Ocean Swift Synthesis Dystopia DiaryYouTube.com/watch?v=s5HvxbV41Eo Ocean Swift Synthesis proudly presents Dystopia Diary, a groundbreaking cinematic sound design tool for Kontakt 8 Player. Built for composers, producers,... Read More

Arturia’s DrumBrute Impact has been given a retro ’80s makeoverArturia has updated its DrumBrute Impact analogue drum machine with a new, retro-inspired aesthetic.
First launched in 2016, the DrumBrute was designed to “deliver raw, unapologetic drum sequences for producers and performers alike”. Now, the limited edition DrumBrute Impact 1984 sees the same 10-voice machine reimagined with an off-white finish.

READ MORE: Arturia’s Tape J-37 plugin recreates the legendary Studer J37 tape machine

DrumBrute Impact 1984 mixes analogue percussion with a polyrhythmic 64-step sequencer and modern-sounding upgrades. Its 10 voices include kick, snares, toms, hats, cowbell, cymbal, and FM, and there are 64 patterns on board with up to 64 steps, which are chainable in Song mode.
Users can record or perform beats on the fly using its eight responsive pads, and can also switch banks while playing, or quickly mute or solo channels as desired. There’s a swing control to add groove (per instrument or globally), and a Random control to generate beat variations.
The DrumBrute also lets you “sync to anything” via USB, MIDI, or Clock, and it has a 3.5mm headphone output with metronome override, and group outputs for kick, snares, hats, and FM.
Take a closer look below:

In other Arturia news, the brand recently launched the sixth iteration of its powerful sound design software, Pigments. It features a new Vocoder, which enables producers to get creative with voice modulation, plus a new Modal engine, new filters and modulators, and an improved user interface. If you’re an existing Pigments user, you can download the update for free.
The DrumBrute Impact 1984 is priced at €299. Find out more via Arturia.
The post Arturia’s DrumBrute Impact has been given a retro ’80s makeover appeared first on MusicTech.

Bandcamp to donate 100% of proceeds to MusiCares in support of Los Angeles wildfire relief during special event this FebruaryBandcamp is joining forces with a number of music brands to aid musicians affected by the Southern California wildfires.
On 7 February from midnight to midnight PST, 100 percent of its proceeds will be donated to MusiCares to support its emergency and recovery programmes following the destruction across LA. Bandcamp is also partnering with A2IM, Harman, Lagunitas, Roland, Shure, Victrola, and WIN for this initiative.

READ MORE: New fintech to launch for independent musicians and creators offering financial resources and music business education

Several wildfires broke out across LA in January, leading to 29 people losing their lives and thousands of acres of land being destroyed by the blazes. Many lost homes and precious belongings, including artists such as Madlib – who lost his home in the Palisades fire along with his entire record collection – and Bob Clearmountain, who lost his home and studio as well.
Artists can support Bandcamp’s initiative by adding new music or exclusive merch to their Bandcamp stores to encourage purchases, or share personal stories or behind-the-scenes content with fans to boost engagement. If you’re a fan on the platform, by simply purchasing music, merchandise, or exclusive tracks throughout the event you’ll be helping to raise money for those affected.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bandcamp (@bandcamp)

“Los Angeles is the hub of the music industry, and the wildfires have impacted every part of it, from musicians to producers to recording studios. Bandcamp is proud to do our part to directly support musicians in LA, rallying the power of our community and music to help them rebuild,” says Dan Melnick, General Manager of Bandcamp.
“We are deeply appreciative of the significant support from the Bandcamp community and their partners. This generosity will help us continue providing vital resources and assistance to music people in need, and we are truly grateful for the community’s commitment to making a difference,” comments Laura Segura, Executive Director at MusiCares.
To find out more on how you can help, head over to Bandcamp. 
The post Bandcamp to donate 100% of proceeds to MusiCares in support of Los Angeles wildfire relief during special event this February appeared first on MusicTech.

How This DIY Darkwave Band From Texas Sells Out Venues Around The World & Gets Millions of StreamsThis week, Ari is joined by Twin Tribes, a popular dark wave duo, to discuss how they’ve reached global success without a label.

Xvive’s More You interface & monitoring system The latest addition to the Xvive line-up is a compact and convenient system that combines a USB audio interface with a personal monitoring mixer system for up to eight users.

Miist, founded by a 25-year-old, wants people to vape their way out of smoking addiction and migrainesAs a university student, Dalton Signor was troubled by how many people around him smoked or vaped, including his grandmother and 14-year-old sister. Signor (pictured center) felt that existing smoking cessation medicines, whether patches, gums, or lozenges, are not very effective because they take too long to start working. “They take about 30 minutes to […]
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Spotify stock surges on strong Q4 reportSpotify stock surges Tuesday after the streamer announced a Q4 report that ended its first year of profitability with strong growth across most key metrics. Spotify stock surges on strong. Continue reading
The post Spotify stock surges on strong Q4 report appeared first on Hypebot.

