The novelty of trying something new is a rush. Dopamine tumbles with exhilaration, anticipation, and even the slightest tinge of apprehension, later to culminate in the heady finality of “I did it.” This canon experience is the subject of Surf Mesa‘s breezy new single, “First Time” with Stevie Appleton.
“The melodies are like a wave of excitement, and the beats are designed to make you move. I’ve poured my heart into this track, aiming to create a fresh sound that’s authentic and mellifluous,” says Surf Mesa, who was named a Dancing Astronaut Artist to Watch in 2022.
The warm, sun-kissed number that evokes the first sip of a piña colada is suited for top-down drives in the summer, speakers sat atop striped beach towels, and all of the bliss in between. Fans will have the opportunity to hear “First Time” live for, well, the first time at Breakaway Music Festival in Columbus Ohio, with additional opportunities to come later this fall, including EBC (Encore Beach Club) at Night on September 27. View a full list of Surf Mesa’s upcoming shows on his official website.
Jack Antonoff has announced an extensive new partnership with Dirty Hit, as well as a new venture with its founder and The 1975 manager, Jamie Oborne.
The news of the new collaboration and partnership was shared by Variety earlier today (August 21), which also announced Antonoff’s new agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group.
According to the outlet, the multifaceted deal will see the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and producer and his band Bleachers, now managed by Oborne, signed to the latter’s independent label Dirty Hit. The label is also home to The 1975, Rina Sawayama, Wolf Alice, Beabadoobee and more
Following the new partnership, Bleachers have announced that they will be sharing a new live album later this week – which will be their first release on Dirty Hit.
Titled “Live At Radio City Music Hall,” the LP will be available this Friday (August 25) and can be pre-ordered here. It was recorded in July last year, as the band played a headline show at the iconic venue, and is a 21-track album which features a special guest appearance from Bruce Springsteen on “Chinatown.”
The band announced the news on social media, sharing an image of the album cover on their Facebook page. “On July 26, 2022 we played one of our best shows for a sold out crowd at radio city music hall. That night meant so much to us that we turned it into a live album,” they wrote in the caption.
on july 26, 2022 we played one of our best shows for a sold out crowd at radio city music hall. that night meant so much…
“This album is the document of the wild and intense tour behind take the sadness out of saturday night. as we prep the next era of bleachers we wanted to stamp that incredible time with this live album.” Check out the post above.
Antonoff will team up with the manager and music mogul for a new joint venture, and the former has also signed a global agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group.
The agreement sees him move from Sony to stay with his longtime publishing A&R Jennifer Knoepfle, who, as reported by Variety, joined UMPG last fall as executive vice president and co-head of A&R.
Jack Antonoff of the group Bleachers performs onstage during night one of the Bud Light Super Bowl Music Festival at Footprint Center on February 09, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. CREDIT: Aaron J. Thornton/WireImage
“Very proud to be working with Jamie and his entire team – we’ve known each other for some time now and our connection has deeply inspired me,” said Antonoff in a statement. “Have loved everything he has been creating from afar and love the perspective he has on what I do.
“Feeling wild excitement for everything in the works and as seen in the picture above I’m just ready to be driving around playing my new records and dreaming about new ideas with Jamie,” he added.
“Feels so special and rare to be supported like this and just very grateful our paths crossed.”
In other Jack Antonoff news, police were recently called to the venue where the musician and his now-wife Margaret Qualley Police were holding the rehearsal dinner for their wedding. This came after rumours emerged that Taylor Swift was attending, and fans proceeded to flood the street in the hopes of catching a glimpse of her.
Just shy of two years since the series’ fourth installment, Gouldian Finch 5 has finally arrived, seeing bitbird fully embrace “art bass” as it brings together two dozens of forward-thinking artists for 21 genre-defining tracks.
Operating on their vision to “create forever,” bitbird has always been defined by its art-forward approach to bass music since it was founded by San Holo and Thorwald van den Akker. Throughout the years, the tastemaker label has carved a unique space for eclectic electronic music, but Gouldian Finch 5 marks the first time its unique sound is distinctively described as “art bass.”
“As producers we are always looking for that unheard of note, that feeling that comes with a beautiful chord progression, that grabs you and gives you goosebumps,” van den Akker tells EDM.com. “Art bass is music that moves you in all ways, wether or not you are actively listening, enjoying it at a rave, or by yourself. It’s emotive, expressive and promoting producers to find their own voice.”
