Tariffs, tight wallets may disrupt fragile Superfan EconomyAs economic uncertainty looms and tariffs shake up global supply chains, the music industry’s push to monetize superfans faces serious headwinds. With merch, vinyl, and fan experiences under pressure, are US labels betting too big on a fragile superfan economy?
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Live Music News: Beyoncé, Rauw Alejandro, Rostr, LIVE, MoreTopping live music news, Rauw Alejandro has become the first Latin artist to perform three back-to-back sold-out nights at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome.
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Bastl Instruments’ Kastle 2 Wave Bard is a “semi-autonomous” patchable sample player for discovering new rhythms and riffs Bastl Instruments has launched a new “experimental”, patchable sample player, inspired by its popular Kastle Drum synth launched in 2020.
The new Kastle 2 Wave Bard brings the Kastle range “to the next level”, according to the brand, with user-uploadable samples, stereo, effects, plus better sync and patch capabilities. It’s compact and runs on 3 AA batteries or USB-C, and it “loves to jam” with other portable gear thanks to sync in/out ports and an audio input.

READ MORE: Splice’s final instalment of Oliver’s “Power Tools Decades” sample pack series is inspired by hit producers of the noughties

The Wave Bard is described as a semi-autonomous companion that continually delivers its fresh ideas to its user. The launch marks the second firmware release for the Kastle 2 platform, which already hosts the FX Wizard effects processor, and is cross-compatible between both devices, meaning the Wave Bard can be loaded onto the FX Wizard, or the other way around.
Samples are organised in banks, which can be selected and sequenced using knobs or CVs from a built-in pattern generator and LFO. You can also reverse your sounds with a ‘length’ knob and a unique reversing envelope, and in addition to your own samples, rhythms and scales can be loaded on to the Bard with the accompanying web-based app/editor. You can also play melodic samples in quantized scales, and experiment with a built-in filter, plus delay or chorus/flanger effects.
Take a closer look below:

The Kastle 2 Wave Bard is available now for €190. Both Kastle 2 instruments – the Wave Bard along the FX Wizard – will be presented at Superbooth 2025 at booth #0385. Find out more via Bastl Instruments. 
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Lewitt introduce Space Replicator plug-in Space Replicator comes loaded with a set of virtual acoustic spaces, and uses binaural rendering to provide headphone users with realistic-sounding room emulations.

Don’t Cut Your Drummer Into Publishing…This week, Ari hops on for a solo episode to explain how to fairly compensate session musicians without cutting them into your publishing.

Classical Highlights for April 2025Solo virtuosity shone in the latest batch of new releases that we reviewed in April. Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet delivers an exciting set of works by Khachaturian, while Jan Lisiecki combines Chopin's Preludes with those of other composers and violinist Liza Ferschtman (pictured) shines in Brahms' concerto.

Startups launch products to catch people using AI cheating app CluelyAI cheating startup Cluely went viral last week with bold claims that its hidden in-browser window is “undetectable” and can be used to “cheat on everything” from job interviews to exams. But some startups are claiming they can catch Cluely’s users. And Cluely says it’s ready to develop hardware products like smart glasses, or even […]

