What Makes Mastering for Vinyl and Digital So Different?Mastering is all about the final audio product. In this post, we explain the different approaches to mastering driven by the format.
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Is Spotify working on a ‘SongDNA’ feature? A new way to discover music through credits could be on the waySpotify is seemingly working on a ‘SongDNA’ feature, which could allow listeners to discover more music through interactive song credits.
Spotify already lists song credits, but sometimes these can be fairly limited and don’t provide any further links to the personnel listed within them. This new feature, if real, could allow users to uncover more work from collaborators and ‘behind-the-scenes’ roles such as writers, engineers, lyricists, producers, composers, and more.

READ MORE: Spotify to crackdown on AI “slop” in bid to protect artists

As reported by TechCrunch, the potential feature was discovered in the app’s code by reverse engineer Jane Manchun Wong, who was able to share screenshots of how SongDNA would appear in the Spotify app.
Her findings suggest that SongDNA would introduce a visual experience, and as shown in a screenshot she posted to X below, would bring up mini profiles for contributors, where users can then look through other songs or projects they have worked on.

Spotify is working on SongDNA, a new way for discovering the artists and crew behind each song pic.twitter.com/lweCwI9Ijp
— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) October 11, 2025

For the longest time, behind-the-scenes roles have been overlooked across the industry. Songwriter Justin Tranter recently said he worries for the future of writers, as streaming often generates little income for those in such roles. He also called for better support from music labels.
A survey from MIDiA shared earlier this year also found that roughly one in five songwriters said building a social media brand is among their top goals for this year. With this in mind, it goes to show how better credit discovery tools could really help to boost the visibility of creatives such as producers and songwriters, giving them a larger platform, potentially helping them to earn more and gain loyal fans.
This wouldn’t be the first song credit feature of its kind though, as TIDAL already offers a similar interactive tool. Interestingly, after sharing her findings, Wong said that Spotify’s app was updated to remove references to the SongDNA feature. TechCrunch reports that it reached out for comment from Spotify, and while it declined to share any details, it did not issue a denial.
In other news, Spotify has given one of its popular features an upgrade – its AI-powered DJ. The update introduces even more ways to interact with the DJ, allowing for more control over sessions, and improved language capabilities. Millions of Spanish-speaking listeners can now make music requests in their native language.
Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek also recently announced that he is stepping down from his role early next year. Ek will move into an Executive Chairman position from 1 January 2026, while current Spotify co-presidents Alex Norström and Gustav Söderström are due to step in as co-CEOs.
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Get John Legend’s Ordinary People piano sound with this new virtual instrument from SpliceSplice has teamed up with John Legend on a new piano sound for its flagship virtual instrument player, Splice Instrument.
Built in partnership with Spitfire Audio – which Splice acquired for reported $50 million earlier this year – Splice Instrument was unveiled earlier this month, offering over 1,200 playable instrument presets, with many taking inspiration from the gear collections of world-class musicians.

READ MORE: The CZ-1 Mini is Behringer’s take on Casio’s classic phase distortion synth, the CZ-1

Modelled on the piano at the heart of John Legend’s ballad Ordinary People, John Legend: Ordinary People Piano (simply named, we must point out…) is the result of a close collaboration between Splice and the veteran hitmaker, using Spitfire Audio’s award-winning recording techniques through the same vintage mics, desk and signal chain as the original track.
A total of six presets are included in the instrument: Close, Ultra Close, Pop Close, Ribbon Mics, Room Mics and the Ordinary People Piano.

“Sometimes people just want that natural, raw sound of an acoustic instrument, and pianos, they’re undefeated,” says John Legend. 
“These songs I’ve recorded with the piano have become an iconic part of my identity as an artist. I hope when a producer loads this piano sound, they’ll feel connected to the music that inspired it, and that it inspires them to create their own story.”
Splice CEO Kakul Srivastava adds: “Being able to combine John’s artistry, the quality and precision of the Spitfire Audio recording technology, and Splice innovation has been powerful. This is a new frontier in music creation and a model for how creators of all expertise can collaborate with the artists who inspire them, and it’s only just the beginning.”
“John’s piano sound has a timeless quality, rich in soul, vibe and emotion,” says Spitfire Audio Co-Founder Paul Thomson. “Being able to offer a signature sound like this was always an important part of the plan for Instrument. 
“Producers will find inspiration in being able to play the sound that has defined so many iconic songs, and shape their own stories with the same character and depth – using the same magical signal path. The reaction to INSTRUMENT so far has been incredibly encouraging, and we have an exciting roadmap of features to come.”
John Legend: Ordinary People Piano is available now for Splice Instrument users – a subscription to the virtual instrument platform costs $12.99 per month.
Learn more at Splice.
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PreSonus introduce Air XD PA range The Air XD Series introduces a trio of main cabinets and two subwoofer options, all equipped with wireless stereo pairing, onboard mixing capabilities and a comprehensive selection of DSP tuning options. 

