Epic Games and Disney partner up on a Fortnite ‘entertainment universe’Lego Fortnite is only two months old, but Epic Games is already out with an even bigger collaboration. Epic and Disney announced today that the companies will partner on an “all-new games and entertainment universe” that will bring characters from Disney’s deep catalogue to life through Fortnite. The scope of the project sounds massive, to […]
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Spotify [NYSE: SPOT] stock up 8% in the last two daysSpotify stock closed Tuesday at $231.92, up $8.67, a gain of 3.88%. Earlier in the day NYSE: SPOT was up as much as 8.64% after the streamer delivered a strong Q4 2023 report.
The post Spotify [NYSE: SPOT] stock up 8% in the last two days appeared first on Hypebot.

Warner Music Group to cut a further 10% of workforce, 600 jobs to go, in move to ‘free up more funds to invest in music’Robert Kyncl confirms WMG is exiting its owned and operated media businesses, including Uproxx and IMGN
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What is a MIDI keyboard?
Learn all about the basics of MIDI keyboards, and find out how to start making music with one.

Roland marks J Dilla’s 50th birthday with limited apparel rangeRoland, in collaboration with Save The Music Foundation, has released the Roland Lifestyle x J Dilla collection, a limited J Dilla apparel collection.

READ MORE: Robert Glasper says watching “genius” J Dilla “make a beat in 15 minutes was the most extraordinary thing”

The collection marks what would have been the iconic artist’s 50th birthday today on 7 February, with proceeds going directly to the James Dewitt Yancey Foundation and J Dilla Music Technology Grant, which aim to inspire high school students in electronic music creation.
The collection features Detroit-inspired designs, paying homage to Dilla’s legacy and his acclaimed album Donuts. The partnership between Roland and Save The Music will continue, with plans for an expanded collection later in the year.
Credit: Roland
In a press statement, J Dilla’s mother Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the musical influence of both her son and Roland.
“Our family comes from a musical house where Roland machines helped us create so much music over the years,” said Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey, J Dilla’s mother. “This partnership feels right to me, as both my son and Roland have inspired and influenced many musicians. It is a great way to continue James’s legacy.”
Nathan Chandra, creative director at Roland Lifestyle, emphasised the impact of J Dilla’s creativity and the charitable aspect of the collaboration.
Credit: Roland
Henry Donahue, Executive Director at Save The Music, praised the partnership for investing in the next generation of creators.
“Growing up, J Dilla changed my approach to creativity, and it is an honour to celebrate his legacy through this partnership,” said Nathan Chandra, creative director at Roland Lifestyle. “With proceeds from the collection’s sales benefiting the J Dilla Music Technology Grant and the Save The Music Foundation, J Dilla continues to impact culture and the future of music from the next world.”
The collection includes a $40 Michigan t-shirt, a $100 Donuts hoodie, and a $40 J Dilla trucker hat.
You can purchase items right now, with proceeds supporting music education initiatives.
Find out more at Roland.
The post Roland marks J Dilla’s 50th birthday with limited apparel range appeared first on MusicTech.

Why indie record labels are backing Universal Music Group’s action on TikTok.Dr Richard James Burgess MBE on why A2IM and its labels are supporting Universal's stance on the matter
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University of Huddersfield announce Ernest Berk research project Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have begun work on a project that aims to explore the life and work of electronic music pioneer and choreographer Ernest Berk.

The best free DAW? “Cakewalk, easily”, says Benn JordanEditor’s note: MusicTech and BandLab Technologies’ Cakewalk are both owned by the Caldecott Music Group.
Producer, music tech journalist and creator Benn Jordan has had his say on the best free DAW available today. His choice? Cakewalk.

