Music Software Tech
1996 peak Microsoft chillwave: if you heard it at all, you only heard it once
Move over, Brian Eno. “Velkommen” by Stan LePard is 90s Microsoft chillwave at its best. But like catching a fleeting glimpse of Brigadoon, for many years this song was heard over Microsoft installations and then lost to time–until passionate fans archived it for the ages. Even if that happened before you were born, you owe it to yourself to experience the supreme calm that only this track can bring.
Read more
The best Microsoft Songsmith mash-ups, from an age before generative AI
Wait – maybe that’s the worst mash-ups. They’re so bad they’re good, though. Microsoft Research Songsmith, a 2009 automatic accompaniment software that worked with monophonic vocal input, was best known for its viral, cringeworthy promo video. But long before generative AI came on the scene, Songsmith also gave us these. Queen – I’m sorry. Rewind/flashback time…
Peter Kirn - May 30, 2025
Music Music tech Software Tech
Read this story of how the original Xbox startup sound was created
20 years ago next month, Microsoft’s Xbox console debuted – and there’s a story behind how it got its unique boot sound sequence. Call it this century’s first chip music composition / sonic branding feat.
Peter Kirn - October 20, 2021
Gaming Gear Music tech Tech
The vaporwave Windows 98 startup sound remix no one asked for
Peter Kirn - June 27, 2018
DIY + Unusual Music Music tech
Cakewalk SONAR DAW for Windows is back – and it’s now free
Peter Kirn - April 4, 2018
Music tech Software Tech
Apple announces that they’re not ready to announce new pro hardware
Peter Kirn - April 5, 2017
Motion Music tech
CDM Newswire
brings together the latest breaking news on music, technology, gear, and live visuals. Got a project, found a news tip, or want to share your product? Submit to us directly.