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Saturday, December 22, 2018

Producer Azlan Discusses "The Best" Music Making Software


Behind the DAW: Episode 40 with Henry Fong

Wyatt Troy explores the emotional, philosophical and artistic mind of Henry Fong in this fortieth episode of, "Behind The DAW" :

Listen Here 

Special thanks to Chris Mernda for the tip!
Soundcloud.com/chrismernda

Vujaday Music Festival In Barbados Announces Sasha, Bob Moses, Lee Burridge, Jeremy Olander, Moodymann, DJ Tennis, Octave One And More For 2019 Edition

Photo credit: The Confluence

Following their successful debut earlier this year in Barbados, Vujaday Music Festival has returned to announce a stacked phase one lineup in preparation for their second year. The 2019 edition will take place from April 3-7 and will once again take place in different venues all across the stunning Caribbean island. This will give festival-goers the chance to take in a new experience and venue each day.

The phase one lineup for Vujaday 2019 features legendary Welsh DJ and producer Sasha, a DJ set from iconic Canadian electronic duo Bob Moses, Detroit house and techno staple Moodymann, All Day I Dream founder Lee Burridge, a live performance from the Detroit based sibling duo Octave One, Vivrant label founder and renowned Swedish musician Jeremy Olander, Brooklyn house duo Bedouin, Life and Death founder DJ Tennis, Berlin house aficionado YokoO, members of the fan-favorite Desert Hearts collective Mikey Lion and Lee Reynolds, American production duo and Crew Love members Soul Clap, Women on Wax founder DJ Minx, Sheik 'N' Beik founder Rechulski, respected Toronto resident Nitin, and fellow Toronto native and current Barcelona resident Jade.
photo by The Confluence

Many more names will be added to the lineup in the near future. Vujaday will also be announcing what venues they will be taking over shortly, and have also announced they will be hosting a new daytime party series for the first time this year. Details regarding this exciting new addition to the already jam-packed Vujaday experience will be announced as the festival nears closer.

Venue highlights from last year included Bellevue Plantation, a 100-acre property built in 1735 that included a pool, polo fields, and lush gardens surrounding the property. Another favorite was Cornwall House, which allowed those in attendance to witness a breathtaking sunrise while overlooking the gorgeous Eastern Coast of Barbados. Other venues were located directly on the beach and gave those in attendance the chance to sink their feet in the sand throughout the event.
With its dedication to providing attendees with an experience they’ve never seen or felt before, Vujaday pulls all the stops to create an unforgettable journey for attendees. The event spans over the course of five days, allowing festival-goers to be fully immersed into the culture of Barbados while traveling throughout the island to experience the unique venues that Vujaday takes place at.
Early bird tickets for 2019 are currently on sale and can be purchased here. Super early bird tickets have already sold out. More info about travel and additional details can be found on the Vujaday website, and you can watch their 2018 aftermovie to get a better taste of what the festival has to offer.
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Black Violin, The Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand and Elle King Set to Perform at The 2019 NAMM Show

-The Earth Harp, the world’s longest stringed instrument, to perform Sat and Sun at global event-

ElleKing-SHAME

CARLSBAD, Calif. – December 19, 2018 - With just over a month to go until the start of The 2019 NAMM Show, The NAMM Campus is set to come alive with a variety of Bands@NAMM performers, a Guinness World Record™-breaking instrument, and household names who will share their own unique mixes of hip-hop and classical, to blues and rock.
On Thursday, The NAMM Foundation Celebration for Music Education will celebrate the advocacy and dedication of NAMM members with a performance from the duo, Black Violin. Composed of classically trained violist and violinist Wil B and Kev Marcus, the pair combine their classical training and hip-hop influences with their DJ to create a distinctive multi-genre sound that is often described as “classical boom.” Black Violin has shared stages with top names including Kanye West, Aerosmith and Tom Petty, and has creatively collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean, and Alicia Keys. The duo composed music for the television series Pitch which debuted on FOX in 2016, in addition to appearances on HBO’s Ballers, The Tonight Show, The Wendy Williams Show, The Kate TV, and The Ellen Show. The group’s most recent record, Stereotypes, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Chart and #4 on the Billboard R&B Chart.
On Friday, an all-star line-up from Yamaha promises an unforgettable multi-artist extravaganza with the “Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand 2019” set to crank up the volume to 11. While the artist lineup for this year’s concert remains a secret, Yamaha has built an unmatched reputation for developing and producing the largest and most energetic concert events at past NAMM Shows. Last year’s concert featured star turns by celebrated artists Melissa Etheridge, Sam Moore, Michael McDonald, Butch Walker, Lindsey Stirling, Marc Broussard, and Sheléa. Past concerts have included such artist luminaries as Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett, John Legend, Earth, Wind & Fire, U2 founder and drummer Larry Mullen, Jr., and many others.

