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  • Prism adds $5M for venue, promoter, booking agency softwarePrism, a US-based startup building software used by venues, promoters, and booking agencies, has completed a $5 million Series B fundraising round. The company’s Series A round was $8 million.. Continue reading
    The post Prism adds $5M for venue, promoter, booking agency software appeared first on Hypebot.

    Prism, a US-based startup building software used by venues, promoters, and booking agencies, has completed a $5 million Series B fundraising round. The company’s Series A round was $8 million.. Continue reading

  • Geonkick Is A FREE Percussive Synthesizer Plugin
    Geonkick is a free drum synthesizer plugin for VST3 and LV2 plugin hosts on Windows and Linux. We’ve talked a fair bit about synths this year, but Geonkick is a novel one. While you can certainly use any sort of synthesizer for generating percussive sounds, few are freely available that have drum sound synthesis as [...]
    View post: Geonkick Is A FREE Percussive Synthesizer Plugin

    Geonkick is a free drum synthesizer plugin for VST3 and LV2 plugin hosts on Windows and Linux. We’ve talked a fair bit about synths this year, but Geonkick is a novel one. While you can certainly use any sort of synthesizer for generating percussive sounds, few are freely available that have drum sound synthesis asRead More

  • LyricFind acquires Rotor Videos and partners with CD Baby, expanding video creation pushThe lyric-licensing company is significantly expanding its video creation tools with the acquisition of Belfast-based Rotor Videos.
    Source

    The lyric-licensing company is significantly expanding its video creation tools with the acquisition of Belfast-based Rotor Videos.

  • NEON16’s Lex Borrero: ‘The growing interest in Latin Music is a testament to its impact on the global stage.’NEON16 NTERTAIN's founder on the rise of Latin Music, partnering with Firebird, Tainy's debut album and his ambition to build a billion-dollar business..
    Source

    NEON16 NTERTAIN's founder on the rise of Latin Music, partnering with Firebird, Tainy's debut album and his ambition to build a billion-dollar business..

  • What Musicians can learn from Alix Earle and other InfluencersBlair Miller, Founder and CEO of the marketing agency Chaos Creators Entertainment, discusses how artists and musicians can learn from successful influencers when creating an online presence. by Blair Miller. Continue reading
    The post What Musicians can learn from Alix Earle and other Influencers appeared first on Hypebot.

    Blair Miller, Founder and CEO of the marketing agency Chaos Creators Entertainment, discusses how artists and musicians can learn from successful influencers when creating an online presence. by Blair Miller. Continue reading

  • Party like it’s 2005 – Yamaha has just released a 5-disc CD playerDust off your Britney Spears albums and dig out your Motorola flip phone to tell your mates the news – Yamaha has just released a 5-disc CD player, the CD-C603, which allows users to change discs while another is playing via a Play X Change feature.
    The new product offers both the nostalgia of a classic multi-disc player, but also brings modern features found in other Yamaha electronics. It even has a full opening disc tray which reveals all five discs at the same time.

    READ MORE: Yamaha’s new HS3 and HS4 studio monitors are the brand’s lightest and most compact yet

    Onboard is Pure Direct, which is a popular feature included in Yamaha amplifiers and receivers. By pressing the button on the front panel or on the included remote control, it shuts down the digital audio output and turns off the display. This achieves the lowest possible noise interference and, therefore, the highest sound quality of the analogue audio output, according to the brand.
    Two further design features found in single-disc Yamaha players today are also on offer – the Laser Pickup Floating Mechanism, which prevents operation from being affected by vibrations or movement, and the Intelligent Digital Servo, which offers a type of digital processing designed to detect and compensate for any signal, tracking or motor speed issues.
    The CD-C603 can also deliver “high-quality” playback of music files such as MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, and FLAC stored on USB memory devices via a USB port on the front panel.
    Physical formats are continually rising in popularity exponentially – vinyl records have been remaining constantly high in sales across recent years, with even cassette tapes having reached a 20 year peak, with an annual figure of 195,000 sales for 2022.
    Pricing is yet to be revealed for the CD-C603 in the UK and US (but it is currently retailing at AU$899). It also comes in black or silver. You can find out more over at Yamaha.
    The post Party like it’s 2005 – Yamaha has just released a 5-disc CD player appeared first on MusicTech.

    Yamaha has just released a 5-disc CD player, the CD-C603, which allows users to change discs while another is playing.