Anthem Music Publishing Inks Exclusive Co-Publishing Deal with Envy of NoneLeft to Right: Alex Lifeson, Gilles Godard, Alf Annibalini, Andy Curran, Maiah Wynne, Jason Klein, Andy Hawke 

Anthem Music Publishing announce on Thursday "an exclusive worldwide co-publishing agreement with Envy of None, the boundary-pushing rock collective featuring Alex Lifeson (Rush), Andy Curran (Coney Hatch), multi-instrumentalist Alfio Annibalini, and rising vocal talent Maiah Wynne."

"The deal will focus on expanding both creative and commercial opportunities for the band’s latest studio release, Stygian Wavz, which debuted on March 28, 2025 via Kscope," they said in a statement. "Under the agreement, Anthem will collaborate closely with the band and its partners to drive global sync placements, licensing, and strategic initiatives around the album and its standout tracks — including 'The Story,' 'Not Dead Yet,' 'Under The Stars,' 'Stygian Waves,' and the latest single, 'Thrill of The Chase,' launching September 19."

“Given our long-term relationship with Rush and Coney Hatch, it is fantastic that we’re able to extend our relationship with Alex and Andy, and to bring Alfio and Maiah into the Anthem family, through Envy of None,” said Jason Klein, CEO of Anthem Music Group. “This partnership allows us to shine a brighter light on the incredible songwriting and sonic depth that Envy of None brings to the table. We’re excited to help amplify their creative vision through strategic publishing efforts that extend the life and reach of Stygian Wavz well beyond the album cycle.”

"We are excited to join Anthem and can't wait to see where this takes us and our album Stygian Wavz,” said Envy of None vocalist Maiah Wynne.  “The team at Anthem already feels like family, so we know we are in good hands."

"Envy of None first emerged in 2022 with a self-titled debut that topped Billboard’s Top New Artists chart and established the group as a bold new voice in modern rock," the statement continues. "Their follow-up, Stygian Wavz, has further cemented their reputation, drawing critical acclaim and earning chart placements in both Canada and the U.S. Since its release, the album has amassed over 25,000 physical sales and millions of streams globally."

"With this co-publishing agreement, Anthem Music Publishing will work to support the band’s growing global presence by ensuring their songs are actively managed and creatively leveraged across all platforms."

Envy Of None:Alfio Annibalini - Guitar, Keyboards, ProgrammingAndy Curran - Bass Guitar, Synthesized Bass, Programming, Guitar, Background Vocals, StylophoneAlex Lifeson- Guitar, Mandola, Banjo, ProgrammingMaiah Wynne - Lead Vocals, Background Vocals, Keyboards

Follow Envy Of None:Website | Instagram | X | Tiktok | Facebook The post Anthem Music Publishing Inks Exclusive Co-Publishing Deal with Envy of None first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Bitcoin options markets highlight mounting fears as traders brace for more painBitcoin’s repeat drop to $107,600 reflects broader market caution as miner outflows and macroeconomic pressures mount, but analysts still believe dips are for buying.

VC legend Ron Conway quits Salesforce Foundation after Benioff’s National Guard commentsRon Conway has been on the board of the Salesforce's philanthropic organization for 10 years.

After Trucking Them Home, Old Solar Panels Keep On TruckingThe fact that there exist in our world flat rocks that make lightning when you point them at the sun is one of the most unappreciated bits of wizardry in this modern age. As hackers, we love all this of techno-wizardry–but some of us abhor paying full price for it. Like cars, one way to get a great discount is to buy used. [Backyard Solar Project] helped a friend analyze some 14-year-old panels to see just how they’d held up over the years, and it was actually better than we might have expected.
The big polycrystalline panels were rated at 235 W when new, and they got 6 of them for the low, low price of “get this junk off my property”. Big panels are a bit of a pain to move, but that’s still a great deal. Especially considering that after cleaning they averaged 180 W, a capacity factor of 77%. Before cleaning 14 years worth of accumulated grime cost about eight watts, on average, an argument for cleaning your panels. Under the same lighting conditions, the modern panel (rated to 200 W) was giving 82% of rated output.
That implies that after 14 years, the panels are still at about 94% of their original factory output, assuming the factory wasn’t being overoptimistic about the numbers to begin with. Still, assuming you can trust the marketing, a half a percent power drop per year isn’t too bad. It’s also believable, since the US National Renewably Energy Laboratory (yes, they have one) has done tests that put that better than the average of 0.75 %/yr. Of course the average American solar panel lives in a hotter climate than [Backyard Solar Project], which helps explain the slower degradation.
Now, we’re not your Dad or your accountant, so we’re not going to tell you if used solar panels are worth the effort. On the one hand, they still work, but on the other hand, the density is quite a bit lower. Just look at that sleek, modern 200 W panel next to the old 235 W unit. If you’re area-limited, you might want to spring for new, or at least the more energy-dense monocrystalline panels that have become standard the last 5 years or so, which aren’t likely to be given away just yet. On the gripping hand, free is free, and most of us are much more constrained by budget than by area. If nothing else, you might have a fence to stick old panels against; the vertical orientation is surprisingly effective at higher latitudes.

