Sonic Reducers. One topic. Two music nerds. Five minutes.
Tune in as we discuss Tony Bennett’s just-announced retirement from touring, and examine his brilliant eight-decade career.
Sonic Reducers: Tony Bennett Retires From Live Concerts At 95
Behind Spotify’s Latest Features
Spotify has recently been seen to have made a substantial effort to make changes and improvements to their software, which is a welcomed addition.
However, there is a wide range of features that users may not even be aware of, which is exactly what we are going to be discussing in this article.
In this article, we will be taking a look at just a few of the new features Spotify has released as well as the motivations behind their recent innovations.
Enjoy Live Music Through Greenroom
Perhaps the feature that has received the most praise and excitement from the users of Spotify, is the Greenroom.
The Greenroom is going to be a new feature that is set to be Implemented on Spotify that will allow people to perform live shows and allow users of Spotify to listen in.
Sure, some of the other recent updates Spotify has announced can certainly be considered more practical or functional than the Greenroom, but the Greenroom has got both Spotify users and artists alike excited.
This is an amazing innovation because it is going to be of enormous benefit to up-and-coming artists, allowing them to build their following and audience through live shows as well as the usual pre-recorded songs. In turn, this is going to be a drastic positive change for new artists, as it will allow them to build a more personal connection with their audience.
Of course, it’s not only artists that are going to benefit from the implementation of the Greenroom. For those people who love the realism of live music, they will now be able to get the same experience as they would have from other sites like twitch, but for a much more specialized audience.
A similar event occurred in other corners on the internet such as when sites like GGPoker Canada started offering live poker games on their sites, bringing in vast numbers of people who now had an alternative to travelling to a casino.
This means people who would have previously watched live music on sites like YouTube or twitch will more than likely switch to Spotify to get their live music fix, increasing business for Spotify ten-fold.
Focused Mode for Those Dialled in Sessions
A much more practical addition that Spotify is set on adding, is the implementation of a “focused mode” which allows other distractions to be limited while listening on Spotify for those who need to stay in the zone.
As things stand now, we are still now sure how people will be able to access new Spotify features such as focus mode, but for practical features like focused mode, it’s safe to assume there will be a quick access button, able to be clicked at a moment’s notice.
This was a very smart innovation from Spotify, and it is something that next to none of their competitors offer. Being able to listen to music requires one to have the sound on, on whichever device they may be using, so, of course, that means that notifications will also be heard as well.
However, with this new change, users will be able to listen to music while not receiving any notifications or distractions.
Bono on why money matters…
Bono on why money matters…
“There are more than a couple of reasons to get the money right, but let’s start with it’s the number one reason bands break up. Not musical differences, it’s money differences. The songwriting, how it’s shared, who did what when and why that song was left off, etc. If you’re the only one in the band who writes, remember the thing that will make your song famous is the band’s playing of it. In U2, we decided to split things equally. I think it’s at the top of the list of reasons we’ve lasted so long. Also, do the math or make sure you have somebody numerate to do it for you. Pay attention to business, it’s really a drag when it goes wrong.”
Sonic Reducers: MTV VMAs 2021 Have Announced The Nominations
Sonic Reducers. One topic. Two music nerds. Five minutes. Everything you need to know.
Join us as we discuss the MTV Video Music Award nominations and discuss their plans to hold the festivities live from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center next month.
There’s A New Music Platform That Uses AI to Empower Artists
Today, Aimi introduces the most innovative, interactive and industry-shaping version of its AI-powered music platform to date, unveiling exclusive Experiences designed by dozens of DJs and producers who are eager to bridge the divide between art and artificial intelligence. For a limited period, users can now access Aimi’s premium service, Aimi+, for free through direct invites from the first wave of artist partners announced today. Once the Aimi app is downloaded onto a mobile device and the new Aimi+ interface is engaged, fans simply select an artist to begin an endless listening experience. Featuring entirely unheard and unreleased music, each artist’s Aimi+ Experience will change whenever the fan presses play, taking users on a constantly-evolving journey that reanimates with the spontaneity of a live performance.