TELEFUNKEN Brings Back Stereo Alchemy Tube Mic SetsTELEFUNKEN is re-introducing Stereo Sets of microphones from its popular and affordable Alchemy Series of large diaphragm tube microphones. The TF29 Copperhead, TF39 Copperhead Deluxe, TF47 and TF51 Stereo Set microphone systems feature a custom dual power supply for powering both microphones at one time, as well as a locking flight case that holds both microphones, cables and shock mounts. All the electronic components in each system are matched sonically and electronically, including matched capsules, transformers, and vacuum tubes.The Alchemy Stereo Sets come with two frequency and gain matched microphones, plus a premium dual power supply, two M 803 Cables, two M 703 shock mounts, two M 782 stand mounts and a hard shell FC03S locking combination suitcase. The M 901S power supply features two 9-position variable polar pattern switches providing each mic six additional settings beyond the cardioid, hyper-cardioid and omni-directional patterns.TELEFUNKEN power supplies feature the traditional styling of vintage Austrian models, partnered with the improvements of modern component technology and circuit board design. These modern features include a slow-ramping filament voltage to extend tube life and full regulation to ensure the microphone will always operate the same, regardless of line voltage variations or location. Full regulation also means that stereo power supplies can also safely power only one microphone at a time at correct operating voltages, if needed.TELEFUNKEN power supplies are hand-built in South Windsor, CT, USA with premium components including signal transformers, Nichicon capacitors, Neutrik connectors, double-thick circuit boards for structural integrity, and a PCB layout made to maximize current handling. They are built well over-spec to ensure reliability and safe operation for decades. Each power supply is calibrated to the specific microphone system it comes with and is burned in as a full unit to ensure optimum performance and operation. Variable pattern power supplies feature nine polar patterns from Omnidirectional to Figure 8. The polarizing component network is identical to that of the original AKG C12 power supplies, providing the optimal impedance and voltage to the capsule. TELEFUNKEN microphone flight cases are specially designed to protect the delicate capsules, vacuum tubes and electronic components. A unique blend of hardwoods is utilized in the construction of the shell, while the outside of the case is wrapped in 1000pt Cordura, the world's finest traveling fiber. Dual combination locks and trim in nickel create an understated, classic look. An embroidered serial number (when applicable) complete the package. The suitcase holds two microphones (46mm diameter by 200mm length), one stereo power supply, two tube microphone cables and two shock mounts. Each system is available with an introductory price discounted $200 off MAP through February 17th. http://www.telefunken-elektroakustik.comThe post TELEFUNKEN Brings Back Stereo Alchemy Tube Mic Sets first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Cyberbass Brings Bass Guitar To Modern EraFor better or worse, the fundamental design of guitars has remained familiar since they electrified around a century ago. A few strings, a fretboard, and a body of some sort will get you most of the way there for an acoustic guitar, with the addition of electromagnetic pickups and wiring for electric variants. However, technology has advanced rapidly in the last 100 years outside the musical world, so if you want to see what possibilities lie ahead for modernizing guitars take a look at the Cyberbass created by [Matteo].
The guitar starts its life as many guitars do: with a block of wood. One of the design goals was to be able to use simple tools to build the guitar, so the shape of the instrument was honed with a Japanese hacksaw and the locations for the pickups and other electronics were carved out with chisels.
The neck of the guitar was outsourced since they take some pretty specialized tools to build, so simply bolting it to the body takes care of that part of the build, but [Matteo] had a few false starts setting the bridge in the exact location it needed to be.
Luckily he was able to repair the body and move the bridge. With the core of the guitar ready, it was on to paint and then to its custom electronics. [Matteo] built in not only a set of pickups and other common electric guitar parts but also integrated a synth pedal into the body as well as including a chromatic tuner.
With everything assembled and a few finishing touches added including a custom-engraved metal signature plate, the Cyberbass is ready to go on tour. [Matteo] learned a lot about guitar building in general, as well as a few things about electronics relating to musical instruments (including how expensive tuners work just as well as cheap ones).