 

On Saturday evening at the annual “Imagine Party,” The NAMM Foundation and The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus presented by Other World Computing will welcome singer and songwriter, Elle King. King blends pop, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll into a sound that’s all her own.  After hearing the all-girl pop-punk band The Donnas when she was nine years old in Ohio, she decided she wanted to be a singer and musician.  By 13, she was playing guitar, and later learned to play the banjo.  After signing to RCA Records, she released The Elle King EP which featured the “Mob Wives Chicago” theme song “Playing For Keeps.” 

In 2015, King released her debut album Love Stuff, featuring the hit single “Ex’s & Oh’s” which reached the top of Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart. She made chart history becoming the second female artist in 18 years to reach #1 at Alternative Radio, and “Ex’s & Oh’s” earned Elle two GRAMMY nominations. She was also featured on Dierks Bentley’s GRAMMY-nominated No. 1 Country Airplay hit “Different For Girls” (she performed it with Bentley at the CMA Awards and took home an award for “Musical Event of the Year”).  Her just-released follow-up album Shake The Spirit features the lead single “Shame,” which became her fourth radio #1 single and led Elle to become the only act in history to have scored number 1 singles on the Adult Pop Songs, Adult Alternative Songs, Alternative Songs, and Country Airplay charts.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Arena Plaza will feature the Earth Harp, the world’s longest playable stringed instrument, that will reach from the balcony of the ACC North building to the Plaza. The harp will be played live by its creator William Close, the LA-based inventor who holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest stringed instrument in the world.

Close regularly tours the globe with his instrument, which has been performed at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, a cathedral in Portugal, at Festivals in Portugal, France, Mexico, Canada and more. Close will be on hand to offer educational facts about the cello-like instrument including the science behind it, how it was constructed and how it’s played. Live performances are set throughout the day for the instrument that includes strings extending 1,000 feet in length.

Friday, December 7, 2018

Legendary Guitarist Peter Frampton to Receive Les Paul Innovation Award at 34th Annual NAMM TEC Awards

CARLSBAD, Calif. – December 6, 2018 – GRAMMY® award-winning guitarist, singer, songwriter, and innovator Peter Frampton will receive the prestigious Les Paul Innovation Award at the 34th Annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards (NAMM TEC Awards), being held Saturday, January 26, 2019, in Anaheim, CA. The award is given to those individuals who personify the innovative thinking of Les Paul, the Father of Modern of Music. The Les Paul Foundation partners with NAMM each year to honor the individuals that have set the highest standards of excellence in the creative application of recording technology, which also celebrates the legacy of the late, great Les Paul.

Frampton notes, “It is a distinct honor to receive the Les Paul Innovation Award. I would say that many of my career highlights occurred while holding an instrument in my hands that bears Les Paul’s name. I was lucky enough to know him personally, and I owe him so much. He was a wonderful character as well as a genius! An incredible guitar player as well as the inventor of so much music technology. Les changed the way we record forever. I can only hope that I’ve been able to make a fraction of the positive impact that Les Paul made in his iconic career.”


Frampton is one of music’s renaissance men, having begun a career in his early teens, and still making his mark today in the areas of recording and touring. A multi-platinum-selling artist, he recently celebrated the 42nd anniversary of his fifth solo album, Frampton Comes Alive!, an album that remains one of the top-selling live records of all time with over 17 million copies sold worldwide. In 2007 he won the GRAMMY award for “Best Pop Instrumental Album” for Fingerprints and in 2014 was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.
Photo Credit: David Wolff - Patrick/Redferns/Getty Images

“Peter Frampton remains one of the most skillful and celebrated artists in rock history. He also was a friend of Les Paul’s and has played a pivotal role in helping the Foundation keep Les’s legacy alive,” shared Michael Braunstein, Executive Director, The Les Paul Foundation. “Like Les, he is an undeniable master of his instrument and in many ways ahead of his time. We are honored to have Peter join the impressive list of Les Paul Innovation Award recipients.” 

