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Music
Utrecht’s Le Guess Who? festival chronicles a broken visa system
Music November 7, 2024
Arash Azadi’s music returns to primordial states of human existence
Music November 6, 2024
TouchDesigner integration with Unreal Engine 5 comes into its own
Working in 3D and immersive visuals is now more than ever about finding the most expressive, efficient integration. Now is a perfect time to check out TouchDesigner’s integration with Unreal Engine, as it’s steadily advanced – including a significant milestone this summer.
1976’s growling CAT synth now in a plug-in, co-created with original designer Carmine Bonanno
It’s got growl, savage bass, an unmistakably aggressive lowpass filter, and unique-sounding cross modulation and oscillator sync. Now the CAT sound is readily accessible to anyone in plug-in form, with input directly from its original designer, Carmine Bonanno. Cherry Audio’s Octave CAT is out now.
AlphaTheta, parent of Pioneer DJ, acquires Serato
2023 acquisition season continues. The latest is the complete acquisition of DJ vendor Serato Audio Research by AlphaTheta; AlphaTheta is best known for the Pioneer DJ brand.
PatchWorld shows power of multiplayer VR music, integrates with Ableton Live
VR music has quietly evolved from fringe experiment to serious, fun musical tool – and it’s done so entirely through one app, PatchWorld. Released publicly last summer, it’s gotten steadily more capable and reliable, including on Meta’s affordable Quest 2 headset and HTC’s VIVE. But most recently, on top of additions like Ableton Live integration, PatchXR has added a true killer app: multiplayer.
Two clever new ALM modules: stereo summing, BOSS-inspired pre + EQ + mixing
ALM / Busy Circuits has two brilliant-looking modules out today. One is a unity gain summing mixer that works with stereo signals. The other is a dual-channel preamp, EQ, and mixer with some 80s and 90s character inspired by the BOSS BX series.
Remembering Odai Masri, Exist founder and selfless Palestinian community leader
One week ago, we were shocked by the sudden death of Odai Masri aka ODDZ. Odai’s work extended from his own musical voice to untiring, fearless leadership for Palestine, Palestinians, and humans around the world. That included not only founding Exist Festival and its fledgling label imprint, but acting as a constant champion for others.
Capulet, 4-engine drum synth plug-in, packs loads of details and personality
Here’s a refreshing new take on software drum synth plug-ins: Capulet takes inspiration from machines like the classic Vermona DRM1 to deliver an instrument that overflows with character. And while there are tons of extras, they’re tucked into a clean, friendly interface for step sequencing and sound design.
Resolume 7.16: more Wire nodes, new handy features, what’s new
Resolume keeps adding to their live visual / VJ / media tools Avenue, Arena, and Wire. Here’s the latest quick rundown:
Back to the future: new genre-pushing Black (and Moroccan) techno not to miss
While there are plenty of folks lamenting the increasing banality and regressiveness of commercial techno, Black artists and labels are quietly reimagining the genre. Just take these recent, massively underrated outings from Black Techno Matters, Black Catalogue, and yes, even under-the-radar new music from a Moroccan artist on the mighty Metroplex Records.