news and current affairs.
TK Audio eyes your wallet with a fancy vintage style EQ
TK Audio's new EQ box brings vintage tone with modern tweaks. The TEQ unit draws inspiration from classic Baxandall circuitry for a smooth, natural sound, packing extra functionality into a single rack space. This dual-channel processor works in stereo or dual-mono modes and includes a built-in Mid-Side encoder for advanced spatial editing. Each channel provides two bands with ten frequency choices, switchable between peak and shelf filters. Gain adjustments offer fine resolution, with an optional switch to expand the cut and boost range. Shared high- and low-pass filters are also included, along with a dedicated cue switch for monitoring. Technical performance features a wide frequency response and very low distortion figures. The...
IK Multimedia preps a freebie to hook you on vocal clones
IK Multimedia just dropped a freebie for producers wanting to test their new vocal tech. The company launched ReSing Free, a plugin giving everyone access to their vocal and instrument modeling platform without cost. This stripped-down version keeps most features like pitch and timing control but ships with only two vocal models, named Neil and Jenny, plus two instrument models. It also supports importing one custom voice model. The major limitation is the removal of the model generation tool found in paid versions. This free release works with new expansion packs, like the ReSing Voices Vol 1 Producer's Pack, which is sold separately. That pack includes eight unique vocal models recorded with real artists. The software runs on...
Tiny Vinyl preps a European tour for its tiny plastic toys
Tiny Vinyl is launching its mini records across Europe. The company tapped industry veteran Ruben Planting to lead the charge, aiming to connect American innovation with retail partners there. Founders Neil Kohler and Jesse Mann highlighted Planting's background in global distribution and revenue growth from roles at Deepgrooves Vinyl Pressing and other firms. These collectible four-inch records hold about four minutes of music per side. They are not meant to replace standard formats, with each piece being uniquely numbered within a limited run. Current American retail partners include Target, alongside direct sales from artists themselves. Music from various major artists has been pressed onto the tiny format. The list includes...
Sony Music buys out Munich label to milk some German hits
Sony Music Germany just swallowed up another indie label, grabbing Munich-based F.A.M.E. Recordings. The deal, recently finalized, transfers a catalog featuring bands like Schandmaul, Feuerschwanz, and Die Happy over to Sony. Founders Curt Cress and Tom Büscher started the label after a long-running partnership where Sony acted as its distributor. The acquisition hands Sony management of those recordings, ending new releases from F.A.M.E.. Antje Zelnitschek and Matej Bellus will stay on as freelance consultants for the major. Sony Germany exec Thorsten Sack called the catalog a highlight of German music history, promising fresh re-editions for fans. This move boosts Sony's footprint in southern Germany's regional music scene. The...
Bruno Mars targets your rent for a massive stadium tour
Bruno Mars just shattered the Live Nation ticket sales record in a single day. The artist moved 2.1 million tickets for his upcoming stadium run, marking the biggest one-day sales across North America and Europe. His new headlining trek, called The Romantic Tour, will hit major venues globally with around seventy shows planned. Live Nation is producing the massive outing. Anderson .Paak will appear on all dates under his DJ alias Pee .Wee. Special guests Victoria Monét, RAYE, and Leon Thomas will join for various stops. The tour includes multiple nights at London's Wembley Stadium, with several shows each in Toronto, Amsterdam, East Rutherford, and Los Angeles. MGM Resorts International and The Pinky Ring at Bellagio are backing the...
CMA boss eyes her exit while the board hunts a successor
Big shakeup at the Country Music Association as its top exec announces exit. Sarah Trahern confirmed she is stepping down from the CEO role. The CMA board has already formed a committee to find her replacement, hiring the search firm Buffkin Baker for the process. Trahern plans to stay connected to the music world after leaving. Her run saw the association push the genre further into the spotlight at home and abroad. Major televised events like the CMA Awards, CMA Fest, and CMA Country Christmas on ABC became central to the group's reach. Efforts expanded to support members across the creative and business sides of country music. Trahern also leads the CMA Foundation, a philanthropic wing focused on music education. That foundation...
Parliament opens search for new ZEC commissioner after exit
Parliament is asking regular people to suggest candidates for an empty seat on the election commission. The call follows a commissioner's resignation from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda stated the public nomination process aims to ensure transparency in filling such roles. The Committee on Standing Rules and Orders issued the invitation under constitutional mandate. Suitable nominees must be Zimbabwean citizens recognized for integrity and professional competence. Individuals serving as MPs, public officers, or employees of government bodies are ineligible for the position. ZEC manages elections, voter registration, boundary delimitation, and observer accreditation. Submission materials require...
Prophet Bruce Edwards eyes next book after fasting guide drops
Bulawayo preacher Bruce Edwards just dropped his fourth spiritual guide into the world. His new book, "40 Days of Prayer and Fasting," serves as a manual for believers navigating that rigorous practice. The prophet stated that the work provides focus, specific prayers, and scripture readings to help achieve spiritual goals during the fasting journey. Edwards previously authored "Daily Devotional," a book designed to guide daily faith. His upcoming project will be titled "How to Grow Spiritually." He described his writing as an essential tool for purposeful living, comparing it to a manual for navigating life. The releases expand his growing catalogue within the creative faith space.
Sikhosana Buhlungu loses second manager as drama drags on
Getting dropped by your second manager in under a year really paints a picture. Folklore musician Sikhosana Buhlungu from Nkayi is dealing with another split after Velempini Ndlovu ended their working relationship. Ndlovu's departure follows manager Madlela Sikhobokhobo leaving the Dlala Ntethe singer after a heated dispute. A statement from Ndlovu confirmed the immediate end of their professional ties, requesting privacy for all involved. Sources close to the Matabeleland North artist cite his difficult nature as a recurring issue for his career team. Despite the split, Ndlovu is credited with reviving Buhlungu's fading musical presence. He guided the singer to a comeback, including a collaboration with Black Diva on the track...
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