‘XP Music Futures showcased how strong the music industry in the MENA region can become.’Saudi Arabia recently played host to the third edition of XP Music Futures, a three-day industry conference held in Riyadh
Source

Best DJ plugins of 2024: Free software and apps for DJingMixing your favourite music has become incredibly accessible in recent times. Rather than requiring savings for turntables and a mixer, you can initiate your DJing journey right from your laptop without any cost. There’s plenty of freeware out there that equips you with professional features, whether you’re planning on testing out a few tracks to mix before a big gig or need an app to use with your new DJ controller. Some software is even capable of connecting streaming services, isolating stems in a track and video mixing.

READ MORE: Best freeware for music-making: Top free apps, DAWs, plug-ins, instruments and more

We’ve rounded up the best free software for DJing on both Windows and macOS that will have you mixing in no time and for no cost at all.
The best free software for DJs at a glance:

Atomix VirtualDJ
Beatport DJ
Serato DJ Lite
Rekordbox (Free plan)
Mixxx
Mixvibes CrossDJ Free
UltraMixer
WeDJ

Atomix VirtualDJ

With over 100 million downloads, VirtualDJ is a superb choice for beginners and experienced DJs alike. The free software boasts state-of-the-art stem separation, streaming platform integration, customisation and essential mixing tools. You’ll have access to a bank of effects, a sampler and a library management system for quick searching, smart folders, playlists and more. The downside is that you’ll need to pay for a VirtualDJ License if you plan on using a DJ controller.
Pros
+ Stem separation and ModernEQ for creative mixing
+ Access to millions of songs on SoundCloud, Deezer, Beatport and Tidal
+ Customisable interface with multiple decks
+ Video mixing capabilities
Cons
– No controller support with a free license
Download: Atomix
BeatportDJ

BeatportDJ is a cloud- and browser-based DJ app. That means you simply subscribe to Beatport account and get mixing from your browser. It has all of the expected features, such as four-channel mixing, looping and effects, but you can also Create and discover shared playlists from Beatport LINK’s vast catalogue, drag and drop in music, take the party to your mobile device with the Beatport DJ app, and even play B2B in real-time with friends from anywhere in the world using Party Mode. You can use it for free in Preview Mode, or pay a monthly subscription to unlock a plethora of features.
Pros
+ All online – no need for installations
+ Access music from Beatport LINK
+ Party Mode lets you mix B2B with friends remotely
+ Create and share playlists
+ Connect to DJ and MIDI controllers
+ AI-powered automix function
Cons
– All music you use must be purchased from Beatport
– Requires a subscription for full use of features
Download: stream.beatport.com
Serato DJ Lite

Serato DJ Lite is the stripped-back version of the brand’s leading DJ software, used by some of the best DJs in the world. This version has incredibly limited features unless you’ve got a DJ controller that comes with a Serato DJ Lite unlock. But, you can stream and mix music from SoundCloud, Tidal, Beatport and Beatsource, provided you’re subscribed to those services. If you’re looking to get a feel for the very basics of DJing, Serato DJ Lite will prove useful.
Pros
+ Fair amount of features to get started with DJing, including cue and loop points to jump and sample slots
+ Streaming from Beatport, SoundCloud, Tidal and Beatsource
+ Livestreaming capabilities
Cons
– You’ll need supported hardware to access filters, EQ, and effects
– Can be difficult to navigate without Performance Mode
Download: Serato
Rekordbox (Free plan)
Rekordbox
Rekordbox is a robust piece of DJ software built for professionals. For that reason, the full-feature and hardware-compatible version of Rekordbox can cost an arm and a leg (the Professional plan costs $30/month). Even with the free version of Rekordbox, however, although you can only use it by itself and without a controller, you can mix your music on an interface that, because Rekordbox is owned by Pioneer DJ, has a similar look and feel to CDJs.
Pros
+ Brilliant music library management
+ Seamless compatibility with Pioneer DJ equipment
+ Basic DJ performance features included
Cons
– Limited features compared to the paid version
– No hardware compatibility
– Dependency on Pioneer DJ equipment for optimal performance
Download: Rekordbox
Mixxx