Apple Music launches its ‘best offer ever’ – a six-month trial for $2.99The timing of the promotion comes as Apple Music promotes Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show performance on Sunday (February 9)
Source

Spotify slams the NMPA’s takedown action over alleged unlicensed songs in podcasts: ‘This is a press stunt.’Spotify confirms that is investigating the takedown requests
Source

What Is the Hour? It’s XVII o’ ClockWhen live-action role playing, or LARPing, one must keep fully in tune with the intended era. That means no digital watches, and certainly no pulling out your fantastic rectangle from the future to find out if you’re late picking up the kid.
So what do you do when you’re LARPing at 2 PM, but you gotta be back at the soccer practice field by 5 PM? Well, you fashion a period-appropriate timepiece like [mclien]’s 17 o’ Clock. Visually, it’s about as close to a pocket sundial as you can get. It’s deliberately non-connected, and its only function is to tell the time.
But how? If you visually divide the watch across the top and bottom, you get two sets of Roman numerals. The top half handles the hour, and the bottom half the minute. [mclien] started designing this in 2018 and picked it back up in the second half of 2024.
Back to the non-connected part. The only permanently-powered part of the project is a high-precision real-time clock (RTC). The rest uses a power latching circuit, which turns on the Adafruit Trinket M0 to show the time using a NeoPixel ring. Be sure to check out the awesome project logs with fantastic pictures throughout.
Looking for a smarter pocket watch? It’s time you built one yourself. And speaking of pocket sundials…

FKFX Audio LovPassFilter 2 Plugin is FREE for BPB readers until February 12
In this BPB exclusive offer, you can download FKFX Audio’s LovPassFilter 2.0 filter delay plugin for free until February 12, 2025.  LovPassFilter 2.0 is a macOS (AU, VST, VST3) and Windows (VST, VST3) release. To claim your free copy of LovPassFilter 2, hit the “Get The Plugin” button on the product page and sign up [...]
View post: FKFX Audio LovPassFilter 2 Plugin is FREE for BPB readers until February 12

Vicious Antelope Mini Pads - Arturia Mini V4 and Analog Lab V PresetsMini Pads - Arturia Mini V4 and Analog Lab V Presets The Mini Pads preset pack for Arturia Mini V4 and Analog Lab V offers 50 rich, analog-inspired pad sounds. Some presets are enhanced... Read More

Spotify confirms 2024 was its first full year of profitability – amid ongoing industry debate surrounding artist payoutsSpotify has recorded its first full year of profitability in its Q4 earnings report from 2024.
The streaming platform ended the year “stronger than ever” by outperforming across key metrics, according to the report. Its first full year of profitability was first predicted in its Q3 data, which was released back in November last year.

READ MORE: Universal Music Group and Spotify ink new multi-year deal that will “advance music monetisation” and “accelerate product innovation”

Despite growing criticism of Spotify and its artist payouts – along with the streaming model as a whole – the platform says its monthly active users grew by 12 percent year-on-year to 675 million in 2024, and its subscribers increased by 11 percent year-on-year to 263 million.
Across the board, total revenue for Spotify was up 16 percent year-on-year to €4.2 billion last year, and its operating income rose to €477 million. 2024 marked Spotify’s 10th annual Wrapped, for which it also saw record-high user engagement up 10 percent year-on-year across 184 markets and 53 languages. Listeners have also now created more than eight billion playlists via the platform.
“I am very excited about 2025 and feel really good about where we are as both a product and as a business,” comments Daniel Ek, Spotify Founder & CEO. “We will continue to place bets that will drive long term impact, increasing our speed while maintaining the levels of efficiency we achieved last year. It’s this combination that will enable us to build the best and most valuable user experience, grow sustainably and deliver creativity to the world.”
The Q4 finding follow on from a new report published at the end of January by Spotify’s VP and Head of Music, David Kaefer, in which he said that Spotify paid out $10 billion to the music industry in 2024, and has paid out nearly $60 billion since its inception.
Kaefer also noted that ten years ago in 2014, around 10,000 artists generated at least $10,000 on Spotify, while as of 2024, “well over” 10,000 artists generated over $100,000 per year on the platform. He said, “The system we built together is working, and where we are now is only the beginning”.
But while these figures look promising, and indeed reflect the fact that, more artists are able to earn more money on Spotify, many commenters note that the platform’s low royalty payouts make earning a living as a smaller artist very difficult.
Icelandic artist Björk recently called Spotify “the worst thing that has happened to musicians”, saying low payouts are increasing the demand for artists to embark on gruelling tours to make ends meet. “Streaming culture has changed an entire society and an entire generation of artists,” she said.
Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante also recently chimed in, saying “Spotify is where music goes to die”, and adding: “You’d probably make more money selling lemonade on the corner.”
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek also drew the ire of the music creator community last year when he compared low royalty payouts to professional sports, saying: “Football is played by millions of people – but there’s a very small number that can live off playing full time”.
You can find out more and view Spotify’s Q4 earnings report via its For The Record newsroom.
The post Spotify confirms 2024 was its first full year of profitability – amid ongoing industry debate surrounding artist payouts appeared first on MusicTech.