91% of creators say they use AI in some form during their creative process, per new Epidemic Sound reportEpidemic Sound – a prominent platform for licensing music and sound for online creators – has shared a new report on the landscape of content creation, and how music continues to be a key factor in creator success.
According to the recently released The Future of the Creator Economy Report 2025, “94 per cent of content creators say that music contributes to content’s success.” The report shows music’s influence in other areas such as strengthening brand relationships, driving audience engagement, and boosting discoverability.

READ MORE: Is UK music retail heading for a monopoly? This YouTuber thinks so – he explains why

Elsewhere, the report touches on how content creators are using artificial intelligence to fuel their creative process. It says that 91 per cent of creators use AI in some form, up 7 per cent from 84 per cent in the 2024 report. Of the creators using AI, 43 per cent use it for music discovery or adaptation. The report does not state how much creators are using AI for pure music creation.
The report also says that creators are discerning when choosing music for different types of content. 27 per cent of creators prioritise songs with strong hooks for short-form content, and the same percentage implements consistent songs with a good flow for longer-form content. One overarching quality is emotionally rich music, which has a strong presence in both short and long form.
A high metric was seen in relation to confidence about music licensing. 93 per cent of all creators feel they have a decent understanding of the process, ensuring that artists behind the music will receive their fair share.
Oscar Höglund, CEO and Co-Founder of Epidemic Sound, says: “The creator economy has come of age. Today’s creators are more ambitious, strategic, and empowered than ever before, leveraging everything from direct-to-fan monetisation to AI-powered production tools to build sustainable, audience-first businesses. Our latest report shows just how crucial music is in this landscape as a driving force behind engagement, discovery, and emotional connection. At Epidemic Sound, we’re proud to help creators soundtrack their success and navigate this evolving ecosystem with clarity, creativity, and control.”
View the full report at Epidemic Sound.
The post 91% of creators say they use AI in some form during their creative process, per new Epidemic Sound report appeared first on MusicTech.

Is UK music retail heading for a monopoly? This YouTuber thinks so – he explains whyGAK, Bax Music, and now PMT. Major music retailers in the UK are having a rough go of it, as all three of those major brands have closed this year. Notably, PMT was the fourth-largest UK music retailer by revenue, with dozens of stores throughout England and Wales selling everything from guitars and drums to headphones and DJ equipment.
But the rise in online shopping and the ability of online-first retailers to offer customers lower prices via fewer overheads otherwise associated with brick-and-mortar retail have contributed to its increasingly unsustainable business model, and it just entered administration last week.

READ MORE: “Analogue in all the right ways: fast, expressive, and alive”: Universal Audio introduces Anthem Analog Synthesizer

For these reasons, according to YouTube music industry commentator KDH, the music retail business is “heading towards a monopoly”.
“Physical stores will always have more overhead than a warehouse that can buy in bulk and ship out. I said it two months ago back when GAK went under, and I believe it,” KDH says. “I remember one comment was laughing at it. But every day it’s getting truer and truer. We are heading towards a monopoly, which is not good for the end consumer.”
KDH says larger retailers are now able to consolidate and grow their market share via their ability to buy from suppliers in bulk, which leads to lower prices for their customers, something smaller retailers are unable to provide.
One brand that continues to survive in the current market is Behringer, which focuses on sound equipment and DJ gear. Behringer is a subsidiary of a major conglomerate in music products called Music Tribe. Other subsidiaries include Coolaudio, Tannoy, and Lab Gruppen.
With the support of Music Tribe, which is worth over $2 billion, Behringer was able to court “Super Partners” in prominent retailers like Sweetwater that buy wholesale orders of products. As with any retail environment, wholesale amounts to lower prices for individual items, savings that are passed on to the consumer.
“As small retailers close down, and now even the bigger retailers close down because they can’t compete with online prices, well, what’s gonna happen?” KDH adds. “You’re gonna be left with one or two who might have started out cheap, but then when there’s no competition, raise the prices up.”
KDH goes on to predict that a monopoly won’t sprout up overnight, but that it is impending:
“That probably will happen. It’s not gonna happen immediately, but it’s gonna happen in, I don’t know, 10 years.”
“A store like PMT whose annual turnover is tens of millions is not closing because kids don’t want to play music or people aren’t buying music gear,” he continues. “It’s closing because it can’t compete against online.”
Watch KDH’s full analysis of the situation below:

The post Is UK music retail heading for a monopoly? This YouTuber thinks so – he explains why appeared first on MusicTech.