Experiences from Appleblim, Black Loops, Cassy, Catz ‘n Dogz, Cosmin TRG, Dense & Pika, East End Dubs, Fred P, Hammer, Hodge, Huerta, Ian Pooley, Jimpster, Marco Passarani, Mark Hawkins, Peverelist, Portable, Roska, Sei A, Shanti Celeste, Space Dimension Controller and Tensnake are now available on Aimi+. In the coming weeks Âme, Big Miz, Cinthie, D’Bridge, Dauwd, Dam Swindle, DJ Boring, DJ Haus, Gene On Earth, Haider, Joseph Ashworth, Komon, Man Power, Max Cooper, Nachtbraker, Scuba, Shadow Child, Skream, Soul Clap, Steffi, Steve Spacek, Theo Kottis, Tracey and more tastemaking artists from the underground and mainstream will all launch original Aimi+ Experiences and invite fans to join the platform.
“When an artist hears their music being rearranged in real time by Aimi, it never fails to put a smile on their face. The artists collaborating with Aimi are doing so because they love the results but also because Aimi totally respects their aesthetic and musical DNA.” says Aimi Head of A&R Will Saul, whose roles as A&R at Sony Music and !K7, founder of Aus Music and Simple Records, curator of the hallowed DJ Kicks series, and an artist in his own right have put him at the cutting edge of electronic music’s past 20 years.
Defying the limitations of recorded music, every sound heard on Aimi is generated on the spot, produced, mixed and mastered through a collaboration between the artist and AI. Aimi and its team of in-house musicians built the platform’s artificial intelligence by deconstructing thousands of hours of music and consulting with a myriad of professional DJs and producers to develop a deep understanding of rhythm and pitch. When artists use Aimi, the technology allows them to transform minutes worth of basic audio loops, raw stems and unfinished songs into infinite compositions that move beyond the confines of static albums and singles, presenting the work the way that electronic music is meant to be experienced. Designed to amplify the human element of music and not replace it, Aimi’s proprietary AI software works within creative parameters configured by the artist. The AI combines loops into a continuous mix that stays true to the artist’s ideas and intentions, while transitioning to the response of fans (via “Thumbs Up” and “Thumbs Down” metrics).
Aimi President & CEO Edward Balassanian says, “When we launched Aimi over a year ago, we set out to change the way we consume music, moving away from listening to songs to truly experiencing music. We’ve now taken the next step in not only changing the way we experience music, but also empowering artists with a new medium to express their creativity and to engage with their fans.”
In addition to maximizing creative time, Aimi not only enables artists to cultivate responsive relationships with fans who can react to and reimagine the music in real time, but combat the fatigue faced when listeners hear the same tracks on repeat, showcase their music like never before, and monetize work that would have otherwise gone uncompensated. Through direct investments from Aimi and royalties administered through blockchain technology and smart contracts that ensure complete transparency, artists will collect revenue on their Aimi+ Experiences, establishing a new economy that empowers creators to earn money on material that never needs to be considered finished by traditional industry standards.
Following the invite-only phase that will further expand this summer, Aimi+ will shift to a paid model with a monthly subscription fee, while continuing to offer a free tier including multiple experiences of endless, uninterrupted and adaptable modes of music that range from ambient meditations to high intensity dance grooves.
Benedict Cumberbatch reads Kurt Vonnegut’s letter of advice to people living in 2088
Here’s Benedict Cumberbatch reading a letter the acclaimed writer Kurt Vonnegut wrote in 1988 to people living in 2088, giving seven very prescient pieces of advice.
Van Halen’s “Jump” Mashed Up With Hank Williams “Your Cheatin’ Heart”
Bill McClintock does it again, this time mashing up Van Halen’s “Jump” with Hank Williams’ “Your Cheatin’ Heart.”