  • “Everyone’s multitasking, and I’m no exception”: DIY talent Aerosol Jezus spent two years making a music videoThey say that to make it as an artist in music today, you have to be the full package – the producer, the player, the singer, the videographer, the mastering engineer… don’t get us started on marketing and social media. Upcoming producer, musician and filmmaker Aerosol Jezus adopted this all-rounder role with ease when it came to the release of his self-released track Cozey in June.

    READ MORE: The indomitable Jonna Lee: Building the audiovisual dream of iamamiwhoami

    No record label backing for an awesome music video? No problem. Aerosol Jezus, real name Mitchell Abraham, as a videographer alongside a singer/producer, set out creating a mesmerising music video capturing an astronaut collecting crystals on different planets. It took two years to complete the video, seeing him and his tight-knit film crew film in a desert and a forest. We speak to Abraham about what work went into creating this “cinematic masterpiece”, as one YouTube commenter calls it, and his love for music videos.

    Hey, Mitchell. What do you do as a producer and filmmaker and how do the two roles converge?
    The Aerosol Jezus project is all self-driven – I write and record everything solo. Film inherently requires collaboration during production, though I was able to handle almost all post-production myself. Technology continues to blur the lines between who does what these days. Everyone’s multitasking, and I’m no exception. I view myself as a storyteller regardless of the medium.
    Why did you decide to accompany Cozey with such an impressive music video?
    Early on, I decided this would be the flagship for the entire album. I’m laser-focused on making feature films; this was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate what I could do with a bare-bones crew and limited resources. Directing ultimately amounts to delegating, which you can only do effectively if you have a deep understanding of each role. Going into it, I knew a fair bit, but the massive undertaking that this was taught me even more. That knowledge alone made all the hard work worthwhile.
    Aerosol Jezus filming the music video for his track ‘Cozey’
    Do you often think of what the music video might look like as you produce music?
    Music allows you to dream while you’re awake. It’s tough for me with my songs because I tend to remain highly critical of them, but music’s always been a visual catalyst for me in one way or another. It quiets the noise in my head and allows me to get lost in some foreign place where I can’t help but begin to fill in the visual gap.
    You say you were on set for a long time. How long and where did you go?
    Principal photography took four to five months with just Zach Ostapchenko and myself out there. Finding locations that felt deserted enough to represent different planets was challenging, especially considering it was just the two of us in my car. It’s why many filmmakers opt for green screens – it simplifies things. I think the video is unique because we were out there doing it for real. We were on an adventure, and it showed.
    A still from the music video for Aerosol Jezus’ ‘Cozey’
    What were the challenges of creating this video?
    You occupy every role on set with just two people, from directing to craft services. Every setup was complex. We were hiking dollies and jibs up mountains and through the jungle sometimes to get just one or two shots.
    Production beats you down physically, but the mental battle of post-production was somehow worse. I was simultaneously editing, colouring, and doing VFX work throughout. I enjoy VFX, but colour is a different beast entirely. Even with a calibrated monitor, you can drive yourself insane in no time.
    A still from the music video for Aerosol Jezus’ ‘Cozey’
    How did you film scenes and what camera did you use?
    We shot on a Blackmagic Pocket 4K with Rokinon Cine Lenses. I also have an old Dana-dolly and a pocket jib that we brought into play extensively. By not splurging on high-cost gear rentals, we could allocate more time for planning, location scouting, and, most importantly, shooting.
    You say you edited the video in Resolve, Fusion, and Maya. How?
    It’s a testament to the great work Blackmagic is doing that this was the first project I’d used Resolve/Fusion (visual effects, 3D, VR and motion graphics software) on, and this was the result. It’s incredibly intuitive, all under one roof, and doesn’t crash constantly, which is icing on the cake. I learned Maya/Blender in college, but I did 97 per cent of the VFX work in Fusion. I’m just as comfortable with them now as I am in Ableton Live.
    Aerosol Jezus filming the music video for his track ‘Cozey’
    What’s easier, music production or film production? Why?
    Easier doesn’t quite cut it for either – it’s about pushing the envelope every time. Simplicity isn’t king, and overproducing isn’t a real thing. Outwork everyone, and people will notice. Both are demanding in their own ways because you’re climbing a mountain whose peak you know you’ll never reach. “Art is never finished, only abandoned.”
    Do your best and learn to live it down.
    What’s your favourite music video? Why?
    Páraic McGloughlin’s video for Someday by Weval would be my pick. It’s a masterclass in sucking the breath out of people’s lungs. It’s at once mesmerizing and unsettling – a product of immense effort and originality that you can’t help but respect.
    What advice would you give to producers who are also keen to get into filmmaking?
    Invest in what’s in front of the camera, extensively prep, and have a solid game plan. Story and character development are everything. Also, director commentaries are a gold mine.
    Keep up to date with Aerosol Jezus via Instagram.
    The post “Everyone’s multitasking, and I’m no exception”: DIY talent Aerosol Jezus spent two years making a music video appeared first on MusicTech.

