New BandLab Licensing service gives creators “unparalleled avenues to monetise their music”BandLab, acknowledged as the world’s largest social music creation platform, has unveiled BandLab Licensing, a new programme to help users monetise their music.

READ MORE: BandLab’s Meng Ru Kuok: “I think there will be over 1 billion music creators by 2030, potentially even sooner”

This initiative is designed to provide musicians with avenues to monetise their music while retaining full artistic control. BandLab Licensing offers a comprehensive licensing solution, covering synchronisation for various mediums such as film, TV, games, and advertising, along with extending streaming licences for exclusive, rights-cleared content.
Musicians on BandLab can now find opportunities to showcase their music on preferred platforms and in popular shows, thereby amplifying their exposure, potential earnings, and fan base. This development is an extension of ReverbNation’s Sync Licensing programme, known for facilitating placements with renowned brands and on well-received shows.
Meng Ru Kuok, CEO & Co-founder of BandLab Technologies, highlights the importance of this launch in a press release, stating, “The launch of BandLab Licensing marks a significant milestone in the expansion of offerings available to BandLab users.
“It not only opens up new revenue streams for our creators and a new at-scale partner for the music supervisor and licensee community, but also strengthens our purpose to democratize and grow the value of music creation worldwide. With BandLab Licensing, our users’ music becomes the soundtrack to the world’s creative, consumption, and connection experiences.”
BandLab is on a mission to provide real opportunities for artists on its platform, it seems. In November 2023, it partnered with FUGA to launch BandLab Distribution, which aids its users in distributing their music to platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TikTok and more.
Find out more about BandLab Licensing at licensing.bandlab.com.
Editor’s note: BandLab Technologies and MusicTech are both a part of Caldecott Music Group.
The post New BandLab Licensing service gives creators “unparalleled avenues to monetise their music” appeared first on MusicTech.

These LEGO Sennheiser HD25 DJ headphones are just a concept – for now​​Hungarian designer Tamás Borján, known for designing DJ gear made of LEGO, has now built a pair of LEGO Sennheiser HD25 DJ headphones.

READ MORE: NAMM 2024: The hottest rumours and latest announcements from this year’s show

Borján, who last year constructed a pair of LEGO Pioneer CDJ 2000 Nexus and a DJM 900 Nexus mixer, revealed the headphones on Instagram, writing, “I thought the DJ equipment wouldn’t be complete without a nice pair of headphones.”
“The Sennheiser HD25 is an iconic piece among DJs”, he continues, “it is beloved by a lot of users around the world. I was also using these while I was DJing.
“This Lego version has the mechanical features of its real counterpart. The earphone can be rotated and the 2 bands can also be rotated to help make a perfect fit for anyone,” he says.

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A post shared by Tomasso Builds (@tomassobuilds)

According to the designer, the LEGO headphones consist of 350 pieces. While it’s sadly just a 3D render for now, he plans to build the headphones “for sure” in the future.
This creative journey began in July 2023 when Borján unveiled his playable Pioneer CDJ 2000 Nexus concept on the LEGO Ideas platform, where creators can submit designs for potential commercial products. Achieving 10,000 supporting votes can lead to the consideration of ideas for production, with creators earning 1 per cent of product royalties upon success. Currently, Tomasso Builds’ LEGO Ideas CDJ 2000 campaign boasts over 8,200 supporters, placing him just under 1,800 votes away from official consideration. Vote via ideas.lego.com.
Image: LEGO Ideas
Borján’s impressive LEGO constructions aren’t the only musical equipment to be made using toy blocks. In 2022, Brick Technology, a YouTube channel, crafted a fully functional drum machine entirely from Lego Technic pieces that can play Taylor Swift and Blur. Using a Roland TD-9 drum module and piezo pickups, the machine has a pianola-style rolling mechanism as a sequencer, utilising Lego Technic pins to create drum patterns.
Well, we for one can’t wait to see if Tamás Borján ends up making his Sennheiser headphones a LEGO reality.
Until then, keep up to date with actual headphone releases via MusicTech. 
The post These LEGO Sennheiser HD25 DJ headphones are just a concept – for now appeared first on MusicTech.

