Vermona announce MEX3 expander for meloDICER Vermona's new module adds comprehensive MIDI functionality to their innovative meloDICER Eurorack sequencer.

Korg’s new Gadget 3 adds VST3 and AUv3 support, and more new gadgetsKorg has announced Gadget 3, the latest generation of its award-winning all-in-one music production software and plug-in suite.

READ MORE: CES 2024: FiiO is bringing back the ’80s with this Walkman-inspired cassette player

Central to Gadget is the collection of individual music-making devices or ‘gadgets’ that span everything from synthesizers and drum machines to audio and MIDI effects.
Now in its third iteration, Gadget 3 is “more powerful than ever”, says Korg, with a slew of new features and an improved user interface which makes the Gadget Browser, IFX page, and Play page even more intuitive.
For one, there’s now VST3 and AUv3 support (yes, finally!), allowing gadget instruments to be used with Garageband, Logic Pro, and other apps.
Two new gadgets have also been added (we now have over 40): the first is Santa Ana, a rhythm guitar software instrument, followed by Sydney, a looper sampler machine for importing long samples and manipulating loops.
Additional features include a Gadget Browser that enables sound search, a revamped Play Page with an easier-to-use scale menu, and Genre Select which helps you get started on making a track. Simply select your favourite genre and sound from a selection of presets, and then start songwriting by freely combining patterns
Gadget 3 also comes with five new effects, including an 8-Band EQ, Transient Shaper, Stereo Imager, Auto Pumper, and Pitch Shifter to expand the possibilities of your music production.
KORG Gadget 3 is available for iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, VR devices and as a plug-in version that can be used with your favourite DAW on Mac/PC. For now, the iOS app is priced at $19.99, the macOS version costs $249, while the plugins-only package is $149.

Learn more at Korg.
The post Korg’s new Gadget 3 adds VST3 and AUv3 support, and more new gadgets appeared first on MusicTech.

TikTok’s parent company to shut down Resso music platform in India due to “local market conditions”ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is closing down its music streaming platform, Resso, in India at the end of this month.
On 31 January, Resso and its associated operations will shut down across the country. The platform originally launched in India in 2020 and continued to operate after TikTok was banned in the market later that same year.

READ MORE: Independent artists need to generate 5 million streams annually to make US minimum wage, new report finds

The news of Resso’s closure was announced on 11 January, when a spokesperson for the brand told Music Business Worldwide, “Unfortunately, owing to local market conditions, we can no longer continue to serve users of Resso in India.
“We have therefore taken the decision to shut down Resso and its associated operations on 31 January. Users will be offered a refund of their remaining subscription fees.”
ByteDance also confirmed to the publication that TikTok Music, the separate premium music streaming service that has so far been rolled out across Australia, Singapore, Mexico, Brazil and Indonesia, will not be affected by Resso’s exit from India.
Resso closed in Brazil and Indonesia back in September following the launch of TikTok Music in both markets. However, there are no plans to launch TikTok Music in India, according to the company.
TikTok Music is a premium-only service that integrates with a users existing TikTok account, allowing them to listen, download and share songs they’ve discovered on the platform. The service also includes the catalogues of all three major record companies: Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and Sony Music.
TikTok’s impact on the music industry, particularly when it comes to streaming figures, has been huge. Back in December it also revealed that its first ever live music event, TikTok In The Mix, was watched by over 33.5 million people. It even broke a TikTok record as the biggest ever live event streamed on the platform.
The concert took place at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona on 10 December. Tickets to attend the event sold out entirely, with an audience of 17,000 in attendance, and it ran for a total of five hours.
The post TikTok’s parent company to shut down Resso music platform in India due to “local market conditions” appeared first on MusicTech.

“People are having big songs, but big artists are not coming through”: Former Columbia Records UK head says not enough acts are breaking into the mainstreamEx-Columbia Records UK President Ferdy Unger-Hamilton has commented on the lack of artists breaking into the mainstream, saying things are “harder than it ever was”.

