Audacity #Music #AI #Tools

Is SoundCloud a “unicorn”? Their investment group owners are seeking a $1 billion sale this year
SoundCloud has had a wild ride since it was founded in 2008, and today we learned that the current owners will attempt to sell it for one billion dollars. What does this price tag mean? How could it impact DJs and producers who rely on the platform? Could this be a sign of better things, or just a capital investment moving from one set of firms to another? We're left with a lot of questions - but we've collected some of the facts and speculation in this article.
The post Is SoundCloud a “unicorn”? Their investment group owners are seeking a $1 billion sale this year appeared first on DJ TechTools.

Regulatory filing reveals ABL Space Systems targeting $100M in new fundingABL Space Systems is looking to raise up to $100 million in new funding, and has just closed over $40 million, according to a new filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company filed the Form D on December 29. It’s the first indication that ABL has raised venture funding since October 2021, […]
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Urbanista’s solar-charging headphones receive a second gen revampUrbanista has launched the second generation of its solar-charged Los Angeles headphones and Phoenix wireless earbuds.

READ MORE: LG’s forthcoming ‘smart home AI agent’ plays music based on your mood when you come home

Originally launched in 2021, both the headphones and earbuds are charged by Powerfoyle, an innovative, flexible solar cell material created by Swedish brand, Exeger. When applied to electronic devices, it charges them via solar power without the need for direct sunlight.
Now, Urbanista has made improvements to the “world first” headphone range’s noise cancellation capabilities. The brand has also added more power-efficient internal components and switched up the designs.
The Los Angeles headphones maintain their solar charging capability with Powerfoyle integrated into the headband for recharging, designed to charge with both indoor ambient light and outdoor sunlight.
They’ve been updated with adaptive noise cancellation for an enhanced listening experience and more power-efficient internal components for improved performance.
In terms of design, they now offer a more comfortable fit and lower clamping force. Urbanista has also added a 3.5mm jack for wired listening, which was previously omitted. The headphones also now have enhanced on-ear detection functionality, with multipoint and on-ear detection managed via a companion app.
Urbanista’s Phoenix wireless earbuds are still chargeable via the Powerfoyle material integrated into the charging case and on the earbuds themselves. Now, though, they have increased battery life, giving you 32 hours when charged from the case, and eight hours from the buds themselves.
Other changes include a reduction in size, making them more comfortable on your ear. Internal upgrades have also been implemented for better power efficiency. They also have an upgraded IP54 rating, which means they’re protected from limited dust ingress and water spray from any direction.
While Urbanista has been heralded as a leading brand in the solar chagrin headphones apace, the likes of Phillips and TP Vision are starting to follow suit.
Speaking to The Verge, the brand’s marketing director Tuomas Lonka says he’s not worried about competition: “It’s great that there are more products out in the market using this technology. People get more aware of it, and believe in it, and consumers will probably start preferring it in the products.
“A lot of these things that we’re developing, we’re kind of figuring out on the go,” says Lonka. “If we see others adopt the technology, we can maybe take some things to improve our own product. So I think overall for the whole ecosystem around Powerfoyle it’s great that more players are coming along.”
The second generation Los Angeles headphones cost around $194, while the second generation Phoenix earbuds will set you back around $97.
Find out more at Urbanista.
The post Urbanista’s solar-charging headphones receive a second gen revamp appeared first on MusicTech.

Is SoundCloud a “unicorn”? Their investment group owners are seeking a $1 billion sale this year
SoundCloud has had a wild ride since it was founded in 2008, and today we learned that the current owners will attempt to sell it for one billion dollars. What does this price tag mean? How could it impact DJs and producers who rely on the platform? Could this be a sign of better things, or just a capital investment moving from one set of firms to another? We're left with a lot of questions - but we've collected some of the facts and speculation in this article.
The post Is SoundCloud a “unicorn”? Their investment group owners are seeking a $1 billion sale this year appeared first on DJ TechTools.