Frampton’s storied career began at 16 as the lead singer and guitarist for the British band The Herd. By 18, he co-founded one of the first supergroups – the seminal rock act Humble Pie. His touring years have included work with a whos-who of the top names in music, such as David Bowie, Stevie Nicks, Gregg Allman, Ringo Starr, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Cheap Trick, Steve Miller Band, Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, and many others. Additionally, he took his eponymous Peter Frampton's Guitar Circus on the road for two years with special guests B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Vince Gill, Larry Carlton, Robert Randolph, Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles), Dean DeLeo (Stone Temple Pilots), Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Sonny Landreth, Robert Cray, and Roger McGuinn (The Byrds).

His session work includes collaborations with artists who have made their mark on the industry including George Harrison, Harry Nilsson, Jerry Lee Lewis, John Entwistle, Mike McCready, and Matt Cameron (Pearl Jam), among many others.

Frampton’s talent has also stretched beyond music and into the realm of television and film. He was called upon by Oscar-winning writer/director Cameron Crowe to serve as technical advisor for the film Almost Famous (2000) and even appeared in the film and composed several songs for the soundtrack. Frampton has appeared as himself in The Simpsons and Family Guy.
Photo Credit: David Wolff - Patrick/Redferns/Getty Images

Les Paul invented the solid body electric guitar, multi-track recording, overdubbing, echo, reverb and numerous other recording techniques. Without Les Paul, the music industry would not be what it is today. He is often called the “Father of Modern Music,” “The Wizard of Waukesha” and even the “Thomas Edison of Music.” Les founded the Foundation prior to his passing and wanted to inspire young people to invent, create, innovate, and get involved in music while exploring their own creative ideas. Today, The Les Paul Foundation works with organizations throughout the country in support of music education, engineering, and medical research. The Les Paul Innovation Award at NAMM and the Les Paul Spirit Award are two of the most prestigious awards celebrated by the Foundation.

With the honor, Frampton joins Jackson Browne, Joe Perry (Aerosmith), Don Was, Slash, Todd Rundgren, Pete Townshend, Steve Vai, and others, who have received the Les Paul Innovation Award since it began in 1991.

Announced early this year, Leslie Ann Jones, the Grammy-winning groundbreaking engineer, producer, and Director of Music and Scoring for Skywalker Sound, will be inducted into the NAMM TEC Hall of Fame that same night. Jones joins luminaries Rose Mann Cherney, Skunk Baxter, Hal Blaine, Jack Douglas, Nathan East, Geoff Emerick, and others with her induction, the industry’s highest honor for pioneers of audio technology and the music industry’s most accomplished producers and audio technicians.

The NAMM TEC Awards are held during The NAMM Show, the global gathering of music, sound and event technology industries, in Anaheim, California, January 24-27, 2019. They are bestowed annually in honor of the many individuals, companies and technical innovations used in sound recordings, films, broadcast television and video games. Nominees were announced earlier this year. Purchase tickets on site or in advance here for $65 (General Admission) or $195 (VIP). The show begins with a VIP-only reception at 6PM, followed by the awards ceremony at 7PM, held in the Hilton Anaheim Hotel’s Pacific Ballroom. Stand-up comedian and entertainer Demetri Martin will host the ceremony.

Allen & Heath dLive Systems Bridge the Gap at Regent University

Bringing a new level of audio control to FOH and broadcast events at both the Regent University Communication and Performing Arts Center and Regent University Chapel, a pair of Allen & Heath dLive mixing systems effectively bridge the two spaces with network interconnectivity flexible enough to support everything from small worship services to concert level performances.
Installed with the help of Zack Guida of Glen Allen, Virginia-based RTW Media, the dLive systems were delivered to Regent University’s Virginia Beach, Virginia campus earlier this year and configured under the direction of the private Christian university's chief audio engineer Justin Fugett. With seating for 970, the Regent Chapel, like the 712-seat theatre, plays host to a busy and eclectic year-round schedule.
“Upgrading with the dLive mixing systems has been a huge step forward for us,” Fugett says. “We instantly expanded our network capabilities to include MADI, Dante, and Allen and Heath’s proprietary gigaACE formats, as well as Waves. Now we can share audio back and forth cleanly and without problems. In the past we always had clocking issues and needed converters. Today things are as simple as pressing a button regardless if I’m just sending a couple of channels or a full mix between our consoles.”
A pair of dLive S7000 control surfaces was chosen for each space, along with two separate DM64 MixRack processing cores. Using the Waves cards in each location, access is provided to MultiRack SoundGrid, a software host that lets system operators run multiple, simultaneous versions of Waves plug-ins.

“Each dLive Waves card is a 128 x 128 channel interface,” Fugett explains. “Using the insert points found within each mixing system, we have quite a few options in terms of where we can place the Waves plug-ins at our disposal. Being able to move them all around per channel is handy, especially in combination with the flexible busses we’ve gained.”