Moog Moogerfooger plugins are on sale at just £30 for a limited timeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. For more information on how this works click here.
For a limited time, a selection of Moog Moogerfooger time effects plugins are available for over half their original price at £30 each.
The deal, redeemable at Plugin Boutique, sees the price of the Moogerfooger MF-104s Analog Delay slashed by 62%, while the Moogerfooger MF-103S 12 Stage Phaser is discounted by 57%.
READ MORE: Universal Audio UAD bundles are 90% off until the end of today!
Based on the original hardware pedals of the same name, the Moogerfooger plugins bring the classic Moog sound into your DAW at a fraction of the price. A second-hand Moogerfooger MF-104s hardware pedal, for example, could set you back as much as £2,000 — over 66 times the price that Plugin Boutique has it on sale for. Not bad!
The MF-104s plugin brings a Bucket Brigade Device (BBD)-style delay to your DAW, with delay times ranging from 40ms to 800ms. As Plugin Boutique says, this plugin has been designed to “capture all of the warm, organic texture and character of the original analogue delay circuitry, while adding 21st-century flexibility and ease of use.”
Meanwhile, the MF-103S 12-Stage Phaser emulates the original 6-stage/12-stage voltage-controlled Phaser which Plugin Boutique says brings “not only the psychedelic enveloping sound of the original, but also the organic way in which the parameters interact to create a musical playing experience.”
Both plugins sport CV interconnectivity, stereo functions, and presets, and support for running multiple instance simultaneously.

When the Moogerfooger plugins were first announced in late 2022, Moog said, “The new Moogerfooger S-series plugins have been lovingly recreated to impart the same lush, distinctive tones of the original analogue circuits and can now be used in DAW-based environments. Great for audio engineers, guitarists, sound designers, synthesists, [and] composers — the ultimate creative and versatile tool.”
Get the plugins from Plugin Boutique until 22 January 2024.
Check out more music technology deals. 
The post Moog Moogerfooger plugins are on sale at just £30 for a limited time appeared first on MusicTech.

Too many choices? How Musicians Can Overcome Option ParalysisThe advancement of technology and the fact that artists can compose, produce, and promote their music from the comfort of their bedrooms, leaves musicians overwhelmed with options. from ArtistVerified via. Continue reading
The post Too many choices? How Musicians Can Overcome Option Paralysis appeared first on Hypebot.

NAMM 2024: Korg’s KR-11 is a compact yet feature-packed rhythm boxNAMM 2024: Korg has announced the KR-11, a compact rhythm machine that echoes the features of its 1963-launched Korg Doncamatic.
READ MORE: All of Dillon Bastan’s Max For Live tools are now free to download in one giant bundle

Arriving just in time for NAMM Show 2024, this retro-looking unit looks to follow Korg’s 2013-launched KR Mini. It also dons a similar size to products in Korg’s Volca range, clocking in at a similar size of just 160 by 115 by 44 millimetres.
While the KR-11 is small, affordable and described as “simple” by Korg, it is feature-packed, offering loads of sound presets and even velocity-sensitive pads.
With an intuitive interface, the KR-11 offers 126 rhythm patterns spanning various genres such as EDM, blues/R&B, jazz/latin and rock, and you can customise and save up to 14 patterns. Listen to its audio demos below:

