Getting It Done: The Week in D.I.Y. & Indie MusicLast week, our tips and advice for the independent, do-it-yourselfers out there covered how to start cold emailing, how to protect your online accounts, and more.,, NFTs promised to save. Continue reading
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REWIND: The new music industry’s week in reviewA busy week by any definition, the music industry was no exception, with college bans on TikTok, modern streaming problems, and more… 5 ways Propeller helps Artists drive Impact and. Continue reading
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XP Music Futures Announces Conference SpeakersXP Music Futures, the leading music conference in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), reveals the first phase of speakers for its highly anticipated 2023 lineup.Taking place between December 7 and 9, this year’s XP sets the stage for the next generation of musical minds, welcoming visitors of all ages for the very first time. 2023’s programming promises an experience that’s as eye-opening as it is star-studded, led by none other than Emirati superstar Balqees Fathi, multi-platform hip-hop sensation Abyusif, and businesswoman Golnar Khosrowshahi.

This year's event builds on its already unparalleled platform, spotlighting MENA’s thriving nightlife industry, fostering collaboration, and boasting the talents of artists and professionals from the region to eyes and ears worldwide.Diversity has always been at the heart of XP Music Futures, with the previous edition boasting an impressive 44% representation of women speakers. The upcoming conference is no exception, featuring an array of prominent voices from a range of backgrounds– both personal and professional.

mdlbeast.com/events/xp-music-futures-2023/tickets

LimeLoop’s sleek reusable mailers seek to replace cardboard boxesThe startup’s smart mailers are reusable dozens of times, reducing the carbon footprint by 90% compared with cardboard boxes.

Crypto Biz: Bidding war for SVB Capital, new crypto funds and Citi’s private blockchainThis week’s Crypto Biz explores SVB Capital bids, new funds from Blockchain Capital, the Hut 8-US Bitcoin merger and Citigroup’s private blockchain.

Rhodes Unveils Its MK8With its integrated, fully analogue front-panel effects section, the Rhodes MK8 electromechanical piano is set to inspire an entirely new generation of electronic pianists, electromechanical synthesists and sound designers, taking the classic Rhodes sound to new and uncharted musical territories.

Rhodes newest instrument, which has been launched in parallel with the re-emergence of the globally renowned musical instrument brand, is a wholly reimagined and painstakingly designed instrument that builds on the integrity of a long line of universally loved and now classic instruments. The MK8's new stereo analogue effects section, which delivers the same premium, tactile experience as other groundbreaking features on the instrument, features a classic VCA compressor, 4-stage VCA phaser and bucket brigade chorus and delay — all controllable via the front panel or by using up to two expression pedals simultaneously. Notably, the MK8FX can also function as a standalone stereo analogue FX processor for external sound sources connected via the included FX loop.

"The MK8 builds on the quality and legacy of previous Rhodes instruments, taking them to the next level," commented Matt Pelling, CEO of Rhodes. "The analogue effects section vastly extends the sonic palette of this instrument in a highly customized way. Each effect delivers the rich sound and control one would expect from analogue circuitry, and is crafted to map to the specific timbral and sonic parameters of the MK8. This ultimately delivers a uniquely creative playing experience for each and every player — whether they be composers, live performers or studio musicians."

VCA Compressor: smooth it out or pump it upUseful for evening out the dynamics of a performance or for achieving creative pumping effects, the VCA compressor is highly adaptable so users can adjust the levels in a way that compliments his or her own playing style. The compressor control is equipped with an LED light that increases in brightness as the player applies more compression.

Phaser: add shimmer, movement or sonic depthWith the MK8’s built-in phaser, users can manipulate the MK8's sound by modulating notched filters applied to the audio signal. By adjusting the rate and depth knobs, performers can also manipulate the speed and amount of the phase effect being applied. This use of creative comb filtering can be used to spice up a phrase or add funk to a performance. ‘Alternative mode’ also allows user control over phaser frequency.

Bucket Brigade Chorus: an integrated classicOn older Rhodes instruments, a classic 'trick' was to run the piano's output through a chorus pedal for smooth modulation and expanded stereo width. Now, with the new built-in chorus module, users can seamlessly add the effect to their sound by turning an integrated knob. Push the depth and rate knobs clockwise to further the pitch modulation — adjust on the fly to add color to your performances. ‘Alternative mode’ also allows user control of chorus time.

Delay: flexible timing variation and controlWith a range of 60ms to 0.8 seconds, the integrated Stereo Delay section can add depth and character to the sound along with pitch-modulated and reverb-esque effects too. Create interesting grooves that are perfectly synced by using the “tap tempo” feature. Play with the mix knob or assign an expression pedal to time and mix while performing to create movement and add variation to a track. Whether embellishing a jazz solo or creating ethereal textures, the delay module brings sounds to life, no matter what the genre. ‘Alternative mode’ also allows user control of delay spread and jitter.

