The Sooks have released their new single “Take It Slow,” available now worldwide. Produced by Jack Nigro, the track presents a reflective side of the Sydney-based band, pairing breezy guitar lines with relaxed percussion and a measured rhythmic pace. Led by vocalist Corey Fitzsimons, the song focuses on the balance between ambition and exhaustion, capturing a moment of transition as opportunities begin to accelerate.
Written in the summer of 2024 ahead of the band’s first festival appearance, “Take It Slow” follows earlier singles “Kickstarter” and “Sober (For The Second Time),” all set to appear on The Sooks’ upcoming EP due out February 18, 2026. Since releasing their debut EP ‘Oyster Boy’ in 2024, the band has expanded their live presence, supporting Daily J, Press Club, and Salarymen, and appearing at festivals including The Great Escape and Good Gumnuts. The new single continues to define their steady progression within Australia’s indie scene.
Ashun Sound Machines (ASM) announces the Leviasynth Keyboard and Leviasynth Desktop, two synthesizer models that will be showcased at The NAMM Show 2026. Built around ASM’s new 16-voice Leviasynth engine, each voice features eight oscillators of algorithmic synthesis, combined with both digital and analog filtering, designed to support deeply expressive performance and detailed sound design.
Far from just the traditional 2 or 3 oscillator synth sound, Leviasynth gives you 8 oscillators, with over 300 waveshapes, for truly massive sounds. Leviasynth’s algorithmic engine encourages you to experiment with unique oscillator combinations and structures that can bend timbre to your will. From generating thick bass and lead sounds to rich pads and ambient evolving clouds of shimmering glass – algorithms place a new level of power at your fingertips. Leviasynth comes with 144 preset algorithms, and the added ability for you to design and save your own customizable algorithm per patch. If that was not enough, this powerful engine allows for algorithm morphing. You can choose 8 algorithms and morph from one to another, creating smooth transitions between synthesis structures, allowing sounds to evolve in new ways over time.
Each oscillator supports multiple synthesis modes, including phase modulation, frequency modulation, pulse-width modulation, HTE Sync, and three types of phase distortion, providing a broad palette for both traditional and experimental sound design. Leviasynth lets you combine multiple synthesis modes inside a single algorithm for truly unique sound design possibilities.
The output of the algorithm then feeds into the dual filter stages. The first filter is our famous Hydrasynth digital filter, with 18 different types and modes ranging from low pass, multi-mode, and high pass filters to esoteric filters like the vocal formant filter. The second filter is our new, pure analog 4-pole resonant filter. This rich analog filter includes custom-built pre-drive saturation that elevates your sound with a fiery warmth as well as a screaming self-oscillation, creating a hybrid signal path that blends digital precision with analog character.
For sound shaping and performance control, Leviasynth includes a 32-slot modulation matrix with 170 modulation sources and over 290 internal modulation destinations, alongside a comprehensive onboard effects section derived from ASM’s Hydrasynth design.
A built-in three-track sequencer, featuring two note tracks and one parameter-automation track, is paired with an arpeggiator that introduces an Entropy function for real-time variation of arpeggio patterns. Arpeggiator patterns can also be generated directly from user-created sequencer data.
Both models ship with a factory library of 512 Single-mode patches and 256 Multi-mode patches designed for instant playability both in studio and on stage, and feature a full-color touchscreen with dedicated knobs and buttons for sound design and performance control; and both are supported by the updated ASM Patch Manager for macOS and Windows, which handles firmware updates, patch organization, backup, and restoration at lightning speed.
Leviasynth Keyboard The keyboard model pairs the Leviasynth engine with our game-changing 61-note Polytouch® polyphonic aftertouch keybed featuring semi-weighted keys, designed to provide detailed, per-note control for expressive performances. A four-octave ribbon controller with multiple operating modes further expands real-time interaction, supporting pitch control, modulation, and custom assignments.
Designed for hands-on performance, the keyboard version emphasizes physical control and responsiveness, allowing players to shape timbre, dynamics, and modulation directly from the keyboard for both stage and studio use.
