Figure AI is in talks to raise $1.5B at 15x its last valuationRobotics startup Figure AI is raising $1.5 billion at a $39.5 billion valuation, a whopping 15 times higher than before.
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Botanica music: What it is and how to make it
Learn about the world of botanica music alongside expert producer and songwriter Michael Bruner, who overviews music theory concepts, production techniques, and more.

3DBenchy Sets Sail into the Public DomainGood news for everyone who cannot get enough from improbably shaped boats that get referred to as a bench: the current owner (NTI Group) of the copyright has announced that 3DBenchy has been released into the public domain. This comes not too long after Prusa’s Printables website had begun to purge all derived models to adhere to the ‘no derivatives’ license. According to NTI, the removal of these derived models was not requested by NTI, but by a third-party report, unbeknownst to NTI or the original creator of the model. Recognizing its importance to the community, 3DBenchy can now be downloaded & modified freely.
NTI worked together with the original creator [Daniel Norée] and former Creative Tools CEO [Paulo Kiefe] to transition 3DBenchy and the associated website to the public domain, with the latter two having control over the website and associated social media accounts. Hopefully this means that the purged models on Printables can be restored soon, even if some may prefer to print alternate (literal) benches.
The unfortunate part is that much of this mess began courtesy of the original 3DBenchy license being ignored. If that point had been addressed many years ago instead of being swept under the rug by all parties involved, there would have been no need for any of this kerfuffle.

Steven Tyler's Grammy Party at Hollywood PalladiumIconic Aerosmith frontman and former American Idol judge Steven Tyler hosted his 6th annual Grammy viewing party once again at the Hollywood Palladium benefiting his Janie’s Fund foundation. Previous locations have included Red and Raleigh studios and performances from Tyler, Aerosmith, the Black Crowes and more.  From the press release “The star-studded event will unite music A-listers, entertainment icons, and welcome more than 150 firefighters who have been at the forefront of combating the California wildfires to celebrate the biggest night in music. The evening will benefit Janie’s Fund, as well as support both the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the Widows, Orphans, and Disabled Firefighters Fund by raising critical funds to help meet the immediate needs for lifesaving equipment and resources.”

The event took place on Grammy Sunday (2/2) and before the viewing party kicked off a red carpet of musicians, celebrities and Janie’s Fund girls and board members walked down leading into the Palladium entrance. Appearing on the carpet was none other than Tyler himself and members of his all-star band that evening including former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum, Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, Megadeth bassist James LoMenzo, current John Waite guitarist Brent Wood, Aerosmith keyboardist Buck Johnson as well as special guests Fleetwood Mac’s co-founder and drummer Mick Fleetwood, Joan Jett and Blackhearts’ guitarist Dougie Needles and co-founder/keyboardist Kenny Laguna, Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson. Also on the carpet was the evening’s host, comedian Tiffany Haddish, song-writer Desmond Child, actor/musician Corey Feldman, artists Jaden Hossler, Sully Erna (Godsmack), David Archuletta, Gavin DeGraw, and actresses Bo Derek and Paris Jackson, radio host Eddie Trunk, Kill Devil Hill frontman Dewey Bragg and Mia Tyler and Counting Cars star Danny 'Count' Koker. Members of the L.A. Fire Department were on the carpet as well and the event's annual pre-show performers The London Essentials. From the Youth Villages team CEO Patrick Lawler, Chief Development Officer Richard Shaw (also Janie’s Fund), and Chairman Mike Bruns were there, and Janie’s Fund Executive Council member Edie Allen. Following the Grammy Awards telecast, Tyler performed for the first time since Aerosmith announced their retirement and a reunion with Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton. Other performances and guests included Jett, Billy Idol, Marcus King, Lainey Wilson, and Linda Perry. Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham, Korn’s Munky were also in attendance. About Janie’s Fund“Janie’s Fund is a philanthropic initiative created by Steven Tyler in partnership with one of America’s most effective nonprofits, Youth Villages. Named after Aerosmith’s 1989 hit, “Janie’s Got a Gun,” which tells the story of a young girl who was abused by her father, Janie’s Fund provides hope and healing for many of our country’s most vulnerable girls who have survived the trauma of abuse and neglect. Through Janie’s Fund, Tyler is using his big voice to give a voice to thousands of victims who haven’t had one. For more information, visit JaniesFund.org. For more about Steven Tyler, including his bio, visit StevenTyler.com.”Setlist:Walk This Way (Aerosmith)- Tyler, Hamilton, and Robinson.Immigrant Song (Led Zeppelin)- Linda PerryWhat's Up? (4 Non Blondes)- Perry Proud Mary (CCR)- Marcus KingDancing with Myself- Billy Idol & Steve StevensRebel Yell (Billy Idol)- Idol & StevensI Hate Myself (For Loving You)- Joan Jett, Dougie Needles, Kenny LagunaCherry Bomb (Runaways)- Jett, Needles, LagunaBad Reputation- Jett, Needles, LagunaMore Than Words (Extreme)- Steven Tyler, Mick Fleetwood (percussion), and Nuno BettencourtToys in the Attic (Aerosmith)- Steven TylerDream On (Aerosmith)- Lainey Wilson and TylerSweet Emotion (Aerosmith), Tyler, Tom Hamilton, and Chris RobinsonThe post Steven Tyler's Grammy Party at Hollywood Palladium first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