Audacity #Music #AI #Tools

Key Songs In The Life Of… Joe KentishThe President of Warner Records discusses the songs and artists that have influenced his life and career to date
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Gulf Coast Records Announces the Signing of New England-Based Blues/Roots Band The Wicked Lo-DownGulf Coast Records announces the signing of New England-based blues/roots band, The Wicked Lo-Down, and will release their label debut CD, Out of Line, on March 8th, 2024. The Wicked Lo-Down is comprised of Nick David - Vocals/Harmonica; Paul Size – Guitar; Jeffrey Berg – Guitar/ Background Vocals; Brad Hallen – Bass; and Nick Toscano – Drums. Out of Line was produced by The Wicked Lo-Down and recorded, mixed and mastered by Jeffrey Berg at Walking Stick Studios, Auburn Mass. Pre-order The Wicked Lo-Down album here: https://www.wickedld.com/.

“Nick David has a blues and rock ‘n’ roll sound that’s deep and soulful,” said Gulf Coast label head Mike Zito in making the announcement. “His singing, writing, and harp playing are old school, yet fresh all at once. The Wicked Lo-Down is a fantastic group behind Nick. Paul Size on guitar is legendary in Texas Blues. Together they bring an exciting new album to the genre and Gulf Coast Records.”

“The Wicked Lo-Down couldn’t be more excited to sign with Gulf Coast Records,” said lead singer Nick David. “We are honored knowing that Mike Zito sees something in us and our music that is worth putting some muscle behind. Gulf Coast is the perfect label for the music that we are creating and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with them.”

Formed in 2020 just before the Covid lockdown by guitar giant Paul Size (The Red Devils, Mick Jagger, Sugar Ray & the Bluetones) and powerhouse blues belter Nick David (Mr. Nick & the Dirty Tricks, Queen City Kings), The Wicked Lo-Down  blends raw Texas blues and hard hitting Northeast R&B into their own completely original house rockin' sound. Their debut album, We Hot, received critical acclaim from some of the biggest names in the blues world and beyond. Consisting of ten well crafted, barn burners, We Hot established The Wicked Lo-Down as a true force to be reckoned- with and left no doubt that from Austin to Boston is how they roll.

Out of Line, the second record from The Wicked Lo-Down, includes 11 sure-fire originals and two rock solid, unexpected covers: Hound Dog Taylor’s “Just Can’t Make It;” and a bluesified take on “Toxic,” which was originally done by pop princess Britney Spears and the band proceeds to turn completely inside-out.  “With ‘Toxic,’ The Wicked Lo-Down have re-crafted this interesting piece of bubble gum pop into a sinister, fierce, rockin’ Texas shuffle with help from the great Monster Mike Welch on guitar,” declares Nick David.

As with their previous release, the focal point of Out of Line is on the songs. Highlighting the songwriting of Berg, David and Size, the band once again solidifies its place by continuing to carve out a lane all its own, making the new disc a must-listen for hard core fans of bands like The Red Devils and the original Fabulous Thunderbirds. 

About “The Wildest One” track, Nick David says:  “The Wildest One (Lester’s Boogie)” was written as a tribute to the great Lester Butler. The head riff was something that popped into the mind of long time bandmate Paul Size as something that reminded him intensely of Lester and the rest of the song was built around that. The lyrics, written by Nick David reference the life & music of Lester, including song titles from the Red Devils and 13 records. 

The Wicked Lo-Down will celebrate the release of Out of Line at the upcoming 2024 New England Winter Blues Festival and Tour, as part of the Gulf Coast Records Revue.  The band will have a limited number of new CDs available at these shows. Stay tuned for more CD release parties in the spring!

The 2024 New England Winter Blues Festival will feature four Gulf Coast Records recording artists and four of the blues world’s most fierce and beloved guitar slingers: Popa Chubby, Albert Castiglia, Monster Mike Welch and Paul Size (of The Wicked Lo-Down), who  will be bringing bona fide Blues Guitarmageddon to the New England this coming February.