Both of the dLive systems are additionally accessible via Regent's own network. “That,” Fugett adds, “can be a real life-saver. With students sometimes at the helm, problems can arise. However, with dLive Director, a multi-platform editor and control software, I can securely log on to the university network, get into the dLive systems, and correct the situation from any remote location. That can save the day for a student and become a true real-time, on-the-job learning
  experience.”

Saturday, November 17, 2018

Future-Focused Ideas Fuel a Series of Opportunities, Career- and Business-Enriching Strategies, and Professional Development at The 2019 NAMM Show

CARLSBAD, Calif. – November 12, 2018 – As the global crossroads of music, pro audio and event technology industries, The 2019 NAMM Show has announced a suite of professional development opportunities, transformative business know-how and hands-on training available for working and emerging professionals involved in all aspects of the industry. Professionals will have the opportunity to connect with top thought leaders and experience sessions designed to engage, inform and inspire, as well as further their careers against the backdrop of the industry’s global gathering.
 

NAMM U: For Members, by Members 

Each day of the Show will begin with a NAMM U Breakfast Session. On Thursday, January 24, Joe Lamond will host “Breakfast of Champions,” where he and pioneers in the music products industry will explore the concept of originality and deliver the insight and inspiration to help NAMM members navigate 2019, and beyond. Friday welcomes leading futurist and innovation expert Daniel Burrus, who will unpackage “what’s next” in music retail and supply with “Transforming the Music Industry: Trends, Game-Changers, and Opportunities.” Burrus will share how businesses can use those trends to innovate with low risk and accelerate profitability to thrive in the years ahead. On Saturday, marketing, sales, and branding expert Scott Stratten addresses the “disruption” factor and how trust, connection, consistency and service to your customers are what wins in a hyper-competitive environment. Stratten will share “How to Win in the Age of Disruption” and deliver strategies and stories drawing on his own retail experience, his time in the music industry and how he has transformed companies ranging from Microsoft to Pepsi with powerful back-to-basics concepts. On Sunday, “Best in Show,” led by Upbeat Daily and Music Inc. Publisher Frank Alkyer and a panel of retail store owners and professionals will share their product picks from the Show floor.

Following each Breakfast Session, the idea generation continues in the NAMM Idea Center. Located in the lobby of the Anaheim Convention Center, NAMM U will offer more than 40 different sessions all day through show hours. Sessions feature thought-provoking ideas, tips and tricks proving successful in retail today, and strategies designed jump-start innovation. Industry leaders and subject experts will cover a range of topics, including “Decoding Google: Advanced Strategies for Businesses,” “YouTube Hacks for Music Retailers,” “How I Grew My Lesson Program to 1,000+ Students,” and best practices in finance, employee engagement, increasing foot traffic, merchandising and more.  

On Wednesday, January 23, before the Show officially opens, NAMM retail members are invited to attend the new Retail Innovation Summit. The all-day Summit will present a future-forward experience, hosted by world-renowned retail guru Bob Phibbs, “The Retail Doctor.” Phibbs will cover the top trends, including the new technologies, retail shifts and more shaping the customer experience, and offer solutions to scaling business to meet them. Learn more and register here:
https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2019/educational-sessions/nammu/retail-innovation-summit
 

A3E, AES@NAMM, Dante and TEC Tracks: Premier Pro Audio Programs of Live and Studio Sound, the Future of Audio and Production

With more than 250 pro audio sessions dedicated to each aspect of production, emerging and established professionals have myriad options to grow in their careers. TEC Tracks will offer big-picture sessions to uncover topics ranging from building a profitable home studio to an inspiring keynote from engineer extraordinaire Chris Lord-Alge. Other highlights include “The Future of Music” with Craig AndertonMr. Bonzai interviewing Danny Kortchmar for his inside perspective on classic records, classic artists, and the highs and lows of the music business; “Pioneers of Analog Synths,” a special panel presentation by Michelle Moog-Koussa; “Prince: The Making of a Legend,” with the original arranger from Prince’s team, Brent Fischer, who, with his late father Dr. Clare Fischer, collaborated directly with Prince over three decades; and “Birth of a Record: Cheap Trick ‘Live at Budokan.’” TEC Tracks also brings together an additional who’s who of presenters, including Alan Parsons, Al Schmitt, Michael Beinhorn, Ed Cherney, George Massenberg, Eddie Kramer, Jack Douglas, Ross Hogarth and Frank Filipetti.

