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Tesla is Luminar’s largest lidar customerTesla CEO Elon Musk has said that lidar sensors are a “crutch” for autonomous vehicles. But his company has bought so many from Luminar that Tesla is now the lidar-maker’s top customer. Tesla accounted for “more than 10%” of Luminar’s revenue in the first quarter of 2024, or a little more than $20 million, the […]
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.Philosopher Yuval Noah Harari warns of AI’s risks in financeThe bestselling author, philosopher and historian sees grim potential for AI to get out of control in the financial system.
David Kushner Wins Grand Prize at International Songwriting CompetitionThe International Songwriting Competition (ISC) has announced the winners of its 2023 competition. After careful consideration by a distinguished panel of judges comprising iconic music artists, songwriters, and industry professionals, the winners have emerged from a diverse pool of approximately 14,000 entries spanning a multitude of genres and 140 countries.
Established in 2002 to honor and promote the art of songwriting, ISC gives away more than $150,000 in cash and prizes, including a $25,000 cash prize to the overall Grand Prize winner. Since its inception, ISC has become the most respected and influential international competition in the music industry, and winning ISC is a significant accomplishment for a songwriter.
This year the overall Grand Prize is awarded to the song “Daylight,” co-written by David Kushner, Hayden Robert Hubers, Jeremy Fedryk, Joshua Bruce Williams, Edison Boon Eason, and Drake Jon Livingston Jr. The song is a collaborative effort and reflects the individual perspectives and writing skills of these talented songwriters.
“The first time I heard the Grand Prize-winning song “Daylight,” I knew that it was extraordinary,” said Founder Candace Avery. “It is a song that showcases a profound understanding of the art of songwriting, not just as a composition but also as an anthem that beautifully reflects the complexities of the human spirit. It is truly a tour de force of songwriting and as such has earned its rightful place as a beacon of musical excellence in the International Songwriting Competition.”
As the performer of “Daylight,” Kushner is an incredibly gifted artist who brings the song to life in such a memorable way, and he is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music world. In a very short time, David Kushner‘s career skyrocketed after achieving huge success with his first single “Miserable Man” which went viral on TikTok.” This single, along with the second single, “Forgettable,” appeared on his debut EP Footprints / Found which was released in 2022. The ISC-winning song “Daylight” was released in April, 2023 and since then has amassed more than a billion plays on Spotify alone - and growing daily. It was also nominated in the 2024 BRIT Awards for International Song of the Year. Originally from Chicago, IL, Kushner now resides in Los Angeles and continues to put out new songs.ISC winners have included many artists who have gone on to achieve great success, including Vance Joy, Bastille, Tones and I, Coco Jones, Gotye, Illenium, Fantastic Negrito, Faouzia, Lindsey Stirling, Rachel Bloom, The Teskey Brothers, Ondara, Passenger, The Band Perry, Dean Lewis, Gregory Porter, Amy Shark, and many more.In addition to the Grand Prize winner, ISC awards a First, Second, and Third Place in each category. These winners embody the spirit of musical diversity and continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide with their distinctive voices and unique perspectives. Hailing from all over the world (50% of this year’s winners come from outside the USA), they range from talented amateurs to seasoned songwriting veterans.Judges include:Celebrity judges include: Mariah Carey, Tom Waits, Jennifer Hudson, Joe Hahn (Linkin Park), Reba McEntire, Gabby Barrett, Steven Curtis Chapman, Arlo Parks, Rosanne Cash, James Adam Shelley (American Authors), Kristian Bush (Sugarland), Stephen Sanchez, Shooter Jennings, Lonnie Liston Smith, Steve Lillywhite, Sidewalk Prophets, Kim Wilson (The Fabulous Thunderbirds), Nancy Wilson (Heart), Glen Ballard, NEEDTOBREATHE, Dubfire, Ian Felice (The Felice Brothers), Danilo Perez, Jack DeJohnette, Stanley Jordan, Tim Rice-Oxley (Keane), Danny Gokey, James McNally, Jordan St. Cyr, Martin Tungevaag, Gordon Goodwin, Joe Louis Walker, Ashwin Batish, Carter Burwell, Nicholas Gunn, Nate Bargatze, and Fortune FeimsterIndustry Judges: Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Daniel Glass (President/Founder, Glassnote Records); Richard Stumpf (CEO/Founder, Hawkeye Music Group); Ed Vetri (President, Wind-Up Records); Golnar Khosrowshahi (President, Reservoir Media Management); Will Speer (Managing Director, Magic