Leviasynth Desktop The desktop model delivers the complete Leviasynth engine in a compact, tabletop design, offering the same synthesis architecture and performance features as the keyboard version. 16 Polytouch polyphonic aftertouch pads offer an additional step sequencing mode. The unit supports VESA mounting as well as 19-inch rack mounting, making it well-suited for studio- and rack-based setups, modular rigs, and systems where a separate keyboard or controller is already in use, while providing full access to Leviasynth’s synthesis and modulation capabilities.
“Our goal at ASM is to create premium-quality, great-sounding, and highly playable electronic instruments that give musicians accessible tools for musical expression,” says Glen Darcey, CEO of Ashun Sound Machines. “Our team brings decades of experience designing and performing with electronic instruments, and our partnership with Medeli allows us to realize that vision in products like Leviasynth.”
Availability The Leviasynth Keyboard and Leviasynth Desktop are expected to ship in February 2026 through ASM’s global network of authorized dealers. Both models will be on display at The NAMM Show 2026, with hands-on demonstrations available throughout the show at ASM Booth 10102. ASM will also be at the Buchla & Friends show in Downtown Los Angeles, CA on Saturday January 24th and Sunday January 25th.
Reggae Rise Up has announced the 2026 spring lineups for its two flagship events, returning to Florida and Arizona with expanded, genre-spanning bills. Reggae Rise Up Florida takes place March 12 through March 15 at Vinoy Park, while Reggae Rise Up Arizona follows April 17 through April 19 at Tempe Beach Park. Across both festivals, artists include De La Soul, Steel Pulse, Protoje, SOJA, Rebelution, and Slightly Stoopid, with additional performers appearing exclusively at each location.
Reggae Rise Up Florida’s lineup also includes Cypress Hill making its first-ever appearance at the Florida edition, alongside Sublime, 311, Iration, Skip Marley, Yelawolf, Tribal Seeds, Common Kings, and more. Reggae Rise Up Arizona features headlining sets from Stephen Marley, Dirty Heads, Atmosphere, Collie Buddz, J Boog, Maoli, Matisyahu, and Fortunate Youth, among others. Both festivals continue Reggae Rise Up’s fan-first format focused on community, waterfront settings, and non-overlapping sets, with tickets and festival details available via reggaeriseup.com.
2026 Festival Dates: Reggae Rise Up Florida March 12–15, 2026 Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg, FL
Reggae Rise Up Arizona April 17–19, 2026 Tempe Beach Park, Tempe, AZ
They Might Be Giants have released the ‘Eyeball’ EP, now available across digital platforms and the band’s official download store. The project includes the title track “Eyeball,” “The Glamour of Rock,” the instrumental “Peggy Guggenheim,” and a reimagined version of “Eyeball” by The Elegant Too. The EP highlights the band’s horn-driven arrangements, with “Peggy Guggenheim” placing the brass section front and center in a cinematic, high-energy instrumental setting.
The release arrives alongside the announcement of new spring dates for the “BIGGER SHOW TOUR,” which begins April 17. John Linnell describes the EP as a collection of tracks left over from album sessions, likening them to an appetizer ahead of the band’s next full-length release. The upcoming tour features multi-night runs across the East Coast and Midwest, with the band performing as an eight-piece ensemble that emphasizes their expanded horn section and wide-ranging catalog.
2026 US Tour Dates: April 17 Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theatre April 18 Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theatre
April 24 Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue April 25 Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue April 26 Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue
April 28 Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre April 29 Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre
May 1 Chicago, IL – Vic Theatre May 2 Chicago, IL – Vic Theatre May 3 Chicago, IL – Vic Theatre
May 15 Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer May 16 Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer May 17 Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer
May 28 Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel May 29 Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel May 30 Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel
June 5 Boston, MA – House of Blues June 6 Boston, MA – House of Blues
AVRA BOOM has released her debut EP ‘Live From My Dreams,’ a five-track project blending pop, R&B, and dance music through an emotionally driven lens. The EP opens with the title track “Live From My Dreams,” built around expansive synths and a steady rhythmic pulse that places AVRA’s vocals front and center. The collection establishes a consistent focus on movement, with songs designed to be felt as much as heard. The release presents a cohesive introduction to her sound, shaped by both melody and physical rhythm.
Based in Dallas, Texas, AVRA BOOM is a singer-songwriter, dancer, and composer whose background in dance informs the structure and energy of the EP. Across the project, she explores themes including grief, frustration, and guilt, pairing direct lyrical expression with production that maintains forward motion. She describes her creative approach simply, stating, “I believe that the feelings that live inside your body will always find a way to be released.” The EP closes with “Float,” a spacious, atmospheric track that brings the project to a reflective conclusion.