Hit Songwriter/Producer on Publishing Deals and Artists Taking Credit for Songs They Didn’t WriteThis week, Ari is joined by Justin Gammella to discuss the realities of professional songwriting, music publishing, and AI in music.

Sonicware release LIVEN Evoke Sonicware's latest LIVEN synth has been built around a new Acoustronic Flux Oscillator engine that creates sounds using a blend of acoustic and electronic sources.

AllMusic Feature - Albums Released on This DayA fun item that many users may not know about is our "Albums Released On This Day" feature on the homepage of AllMusic. Each day we highlight albums throughout history that were released on this date, from rock, to jazz, to hip-hop, to classical and every genre in between. Scroll down to see today's albums.

25% Bitcoin price rally set to follow today’s correction if history repeatsA Bitcoin price drop below $102,000 could be followed by a swift 25% rally to new all-time highs.

V-MODA Introduces M-100 PRO and M-10 HeadphonesV-MODA announced on Tuesday that it has added two models to its respected lineup of DJ headphones used by top artists around the world.

"The M-100 PRO is the new flagship in the long-running M-100 series for professional DJs, updated with next-generation sound quality and features," they said in a press release. "The M-10 offers authentic V-MODA performance in a streamlined design for up-and-coming DJs and electronic music performers."

Details directly from V-MODA follow

M-100 PRO Headphones

Since its introduction in 2012, the V-MODA M-100 series has been loved by legions of DJs worldwide for its stylish design and distinctive sonic character. The M-100 PRO carries on the M-100 legacy with evolved tuning and many improvements based on community feedback. Pro performers require top-quality headphones, and the M-100 PRO meets their needs with outstanding sound, comfort, and durability.

The M-100 PRO features ceramic-coated drivers and bass ducts for crystal-clear reproduction of kick drums, hi-hats, and other sounds that define the groove. The closed-back design and comfortable memory foam ear pads provide a wide, punchy soundstage and excellent sound isolation while performing in loud clubs and on booming festival stages.

Swivel ear cups extend the comfort, enabling seamless switching between stereo monitoring and one-ear listening for monitoring other sources and engaging with audiences. Detachable coil (3 m) and straight (1.5 m) cables are included to suit different workflows and gear setups.

The M-100 PRO features the rugged metal frame and signature shields of previous models, enhanced for even greater durability. The foldable design and included carrying pouch take up minimal space while traveling, and the ear cups are now detachable, allowing users to purchase replacements as needed.

M-10 Headphones

The M-10 embodies the distinctive V-MODA look and sound that’s been a DJ favorite for over a decade. Replacing the popular Crossfade LP2 model, these beat-tuned phones provide the deep bass and high-end clarity needed to hone DJ skills and deliver mesmerizing performances.

The M-10’s closed-back, over-ear configuration produces an immersive soundstage with excellent sound isolation. Large ear cups with memory foam cushions offer extended comfort, while the solid build will stand up to years of intense music sessions. Detachable coil (3 m) and straight (1.5 m) cables are included, along with a carrying pouch to protect the phones while on the go.

Availability & Pricing

The V-MODA M-100 PRO will be available for USD $299.99 and the M-10 for USD $179.99, both in mid-Q3. 

To learn more about the M-100 PRO and M-10 Headphones, visit Roland.com.The post V-MODA Introduces M-100 PRO and M-10 Headphones first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

OpenAI’s $200M DoD contract could squeeze frenemy MicrosoftThe contract could put the model maker in competition with the OpenAI services that Microsoft wants to sell to the DoD.