Star Records/Sony); Kim Buie (VP of A&R, New West Records); Kate Labrel (VP of A&R, Warner Records); Christophe Muller (Global Head of Music Partnerships, YouTube); Jacob Edgar (Founder, Cumbancha); Garrett Davis (Director of A&R, Word Entertainment); Matt D'Arduini (Sr. VP of A&R /GM, Last Nite Records/Arista Records); Steven Rosen (President/Creative Marketing and Music Publishing, Regime Music Group); Joel Timen (VP of A&R and Publishing, Curb/Word Entertainment); Gina Tucci (Sr. VP of A&R /Gen Mgr., Big Beat Records/Atlantic Records); Justin Prager (Sr. Dir. of Programming, VEVO); Cesar Gomez Montoya (A&R, Codiscos); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Julie Kertes (Editor/General Manager, Hot Diggity Media); Jacqueline Post (Head of Publishing, Connection Music Publishing); Leib Ostrow (Founder/CEO, Music For Little People); Katherine Dines (Advisory Board and Magic Penny Award Chair, Children’s Music Network); Claire S. Green (President, Parents' Choice Foundation); Benjamin Groff (President, Brill Building Music Publishing); Tamara Conniff (EVP, Roc Nation Music Publishing); Carl Caprioglio (Founder & CEO, Oglio Entertainment); Elena Epstein (Director, National Parenting Product Awards); Sarah Wanstall (Production Mgr., ARC Music Productions)For a complete list of winners and to listen to the winning songs, visit the ISC website at www.songwritingcompetition.com.Entries are now open for ISC 2024. For more information and to enter, go to https://www.songwritingcompetition.com
Z80s From the ’80s Had Futuristic DesignEver heard of a Dutch company called Holborn (literally, born in Holland)? We hadn’t either, but [Bryan Lunduke] showed us these computers from the early 1980s, and we wondered if they might have appeared in some science fiction movies. They definitely look like something from a 1970s movie space station.
The company started out tiny and only lasted a few years. The Holborn 9100 looked like a minicomputer and, honestly, other than the terminal, looks more like an air conditioner or refrigerator. While it was a Z-80 system, it was clearly aimed at business. The processor ran at 3.5 MHz, there was 72K of RAM that could expand to 220 K — a whopping amount for the early ’80s. They also could accept loads of 8-inch floppies. It even had a light pen, which seems exotic today but was actually fairly common back then.When we heard you could go to 220 K of memory, we assumed it used a version of CP/M or MP/M that understood bank switching. Nope. They developed their own multiuser operating system. The OS was totally in ROM, so finding out any details about it is difficult.
Their next computer was a cheaper version that only supported two terminals, the Holborn 7100. There were only 200 9100 systems sold (or at least, claimed to be sold), and presumably fewer of the stripped-down model.
By 1982, CP/M was rising, and the company realized that its OS was not catching on. That led to the Holborn 6100 which was a CP/M machine that could handle 192K of RAM. Same mod terminal, but a much smaller box that could pass for a floppy disk NAS today. They sold about 100 of these computers.
The next computer was to be the 6500, but the company filed for bankruptcy before any of them could be shipped. The bankruptcy proceedings revealed that the company had actually sold only 50 units of the 9100 and 7100 combined! They also had about $7 million in debt.
The post has lots of pictures, ads, and even an internal shot of one of the devices. You can imagine with 50 units in the wild, there is little left of the Holborn computers today. But if you happen to run across one, you should definitely rescue it!
Old computers are like actors. Some are remembered, and some are forgotten. Despite looking like a minicomputer, a typical mini of that era would have had a bitslice CPU, not a Z80.Universal Music Group sees a future where 1 in 5 streamers pays for a ‘super-premium’ tier (and 3 other things we learned from UMG’s Q1 earnings call)MBW listened into UMG's Q1 earnings call. Here are a few things things that stood out...
SourceStreams of Música Mexicana soared by 440% in five years on Spotify, platform saysThe trend is most pronounced in Latin America, the music streaming service says in a new report
SourceBluepad32 Brings All the Controllers To Your MCUAs much as we enjoy spinning up our own solutions, there are times when you’ve got to look at what’s on the market and realize you might be out of your league. For example, take Bluetooth game controllers. Sure, you could make your own with a microcontroller, some buttons, and a couple joysticks. But between the major players like Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony, as well as independent peripheral companies like 8BitDo, there’s some seriously impressive hardware out there that can be easily repurposed.