The 14th annual New England Winter Blues Festival Presents: A Gulf Coast Records Revue

Feb 15 - The Rex Theater - Manchester, NH

Feb 16 - Blue Ocean Music Hall - Salisbury Beach, MA

Feb 17 - The Fallout Shelter - Norwood, MA

Feb 18 - Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club - Portsmouth, NH

Meet the Band

Nick David: For the last 25 years, dynamo Blues shouter, unorthodox harmonica ace and extraordinary stage presence Nick David has been entertaining audiences in New England and around the world. Nick spent 12 years fronting the widely regarded Mr. Nick & the Dirty Tricks, which included the Billboard charted album, Oh Wow, produced by the legendary Curtis Salgado. Nick has performed and recorded with many notable musicians, including; Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson, The Holmes Brothers, John Popper, Otis Grand, Jerry Portnoy, Duke Robillard, Ronnie Earl, Curtis Salgado, Big Bill Morganfield, Jason Ricci, James Harman, The Nighthawks, Rick Estrin and Junior Watson, to name a few. 

Paul Size: For the last 40 years, Paul Size has been the pure embodiment of blistering Texas Blues guitar. Having grown up and made his bones in Texas amongst modern day Blues royalty like Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and SRV, it is no surprise that he turned out to be the juggernaut that he is today. At just 19 years old, Paul moved to LA to join the famed Red Devils, where he spent three years traveling around the world, playing and recording with a wide variety of musicians including Mick Jagger, Los Lobos, The Allman Brothers, The Black Crowes, Doyle Bramhall, Doyle Bramhall II, Kim Wilson, and Ronnie Earl. He recorded one full-length record and did several recording projects with legendary producer Rick Rubin. After moving to New England, Paul spent several years in the stalwart Johnny Hoy & the Bluefish and recorded and toured as a member of New England Blues royalty, Sugar Ray & the Bluetones. 

Brad Hallen: Having been a full time musician since 1975, Brad has played on over 200 records to date and has recorded and toured the world many times over with Blues and R&B artists such as Duke Robillard, Jimmie Vaughn, Susan Tedeschi, James Cotton, Billy Boy Arnold, Curtis Salgado, Hubert Sumlin, Roomful of Blues, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, The Founders, Monster Mike Welch as, well as many Rock artists including Iggy Pop, Ministry, Ric Ocasek, Elliot Easton and Ben Orr (The Cars), Jane Wiedlin (The Go Go’s), The Nervous Eaters, The Joneses, Willie Alexander, Aimee Mann and many others

Jeff Berg: Jeff Berg has been an integral part of the New England Blues scene for the last 30 years, whether fronting and playing guitar in his own band, Night Train, playing bass for ubiquitous New England Blues stompers Ryan Hartt and The Blue Hearts, or original rock outfit The Howl. In addition, Jeff is chief recording engineer at Walking Stick Studio, as well as record producer and label owner of Feffrey Records. 

Nick Toscano: Nick Toscano has been playing drums in all forms of musical settings in New England and beyond for over 30 years. In addition to The Wicked Lo-Down, he’s recorded albums as a member of Ryan Hartt and the Blue Hearts, The Eric Ducoff Band, Chris Capaldi, The Raymond McMorrin Quintet, and others. Nick has also been on the road with some dynamite touring artists including Junior Watson, Mark Hummel, Rusty Zinn, and Anson Funderburgh. 