Mixxx goes above and beyond as a free application, giving you four decks to mix with sync, looping, pitch and key controls, and quantisation. You can also use up to 64 sampler decks to pepper sounds over your mixes. Happily, you can connect a range of DJ controllers to Mixxx, and even use timecode vinyl and CDs without having to pay the price of high-end DJ software. Some basic features are noticeably absent, but if you’ve picked up a second-hand DJ controller, you’ll want to try out Mixxx.
Pros
+ Built-in mapping for a range of DJ controllers and timecode support
+ Four decks of mixing
+ Effects chains for linking multiple effects
+ Easy broadcasting
Cons
– Missing some basic features
– BPM detection is not always on point
Download: Mixxx
MixVibes CrossDJ Free

MixVibes’ CrossDJ Free is ideal if you’re passionate about mixing in key, thanks to its instant key suggestion tool. CrossDJ comes in the form of three versions, with the free edition being surprisingly capable. It provides two decks, three effects, and two fully-featured video decks with transitions, camera integration, and more. With over 80 mapped controllers from brands such as Numark and Pioneer DJ, it can stream tracks from SoundCloud, and access smart playlists based on BPM and more. A Match section helps track compatibility and shows your play history.
Pros
+ Two music decks and two video decks
+ SoundCloud streaming
+ Smart playlists and Match feature useful for all levels of DJ
+ Compatible with plenty of controllers
Cons
– Limited performance features in free version
– Have to upgrade to record mixes
– GUI could be more intuitive
Download: Mixvibes
UltraMixer

UltraMixer is for DJs that love triggering samples throughout a set. Its customisable layout moves the mixing section to the bottom of the screen and has a browser underneath each of its two decks. The central mixing section can be swapped out for two AudioSamplers, video samples, notes, and more. However, the free demo version of UltraMixer Pro Entertain has a 60-minute time limit and only offers three effects. It supports over 80 DJ controllers, so you can try new controllers before purchasing more comprehensive software.
Pros
+ Good software for learning the absolute basics
+ Customisable layout
+ Support for over 80 DJ controllers
+ Video, streaming and broadcasting support
Cons
– Free version needs rebooting after 60 mins of use
– Limited effects section
– GUI might be too different to other pro DJ software for some users
Download: UltraMixer
WeDJ

Pioneer DJ’s free WeDJ app is aimed at entry-level DJs mixing on the fly or plugging in to a controller without fuss. It has all the nuts and bolts – a two-channel mixer, effects, looping – but gives you instant access to music from streaming services Soundcloud Go+ and Beatport. WeDJ delivers for people looking for a portable, hand-held mixing solution. Plus, if you’re looking to learn the fundamentals of mixing, its helpful tutorials and pop hints come in handy.
Pros
+ Portable, handheld mixing
+ Signature Pioneer DJ design
+ Performance effects controls
+ Access to Soundcloud Go+ and Beatport
+ Useful tutorials and pop hints
Cons
– Clunky effects for pro setups
– Somewhat basic features
Download: pioneerdj.com
For more Buyer’s guides, head to MusicTech.
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CES 2024: Sennheiser announces Momentum 4 earbuds with lossless audioYesterday at the CES 2024 consumer tech trade show in Las Vegas, Sennheiser announced the fourth edition of its Momentum earbuds range.

READ MORE: Urbanista’s solar-charging headphones receive a second gen revamp

The Momentum 4 earbuds have a keen focus on sound quality, most notably now supporting Qualcomm’s AptX Lossless technology, which delivers high-quality, lossless audio when paired with your phone, tablet, smart TV or laptop.
Introduced to the public in 2021, aptX Lossless is an audio technology that allows for the transmission of high-quality audio wirelessly, maintaining the original audio quality when streaming or transmitting audio over Bluetooth connections. The audio you hear through the Momentum 4 therefore retains its fidelity and richness similar to how it was recorded, offering a near-CD quality experience without the need for cables.
The new Sennheiser Momentum 4 true wireless earbuds support Bluetooth LE audio and Auracast, so you can connect your earbuds to an unlimited number of devices. They also offer adaptive noise cancellation for an immersive listening experience.
In terms of battery life, Momentum 4 offer up to 7.5 hours from the earbuds themselves, extendable up to 30 hours with the charging case, rivalling top-tier competitors such as the Sony WF-1000XM5.
At CES, Sennheiser’s been busy releasing details about its other upcoming headphones, too. Also announced are the new exercise-focused Momentum Sport earbuds, offering built-in sensors for tracking heart rate and body temperature and compatibility with apps such as Garmin and Strava.
Credit: Sennnheiser
We’ve also been given a first look at Sennheiser’s Accentum Plus over-ear headphones. These feature an extended battery life, lasting up to 50 hours, providing ample usage time. They support AptX Adaptive for enhanced audio quality and offer five hours of listening with a rapid 10-minute charge.
The Accentum Plus will be available first on 20 February at $229.95 (€229.99 / £199.99), followed by the Momentum True Wireless 4 on 29 February at $299.95 (€299.99 / £259.99). The Momentum Sport, equipped with heart rate and body temperature sensors, is set to release on 9 April for $329.95 (€329.99 / £259.99).
Find out more at Sennheiser.
The post CES 2024: Sennheiser announces Momentum 4 earbuds with lossless audio appeared first on MusicTech.