Inputs and InterfaceThe MK8 is a highly versatile future-facing instrument designed to plug directly into any modern or classic studio or stage setup. The piano is equipped with both ¼” jacks and balanced XLR outputs as well as the familiar send and return ¼” jacks for integrating external audio and FX pedals for even further flexibility. The MK8 features the most advanced preamp found in any Rhodes piano, as well as a 3-band equalizer providing the user with the ultimate degree of tonal control. The preamp also features an envelope knob, which allows users to create an auto-wah / touch-wah effect working in conjunction with the analogue mid-range filter of the EQ section. This wah-effect can also be assigned to an expression pedal for classic foot-controlled wah, negating the need for an external wah-wah pedal.

To achieve the classic Rhodes vibrato effect along with new synth-like textures, ring modulation and sound FX, the MK8 also includes a Vari-Pan section. There are two LED lights that are on by default, which flickers in and out in accordance with the rate and depth settings. This provides a lovely visual of the effect in action, as well as important visual feedback for the performer. Four waveshape presets — including square, upwards ramp, triangle and sine — can also be selected to achieve nicely varied textures.

Alternative ModeThe MK8 also contains an extremely advanced analogue control system, providing the user with the ability to modify performance of both the onboard preamp and FX and the front panel. However, if the user wishes to change any parameters, they can do this in “alternative mode", where features can be edited in real-time and saved even after powering off the instrument.

While in “alternative mode”, knobs on the front panel are mapped to new functions not previously available. As an example, if a user wants to have control over the ratio of compression, they can adjust this by entering alternative mode and adjusting the amount knob. Now, the user has even more control to dial the specific amount of compression. Similarly, when moving the “chorus rate” knob in “alternative mode” the user is actually adjusting the time of the chorus effect. These additional functions add more exact control and can lead to experimental and creative outcomes.

In a time when every DAW and VST developer offers a variation on the classic ‘electric piano’ preset sound, The Rhodes MK8 is a potent reminder of the power and mystique that analogue instruments can bring to recording and performing live. With this abundance of new sounds and features, the MK8 is set to redefine and confidently extend the sound of electromechanical pianos for a new generation of artists, producers, and recording engineers.

From BTS renewing their HYBE contracts to Deezer raising its prices again… it’s MBW’s Weekly Round-UpThe five biggest stories to hit our headlines over the past seven days
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Latest Mike Senior course launched Mixing guru and SOS contributor Mike Senior has announced the launch of his latest online course, which is available now through his Cambridge-MT website.

Spitfire Audio reveal Abbey Road Orchestra 1st Violins The latest addition to the Abbey Road Orchestra series has been created using entirely new recording and development techniques, and promises to be Spitfire's most detailed string library to date.

4 free sound design plugins for your music in 60 seconds
From powerful filters to emerging AI tools, we cover four free sound design plugins that are great additions to any music producer's toolkit.

Bastl Instruments launches “pocket-sized patchable synthbox” which generates melodies with easeBastl Instruments has launched the Kastle ARP, a compact modular melody generator based on a quantized sine wave oscillator with a digital waveshaper.
Described by the brand as a “powerhouse of creativity”, the Kastle ARP offers “unparalleled patch flexibility”, and comes shipped with 10 patch cables.

READ MORE: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is ideal for recording artists with a modest studio

The synth is battery powered and small enough to hold in the palm of your hand. Its pitch selection utilises straightforward concepts to deliver delightfully glitchy and intricate melodies. Pitch can be selected using the Note and Chord inputs, and the synth’s quantized oscillator keeps things consistently in tune.
There’s a decay envelope which adds variation by occasionally skipping pitches before retriggering, and a timbre control so you can blend between noble sine waves and 8-bit chip-tunes.
Bastl says that Kastle ARP has a “versatile” LFO section, which has been inherited from the original Kastle Drum. In boot-mode, you can access the root note and fine pitch tuning. On top of that, the bass output plays the root pitch of the current chord, which is said to enhance the overall sound.
Users can also run the Kastle ARP through delay and reverb effects, and combine it with other Kastle synths. Check out the videos below to find out more and hear it in action:

Further specifications include:

NOTE knob to browse through eight octaves
Timbre xor waveshaper
CHORD CV input switches between three chords
CV controllable decay envelope generator
Triggered pitch with “negative” decay to achieve melodic variation
Voltage-controllable clock with square and triangle output
Stepped voltage generator with random, 8-step, and 16-step loop modes
Two I/O CV ports routable to any patch point
The main OUT capable of driving headphones
3x AA battery operation or USB power, selectable by a switch
Open source
Black and silver PCB enclosure

Kastle ARP is available now directly via Bastl Instruments for €107 (tax excluded).
Find out more over at Bastl Instruments.
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Sample clearing “limits creativity” of smaller artists, “but Dua Lipa is gonna use whatever she wants,” says Jaymie SilkJaymie Silk, a house music producer from Paris, has shared his thoughts on the issue of sample clearing.