Out of Line Track Listing and Songwriting Credits 

1) Kill Me or Keep Me (J. Berg)

2) Marchin’ On (N. David, P. Size)

3) Bogeyman (N. David)

4) Out of Line (N. David, P. Size)

5) The Wildest One (Lester’s Boogie) (N. David, P. Size)

6) Toxic (C. Dennis, H. Jonback, C. Karlsson, P. Winnberg)

7) Action Woman (N. David, P. Size)

8) If I (J. Berg)

9) Dime Store Darling (J. Berg)

10) You Don’t Know Me (J. Berg, N. David)

11) Vanna Be (P. Size)

12) Put Up With You (N. David) 

13) Just Can’t Make It (T.R. Taylor)

Special Guests

Mike Zito - Guitar on Out of Line

Monster Mike Welch - Guitar on Toxic

SONICWARE reveals LIVEN Mega Synthesis with retro video game sonicsSONICWARE has revealed its forthcoming new synthesizer – and it’s set to revive the sound and spirit of Sega’s Genesis and Mega Drive systems.

READ MORE: Home Bake’s Drum Mint 83 micro rhythm machine is inspired by the 80s

The LIVEN Mega Synthesis is the latest addition to SONICWARE’s LIVEN range, and is crafted to recreate the iconic tones of the YM2612 FM chip that brought 80s and 90s video games to life – and, with the system’s precise Edit Mode and fine-tuning operator ratios, the synth will allow users to customise their sound to a degree that would have been impossible back in the day.
SONICWARE have made every effort to recreate the 4-operator FM sound module of the original retro gaming systems, as well as an 8-bit PCM sound module, and the original “SN76489” PSG (Programmable Sound Generator) sound module.

The synth boasts 10 types of unique effects, such as reverb, compression, isolation and more. In terms of sequencing, the Mega Synthesis is equipped with a six-track sequencer, with the ability to have up to 128 steps per pattern.
It will also allow real-time recording, as well as a swing function, and loads of other innovative functions to allow users to take nostalgic retro sounds to exhilarating new heights.
Physically, the portable groovebox is small but mighty. With a 27-key keyboard and 15 physical control knobs, users will have the ability to get incredibly hands-on with their creations. The tool will also allow users to jump and switch ±3 octaves for easy melody input.

Gaming soundtrack legend Yuzu Koshiro, known for his work on Ys, The Streets of Rage, and Etrian Odyssey, has also given his seal of approval to the Mega Synthesis. Lending his talents to the project, the composer has contributed 32 original preset sounds and eight special patterns to the system.
SONICWARE’s Liven Mega Synthesis will be sold for $239 USD on SONICWARE’s online store, and will begin shipping from January 11th.
Pre-order yours at SONICWARE.
The post SONICWARE reveals LIVEN Mega Synthesis with retro video game sonics appeared first on MusicTech.

‘As time goes by, people realise what extraordinary songwriters they are.’MBW’s World’s Greatest Managers series meets Wendy Laister, who has managed Duran Duran for over two decades
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“If I can create a baby, I can create something else that’s pretty awesome”: Logic1000 says childbirth inspired her careerBerlin-based Australian producer and DJ Logic1000 has recently reflected on how motherhood has transformed her, both personally and creatively.

READ MORE: “We’ve started making some music and I’m really excited about it”: Romy confirms The xx are back in the studio

Speaking to NME, Samantha Poulter described how the act of childbirth made her re-assess her career, inspiring her to craft her most intricate work yet. “After I had given birth, it felt more deliberate to want to create. I wanted to create something really seismic,” she explains.
The “seismic” creation she speaks of? That’s her upcoming March release, aptly titled Mother. “When I entered motherhood I was like, ‘If I can create a baby, I can create something else that’s pretty awesome’,” she tells NME. “It felt like I finally had confidence in myself.”
Recorded in collaboration with her partner, producer Tom McAllister, the record will serve as a timeless embodiment of the duo’s partnership – that is, of course, alongside their daughter, Genie.
“I wanted to prove to [our daughter] that I was working while she was around,” Poulter says. “This is something I can show to her when she’s older and say, ‘This is what mum and dad did’.”
The record’s March release comes after a number of push-backs, due to Poulter realising she needed to pay attention to her mental health and seek out therapy. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, depression and anxiety at just 25, Poulter has since strived to be vocal about her conditions, spreading awareness and encouraging others to open up about their own mental heath struggles.
However, the delay has lead to her loving the record even more: “I realised in therapy that this is actually my dream job: to perform as a musician,” she tells NME. “For many years I repressed that and told myself that I didn’t deserve it. It renewed me – I had that innocence again about how cool this life is.”
Therapy and motherhood has served as a beautiful cocktail of inspiration for Poulter, changing her life for the better. “This whole life and career is such a blessing to have this opportunity; there are so many great things about this job that I didn’t realise, but do now,” she says.
Logic1000’s ‘Mother’ is set for release on 22 March. Listen to Logic1000’s music via Bandcamp.
The post “If I can create a baby, I can create something else that’s pretty awesome”: Logic1000 says childbirth inspired her career appeared first on MusicTech.