CES 2024: JBL unveils new range of true wireless earphones plus portable speakers for travel and partiesCES 2024: Audio brand JBL has unveiled a multitude of new products at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), including the JBL Live TWS 3 Series of true wireless earphones with “game changing” Smart Charging Cases. Each one comes fitted with an LED touch display.
And that’s not all, as refreshed models of its award-winning range of portable speakers – the Xtreme 4, Clip 5 and Go 4 – have also been unmasked, plus new PartyBox speakers.

READ MORE: JBL Tour Pro 2 brings a whole new way to control your wireless earbuds

CES kicks off today (9 January) and wraps up this Friday (12 January) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. JBL’s new launches will be rolling out throughout the course of the year, so let’s take a closer look at each one:
JBL Live TWS 3 Series
This wireless earphone range includes Live Buds 3, Live Beam 3 and Live Flex 3 designs, all accompanied by the Smart Charging Case found in the JBL Tour Pro 2. The case’s 1.45” inch LED touch display provides listeners with “full control” of almost all features and functions in real time. These will be landing from mid-June. Other features include:

Hi-Res Audio
Bluetooth 5.3 with LE so users can enjoy “stable” multipoint connections
Improved battery life, with the Live Buds 3 carrying up to 40 hours of portable playtime, up to 48 hours with the Live Beam 3, and up to 50 hours with the Live Flex 3
Available in four colours – Purple, Blue, Silver and Black
IP55 waterproof rating
Prices: £179.99/€199.99

Portable speakers
The JBL Xtreme 4, Clip 5 and Go 4 are all due to land this March. Each speaker introduces Auracast for the first time, with unlimited connectivity options for stereo or multi-speaker pairing across different speakers.
The Xtreme 4 has AI Sound Boost which analyses audio in real time with an AI algorithm to optimise the acoustic output level. It hosts two woofers, two drivers and dual-pumping JBL Bass Radiators. There’s up to 24 hours of playtime and a power bank to charge your phone on the go. The battery is replaceable. (£329.99/€349.99).
The Clip 5 (£59.99/€69.99) has a redesigned carabiner with a bigger and more accessible opening. There’s an increase in driver power and up to 12 hours of playtime making it perfect for travel, and the smaller Go 4 (£39.99/€49.99) offers seven hours of playtime and comes in six colours. It has “more robust” sound and “punchier” bass than its predecessor, plus an updated aesthetic and more durable strap.
PartyBox speakers
Three PartyBox products will arrive in April – the Club 120 (£349.99/€399.99), the Stage 320 (£549.99/€599.99), and the compatible Wireless Mic (£119.99/€129.99).
The Club 120 offers deeper bass and a dynamic light show that syncs with your music. It delivers up to 12 hours of playtime and has an easy-to-swap replaceable battery. There are two mic inputs and one guitar input, plus it’s compatible with the JBL PartyBox App.
Those looking for more playtime can opt for the Stage 320, with 18 hours on offer. It has two high-sensitivity woofers and dual tweeters, a telescopic handle and wheels for transportation, and a replaceable battery. FastCharge is on board, for a 10-minute charge boost that delivers two hours of playtime.
The Wireless Mic comes in a plug-and-play two-mic pack, with up to 20 hours of playtime and a rechargeable battery that can be charged while using.
Check out more from JBL and CES 2024.
The post CES 2024: JBL unveils new range of true wireless earphones plus portable speakers for travel and parties appeared first on MusicTech.

