little wonder then that non-major labels spent $1.5 billion on marketing in 2023, with smaller labels (

How To Promote Music Internationally Free: 7 TipsHere are some proven strategies to promote music internationally without spending a dime. From online platforms to social media tips, learn how to connect with global audiences and grow your. Continue reading
The post How To Promote Music Internationally Free: 7 Tips appeared first on Hypebot.

Native Instruments’ Traktor mixer gets a glow up for its next-gen Z1 MK2 modelNative Instruments has launched the Traktor Z1 MK2 – the next generation of its popular DJ mixer controller and soundcard – with improved features for a sleeker performance, plus enhanced audio capabilities, and OLED displays.
NI says the new Traktor builds on its predecessor, and is the ideal for both new and established DJs who need “high-quality, tactile control” without a bulky unit. It’s suitable for home mixing, casual events, and more advanced modular setups.
READ MORE: AlphaTheta’s new DDJ-FLX2 DJ controller is aimed squarely at beginners
Included with this new gen model is its Traktor Pro 4 software. The latest version of this now includes stem separation and mastering tech from iZotope, plus a built-in drum machine and flexible beatgrids for changing tempos and genres. You can also control up to four decks within the software, for improved flexibility.

Credit: Native Instruments

There are three high-resolution OLED displays in total to show essential mixing information, with the aim of reducing the need to constantly check your laptop. A new dedicated stem control section also offers “precise” volume control over individual stems so you can create more dynamic and creative mixes.
Its Mixer FX Section delivers one-knob control over a selection of nine effects including filter, reverb, delay, and a gater, so you can add effects to tracks in real-time. The Z1 MK2 also features a new transparent undershell with functional lighting, allowing you to customise its LED colours. If desired, you can pair it up with other Traktor gear too.
Take a closer look in the video below:

Last month, Native Instruments announced the launch of Komplete 15 – the latest edition of its flagship production suite, which offers a range of software instruments, effects, and expansions from its family of brands. For this new rendition, it offers Kontakt 8, iZotope Ozone 11 Standard, Kithara, and more.
The Traktor Z1 MK2 is available now for £214, and offers a simple plug and play set up. Find out more over at Native Instruments. 
The post Native Instruments’ Traktor mixer gets a glow up for its next-gen Z1 MK2 model appeared first on MusicTech.

Rhodes & Cherry Audio launch Rhodes Chroma Rhodes Chroma by Cherry Audio is said to faithfully recreate Rhodes' classic instrument and bring its distinctive sound to a new generation of musicians and producers. 

Join Bandcamp alternative Subvert: Cooperatively Owned and OperatedBandcamp alternative Subvert has signed up 950 artists, 166 labels, and 230 supporters as founding members and is looking for more.
The post Join Bandcamp alternative Subvert: Cooperatively Owned and Operated appeared first on Hypebot.

Shure Announces Axient Digital PSM In Ear Monitoring SystemShure announced Axient® Digital PSM, its first digital wireless in ear monitoring solution for top-tier touring acts and large-scale productions.

Axient Digital PSM has been meticulously designed and developed to meet the rigorous demands of touring professionals and rental houses, ensuring high-performance RF and spectral efficiency that caters to the rapidly evolving wireless landscape. This new digital in ear monitoring system is Shure’s first Wireless Multichannel Audio System (WMAS) enabled product line, empowering audio professionals to adapt to a wide variety of environments.1 With its forward-looking design, Axient Digital PSM represents a long-term investment for tours, venues, and other applications, elevating flexibility and scalability to unprecedented levels.

“For nearly a century, Shure has pioneered innovative solutions that help solve our customers’ problems while moving the industry forward. Now, Axient Digital PSM offers a revolutionary digital radio with WMAS capabilities, remote management for engineers, and a pristine audio experience for performers,” said Nick Wood, Senior Director, Global Marketing and Product Management, at Shu

Flexibility and Scalability

Axient Digital PSM features two single rack space transmitter options: ADTQ Quad Transmitter and ADTD Dual Transmitter. Bothoffer four flexible and powerful transmission modes.

Multi-channel Wideband (available regionally according to WMAS regulations), supporting up to 28 channels per 6 MHz in the US and 40 channels per 8 MHz in Europe. This exceeds FCC’s requirement for WMAS to have a mode of operation in which it can operate with at least three audio channels per MHz.

Narrowband provides access to more RF output power per channel and maintains spectral efficiency at 17 channels per 6 MHz.

Analog FM allows for high-quality audio with ultra-low latency.

Axient Digital Standard (Point-to-Point Mode) will let users send long-distance audio to any Axient Digital microphone receiver. It will be available through a post -launch firmware update.

Axient Digital PSM wireless in ear monitor system will be available early 2025.

For more information visit: www.shure.com/adpsm
The post Shure Announces Axient Digital PSM In Ear Monitoring System first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Rivian’s chief software officer says in-car buttons are ‘an anomaly’The trend of big touchscreens in cars has left many yearning for the not-so-distant days when most user interactions happened with physical buttons. But Rivian’s chief software officer Wassym Bensaid believes using buttons in a car is an “anomaly.” “It’s a bug. It’s not a feature,” Bensaid said Wednesday at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. “Ideally, you […]
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Polymarket presidential election odds rife with wash trading — reportAccording to the current Polymarket presidential election odds, Donald Trump is favored to win the election at 65.5%.

Beat block: What it is and how to overcome it
Veteran producer Isaac Duarte showcases how he leverages the latest tools to find inspiration and overcome beat block.

YouTube ad revenues reached $8.92bn in Q3, up 12.2% YoYYouTube's ad revenues beat analysts' expectations
Source

Tearing Down Nintendo’s Alarmo Alarm ClockAll your Nintendo Alarmo are belong to mew~ (Credit: GaryOderNichts, Blogspot)
Most of us will probably have seen Nintendo’s latest gadget pop up recently. Rather than a Switch 2 announcement, we got greeted with a Nintendo-branded alarm clock. Featuring a 2.8″ color LCD and a range of sensors, it can detect and respond to a user, and even work as an alarm clock for the low, low price of €99. All of which takes the form of Nintendo-themed characters alongside some mini-games. Naturally this has led people like [Gary] to buy one to see just how hackable these alarm clocks are.
As can be expected from a ‘smart’ alarm clock it has 2.4 GHz WiFi connectivity for firmware and content download, as well as a 24 GHz millimeter wave presence sensor. Before [Gary] even had received his Alarmo, others had already torn into their unit, uncovering the main MCU (STM32H730ZBI6) alongside a 4 GB eMMC IC, as well as the MCU’s SWD pads on the PCB. This gave [Gary] a quick start with reverse-engineering, though of course the MCU was protected (readout protection, or RDP) against firmware dumps, but the main firmware could be dumped from the eMMC without issues.
After this [Gary] had a heap of fun decrypting the firmware, which seems to always get loaded into the external octal SPI RAM before execution, as per the boot sequence (see featured image). This boot sequence offers a few possibilities for inserting one’s own (properly signed) contents. As it turns out via the USB route arbitrary firmware binaries can be loaded, which provided a backdoor to defeat RDP. Unfortunately the MCU is further locked down with Secure Access Mode, which prevents dumping the firmware again.
So far firmware updates for the Alarmo have not nailed shut the USB backdoor, making further reverse-engineering quite easy for the time being. If you too wish to hack your Alarmo and maybe add some feline charm, you can check [Gary]’s GitHub project.