READ MORE: MSG withdraws plans for Vegas-style London Sphere

On the latest episode of Cambridge Audio’s Made By Music podcast, Unger-Hamilton admits that “We’re not breaking as many acts as we should be at Columbia, but no one is at the moment.”
“Acts aren’t breaking – big acts that matter. People are having big songs, but big artists are not coming through,” he explains [via Music Radar]. “Central Cee is an exception, you know, Dave is, but he came a long time ago. PinkPantheress has done really well [and] Sam Fender. But it’s harder than it ever was.”
Having worked with some of the biggest names in the industry like The 1975, Ellie Goulding, Foo Fighters, Portishead, Harry Styles, Ozzy Osbourne and Adele, the former Columbia exec and A&R maestro says: “What you want someone like me for is to find you great new acts, and when I’m not doing that it’s like a footballer that’s not scoring goals.”
“That’s what it is and I think it’s a happy thing for everyone because I started to build my own world – I had a publishing company and the other act that’s done really well is on my publishing company… Fred again.., who I signed about seven years ago really as a writer, before he was Fred again..”
Despite the challenges, Unger-Hamilton concedes that there’s still “a lot that’s good about now”.
“As an independent artist or label, you’re not held back by distribution,” he says. “You don’t need a truck, you don’t need to press any records or CDs. You can release music pretty easily — but it’s very hard for anyone who’s not established to get space.”
Asked for his advice to young musicians looking to succeed in the industry, Unger-Hamilton has this to say: “Artist, I just think be really good. Play an instrument – really learn your craft because the people that I’ve known who are amazing, are amazing because they’ve really given their time to it.”

The post “People are having big songs, but big artists are not coming through”: Former Columbia Records UK head says not enough acts are breaking into the mainstream appeared first on MusicTech.

Record label CEOs say “superfans” are the focus for 20242024 looks to be the year of the “superfans”, with major record labels determined to tap into what they now describe as an ‘under-monetised’ area of the music business.

READ MORE: CES 2024: FiiO is bringing back the ’80s with this Walkman-inspired cassette player

In an internal memo outlining the company’s strategy for the months ahead, UMG CEO Lucian Grainge and Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl both underscored an upcoming focus on cultivating and monetising “superfans”.
“We need to develop our direct artist-superfan products and experiences,” Kyncl told WMG staff, as part of his plan to ‘increase the value of music’. “Both artists and superfans want deeper relationships, and it’s an area that’s relatively untapped and under-monetised.”
The good news, said the executive, “is that we already have initiatives in flight against most of these areas, and specific projects with momentum behind them.”
For Grainge, the focus will be on giving artists the power to “create experiential, commerce and content offerings for their fans.”
“We first focused on a fairer way to allocate the streaming pie among real artists by addressing fraud and other aspects that deprive artists of their just compensation,” he explained in his memo, referencing UMG’s recent launch of a new ‘artist-centric’ music streaming loyalty model in partnership with Deezer.
“The next focus of our strategy will be to grow the pie for all artists, by strengthening the artist-fan relationship through superfan experiences and products.”
Grainge also shared that UMG is “already in advanced discussions with [its] platform partners regarding this phase and will have more to announce in the coming months.”
While making money off passionate people who are the most willing to spend their money doesn’t sound like the most groundbreaking of ideas, Goldman Sach has projected that the segment could add an impressive $4 billion in revenue to the industry.
The post Record label CEOs say “superfans” are the focus for 2024 appeared first on MusicTech.

Audiopunks unveil Telefunken Echomixer plug-in Telefunken have teamed up with Audiopunks to create a plug-in version of their vintage Echomixer device, which housed three germanium preamps and a Hammond IV spring reverb.

eBay to pay $3M over cyberstalking campaign that involved sending fetal pig, live insects to coupleeBay has agreed to pay a $3 million fine in connection with a corporate cyberstalking campaign targeting a Massachusetts couple in 2019. The cyberstalking campaign was conducted by several eBay employees, some of whom were executives, who targeted the couple after they posted a newsletter that was critical of the e-commerce giant. The cyberstalking campaign […]
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The Guitar Center Music Foundation wraps up an eventful 2023Members of the Lincoln High School Guitar Club in San Diego show instruments acquired via a grant from The Guitar Center Music Foundation, partnering with Guitars and Ukes in the Classroom.

The Guitar Center Music Foundation (GCMF), a nonprofit organization that advances the healing, transformative power of music by granting instruments to music education and music therapy programs in need, has continued to grow and expand the scope of its philanthropic efforts throughout 2023. All funds raised for GCMF in 2023 total approximately $700,000, with more than $520,000 provided in instrument grants and support for over 100 organizations, including schools, community programs, music therapy and hospitals. These efforts will continue in earnest in 2024, with activities expanding into new realms.