NIVA Statement on U.S. House Passage of the TICKET ActNIVA, the National Independent Venue Association, has released a statement following the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the TICKET Act earlier today...The speculative ticketing ban in the TICKET Act is an important step toward restoring trust in the ticketing market. Artists, independent venues, and promoters fought tirelessly over the last two years to secure this critical protection. Any national ticketing law must truly ban speculative tickets without exception.Unfortunately the inclusion of a "concierge service" carveout, as written in the TICKET Act, would undermine the speculative ticket ban. Concierge services should not be a loophole for companies like Vivid Seats to claim they are offering a service while selling “tickets” they don't possess to unsuspecting fans. States across the country have proven that strong, loophole-free ticketing consumer protections work, and Congress should build on that momentum. The White House Executive Order on Combating Unfair Practices in the Live Entertainment Market also made clear that deceptive practices must be fixed, not rebranded.We urge Congress to amend language to make certain that “concierge services” do not empower multi-billion dollar resale platforms over consumers. Further, we support strengthening the law with enhanced penalties and enforcement authority for state attorneys general to deter bad actors and help ensure the law is being followed. Illegal bot use runs rampant in the ticketing industry because the FTC has only brought one enforcement action since the use of bots was banned in 2016. We hope Congress does not miss the opportunity to ensure these laws are actually enforced in the future. We look forward to working with the Senate to ensure that fans, venues, and artists are prioritized in the final version of the TICKET Act."  — Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA)The post NIVA Statement on U.S. House Passage of the TICKET Act first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Growth of crypto poses risks to investors, financial stability — Bank of ItalyThe Bank of Italy identified Bitcoin and other digital assets as emerging risk factors in a recent report, citing concerns for both investors and the financial system.In its April 2025 Financial Stability Report, the Bank of Italy flags crypto volatility and rising integration with the broader economy, singling out stablecoins and non-financial firms’ crypto exposure as key concerns."The strong growth of Bitcoin and of other crypto-assets with high price volatility means risks not only for investors but also potentially for financial stability, given the growing interconnections between the digital asset ecosystem, the traditional financial sector and the real economy,” the report notes. Excerpt from the Bank of Italy’s Financial Stability Report. Source: Bank of ItalyThe Bank of Italy’s report also addressed the trend of non-financial corporations holding Bitcoin, stating that it exposes them to “marked price volatility” driven by “the belief that Bitcoin can support their share prices.”Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) helped popularize the corporate purchase of Bitcoin, beginning its acquisitions in August 2020. Since then, several companies have followed its lead, including Metaplanet, Semler Scientific, and GameStop.The Bank of Italy also addressed stablecoins in its report, noting potential risks if dollar-pegged tokens were to become systemic. It suggested that increased reliance on US government bonds to back these assets could introduce broader financial vulnerabilities. According to the report, disruptions in either the stablecoins or the underlying bonds could have “repercussions for other parts of the global financial system.”The report comes just a few days after Giancarlo Giorgetti, the country’s minister of economy and finance, warned that the appeal of US dollar stablecoins should not be underestimated. According to Giorgetti, US stablecoin policies are more dangerous than US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.Related: Italy scales back plans to hike crypto tax rate: ReportGiorgetti, in his speech, highlighted the need to enhance the euro’s position on the global stage, noting that the development of the Digital Euro will play a crucial role in reducing reliance on foreign digital solutions.Related: Italy’s largest bank enters crypto market with $1M Bitcoin investment

Eventide H90 HarmonizerMulti-effects Inspiration Engine Discover why top artists and producers have chosen Eventide for over 50 years with the H90 Harmonizer, Eventide's next-generation multi-effects pedal. Whether you want high-quality bread-and-butter effects or experimental sounds unheard, the H90 has everything you need to spark creativity. Designed with players in mind, it features an intuitive interface, 68 effect algorithms, and hundreds of curated Program combinations for a wide range of instruments and genres. With its comprehensive I/O and flexible routing options, the H90 is designed to be the heart of your rig. Live Performance Machine The H90 Harmonizer is a live performance powerhouse! The front panel has been reimagined with five push knobs, seven LED buttons, and a hi-res OLED display for greater hands-on control and parameter feedback. In PERFORM mode, you get six programmable footswitches. Map functions like tap tempo, preset and insert bypass with momentary states, and performance parameters like reverb freeze, pitch flex, or delay repeat. Furthermore, you can make multiple instantaneous parameter changes with three HotSwitches. Comprehensive UI The comprehensive UI allows you to control any parameter with ease. Adjust expression mappings by hand with the PERFORM HotKnob and engage up to six individual assignable parameters with the three push-button Quick Knobs. Get even more control with two inputs for expression pedals or auxiliary switches with up to three buttons. If that's not enough, take advantage of the pedal's extensive MIDI control. Dual FX Processing The H90 Harmonizer's dual algorithm design features true spillover between Programs, series or parallel effect routing, and flexible I/O. H90Control H90 Control provides remote control access and Program list management for the H90. Manage Program and Preset settings, perform system updates, and import/export User Lists with an easy-to-use interface. Additional Features Preloaded with 68 effect algorithms: 14 new effect algorithms: VocalShift, VocalTune, Polyphony, Prism Shift, PolyFlex, PolySynth, Bouquet Delay, Head Space, WeedWacker, Even-Vibe, Wormhole, Instant Flanger, Instant Phaser, Aggravate, Sticky Tape and SP2016 Reverb. Includes all 52 effect algorithms from the H9 Max Harmonizer with enhanced features and improvements. New low-latency Polyphonic Pitch Shifting with SIFT (Spectral Instantaneous Frequency Tracking) technology. ARM-based architecture lays the foundation for new and exciting creative effects. Use two algorithms at once per Program. True spillover between Programs. Route effects in series or parallel. Instrument or line-level operation. Two mono inserts or one stereo insert can be positioned anywhere in the signal chain. Dual-mode for processing two independent stereo signals at once. Five push-turn knobs for more tactile control. Two expression inputs for pedals, up to 3-button auxiliary switches, and CV signals. Use H90 Control software to edit Programs, create lists, and update firmware on a Mac or PC. Built-in tuner. Read More