The 16 velocity-sensitive pads make for fun finger drumming, providing a realistic drumming experience. In Pad Play mode, users can create authentic drum-like performances, further expanding the device’s versatility.
If you’re looking for hands-free control, an optional pedal switch is available, allowing you to start and stop or change patterns. This, along with its nifty size, makes it an ideal option for live performance.
The device features a headphone/line-out jack for external audio output, connecting to PA, mixer, amp, or other devices. With a metronome function, it caters to the needs of guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, and orchestral players.
Credit: Korg
It also has an in-built speaker that’s been newly developed and delivers a powerful yet compact sound range, complemented by Korg’s Acoustage Bass technology. This is an original sound enhancement technology designed by Korg to virtually enhance the bass range in audio output.
The Korg KR-11 isn’t the first piece of music tech to be announced ahead of NAMM, which takes place from 25 to 28 January 2024. We’ve also seen a new “completely redesigned” MOTU 828 audio interface, and Yamaha has revealed its intriguing new SEQTRACK, an all-in-one music creation machine. Another interesting release is the Dtronics DT-303, an FX box built to compliment 303 basslines specifically.
No price has yet been revealed. Find out more about the KR-11 via Korg.
The post NAMM 2024: Korg’s KR-11 is a compact yet feature-packed rhythm box appeared first on MusicTech.

All of Dillon Bastan’s Max For Live tools are now free to download in one giant bundleDillon Bastan, the developer whose name you’d be hard pressed to miss in the Max For Live community, has released a free, all-in-one bundle containing the full collection of his free M4L devices.

READ MORE: NAMM 2024: Yamaha unveils SEQTRACK, an all-in-one music creation station for composing and performing anywhere

For the uninitiated, Max For Live is an integrated environment in Ableton Live that offers a wide range of creative tools, including synths, samplers, effects, and experimental MIDI generators.
Given the buckloads of devices – both free and commercial – available to choose from, the world of M4L can be pretty overwhelming if you’re new to the game. Here’s how Bastan’s latest release comes in, as it offers a great starting point for all you rookies out there looking to foray into the weird and wonderful world of M4L.
The package, which arrives as a single, downloadable bundle, features all 10 of Bastan’s free M4L devices. They include:

Fractal filters: a 50-band filterbank that uses a visualisation of Julia Set fractals
Strange Mod: a device that uses Strange or Chaotic Attractors to produce a moving 3D coordinate
Cellular Degradation: a polyphonic tone generator that combines cellular automation
Swarmalators T: a swarm synthesizer device
Swarmalators N: a swarm MIDI generator device
Spectral Attractors: a device that uses a physics simulation and a phase vocoder
Screaming Janus: a device comprising a simulation of Janus Bunch Oscillators and a corresponding bank of brutal oscillators.
Markov Variations: a tool to transition between Ableton Live variations using Markov Chains
Logistic Mod: a modulator device that uses the logistic equation for modelling population growth
Image2Wavetable: a tool that turns an image into a wavetable to be used by Live’s wavetable (and others).

Download the full bundle from Dillon Bastan’s website.
The post All of Dillon Bastan’s Max For Live tools are now free to download in one giant bundle appeared first on MusicTech.

PreSonus announce Eris Pro 4 monitor The compact PreSonus Eris Pro 4 version of their coaxial monitor design delivers a wide ‘sweet spot’ and maintains a symmetrical dispersion pattern, making it well-suited to use in multi-speaker immersive mixing rooms.

NAMM 2024: Up your Stylophone game with the CPM DS-2 analogue drone synthesizerNAMM 2024: Dubreq, creator of the iconic Stylophone, has unveiled the latest iteration of its famed pocket synth in the form of the CPM DS-2 analogue drone synthesizer.

READ MORE: NAMM 2024: Yamaha unveils SEQTRACK, an all-in-one music creation station for composing and performing anywhere

The first of Dubreq’s pro-audio Compact Portable Modular (CPM) range, the Stylophone DS-2 is a marked departure from the toy-like styling of the original.
Key features of the CPM DS-2 include two 3340 analogue oscillators, twin analogue sub-oscillators, and two analogue 3320 filters. Users can keep things musical by linking the pitch of the two analogue oscillators to ensure everything stays harmoniously in tune, or hard sync them for even wilder sounds.
The synthesizer also boasts a robust LFO section with 14 waveforms, two wave selectors, seven routing switches, and five depth attenuverters. Sonic vibes are further enhanced with the in-built vintage modulated delay as well as the option to add one of the eight vintage-inspired reverb algorithms.
Additional features include a built-in speaker, two stereo outputs, and a dozen modular patch points. Run sound sources from anything into the Aux input to take advantage of the included effects, creating a single hub for your music creations.
The DS-2 can be powered by mains or using AA-sized batteries, and Eurorack compatibility means that you can integrate the synth into your preferred modular system.
“The Stylophone CPM DS-2 Analog Drone Synthesizer is an ideal companion for those seeking innovation in sound creation in the studio, on stage or on the go,” said the company in a statement.
Priced at $259/ £209, the DS-2 is now available for pre-order on the Stylophone website.

