Category: Business

  • What Can the Music Industry Learn from the World of e-Sports?

    What Can the Music Industry Learn from the World of e-Sports?

    In a recent episode of the Music Business Worldwide Podcast series, Maria Egan, the Global Head of Music at Riot Games, discusses the fascinating intersection of music and e-Sports. Renowned for popular online games such as League of Legends and Valorant, Riot Games is also making significant strides in TV and movie production, including the award-winning Netflix animated series, Arcane.

    Egan, who joined Riot Games from music-making platform Splice, where she served as Chief Music Officer, offers unique insights into how the gaming industry’s approach to music could potentially inform and shape strategies within the music industry.

    The collaboration between Riot Games and famous artists such as Imagine Dragons and Lil Nas X for official anthems of the League of Legends World Championship underscores the scale of e-Sports and its potential for music among its audience. One notable example of this successful synergy is the virtual group K/DA, created by Riot Games. This innovative musical project has amassed over a billion streams, highlighting the vast potential of blending music with the gaming world.

    A significant point of discussion in the podcast revolves around the importance of the fan experience and fandom strategy in the music industry. Drawing parallels with the gaming industry, the conversation highlights the need for more centralized fan experiences on streaming platforms, acknowledging the complexity of rights in the digital age.

    Moreover, the potential of music creation tools, such as generative AI, is highlighted, pointing towards a possible redefinition of the role of music creators. Such tools could provide more access and autonomy to creators, allowing them to push the boundaries of what’s possible in music.

    In conclusion, the podcast emphasizes that while the music industry and the world of e-Sports might seem vastly different, there are valuable lessons to be learned from their intersection. The blending of music and gaming, fan engagement strategies, and innovative use of technology could all play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the music industry.

  • Busy Beaver Button Co.

    Busy Beaver Button Co.

    The Chicago-based Busy Beaver Button Co. is a creative hub that believes in the importance of expression, sharing ideas, and building community. With a broad catalog of products ranging from custom buttons, magnets, lapel magnets, bottle openers, mirrors, button packs, stickers, die-cut stickers, enamel pins, to special finishes, they have been turning imaginative concepts into shareable items since their inception.

    Their website is easy to navigate, with clear menus for their diverse product offerings, the industries they serve, resources, and about section. They cater to a wide range of industries including band merchandise, bars & restaurants, breweries, campaigns, colleges, gamers, healthcare, LGBTQ, libraries, museums, nonprofits, podcasts, retailers, subscription boxes, and wholesale distributors.

    The company champions eco-friendly manufacturing. They offer hemp paper buttons and are committed to green manufacturing practices, reflecting their consciousness towards environmental sustainability. The video below has a section about their recent move into a new space and underscores this attitude.

    Busy Beaver also operates the Button Museum, preserving the history and showcasing the design of buttons throughout the years. This initiative underscores their love for buttons and their commitment to the community.

  • Kilby Court: Celebrating 25 Years as Salt Lake City’s Longest-Running All-Ages Venue

    Kilby Court: Celebrating 25 Years as Salt Lake City’s Longest-Running All-Ages Venue

    This year, Salt Lake City’s beloved all-ages venue, Kilby Court, celebrates a significant milestone – its 25th anniversary. Since its inception, Kilby Court has played a pivotal role in the city’s vibrant music scene, providing a platform for both local and touring artists.

    Conveniently located in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kilby Court has been a cultural hub for music lovers across generations. Its commitment to being an all-ages venue has made it a unique fixture in the city, allowing music fans of all ages to discover and enjoy live performances in an intimate setting.

    Over the past quarter-century, Kilby Court has welcomed a diverse range of performers, from emerging local bands to established national acts. Its cozy atmosphere and excellent acoustics have made it a favorite among artists and concertgoers alike. It has also been instrumental in fostering a sense of community among music enthusiasts in Salt Lake City.

    As Kilby Court commemorates its 25-year anniversary, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of live music and the importance of inclusive spaces that welcome all music fans. Despite the challenges presented by the digital age and the aftermath of the pandemic, Kilby Court has remained committed to its mission and continues to be a vital part of Salt Lake City’s cultural landscape.

    For more information about upcoming shows or to learn more about Kilby Court’s history, visit their website Kilby Court.

  • Bandcamp Download Codes Explained

    Bandcamp Download Codes Explained

    Bandcamp is a popular platform for musicians to share and sell their work. If you’ve created an album and want to download a CSV file of the download codes, follow these simple steps:

    1. Log in to your Bandcamp account: Navigate to the Bandcamp website and log into your account using your credentials.
    2. Go to your artist or label tools: Once logged in, click on the profile icon in the upper right corner of the page. Choose “artist tools” or “label tools” from the drop-down menu, depending on your account type.
    3. Access your album settings: In your tools dashboard, find the album for which you want to download the download codes. Click on the album title to access its settings.
    4. Navigate to the ‘Download Codes’ section: Scroll down until you see the ‘Download Codes’ section. This is where you generate and manage your download codes.
    5. Generate Download Codes: If you haven’t already, create some download codes for your album. Click on ‘generate more codes’, enter the number of codes you want to create, and click ‘generate’.
    6. Download the CSV file: After generating the codes, you’ll see a link that says ‘download codes (.csv)’. Click on this link to download a CSV file containing all the generated codes for that album. The CSV file will automatically be saved to your computer’s default download location.

