André 3000 explains what it means to be a “catalyst artist”André 3000 has shared why he feels he is a “catalyst artist” and what it really means to be one.
The musician released his debut solo album, New Blue Sun, back in 2023 – a collection of instrumental tracks consisting mostly of flute – and is currently touring in support of the album through to March.

READ MORE: “We messed around and played a lot of music”: André 3000 teases SAULT collaboration

3000 appeared on the The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last week, where he was asked about a previous NPR interview he participated in, in which he referred to himself as a “catalyst”.
“I’ve noticed that I’m a catalyst kind of artist… I’m being used in ways to be watched, to be inspiring to people. And to me, that’s the best thing ever, man; to inspire someone else to do something else,” he said at the time.
Speaking to Colbert, the artist further expanded on what he meant by this term (via NME): “Every artist is a catalyst artist, but – we [him and Big Boi as OutKast] started this when we were 17 – I’ve lived long enough to see it [his artistry] affect other artists. And it’s like, ‘Woah!’. You’re happy that you meant something.”
You can watch the interview below:

Last year, André 3000 addressed why he decided not to rap on the new album. Speaking to GQ, he said: “I’ve worked with some of the newest, freshest, youngest, and old-school producers. I get beats all the time. I try to write all the time.
“Even now people think, Oh, man, he’s just sitting on raps, or he’s just holding these raps hostage. I ain’t got no raps like that. It actually feels…sometimes it feels inauthentic for me to rap because I don’t have anything to talk about in that way.”
He added, “I’m 48 years old, and not to say that age is a thing that dictates what you rap about, but in a way it does. And things that happen in my life, like, what are you talking about? ‘I got to go get a colonoscopy.’ What are you rapping about? ‘My eyesight is going bad.’”
View André 3000’s upcoming tour dates.
The post André 3000 explains what it means to be a “catalyst artist” appeared first on MusicTech.

Set.Live captures live fans then SET.fan helps stay connected to themGabi Arnona of Set.Live joins Michael Brandvold on the Music Biz Weekly podcast with an update on new features they are rolling out that allow artists to connect directly with. Continue reading
The post Set.Live captures live fans then SET.fan helps stay connected to them appeared first on Hypebot.

NAMM 2024: Oeksound’s Bloom plugin is an “adaptive tone shaper” that “analyses the character” of a signal to offer better tonal balanceNAMM 2024: Finnish plugin company Oeksound has unveiled its latest product at NAMM 2024, which is described as an “adaptive tone shaper”.
The new plugin – titled Bloom –  hosts a dreamy purple interface and is said to analyse “the character of a signal” to then offer “corrections to the perceived tonal balance for a more even and refined sound”.

READ MORE: NAMM 2024 recap: All the biggest synth, studio, DJ and software releases

Details on when Bloom will be released, its pricing, and its further specifications seem to be rather limited at this point, but Oeksound’s website lists these bullet points as its main functions:

Control and even out irregularities in a rough sound
Increase warmth, clarity, or brightness in a safe and controlled fashion
Transform the tone of a sound with natural-sounding results
Explore alternate versions of a boring sample

In short, it seems Bloom closely acts as an EQ. However, in Oeksound’s own words (as shared via a press release), it does things a little differently to your stand EQ tool: “Four frequency balance sliders can be used to further shape the tone to taste, enabling both fine adjustments and radical transformations.
“These sliders change the overall tonal balance that Bloom is working towards, rather than making absolute cuts or boosts as found in an EQ,” it states. Check out the video below for a closer look (via Sonicstate):

Oeksound has previously impressed here at MusicTech – in 2019 we rated its Spiff processor a 9/10, with its Soothe2 Dynamic Resonance Suppressor plugin later awarded full marks in a prestigious 10/10 rating.
If you want to find out more about Bloom as soon more information is available, you can sign up to the mailing list via the official Oeksound website.
You can also view all of the latest announcements from The NAMM Show via our NAMM 2024 hub.
The post NAMM 2024: Oeksound’s Bloom plugin is an “adaptive tone shaper” that “analyses the character” of a signal to offer better tonal balance appeared first on MusicTech.

