Mura Masa has joined forces with yeule for a new song called ‘We Are Making Out’. It arrives with an accompanying video directed by the Reids and starring yeule. Check it out below.
Earlier this year, Mura Masa released the single ‘still’. His third album, demon time, which featured guest spots from Shygirl, Lil Yachty, slowthai, PinkPantheress, and more, arrived in 2022.
Queen have reportedly reached a deal with Sony Music for the acquisition of their music catalog. According to HITS Daily Double and Variety, Sony Music has begun the process of acquiring the rights to the band’s back catalog, alongside merchandise and a selection of other business deals, for £1 billion (around $1.27 billion). The only part of the band’s revenue not covered in the deal is for live performances.
It’s the largest payment for a catalog acquisition in history, surpassing the $500 million that Sony reportedly paid to acquire Bruce Springsteen’s catalog back in 2021. Earlier this year, Sony also acquired a 50% interest in Michael Jackson’s music catalog for roughly $600 million (£471 million).
Variety also reports that another bidder came close to securing Queen’s catalogue, but stopped short at $900 million.
The deal is complicated by the fact that that Disney owns Queen’s owns the band’s recording rights in the US and Canada per a $10 million licensing deal that was struck in 1991. Queen also has a distribution deal with Universal that runs through as late as 2027, after which distribution rights outside the US and Canada will revert to Sony.
Thurston Moore has announced his ninth solo album, Flow Critical Lucidity, which will be released on September 20 via The Daydream Library Series. It includes the previously released tracks ‘Isadora’, ‘Hypnogram’, and ‘Rewilding’. To accompany the announcement, he’s shared the single ‘Sans Limites’, featuring Stereolab’s Lætitia Sadier. Check it out below.
Speaking about the new song, Moore said in a statement: “‘Sans Limites’ begins with a cyclic guitar & piano figure which expands further and further with each revolution before settling into a two-chord measure introducing lyrics intoning not only about eradicating any limitations towards enlightenment, but going beyond limitations. The idea that a soldier can fight the good fight. A warrior against war.”
Flow Critical Lucidity Cover Artwork:
Flow Critical Lucidity Tracklist:
1. New in Town
2. Sans Limites
3. Shadow
4. Hypnogram
5. We Get High
6. Rewilding
7. The Diver
Bill Callahan has announced a new live album, Resuscitate!, which is due out July 26 via Drag City. It captures Callahan’s performance at Chicago’s Thalia Hall on March 22, 2022, featuring Matt Kinsey on guitar, Dustin Laurenzi on alto sax, and Jim White on drums, as well as special guests Nathaniel Ballinger on piano, Pascal Kerong’A on vocals, Nick Mazzarella on alto sax, Joshua Abrams on guembri, and Lisa Alvarado on harmonium.
Callahan released his most recent album, YTI⅃AƎЯ, in October 2022. In a press release, he explained:
This is a live album that was taken from the tour for YTI⅃AƎЯ. Songs tend to mutate after they’ve been recorded. These songs were mutating faster than usual. Like whatever happened to Bruce Banner in the lab — I knew these songs were about to get superpowers. As far as I was concerned, this change needed to be documented. The best thing about documenting something is that it gives the creator permission to move on should they wish to move on. I usually prefer to move on.
These songs were recorded in Chicago, America’s heart. And at one of the best clubs in the country — I try to only work with venues that are not entangled with Live Nation/Ticketmaster. Thalia Hall, baby. Stay free.
Resuscitate! Cover Artwork:
Burlington-based band Robber Robber have released a new single, ‘Dial Tone’, which will appear on their forthcoming debut LP Wild Guess. It follows previous cuts ‘Sea or War’ and ‘Backup Plan’. Check out its Mark Balderston-directed video below.
“It’s kind of a voyeuristic perspective of everyone scrambling around to see each other and connect but also never feeling quite like you’re keeping pace with the slipstream,” singer/guitarist Nina Cates said in a statement. “Feeling like you’re always going out and yet always missing out on something.”
Wild Guess is set for release on July 26.
MICHELLE have announced a new album, Songs About You Specifically. The follow-up to 2022’s AFTER DINNER WE TALK DREAMS lands on September 27 via Transgressive. Today’s announcement comes with the release of the new single ‘Oontz’, which you can hear below.