The premier education and training program for working professionals in live sound, recording and performance audio, AES@NAMM Pro Sound Symposium: Live & Studio, returns for its second year. The four-day international symposium will offer seven Training Academies and related sessions on line-array technologies, microphones for studio and stage, live-sound mixing consoles, wireless systems and studio environments, in addition to tutorials on system measurement and optimization, plus informative and intimate sessions with leading industry pros hosted by veteran FOH engineer Robert Scovill and studio guru Bobby Owsinski. View the schedule and register here (registration fee required to attend):
http://www.aes.org/events/AESatNAMM/2019/registration.cfm

For the future-minded, A3E: The Advanced Audio + Applications Exchange, dedicated to the future of advanced audio applications and new music technologies, will explore how advanced audio applications are transforming the music industry, production, and performance. A special keynote session, “Driving the Future of Music Production, with BT,” will explore the technologies to release the full creative potential of an artist and what happens when the barriers are removed to limitless innovation. A3E will welcome Intel and visionary artist BT for the session. Other sessions include “The Impact of Blockchain on the Music Industry,” “Developing Disruptive Technology: The Risk and Reward,” “The Art of Artificial Intelligence: The Science of Creative Tools” and many more.

On Thursday and Friday at the Show, Audinate, the maker of the popular multimedia networking technology Dante, will offer a two-day Training and Certification for its popular Level 2 Dante certification courses. The hands-on experience will let attendees have a synchronous, practical experience with Dante as they are learning basic Dante concepts. These training sessions will begin with an introduction and demonstration of Dante AVIO adapters, followed by Dante Certification Level 2 hands-on experience. Registration required: https://audinate.com/about/news-activity/events/dante-certification-level-2-training-hands-on-namm-2019
 

ESTA, Timeless Pro Production Sessions from FoH and PLSN, Lighting&Sound America/PLASA: Event Technology Expertise

A suite of sessions for event technology professionals, curated by ESTA (Entertainment Services and Technology Association), along with The Pro Production Sessions presented by Front of House and Projection Lights & Staging News magazines, and Lighting&Sound America/PLASA, will offer professionals a range of best-in-class education and credit opportunities. ESTA will host four tracks in Lighting and Electrical, Lighting Networking, Rigging, and Safety, all offering the opportunity for free Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) renewal credits. ETCP certificants can take advantage of the 80 available renewal credits, while beginner, intermediate and advanced topics in each subject area are offered for free to all NAMM Show attendees. Richard Cadena, Steve Adelman, Paul Sapsis, John Huntington and Steve Terry will be among the leading presenters in the ESTA-curated education program.

The Pro Production Sessions, presented by Front of HouseStage Directions and Projection, Lights & Staging News magazines, will bring top names in entertainment production together to offer a more in-depth look into iconic projects’ designs and the forward-looking trajectory of production technology during keynotes, single speaker and panel presentations. The best of the best working today explain the highs and lows of an industry career in production and discuss how the different roles in the industry create the stage environments that support the musical artists' work and the audiences' experience.

Among the highlights of the Pro Production sessions will be the “In-Conversation With...” interview series, featuring in-depth discussions of production in events and music, along with a slate of panels, including “The Creative Vision of Teamwork—Different Roles/One Show;” “Taking The Stage—The Lighting Designers Rising With New Acts;” “Getting the Show on the Road—Top Production and Tour Managers;” “For the Love of Music;” and “The Ubiquitous Video Screen.” This is the opportunity to learn from best in the business, including many Parnelli Honorees, along with a who’s who of designers, manufacturers and industry leaders.

Additional professional development opportunities include sessions from The NAMM Foundation’s GenNext, a collaboration between The NAMM Foundation and The College Music Society that brings college music students and faculty to The NAMM Show for exclusive programming with access to career and professional development opportunities; Music Education Days, which offers music teachers and school administrators informative sessions, inspiring performances and the opportunity to preview the latest instruments, products and tools; and The Nonprofit Management Institute for the Foundation’s partner and grantee organizations, presenting the best practices in nonprofit administration.
 
To view the complete education schedule, please visit: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2019/education

All professional development sessions will take place at the NAMM U Education Center at the Hilton Anaheim, located next door to the Anaheim Convention Center, with the NAMM Idea Center located in the lobby of the Anaheim Convention Center. AES@NAMM requires a registration fee, with all other sessions open to NAMM Show attendees. Additional education schedules will be released shortly. For further information or to register for a badge to attend, please visit NAMM.org.

