Latest news with #LogicPro
NBC News
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NBC News
An indie band is blowing up on Spotify, but people think its AI
An indie psych rock band has amassed more than 850,000 listeners on Spotify in a matter of weeks and generated buzz throughout the music industry — but nobody is exactly sure if it's real or not. The Velvet Sundown, a band bent on 'Saving Modern Rock,' according to its Instagram account, has even some music industry veterans confused. The images put forward by the band all look like they were created by AI. The music? That's harder to say. Rick Beato, a music producer with more than 5 million subscribers on YouTube identified what he called 'artifacts, particularly in one of the track's guitar and keyboard parts. He said that can indicate a song was created by AI. 'This is having a lot of problems and I suspect that it may be because this is an AI track,' Beato said in a YouTube video, after running one of The Velvet Sundown's songs through Apple's Logic Pro track splitter. 'Every time you have an AI song, they are full of artifacts.' Whether the band is real, fake or something in between, its emergence and the broader debate about it add to a growing concern about the future of art, culture and authenticity in the era of advanced generative artificial intelligence. Many major tech platforms have already seen floods of AI-generated content, while AI influencers are becoming increasingly common on social media platforms. Velvet Sundown appears to have first emerged in June, according to its social media profiles. On Spotify, the band has a 'Verified Artist' badge, offering some sense of authority. On X, The Velvet Sundown teased an upcoming album 'Paper Sun Rebellion,' and nodded to questions about doubts about the band's origins. Aside from the quick rollout of songs, its uncannily plasticine promotional images of band members have prompted accusations of AI use as well. In a video announcing the release of its upcoming album 'Paper Sun Rebellion' later this month, the band pushed back against accusations that they aren't 'real,' stating in one video that 'you believed the lie, and danced to it anyway.' 'They said we're not real,' the account posted. 'Maybe you aren't either.' The band's Spotify bio claims that the group is composed of four people: singer Gabe Farrow, guitarist Lennie West, Milo Rains, 'who crafts the band's textured synth sounds,' and percussionist Orion 'Rio' Del Mar. Farrow also allegedly plays the mellotron, which is an electro-mechanical instrument that plays pre-recorded sounds when its keys are pressed. 'There's something quietly spellbinding about The Velvet Sundown,' their Spotify bio states. 'You don't just listen to them, you drift into them. Their music doesn't shout for your attention; it seeps in slowly, like a scent that suddenly takes you back somewhere you didn't expect.' Questions about the band's origins were further complicated after other social accounts purporting to represent the band began rejecting claims that the band was using AI-generated images or music, as well as a person who spoke to Rolling Stone claiming to be connected to the band who called it an 'art hoax.' That person later admitted in a Substack post that his claim to represent the band was itself a hoax. The Velvet Sundown said that the person quoted in the article is not affiliated with them in 'any way.' 'He does not represent us, speak for us, or have any connection to this project,' The Velvet Sundown said in a statement to NBC News via Instagram. On Thursday, the social media accounts tied to the band's Spotify account posted that 'someone is trying to hijack the identity of The Velvet Sundown by releasing unauthorized interviews, publishing unrelated photos, and creating fake profiles claiming to represent us.' The Velvet Sundown's YouTube publisher Distrokid did not respond to requests for comment. Spotify also did not respond to a request for comment. The band's meteoric rise highlights modern issues around AI, and how difficult it can be to verify what is and is not real on the internet. Last year, Google researchers found that AI image misinformation has surged on the internet since 2023. A Consumer Reports investigation found that leading AI voice cloning programs have no meaningful barriers to stop people from nonconsensually impersonating others. According to the music streaming app Deezer, which uses its own tool to identify AI-generated content, 100 percent of The Velvet Sundown's tracks were created using AI. Deezer labels that content on its site, ensuring that AI generated music does not appear on its recommended playlists and that royalties are maximized for human artists. 'AI generated music and AI bands may generate some value to the user, so we still want to display that,' Alexis Lanternier, the CEO of Deezer, said. 'We just want to make sure that the remuneration is taken in a different way.' Every week, about 18 percent of the tracks being uploaded to Deezer — roughly 180,000 songs — are flagged by the platform's tool as being AI generated. That number has grown threefold in the past two years, Lanternier said. Suno and Udio, both generative AI music creation programs, declined to say whether The Velvet Sundown's music was created using their software. 'I think people are getting too far down the rabbit hole of dissecting, is it AI, is it not AI? And forgetting the important question, which is like, how did it make you feel? How many people liked it?' said Mikey Shulman, CEO and co-founder of Suno. According to Suno's rights and ownership policy, songs made by its users who are subscribed to its higher tier plans are covered by a commercial use license. That allows them to monetize and distribute songs on platforms like Spotify without attributing them to Suno. 