“There are friends I’ve had for almost my whole life who I won’t know as intimately as I know members of this group,” the collective’s Emma Lee said in a press release. “There isn’t really an opportunity for that in any other kind of relationship in your life.”
Julian Kaufman added, “It’s so easy to write a generic love or breakup song. But many of these stories are true. We’re coming from a really honest place.”
Songs About You Specifically Cover Artwork:
Songs About You Specifically Tracklist:
1. Mentos and Coke
2. Blissing
3. Akira
4. Cathy
5. Dropout
6. Noah
7. Missing on One
8. I’m Not Trying
9. Oontz
10. Painkiller
11. Trackstar
King Krule has released a surprise new EP, SHHHHHH!. It features four tracks that were distributed via flexi discs at the artist’s 2023 Shhhhh tour but never made available digitally: ‘Achtung’, ‘All Soup Now’, ‘Time For Slurp’, and ‘Whaleshark’. He’s also shared a self-directed video for ‘Time for Slurp’, shot by Josh Renaut and featuring his bandmates George Bass and Ignacio Salvadores. Check it out below.
SHHHHHH! follows King Krule’s fourth studio album, Space Heavy, which arrived last year.
“Countdown”, written by Maderlin Weng as a tribute to her grandfather’s battle with Alzheimer’s, is a poignant exploration of memory and time. While Weng’s heartfelt lyrics provide the emotional foundation, it is the music producer Jiexi Zhao’s masterful production that transforms the track into an immersive auditory experience. Zhao’s ability to weave intricate soundscapes that complement and elevate Weng’s storytelling underscores his reputation as a producer who fuses technical precision with emotional depth.
Time as a Sonic Narrative
Zhao approached “Countdown” with a clear vision: to transform Weng’s reflections on time into a dynamic and evocative soundscape. The track opens with reversed piano chords and warm synth textures, achieved through meticulous reversed reverb techniques. These elements symbolize the fragmented nature of memory—fading yet persistent—and immediately draw listeners into the song’s reflective atmosphere.
Layered beneath this is a delicate music box motif, recorded with vintage equipment to evoke nostalgia and childhood innocence. This subtle addition exemplifies Zhao’s ability to embed meaning into every sonic detail, creating a sense of timelessness that mirrors the song’s themes.
Zhao’s dual expertise as a classically trained singer and producer informs his unique approach to production, particularly in how he frames vocals within the music. In “Countdown”, Weng’s emotive voice takes center stage, supported by minimalist piano chords in the verses. Zhao employs jazz-inspired harmonies, such as the melancholic bVII7 chord, to create a harmonic structure that enhances Weng’s vocal delivery without overshadowing it.
The second verse introduces a soft organ—a subtle yet powerful addition that underscores the passage of time. Zhao’s restraint here is key; rather than overwhelming the vocal performance, he uses instrumentation as a quiet companion to Weng’s narrative, ensuring that her voice remains the focal point.
The choruses expand into sweeping cinematic soundscapes reminiscent of Hans Zimmer’s “Interstellar”. A heartbeat-like kick drum anchors the rhythm, symbolizing time ticking away, while ethereal snares and lush 90s-inspired synths create an expansive yet intimate atmosphere. Each layer is carefully calibrated by Zhao to evoke both the vastness of time and the closeness of personal memory.
Zhao’s attention to detail is particularly evident in his use of dynamic automation, which subtly adjusts instrumental layers to ensure that Weng’s lyrics remain at the forefront. This delicate balance between grandeur and intimacy reflects his philosophy: “The silence between notes is as important as the notes themselves.”
The bridge marks “Countdown”’s emotional climax, where Zhao uses fragmented soundscapes to mirror the disorientation of fading memories. Glitching synths, fragmented sound effects, and distorted vocal processing create an atmosphere of chaos that captures both grief and helplessness.
Beneath this turbulence lies a faint gospel-inspired organ—a grounding force that adds reverence amidst despair. Zhao also incorporates controlled vocal distortion during this section, amplifying vulnerability without sacrificing clarity. His ability to balance chaos with control showcases his skill in using sound not just as support but as an active participant in storytelling.
The song concludes by returning to its minimalist opening textures, bringing its journey full circle. Reversed piano chords reappear alongside heartbeat rhythms and spiraling strings, reinforcing themes of continuity and reflection. This cyclical structure mirrors time itself—its inevitability but also its ability to preserve emotions beyond its passing.