ViatorDSP Releases FREE Duplex Comp Lite Dynamics Plugin
ViatorDSP released Duplex Comp Lite, a freeware serial compressor plugin for Windows and macOS. Serial compression is nothing new in the world of audio processing. That said, ViatorDSP’s new Duplex Comp Lite plugin simplifies the workflow by marrying three processors in a tidy little interface. A paid version of this plugin comes with several bonuses, [...]
View post: ViatorDSP Releases FREE Duplex Comp Lite Dynamics Plugin

Metallica names Marching Band contest winners & offers fan engagement lesson [VIDEO]After learning that their music was a favorite among college and high school marching bands, last April, Metallica announced a contest with almost $200,000 in prizes that challenged marching bands. Continue reading
The post Metallica names Marching Band contest winners & offers fan engagement lesson [VIDEO] appeared first on Hypebot.

SoundCloud reportedly set for $1B sale later this yearIt’s been revealed that SoundCloud is expected to be auctioned off later this year with a price tag of over $1 billion, according to reports.

READ MORE: UK MI industry sector reveals 37% drop in imports of synths

Sky News recently reported that major shareholders Raine Group and Temasek Holdings have begun talks with investment banks for a potential auction, although the sale process isn’t expected to start for several months.
Raine and Temasek acquired SoundCloud stakes in 2017, valuing the streaming platform at $300 million after a $170 million majority-takeover deal. Recent insights from Music Business Worldwide suggest SoundCloud is on track for its first profitable EBITDA year by 2023-end, projecting revenues around EUR €288 million (USD $310 million).
Eliah Seton, SoundCloud’s CEO since March 2023, implemented strategic changes, including a reduction of 8% in the global workforce to ensure profitability. At the time, Seton said: “This is a challenging but essential decision to ensure the health of our business and get SoundCloud to profitability this year.
“In doing so, we are securing the company’s future for the millions of artists who rely on us for their living and their self-expression, and the millions of fans who come to SoundCloud for the joy of music.”
Since its inception in 2007, SoundCloud has served as an online platform empowering artists, hosting a vast community of over 40 million musicians who have shared around 320 million tracks.
The platform has made a big impact on music, even resulting in its own sub-genre of hip-hop called, ‘Soundcloud rap’, epitomised by artists like Lil Uzi Vert, XXXTentacion, Lil Pump, and Smokepurpp. SoundCloud rap’s impact lies in its disruption of music distribution, empowering emerging artists to cultivate a global following independently.
Specific details about the timeline for initiating the sale have not been disclosed. SoundCloud has chosen not to comment on these recent developments.
For more industry news, head to MusicTech.
The post SoundCloud reportedly set for $1B sale later this year appeared first on MusicTech.

Qrates has struggled to fulfill vinyl orders since JulyQrates, which many artists and indie labels have used to release vinyl records based on consumer demand, is struggling to fulfill orders and has stopped accepting new projects. Qrates offers. Continue reading
The post Qrates has struggled to fulfill vinyl orders since July appeared first on Hypebot.