From the ‘fair use’ win for Reuters to ByteDance building an AI music beast… it’s MBW’s Weekly Round-UpThe biggest stories from the past week – all in one place…
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Dreamwave releases FREE Tarantula classic chorus plugin
Dreamwave has released Tarantula, a free chorus plugin inspired by classic chorus effect boxes. The plugin offers four chorus modes, plus a standard triangle wave LFO and hyper triangle LFO. The hyper triangle LFO produces a more prominent chorus effect and is ideal for synth leads that sound slightly thin. Each chorus mode is inspired [...]
View post: Dreamwave releases FREE Tarantula classic chorus plugin

IK Multimedia announce Gus G. Tone Asylum for TONEX The latest TONEX expansion captures a collection of amps and pedals from the collection of renowned metal guitarist Gus G. 

W. A. Production ChopBeastSlice & Dice ChopBeast by WA Production isn't just another loop slicer... it's your gateway to a world of beautiful accidents, creating order from chaos. From the classic vocal... Read More

Non-Music AI for Musicians and Industry ProfessionalsSo much has been written about using AI to make music that it's easy to forget that non-music AI has other uses that can make the lives of musicians and industry professionals more productive.
The post Non-Music AI for Musicians and Industry Professionals appeared first on Hypebot.

TikTok app is back in Apple, Google Play download storesThe TikTok app is back in Apple, Google Play and other download stores. The app was removed on January 19th after a law banning the app went into effect.
The post TikTok app is back in Apple, Google Play download stores appeared first on Hypebot.

This two-in-one Bluetooth turntable and wireless speaker might just be a serious vinyl lover’s dreamAudiophiles on a budget can now spin records and stream wirelessly with Mixx Audio’s new all-in-one Bluetooth turntable and wireless speaker combo.
The Mixx Analog System 5, priced at £299, combines a Bluetooth-capable turntable with a pair of versatile Bluetooth bookshelf speakers, offering a complete vinyl listening experience without breaking the bank.

READ MORE: Joe Satriani: “Anyone can make decent music at home, which is good for people who – because of their sex or appearance – have been cut out of the music scene”

At the heart of the Analog System 5 lies a true audiophile’s dream – two separate wireless speakers with 50-watt RMS power that deliver a rich, immersive hi-fi sound experience. These speakers effortlessly pair with the included record player, allowing you to dive into your vinyl collection without any hassle.
In addition to Bluetooth support, the speaker system features RCA connections and Optical Input, along with adjustable bass and treble controls.
Also included is the Analog 5, a belt drive turntable with switchable RCA/Phono output connections, an Audio-Technica AT3600L moving magnet cartridge and aluminium tonearm. The vinyl player can run at both 33 and 45 RPM speeds, and features a dedicated pitch control for subtle audio customisation. It also comes with a high quality anti slip mat, and a low profile clear dust cover.
Image: Mixx Audio
For added convenience, the package includes an AC power adapter with UK/EU plug options, making it ready to use right out of the box. An included remote control, meanwhile, allows for easy adjustment of volume, input selection, and audio settings from across the room.
Sporting a wooden platform base with anti vibration feet, the Mixx Analog System 5 is available in Black or White colour options.
Learn more at Mixx Audio.
Also in the world of turntable’s, this year’s CES convention saw the release of several new models, including Gadhouse’s new retro-flavoured COSMO Solar turntable and a range of affordable turntables from Lenco.
The post This two-in-one Bluetooth turntable and wireless speaker might just be a serious vinyl lover’s dream appeared first on MusicTech.

Rick Beato – and his accountants – break down how taxes work for professional musiciansDeductibles? Write-offs? Do the complexities of taxes make your head spin? You’re probably not alone. Whether you’re a full-time musician or a part-time artist trying to make sense of your earnings and expenses, navigating taxes can feel like a daunting task.
Luckily, Rick Beato is here to break it all down in the simplest way possible, answering even the dumbest tax questions you might have. In a new video, the producer and YouTuber sits down with his accountants Alan Friedman and Evan Kalish, who walk him (and us) through everything a musician needs to know about getting their taxes in order.