While Maderlin Weng’s lyrics articulate personal grief with universal resonance, Jiexi Zhao’s production gives those emotions a tangible form through sound. His ability to translate abstract concepts like memory and time into auditory experiences ensures that “Countdown” transcends its narrative origins, becoming a meditation on what it means to remember.
Together, Weng and Zhao have created a track where every element feels purposeful—where vocals and instrumentation are not separate entities but parts of a cohesive whole. As Weng continues to evolve as an artist known for her introspective storytelling, “Countdown” stands as a testament to her creative partnership with Zhao—a producer whose work proves that music can preserve what time seeks to erase.
Recording your music in a professional studio can significantly elevate the quality of your final product. The expertise, equipment, and acoustic environment of a professional recording studio ensure that your music reaches its full potential. From the precise placement of microphones to advanced signal processing, each element is refined to enhance your sound. Let’s take a dive on the impact of a professional space like TYX Studios on the quality of your music.
Investing in a professional recording studio session can greatly enhance the quality and impact of your music. By utilising expertly designed environments and top-of-the-line equipment, coupled with the expertise of experienced personnel, you can achieve a professional sound that elevates your music.
Additionally, incorporating resources like Unison MIDI Packs can complement your studio sessions, providing you with high-quality, versatile MIDI packs that enhance your creative process.
Professional recording studios are meticulously designed for optimal acoustics. This includes soundproofing and acoustic treatment that prevent unwanted noise interference and ensure precise sound capture.
In these studios, you will find advanced gear that is often unaffordable or impractical for home use. This includes high-quality microphones, preamps, and monitoring systems. Modern cue mix systems with personal monitors allow precise audio adjustments, helping you hear exactly what is being recorded. This technical environment enables you to produce cleaner and more polished recordings.
Working with experienced producers and engineers in a professional studio offers immense value. Their expertise in sound design, mixing, and mastering is critical for achieving a professional sound.
Producers and engineers bring a wealth of technical knowledge and creative input to your project. They can suggest improvements, troubleshoot issues, and apply advanced techniques that enhance your music. With their guidance, you save time and effort, focusing more on the creative aspects of your work instead of the technical details. This collaborative effort ensures a cohesive and high-quality final product.
Achieving the highest quality of sound in a professional recording studio involves a combination of expert techniques for mixing, mastering, and recording both vocals and instruments. This process ensures that every note and nuance of your music is captured and produced with clarity and precision.
Mixing and mastering are critical stages where your music is sculpted to perfection. Mixing involves balancing the levels of different tracks, applying EQ, and adding effects like reverb and delay. Proper mixing ensures each instrument and vocal is clearly heard.
Mastering is the final polish. It optimises the overall sound for playback on various systems, ensuring consistency and balance. This stage enhances the dynamic range and applies subtle EQ adjustments to bring out the best in your recordings.
Professional studios use advanced vocal and instrument recording techniques to capture the purest sound. High-quality microphones are selected based on the specific qualities of the actor’s or instrument’s sound. Microphone placement plays a crucial role in achieving the best recording results.
Acoustic treatment in the studio environment minimises unwanted noise and reflections, providing a cleaner recording. Techniques such as multiple mic setups for instruments or specific placements for vocals help in capturing rich and detailed sounds.
Capturing the desired sound and style involves collaboration and an understanding of your artistic vision. Communicate your goals clearly with the studio engineer. They will tailor the recording process to fit your genre, whether it’s adding warmth to a jazz track or creating punchy bass for a rock song.
Using a combination of analogue and digital equipment, the engineer can shape the sound during the recording and post-production phases. This helps in achieving a cohesive and stylistically accurate final product. With careful attention to EQ, effects, and recording techniques, a professional studio ensures your music sounds exactly as you envision.
Being well-prepared before your studio session can save time and ensure a productive recording. Effective rehearsal strategies and understanding studio etiquette are critical components of this preparation.
Rehearsal is essential. Ensure that each musician knows their parts thoroughly and can perform them independently and as a group. This includes practising with a metronome, which helps in maintaining consistent timing, especially when recording with a click track.