Focusrite Group CEO Tim Carroll named president of MIDI AssociationFocusrite Group CEO, Tim Carroll, has been named as the new president of the MIDI Association – a nonprofit trade organisation “dedicated to expanding, promoting and protecting MIDI technology”.
The decision was made via an election by the association’s executive board. Carroll will serve a two-year term as president, according to a press release.

READ MORE: Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen audio interface reviews: Which Scarlett should you buy?

The Focusrite Group looks after a family of brands including, of course, Focusrite – widely known for its popular interfaces – as well as Sonnox, Sequential, Oberheim, Novation, and more. The election of Carroll is projected to be “broadly welcomed by the Association membership and the industry”.
The Association also shares that Carroll will evolve the legacy of Dave Smith, founder of Sequential, who was “instrumental” in the creation of MIDI and introduced the first synthesiser with a MIDI port 51 years ago.
In addition to managing and stewarding MIDI for manufacturers and developers, the MIDI Association also continues to champion three philanthropic priorities: MIDI innovation, music education, plus music/wellness. Carroll will have strategic input into these priorities as the Association begins distributing grants from the MIDI Fund, which is managed by the NAMM Foundation.

After 50 years, MIDI as a technical standard has evolved from MIDI 1.0 to 2.0 within just the past few years. Therefore, the MIDI Association states that this is a “critical time” for its work.
“I am proud to accept the president’s role and lead the MIDI Association for the coming two years,” states Carroll. “This is a critical inflection point in the MIDI Association’s history. As an industry, we’ve only begun to realise the potential of MIDI 2.0, and I’m excited to work with the MIDI Association board and all its members to create MIDI’s next expressive, musical, and creative chapters.”
Find out more about Focusrite and the MIDI Association.
The post Focusrite Group CEO Tim Carroll named president of MIDI Association appeared first on MusicTech.

Solid State Logic’s 4K E is a near-perfect plugin emulation of a classic mixing console$329 / £263.99 (perpetual licence) / as part of SSL Complete Bundle from $14.99/month, solidstatelogic.com
Take any hit record from the 80s or 90s and, the chances are, it will have been recorded and mixed on a Solid State Logic SL 4000 (or 4K) console. The first commercially available units were 1976’s SL 4000B, which introduced the world to flexible routing, fader automation and built-in tape transport control. But it was the arrival of the SL 4000E, three years later, that saw the 4K become the must-have mixer for professional studios the world over.

READ MORE: Why are so many producers praising Imaginando BAM?

The 4K E improved on the 4K B’s innovations, adding features that maximised recording quality and improved workflows. The most notable of these were the per-channel dynamics processing and a new four-band EQ setup that is now the standard across all professional mixing desks and DAWs.
With such a peerless pedigree, it’s no surprise that so many plugin developers have emulated the SL 4000 E’s channel strip — SSL included. With the British company now releasing an updated emulation of its hardware, we wonder if this could finally be the definitive 4K E model.
Solid State Logic 4K E
How do you use the SSL 4K E?
SSL 4K E starts with the mic preamp section although, being a plugin, this operates differently to the analogue preamp of the console.
The plugin provides a trim control for adapting the input track/signal’s level, along with an optional Preamp switch that, when enabled, introduces a model of the Jensen T-115K-E transformer found on the earlier 4K E. A knob is then used to adjust the amount of drive and colour delivered by the preamp model. Handily, the Preamp knob is gain-compensated, so cranking it up reduces the overall signal level by the same amount, making it easy to experiment with different intensities of drive and colouration without being influenced by level changes.
Solid State Logic 4K E
The mic preamp model is rounded off with the same high pass and low pass filter section found on the original hardware. This is followed by the EQ section, which provides the nowadays-standard arrangement of two sweepable parametric bands along with high and low shelving bands.
There were three different EQ circuits used in different variations of the 4K E console, and these are known by the colour of the knob caps used for the low-frequency controls: There’s the original, warm-sounding 02 Brown; George Martin’s cleaner, 242 Black with its wonderful low-end detail and punch; and the 132 Orange, a passive EQ design included on only a handful of consoles.
SSL has modelled each of these EQ circuits for the plugin, allowing you to easily switch between them (and see the colour of the low-end controls change at the same time!). All have a classic ‘British’ EQ sound and have an intrinsic musical quality, but each has a distinctly different character too so it’s really useful to have all three within the one plugin.