READ MORE: Universal Music Group and Music Health Alliance partner on new mental health fund

To start, the team dives into what musicians can actually write off when it comes to taxes. The rule is simple: you can deduct any expense that is incurred in the production of income in your craft.
For musicians, this means expenses like gear purchases, recording costs, travel costs, and music subscriptions (such as iTunes or Spotify, and even plugin subs) are deductible, as long as they are directly tied to your work.
“You’re selling that music as a producer or an artist,” explains Kalish, who’s also a drummer himself. “In your [Beato’s] case you’re using those plugins to edit YouTube content. So it’s absolutely deductible – it’s generating income.”
Another common myth addressed in the video is the idea that buying gear at the end of the year is always a smart way to reduce taxable income. While it can lower your tax liability, you might still end up spending more money altogether.
To illustrate this, the accountants break down a real-world example: A musician earns $200,000 in a year and has $50,000 in legitimate business expenses, leaving them with a taxable income of $150,000. Based on this, the musician would face a tax bill of around $50,000, factoring in federal, state, and self-employment taxes.
Some musicians might think that they’ll pay less in taxes if they spend an additional $50,000 on equipment. And technically, that’s true — this would drop their taxable income to $100,000, reducing their tax bill to roughly $35,000, saving them $15,000. But here’s the catch: they still spent $50,000 to save $15,000.
During the video, Rick and his accountants also stress the importance of keeping detailed records, as it can massively simplify things when the time comes to file.
Watch the full video below.

See more from Rick Beato via his official YouTube channel.
The post Rick Beato – and his accountants – break down how taxes work for professional musicians appeared first on MusicTech.

“From UA with love”: Get Universal Audio’s 1176 classic FET Compressor plugin for freeIt’s the month of love, and Universal Audio is releasing a free version of its 1176 classic FET Compressor plugin to celebrate.
UA has made the offer available until 28 February, and you can use it with any DAW on Mac or PC – no UA hardware required. The brand grandly describes the 1176 as the “king of audio limiting”, and it looks like it’s taking the romance seriously, as it hopes it will “welcome you into the Universal Audio family”.

READ MORE: Enjoy up to 96% off Universal Audio UAD plugin bundles in Plugin Boutique’s 13th anniversary sale

Originally built by Bill Putnam Sr. in 1967, the first Universal Audio 1176 can be heard “on more classic records than any other compressor”. This plugin version is a faithful emulation, which UA says delivers the same punchy, expressive tones as the original hardware.
With the plugin, users can add colour and character to their recordings, and get fast attack time on bass, guitars, vocals and more. You can also harness the 1176’s entire electronic path including transformers and FET, and transistor amplifiers for colourful distortion. Additionally, an “All-Button” mode is onboard for adding overdriven texture.
“We pride ourselves on our analogue modelling and the craftsmanship behind UAD plugins,” says CEO and founder, Bill Putnam Jr. “We’re hoping to inspire musicians and producers with this free 1176 plug-in and can’t wait for folks to add this iconic compressor to their productions.”

Last October, MusicTech sat down with Bill Putnam Jr. for chat about his early inspirations for re-launching the UA brand, first created by his father. Putnam Sr. originally founded Universal Audio in 1958, though it later closed in 1965. He was also an audio engineer, producer and studio designer. Before his passing in 1989, he worked with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, and became known as ‘the father of modern recording.’
Putnam Jr. told us, “[Dad] had all sorts of talents that I didn’t pick up on. I’m not the audio engineer he was, I’m not a recording engineer, I don’t build recording studios like he did…But his love of technology I did pick up on. To me, technology is still magic.” He added, “The vision was: there’s no reason I felt that digital audio couldn’t sound every bit as good and vibey as analogue and have that soul and depth. So let’s have it both ways.”
Head over to Universal Audio to find out more or redeem your free plugin license.
The post “From UA with love”: Get Universal Audio’s 1176 classic FET Compressor plugin for free appeared first on MusicTech.

Björk on finding balance between intuition and technical precision in her music: “I do think I’m programmed to separate the left brain and right brain”Björk has opened up about her creative process and the importance she places on not over-analysing her “melody and voice”.
In a wide-ranging new interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, the iconic Icelandic singer-songwriter takes us behind the scenes into the making of Cornucopia, the ambitious concert tour and theatrical production based upon her ninth studio album, 2017’s Utopia.