'There are Grammy winners who use Suno, you know, every day in their production,' said Shulman. Recently, Grammy Award-winning record producer Timbaland launched an AI artist named TaTa with his new entertainment company, Stage Zero. He told Billboard that TaTa, who created a catalog of AI-generated music through Suno, was neither an 'avatar' nor a 'character.' Suno was one of two AI companies sued last year by major record labels — including Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group — who allege that the companies infringed on the labels' recording copyrights in order to train their music-generating models. About a year into the legal battle, however, the music labels have begun talks to work out a licensing deal so that Suno and Udio could use copyrighted recordings by compensating the artists for their work, according to a Bloomberg report published last month. It's a trend that's become worrisome to artists like Kristian Heironimus, who is a member of the band Velvet Meadow (not to be confused with the now-viral The Velvet Sundown). 'I've been working for like, six years just constantly releasing music, working my day job,' Heironimus said. 'It is kind of disheartening just seeing an AI band, and then in, like, what two weeks, [have] like, 500,000 monthly listeners.' The creep of generative AI into music and other creative industries has incited backlash from those who worry about the devaluation of their human work, as many AI developers have been known to scrape data from the internet without human creators' knowledge or consent. Beyond ethical debates about the consequences of the AI boom on human labor, some online worry about the rise of low-quality AI slop as these tools grow increasingly capable of replicating voices, generating full-length songs and creating visuals from text prompts. Heironimus said there are similarities between his band, Velvet Meadow, and The Velvet Sundown, beyond just the names. One of the members pictured in The Velvet Sundown's Spotify band photo, for example, looks similar to a photo of Heironimus when he used to have long hair, he said. The bands also fall within the same genre, though Heironimus described The Velvet Sundown's tracks as 'soulless.' Shulman, of Suno, said most streaming music is already 'algorithmically driven.' 'People don't realize just how depersonalized music has become, and how little connection the average person has with the artist behind the music,' he said. 'It's a failure of imagination to think that in the future, it can't be a lot better.' But Lanternier, of Deezer, argues that as AI continues to evolve, streaming platforms should also be trying to ensure artists can make enough royalties to survive. 'People are not only interested in the sound. They are interested in the whole story of an artist — in the whole brand of an artist,' Lanternier said. 'We believe that what is right to do is to support the real artist, so that they continue to create music that people love.'
The Hindu
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Career in sound engineering and audio production
In today's fast-evolving media landscape, sound engineering and audio production have become essential in bringing creative visions to life. Whether it is cinema, a live concert or a podcast, professionals in this field play a crucial role. With the increasing demand for high-quality sound, a range of career opportunities awaits those willing to invest in the right skills and education. At its core, sound engineering and audio production involve the art and science of capturing, manipulating, and enhancing sound. They encompass activities such as recording, editing, mixing, mastering, sound design, and live sound. It is not just about managing technical aspects, but also about appreciating the creative potential of audio. Designing soundscapes that enhance a narrative or ensuring that live events deliver an impeccable auditory experience requires both technical expertise and creative flair. Education Aspiring professionals can pursue several educational routes. Certification courses provide a short-term, practical introduction to industry-standard tools and techniques and focus on specific skills, such as operating digital audio workstations (DAWs), basic mixing techniques, and live sound management. Diploma programmes offer a more comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice. Covering topics from acoustics and signal processing to creative sound design, they ensure that students develop a well-rounded skill set. For those wishing to fully immerse themselves, UG and PG degrees offer extensive training, including music theory, media studies, and entrepreneurial management, preparing graduates for diverse roles. Many reputable colleges and specialised institutes in India now provide diploma and degree programmes tailored to industry needs. However, for those seeking exposure to global best practices and cutting-edge techniques, studying abroad is an attractive option. Countries such as the U.K., the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Germany offer well-established programmes that combine advanced technology, extensive studio work, and industry internships. Beyond the classroom While formal education lays a strong foundation, success also depends on several additional skills. A finely tuned ear — the ability to discern subtle differences in sound quality — is essential. Equally important is technical proficiency, with familiarity in software platforms such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or Ableton Live being critical. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and an understanding of acoustics and signal flow further enhance one's capabilities. Moreover, strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively are highly valued, as many projects require coordination with artists, directors, and other technical professionals. Continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies are vital for long-term success. It is important to remember that, regardless of formal education, sound engineering remains a predominantly practical industry. While theoretical knowledge is invaluable, nothing can substitute for the experience gained through hands-on work via internships, live projects, or personal experimentation. Direct engagement with equipment and real-world production challenges refines technical skills and nurtures creativity in ways that classroom learning cannot. This is crucial to develop the intuition and problem-solving abilities necessary to excel. Careers Prospects in sound engineering and audio production are varied and promising. Graduates can pursue roles in recording studios, film production houses, broadcasting networks, and live event venues. Common job titles include recording engineer, mixing engineer, mastering engineer, live sound technician, and sound designer. Many professionals also choose to work as freelance consultants or establish their own studios, combining technical expertise with entrepreneurial ambition. As the media and entertainment sectors continue to evolve, the demand for innovative and skilled sound professionals is set to grow. For those passionate about sound and its transformative power, a career in sound engineering and audio production offers creative fulfilment and professional advancement. By combining education with continuous skill enhancement and practical experience, aspiring professionals can forge rewarding, diverse, and inspiring careers. The writer is the Founder of Bay Owl Studios.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Time of India
Apple just supercharged Logic Pro on Mac and iPad. Here is what is new
Stem Splitter Just Got Smarter Forgot to Hit Record? Logic's Got You Fresh Sounds to Play With iPad Users Get Learn MIDI Smaller, Useful Updates on Mac Apple just dropped a big update for Logic Pro across Mac and iPad, and it's packed with features that actually matter to producers and Splitter now delivers sharper audio separation and can break out guitars and pianos too—not just vocals and drums. You also get preset variations like acapella or instrumental, plus the ability to export only the parts you need. Great for quick remixes or building from demos without the Capture now lets you recover audio and MIDI takes you didn't hit record on. Toggle Cycle mode, jam out, and Logic will auto-save every pass into a take folder. Basically, your best ideas are now way harder to new Dancefloor Rush pack brings 400+ loops and punchy kits built for drum-and-bass. On Mac, you also get Magnetic Imperfections (gritty, analog textures) and Tosin Abasi (progressive metal tones, complete with signature riffs and effects).Logic Pro on iPad now supports Learn MIDI—assign knobs, faders, or buttons to control plug-ins or instruments in real time. It's all drag-and-drop, with visual feedback, so you're not stuck in menus while trying to stay in the now has Writing Tools powered by Apple Intelligence—good for quick lyric rewrites or collaborative edits.A new search/select tool helps find tracks faster in larger Logic Pro 11.2 is out now, free for existing users, or $199.99 for new ones (macOS Sequoia 15.4+).iPad: Logic Pro 2.2 is also out, free update for users, or $4.99/month ($49/year) with a one-month trial (iPadOS 18.4+).Note: Stem Splitter needs an M1 chip or later. Flashback Capture only works during playback. MIDI controllers and audio gear must support iPadOS.
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Business Standard
29-05-2025
- Business Standard
Apple updates Logic Pro for Mac and iPad with more features: What is new
Apple said that new Logic Pro features are available as a free update for existing users of both Mac and iPad versions Logic Pro on Mac and iPad New Delhi Apple has announced several new features coming to Logic Pro for Macs and iPads. With version 11.2 for Macs and 2.2 for iPads, Logic Pro now includes upgrades to the Stem Splitter tool, which can isolate different instrument tracks more accurately. One standout addition is Flashback Capture, which lets users recover MIDI and audio—even if they forgot to press record. Apple has also introduced new sound packs like Dancefloor Rush, Magnetic Imperfections and more. Logic Pro for Mac and iPad: What is new Updated Stem Splitter: Apple said that the Stem Splitter tool now works better with old recordings and demos. It also adds support for separating guitar and piano sounds into different audio tracks (stems). This makes it easier for users to isolate specific instruments or vocals. Apple has also added quick presets to help users create common audio versions like acapella or instrumental tracks. A new 'submix' export option lets users remove certain parts of a song — for example, taking out vocals to make an instrumental version or removing drums and bass for a remix. Flashback Capture: With the new Flashback Capture feature, musicians can recover music performances even if they forgot to hit the record button. Using a simple key command or control bar button, users can restore both MIDI and audio. If the Cycle mode is turned on, Flashback Capture automatically saves each take into a folder. New Sound Packs: Apple is also adding new sound packs for music creators: Dancefloor Rush (Mac and iPad): Over 400 loops and drum kits designed for electronic and drum-and-bass music. Magnetic Imperfections (Mac only): Adds the sound of old-school analog tape with an unpolished, gritty texture. Tosin Abasi (Mac only): Features signature metal guitar tones, amps, effects, and riffs from the progressive metal guitarist. Learn MIDI on iPad: Previously available only on Mac, the Learn MIDI tool now comes to iPad. It allows users to link physical knobs, buttons, and sliders on MIDI devices to control instruments and plug-ins in Logic Pro, offering more hands-on control during music production. Logic Pro for Mac and iPad: Price and availability Logic Pro for Mac (v11.2): Free update for current users. New users can buy it for $199.99 via the Mac App Store. It's also part of the Pro Apps Bundle for Education. Logic Pro for iPad (v2.2): Free update for existing users. New users can get it on the App Store for $4.99 per month or $49 per year, with a one-month free trial. Requirements: Logic Pro for Mac requires macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later Logic Pro for iPad needs iPadOS 18.4 or later
Deccan Herald
29-05-2025
- Deccan Herald
Apple updates Logic Pro for Mac, iPad with new features
New Sound packs comes to Logic Pro app. Credit: Apple Learn MIDI feature comes to Logic Pro app for iPads. Credit: Apple
