Rock, electroacoustic, and traditional Iranian mix in Behrouz Pashaei LP

Fusions too often prove superficial or homogenize traditional elements into an empty blur. Not so in the new outing from Behrouz Pashaei, who draws deep from the well of his exceptional traditional Iranian musicianship, interweaving it into a new, emotional electroacoustic direction on Encounter.

Hey hackers: Novation’s Launchkey Programmer’s Reference Guide

Novation has built a ton of functionality into Launchkey. But what if you want to create your own integrations for your favorite DAW or custom software? The MK4 Programmer’s Reference Guide is available now.

Arturia KeyLab mk3: premium keyboard controller with aftertouch, display

Arturia’s entry for the keyboard controller season emphasizes “premium.” Think “pro-grade” keybed, aftertouch, and a color display to go with software integration features. Oh, and some wood paneling.

Novation Launchkey MK4 range, hands-on: perfect DAW companions?

Novation’s MK4 Launchkeys keyboard line is here. Available in an array of options, from mini keys to piano keys, they all have one thing in common. Imagine a bite-sized version of some of the favorite control and jamming features of tools like Ableton Push — in a keyboard.

Robert Henke free track downloads – enjoy Monolake, Venice Beach

Robert Henke has been creating a single hard drive with everything he’s ever produced. And you get to enjoy some fruits of those labors, with his new “free track of the month” series. Instead of Mono Lake, California, here’s Monolake at Venice Beach:

From Ancient Greek to Znameny Chant, a world beyond Western notation

If news of Finale’s demise had you pondering what notation is for – and who it’s for – those are the right questions to ask. And yes, there is a world beyond Common Western Notation.

Here’s how to switch from Finale to Dorico – and important advice

Steinberg has shared a quick “switcher” tutorial for Finale users getting started with Dorico. Plus, here’s some general advice for switchers—especially for composers who are now worried they’ll lose access to their work.

Finale music notation software discontinued; devs embrace Dorico

It’s the end of an era in music notation software. 35 years after its introduction as Coda Music Technologies’ Finale, the landmark scoring software is at the end of its life. Developer MakeMusic is offering a steeply discounted crossgrade to Steinberg’s Dorico, and says Dorico represents “the bright future of the music notation industry.”

Free Mintropolis EP Kirn & Meindl this weekend; modular and techno

Florian Meindl and I have been working on new stuff with FLASH Recordings – when we’re not going deep into the gear. And to celebrate our ongoing collab, we have an EP out for free on Bandcamp this weekend only.

ШЩЦ, Kontext labels explore leftfield sounds, expand Ukrainian connections

ШЩЦ, the label born in Kyiv and raised in London, is now touring to Berlin and Prague. It’s a perfect time to visit some of the rich ambient sounds they’ve been exploring. Both labels promise to develop the underappreciated leftfield music of Ukraine and its diaspora, forming tighter collaborations with a growing network of like-minded internationals.