The post NAMM 2024: Up your Stylophone game with the CPM DS-2 analogue drone synthesizer appeared first on MusicTech.

Is AI Music Taking Royalties From Musicians and Composers?This week, Ari is joined by Oleg Stavitsky, the CEO and Co-Founder of Endel.

At $159, RØDE’s NT1 Signature Series condenser microphone could be the ultimate studio all-rounder$159/£139, rode.com
Following the success of RØDE’s NT1 5th Generation, which incorporated a plethora of high-tech features, we now have the new NT1 Signature Series, a revamp of the classic and beloved analogue microphone.

READ MORE: Universal Audio’s SC-1 and Hemisphere eight-mics-in-one are tempting additions to any studio’s mic collection

The main features of the 5th Generation are its proprietary Dual Connect output with both XLR and USB connectivity, 32-bit float digital output and onboard DSP. But the analogue circuitry was also upgraded to deliver lower noise and higher SPL handling capabilities.
Now, the NT1 Signature Series incorporates the analogue improvements without all the digi-tech, for those who choose to work in a more traditional style. And while we are talking traditional style, the classic silver or black aluminium casework has been joined by a range of vibrant, limited-edition colours, including red, green, purple, pink and blue.
RØDE CEO Damien Wilson told us, “We wanted to offer creators this new-and-improved NT1 with the original pure-analogue design of previous generations – plus the option to get one in your favourite colour to match your own unique aesthetic.”
RØDE NT1 Signature Series condenser microphone in red, photographed against a background of red jewels
Whichever colour option you go for, the mic comes with its own high-quality shockmount, pop shield and a decent XLR cable so it’s ready to plug straight into your mic preamp or interface.
Under the hood, the microphone features an HP6 large diaphragm (1-inch) gold-sputtered capsule, which made its debut appearance in the 4th Generation model. This improves the capsule found in earlier incarnations of the mic, having been precision-engineered to sub-micron tolerances.
Like all NT1s, it’s a cardioid-only design with a tight response, which excels in rejecting unwanted spillage from extraneous sounds. This type of response really comes into its own when used in the context of a multi-player backing track session, yet also provides precise focus when used for vocals, individual overdubs and voiceover work.
As a vocal mic, the new NT1 retains the classic sonic signature that has placed it at the forefront of budget condenser designs for three decades. Its rich and detailed character flatters most vocalists with added warmth and a glossy high-end sheen that evades some mics costing considerably more. In this respect, it’s a great choice when a decent outboard EQ isn’t available.
RØDE NT1 Signature Series condenser microphone in blue, photographed against a background of blue flowers
Our vintage Neumann U 67 tube mic has a glorious midrange, yet it’s rare for us to achieve a final sound without adding a touch of super-top from a 16kHz EQ boost on a Pultec EQP-1A. Just think of the cost of that package…
Because of the Signature Series NT1’s inherent super-top lift, many users will find that they can produce a wonderful vocal sound with only a suitable level of dynamic control and no tone shaping whatsoever.
Although the broad treble region may not be as neutral or transparent as more expensive designs, the latest model expresses a more vivid, less scooped tonal balance than NT1s of the past.
Also, the mic exhibits extremely low levels of self-noise (at 4dBA), which, alongside the digi-equipped 5th Generation model, makes the new Signature Series the world’s quietest studio condenser microphone, according to RØDE.
ASMR artist tapping their fingernails on a RØDE NT1 Signature Series condenser microphone in pink
Before pressing the NT1 into service on a studio session, we like to test the mic on an acoustic guitar, alongside our stalwart Neumann U 67 and AKG C414 B-ULS mics.
Of course, our regular condensers are far more costly designs. But despite all three mics expressing their own unique sonic character, you wouldn’t pinpoint the new NT1 as the budget option.
Listening to the pass recorded with the new NT1, the guitar sound has a lovely, even midrange with just a hint of added low-mid warmth. It’s a presentation that works particularly well with singer-songwriter performances, especially when blended with an intimate, close-mic’d vocal.
However, in a busier mix, some of that low-mid can be usefully dialled-out with EQ to reduce clutter and increase clarity. That said, the clarity expressed in this microphone is impressive not only at its price-point, but also in absolute terms.
RØDE NT1 Signature Series condenser microphone in green, photographed against a background of green leaves
In comparison with the aforementioned U 67 and C414 mics, the NT1 has a more pronounced top-end, lacking the darkly forward nature of the ’67 or woody midrange of the ’414. This is no bad thing in the context of most popular music and speech recordings. However, those who desire to capture sounds without added top-end sparkle might prefer something a tad more neutral.
Granted, this type of product isn’t aimed at those who make highly-critical classical or jazz recordings and, for most of us working in the broad church of pop, it pretty much covers all bases.
As with any mic, its ultimate sound is a product of its interaction with the preamp it’s used with. We prefer the tonal balance of the NT1 with a punchy solid state design, such as a classic Neve-style mic preamp, rather than our softer, more open valve designs.
It’s with our Hairball Audio Lola preamp that we first use the NT1 to capture a full drum kit sound with the mic placed a few feet in front of the kit just above the top head of the rack tom. This produces an incredibly natural mono kit sound on its own yet also works brilliantly mixed with close spot mics and overheads; a pair of NT1s would make for a killer stereo overhead pair, then.
RØDE NT1 Signature Series condenser microphone in purple, photographed against a background of purple feathers
And as the latest incarnation of the mic has higher SPL handling capability than previous models – and way higher than most delicate boutique mics – you can happily place it close to an electric guitar amplifier or loud horn section.
The NT1 has always been a true studio stalwart, able to capture just about any sound you choose. Now it does a similar trick with more authority and refinement, with a price tag that definitely won’t break the bank.
When it comes to the age-old engineer’s debate of ‘if you had to choose one mic to record absolutely everything…’, the new RØDE NT1 Signature Series has shot straight to the top of our shortlist.
Key features