Antares Auto-Tune Pro Nominated for 2019 NAMM TEC Award

Santa Cruz, CA – 11/15/2018 – Antares Audio Technologies is pleased to announce that Auto-Tune Pro is nominated for a NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement in the category of Signal Processing Software (Effects). Presented by The NAMM Foundation, the annual NAMM TEC Awards celebrate excellence in the pro audio community by recognizing the creative and technical innovations behind today’s music recordings, live performances, film, television, video games and other media.

"Auto-Tune Pro builds on more than two decades of innovation and introduces several new features and refinements,” says Antares CEO Steve Berkley. “Auto-Tune is an essential tool for creative expression and defines the sound of today’s music. We’re proud of this TEC Award nomination, which recognizes both the efforts of our team and input from our users, whose work and feedback were so important in realizing this latest release."

The nomination announcement follows a two-month call for entries seeking standout technical and creative products and projects that have made a significant impact on modern sound and music. Nominees are chosen by a panel of respected industry voters including pro audio journalists; members of professional music, technical and creative organizations; and select NAMM members.

Auto-Tune Pro is the only vocal processing plug-in that includes both Auto Mode, for real-time pitch correction and effects, and Graph Mode, for detailed pitch and time editing. It features a sleek, modern interface designed for a streamlined workflow and includes popular user-requested features such as Classic Mode for getting that legendary Auto-Tune 5 sound, Zoom Presets, an Auto-Key plug-in that automatically detects song key, real-time MIDI Control, and ARA Studio One integration.
Visit The 34th Annual NAMM Technical Excellence and Creativity Awards Digital Voter's Booth to cast a vote for Antares and other innovative nominees.  The TEC Awards event will be held on Saturday, January 27 in conjunction with The NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. Tickets are available at www.tecawards.org.

Pyro Audio Unloads 50% Black Friday Discount for Monthly Subscription Plan

Griswold, CT — Subscription-based sound design service Pyro Audio announced that it will offer a Black Friday discount of 50% off its monthly subscription service for up to six months. For four days only — from Nov. 23 through midnight Nov. 26 — music creators will have the opportunity to purchase a half-price subscription to Pyro Audio, which provides members with a brand-new set of sonic tools at the start of each month.  Each set of sound samples — which are strictly limited edition — provides users with a fresh package of vivid, beat centric percussion elements to foster creativity and inspire new music.
“Our 50% off Black Friday promotion equates to six limited-edition sound packs and hundreds of new sounds for under six bucks,” commented Eric Palonen, Founder of Pyro Audio. “Our sounds are totally unique in the market and curated on different themes each month, never to be made available again. Now, for a fraction of the cost of a piece of software or audio equipment, producers are able to access sounds that will help inspire new directions.”
Explosive creative power 
Typically available either for a zero-impact annual subscription price of $14.99 per year, or month-to-month for just $1.79, Pyro Audio sound packs harness the explosive creative power of the producer's "first listen," offering users completely original percussion sounds and growing their audio sample library, with automatic delivery.
Sample packs are downloadable in .WAV file format used by all popular samplers and Digital Audio Workstations, including MPC Software, Maschine, Ableton, FL Studio, among others. Once downloaded, Pyro Audio sound packs can be used forever, royalty-free.
And since Pyro Audio permanently archives each volume at the end every month, subscribers continually amass an arsenal of unique sounds that can be used alongside any of the stock sounds available with samplers or sampling software. This gives Pyro subscribers the ability to craft a completely one-of-a-kind style using boutique, limited-edition percussion samples, setting Pyro Audio users apart from producers who can often get stuck in the rut of using the same old standard audio samples.
Black Friday savings
To get music producers out of the rut this November, Pyro Audio's fourth sound pack, AXLES, explores the sonic intricacy of mechanical axles in motion, first dissecting, and then amalgamating these audible layers with essential instruments for beat production to yield otherworldly samples that encourage experimentation.
Pyro Audio Volume 4: AXLES features 66 all-new sounds that will add an extra gear to any producer's creative process with sounds from hand-selected devices with distinct sonic character, including electronic motors, utility wheels, pressurized soda bottles, antique door knobs, and kitchen utensils — all of which are just a small cross-section of the AXLES captured and then dissolved into percussive base samples. From loaded springs to latch impacts, this sound pack is full of organic sound design.
Using a variety of sound layering techniques, AXLES incorporates a wide variety of rooms and mic’ing distances to broaden the desirable noise component of each sound, ultimately arriving at samples with inimitable sustain and decay characteristics.
From Black Friday through midnight Cyber Monday, music producers can visit Pyro Audio's website to start their subscription, beginning with Vol. 4: AXLES, for half off the standard monthly subscription price, for up to six months, using promo code BF50.
For more information, please visit: www.pyroaudio.com

Isotonik Studios: nativeKONTROL - Bindings


If you've been following us since the beginning you'll know that we're always searching to create the ultimate performance template, we've used BOMES MIDI Translator, MaxforLive & even some custom Control Surface Scripts.