According to a press release, art bass was developed as a response to the commercialized formula of future bass music. Driven by a constant desire to create something unique and expressive while defying conventional genre boundaries, art bass delves into innovative sonic choices and conceptual depth, aiming to evoke emotions beyond the pure party atmosphere that’s common within electronic music.
Gouldian Finch 5 might be the most colorful and explosive compilation from bitbird to date. Featuring an impressive 29 artists, the tracklist ebbs and flows through bass-driven drops and mesmerizing ambiance, while shining bright with the creative freedom that both the label and its artists live and breathe.
Wavedash kickstarts Goulding Finch 5 with the playful “WALK UP” before bitbird regulars Darby, Tails and wes mills enchant listeners with their dancefloor-ready sounds. Tracks such as “Love” by JB Hain and “Focus” from Synova and Byegone add a unique dimension while Pauline Herr and joegarratt’s collaboration “heartbreak” makes for one of the compilation’s most heavy-hitting tracks.
Gouldian Finch 5 also includes tracks from the likes of OBLVYN, barking continues, MELVV, Daktyl, Eastghost and many more. Take a listen below.
The Weeknd has broken another record with his London shows – this time for the number of ticket sales at Wembley Stadium.
The news was first highlighted by Live Nation UK, who announced that the multi-Grammy-winning artist had “broke Wembley Stadium’s record for sales with their traditional concert set up”.
It also reported that he had done so as his London show – held on Friday (August 18) – led to “87,000 tickets [being] sold.” The date was held as part of his ongoing ‘After Hours ‘Til Dawn’ Tour, and the last date of the European leg.
Following Live Nation announcing the record last week, the artist, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, shared the achievement on his now-expired Instagram stories. The update was also shared by his XO record label co-founder, Cash, who wrote: “Congratulations to my brother @theweeknd wowoowowow.”
The recent achievement marks the second consecutive time that The Weeknd has broken a record in the UK capital. Just last month, the artist broke the record for the highest attendance rate during his two-night run at London Stadium, which brought in a combined number of 160,000 fans.
At the time, Live Nation’s Touring President Omar Al-joulani shared his shock and appreciation for the landmark moment. “It’s incredible to see the Weeknd hit this milestone less than halfway through his massive sold-out European run,” he told Variety in an interview. “This historic moment in London shows the global fan base he has cultivated over the years.”
Darryl Eaton, CAA’s co-head of North American touring agreed, adding: “We couldn’t be more proud to work with him and his team on this incredible tour!”
According to Live Nation at the time (reported by HipHopDX), Tesfaye’s global tour has accumulated approximately $350million (£274,854,650) to date. Now, following the slot at Wembley closing off the European leg, the musician, songwriter and actor will now embark on his remaining shows, held across South America and Mexico.
The Weeknd. CREDIT: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
The outlet also reports that over two million tickets have been sold for the remaining live dates, which will kick off at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico on September 25, and wrap up with a final show at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico on October 25. Find tickets here.
In other news, The Weeknd recently confirmed that he was in the process of “finishing” his new album, which will close the trilogy that features ‘After Hours’ and ‘Dawn FM’.
Elsewhere, back in March Tesfaye was named the world’s most popular artist in terms of Spotify statistics – coming in with 111.4million monthly listeners at the time.
The report, shared by Guinness World Records, came just weeks after the musician became the first act in Spotify history to hit 100million monthly listener milestone.
There’s now multiple ways to celebrate the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve with Insomniac Events.
The beloved dance music experience-makers are trying their hand with the dual city debut of Forever Midnight, a new Insomniac festival property arriving in Los Angeles and Las Vegas this December. It marks the first time in Insomniac’s 30-year history that the company has opted to host two holiday events simultaneously, but bold thinking has consistently pushed them to untouchable heights.
Forever Midnight’s Sin City edition boasts Kaytranada, MK, Eric Prydz, Fisher and more. Meanwhile, the City of Angels is set to host Kaskade, SOFI TUKKER, Jamie xx, Mau P and roughly a dozen other artists with more still to be announced. The two-day events will see a decent chunk of overlap amongst both of their lineups, so fans can get their fix with regard to the latest and greatest in house and techno no matter where they’re attending.
Tickets to both Forever Midnight events go on sale this Tuesday, August 15th at 12pm PT. Tickets to the Los Angeles edition can be found here and Las Vegas here.
The world of music has witnessed a paradigm shift with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI). No longer is music creation limited to those with musical prowess. AI music generators have democratized the process, enabling anyone to compose unique soundtracks, songs, and beats. Whether you’re a podcaster, video creator, or just someone curious about music, AI has something to offer.
