Supercon 2024: Streaming LiveThe 2024 Hackaday Supercon is on in Pasadena, but if you couldn’t make it to sunny California this year, don’t worry. We’ve got a live streams of the main stage talks, and all of the second track talks are being recorded and will be put up on the YouTube channel after the con.

If you’re watching from home and want to join the conversation, today might be a good time to join the official Hackaday Discord server.

Kingfish to Launch Red Zero Records Imprint Via Exceleration MusicGrammy-winning guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has teamed with Exceleration Music to launch a new label, Red Zero Records. The label’s inaugural release slated for 2025 will be the third studio album by Ingram and will follow up his 2023 chart-topping, critically-lauded Live in London, which was Grammy nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

In addition to releasing his own recordings under the Red Zero banner, Ingram will serve as the label’s CEO. His longtime manager and label co-founder Ric Whitney will assume the role of president, and both will be directly involved in signing and developing artists on the label’s roster.

Under the terms of their partnership agreement, Exceleration Music and Redeye Distribution will exclusively provide label services and global distribution for Red Zero. This new imprint provides Ingram and Red Zero artists with the ability to tap into expertise that exists across the Exceleration labels and central teams, including Alligator Records, who released his first three albums, including the Grammy-winning 662.

“The name Red Zero Records is a nod to my early days in both Clarksdale, Mississippi and in music,” said Ingram. “As a kid, I played my first few live performance gigs in my hometown at Red’s Lounge and Ground Zero Blues Club. These places and the people there were instrumental in my development as a musician, so we wanted to pay homage in a unique way.”

Learn more at www.excelerationmusic.com.The post Kingfish to Launch Red Zero Records Imprint Via Exceleration Music first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Microsoft and A16Z set aside differences, join hands in plea against AI regulationTwo of the biggest forces in two deeply intertwined tech ecosystems — large incumbents and startups — have taken a break from counting their money to jointly plead that the government cease and desist from even pondering regulations that might affect their financial interests, or as they like to call it, innovation. “Our two companies […]
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Judge pushes Tornado Cash co-founder trial to April 2025Roman Storm, currently free on bail and facing three federal charges, will have another four months to prepare for his criminal trial.

Ricky Martin Headlining AIDS Healthcare Foundation World AIDS Day ConcertGlobal superstar Ricky Martin will headline the annual World AIDS Day concert, presented by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest nonprofit HIV/AIDS service provider. The event takes place on Monday, December 2, 2024 at the Watsco Center at the University of Miami (UM) in Coral Gables, Florida.  Complimentary tickets are available by registering at AHFevents.org.

World AIDS Day is commemorated each year on December 1st and is an opportunity for communities to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and remember those we’ve lost. The evening’s event also will feature a performance by renowned DJ and rapper DJ Spinderella, and the AHF Lifetime Achievement award will be presented to Dr. Julio Frenk, UM’s outgoing president and chancellor-designate for UCLA.

Multi award-winning Puerto Rican singer/songwriter Ricky Martin, known globally as the “King of Latin Pop,” has used his platform to bring greater awareness and support for various issues around HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, and LGBTQIA+ rights. Dr. Julio Frenk played a pivotal role in launching AHF’s Global Public Health Institute at UM. His groundbreaking contributions to HIV/AIDS response include securing universal access to antiretroviral therapy in Mexico, advancing anti-stigma efforts, fostering global health collaborations, and strengthening public health policies worldwide.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization, provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 2.1 million individuals across 47 countries, including the U.S. and in Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Eastern Europe. To learn more about AHF, visit online at AIDShealth.org,The post Ricky Martin Headlining AIDS Healthcare Foundation World AIDS Day Concert first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Building a Hydrogen-Powered Foam Dart CannonNerf blasters are fun and all, but they’re limited by the fact they have to be safe for children to play with. [Flasutie] faced no such restrictions when building his giant 40 mm foam dart launcher, and it’s all the better for it.
This thing is sizeable—maybe two to four times bigger than your typical Nerf blaster. But that’s no surprise, given the size of the foam ammunition it fires. [Flasutie] shows us the construction process on how the 3D-printed blaster is assembled, covering everything from the barrel and body assembly to the chunky magazine. Loading each round into the chamber is a manual process, vaguely akin to a bolt-action mechanism, but simplified.
It’s the method of firing that really caught our eye, though. Each round has a cartridge and a foam projectile. Inside the cartridge is a quantity of flammable HHO gas generated, presumably, from water via electrolysis. The blaster itself provides power to a spark gap in the cartridge that ignites the gas, propelling the projectile through the barrel and out of the blaster.
We’ve seen plenty of Nerf blasters and similar builds around these parts, including some with a truly impressive rate of fire. Video after the break.