All of these have got us closer to our dream but then the dreams changed and we start again. When i first used CLyphX Pro i quickly saw potential in using the Push2 as a DJ Controller, with it's Macrobat feature i could control the Bass across all eight tracks at once but the more i played with it the more i wanted even higher levels of control.

So when Stray of nativeKONTROL sent me the first copy of Bindings my mind went into overdrive, the scribble pad was dusted off and i set about building a mapping that would satisfy my every desire of being as flexible as i needed it to be.

With Bindings i can map encoders, faders and buttons to continuous parameters in Live, i can name a rack and if it appears on the selected track i can automap to it, that rack doesn't need to be visible though, it could be buried within a chain!

You'll see what i mean from the first video in a series that's been filmed but don't just take my word for it....

"Must have add-on for clyphx. This is the simplest and most flexible way to go about customizing your midi controller.

One thing I set up is an automapped channel strip setup for my Midifighter twister. No 8 Macro limitation, No extra VST wrapper needed. by simply selecting a track I have instant access to the volume, pan, and sends. Additionally I have it set up so if there are certain VSTs on the chain it will Automap to those as well. I don’t even have to select the device, just the track. 
I've got this set up as well so in certain parts of my set knobs are mapped to the crucial elements for tweaking. I have different ClyphX X-Clips that switch the mapping per section! I’m not sure of any other midi controller/macro set up that can have this type of flexibility."
- Kirkwood West

Bindings requires ClyphX Pro 1.1.3 or higher, and with it you'll get around these limitations of direct MIDI Mapping:
  • Dynamic mapping to parameters within the selected track
  • The ability to map more than one MIDI message to a single parameter
  • Switch whats been mapped with the BIND Action, trigger a clip or scene, name a locator in Arrangement view or even switch the mappings by MIDI.
Oh and did we mention the mappings are saved at a global level so they'll work across all of your Live sets!

RELEASE: OUT NOW

PRICE: £10.00 exc VAT (requires ClyphX Pro 1.1.3)

LINK - CLICK HERE https://isotonikstudios.com/product/clyphx-pro-bindings/

Sunday, November 11, 2018

Black-Out Arises aka [BOA] releases Rights and Acts (PRE CLIP)

In anticipation for their 2019 "ONESELF" album release, BLACK-OUT ARISES has shared a pre-clip of "Rights and acts." 


Facebook: https://lc.cx/mh4L Instagram: https://lc.cx/mEHF Subscribe on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC86gmGgAZKFgZ-e_LBUnHKg Follow BLACK-OUT ARISES: Twitter: https://twitter.com/BLACKOUTARISES Produced by YM PRODUCTIONS and Yoann Marrec. Directed by Yoann Marrec. Actors: Dovile Stap, Benoit Gourley, Kris R Tekken, Isabelle Poupin, Josara Mendes, Sébastien Pruneta, Fabien Carissimo.

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Groove Cruise West Coast Releases Photos Following Historic 30th Voyage and Prepares to Celebrate 15th Anniversary with Groove Cruise Miami

Photo by Veranmiky
Following their historic 30th voyage and another sold-out event, Groove Cruise West Coast has now released a set of wild photos that capture the magic of their most recent adventure from October 10-14. The trip was heralded as a “logistical marvel” as the Whet Travel team faced an impending hurricane that threatened the initial course that was originally planned for the weekend.
Instead of the intended destination of Cabo, Groove Cruisers were still able to partake in a one-of-a-kind experience as they were rerouted to the picturesque location of Ensenada in Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Highlights from this land adventure included an impromptu pop-up party at Papas & Beer, which featured an unforgettable set from Duke Dumont that worked the “GCFam” into a frenzy.

Photo by Veranmiky

Despite the challenges, many attendees both onboard and through their social media accounts said it was their favorite sailing yet and a unique experience unlike any Groove Cruise they had been on before. The unexpected destination also gave the non-profit Whet Foundation and a team of volunteers the chance to head into Ensenada and co-create a huge street art project with Kid Wiseman and to provide the community's children with much-needed school supplies and necessities.
Other memorable moments throughout the weekend included Groove Cruise’s unofficial “captain” Green Velvet not only performing an immersive set by the pool and the final closing classics set, but also sporting costumes around the ship that reflected the eight themed parties as he partied with attendees.