Key to GCMF’s fundraising efforts is partnering with Guitar Center on the “Round Up” program at Guitar Center stores and online, which allows customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar as a donation to GCMF. The “Round Up” program evolved in 2023, with a number of corporate partners and individual sponsors pledging dollar-for-dollar matches for funds generated from the program. (Reach out at https://guitarcenterfoundation.org/contact/ to get involved in this capacity). Funds generated via the Round Up program in 2023 totaled more than $425,000.

In addition to instrument grants and lessons program, GCMF has established an Instrument Scholarship Fund, in order to provide instruments to promising high school students going on to study music in college. This year, GCMF provided two trombones to students in New Orleans, working closely with the Preservation Hall.

August saw devastating wildfires ravage the island of Maui in Hawaii, and GCMF’s Maui Relief Fund raised close to $100,000, and to date GCMF has helped numerous local musicians get back on their feet. Q1 of 2024 will see a continuation of these efforts, focusing specifically on schools on the island.

Key grant support went to Shakira’s Foundation Pies Descalzos for the development of a new music school in partnership with Playing for Change in Quibdó, Colombia.

GCMF expanded its support to mariachi programs this year, including the development of a new program in Santa Ana, CA, at NOVA Academy. The Foundation was featured on Good Morning America in September supporting three other school-based mariachi programs.

Key partnerships were solidified or expanded with such organizations as Guitars and Ukes in the Classroom, ASCAP Foundation, Music Forward Foundation, and Musically Fed. GCMF also renewed its ongoing relationship with Challenge America, serving veterans through music therapy and songwriting, providing over 100 guitars to veterans throughout the country. The year also saw the establishment of a new annual tradition in the form of a fundraising gala. Taking place March 30, 2023, at The Canyon in Agoura Hills, CA, the event honored the career of legendary percussionist Pete “Pops” Escovedo as well as the invaluable efforts of local music teachers. A capacity crowd was in attendance, enjoying the evening’s festivities and helping the Foundation raise thousands of dollars in new funds. GCMF Executive Director Myka Miller and GCMF Chairman of the Board David Helfant served as co-hosts for the event. A spring 2024 event is currently in its planning stages.

Finally, GCMF added three new board members this year: Herb Trawick, Fred Croshal and Raul Carrega.

“These are just a few examples of the ways in which GCMF has expanded the scope of our efforts in 2023,” stated Myka Miller, The Guitar Center Music Foundation Executive Director. “Our yearly goal is to continue to grow, and we hit our marks in 2023 and then some. We thank everyone who has supported our efforts in 2023, and we look forward to an even bigger 2024!”

To learn more, visit http://www.GuitarCenterFoundation.org, or follow @GiveMusicLife on Twitter for more news or to discover ways to support The Guitar Center Music Foundation. Also, follow GCMF on Facebook and Instagram.

12 challenges to level up your music production skills
Discover 12 music production challenges that can help you learn a new skill, try something different, and push yourself in ways you haven’t before.

MSG withdraws plans for Vegas-style London SphereMadison Square Garden Entertainment (MSG) has formally withdrawn their plans to build a Las Vegas-style Sphere arena in London, saying it did not wish to participate in a process that was “merely a political football between rival parties”.

READ MORE: Inside the Las Vegas Sphere and immersive ‘fulldome’ experiences

The company wrote in a letter to the Planning Inspectorate that it was “extremely disappointing” that Londoners would “not benefit from the Sphere’s groundbreaking technology and the thousands of well-paying jobs it would have created”.
It continued: “After spending millions of pounds acquiring our site in Stratford and collaboratively engaging in a five-year planning process with numerous governmental bodies, including the local planning authority who approved our plans following careful review, we cannot continue to participate in a process that is merely a political football between rival parties.”
The 21,500-capacity arena, which was first announced in 2018, was supposed to be built in Stratford, east London, on land that had previously been used as a coach park during the 2012 Olympics. If constructed, it would have been the largest arena in the UK.
Sphere had been a controversial prospect from the start. Concerns had been raised over the impact of light pollution and environmental impact caused by the estimated 1,000,000 LED light bulbs and bright advertisements that would have been used on its exterior. MSG had promised to provide blackout blinds to homes within 150 metres of the venue, as well as those with a direct view of it, and set up a telephone line for complaints.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 17: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 on track in front of Sphere during final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 17, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Clive Mason – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Other opponents of the plans pointed to the potential for the venue to put strain on local infrastructure, especially the nearby Stratford station which already handles a large volume of people from Westfield and for London Stadium, which is used by West Ham football club.
The venue also faced opposition from AEG, which objected due to the proximity of the proposed site to its own arena, The O2, which is only four miles away.
The issue became more contentious in November when London mayor Sadiq Khan blocked the plans at the stage 2 decision. However, the UK government then intervened, with levelling-up secretary Michael Gove ordering a six-week pause to give him time to consider calling in the mayor’s decision to pull the plug on the development of the venue.
Despite this, the company said in a statement: “We have informed Mr. Gove that our decision not to move forward with our plans for Sphere in London stands, and we will not be participating in the call-in process. We would like to thank all of those who worked earnestly to bring this project to London.
“We are committed to continuing to work collaboratively with forward-thinking cities around the world who are serious about bringing this next-generation entertainment experience to their communities.”
The Las Vegas Sphere opened in September with a residency from U2, which recently got extended until February 2024. However, it was recently reported that the venue had made a loss of $98.4 million, having cost $2.3 billion to build.
The post MSG withdraws plans for Vegas-style London Sphere appeared first on MusicTech.