Dynamic routing
One of the SL 4000E’s biggest innovations was the inclusion of dynamic processing on every channel, made up of a compressor and a gate/expander. Unlike a dedicated outboard processor, SSL’s channel processors are relatively basic in design and operation, but deliver a great sound that’s perfect for conditioning and controlling incoming signals.
The plugin’s model of these dynamics processors is excellent, and has been enhanced with the inclusion of a handy wet/dry mix setting for the compressor. We also suspect there’s some lookahead wizardry going on with the expander/gate, given that it responds even better than the original hardware — never cutting off the tiniest smidgen of a transient when the signal level crosses the threshold.
The standard post-preamp signal flow of filters to EQ and then dynamics is ideal for most circumstances, but the plugin nevertheless allows that signal flow to be modified. Not only does this let you change the order of the different sections, but it also allows you to switch the filters and EQ modules from the main signal path and into the sidechain path. Here they can process either the normal internal sidechain or an external one that you feed to the plugin.
At the end of 4K E’s strip lies the fader and, for the stereo version of the plugin, pan and width controls, the latter being a mid/side balance adjustment. The fader is no mere output level control but a model of the DBX 202 Gold Can VCA fader used on 4K consoles, and this adds another layer of subtle yet authentic SSL character. The fader is coupled to an output level trim control, meaning you can push the fader into its amplification range (beyond the 0dB mark) and take advantage of the resulting drive and colouration, yet still maintain a balanced, clip-free output level.
Solid State Logic 4K E
What is SSL’s 360° platform?
The plugin works fine if using a boring ol’ mouse to interact with it, but the sharp-eyed amongst you will have noticed that the appearance and layout of the 4K E plugin bears a striking resemblance to SSL’s UC1 controller. This is no coincidence or lack of imagination on the part of SSL’s designers!
The 4K E integrates deeply with SSL’s 360° Plugin Mixer ecosystem, in particular the UC1 whose rotary controllers match exactly with the layout of the plugin. Throw in a UF1 or UF8 DAW controller and you can have direct control over the plugin’s fader too. It’s about as close as you will come to the sound and feel of an SL 4000E console without actually buying one. In the absence of a UC1, the UF1 or UF8 can control the entire plugin in the same way as they do any other plugin.
If you own any of these controllers then you qualify for a 70 per cent discount on the price of a perpetual licence for 4K E, making this a very affordable plugin that you’d, frankly, be foolish to overlook. The plugin is included in the SSL Complete subscription bundle too, which starts from $200 for an annual subscription, which isn’t much to pay for such a large collection of top-tier plugins.
A full-price perpetual licence for 4K E is expensive, though, and other SL 4000E plugins are more affordable. However, few – if any – are as accurate and well-featured as SSL’s plugin, so if you want to capture the hit-making sound of this legendary console, the SSL 4K E is the perfect way to do so.
Key features

Channel strip plugin (AAX, AU and VST)
Windows or macOS (Apple Silicon native)
High and low pass filters
4-band EQ: two parametric bands plus low and high shelving bands
Dynamics section features compressor and expander/gate
HQ mode for advanced oversampling
Undo/redo

The post Solid State Logic’s 4K E is a near-perfect plugin emulation of a classic mixing console appeared first on MusicTech.

MAGIX unveils groundbreaking update with Sequoia 17 Key enhancements in Sequoia 17 involve object-oriented editing, 32-channel surround plus 3D audio, visualisations and metering for different inputs, source-destination cut, live editing workflow, and more...

Techivation launches M-Puncher M-Puncher's unique ability to process attack and sustain components separately allows users to amplify their mix's impact and ambience.