READ MORE: It’s settled: Logic Pro is the best digital audio workstation in the world, at least according to the NAMM TEC Awards

Revealed in a recent video posted to YouTube entitled Lookin’ For A Good FREE DAW, Jordan praises the free-to-use software for its “sleek interface”, customisability, and its Input Step sequencing Function, comparing it to other free DAWs such as BandLab, Soundbridge and Ardour.
“I’m gonna be honest with you: didn’t have a high expectation of Cakewalk.” he says in the video. “I was like, ‘Ugh, I don’t really want to play with Cakewalk but whatever, I will.’ I figured it would be full of pain points and features that don’t really apply to 2024 music making.
“I was wrong. It’s actually badass. Seriously, if you already use Ableton [Live] or FL Studio or something – download Cakewalk. It is free and it is absolutely worth checking out.
“Anytime that I wanted to find a particular functionality, I was able to just find it and I intentionally didn’t use any third party VST plugins expect for the free and open-source Surge.”
The video cuts to a clip of him jamming away using Cakewalk’s built-in instruments. He then says, “I think that was the first time that I felt like a musician using 100 percent free software so far in this journey.”
One of the main features in Cakewalk that Benn Jordan loves is Input Step Sequencing “akin to the old Boss DR-660 drum machine or a JX-65 Roland work machine”, which lets you enter individual notes or steps into a grid to create musical sequences, often used for precise rhythm and melody composition.
“It’s 100 percent free with no strings attached and I’m really glad that a highly customisable professional piece of software with a sleek user interface exists for musicians,” he concludes.

Benn Jordan has become a well-known figure in the music tech community, thanks to his insider knowledge, hot takes and frighteningly accurate predictions about the industry (In July 2023, he correctly foresaw layoffs for Moog, Apple and Spitfire Audio staff).
Jordan also recently hit back at synth brand Behringer after it slammed the lack of gear reviews of its products. He shared a video saying that reviewing Behringer’s “counterfeit synths” would be “boring content”. He also later posted a video announcing he was done making gear videos in general due to the “super toxic” community.
Subscribe to Benn Jordan on YouTube.
The post The best free DAW? “Cakewalk, easily”, says Benn Jordan appeared first on MusicTech.

35% of top TikTok tracks were removed by UMG, but fans find workaroundsSeventeen of Billboard's TikTok Top 50 Chart tracks are no longer available after licensing talks between Universal Music Group and the social video app failed last week...
The post 35% of top TikTok tracks were removed by UMG, but fans find workarounds appeared first on Hypebot.

Best free sample packs for electro-funk and nu-discoAd feature with BandLab Sounds
Chromeo, Justice, Hot Chip, Dam Funk — who are your electro-funk heroes? And how many times have you opened your DAW to try and create similar music, only to get sidetracked for two hours on building that perfect synth patch? We’ve all been there.

READ MORE: Chromeo: “We’re still as enthralled by funk and analogue synths as we were before”