Phil Bauer named President of DistroKid – company founder Philip Kaplan transitions from CEO to ChairmanDistroKid claims to be the world’s largest distributor of independent music, and estimates that it distributes 30-40% of all new music in the world
Source

Save a massive £236 on Sonnox’s Oxford Reverb plugin with this insane dealPlugin Boutique is offering a huge 83 per cent off Sonnox’s popular Oxford Reverb until 21 January as part of a New Year deal.
As we continue settling into 2024, many of us are thinking of ways in which we can spice up our production work. If the festive season left a large hole in your wallet but you’re hungry for a new plugin to get stuck into, we may just have tracked down the deal for you.

READ MORE: Plugin Boutique launches Scaler EQ plugin, which enhances note frequencies in key with your song

Originally listed on Plugin Boutique for a price of £282, you can now purchase the Sonnox Oxford Reverb for just £46 – a saving of £236. Released many moons ago back in the late 2000s, the plugin has earned some impressive user ratings on site. Currently, it is rated a full five stars across sound quality, ease of use, features, and presets.
If you need a refresher of what it has to offer, then here are all the key features you need to know about: The Oxford Reverb is a stereo reverb plugin. It comes with 120 presets as a foundation to build upon – from “drier ambiences and open reverberant spaces, to sound effects and settings inspired by classic hardware”. It avoids fixed algorithms to provide users with control of all parameters.
Key tools include:

Independent paths for Early Reflections and Reverb Tail
Paths can be combined or used separately
Integrated five-band Oxford EQ
Separation control alters stereo width of input signal
Presets include Halls, Chambers, Rooms, Ambience and more

The Oxford Reverb works with hosts such as Pro Tools 11, Ableton Live, Cubase and more. Formats include AAX, VST2 and VST3 for Windows, or AAX, AU, and VST3 for macOS.
Find out more over at Plugin Boutique, or view more of MusicTech’s latest deals.
The post Save a massive £236 on Sonnox’s Oxford Reverb plugin with this insane deal appeared first on MusicTech.

“We messed around and played a lot of music”: André 3000 teases SAULT collaborationAndré 3000 has revealed that he has worked on some music in the studio with mysterious collective SAULT.

READ MORE: “Sometimes it feels inauthentic for me to rap because I don’t have anything to talk about in that way”: Why André 3000 isn’t rapping in his latest album, New Blue Sun 

Last month, the rapper – real name André Benjamin – said in an interview with BBC 6 Music that he had been introduced to the collective when they were in “their secrecy stage” by a friend of his who is also a musician.
“You know, we hung out, went to the studio, messed around a bit… yeah. And once I was turned on to them, I kind of listened to what was done before. I think they’d only had like one or two albums out at that time,” he says.
Host Gilles Peterson then asked Benjamin if he had recorded any music with SAULT, and whether fans could “look forward to” hearing it. “We can look forward to it in the future,” he responded.
“We’ve talked about me coming there [to London], actually, to work in the studio with them. But I’ve hung out [with them] in the studio here in LA before. You know, we messed around and played a lot of music,” he says.
“But we’re hoping to do something a little bit more substantial, soon.”

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Benjamin made headlines late last year with his new album New Blue Sun,  an 87-minute record consisting of minimalist and experimental flute music without any rapping. Its long titles, one example being  I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time, also grabbed particular attention. That track also broke the record for the longest song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
Meanwhile, SAULT played their first ever live show at London’s Drumsheds last month, but fans were divided over them charging close to £100 per ticket.
The post “We messed around and played a lot of music”: André 3000 teases SAULT collaboration appeared first on MusicTech.