The Nixie Tube Multimeter That Almost Made a ComebackIn a world of digital monotony, the Avo DA14 digital multimeter, with its vintage J Nixie tube charm, is a refreshing gem. Recently refurbished by [Thomas Scherrer], this multimeter video review is a blend of nostalgia and tech savvy. The DA14 not only has style, but substance — delivering resistance, current, and voltage measurements that make you wonder why more multi-meters didn’t stick with this stylish glow.
As [Thomas] starts by powering up the DA14, we were instantly captivated as the Nixie tubes illuminate in their retro orange. With each twist of the dial, he demonstrates just how intuitive the multimeter is to operate, walking us viewers through each function while giving some extra love to its calibration process—a neat front-panel potentiometer that requires just a touch of finesse to get perfect readings.
But, as with all good tinkering tales, things go downhill when issues with analog inputs and the display pop up. A teardown reveals a beautifully complex inner assembly of transformers, rectifiers, and circuit boards, giving the DA14 its impressive yet fragile structure. When the critical defective display chip is found, hopes for a full repair dim. His story ends without a revival, but if you want to see a similar attempt that did get resurrected – albeit without those nixie digits – take a look at this LCD transplant we covered previously.

Soundtoys PhaseMistress is FREE until November 15th!
Developer Soundtoys has made its PhaseMistress analogue phase shifter plugin free for a limited time. It’s that time of year again – we’re edging closer to Black Friday, and if history tells us anything, we can assume a wave of massive discounts and freebies is on the way. Last year, Soundtoys was among the biggest [...]
View post: Soundtoys PhaseMistress is FREE until November 15th!

From Ed Sheeran’s copyright appeal win to the asset-backed securities boom… it’s MBW’s Weekly Round-UpThe biggest stories from the past week – all in one place…
Source

Ed Sheeran beats ‘Thinking Out Loud’ copyright appealSheeran's single did not copy Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On, says appeals court
Source

Kits.AI removes ad encouraging producers to train custom AI vocal models using Splice samples — here’s why that mattersKits.AI has removed an Instagram ad that caused backlash among producers online. The Steve Aoki– and 3LAU-backed AI music platform that lets you “sing like anyone,” published a tutorial on how to use material from Splice sample packs to train their own vocal models and use the voice however they wish.
It demonstrates how to load the vocal sample into the Kits.AI engine, analyse the voice, and let you sing a completely different melody and lyrics with the original sample’s voice.
The problem? This stretches far beyond Splice’s policy and terms of use. But, more crucially, it could also set a dangerous precedent at a time when AI concerns are rife.
Shortly after we reached out to Kits.AI, the original video, created by producer Jacopo in partnership with Kits.AI, was removed. Why?
Well, in Splice Sounds Licensing FAQ, the company states that the limitations of a licensed sample mean you may not “use the name, image, or likeness of the artist or creator associated with a sound in any way without that artist’s express written permission (which you are solely responsible for obtaining).”