    Musician/producer/filmmaker Aerosol Jezus talks about creating his intergalactic music video for ‘Cozey’, his favourite music videos and more

  • Everything you need to know about Arturia’s V Collection XAdvertorial feature with Arturia
    With each upgrade, Arturia’s V Collection repeatedly proves why it’s one of the most popular software synth bundles available. Rammed with respectful and modernised emulations of classic analogue instruments such as the Sequential Prophet-6 and Roland Juno-6, plus models of acoustic and electric pianos, it could easily be the only virtual synth purchase you’ll ever need to make.

    READ MORE: Arturia launches new “flagship” interface AudioFuse 16Rig which is “set to challenge” the market

    When MusicTech reviewed V Collection 8 in 2021, we asked if it was the “king of soft-synth suites”. The answer? A big fat yes. Shortly after the 2022 release of V Collection 9, we wrote that it would be “hard to imagine needing much else”. You’d be forgiven for thinking there’s no way the French brand could top this, then. However, with the tenth edition V Collection X, it looks like Arturia have delivered yet again, proving us all wrong.
    V Collection X sees the addition of six more synths, turning the vast collection into a head-spinning 39-strong collection for just $599. Two existing instruments, the Wurli V and the Mini V, have also been entirely rebuilt and three new expansion packs have been added, bringing 450 new and diverse presets to the table.

    What’s new: six new synths
    The key takeaway from Arturia V Collection X is the introduction of six new synths. Three of these, the MiniFreak V, the Acid V and the CP-70 V, recreate and enhance existing hardware. Augmented GRAND PIANO, Augmented BRASS and Augmented WOODWINDS come straight from Arturia’s Augmented soft synth series, which pairs electronic synthesis with deeply sampled acoustic instruments, conjuring some unique sonic results.
    MiniFreak V from Arturia V Collection X
    The Arturia MiniFreak V is a digital emulation and companion plugin for the brand’s own MiniFreak polyphonic synthesizer that “unites dual digital sound engines with analogue filters, playful modulation, instinctive sequencing, and rich stereo effects for sounds”. This version, launched in January, mirrors its hardware counterpart with a strikingly similar and elegant interface.
    With dual sound engines, detailed analogue-modelled filters, expressive sequencing, a host of experimental modulation, and versatile effects slots, it delivers a tactile hardware-like experience with digital and analogue fusion. The VST doesn’t just reflect the look of the hardware original, but it offers preset unity and syncing capabilities, so you can switch between hardware and software if you have both.
    In our review, we gave it a 9/10, saying: “Like its hardware counterpart, MiniFreak V is an astonishing synth. Its algorithmic oscillators give it a huge range of different voices, and the quality of sound is richly satisfying. It is at its best when teamed up with MiniFreak hardware, but it is nonetheless an awesome new addition to Arturia’s V synth range.”
    Acid V from Arturia V Collection X
    Arturia’s Acid V bassline synth – launched in August – is for lovers of seductively squelchy acid basslines. Described by Arturia as a “corrosive bassline machine”, it’s based on the iconic Roland TB-303.
    The Acid V’s got all the expected features: an analogue-style oscillator with Square and Triangle waveforms, a sub-oscillator with a 2-octave range and three waveforms, a Resonant low-pass filter and Slide and Accent functions. The soft synth goes far beyond the capabilities of the hardware original, however, introducing a Distortion with 14 algorithms, an added Vibrato feature and an advanced polymetric sequencer & arpeggiator with room for up to 64 steps.
    In our 9/10 review, we said: “Ultimately, for a 303 emulation it all comes down to the sound and Acid V gets it right in all the right places. It’s squelchy and meaty and will certainly satisfy your acid cravings.”