The Broad Spectrum of AI Music Users
Content Creation:
Audience: Bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters, and digital game developers.
Usage: AI music generators can craft unique soundtracks for videos, intros for podcasts, or even sound effects for games. Pairing AI music with AI voice generators can further streamline podcast production.
Advertising & Marketing:
Audience: Advertisers and marketers.
Usage: The advertising realm can harness AI music generators to produce catchy jingles, mood-specific music for promotional videos, or branded tunes for commercials. Integrating AI-generated music with AI video generators can optimize the entire content creation process.
Film & Game Development:
Audience: Film producers and game developers.
Usage: AI music tools can be employed to design soundtracks, theme tunes, or sound effects tailored for movies and games.
Personal Entertainment:
Audience: General public and music enthusiasts.
Usage: For those who love experimenting, AI music generators can be a fun tool. Imagine generating a “breaking news” sound effect interspersed with cat meows!
Deep Dive into AI Music Creation
AI music generators are not just about producing random notes. These tools utilize intricate algorithms and vast music databases to craft new compositions. By analyzing patterns in rhythm, melody, and harmony, AI can produce music that resonates with human emotions. The music generated is not just a random assembly of notes; it’s harmonious, evocative, and mirrors human compositions.
Conclusion:
6 Best AI Music Generators
1. Mubert
Mubert stands out as a trailblazer in the AI music generation domain. It seamlessly marries technology with creativity, offering a fresh perspective on music production.
Key Features:
Generative music streaming app tailoring music based on user preferences.
Capability to generate music using simple text prompts.
A studio platform for artists to harness AI, create music, and even monetize it.
API integration for personalized music experiences in apps and games.
Best Suited For: Content creators, app developers, and musicians looking for tailored music experiences. Mubert excels in genres like electronic, pop, and hip-hop.
2. Soundful
Soundful offers a blend of simplicity and customization, making it easy to produce royalty-free background music.
Key Features:
AI algorithms trained with top producers and sound engineers.
Over 50 genre-based templates.
Customization options for beats per minute (BPM) and base notes.
Best Suited For: Producers, content creators, and brands seeking unique, studio-quality music.
3. Aiva
Aiva, operational since 2016, is tailored for composing soundtracks for diverse media, from video games to movies.
Key Features:
A plethora of presets and music formats.
Editing capabilities for soundtracks.
Ability to produce variations of existing songs.
Best Suited For: Individuals and businesses aiming to craft soundtracks for various media. It’s also ideal for those wanting to experiment with different music styles.
4. Beatbot
Beatbot is a novel AI song maker that crafts short songs based on user text prompts, integrating Splash sound loops for music and ChatGPT for lyrics.
Key Features:
Composes short loops and songs from text prompts.
Ability to add lyrics on top of the AI-generated loop.
Best Suited For: Individuals keen on experimenting with music creation and creators looking for unique AI-generated music.
5. Beatoven
Beatoven simplifies music creation, making it easy for anyone to compose original soundtracks.
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Key Features:
Advanced music theory integration for unique music creation.
Customization options for length, genre, mood, and instruments.
Production-ready music with professional mixing and mastering.
Best Suited For: Content creators and individuals who want mood-based music without diving deep into the technicalities of music production.
6. MusicLM by Google
MusicLM is Google’s foray into the world of AI music generation. Leveraging Google’s expertise in machine learning, MusicLM offers a sophisticated platform for creating diverse musical pieces.
Key Features:
Uses advanced machine learning models to generate music.
Offers a wide range of genres and styles.
Integration with other Google services for enhanced functionality.
Best Suited For: Musicians, content creators, and developers looking for a robust and versatile AI music generator. Given Google’s prowess in AI, MusicLM is ideal for those seeking cutting-edge music generation capabilities.
Conclusion
The AI music generators listed above are revolutionizing the way we approach music creation. They offer unique solutions tailored to different needs, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their musical background, can create and enjoy music. Whether you’re a professional or just starting out, these tools provide a platform to explore, create, and innovate.
English singer-songwriter Billy Bragg has released a new song, inspired by Oliver Anthony’s viral single ‘Rich Men North Of Richmond’. Check out ‘Rich Men Earning North Of A Million’ below.
The track by Bragg comes in response to the recent viral hit by US country singer and former factory worker and farmer Oliver Anthony. Titled ‘Rich Men North Of Richmond’, the song could be interpreted as a working-class anthem, as Anthony sings of “sellin’ my soul” for “bullshit pay” and criticises politicians and the “rich men north of Richmond” who “just wanna have total control”.