Rapper/Songwriter PATRIK KABONGO Creates His Own Heat Wave with “98 Degrees”
At 1 Million+ streams across platforms, Canadian rapper Patrik Kabongo is serving verses set to make you sweat with his hot new summer single, “98 Degrees” — available now.
Following a run of success over the past few years, the Toronto- and Montreal-based artist is doubling down on a heavy blend of high energy, heavy trap bass, and Lil Mama’s “Lip Gloss” for good measure.
High tempo and high energy is nothing new to the rapper and songwriter; in fact, Kabongo has been turning heads for some time now with features in Earmilk, Elevator, Hip-Hop Canada, BBC Radio 2, Sirius XM Canada, and more.
“98 Degrees” comes off of Patrick Kabongo’s recently released eight-track album, High End Pack (2021). Dedicated to showcasing his sonic and artistic versatility, the project features two singles recently featured in a national TikTok campaign (“High End” and “High End (120 Remix)”). It will also include five new records, videos, and a limited capsule auction available through NFTs.
This isn’t the last move for Patrick Kabongo, either. In May, 2020 Kabongo signed a new distribution deal with Coalition Music/Warner Music Canada and released the single, “Motive.” It garnered the traction to dive head first into TikTok Canada’s #ItStartsWith TikTok campaign, which was broadcast live on television during both the NBA Finals and the 2020 Billboard Awards.
“98 Degrees” and High End Pack are available now.
Former ARKITEX Frontman ROGOV Figures Out Meaning of Life with “Love Is A Killer”
Canadian artist (and former frontman of 80s-era rockers ARKITEX) ROGOV describes a cautionary tale of the consequences of love in this re-imagined version of his alt-rock single, “Love Is A Killer” — available now.
Working with long-time friend and Canadian collaborator, Stacy Heydon — former lead guitarist for David Bowie and Gold & Platinum-selling producer (Teenage Head, Long John Baldry, Sheriff) — the two found themselves revisiting an old song off of ROGOV’s demo reels.
“We followed ‘Mistakes are Beautiful’ with ‘Love is a Killer’ because, not only is it a defining song between Stacy and me, but because it is relevant today,” ROGOV shares.
“I wrote ‘Love is a Killer’ back in 1978, and recorded my first album in 1979,” ROGOV continues, recalling when the song was originally written — and how it came to be today. “It was at the end of the Punk movement, ushering in the New Wave.
“Some say I was ahead of my time… I just did and went where my compass directed. I can’t add much to that.”
Heydon then went on to produce ‘Love is a Killer’ with Blues legend, Long John Baldry, in 1980. “After all this time, ‘Love is a Killer’ — and its sentiment — struck us (just) as insightful and urgent,” ROGOV says.
The track harbors a more profound message of wisdom from this newly found free spirit, presenting ROGOV’s take on the concept of love by reflecting aloud “…the subservient quality to love is our willingness to make unquestioning sacrifices for the desired well-being, and eventual transformation into slaves to what we love.”
Being the third release on ROGOV’s unfurling EP, Tourist, the song’s message of caution rings true to this day for many.
“Love is vicious, and it’s never just.”
“Love Is A Killer” is available now.
Barney Bentall & Geoffrey Kelly are RanchWriters; “Bonaparte Plateau” Out Now; Album Released Sept 17
When two multi-Platinum and Gold-selling Canadian artists pass time together the best way they know how, the result is certain to turn ears. And such is the case for award-winning musicians Barney Bentall and Geoffrey Kelly and their newly announced album, RanchWriters — available this Fall via True North Records.
Beloved around the world for his JUNO Award-winning band, the Legendary Hearts, Barney Bentall went on to release multiple acclaimed albums as a solo artist; most recently, he’s also a part of bluegrass-folk band, The High Bar Gang. And as one of the primary songwriters in Spirit of the West, Geoffrey Kelly is one of the nation’s most lauded Celtic musicians and folk-rockers who has also performed with the Irish Rovers and as one of the Paperboys.