Cardioid condenser
HP6 gold-sputtered capsule
Aluminium body
Comes with studio-grade shockmount, pop filter and XLR cable
Available in classic black or a range of limited edition colours – red, green, purple, pink and blue
10 year warranty

The post At $159, RØDE’s NT1 Signature Series condenser microphone could be the ultimate studio all-rounder appeared first on MusicTech.

Pianist Matt Wilde’s Prophet Rev2 provided the “secret sauce” for his debut albumIt’s time to shine a light on the piano. Who better to do it with than Matt Wilde? Hailing from Manchester, Wilde draws inspiration from diverse cultures to create an instrumental hip-hop-leaning jazz sound with rich harmonies and clean drums all centred around his impressive playing skills.

READ MORE: “Without that synth, I wouldn’t have my sound”: Demi Riquisimo shines a light on essential hardware

In 2023, Wilde proudly released his debut album, Hello World, with Band on the Wall Recordings. It’s a delightful, heartfelt 11-track release including collaborations with a trumpeter, a drummer, a saxophonist and a bassist all working in tandem. So, we find out how Wilde processes his piano, which piano he uses and what tips he might have for upcoming musicians and producers.
Hello World by Matt Wilde
Hey, Matt! Your debut album… how does it feel?
Honestly, it feels surreal to finally hold the LP! It’s one thing to conceptualise and work on an album, but to see it come to life, to hold it physically, is a whole different experience.
Matt Wilde’s studio set-up
Who are your favourite/most inspiring producers and/or pianists?
My musical inspiration comes from a mix of producers and pianists. On the production side, I’ve always been a huge fan of J Dilla, Pete Rock, Madlib, and MF Doom. Their unique styles and approaches to music have influenced me.
As for pianists, I grew up listening to Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Ahmad Jamal, and Chick Corea. Each of them has a distinct style which continually inspires my approach to the piano.
What piano do you use?
I use a Yamaha U1 upright piano. It’s a nostalgic choice; I grew up with a Yamaha upright at home and love its touch and tone. Its forward-facing strings bring intimacy to my music, adding warmth and authenticity to my productions.
Matt Wilde‘s Yamaha U1 upright piano
What other gear was used for your album?
For this album, I used a Rhodes MK1 and a Prophet Rev2. The Rhodes MK1 was a lockdown project; I bought and restored it which was tough, but super cool to get hands-on and see how it works from the inside out (literally!).
Matt Wilde’s Rhodes MK1
And the Sequential Prophet Rev2, that’s my go-to for all the synth magic! From counter melodies to dreamy pads and strings, and some syncopated rhythmic stuff. They’re the secret sauce that made the album feel complete.
Matt Wilde’s Sequential Prophet Rev2
Tell us a bit about where you make music.
I’m based in my home studio in Manchester, UK. The studio is on the smaller side, which has been great for maintaining a clutter-free and purposeful environment. Over the years, I’ve experimented with a variety of gear, mostly keyboards and hardware, buying and selling to find what works for me. Now, I’ve settled on a collection of gear that I find inspiring and use every day. It’s a space where each piece of equipment has its own significance, helping me craft music efficiently and creatively.
Close-up of Matt Wilde’s studio desk set-up
How do you use your creative space?