How, you ask? Well, Bluepad32 by [Ricardo Quesada] would be a great place to start. This Apache v2.0 licensed project allows you to easily interface with a wide array of commercially available BT controllers, and supports an impressive number of software and hardware platforms. Using the Arduino IDE on an ESP32? No problem. CircuitPython on the Pico W? Supported. There’s even example code provided for using it on Linux and Mac OS. Sorry Windows fans — perhaps there’s a sassy paperclip or sentient dog built into your OS that can instruct you further.
A few of the controllers supported by Bluepad32.
The nature of the Bluetooth Human Interface Device (HID) protocol means that, at least in theory, pretty much all modern devices should be supported by Bluepad32 automatically. But even still, it’s hard not to be impressed by the official controller compatibility list. There’s also separate lists for Bluetooth mice and keyboards that are known to work with the project.
While it’s somewhat unlikely to be a problem in this particular community, there is an unusual quirk to this project which we think should at least be mentioned. Although Bluepad32 itself is free and open source software (FOSS), it depends on the BTstack library, which in turn uses a more ambiguous licensing scheme. BTstack is “open” in the sense that you can see the source code and implement it in your own projects, but its custom license precludes commercial use. If you want to use BTstack (and by extension, Bluepad32) in a commercial product, you need to contact the developers and discuss terms.
License gotchas aside, Bluepad32 is definitely a project to keep in the back of your mind for the future. You can always build your own controller if you’re looking a challenge, but you’ll have a hell of a time beating the decades of testing and development Sony has put into theirs.Techivation Releases FREE T-Saturator Saturation Plugin
Techivation released T-Saturator, a free saturation effect for Windows and macOS. T-Saturator is a smart level-independent saturation plug-in that gives you precise control over your track’s tone and character and it is available for free. Ah, saturators, you’ve got to love how spoiled for choice we are these days. Techivation is a regular presence here at [...]
View post: Techivation Releases FREE T-Saturator Saturation PluginLatest plug-ins from Korneff Audio Along with a new harmonic enhancer plug-in, the Korneff Audio range has also gained a Waves L1-inspired limiter and a recreation of a consumer effects processor that became popular for guitar processing.
Apple unveils Logic Pro For Mac 11 and Logic Pro For iPad 2 – with AI front and centreApple has announced Logic Pro 11, the highly anticipated new version of its popular DAW software, as well as Logic Pro For iPad 2, and this time, artificial intelligence is the name of the game.
The new Logic Pro is loaded with new studio assistant features designed to “augment the music-making process” – while promising users retain “full creative control” – including Session Players, which expands Logic’s Drummer capabilities to include a Bass Player and Keyboard Player; new inbuilt stem separation features Stem Splitter; and ChromaGlow, which “instantly adds warmth to tracks”.
Credit: Apple
“Logic Pro gives creatives everything they need to write, produce, and mix a great song, and our latest features take that creativity to a whole new level,” says Brent Chiu-Watson, Apple’s senior director of Apps Worldwide Product Marketing. “Logic Pro’s new AI-backed updates, combined with the unparalleled performance of iPad, Mac, and M-series Apple silicon, provide creative pros with the best music creation experience in the industry.”READ MORE: It’s settled: Logic Pro is the best digital audio workstation in the world, at least according to the NAMM TEC Awards
Session Players
Credit: Apple
Building upon Logic’s long-adored Drummer feature, Session Players expands the scope of the DAW’s built-in backing band to include both a Bass Player and Keyboard Player, offering an AI-driven accompaniment which “responds directly to feedback”.
As Apple explains, the AI-powered Bass Player was trained in collaboration with “today’s best bass players” – though it doesn’t specify who they were – using “advanced AI and sampling technologies”.
Users are able to choose between eight different AI Bass Players, and there are controls for both complexity and intensity, depending on the style of music you’re playing. There are also advanced parameters for slides, mutes, dead notes and pickup hits for more in-depth control.
Additionally, Bass Player can jam along with chord progressions, or using the workflow in reverse, users can choose from 100 Bass Player loops to draw inspiration. There are also six new bass software instruments, including both acoustic and electric models, “inspired by the sounds of today’s most popular bass tones and genres”.
Similarly, Keyboard Player is able to accompany chord progressions with both simple block chords and chords with extended harmony, and there’s also the option to adjust its sound via mic position, pedal noise, key noise, release samples and sympathetic resonance.