Another way to harness some groovy nu-disco sounds is to incorporate samples, whether that’s from an old record or a sample pack made specifically for the genre. We’ve teamed up with BandLab to curate a selection of the best free sample packs from the BandLab Sounds platform that you can download instantly and get creative with. There are slap bass sounds, funky synth stabs, vocoders, and artist packs from those working in the genre.
You can audition and download each sound independently, or download the whole pack and chop, blend, and mangle the sounds as you like to fit your project. The best part? Every single sound is free to download and use, with royalty-free usage across the board.
Eduard Kort Volume 1
Eduard Kort
Eduard Kort, also known as UK producer Funklord VHS created two original sample packs for BandLab Sounds focusing on fat drum hits and song starter loops.
The song starter loops in Eduard Kort Volume 1 are ideal for instant inspiration, letting you build around a chord progression and inject your own sound. Meanwhile, in both Volume 1 and 2, are a range of guitar licks, synth and keys loops, drum one-shots and loops to add to your track.
Download Eduard Kort Volume 1 at BandLab Sounds
Download Eduard Kort Volume 2 at BandLab Sounds
Vocoded Lover
Vocoded Lover
Who doesn’t love a vocoder? The iconic instrument has made its way onto countless disco and funk hits, and it doesn’t seem to be going out of style anytime soon.
BandLab’s Vocoded Lover pack gives you a retro selection of vocoded vocal lines, which are as 80s as it gets. There’s also a variety of accompanying sounds, such as drum loops, basslines, sound effects and more.
Download Vocoded Lover at BandLab Sounds
Malcolm Joseph Slap Bass
Malcolm Joseph Slap Bass
You might not be Paul Rudd, but you can still slap dat bass — or get the sound of it, anyway. Grace Jones’ bassist, the excellent Malcolm Joseph, has recorded a plethora of slap basslines that just ooze funk.
Some of these could take centre-stage in your disco house track, or sit comfortably below your electro-funk synth arrangement. Split into two tempos, 80bpm and 116bpm, the samples should fit a range of styles.
Download Sessions: Malcolm Joseph – Slap Bass at BandLab Sounds
P-Funk Bass
P-Funk Bass
Inspired by the sounds of legendary funk band Parliament and band member Bootsy Collins, this bass pack comprises 49 loops spanning a range of styles. Put simply by BandLab, this pack exudes “groovy and funky basses” that we advise chopping up and laying across a sampler keyboard to really make them your own.
Download P-Funk Bass at BandLab Sounds
Synth Funk
Synth Funk
This Synth Funk pack has everything you need to get a track going. Chic-style guitar riffs, vocoder lines, big drum one-shots, and a ton of synth stabs.
With 74 loops and 25 one-shots available to download, there are plenty of ways to get creative and make tunes that will perfectly accompany sunset cocktails.
Download Synth Funk at BandLab Sounds
Pop Funk
Pop Funk
If you’re trying to tap into the cheesier side of electro-funk and nu-disco, you’ll want to check out Pop Funk.
The carefully-curated library gives you a bright dose of funk sounds, from rich, layered synths to stomping beats and hip-shaking percussion. You’ll definitely make use of some of these sounds, regardless of what genre you might be creating.
Download Pop Funk at BandLab Sounds
Nu-Disco Nuggets
Nu-Disco Nuggets
Just a touch of disco is being handed out in Nu-Disco Nuggets. A quick synth stab here, some growling bass there, and a palette of drum one-shots that you can use again and again.
Sprinkle in the dazzling sound effects, too, and you’ll be making tracks like Todd Terje in no time.
Download Nu Disco Nuggets at BandLab Sounds
Plucky Funk Guitar
Plucky Funk Guitar
Where would disco and funk be without the humble guitar? Don’t forget to add a touch of six-string to your tracks with sounds from this pack of 101 riffs, licks and chops.
These are all recorded at 120bpm at E Minor, so you’re able to quickly chop and change between samples in a track for serious french house vibes.
Download Plucky Funk Guitar at BandLab Sounds
Artist pack: Youngr
Artist pack: Youngr
British artist Youngr has been making waves for years with his polished blend of nu-disco and acid jazz. He even caught the attention of Jamiroquai’s Jay Kay after posting some seriously impressive Jamiroquai mashup covers online.
So who better to lay down some canned heat than Youngr? Get the sound of his Rhodes piano, synths and more in this exclusive BandLab Sounds pack.
Download Artist pack: Youngr at BandLab Sounds
Samplestars Nu-Disco Loops
The Samplestars Nu-Disco pack is exploding with 107 loops tailor-made to 80s-style funk. Electric guitars, synth bleeps, full drum loops and more are all on offer at 118bpm and in a range of key signatures.
You should have no problem finding a place for these sounds in your next beat.
Download Samplestar: Nu-Disco Loops at BandLab Sounds
The post Best free sample packs for electro-funk and nu-disco appeared first on MusicTech.

Tool's Adam Jones Can't Do Without His Gibson Les PaulTool guitarist Adam Jones told us about his love for his '79 Les Paul.

Adam Jones: It's complex because I'm very picky about what I use. I use multiple amps. I have a couple of different guitars that have different tones. I definitely have my pedals that I use. I guess my guitar is especially a piece of me. I have a '79 Gibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst.

The tone it has throughanalog equipment is incredible. I think fast and easy and convenient is kind of the way everyone goes and I do it myself. I'm a victim of it. But there's so much digital equipment out there and people just plug in any guitar and then, 'Oh, well, you can make it sound good. You don't need to be fussy about other stuff.'

But to me, that doesn't sound good. It's the same sound. It just sounds weak and farty. I could go off about equipment for hours. But yeah, my guitar. I mean, I could pick up any guitar and jam with people. But, you know, when I actually play our Tool songs, I just I love my weighted guitars.

Tool performs on Wednesday, February 14 and Thursday, February 15 at the Crypto.com Arena.