CES 2024: Nanoleaf’s Orchestrator lets you light up your studio in sync with your beatsCES 2024: Nanoleaf, a smart lighting innovation company, has unveiled its new Orchestrator software at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.
The software connects directly with your computer’s sound source and isolates the response to your device for a “perfectly synchronised” light show to accompany your favourite songs or tracks you’ve crafted yourself.

READ MORE: Producers: these songs are now in the public domain and free to sample

Nanoleaf announced Orchestrator today (9 January) as part of the first day of CES 2024, which concludes this Friday (12 January). Orchestrator “transforms your experience with music like never before”, according to the brand, and creates captivating colour and light shows with real-time music analysis and beat detection.
Nanoleaf states that its software stands apart from existing music visualisers as it connects directly to the sound source, as opposed to detecting any audio within a space as other products do. Although Nanoleaf’s current Rhythm feature (found in its other products) reacts to sound, the new Orchestrator technology takes things up a notch by “intelligently” picking up on beats, melodies, and the audio spectrum to generate visuals.
Energetic beats will deliver pulsating light reactions, while slower or more melodic songs will gently dance across your wall with synchronised animations. Users can also choose to create light shows themselves by customising their own unique palettes, effects, and more.
Also at CES, Nanoleaf has unveiled other lighting products suitable for studio use. An indoor Essentials Matter Smart Multicolour Lightstrip will launch later this year, which can be grouped together with other lights and automated with Matter hubs.
The brand has also shared that the “world’s first-ever” smart modular ceiling light panel with design customisation – the Skylight – will ship this January after it was first previewed at CES 2023. It also hosts a Rhythm Music Visualiser feature.
Orchestrator works via the Nanoleaf desktop app and is compatible with any music streaming platform or audio player. It is planned for a Spring 2024 release, but further details on this are yet to be unveiled.
Find out more at Nanoleaf. You can also find out what else to expect from this year’s CES 2024 via the official CES website.
The post CES 2024: Nanoleaf’s Orchestrator lets you light up your studio in sync with your beats appeared first on MusicTech.

MPG Awards 2024: Plans announced The Music Producers Guild have announced their plans for this year’s MPG Awards, which will be taking place on 25 April 2024 at a new venue, The Troxy, in London, UK.

5 creative ways to use Create mode
Here are five potentially less-obvious ways to use Create mode that might be worth considering the next time you're working on a track.

UVI Falcon 3 sends your sound design soaring to new heights€349 (add-on sound banks €39 each), uvi.net
Synths are normally categorised based on their core synthesis technology: subtractive, FM, wavetable, and so on. This helps us manage our expectations of an instrument. But, in the modern world of powerful computers and software synthesisers, these distinctions become blurred – or break down completely. UVI Falcon is the epitome of this.

READ MORE: On the borderline: The different synthesis styles of the world

Falcon is a soft synth that supports (practically) all synthesis techniques, and with an architecture so open-ended it defies all categorisation. The third edition of this uber-synth is now available, so let’s take a look at the new features, and discover what makes Falcon so astonishingly powerful.