My creative space is where most of my tracks begin life, often starting as sketches on the piano to flesh out harmony and melody. The compact nature of my studio means everything I need is within arm’s reach, which helps keep the creative process fluid and uninterrupted. While I do a lot here, for larger recordings like drums, I step out to professional studios such as Airtight Studios for extra space, equipment and quality. This blend of in-house groundwork and external recording is the perfect balance for my workflow.
Matt Wilde’s Ableton Push 3 standalone
What processing went into your piano sounds?
I have a pair of Soyuz 013 FET mics that live on my upright. I record them into a Universal Audio Apollo x4, usually tracking through a Neve 1073 pre. I also record the piano with the felt rail as it makes the tone slightly warmer!
My basic chain usually goes something like this:
Preamp > EQ > saturation > compression
Soyuz 013 FET mic
Who did you collaborate with for the album and how did you work together?
For this album, I had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with Band on the Wall Recordings, a label from the iconic music venue in Manchester. It feels like a full circle moment for me, as I used to attend music workshops there run by Brighter Sound during my younger years. Those sessions, where I honed my skills in playing and recording with Ableton Live under the guidance of some incredible mentors, played a big part in my musical journey.
The record itself was a collaborative effort with some incredibly talented musicians. We had Aaron Wood on trumpet, Oscar Ogden on drums, CARRTOONS on bass, Parthenope on sax, among others. The recording process was a mix of remote and in-person sessions, which brought a unique dynamic to the creation of the album. It was a great experience to see these musicians breathe life into the records with their unique styles and expertise.
Close-up of the Rhodes logo on the MK1
What is your dream piece of gear and why?
A dream piece of equipment for me would be the new Rhodes MK8. It’s not just about its stunning looks and sound, but also the fact that they’re made in Leeds, just down the road, which adds a personal touch. Maybe one day I’ll get my hands on one. Additionally, I’d love to invest in some classic analogue gear like the Neve 1073, API 2500, and LA-2A.
If you were left on a desert island, what one item would you take with you to make music with forever?
Assuming there’s a magical power supply on this desert island (hey, we can dream, right?), I’d go for the Ableton Push 3 standalone. It’s compact, versatile, and totally self-contained. I could easily carry it around the island, setting up my studio under palm trees or by the shore. Plus, it beats trying to haul my piano through the sand — that would be a sight!
Nostalgia by Matt Wilde
What is your top piece of production advice?
My top piece of production advice is to trust your ears and your instincts. Try to play or create what you hear in your mind. It’s important to be patient with yourself in this process. Avoid judging what you produce and let others give you feedback. The key is to keep the creative channel open, allowing your ideas to flow naturally without self-judgment. This way you can be creative whilst also developing a unique and authentic sound.
Head to Matt Wilde’s website to find out more.
The post Pianist Matt Wilde’s Prophet Rev2 provided the “secret sauce” for his debut album appeared first on MusicTech.