    And there you have it! You now have a CSV file with all the download codes for your album. This can be particularly useful when you want to distribute these codes through other platforms, like DLCM, for better management and tracking.

    Remember, each download code can only be used once, so ensure they are distributed carefully. Happy sharing!

  • DLCM: Manage Download Codes For Bandcamp Artists and Labels

    DLCM: Manage Download Codes For Bandcamp Artists and Labels

    As an artist or label, managing download codes can be a daunting task. It often involves sending out long, random lists of codes to fans and manually keeping track of who has used which code. But what if there was a solution that could take care of all this for you? Enter DLCM, a revolutionary tool that is transforming the way Bandcamp artists and labels manage their download codes.

    DLCM is an innovative platform that offers a streamlined process for managing Bandcamp (and other) download codes. It eliminates the tedious task of sending out random lists of codes by allowing fans to generate their unique codes. This not only ensures the validity of the code but also saves artists and labels the headache of record-keeping.

    Sign-up on DLCM is straightforward and provides users with two account types to choose from – free and pro. The free account is perfect for emerging artists or labels with a smaller catalogue. It allows users to upload two releases with unlimited codes and artwork.

    For more established artists or labels with a larger catalogue, DLCM offers a pro account. This premium service comes packed with features designed to meet the diverse needs of its users. With a pro account, users have the liberty to upload unlimited releases and display other services where their music can be found. In addition, it offers privacy settings to set releases as inactive or password-protect pages, and even the ability to upload Bandcamp .CSV files for a more streamlined code upload process.

    In a nutshell, DLCM is a groundbreaking platform that is making the lives of Bandcamp artists and labels easier. By providing an easy, efficient, and effective solution for managing download codes, DLCM is quickly becoming an indispensable tool in the music industry.

    DLCM: About

  • Grindhard Radio

    Grindhard Radio

    GrindHard Radio (GHR) is a dynamic platform that brings the best of Hip-Hop culture, news, and music right at your fingertips. Hosted by a stellar panel that includes Jit Chronicles, Cata’ Mafioso, Mz. Chief, Razor, JR Stunna, Cobra Immortal, Dopeazzmuzik, and DJ Sgt Rock, GHR is more than just a radio show – it’s a vibrant community for Hip-Hop enthusiasts.

    The hosts bring to the table a diverse range of perspectives, making each episode a unique experience. Jit Chronicles, with his insightful commentary, Cata’ Mafioso’s vast knowledge of the underground scene, Mz. Chief’s passion for R&B, Razor’s deep understanding of rap, JR Stunna’s energetic delivery, Cobra Immortal’s seasoned perspective, Dopeazzmuzik’s dedication to showcasing new talent, and DJ Sgt Rock’s impeccable taste in music – all combine to create an engaging and immersive listening experience.

    One of the standout features of GHR is its commitment to promoting Independent/Underground Music. The show provides a much-needed platform for emerging artists in Hip-Hop, Rap, and R&B, helping them reach a wider audience. It’s not uncommon to discover your next favorite artist through their broadcasts.

    In addition to music, GHR also keeps you updated on the latest Hip-Hop and Celebrity News. From album releases to concert updates, from celebrity gossip to cultural shifts in the Hip-Hop world – the hosts ensure you stay informed.

    GHR’s interactive format encourages listeners to be part of the conversation. By calling in at 323-693-3043 and pressing “1”, listeners can stream LIVE with the panel of hosts. This feature not only brings a sense of immediacy to the show but also fosters a strong sense of community among listeners.

    In conclusion, GrindHard Radio is Reality Radio at its best. It’s a celebration of Hip-Hop culture, a platform for independent music, and a community for fans. Whether you’re a Hip-Hop aficionado or an emerging artist looking to break into the scene, GHR has something for you. Tune in, call up, and become part of the GrindHard family. #GHR #RealityRadio

  • Roland Gaia 2

    Roland Gaia 2

    The Roland Gaia 2 is an advanced synthesizer recently announced by Roland on September 28, 2023. It features a newly developed hybrid sound engine, combining wavetable and virtual analog engines for a rich and rewarding playing experience.

    Equipped with 37 full-size keys, the Gaia 2 offers deep travel, balanced weight, and a graceful feel. This synthesizer is compact and polyphonic, capable of producing 22 voices. Its easy workflow allows for quick results, making it a versatile tool for musicians.

    One of the unique features of the Gaia 2 is its compatibility with Roland’s Model Expansions. This allows musicians to load the synthesizer with various instruments. Described as a “sandbox of synthesis,” the Gaia 2 can shape and mold any sonic structure you can imagine.

    Reviews for the Gaia 2 have been largely positive. Music Radar gave it a 4.5 rating, while Sonic State provided a glowing review. The synthesizer has also been well-received in the music community, being used by a number of well-known musicians.

    In summary, the Roland Gaia 2 synthesizer is a modern, versatile instrument that combines wavetable and virtual analog engines to offer musicians a wide range of sound possibilities.

    Links

    Roland Global Synthtopia Music Tech Gear News Music Radar Sweetwater Reddit