The song, which raises societal problems like homelessness and the country’s mental health crisis, has amassed nearly 30million views since its release earlier this month. However, it has also sparked controversy, with some criticising it as a “right-wing anthem” which is both “offensive” and “fatphobic”.
Now, Bragg has released a track of his own, inspired by the online sensation.
Billy Bragg makes an appearance to sing to and support the strikers at the picket line outside Dorset County Hospital, on January 18, 2023. CREDIT: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images
Introducing his track ‘Rich Men Earning North Of A Million’, Bragg explained that the idea to write the song was inspired after he “saw that clip of Oliver Anthony singing his song” and felt “the ghost of [late US folk artist] Woody Guthrie whispering in my ear”.
“‘Help that guy out’ Woody keeps telling me. ‘Let him know there’s a way to deal with those problems he’s singing about,’” he said (via Consequence). “So today I sat down and wrote this response to Mr Anthony’s song, for people like him and people like you.”
The finished product is a track that aims to speak to all types of “working folk”, and support the idea of unionisation.
“If you’re selling your soul, working all day/ Overtime hours for bullshit pay/ Nothing is gonna change if all you do is wish you could wake up and it not be true/ Join a union. Fight for better pay/ You better join a union, brother. Organise today,” he sings.
Elsewhere in his lyrics, he also speaks out about public healthcare, singing: “Wouldn’t it be better for folks like you and me if medicine was subsidised and medicine was free?”, as well as criticising the “libertarian billionaires [who] avoid paying tax”.
“No matter if you live in the city or some little country town, rich man earning north of a million want to keep the working folk down,” he concludes. Check out the track above.
In other Bragg news, earlier this month the musician led support online for Billy Nomates after the musician received a host of online abuse following her set at Glastonbury.
After the artist – whose real name is Tor Maries – asked BBC6 Music to take down footage of her online after receiving what she described as an “insane” amount of “personal abuse”, Bragg was one of the first musicians who shared his support for her after the set.
“Solidarity from everyone at Left Field with Billy No Mates who was so badly abused online after her @Glastonbury set was posted on @BBC6Music that she asked them to take [the] clip down,” he wrote on Twitter (now known as X). “She played a set for us last year and was brilliant. You’ll always have [a] place here Tor.”
Karbon’s label is furiously escaping from the basement and into the club with a brand-new compilation.
Dubbed Out Of The Basement, the new record recently dropped on the anonymous producer’s own After Midnight Records. Steeped in deep bass and vintage hip-hop influences, the six-tracker spotlights emerging underground talents by virtue of a formidable showcase of the label’s gritty sound.
The compilation kicks off with an eerie intro from Karbon himself, which interpolates a spoken-word section that favors nose candy over ear candy. Fach then comes in hot with the propulsive “Put ‘Em Down” before Dyce follows with a shape-cutting track, “Say It.”
Then comes one of the record’s surefire highlights, NEZIEL’s “89,” where acid- and G-house collide in epic fashion. He’s followed by Caught Up, who contributed the dancefloor heater “Hit The Gas.”
Karbon then brings it all home with “Concentrate,” a nasty bass house cut with a low end you can feel in your bones. He also released a dark and ominous music video, which he directed in collaboration with Shinigami Ent. Collective.
Out Of The Basement “promotes unity and diversity in the underground music scene while conveying the message that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve greatness through determination,” Karbon says.
That message was informed in part by Karbon’s inspiring background. Before immigrating to Vancouver, the enigmatic producer and DJ grew up in government housing. His music, he says, explores finding strength in the face of adversity and pays homage to the resilience of those who do whatever it takes to make ends meet.
Since then, he’s made serious noise in the electronic music space. Karbon’s music has garnered support from house heavyweights Tchami, MARTEN HØRGER, Dr. Fresch and Drezo, among others.
Check out the compilation below and find it on streaming platforms here.
Podcasting has become a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and entertainment. One of the key elements that can elevate the quality of a podcast is its music. However, finding the right music without infringing on copyrights can be a challenge. This guide will introduce you to the best places to find royalty-free music for your podcast and help you navigate the complexities of music licenses.
Why Music Matters in Podcasting
Setting the Tone: An engaging intro song can set the mood and immerse listeners into the podcast’s universe.
Branding: A memorable jingle can become synonymous with your podcast, enhancing brand recall.
Structuring Content: Segment change music punctuates transitions, guiding listeners through different sections of your episode.
Concluding Gracefully: Outro music ensures a smooth transition from the main content to the concluding segment, leaving listeners with a polished impression.