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 unveil: How to watch and what to expectI can’t recall if there was ever a true lull in the weeks between CES and MWC, or whether this is the sort of thing we tell ourselves to cushion the blow of a hardware season that now spans 11.5 months of the year. Whatever the case, the days of big companies saving big news […]
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Observations on Universal Music Group’s 2024 restructuring programThe 'why', the 'where', and the 'how many' of the music biz's biggest story of the moment under the microscope
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Daniel Ek says he’s ‘probably the least powerful person in Spotify,’ and 3 other things we learned from his recent Norges Bank interviewEk also commented on what AI will mean for Spotify subscribers during his interview on the In Good Company podcast hosted by Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM) CEO Nicolai Tangen
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Jim Irsay Collection Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Downtown Los Angeles, CA January 11th.The greatest private memorabilia collection to be on public display; The Jim Irsay collection came to the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Downtown Los Angeles, CA January 11th. The Jim Irsay Collection owned by its namesake is the owner of the Indianapolis Colts and brings together historic documents and possessions of U.S. Presidents and U.S. History artifacts such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, a copy of the Declaration of Independence which one less than 60 in existence of the 200 made starting in 1820, a John Wilkes Booth wanted poster, musical instruments owned by the Beatles, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Bob Dylan, Prine, Kurt Cobain, Johnny Cash, Jerry Garcia, and more, sports memorabilia including Jackie Robinson’s bat, Muhammed Ali’s belt from “The Rumble in the Jungle”, and hollywood memorabilia including Al Pacino’s script for Scarface, one of the Wilson volleyballs from Castaway, and Sylvester Stallone’s training boots for Rocky and his script, there was also tech memorabilia including an early Apple manual signed by Steve Jobs. The one item Irsay considers “the most culturally significant piece of the 20th century”  would be the original working manuscript for the 12-step program for Alcoholics Anonymous because of his and his family struggles and the millions of lives it has helped saved. This was the first time the event has taken place in Los Angeles. To simply put it these are the type of artifacts you would see at the Smithsonian and Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. 

The best part of all, the collection was free to view with just an RSVP with Evenbrite and included an All-Star concert. The exhibit was held in the Expo Hall first starting with U.S. history followed by the original scroll of Jack Kerouac’s novel “On The Road” which is 20 feet in length, then instruments and the closing part was sports, hollywood, and tech. 

By 4 P.M. there were already close to 200 fans waiting to get into the Shrine. It was no surprise between the collection and concert the venue would be at capacity. Outside the Shrine Auditorium entrance a car once belonging to author Hunter S. Thompson and another was the car retired Colts running back Edgerrin James was driven in for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The music began around 8:30 P.M. Sadly, Irsay, who never misses a Colts game or one of his events, was hospitalized with a respiratory infection just a few days before the event. Also before the concert, it was announced Stephen Stills would not be there. 