Emergence Audio Flute TexturesFlute Textures is an innovative virtual instrument designed to transform the traditional flute into an expressive and evolving cinematic soundscape. This Kontakt-based library redefines what a flute can be, moving beyond conventional articulations to offer rich, atmospheric, and unpredictable textures ideal for film scoring, ambient music, and modern sound design. Through meticulous sampling and advanced engine capabilities, Flute Textures breathes life into compositions with its unique sonic palette. At the core of Flute Textures lies Emergence Audio's proprietary Infinite Motion Engine 2.0 and Non-Static Sampling. The Infinite Motion Engine allows for dynamic and continuously evolving sounds, ensuring that compositions remain fresh and inspiring. Non-Static Sampling infuses each note with subtle, unique variations over an extended period, capturing the natural complexity and richness of live instrumentation and creating a constantly evolving sonic landscape. The library was crafted from deeply sampled performances by renowned flutist Veronika Vitazkova, capturing every nuance and blending organic breathiness with profound atmospheric depth. This combination of traditional acoustic beauty and cutting-edge sound design makes Flute Textures an essential tool for composers and producers seeking to explore new sonic frontiers. Flute Textures provides a wide array of sonic possibilities, ranging from gloomy dystopian drones and sparkling trills to evocative swells and rhythmic pulses. It includes over 170 carefully designed presets that offer instant inspiration, covering diverse genres and emotional contexts. Beyond the presets, users have access to more than 100 parameters to craft their own unique sounds, including various effects like convolution reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, rotator, stereo imager, distortion, saturation, LoFi, and tape saturation. The intuitive interface and NKS compatibility ensure a seamless workflow, allowing for quick integration into existing studio setups and providing a powerful, yet accessible, tool for creative exploration. Features: Cinematic Flute Instrument: Transforms the traditional flute into an evolving, cinematic sound source. Infinite Motion Engine 2.0: Enables dynamic and continuously evolving soundscapes. Non-Static Sampling : Infuses each note with subtle, unpredictable variations for organic depth and realism. Deeply Sampled Performances: Features meticulous recordings by flutist Veronika Vitazkova. Versatile Sound Palette: Capable of creating drones, trills, swells, rhythmic pulses, and atmospheric textures. Extensive Presets: Includes over 170 inspiring presets to jumpstart your creative process. Customizable Parameters: Over 100 parameters for detailed sound design and modulation. Integrated Effects: Built-in effects such as convolution reverb, delay, chorus, distortion, and more. Kontakt Player Compatible: Runs in the free Kontakt Player or the full version of Kontakt. NKS Compatible: Offers seamless integration with Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol and Maschine hardware. Lightweight Download: A compact library size of 5.3 GB. https://youtu.be/Cmlm82-Q0fE Read More

The Most Trustworthy USB-C Cable is DIYWe like USB-C here at Hackaday, but like all specifications it is up to manufacturers to follow it and sometimes… they don’t. Sick of commercial cables either don’t label their safe wattage, or straight up lie about it, [GreatScott!] decided to DIY his own ultimate USB-C-PD cable for faster charging in his latest video, which is embedded below.
It’s a very quick project that uses off-the-shelf parts from Aliexpress: the silicone-insulated cable, the USB-C plugs (one with the all-important identifier chip), and the end shells. The end result is a bit more expensive than a cable from Aliexpress, but it is a lot more trustworthy. Unlike the random cable from Aliexpress, [GreatScott!] can be sure his has enough copper in it to handle the 240W it is designed for. It should also work nicely with USB PPS, which he clued us into a while back. While [GreatScott!] was focusing here on making a power cable, he did hook up the low-speed data lines, giving him a trustworthy USB2.0 connection.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen someone test USB gear and find it wanting, though the problem may have improved in the last few years. Nowadays it’s the data cables you cannot trust, so maybe rolling your own data cables will make a comeback. (Which would at least be less tedious than than DB-25 was back in the day. Anyone else remember doing that?) USB-C can get pretty complicated when it comes to all its data modes, but we have an explainer to get you started on that.