Photo by Veranmiky

Additional opportunities to hang out with artists included a Kung Fu class with the one and only Laidback Luke, a ping-pong tournament with Shiba San, and much more. Other Groove Cruise highlights included sets from fan favorites like Benny Benassi, MK, Cosmic Gate, and Felix Cartal.
Next up for the Whet Travel team is Groove Cruise Miami, which will take place January 10th-14th. The event will mark the 15th anniversary of Groove Cruise and will feature performances from Kaskade, Aly & Fila, Hot Since 82, Markus Schulz, MK, Simon Patterson and many more stars of the electronic music world.


Groove Cruise Miami will voyage to two destinations in 2019: The stunning tropical island of Cozumel, Mexico and Key West, Florida. Known for its clear, aquamarine waters, vibrant snorkeling, and culinary delights, Cozumel will add an extra layer of travel and culture to Groove Cruise’s already impressive itinerary. This stop will also include a beach club and waterpark takeover with included transportation, food and drinks.

With Key West, the Groove Cruise family will get the chance to experience an organized bar crawl in the intimate island hub and favorite Floridian destination. The ship will also depart from the port of Ft. Lauderdale which offers many flight and port benefits with its proximity to the airport. A bon voyage pre-party at a historic estate next to the beach will commence on January 9.

Guests of Groove Cruise Miami will sail on the deluxe Celebrity Infinity. Among the first passenger cruise vessels to be powered by smokeless turbine engines, the premium 2,170-passenger Celebrity Infinity is elegantly themed with its iconic three-level foyer grand staircase and sophisticated decor. Novelty features including a retro restaurant, Egyptian-themed casino, basketball court, jogging track, shuffleboard, indoor solarium and pool, fine dining and more than 100 spa cabins.

Groove Cruise Miami is over 90% sold out and reservations can be made here. Bookings solidified before November 2 can earn up to $200 in onboard credits. Don’t miss out on over 50 DJs for 96-hours of non-stop electronic music on the world's premier electronic music festival cruise bucket list experience!

Photo by Veranmiky
For Miami tickets & more info: Groove Cruise Miami

IK Multimedia unveils state-of-the-art, custom Italian manufacturing facility and recording studio


October 30, 2018 - IK Multimedia is proud to announce that it has expanded its campus in Modena, Italy with the unveiling of a modern manufacturing and recording facility. The new complex greatly expands the company’s in-house R&D, manufacturing and logistics capabilities, and adds a state-of-the-art audio recording studio for in-house sound design and sampling.

The custom-designed building was self-financed for a US $3 million investment and expands IK’s production and warehousing capabilities in Italy with a greater degree of efficiency while continuing to offer competitively priced products. The new facility allows for a majority of IK products to be made in-house in Italy, also thanks to more investments in the manufacturing infrastructure and new manufacturing lines and processes.

Other benefits include a zero km supply chain that complements the energy-saving infrastructure of the new building, for a more environmentally friendly manufacturing approach and smaller footprint.

Mrs. Laura Melotti, the Italian company CFO and one of the founders and shareholders played an important role in this expansion, bringing her 35 years of experience in financing and coordinating to this project.

A substantial investment was also made in building a new recording studio, which completes the new complex. It features modern equipment and high-end acoustical treatments for pristine sound recording during new product development.




This expansion aligns with IK’s mission to bring affordable new music making solutions to musicians of all levels, and is a result of the company’s continuous growth since its debut in 1996.

Today, IK Multimedia has more than 140 employees, a worldwide network of dealers and distributors, and over 3 million active users in nearly every corner of the world. The company’s diverse portfolio of software and hardware products includes numerous innovations and industry firsts in multiple categories (interfaces, controllers, microphones, speakers, synths, software, apps, accessories) offering creative tools for studio music recording, mobile audio/video creation, live performance, and more.

IK Multimedia is located in the “Motor Valley” of Italy, home of some of the most distinguished automotive brands in the world – Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati. The city of Modena, like IK Multimedia itself, combines a culture of high-tech manufacturing with a history of fine Italian craftsmanship. 

This is IK’s third facility in the Modena area during the company’s 22-year history.

The first IK office was in the very center of “old town” Modena, near the over 800-year-old city cathedral. In 1998, the company moved to the current campus. Ever since, the facility has been expanding and evolving in line with overall company growth and the decision to manufacture more hardware in house. With this new facility, IK’s campus now comprises three buildings that house all key functions, in addition to an expanded U.S. facility in Sunrise, Florida that opened in 2017.

For more information about IK Multimedia and its products, please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com