The Jim Irsay Collection band included guitarists Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tom Bukovac who recorded on over 700 albums, Danni Nucci (also actor in Titanic), and Mike Wanchic (John Mellencamp), Drummer Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp/ John Fogerty), bassist Mike Mills (R.E.M.), blues harmonica legend Billy Branch, vocalist Carmella Ramsey (Reba McEntire/ John Hiatt), and keyboardist Michael Ramos (John Mellencamp). Joining what was already an All-Star band would be a few music icons who have each performed with the band. The band would perform Shepherd’s “Down for Love.” Shepherd introduced the first guest a guitarist that influenced Jimi Hendrix. It would be none other than one of the last living Blues giants Buddy Guy. Guy had performed a headline set at the Hollywood Bowl this past summer but due to doctor’s orders was unable to perform at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads festival in September. Guy performed two songs with the band, then the band would perform four songs before the next guest. Mils would sing lead on “(Don’t Go Back) to Rockville” and “Superman”

Shepherd introduced the next guest which was actually an iconic instrument. This would be David Gilmour’s most famous guitar with Pink Floyd, the ‘Black Strat’ auctioned off at Christies in 2019 along with a number of other important Gilmour owned guitars. The guitar was purchased by Irsay for $3.9 million. In 2022, that price was beaten with Kurt Cobain’s Fender Jaguar from the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video purchased for $4.5 million. Both guitars were on display. The band along with Irsay performed at Farm Aid 2023 and the ‘Black Strat’ was used by Shepherd on  “Have a Cigar” sung by Nucci and “Comfortably Numb” sung by Bukovac. To top if off the performance included a Pink Floyd style laser show. 

The next guest would be one of half of the Wilson sisters of Heart, one of the greatest voices in Rock N’ Roll,  Ann Wilson. Wilson was set to perform three songs including Led Zeppelin’s “Rock N’ Roll” which was cut from the set. Wilson performed a cover of The Who’s “Love Reign Over Me” and Heart’s “Barracuda.” Heart performed their first shows in four years this past December. In 2022 Wilson performed several shows along with Jeff Beck and ZZ Top.  Wilson performed “Barracuda” with the band at Farm Aid last year. 

 The third guest would be REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin who joked about having to perform after Ann Willson. Cronin joined the band for four REO Speedwagon classics and Branch added a harmonica solo to “Roll With the Changes.’ Second to last would be J. Geils Band frontman Peter Wolf performing five songs with the band. Closing the show would be none other than ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons for “Sharp Dressed Man,” “La Grange,” and a cover of Freddie King’s “Going Down.”  After the concert ended, the band along with Cronin, Wolf, and Gibbons took a bow. 

Setlist:

Down for Love- Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Damn Right I Got The Blues- Buddy Guy

I’ve Got to Use My Imagination/ She’s 19 Years Old- Buddy Guy

I Can’t Hold You Out/ Watch Yourself- Elmore James (Kenny Wayne Shepherd)

Blue On Black- Kenny Wayne Shepherd

(Don’t Go Back to) Rockville- R.E.M. (Mike Mills)

Superman- The Clique  (Mike Mills)

Have a Cigar- Pink Floyd (Kenny Wayne Shepherd w/ David Gilmour’s ‘Black Strat’)

Comfortably Numb- Pink Floyd (Kenny Wayne Shepherd w/ David Gilmour’s ‘Black Strat’)

Love Reign Over Me- The Who (Ann Wilson)

Barracuda- Heart (Ann Wilson)

Take it on the Run- REO Speedwagon (Kevin Cronin)

Keep On Loving You- REO Speedwagon (Kevin Cronin)

Riding the Storm Out- REO Speedwagon (Kevin Cronin)

Roll With the Changes- REO Speedwagon (Kevin Cronin)

Hard Driven Man- J. Geils Band (Peter Wolf)

Just Can’t Wait- J. Geils Band (Peter Wolf)

Centerfold- J. Geils Band (Peter Wolf)

Love Stinks- J. Geils Band (Peter Wolf)

Lookin’ for Love- The Valentinos (Peter Wolf)

Sharp Dressed Man- ZZ Top (Billy Gibbons)

La Grange- ZZ Top (Billy Gibbons) 

Going Down- Freddie King (Billy Gibbons)

The post Jim Irsay Collection Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Downtown Los Angeles, CA January 11th. first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.