CES 2024: Mercedes-Benz enlists Will.i.am for “interactive music experience”, MBUX Sound DriveCES 2024: Will.i.am is working with Mercedes-Benz to create a new “interactive musical experience” for its cars.

READ MORE: “You know it’s gonna make better songs than you. It’s Super Mario Bros. right now – we ain’t even got to Call of Duty yet”: will.i.am on the future of AI in music 

The company recently announced MBUX Sound Drive, a new feature which uses sensors and software to match the music playing in a vehicle to the way someone is driving. Mercedes says it has composed musical tracks to pair with regular driving functions such as acceleration, steering, and braking, turning the whole car – as Will.i.am explains – into its own “orchestra”.
Drivers can opt in for this unique musical experience by selecting Sound Drive through their infotainment screen, which then links the car’s hardware with the music software through “precise ‘in-car signals’ that enable the music to react to the driving characteristics in real-time”.
Credit: Mercedes Benz Group
This could work in several different ways – for example, turning on the windscreen wipers could activate lo-fi beats for driving to in the rain, while an EDM beat would get progressively faster as you accelerate down a motorway.
On top of this, Mercedes has said it wants Sound Drive to be an “open music platform” so any musician can create their own auditory soundscape for driving. Artists around the world have been invited to “create tracks” for a variety of driving functions.

Sound Drive will be available to owners of Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with the second generation of the MBUX system from mid-2024. The feature can be downloaded via an over-the-air software update. Pricing information was not immediately available.
In August, the Black Eyed Peas rapper offered his thoughts on AI, reminding listeners on the Diary of a CEO podcast that despite the fears around the technology, it’s still only in its infancy.
Credit: Mercedes Benz Group
“If you’re a marketer, if you’re an artist that works for a brand, if you’re an agency that works for brands – this technology is gonna give super creatives agency,” he says. “So why do they need agencies?”
“Just the vast transformation – and for hyper creatives, now they just need a new tool to help them birth stuff. It’s a new renaissance.
“It’s the ultimate dream if you’re preparing. A section of the world whose problems have always been ignored [can] now go out and solve those problems with this tool.”
The post CES 2024: Mercedes-Benz enlists Will.i.am for “interactive music experience”, MBUX Sound Drive appeared first on MusicTech.

NAMM 2024: MOTU’s 828 audio interface receives “complete redesign”When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. For more information on how this works click here.
NAMM 2024: Audio brand MOTU (Mark Of The Unicorn) has released a revamped edition of its ever-popular 828 rack-mounted audio interface.

READ MORE: “There’s still work to be done” on CHOMPI sampler, say Hainbach and Ricky Tinez

The 828 has been a mainstay in professional studios since the first model was launched in 2001, because of its connectivity options, reliable performance, and industry-standard compatibility. Since then, we’ve witnessed MK2 and MK3 versions launched, followed by the Thunderbolt-compatible 828x and the 828es, which draws on MOTU’s own AVB (audio video bridging) technology.
Now, just in time for NAMM 2024, MOTU has gifted us with a “complete redesign” of the 828. It looks to be a complete refresh, hence the simple ‘828’ name, as opposed to being the 828 MK4 or another version.
What’s new with the MOTU 828 (2024)?
This 1U (‘one rack unit’) rack-mounted device features ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology, which provides exceptional analogue quality, according to MOTU. Through a 5 Gbps USB3 connection, the 28×32 interface has 60 channels of I/O, including a 24-channel mixer with onboard effects like reverb and EQ.
The front panel hosts a vibrant 3.9-inch LCD display for precise metering and convenient control room features. Noteworthy front-panel components include two combo XLR/TRS mic inputs with individual controls and dedicated send/return inserts. Additional I/O options comprise TRS analogue in/out, ADAT optical I/O, S/PDIF digital I/O, and headphone outputs.
Advanced features include wireless control via the CueMix 5 app, loopback USB channels for streaming, and guitar re-amping. The interface comes bundled with essential software, including CueMix 5, MOTU Performer Lite, Ableton Live Lite, and premium loops. With its sleek 1U design and USB audio class compliance, the MOTU 828 stands as a powerful and versatile solution for professional music producers.
The new MOTU 828 costs $1,307, and is available to buy at Thomann.
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