Max Styler has released ‘Nexus 001,’ the debut compilation from his newly launched Nu Moda imprint. The five-track EP serves as a foundational statement for the label, spotlighting a focused group of rising artists from the indie dance and house underground. The release features exclusive tracks from Welker, Josh Gigante and Ugo Banchi, Mishell, Pavel Petrov, and DvirNuns alongside DOX. Each contribution is designed for late-night club settings, emphasizing groove, tension, and controlled momentum.
The compilation is led by Welker’s “Ice In My Eyes,” which sets the tonal framework for the project. Additional tracks include “Kill Bill” by Josh Gigante and Ugo Banchi, “Desire” from Mishell, “Feel Good Inside” by Pavel Petrov featuring Tyler Hill, and “Here We Go” from DvirNuns and DOX. Collectively, ‘Nexus 001’ presents a concise snapshot of current intersections between indie dance and house, positioning Nu Moda as a label rooted in club functionality and intentional curation.
Australian singer-songwriter Airling has released her new single “Better When You Groove,” the second track revealed from her upcoming EP ‘Retrieve,’ set for release on March 6, 2026. Described by Shepherd as her “love-hate letter to music,” the song centers on creative vulnerability and emotional honesty. Built around smooth R&B-leaning dream-pop production and clear, understated vocals, the track reflects an ongoing dialogue between self-doubt, expression, and artistic commitment. The single functions as a thematic anchor for the EP, highlighting its reflective tone.
Airling, the musical project of Hannah Shepherd, returned in late 2025 with “Mona Lisa,” her first release in eight years. During her time away from music, Shepherd pursued nursing, later returning to songwriting with renewed perspective. ‘Retrieve’ explores themes of loss, recovery, infatuation, and personal power, and was written and recorded with longtime collaborators Tom Iansek and Graham Ritchie. The EP was recorded between Brisbane and Melbourne, with all tracks performed and programmed by the trio.
Vmake AI is a browser-based AI editing tool that helps users improve video quality without turning the process into a technical chore. No downloads or software updates to worry about, just open it up on your laptop, tablet or desktop and you’re good to go.
The entire system is designed for individuals who only need to enhance video quality occasionally rather than becoming a full-on video editing whiz. It takes care of some of the most common issues, like cleaning up the footage, improving the visibility, and clarity of the visual.
Common Use Cases of Vmake AI
Main Features of Vmake
1. Vmake AI Video Enhancer
The Vmake AI Video Enhancer is among Vmake’s primary tools for anyone who wants to improve the clarity of their videos without dedicating a lot of time to manual editing. It can be a great solution for phone videos, old camera footage, or any video that has lost its quality due to compression.
What Vmake AI Video Enhancer does:
Scales videos to 4K
Auto fixes brightness and contrast
Enhances sharpness and clarity
Boosts color quality
Keeps 30 frames per second throughout
How Vmake AI Video Enhancer works: Simply upload your video, keeping it under 200MB. The tool will go frame by frame to spot any issues. Then, it will enhance every little detail, fix blurry parts, and balance the colors throughout. The whole process is done automatically. You are not required to adjust the settings manually.
Vmake AI Video Enhancer is Best for:
User-generated content from customers
Old video footage that looks grainy
Phone videos shot in poor lighting
Social media content that needs to look professional
2. Vmake AI Video Watermark Remover
Removing watermarks usually takes time and manual effort. With Vmake’s video watermark remover, however, this is no longer the case. Vmake does all the work for you, the only thing you have to do is upload your video.
Vmake AI Video Watermark Remover features include:
Removes static text and logos
Removes overlays that move, including TikTok style overlays
Removes semi transparent watermarks
Processes most videos in less than 30 seconds
How Vmake AI Video Watermark Remover works: The tool’s algorithm analyzes each frame to find a watermark block. It then reconstructs the background where the watermark appears. For moving watermarks, Vmake AI Video Watermark Remover monitors watermark position from one frame to the next, filling in the background along the way to make the removal flawless across the entire video.