Create charts or lead sheets for your songs. These can help session musicians quickly understand the structure and key elements of each track. Working through a detailed pre-production process, like mapping out the session or planning each take, can identify potential issues before you enter the studio, saving time and effort.
Adhering to studio etiquette is crucial. Arrive on time, respect the space, and follow the studio’s rules and guidelines. This helps maintain a professional and harmonious environment, which can positively impact your recording.
Maximise your studio time by having a clear plan. Know which songs you will record first and in what order. Communicate your goals with the engineer and other team members before the session begins. Efficient planning ensures that everyone is on the same page, leading to a more productive recording process.
A professional recording studio session can significantly impact the quality and success of your music. It is essential to consider factors such as studio selection, budgeting, and the long-term benefits of your investment.
Selecting the right studio is crucial. Evaluate studios based on their acoustic treatment, equipment quality, and reputation. Compare studios by creating a checklist that includes:
Visit potential studios to get a feel for the environment. Speak to engineers and staff to understand their workflow and expertise. A studio that aligns with your music style and goals can lead to a superior finished product.
Budgeting effectively for studio time involves understanding all potential costs. Evaluate your total budget and balance it against the studio rates. Consider:
Also, factor in the costs of post-production services. Spell out every expense to avoid surprises. Invest wisely to ensure that your budget supports not just recording, but also mixing and mastering for a polished end product.
Assessing the long-term benefits and return on investment (ROI) of a professional studio session is crucial. Think beyond immediate recording costs to how a high-quality recording can affect your music’s success. Consider:
A professional recording can elevate your music, making it a smart investment in your career. Assess how the studio’s output can help you achieve your career goals and deliver a strong ROI.
Recording in a professional studio can significantly enhance your music.
Professional studios provide high-quality equipment and acoustic treatment that are hard to replicate at home. This ensures your recordings have clarity and depth.
Experienced engineers can offer invaluable guidance and expertise. Their understanding of equipment and techniques can maximise your sound.
Collaborations with other musicians are also easier in a studio environment. This can lead to new creative ideas and improvements in your music.
A controlled environment helps reduce unwanted noise and distractions. This allows you to focus fully on your music.
In a professional studio, you can achieve high-quality recordings that can stand out in the industry.
In today’s world, there’s a growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness in all aspects of life, including packaging. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, businesses are seeking innovative packaging solutions that minimize their ecological footprint. Fortunately, there are various sustainable options available for those looking to package their products responsibly.
Biodegradable packaging materials, such as compostable bags made from plant-based materials like cornstarch, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. These materials break down naturally over time, reducing environmental impact.
Cardboard boxes, paper-based materials, and other recyclable packaging options promote the reuse of resources and minimize waste. By using materials that can be recycled after use, businesses can contribute to a circular economy and reduce their carbon footprint.
Glass jars, metal tins, and other reusable containers provide a long-term packaging solution that reduces single-use waste. These containers can be refilled or repurposed, extending their lifespan and minimizing environmental impact.
Packaging designs that prioritize sustainability, such as minimalistic designs that use less material or innovative packaging shapes that optimize space, can further reduce environmental impact.
Choosing eco-friendly printing methods, such as water-based inks and recycled paper, for packaging materials can minimize the environmental impact of printing processes.
Implementing strategies to reduce excess packaging, such as right-sizing packaging to fit products snugly or eliminating unnecessary packaging components, can help minimize waste.
Partnering with suppliers and manufacturers that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices can ensure that packaging materials are sourced responsibly.
Educating consumers about the importance of recycling, composting, and properly disposing of packaging materials can encourage responsible consumption and waste management practices.
Collaborating with other businesses and industry stakeholders to share best practices, research new sustainable materials, and drive innovation in packaging design can accelerate progress toward more sustainable packaging solutions.
Staying informed about local and international regulations regarding packaging materials and waste management ensures compliance and helps businesses adapt to evolving sustainability standards.
If you are looking where to find packaging products, Mill Packaging offers a comprehensive range of sustainable packaging solutions designed to meet various needs while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Their product lineup includes biodegradable bags, recyclable cardboard boxes, and reusable containers, providing customers with options to minimize their ecological footprint. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, Mill Packaging empowers businesses to make environmentally conscious choices in their packaging practices.
By exploring these sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions, businesses can reduce their environmental impact, meet consumer demand for sustainable products, and contribute to a healthier planet.
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