READ MORE: AI training on copyrighted content ruled not “fair use” by US court – how could this impact the music industry?

When asked how she finds emotional space in her performances, Björk admits that she doesn’t consciously decide where her ad-libs or phrasing choices come from.
“I actually don’t know,” she says. “That’s the beauty of ad-libs.”
Björk, who’s credited as the show’s creative sound and visual director, among others, also speaks about finding balance between intuition and technical precision in her music.
“I do think maybe I’m programmed to separate the left brain and right brain… like my melody and voice, I’m super protective of it,” she says. “Just [so] that it’s instinct run and driven, and not to let any analysing or scrutinising energy on that.”
“But I can nerd out on bass, subbass, animation and reverbs.”
As for whether or not her music has to be “peak right brain” for her to feel comfortable to release it, or if she can “let it go for the people” even if she doesn’t “feel it”, Björk acknowledges that with age, she’s become more holistic in her approach.
“Like the ceiling of a cathedral you know, there’s like a thousand pieces and it takes two years to make, so you’re trying to get the whole. So that is a very feminine sort of cohesive energy – you’re making sure all the pieces are there,” the musician explains.
“With this Cornucopia beast I was part of everything. I was there when it was mixed, I was there when it was mastered, I was there when it was edited – I was in every single process of this.”
Elsewhere in the chat, Björk also reveals that she’s got new music in the works that’s “opposite to Cornucopia”: “It goes to some other dimension.”
Watch the full interview below.

Last month, Björk expressed her dislike of the streaming giant Spotify, calling it the “worst thing that has happened to musicians”, adding: “Streaming culture has changed an entire society and an entire generation of artists.”
The post Björk on finding balance between intuition and technical precision in her music: “I do think I’m programmed to separate the left brain and right brain” appeared first on MusicTech.

Universal Music Group and Music Health Alliance partner on new mental health fundUniversal Music Group (UMG) has partnered with non-profit Music Health Alliance (MHA) to launch the Music Industry Mental Health Fund, aimed at providing “comprehensive, high-quality outpatient mental health resources for music industry professionals” across the US.
According to UMG, a wide range of mental health services will be provided under the program. They include individualised recommendations for appropriate mental health counselors and psychiatrists based on patients’ needs; grants to help offset costs; and, if required, funding resource recommendations to ensure continuity of care through additional financial and mental health support.

READ MORE: AI training on copyrighted content ruled not “fair use” by US court – how could this impact the music industry?

Clients from UMG and beyond will have access to MHA’s team of advocates and initial inquiries will receive a response within 24 hours. Services will also be open to current and former music professionals, including those not employed at UMG companies.
Notably, the mental health program builds upon a successful, four-year healthcare collaboration between the two companies. That program, which provides a Music Health Alliance healthcare concierge to clients, has served nearly 1,000 clients and saved them more than $12.5 million in healthcare costs so far.
“We have been working on ways to establish a streamlined pathway for mental health access, funding, and care planning,” says UMG’s Chief Impact Officer Susan Mazo. “Growing and continuing our partnership with Tatum and the Music Health Alliance was the most natural way to ensure continuous and effective mental health support for anyone working in our industry.”
Tatum Hauck Allsep, founder and CEO of the Music Health Alliance Founder/CEO adds that “Music Health Alliance possesses the comprehensive resources necessary to address the full spectrum of mental health needs for music industry professionals. This includes financial assistance, a continuum of care for both mental and physical health, and wraparound services such as psychiatric support, facilitation of intensive outpatient and inpatient programs, and data collection.”
“MHA’s holistic approach ensures a long-term commitment to the health, well-being, and sustainability of the music industry workforce.”
In addition to the expanded services, MHA offers a full spectrum of mental health and healthcare advocacy services, including:

Dental Care Resources (via the Richard M. Bates SMILE Fund)
Group Health Services
Healthcare Advocacy & Confidential Guidance
Individual/Family Health Insurance
Mental Health Resources (via the MHA Mental Health Fund)
Senior Care Support (including Medicare; via the Price Legacy Fund)
Vision Care Resources

The fund’s announcement comes shortly after American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan blasted the music industry and its lack of support for the health of artists after bagging the Best New Artist award at this year’s Grammys.
“I told myself if I ever won a Grammy and I got to stand up here in front of the most powerful people in music, I would demand that labels and the industry profiting millions of dollars off of artists would offer a livable wage and health care, especially to developing artists,” Roan said in her acceptance speech.
The post Universal Music Group and Music Health Alliance partner on new mental health fund appeared first on MusicTech.