READ MORE: Brian Eno has 25 new tracks “built entirely out of stems and samples from his own material” coming your way

Speaking to DJ Mag as part of a long-form op-ed feature called What is the future of sampling?, Silk expresses his concern in regard to the challenges faced by sample clearing, the process of obtaining legal permission and often paying fees to use copyrighted music or sound recordings in new works.
He highlights that, for smaller artists who might not have the financial means to embark on this process, creativity can be “limited” as a result.
“If I want to use a sample, I can’t do it, because economically, legally, it’s complicated,” he says. “But if you’re a big artist, you can. So, I’m limited in my creativity, but Dua Lipa is gonna use whatever she wants.”
Credit: Mauricio Santana/Getty Images
Revered hip-hop journalist Dan Charnas also has his say on sample clearing: “I am not uncomfortable with copyright,” he says. “What I am uncomfortable with is when copyright gets in the way of artists’ right to version, and create.
“That’s part of what you are when you’re an author. As an author, you’re supposed to be quoted!”
While the piece marks sampling as “a central pillar of music production in the 30-odd years since MPCs hit the shelves”, not everyone in the music industry is a fan of the technique. Three-time Grammy-winning producer Tony Visconti recently slammed modern producers, saying, “They’re making bulls**t records with loops. Everything’s sampled. I think old-school production with a band is the only way to make great records.”
While the economic inequality in music production means it’s easier for some artists to make the music they want to and harder for others, there are tools out there that can provide a workaround solution. ThatTrack, an AI-powered tool, was launched in March, and offers 30,000 copyright-cleared tracks for various content, reducing the risk of copyright strikes on social media.
For more industry news, head to musictech.com.
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Remastered version of Brian Eno’s The Ship to land on vinyl this yearBrian Eno’s 2016 album The Ship is set to be reissued. The album will arrive on 20 October this year, and a run of celebratory live performances will take place prior to its release throughout October.
The album originally marked Eno’s 27th full-length solo studio record, and featured a mighty 21-minute-long title track. It was the first album to feature vocals since 2005’s Another Day On Earth, and was said to be partly inspired by the Titanic disaster and the First World War.

READ MORE: Brian Eno hates the “arsehole chord” – but what exactly is it?

Arriving on a coke bottle green coloured vinyl, the album has been remastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road, and is set to be released via Universal Music Recordings.

Eno will perform live at an array of venues leading up to the release, with shows beginning on Saturday 21 October. He will take to the stage in venues across Venice, Berlin, Paris, Utrecht, and London, and will be accompanied by the Baltic Sea Philharmonic orchestra and conductor Kristjan Järvi.
“The album The Ship is an unusual piece in that it uses voice but doesn’t particularly rely on the song form,” Eno says in a statement (via Far Out Magazine). “It’s an atmosphere with occasional characters drifting through it, characters lost in the vague space made by the music. There’s a sense of wartime in the background, and a sense of inevitability. There is also a sense of scale which suits an orchestra, and a sense of many people working together.”
He continues, “I wanted an orchestra which played music the way I would like to play music: from the heart rather than just from the score. I wanted the players to be young and fresh and enthusiastic. When I first saw the Baltic Sea Philharmonic I found all that… and then noticed they were named after a sea. That sealed it!”
Eno’s live dates at Venice and Utrecht dates are already sold out, but you can find out more and view the full list of tour dates via Universal Music.
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“I’m quite happy to play until I drop”: Fatboy Slim says he has no plans to retireDJ and producer Fatboy Slim won’t be taking a step back from music anytime soon. Despite revealing that he can’t do things “at the same pace” he used to, he happily declares he will play until he drops.
The artist, whose real name is Norman Cook, turned 60 last July. He has been performing at a range of live shows over the last year, including a performance at Glastonbury Festival earlier this Summer.

READ MORE: Tycho: “If there’s a software equivalent of a tool or an instrument, I’m going to use that instead of the hardware, no matter what”

A 25th Anniversary edition of the DJ’s pivotal album You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby has recently been remastered at half speed at Abbey Road Studios, and will be released on 13 October this year. The record features some of his biggest hits including Praise You and Right Here, Right Now.
In an interview with Billboard, he explained why retirement is not the plan he has in mind: “I tried retirement during lockdown. I had an enforced retirement for a year. Didn’t agree with me at all.
“I think I’ve gotten to a point now where I can probably ride this one out until I drop. In some shape or form I think they’ll always be a place for me to be doing something. As long as I’m enjoying it and other people are still enjoying it, I don’t see any reason to stop.”

He goes on to add, “I mean, I don’t do it at the same pace I used to. I turned 60 this year. I can’t do the stupid things I used to, but I’m quite happy to play until I drop. Athletes have to retire early, boy bands have to retire early, but with DJs, it’s not about our looks or our fitness or anything like that. We can go grey and bald and fat, because we were never supposed to be pinups anyway.”
View all of Fatboy Slim’s upcoming live dates on his official website.
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YouTube just announced 5 free video creation and editing toolsYouTube just announced a suite of new free video creation and editing tools driven by AI that will be rolling out to all users in the coming weeks. Dream Screen. Continue reading
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