Understanding Music Licenses
Creative Commons: Allows usage without permission but requires artist credit. However, there are different types of Creative Commons licenses, so always check the specifics.
Royalty-Free: You don’t pay royalties every time the music is played. Instead, you purchase a license to use the music. This doesn’t mean the music is copyright-free.
Public Domain: Music whose copyright has expired, making it free for any use.
Top 5 Places to Find Royalty Free Music for Your Podcast
1. Audiojungle
A part of the Envato Market, Audiojungle offers a vast collection of royalty-free music and audio tracks, catering to various moods and genres.
Key Features:
Extensive range of tracks starting at just $1.
Curated ‘packs’ help users find similar songs fitting specific categories.
Note: Licenses are for ‘one end product’, so if you plan to use a track across multiple episodes, costs might accumulate.
2. Mubert
Mubert is a unique platform that uses AI to generate real-time music. It’s not just about pre-recorded tracks; it’s about creating something new every time.
Key Features:
AI-generated music tailored to user preferences.
Ability to generate music using simple text prompts.
Offers a studio platform for artists to harness AI and monetize their creations.
3. Pond5
Pond5
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Pond5 is a marketplace for royalty-free media, including music, video clips, and more. It boasts a diverse collection of tracks suitable for various podcast themes.
Key Features:
Wide price range catering to different budgets.
Monthly subscription offers 10 downloads per month, with unused downloads rolling over.
Detailed search filters, including ‘keywords’, genre, and collections.
4. Soundstripe
Soundstripe offers a subscription-based service, providing high-quality music for various media, including podcasts, videos, and advertisements.
Key Features:
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Unlimited access to a vast library with a monthly or yearly subscription.
Handpicked playlists and curated collections to help users find the perfect track.
5. PremiumBeat
A subsidiary of Shutterstock, PremiumBeat offers royalty-free music tracks curated by professional musicians.
Key Features:
Option for a monthly subscription or one-time fee for tracks.
Wide range of genres with detailed categorization.
Advanced search function, including by genre, mood, or curated collections.
Conclusion
Music is an integral part of podcasting, enhancing the overall listening experience. With the plethora of royalty-free music platforms available, podcasters can easily find tracks that resonate with their content and audience. Always ensure you understand the licensing terms to avoid any legal complications. Whether you’re launching a new podcast or looking to refresh an existing one, the right music can make all the difference.
BLACKPINK have revealed when they’ll be releasing their new song, ‘The Girls’.
Over the weekend, the Twitter account for BLACKPINK The Game revealed that the music video for ‘The Girls’ will be released this Wednesday (August 23) at 4am UTC / 1pm KST.
The announcement dropped alongside a preview of BLACKPINK reacting to the music video. “Really, I’m 100 per cent- no, 110 per cent satisfied,” said member Rosé in the clip.
The teaser also shows the girl group playing a number of different games in celebration of the music video’s release. In a follow-up tweet, the BLACKPINK The Game account revealed that ‘The Girls’ music video will be released in the mobile game first.
Additional info: the M/V will be first revealed in the game on Aug 23rd, 04:00 UTC!
The news comes over a month after the BLACKPINK The Game team said in a statement on July 4 that the music video for the song would be released within that month, while addressing the long wait for the track’s release.
“Our deep desire to present the highest quality of content flawlessly took longer than expected, and therefore our initial plan to release the MV simultaneously with the game release was delayed significantly,” it said.
Meanwhile, a previously released teaser features animated avatars of BLACKPINK from the game dancing along to a snippet of the song. “Don’t mess with the girls, with the girls, with the girls,” they sing in the teaser, which ends with the words “coming soon”.
BLACKPINK The Game is developed by Takeone Company and features a management gameplay element, alongside puzzles, mini-games and other exclusive content. Learn more about the game here.
“Players will witness the never-seen-before sides of Blackpink in a variety of ways. We hope all fans around the world will be able to enjoy the game,” BLACKPINK’s label YG Entertainment said in a press release, per Korea JoongAng Daily.
In other BLACKPINK news, member Lisa recently collaborated with Taeyang of Big Bang on the song ‘Shoong!’, from his new mini-album ‘Down to Earth’.
Meanwhile, Jennie has seemingly teased an upcoming collaboration with The Weeknd. The K-pop idol had played what was described as a “special song” during the launch party for her new capsule collection for fashion brand Calvin Klein.
BLACKPINK also recently appeared on one of the final segments of Carpool Karaoke as part of the now-ended The Late Late Show with James Corden. During their appearance, the K-pop girl group sang hits by TLC, Spice Girls and more.
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