    A take on the 1976-launched electric piano, the Yamaha CP-70, Arturia’s CP-70 V, according to the brand, “honours the legendary Yamaha electro-acoustic piano that infused the 70’s and 80’s with a rich, warm and eminent stage sound”.
    Arturia has combined “exquisitely-detailed, multilayered sampling” with accurate modelling to capture the original’s intimate and expressive character. With Arturia’s respectful recreation, you get a three-band EQ, an array of built-in effects, loads of presets and further sound-shaping options.
    Augmented BRASS from Arturia V Collection X
    Alongside hardware emulations, Arturia has added three of its forward-thinking soft synths from the Augmented series to V Collection X: Augmented BRASS, Augmented WOODWINDS and Augmented GRAND PIANO.
    These are hybrid instruments. They combine meticulously recorded samples, spanning many playing styles, with synth engines for diverse sonic possibilities. Each synth offers a seamless blend of traditional and futuristic sounds, offering project-ready presets and intuitive controls for effortless expression. On each Augmented synth, you’ll find a central Morph control that lets you adjust the balance between sample and synthesis so you can shape a truly unique sound.
    Two “fully rebuilt” synths & 450 new presets
    Alongside these exciting new additions mentioned above, Arturia has fully rebuilt two synths for V Collection X.
    The Mini V, now Mini V4, faithfully recreates Moog’s Minimoog with an enhanced audio engine, polyphony mode, Vintage knob, revamped interface, and expanded modulation capabilities.
    Similarly, the Wurli V, now Wurli V3, emulates the Wurlitzer EP200 keyboard with updated physical modelling, output circuitry, GUI, effects, advanced settings, hardware view, and a pedal rig.
    If all of this was not enough, Arturia has also added three new preset Expansion Packs, meaning you can now play with a whopping 450 extra presets.
    Inward Universe offers emotive ambient spaces and modern Augmented presets. Inner City Soul blends classic soul with modern music using the rebuilt Mini V4 and Wurli V3 synths. Hyper Rave dives into underground innovation, featuring Acid V and Minifreak V, offering a spectrum from enigmatic sounds to energetic 4-to-the-floor compositions. Each pack showcases a mix of instruments from the V Collection X, catering to varied musical experiences and styles.
    What else can we find in V Collection X?
    V Collection X, as well as bringing in loads of new synths, still contains a vast array of brilliant products. These include the DX7 V, which replicates Yamaha’s FM DX7 synthesis powerhouse. There’s also the Analog Lab, a comprehensive library of sounds from various synths, the Prophet V, blending Sequential’s Prophet-5 and Prophet VS, the CZ V, capturing Casio’s Phase Distortion synthesis and the Mellotron V, which offers classic tape-based sampling.
    The Arturia V Collection X soft synth suite is available to buy for €599/$599/£515.
    Find out more and grab your copy via Arturia.
    The post Everything you need to know about Arturia’s V Collection X appeared first on MusicTech.

    The tenth edition of Arturia’s soft synth suite, the V Collection X, now has 39 instruments and over 10,000 sounds

  • How TikTok Music Videos Go ViralThis week, Ari is joined by Evan Blum, a director specializing in creating large batches of short form vertical content for musicians.

    This week, Ari is joined by Evan Blum, a director specializing in creating large batches of short form vertical content for musicians.

  • Rhodes release V-Pan plug-in The latest Rhodes plug-in models the Vari-Pan section of the flagship Rhodes MK8 piano, making it possible to the utilise the classic stereo panning effect on any other instrument or audio track within a DAW

    The latest Rhodes plug-in models the Vari-Pan section of the flagship Rhodes MK8 piano, making it possible to the utilise the classic stereo panning effect on any other instrument or audio track within a DAW

  • Micromobility.com gets delisted from the NasdaqMicromobility.com, formerly Helbiz, was delisted from the Nasdaq on Monday as a result of the company’s noncompliance with the stock exchange’s listing rules, according to a regulatory filing. Competitor Bird — the only other shared micromobility company to brave the public markets — was also delisted from the stock exchange in September. The company’s common stock […]
    © 2023 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

    Micromobility.com, formerly Helbiz, was delisted from the Nasdaq on Monday as a result of the company's noncompliance with the stock exchange's listing

  • DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS CHRISTMAS TOUR 2023 At Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos CAOne of the great joys of being a longtime smooth jazz enthusiast is the opportunity every so oftento share the festive, ever-grooving magic of my favorite artists in a live setting with friends whohaven’t yet had the pleasure. Early in his Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2023 Saturdayshow at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center, the saxophonist and always engaging hostmentioned it’s been an annual tradition since 1997 – over 25 years! I’ve lost count of how manyI’ve attended – 10, 12, maybe – but one thing’s for sure. It’s always the musical highlight of theseason. Still after attending so many great performances, there’s always the possibility of takingthem for granted, like comfortable annual rituals rather than the fresh, marvelous evergreenevents they truly are.So it was a unique pleasure for me to share the evening with a wonderful friend new to the KozChristmas experience and to experience through her eyes the wonder and nuance of everyexciting performance, each fresh arrangement of a holiday classic, the mix of R&B/funk,intimacy and uplifting gospel energy. A fusion of exquisite beauty and ongoing party, the Kozversion of Santa’s workshop, drew my friend into the holiday spirit - and made me appreciateevery detail of just how special and essential the show is to, to borrow a familiar lyric, makingthe season bright.

    While the “and friends” Koz usually invites to join the fun of his cross-country December toursare usually other genre A-lister stars, he switched things up delightfully this year, complementingthe core of him and “my brother” Jonathan Butler with equally brilliant but slightly lesser knownperformers like saxophonist Marcus Anderson, vocalist Rebecca Jade and 16-year old SouthAfrican born multi-instrumentalist phenom Justin Lee Schultz, whose 2023 debut album Just InThe Moment is one of the genre’s best of the year.Koz and Butler kicked off the nearly two-hour show showcasing their dynamic sax-guitar-vocalchemistry on an engaging medley of freshly arranged classics, seamlessly flowing through“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “White Christmas,” “We Need a Little Christmas,”“Joy to the World and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” Everything seemed like a“normal” but of course wonderful Koz Christmas show until Schultz popped in with a soulfulversion of “This Christmas” that featured him, in rapid succession on vocals, fiery electric guitarand acoustic piano. Then came the blazing sax and stage commanding charisma of Anderson,followed by Jade performing (with Anderson and Schultz on harmonies) a fascinating, funkedout twist on “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” with a completely new melody.Likewise, Anderson played one of the peppiest spins through the usually staid and sacred “SilentNight” that I’ve ever heard.After Koz and Butler joined them for a full cast romp through a playfully choreographed “SantaClaus is Coming to Town,” Koz took center stage (with Schultz on piano) to share his newsingle, “When You Wish Upon A Star” (part of an upcoming Disney themed EP), easing fromlush balladry to a whimsical, percussive samba arrangement. The one aspect of the show that setit apart from previous Koz extravaganzas was when the five principals gathered around the piano

    for intimate talk (and of course, brief performances) of their very favorite holiday songs. Theseranged from Anderson’s perky “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” and Jade’s sweet “MerryChristmas Darling” to Koz’s hilarious “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch!”The cultural-religious balance of a Koz holiday show is always a treat as well, this timemanifested with Koz complementing his folksy dance “Eight Candles” with snippets traditionalHanukah songs; Jade and Butler offering a shimmering, goose-bump inducing duet on “MaryDid You Know?”; Jade making a joyful noise to the Lord on “O Come All Ye Faithful” with afaux stained glass church window on the screen behind her; and Butler’s showstopping “O HolyNight,” performed with a meditational grace that invited everyone in the audience to feel eachword on a soul-deep level.Energy-wise, the flip side of that was when the whole cast joined forces as Butler took thecongregation to church on his fiery gospel jam “Brand New Day.” Koz and Friends closed theevening on a thoughtful note, with some Beatlesque messaging for a world in need, starting witha thoughtful rendition of “Imagine” topped with a swelling chorus of “All You Need is Love.”

    One of the great joys of being a longtime smooth jazz enthusiast is the opportunity every so oftento share the festive, ever-grooving magic of my favorite artists in a live setting with friends who…

  • The number of Latin music listeners on Spotify worldwide soared 986% from 2014 to 2023Spotify reports steady double-digit growth in demand for Latin music over the past decade
    Source

    Spotify reports steady double-digit growth in demand for Latin music over the past decade.

  • Japan’s NexTone expands distribution network globally in partnership with SESAC Music Group’s AudioSaladDeal marks the first Japanese partnership for AudioSalad
    Source

  • Two notes announce TriTone Collective for OPUS Users of Two notes' OPUS amp and cabinet modelling system can now add another three preamp models to their device free of charge.

    Users of Two notes' OPUS amp and cabinet modelling system can now add another three preamp models to their device free of charge.