Stem Splitter
Credit: Apple
Perfect for producers and remixers, Stem Splitter brings stem separation to Logic Pro. With “lightning fast” operation driven by AI and M-series Apple Silicon, Stem Splitter separates a raw recording into four elements: Drums, Bass, Vocals and Other Instruments.
ChromaGlow
Credit: Apple
Most producers have a tool in their arsenal to add warmth to their tracks, and Apple now hopes they’ll switch to Logic’s built-in ChromaGlow tool.
Modelled on sounds produced by a blend of the world’s most revered studio hardware – and again, using both AI and Apple’s M-series silicon – users can choose from five different saturation styles to add “ultra-realistic warmth, presence and punch”.
Pricing and availability
Both Logic Pro For Mac 11 and Logic Pro For iPad 2 arrive 13 May. The former is available as a free update for existing Logic Pro users – or £199.99 for new users via the Mac App Store – while the latter is also free for existing users, but priced at £4.99 per month or £49 per year for new users.
For more information, head to Apple.
The post Apple unveils Logic Pro For Mac 11 and Logic Pro For iPad 2 – with AI front and centre appeared first on MusicTech.Spotify vs Songhunt: How AI playlist tools differ and what it means for music discoveryAI is increasingly deciding what we listen to, but not all AI-powered playlists are created equal, as this test by the Songhunt team showed in a head-to-head match-up with Spotify.....
The post Spotify vs Songhunt: How AI playlist tools differ and what it means for music discovery appeared first on Hypebot.Songtools adds Songfly DIY music ad platform to playlist marketing toolkitDanny Garcia from Songtools.io joins Michael and Jay on the Music Biz Weekly podcast to discuss their playlist promotion platform, Playlister.club, and their new ad platform, Songfly.....
The post Songtools adds Songfly DIY music ad platform to playlist marketing toolkit appeared first on Hypebot.8 Music Mental Health Resources to check out in 2024The music industry is not all butterflies and rainbows, it’s tough out here. Keep reading to check out some mental health support that is specific to your career and lifestyle. Continue reading
The post 8 Music Mental Health Resources to check out in 2024 appeared first on Hypebot.Connect 2 interface from Lewitt The Connect 2 combines a touch-based interface with an array of onboard processing and a collection of automatic setup features that promise to make it the most user-friendly interface available.
How Jeekie and Raphaella produced and recorded ‘Change’Ad feature with BandLab Opportunities
In 2023, MusicTech and BandLab hosted an opportunity for upcoming artists: to have their music recorded and mixed with a professional producer.
After blind listening to thousands of submissions, we selected Jeekie, a self-producing vocal artist based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as our winner. We were blown away by her talent for layering harmonies and stacking vocals — something she taught herself after watching Ariana Grande do the same — in the BandLab mobile app. Jeekie submitted a demo recording of her elegant, emotive and rich track, Change, which she recorded in her bedroom and tweaked on BandLab during her four-hour work commutes.
There was no better match for Jeekie than Raphaella, a UK-based artist and producer at Tileyard Studios, who’s produced vocals for Little Mix, Rudimental, Gorgon City and more, with credits on tracks by David Guetta. So, in 2024, we flew her over to the UK.
Here’s what went down.The session at Tileyard was Jeekie’s first time in a professional recording space, after only making music with voice memos and mobile apps including BandLab. Her day job takes her four hours by bus into the city, which she previously spent playing mobile games like The Sims (who can blame her?). Her commute changed dramatically when she realised she could record music using her phone’s microphone and a pair of earbuds.
When meeting with Raphaella — who “hears so many awesome ideas, harmonically,” in Jeekie’s mind — we saw Jeekie pick up tons of confidence in her artistry and learn loads of recording tips from Raphaella. Now, Jeekie’s ready to keep momentum and make more music, with more trust in her sound.
Raphaella at Tileyard. Image: MusicTech
Since it was established in 2015, BandLab has supported and uplifted emerging musicians through its free-to-use DAW software and social network. They have continued to offer a whole host of features and tools for over 50 million creators to stay the course of their artistic path, connect with fans, and grow their audience.
With BandLab Opportunities, artists may get a chance to play at festivals, get their music heard by A&R at indie and major labels, get featured on some of the world’s best music publications, and much more. To get started, artists simply pick an opportunity that they are interested in and submit their music or EPK on BandLab’s Opportunity page.
Learn more about BandLab Opportunities.
[Editor’s note: BandLab Technologies is part of Caldecott Music Group, which is also the parent company of MusicTech, NME Networks]
The post How Jeekie and Raphaella produced and recorded ‘Change’ appeared first on MusicTech.