3. Vmake AI Auto Captions
Vmake AI Auto Captions automatically turns spoken words into clear on-screen text without manual transcription. This saves creators from spending hours typing or fixing captions line by line. It works well for anyone who needs captions added fast but does not have time for extra editing work.
Language support by Vmake AI Auto Captions:
English
Spanish
Portuguese
Indonesian
Japanese
Korean
Chinese
What makes Vmake AI Auto Captions useful: The AI listens to your audio and writes out the words with perfect timing. You get synced captions that match exactly when people speak. The tool supports 18+ dynamic templates designed for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Customization options of Vmake AI Auto Captions:
Change fonts and colors
Adjust subtitle position
Add animations and effects
Translate captions to other languages
Edit text directly if the AI makes mistakes
Export as video (with burned-in captions) or SRT file
Why people use Vmake AI Auto Captions: Social media videos with captions get 80% more engagement. Captions make your content accessible to people with hearing difficulties and those who watch without sound (which is most mobile users).
4. Vmake AI Background Remover
Vmake AI Background Remover separates the main subject from the background in a video. Once processed, you get a clean subject that can be placed on a new background or used on its own. This helps create more polished videos without needing a green screen setup.
Use cases of Vmake AI Background Remover:
Creating green screen effects
Changing video backgrounds
Making professional marketing videos
Removing distracting elements
How to use Vmake AI Background Remover: Upload your video to the Background Remover tool and get the process rolling. The system then does the magic by automatically detecting the subject and removing the background. When the processing is complete, you can view the outcome and adjust it slightly. Once you are completely satisfied, export the video with a transparent background or place it over another one.
5. Other Notable Features of Vmake AI
Vmake AI Thumbnail Generator:
The Vmake AI Thumbnail Generator is a great tool that can help you create eye-catching thumbnail visuals for your videos and social media. It analyzes your video content to get a vibe of the overall mood and then creates thumbnails that fit your style perfectly—so you don’t have to rush to come up with a design at the last minute.
There are lots of templates available to help you get started, and you can put words down wherever you want without any trouble. Want to spotlight something important or make your message pop? No problem. You get thumbnails that look like you planned them, even if you’ve never touched a design tool in your life.
Vmake AI Noise Reduction:
Do you ever make a perfect video only to find out that the audio is noisy and filled with unwanted sounds? It can be anything from the traffic noise outside, people talking, or simply a mic that is letting you down. In such cases, Vmake’s noise reduction feature is the one to rely on.
Vmake’s noise reduction tool focuses on improving audio quality in videos recorded in imperfect environments. It removes unwanted background sounds so voices come through more clearly and feel easier to listen to.
Vmake AI Video Generation:
Vmake AI Video Generation feature allows users to create videos using text prompts or simple image inputs. This makes it possible to produce basic marketing or product videos without filming new footage.
It works well for fast content creation when time or resources are limited. The tool helps turn ideas into usable video assets that can support ads, product pages, or social posts.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
Start with the best source quality possible. AI can improve videos, but can’t create details that don’t exist.
Test with one video first. Use the preview feature before processing multiple videos.
Use the right resolution. Don’t upscale to 4K if you only need HD – it uses more credits.
Compress large files before uploading. If your video is over 200MB, use a compressor first.
Check subtitle accuracy. Auto captions are about 95% accurate – always review and edit before publishing.
Shoot better footage when possible. Enhancement is great for rescue work, but good original footage is always better.
Pricing and Plans
Is Vmake Safe?
Yes, Vmake is safe for personal and commercial use. The platform:
Uses GDPR-compliant servers
Stores videos for only 7 days
Employs standard security measures
Has clear privacy policies
As with any online service, don’t upload extremely sensitive content without considering the risks.
Bottom Line
Vmake can be a great option for individuals who need QUICK video tweaks without learning complicated technology. Not only does it save several hours of manual effort with the auto features, but the quality produced is quite astonishing. Moreover, the tool improves its features with regular updates. The recent addition of AI hooks and thumbnail generators shows Vmake is adapting to creator needs.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Every artist has a breaking point. Sometimes it’s a bad day in the studio. Sometimes it’s a political mood. Sometimes the amps just accidentally get turned up and nobody stops it. Here are 20 moments when usually non-heavy artists leaned into distortion, volume, rage, or sheer sonic weight – and surprised everyone.