NAMM 2024: Steinberg’s IXO audio interfaces are primed for producers, podcasters and streamersWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. For more information on how this works, see our terms of use.
NAMM 2024: Audio brand Steinberg has announced the IXO12 and IXO22 audio interfaces, along with the IXO Podcast Pack and IXO Recording Pack. The new series is designed for recording artists, podcasters and streamers.
READ MORE: NAMM 2024 recap: All the biggest synth, studio, DJ and software releases
Available in sleek black or white finishes, Steinberg wanted these audio interfaces to be portable, easy to use and, of course, stylish.
The two models offer high-quality recording capabilities at 24-bit/192kHz, with latency-free input monitoring and USB-C connectivity. In short, you should get high-quality and fuss-free recording in “literally any location”, says Steinberg, adding that they are “full, truly mobile production platform[s].”
Steinberg IXO12 in Black and White. Image: Steinberg
Both interfaces feature two inputs and two outputs, but the IXO12 has a combo mic/line input with a Class A microphone preamp and a Hi-Z jack input for guitar or bass. Meanwhile, the IXO22 has two combo mic/line inputs, both with Class A mic preamps and a Hi-Z input.
That means the IXO22 is better suited to people recording with two microphones — such as podcasters with guests, or a producer recording vocals and acoustic guitar at the same time.
Steinberg IXO22 in Black and White. Image: Steinberg
On the front panel of both models is a gain input, +48V phantom power for condenser microphones, plus a headphone output. On the IXO22, you’ll get an independent volume control for the headphone output. The rear side of the IXO12 and IXO22 includes two TRS line outputs and two USB-C sockets — one can be used for computer and mobile connections, the other for a USB-C power source.
Both models have a Loopback feature, which makes routing audio much easier when live streaming so your audience can hear your computer audio as you do.
The IXO Podcast Pack gives you an IXO12 interface, a Steinberg ST-M01 condenser microphone, pop shield, XLR cable, and a tabletop stand.
The IXO Recording Pack gives you an IXO22, the ST-M01 microphone and cable, plus a pair of ST-H01 monitor headphones.
Steinberg IXO Recording Bundle. Image: Steinberg
Steinberg’s IXO series is available now, with the IXO12 at $120/€129 and the IXO22 at $170/€189. The IXO Podcast Pack is $250/€250 and the IXO Recording Pack is $300/€319.
Learn more at Steinberg. 
The post NAMM 2024: Steinberg’s IXO audio interfaces are primed for producers, podcasters and streamers appeared first on MusicTech.

Riot Games cuts 530 roles globally as it ‘more tightly integrates esports, music, and entertainment’ with its gamesRiot Games is laying off around 11% of its workforce
Source

Album Review: "Holy Water" By Millyz (8/10) Create Music Group Inc. 

Producers: Various 

Millyz, an emcee and singer from the mean streets of Boston, MA, has been on his lyrical grind for a while; and has gotten co-signs from notable rappers in the rap game along the way. Laced with metaphors with real life behind his lyrics, Millyz is true to his music. Holy Water is heartfelt and insightful with songs like “Holy Water,” “Last Time,” and “Soul Bleed.” This album features guest appearances from hip-hop personalities like OhGeesy, Fivio Foreign, and Benny the Butcher. The post Album Review: "Holy Water" By Millyz (8/10) first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Rebellions lands $124M to develop its new AI Rebel chip with SamsungRebellions, a South Korean fabless AI chip startup, said today it has closed $124 million (165 billion KRW) in a Series B round of funding to develop its third AI chip, called Rebel. The startup will also use the new capital, oversubscribed with an initial target of $90 million, to ramp up production of its […]
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

6 ways to spark musical ideas from COULOU
Trumpet player, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter COULOU shares six tips for sparking ideas as a musician.

Riot Games cuts 530 roles globally as it ‘more tightly integrates esports, music, and entertainment’ with its gamesRiot Games is laying off around 11% of its workforce
Source

Sjoerdvankreel Releases FREE Semi-Modular Firefly Synth For Windows And Linux
Sjoerdvankreel released Firefly, a freeware semi-modular synthesizer plugin for Windows and Linux I’m a big fan of modular and out-there systems when it comes to synthesis. After spending a little time covering InfernalSynth previously, I’m pleased to see there is a follow-up. Now, Firefly isn’t quite up to par with its predecessor in terms of [...]
View post: Sjoerdvankreel Releases FREE Semi-Modular Firefly Synth For Windows And Linux

Todd Moscowitz and Sony Music’s Santa Anna strike deal with hip hop label Trill EntertainmentNew deal comes less than a week after Santa Anna's partnership with and investment in Drake's OVO Sound
Source