Hierarchical structure
Falcon builds its sounds from a hierarchy of nested objects and layers. Oscillators lie at the very bottom of this hierarchy, with one or more of them being assigned to a Keygroup that defines key and velocity ranges.
Keygroups are assembled into Layers, a collection of one-or-more Layers constitutes a patch, and patches can be combined in the multi-timbral Master, which sits at the very top of the hierarchy.
What makes this exceptionally open architecture even more compelling is that various kinds of modifiers can be added at every level of the structure. So you can, for example: apply an envelope to an oscillator, Keygroup or Layer, or to the entire patch; add different effects at different points in the structure; include multiple complementary sequences, each driving a different patch, Layer, Keygroup or oscillator. You can even import or write (LUA language) scripts to customise functionality and behaviours.
The only limitations are your imagination and the processing power of your computer.
UVI Falcon 3 Master Mixer
How complicated is the UVI Falcon 3?
The one downside of Falcon’s astonishing depth of flexibility is that it is inherently complicated. You can ignore this complexity and just work from the synth’s Info view, which provides a small number of patch-specific, macro-style controls. But if you want to edit the deeper details, or create your own patches, then you will have to deal with the instrument’s complexities.
Thankfully, UVI has done an exceptional job of taming such complexities and organising them into a sensible and logical interface.
A main view area shows control panels for all of the elements loaded into the synth. Sidebars can be opened to see an overview of a patch’s (or multi’s) structure, and to access palettes of oscillators and modifiers that can be dragged-and-dropped onto a patch. There’s also a new Workspaces feature that allows up to eight different views to be stored for later recall.
Creating patches from scratch has been made easier thanks to the new templates feature, which provides 21 starting points for different types of synth. These save a lot of time and help you avoid getting bogged-down before you even start a sound design session.
Despite the templates and UVI’s excellent user interface work, it is easy to become lost in Falcon’s limitless depths. Employing a bit more colour-coding around the place would help here because, attractive though the instrument’s muted shades-of-grey styling might be, the different sections of the main view area don’t stand out from each other as well as they could.
UVI Falcon 3 Info view
New oscillators
This third release of Falcon includes a bunch of new goodies that add even more power and versatility to the synth. Starting with oscillators, there’s VOSIM, Bowed String and Harmonic Resonators. The first of these emulates vintage choir synths like the Logan Vocalist and Korg Polyphonic Ensemble. It offers a Formant mode, where the formant frequency and resonance can be dialled-in, and a Phonem mode, where you can select the phonetic sound that will be synthesised.
Bowed String combines the harmonic tones of a violin, viola or cello with inharmonic bowing sounds. The oscillator allows control over string tension and friction, bowing position, and more, and comes with a collection of different bowing articulations. Despite the name, this doesn’t create instantly realistic string sounds on its own, but rather provides a sound layer that, when combined with other oscillators and layers, can add dramatic and realistic flavours to string patches.
Harmonic Resonators is a peculiar beast that uses a combination of transient, texture and noise samples to excite a set of six tuneable and inter-coupled resonators. The resulting sound is hard to describe, but tends to be airy, short-lived and packed with interesting harmonics, making it ideal for special effects, and as a component of a larger sound.

Effects and processors
This oscillator has a new effect-processing counterpart, the Harmonic Resonator processor. This features a similar suite of six tuneable resonators, and can be used to squeeze all sorts of textures and harmonics out of a source sound, although it is an odd beast that gives unpredictable results. What is predictable, though, is the new Ladder Filter, which gives a fabulous recreation of Moog’s famed design.
On top of these synth-style processors there’s also Opal, a model of vintage optical compressors such as the Teletronix LA-2A, and Dispersor, a transient shaper that can be focussed on a specific frequency. Frankly, we can’t really work out what Dispersor is doing despite it only having four controls, but it certainly introduces interesting colourations to the sound.
The updates that we found most fun to play with were the three new sequencer/arpeggiator event processors – a dream for generative composers. Motion Grid manages up to four independent note triggers that move around on an 8×8 grid; Snowflakes uses the concept of falling flakes to convert sustained notes into rhythmic, dancing staccato notes; and the fascinating Node Arp uses a 16×16 matrix and on/off logic to create unique sequences of notes and chords.
UVI Falcon 3 patch loading and sound banks
Unfathomable
The limitless sound design options offered by Falcon result in a formidable collection of factory presets, packed to the gunnels with classic synth staples and inspirational, ear-popping sounds that few other synths could create.
Many add-on sound banks are available too, including two new ones – Modular Noise and Organic Pads – that take advantage of Falcon 3’s new features. So you can easily harness the phenomenal power of Falcon without having to delve into its TARDIS-like innards.
The asking price is quite high, and it does take time and effort to become fully comfortable working with Falcon 3’s ludicrously open-ended capabilities. But with so much power, so much versatility, and so few limitations, it is an expense and effort that pays off in spades.
UVI Falcon 3 Main Edit view
Key features

Standalone, or plugin (AAX, AU, VST and VST3)
Large factory sound bank included; additional sound banks available
Built on reliable and efficient UVI Engine XT
Hierarchical structure starts with Multi and drills down to individual oscillators
13 synth-style oscillator types
7 sample-based oscillator types
Dozens of synth-style processors and effects
Multi mixer with insert and send effects
Wide range of modulation sources; easy routing to destinations
Many event processors and scripts included
MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) support for use with advanced controllers

The post UVI Falcon 3 sends your sound design soaring to new heights appeared first on MusicTech.

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.

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
Source

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.

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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.

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