(Photo by Travis Shinn)

BABY Audio Releases Atoms Physical Modeling Synth (Intro Sale)
Baby Audio releases Atoms, a physical modeling synth that brings sound to life. Atoms is available at the special intro price of $59 (usually $99) until March 30th. As a big fan of plugins like TAIP and Transit, I’m always excited to hear that Baby Audio is releasing a new product. I’m especially excited about [...]
View post: BABY Audio Releases Atoms Physical Modeling Synth (Intro Sale)

These gold speaker systems are a level of bougie we’d probably never be able to affordVoid Acoustics has launched KROME, a new range of metallic speakers.

READ MORE: PreSonus Eris Studio 5 review: an affordable fit for home studios

The high-end club and venue installation manufacturer first put its chrome speakers on the market in 2016, with custom-designed systems for KOR cocktail bars in Shanghai and Taipei. The new KROME range offers an update to that range in response to “customer demand” in the corporate sector.
The speakers are made from fibreglass and are available in a selection of colours including black, gold and silver. In addition, they are compatible with Void’s existing audio systems, including Air, Nexus and Incubus.
Attendees of the trade show ISE were the first to get a look at the speakers. “We are incredibly proud to unveil our KROME surface finish at ISE,” said Rog Mogale, co-founder of Void Acoustics.
Credit: Void Acoustics
“Void’s approach has always been to provide exceptional audio solutions that are as stunning to the eye as they are to the ear. We’re looking forward to seeing attendee’s reactions to this show stopping distinctive finish at our stand.”
Void Acoustics has not yet confirmed when the KROME range will be on the market or pricing, but we’ll endeavour to keep you in the loop if we find out more.
For more info in the meantime, head to Void Acoustics.
Credit: Void Acoustics
In other news, researchers at John Hopkins University claim they’ve created a new method of pitch correction that’s “more than just Auto-Tune on steroids”, which uses AI to “enhance the naturalness and quality of pitch correction, surpassing previous tools”.
They’ve also said that the new technology potentially has applications other than music.
“The technology could revolutionise treatment for a spectrum of speech-related disorders, offering valuable support for post-laryngectomy patients and contributing to the voice rehabilitation of stroke victims,” says team member Jiarui Hai, a PhD student in the Whiting School of Engineering’s electrical and computer engineering department.
The post These gold speaker systems are a level of bougie we’d probably never be able to afford appeared first on MusicTech.

Atoms: Physical modelling virtual instrument from Baby Audio Baby Audio's latest virtual instrument uses physical modelling to generate a wide range of otherworldly sounds.

Skrillex says the next big music-sharing app after TikTok will be whatever’s “accessible to the kids”Skrillex has shared his thoughts on TikTok, and what’s next for artists following the recent news that Universal Music Group pulled all of it’s music from the platform.

READ MORE: TikTok testing generative AI songmaking tool – and so far, it absolutely sucks

Speaking to Complex at The Grammys on Sunday, the American producer and DJ was asked about what’s next for the popular video sharing app, which often has a hand in skyrocketing emerging artists to success.
“It’s always gonna be what’s accessible to the kids, because they’re making the new stuff, and whatever’s easiest – that’s how culture starts,” he says.
“SoundCloud was just there because it was easy for people to use. That’s what’s changing music right now. The landscape is kids making stuff and it blowing up and you don’t know where it’s from, and it just sounds crazy.”

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A post shared by Complex Music (@complexmusic)

It’s unknown what’s next for TikTok after UMG made the major decision to remove all of its music from the platform. The move followed a fiery letter in which it accused TikTok of attempting to “bully” the record label into “accepting a deal worth less than the previous deal, far less than fair market value and not reflective of its exponential growth”.
Considering that UMG represents some of the biggest artists on the planet, including Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and BTS, the move is likely to have a direct impact on TikTok user satisfaction.
Not to mention that many artists, like Grammy-nominated Noah Kahan, are sharing their concern about the fact that they can no longer share new music on the app that made them famous.
“I won’t be able to promote my music on TikTok anymore,” the singer recently on the app. I’ll probably be OK, right? I’ll probably land on my feet, right? Right?”
Responding to UMG’s announcement, TikTok says that “It is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put its own greed above the interests of its artists and songwriters.”
“Despite Universal’s false narrative and rhetoric, the fact is they have chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent,” said the company.
The post Skrillex says the next big music-sharing app after TikTok will be whatever’s “accessible to the kids” appeared first on MusicTech.