TICKET Act passes U.S. House, but key trade groups want moreThe U.S House of Representatives on Tuesday overwhelmingly passed the TICKET Act by a bipartisan vote of 409-15. The bill now heads to the Senate.
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Spotify records its highest subscriber net adds since 2020 in first quarter of 2025Spotify has recorded even more growth across the first quarter of the year, with its highest subscriber net adds since 2020.
The platform has shared its latest Q1 report, revealing a record high operating income (its profit after deducting operating expenses), which rose to €509 million across the quarter, and a premium subscriber count of 268 million – an increase of 12 per cent year over year, marking the the second-highest Q1 in Spotify’s history. Monthly active users reached 678 million (up by 10 per cent Y/Y), and total revenue was also up by 15 per cent to €4.2 billion.

READ MORE: Best Spotify alternatives in 2025 for music listening and discovery

Looking to the second quarter of 2025, Spotify predicts that its total number of monthly active users will rise to 689 million and its total of premium subscribers will reach 273 million –  thats approximately five million net new subscribers in the quarter. It also forecasts that total revenue will reach €4.3 billion, though it does specify that these results are subject to substantial uncertainty.
Spotify CEO, Daniel Ek, comments, “The underlying data at the moment is very healthy: engagement remains high, retention is strong, and thanks to our freemium model, people have the flexibility to stay with us even when things feel more uncertain. So yes, the short term may bring some noise, but we remain confident in the long-term story, and the direction we’re heading in feels clearer than ever.”
Back in March, Spotify released its Loud & Clear annual royalty report for 2024. It revealed that it was the highest paying retailer globally in 2024, paying the music industry over $10 billion in total. It said this was the largest payout in music industry history, and was over 10x the contribution of the largest record store at the height of the CD era.
Amid ongoing criticism of its royalty model, it also released a video on how the money flows from its platform to artists, which you can watch below:

You can read the full report on Spotify’s Q1 earnings via its official newsroom.
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Crossing Commodore Signal Cables on PurposeOn a Commodore 64, the computer is normally connected to a monitor with one composite video cable and to an audio device with a second, identical (although uniquely colored) cable. The signals passed through these cables are analog, each generated by a dedicated chip on the computer. Many C64 users may have accidentally swapped these cables when first setting up their machines, but [Matthias] wondered if this could be done purposefully — generating video with the audio hardware and vice versa.
Getting an audio signal from the video hardware on the Commodore is simple enough. The chips here operate at well over the needed frequency for even the best audio equipment, so it’s a relatively straightforward matter of generating an appropriate output wave. The audio hardware, on the other hand, is much less performative by comparison. The only component here capable of generating a fast enough signal to be understood by display hardware of the time is actually the volume register, although due to a filter on the chip the output is always going to be a bit blurred. But this setup is good enough to generate large text and some other features as well.
There are a few other constraints here as well, namely that loading the demos that [Matthias] has written takes so long that the audio can’t be paused while this happens and has to be bit-banged the entire time. It’s an in-depth project that shows mastery of the retro hardware, and for some other C64 demos take a look at this one which is written in just 256 bytes.

Thanks to [Jan] for the tip!

Subscription growth, super-premium, and short-form video’s ‘inadequate monetization’: 7 takeaways from Universal Music Group’s Q1 2025 earnings callSir Lucian Grainge, Michael Nash, and Boyd Muir dug deep into the company's strategy and numbers on their Q1 call
Source

Labels may be slowing Spotify Superfan launch, hints CEO EkRecord labels may be slowing the Spotify superfan launch, CEO Daniel Ek hinted during an investor call Tuesday announcing the streamer's mixed Q1 2025 Report.
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