What indie distribution bosses really think about UMG’s proposed acquisition of Downtown and FUGAMBW polls opinion from an array of founders leading some of the world's top independent distribution and music delivery platforms
Source

ZenSound Cinematic Impacts - DarknessCinematic Impacts – Darkness is the brand new collection formed by 100 samples, add more punch and drama to your cinematic trailers and soundtracks. Ideal for any project that requires powerful and dynamic cinematic transitions and sound designs that compliments thrilling film score scenes. This Cinematic Impacts collection provides this, a selection of curated, multi layered audios that breathes life and motion into your projects. Whether you are creating a minimalist, ethereal or dark filmscore project or a complex multi rhythmic percussive action sequence; Cinematic Impacts is essential to spice up and and motion to any type of project. Price: € 19. Read More

Modartt release Pianoteq 9 Said to be the most expressive and versatile iteration to date, Pianoteq 9 benefits from a newly designed audio engine, introduces a selection of new instruments and delivers significant improvements to the existing collection.

Spotify and Major Music Companies Unite to Build “Artist-First” AI ToolsSpotify and the world’s biggest music companies are attempting to draw a new line — not against AI, but in favor of artists.
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John Legend on the art of songwriting and his new Splice INSTRUMENT pack
John Legend sat down with us to provide an intimate look into how he approaches songwriting on his signature instrument, the piano.

Ewan Bristow releases UZU frequency domain filter, will be FREE if 10k followers reached on X
If you’ve been around BPB for a while, you’ve likely heard the impact of some of Ewan Bristow’s weird and wonderful creations. His latest release is UZU, a frequency domain filter, inspired by Harmor’s Phaser. Ewan is a Bristol-based (UK) developer who has given us freebies like EB-CatNip (frequency-shifting delay – Plugdata), EB-Diøne (sampler – [...]
View post: Ewan Bristow releases UZU frequency domain filter, will be FREE if 10k followers reached on X

This portable hardware device from IK Multimedia corrects your headphone’s response to replicate the soundstage of professional studio monitorsIK Multimedia has launched ARC ON·EAR, a hardware device that corrects the response of your headphones so you can “mix, master, and produce with total confidence anywhere.”
This new device comes with control software that allows users to easily set up and fine-tune their listening experience. Once configured, the ARC ON·EAR operates completely standalone for up to four hours on a charge. It has both USB-C and analogue audio inputs, and supports hundreds of headphone models.

READ MORE: At just $99, the Akai MPK Mini IV looks to “set a new standard” for portable music creation

ARC ON·EAR uses precision calibration profiles, measured with state-of-the-art reference rigs, for “accurate, transparent, and reliable sound”. Unlike plugins or impulse-based ‘virtual rooms,’ this device utilises advanced physical modelling to recreate the behaviour of real studio monitors in an acoustic space.
According to IK Multimedia, there are no artificial reverbs or timbral colouration, just the natural depth and clarity of a real control room. The device is powered by a 32-bit ESS SABRE converter, a high-damping-factor, ultra-low-distortion power amplifier, and a digitally controlled analogue volume stage.
Users can test mixes on a wide range of playback systems, with over 20 virtual studio monitors and more than 15 multimedia playback systems available at release. Find out more in the videos below:

Continuous firmware updates are to be expected, offering an expanding headphone database and a growing collection of virtual monitors. ARC ON·EAR will reach full availability in all territories by mid-November, and it has an introductory priced of $/€249.99 (regular price $/€299.99).
In other IK Multimedia news, it recently launched an AI-powered voice modelling plugin called ReSing, which captures the “timbre, tone and expression of real artists, sourced ethically”. ReSing enables producers and vocalists to take scratch vocals (unpolished takes) and replace them with “expressive, professional-quality voices”.
Find out more or locate a dealer over at IK Multimedia.
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