The prolific pair came together at Bentall’s ranch in the heart of the Cariboo region of British Columbia during 2020’s relative isolation, ultimately bringing their long-fated RanchWriters collaboration to life.
While the act of gathering was not a new experience for the friends of 40+ years, this time was a bit different, they say. “On nice days, we might park ourselves on a couple of old chairs by the creek,” Bentall recalls of the visits over the years. “We tend to lose ourselves, and become comically oblivious to any noise or frivolity going on around.
“There’s no agenda and no pressure to come up with a thoughtful and meaningful lyric. Truth be told, it’s quite liberating.
“This time, being well aware that the times are strange, and words don’t seem to be able to fully capture what the world is going through, we delved deeper and deeper into that instrumental writing process.”
“Making the RanchWriters album with Barney feels like a gift I never saw coming,” Kelly considers. “I’m sure glad we wandered down that path…
“Hypnotic patterns, layering, swirling, dreamy repetition; it all seemed to flow, much like the creek at the ranch in the Cariboo where everything started — with no clock, no deadline, and no agenda.”
Embracing freedom from lyric-based songwriting structures that have spanned their tenured careers, the two tested new techniques — finding unexpected inspiration along the way. “I’d found myself gravitating to instrumental music of late;” Bentall shares. “A chance to be steered only by where the tune takes you…”
“A lot of melodies on the album evolved from using an alternate tuning,” Kelly adds. “I got the tuning from the playing of the great Jackie Leven — who is, sadly, no longer with us.
“Much like Joni Mitchell and Nick Drake, Jackie found these open and alternate tunings led him down different paths. In our case, with two guitars and after a bit of experimenting, we found the most pleasing, complementary sound came when Barney played in standard tuning with my open tuning; it seemed to give the chords more extension and counterpoint.
“Not to dwell on technicalities, but I feel this methodology is at the core of the album,” he continues. “The other consistent element is finger picking; there is hardly a strum to be found.”
“That new framework of open tuning seemed to bring forth many wonderful melodies and ideas,” Bentall says. “The combination of the two, with my standard tuning, was enchanting and inspiring to us.”
The result is an entirely instrumental 12-track album dubbed as ‘Cinematic Canadiana’ for its journey across acoustic Americana to traditional folk to New-Grass genres. With all songs written and produced by Kelly and Bentall — plus a co-write from Trixie Berkel on “Marble Canyon Rag” — the two were joined in production by John Raham, who also recorded and mixed the release.
“In Fall of 2020, John called to say he was heading our way with a mobile recording rig, and adding a stop at the ranch seemed like a perfect opportunity to bring the RanchWriters idea to fruition,” Bentall says of the chance to record the release within the same walls they were first created in. “These walls are made of hand-hewn square logs. There are no hard, reflective surfaces; they’re perfect for sound.
“The house was rebuilt out of the old log homestead from the 30s or 40s; children had been born within them; hard cold winters had been endured; Saturday night get-togethers had filled the building with music — a tradition that continues to this day! So we assembled some of our favourite musicians — with others contributing remotely all the way from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island — and hunkered down for three days that October; a beautiful time of year in the Cariboo…
“We are all aware that it is a strange and complex time in the world,” he adds. “Songs with words can be a source of comfort, but sometimes it’s nice to let your mind, heart, and soul float in any direction.
“Hope you enjoy it.”
RanchWriters will be released September 17, 2021 but can be pre-ordered now here.
// RanchWriters Track Listing
“Chilcotin”
“Marble Canyon Rag”
“Danrow Flats”
“Bonaparte Plateau”
“Big Turk”
“Fred Neil”
“Upstairs Downstairs (For Penny)”
“Sea To Sky”
“Black Tusk”
“Pavilion”
“Winter Flood”
“Earl’s Taxi”