This video tells you just about everything you need to know about the majority of AI in music production right now. @kits_ai literally promoting Instagram ads telling you how to scrape @splice vocal packs without consent while proudly declaring themselves ethical leaders. pic.twitter.com/otjav5qr3w
— Benn Jordan (@bennjordan) October 31, 2024

So, a pretty big step is seemingly missing in Kits.AI’s step-by-step tutorial: write to the original vocal performer and ask for explicit permission to use their voice whichever you like. Otherwise, you could use this artist’s voice to spout slurs and profanities, sing opinions they don’t align with, and make money off their voice without giving them a dime.
In response to the ad, Splice told MusicTech: “We explicitly state in our Terms of Use that any training on our content is prohibited. We have previously shared this information with Kits.AI and they confirmed that they understand our guidelines. While AI brings new opportunities to our industry, we must continue to prioritize and protect the rights of creators.”
Okay, but hold on. Kits.AI isn’t the only AI vocal modelling platform out there. Voice-Swap even announced in September that you can create your own AI vocal trained on your material. What’s the difference?
In theory, not much. Voice-Swap, as an example, is partnered with BMAT, which has a database of 180 million ‘audio fingerprints’. This means that, for instance, if you tried to train a vocal model on a Taylor Swift acapella, the software would recognise the audio fingerprint and prevent you from using that voice — you don’t own a license or permission for it, so you can’t use it. But, as many vocalists on Splice samples may not be part of BMAT’s database, you can actually undertake the same vocal training process on Voice-Swap.
But the question is not ‘Can you do it?’, it’s ‘Should you do it?’
Producer, content creator and Voice-Swap creative director Benn Jordan spoke out about the ad on X, formerly Twitter. “This video tells you just about everything you need to know about the majority of AI in music production right now…@kits_ai literally promoting Instagram ads telling you how to scrape @splice vocal packs without consent while proudly declaring themselves ethical leaders.”
Jordan is referencing Kits. AI’s ‘Essential Guide to Ethical AI in the Music Industry’. In it, the brand says: “Unlike the tools Drake used to allegedly steal Tupac’s voice, Kits.ai represents a gold standard in ethical AI within the music industry. The platform ensures all voices are legally cleared and verified. In fact, each voice is uploaded with the express consent and participation of the vocalists, who are compensated for their contributions. This model protects both Kits.ai and its users from potential legal issues and supports artists financially, promoting a sustainable ecosystem where technology enhances human creativity rather than exploits it.”
This Splice-ripping tutorial seems to undermine these principles. But, in fairness, Kits.AI has still taken steps in a positive direction since it started. A 2023 MusicRadar article shows a previous iteration of the platform, which lets users choose from a selection of celebrity voices, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and even Homer Simpson. You can’t seem to do the same on the current version of Kits.AI — instead, you can choose from a range of presets such as Male UK Rap and Female Pop Disco.
Ultimately, it’s probably best just to let people speak and sing for themselves.
Kits.AI is yet to respond to MusicTech’s request for comment.
 
 
 
 
 
The post Kits.AI removes ad encouraging producers to train custom AI vocal models using Splice samples — here’s why that matters appeared first on MusicTech.

Best free samples for chillwave and ambient soundsAd feature with BandLab Sounds
Emerging in the late 2000s, many credit the internet with the birth of chillwave, a genre developed in part thanks to the popularity of music blogs and sharing platforms like SoundCloud. While it’s a term of derision for some, many artists associated with the chillwave movement — Tycho, Washed Out, and Toro y Moi to name a few — continue to push the genre forward with captivating and engaging music.