European competition regulators to make initial ruling on Universal’s $775m Downtown buyout by July 22EU competition regulator sets July 22 deadline to make initial ruling
Source

“Analogue in all the right ways: fast, expressive, and alive”: Universal Audio introduces Anthem Analog SynthesizerUniversal Audio has announced the latest addition to its library of virtual instruments: Anthem Analog Synthesizer. The new plugin was designed to deliver the “perfectly imperfect” sound of analogue synths in a fully digital format. No UA or Apollo hardware is required to use it, and it runs natively on both Mac and PC in VST3, AU, and AAX.
Beyond its analogue sound, Anthem features a series of effects and functions to provide extensive production options. The digital interface has an analogue-modeled filter, lo-fi modulation effects such as spring reverb and dubby tape echo, two different oscillators, amplitude and filter envelopes, and a built-in sequencer that can add polyrhythms, accents, and generative textures. There are also hundreds of presets with Anthem that can be used on their own or serve as launching points for inspiration.

READ MORE: The best free and paid-for plugins you need to know about this week

“With Anthem, we wanted to make a synth that didn’t just emulate vintage hardware – we wanted it to inspire creativity,” says Lev Perrey, VP of Product at Universal Audio. “It feels analog in all the right ways: fast, expressive, and alive.”
Universal Audio has demoed the plugin with sounds akin to the famous gritty lead from the legendary house track Satisfaction by Italian producer/DJ Benny Benassi. In the video UA writes, “Sounds that make statements. Your next Anthem starts here.”

 
Anthem is part of UAD Spark, UA’s subscription service, along with previously released virtual instruments such as the vintage-inspired synth, PolyMAX, and the wavetable synth, Opal Morphing Synthesizer. UAD Spark also has numerous effects, including compressors, reverbs, and tape machines.
For those looking to purchase Anthem on its own, UA is offering a special introductory rate of $149 to celebrate the launch. Once this period passes, the price will increase to $199.
Learn more at Universal Audio.
The post “Analogue in all the right ways: fast, expressive, and alive”: Universal Audio introduces Anthem Analog Synthesizer appeared first on MusicTech.

“Is it really important for him to come back? I don’t think so”: Zara Larsson slams artists who still work with Dr. LukeZara Larsson has called out artists who continue to work with Dr. Luke after Kesha accused the producer of sexual assault and battery and a string of other offences in 2014. Kesha and Dr Luke – real name Łukasz Sebastian Gottwald – reached an agreement to settle a defamation lawsuit in 2023.
Appearing as a recent guest on the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast, Larsson says: “There’s a million other people. Is it really, really important for [Dr. Luke] to come back? I don’t think so.”

READ MORE: “You will not feel like the odd person out”: Music Production for Women will host free workshops across Europe in July

The On My Love singer says artists should “actually put your money where your mouth is and work with women and hire women”.
“I think that’s way more powerful than writing a feminist anthem with someone who is not really standing for those values,” she goes on.
NME reckons Larsson’s comments are in reference to Katy Perry, who recently worked with Dr. Luke on her latest album, 143.
Larsson has previously worked with Gottwald in the past, and was signed to his label, Kemosabe Records. She left the label before Kesha’s accusations were made public.
In 2016, Larsson pulled no punches about her views on Dr. Luke. In an interview with The Guardian, she explained: “Too many women are not being believed when it comes to this. And to be honest, whether he’s a rapist or not, he’s not the nicest guy. He’s very talented, you can’t take that away from him, but where do we draw the line? I think Chris Brown is very talented, too, but I won’t support him because he’s an asshole.”
The post “Is it really important for him to come back? I don’t think so”: Zara Larsson slams artists who still work with Dr. Luke appeared first on MusicTech.

Universal Audio launch Anthem Analog Synthesizer The latest arrival to Universal Audio range of virtual instruments delivers a powerful soft synth that's been inspired by the bold and gritty character of classic analogue synths. 

What is Live Music Gatekeeping and why it’s due for a comebackMore artists are turning private channels, tight-knit fan communities and live music gatekeeping to drive lasting success. "Success takes time, and filling a venue is not just about the numbers," writes MIDiA's Hanna Kahlert.
The post What is Live Music Gatekeeping and why it’s due for a comeback appeared first on Hypebot.