“The Beautiful Ones” – Prince A slow burn that detonates. Prince’s screams at the end sound less like singing and more like emotional freefall.
“Exit” – U2 Dark, grinding, and relentless. Bono sounds possessed, and the band locks into a groove that never lets up.
“Misunderstood” – Wilco Starts inward-looking and ends in shouted existential collapse. Wilco at their most confrontational.
“The Nile Song” – Pink Floyd Proto-punk fury hiding in the Floyd catalogue. Fuzzed-out guitars and zero psychedelia.
“I’m So Afraid” – Fleetwood Mac Especially live, this becomes a showcase for Lindsey Buckingham’s barely contained guitar rage.
“She Shook Me Cold” – David Bowie Sweaty, distorted, and unapologetically heavy. Bowie flirting openly with hard rock and early metal.
“Fire (Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow)” – The Beach Boys Avant-garde chaos from the Smile era. No harmonies, no sunshine, just pure sonic panic.
“State of Grace” – Taylor Swift Big guitars, bigger momentum. A reminder that arena rock lives comfortably in her songwriting DNA.
“Violet Hill” – Coldplay Militaristic drums, distorted bass, and political bite. Coldplay briefly embrace grit over gloss.
“Kiwi” – Harry Styles Raw, chaotic, and loud. Styles tearing through glam-rock energy with zero restraint.
“Don’t Hurt Yourself” – Beyonce Industrial stomp and vocal fury. Beyoncé weaponizes distortion and attitude like a veteran rocker.
“Pressure” – Billy Joel New wave anxiety meets hard-edged rock. Joel sounds genuinely stressed, and it works.
“Dirty Diana” – Michael Jackson Slashing guitars and aggressive vocals. One of the darkest moments in his catalogue.
“Leave It Open” – Kate Bush Unsettling rhythms and clipped vocals. Heavy through tension rather than volume.
“The Overload” – Talking Heads Inspired by post-punk bands they hadn’t even heard yet. Oppressive, slow, and ominous.
“Zombie” – The Cranberries Crunching guitars and raw anger. Dolores O’Riordan sounds ferocious and unfiltered.
“Ogre Battle” – Queen Fantasy lyrics riding a proto-metal riff. Queen flexing their heaviest instincts early on.
“The Knife” – Genesis Violent dynamics and sharp edges. Peter Gabriel-era Genesis going darker than expected.
“Slow Train” – Bob Dylan Lyrically heavy and musically blunt. Dylan trades subtlety for fire-and-brimstone urgency.
“Crazy Horses” – The Osmonds Yes, those Osmonds. A genuinely heavy, proto-metal stomper with a snarling riff and environmental anger, this song blindsided everyone in 1972 and still sounds improbably hard coming from a family pop group.
In a partnership primed for flavor-forward content and one-of-a-kind recipe inspiration, the McCormick brand announces a two-year long collab with lifestyle icon, Paris Hilton and her next-gen media company, 11:11 Media. This partnership is a celebration of delicious food and memorable film and TV moments, all highlighted in a new ad from McCormick that shares how the best food and flavor brings us together.
“I love having family and friends over to enjoy delicious food— whether it’s a big dinner party or a family movie night. There’s nothing quite like sharing a good meal made with the best ingredients,” said Paris Hilton, pop culture icon, co-founder and CEO of 11:11 Media. “I can’t wait to share my favorite ways to use McCormick spices to make flavorful food, lasting memories, and sliving our best lives around the table!”
Just like the iconic scenes from film and TV featured in the new spot – coming soon in January 2026 – McCormick makes even everyday meals best-in-class with their spices, seasonings, and extracts. Hilton and 11:11 Media will serve as a multi-year strategic partner to help the brand evolve and meet the next generation of taste chasers, honoring McCormick heritage while propelling the classic house of flavor into what’s ‘hot’.
“McCormick brings the best flavor to every table, and we’re excited to announce this collaboration with Paris Hilton as we roll out our new McCormick creative spot,” said Tabata Gomez, Chief Marketing Officer at McCormick & Company, Inc. “With Paris’s cultural influence and the unmatched culinary expertise behind the McCormick brand, this partnership inspires consumers everywhere to make their best meals and have fun doing it. We’re excited to connect with them in a fresh, exciting way.”