READ MORE: 10 free sample packs for future house sounds

Fancy giving it a try for yourself? In this round-up, we’ve collected some of the best free sample packs to help you capture that dreamy, faded vibe without breaking the bank.
Chillwave
Image: BandLab Sounds
We’re kicking things off with Chillwave, a pack that perfectly encapsulates the hazy, nostalgic sound the genre is known for. Featuring 100 loops of lush synth pads, soft leads, and mellow drum patterns, this collection is ideal for adding a retro feel to your productions.
Download Chillwave
Belibat Synthwave
Image: BandLab Sounds
There’s no denying the influence of the 1980s and its sonic palette on many chillwave artists. This Synthwave pack offers up twinkling plucks and arps, pulsing basslines, and classic electronic drum sounds — many of which are drenched in a healthy dose of gated reverb.
Download Belibat Synthwave
Synthwave Drums Vol. 2
Image: BandLab Sounds
If you’re looking for a sturdy percussive backbone for your arrangement, this pack has your rhythm section covered. Inside are 75 one-shots and 25 loops with plenty of punch to cut through your ambient soundscapes and drive your track forward.
Download Synthwave Drums Vol. 2
Sweeping Cinematic Synths Vol. 2
Image: BandLab Sounds
A must-have for creating expansive, cinematic arrangements, this pack includes rich, evolving synths and atmospheric strings, perfect for layering into your ambient productions for a bit of a widescreen feel.
Download Sweeping Cinematic Synths Vol. 2
MusicTech: The Horror Synthesizer
Image: BandLab Sounds
While the iconic horror scores of decades past might seem at odds with the optimistic, light-hearted sounds of chillwave, they do share a common thread — the use of analogue synths. There are plenty of brooding bass sounds and effects-laden plucks here, ideal for moody, slow-building sections within your arrangements.
Download MusicTech: The Horror Synthesizer
80s Thriller Movie
Image: BandLab Sounds
Ambient and downtempo music doesn’t always have to be low energy. This pack cranks up the tempo a bit, perfect for creating more driven, dance-inspired tracks you might hear from Tycho or Washed Out. With 85 loops in total, there’s also a focus on electric guitars to add more sonic depth to your arrangements.
Download 80s Thriller Movie
Organic Ambient Chill
Image: BandLab Sounds
Want to slow things down and take your listeners on a winding journey to another world? Organic Ambient Chill is the pack for you, filled with soft textures, natural percussion, and mellow synths — perfect for adding a tranquil, meditative quality to your compositions.
Download Organic Ambient Chill
Electronica Melodic
Image: BandLab Sounds
This pack takes an ethereal turn, combining shimmering keys and cleaner synth flourishes with glitchy, distorted stabs and effects that are ideal for dialling in some textural contrast.
Download Electronica Melodic
Organic Electronica
Image: BandLab Sounds
Part of what makes chillwave so effective at evoking long-forgotten memories is its use of organic timbres and textures to ground the arrangements in the real world. The loops and samples in this pack feature a range of found sounds, foley hits, and pitched percussion like kalimbas and celestas, adding an earthy feel to your compositions.
Download Organic Electronica
Ambient Electronica
Image: BandLab Sounds
Heavily inspired by Tycho’s music, the Ambient Electronica pack is filled with crisp and crunchy drum loops, washed-out keys and pads, and expansive delay lines of guitars.
Download Ambient Electronica
House vs Electronica
Image: BandLab Sounds
Rounding things out is House vs Electronica, which leans more heavily towards dance and EDM. With a range of uplifting and melodic loops, this pack is perfect for experimenting — why not try chopping them up or slowing them down to uncover new textures for your ambient tracks?
Download House vs Electronica
The post Best free samples for chillwave and ambient sounds appeared first on MusicTech.

Best TikTok Alternatives for Musicians as indie takedowns loomOctober 31st was the expiration date for hundreds of licensing deals for independent distributors and labels including DistroKid, CD Baby, Secretly and Beggars. So what are the best TikTok alternatives?
The post Best TikTok Alternatives for Musicians as indie takedowns loom appeared first on Hypebot.

Socials & AI lowers barriers, raises competition: Strategies to AdaptSocial media and AI lowers barriers making it easier to get started but harder to thrive. Uncover the emerging obstacles, how they’ll impact the next generation of creators and strategies to adapt.
The post Socials & AI lowers barriers, raises competition: Strategies to Adapt appeared first on Hypebot.

Just 20% of Artists get 1000 Monthly Streams on SpotifyOnly 20% of artists get 1000 or more monthly streams on Spotify according analysis by Luminate. Learn why most artists fall short.
The post Just 20% of Artists get 1000 Monthly Streams on Spotify appeared first on Hypebot.