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John Lennon’s “I’m the Greatest” Featuring George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and Klaus Voormann Available Now to Stream for First Time as Part of Mind Games (The Ultimate Mixes)

In 1973, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr reunited in the studio for the first time since the breakup of The Beatles in 1970 to record the song “I’m The Greatest” for Ringo’s eponymous solo album released that year. Recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles in March 1973, John, George and Ringo were joined by long time Beatles’ associates Klaus Voormann on bass and Billy Preston on organ, with producer Richard Perry at the helm. This would be the only time the three former Beatles recorded together between the band’s breakup and John’s death in 1980.

“I’m The Greatest” was written by John in 1970 shortly after the world’s most famous band broke up and was inspired both by Muhammed Ali’s famous catchphrase and watching the first UK television broadcast of “A Hard Day’s Night.” John then tailored the wry lyrics for Ringo to sing several years later. “I couldn’t sing it,” John told Playboy in 1980. “But it was perfect for Ringo. He could say, ‘I’m the greatest’ and people wouldn’t get upset. Whereas if I said ‘I’m the greatest,’ they’d all take it so seriously.” Ringo commented, “It’s very tongue in cheek. Only [John] could have written it and only I could have sung it.”

Available now to stream for the first time ever is “I’m The Greatest” (Ultimate Mix) with John’s guide vocal from the original session as the lead vocal. The song has been newly mixed from the original tapes by triple Grammy Award-winning mixer Paul Hicks and engineer Sam Gannon and overseen by producer Sean Ono Lennon.

“I’m The Greatest” is one of two bonus tracks, alongside “Rock ‘N’ Roll People,” included on the digital-only release of the new Mind Games (Ultimate Mixes). Both songs are included as hidden tracks on the acclaimed new box, Mind Games – The Ultimate Collection, the definitive deep dive into John’s oft-overlooked and underappreciated 1973 album. Also available today digitally is Mind Games (The Elemental Mixes) with the addition of the unreleased track, “You Are Here” (Out-take, take 4). The Elemental Mixes present the songs as stripped back simpler, lean-back arrangements with John’s voice to the fore, and without drums.

Stream Mind Games (Ultimate Mixes), featuring “I’m The Greatest” and “Rock ‘N’ Roll People,” here: https://johnlennon.lnk.to/TumPR

Stream Mind Games (The Elemental Mixes), featuring “You Are Here” (Out-take, take 4) here: https://johnlennon.lnk.to/TEM

Mind Games – The Ultimate Collection offers six different unique listening experiences that are at once immersive and intimate, ranging from the brand new Ultimate Mixes of the timeless album, which put John’s vocals front and center and sonically upgrade the sound, to the Elements Mixes, which isolate and bring forth certain instruments from the multitrack recordings to highlight playing previously buried in the original mix, and the Raw Studio Mixes, which allows listeners to hear the recording that John and The Plastic U.F.Ono Band laid to tape, mixed raw and live without vocals effects, tape delays or reverbs.

Additional bonus tracks hidden throughout the Mind Games – The Ultimate Collection box set will be released digitally every two weeks leading up to what would have been John Lennon’s 84th birthday on October 9.

MIND GAMES (THE ULTIMATE MIXES)
1. Mind Games
2. Tight A$
3. Aisumasen (I’m Sorry)
4. One Day (At A Time)
5. Bring On The Lucie (Freeda Peeple)
6. Nutopian International Anthem
7. Intuition
8. Out The Blue
9. Only People
10. I Know (I Know)
11. You Are Here
12. Meat City
13. I’m The Greatest
14. Rock ‘N’ Roll People

 

Billie Eilish Joins Charli XCX for “Guess”

Billie Eilish teams up with long-time friend Charli xcx for “Guess featuring Billie Eilish.” Listen HERE.

The iconic duo both appear in the official music video, also out today, directed by Aidan Zamiri.

All bras and underwear used in the music video have been donated to “I Support The Girls.” ISTG collects and distributes essential items, including bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products, allowing people experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, or distress to stand tall with dignity. isupportthegirls.org

“Guess featuring Billie Eilish” follows the release of two of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2024; Billie EIlish’s third studio album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT and Charli xcx’s sixth studio album BRAT.

On September 29, Billie Eilish will embark on her North American HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR. Her U.K., European, and Australian leg of the tour starts in 2025. For more information go to: www.billieeilish.com

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR – NORTH AMERICAN DATES

Sun Sep 29 – Québec, QC – Centre Videotron
Tue Oct 01 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Wed Oct 02 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Fri Oct 04 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
Sat Oct 05 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
Mon Oct 07 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Wed Oct 09 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
Fri Oct 11 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Sun Oct 13 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
Wed Oct 16 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Thu Oct 17 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Fri Oct 18 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
Sat Nov 02 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Sun Nov 03 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Wed Nov 06 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Fri Nov 08 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center
Sun Nov 10 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Mon Nov 11 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Wed Nov 13 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Thu Nov 14 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sat Nov 16 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
Sun Nov 17 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center Omaha
Tue Nov 19 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Wed Nov 20 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Tue Dec 03 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
Thu Dec 05 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Fri Dec 06 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Sun Dec 08 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
Tue Dec 10 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose
Wed Dec 11 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose
Fri Dec 13 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena
Sun Dec 15 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
Mon Dec 16 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
Tue Dec 17 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum

Shawn Mendes Announces Intimate Theater Shows Performing Upcoming Album “Shawn”

Today, multi-platinum, GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes announced a limited run of intimate shows in cities where he recorded his new album. The announcement follows Shawn’s exciting news from yesterday that his new self-titled album, Shawn, will be released on October 18. Pre-order it here. During these shows, Shawn will perform the forthcoming album live in its entirety for fans in an intimate theater setting in locations including Woodstock, NY., London, Nashville, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Watch a trailer for the shows here.

About the shows, Shawn wrote on Instagram, “For my friends and family 🤍 wanted the first shows back to be special & to play this album for you live in the places we recorded it. I’ve never played an album top to bottom before but it’s already one of my favourite shows i’ve ever rehearsed. I love you guys, the band and I can’t wait to see you!”

A limited number of randomly selected fans will be given the chance to purchase tickets by signing up during the designated registration window for each show. UK fans can receive a code by pre-ordering the new album on the Shawn’s UK webstore by Monday, August 5th at 10am BST. To sign up and see full registration information for all shows, click here. The Bearsville show will go on sale Friday, August 2nd for fans that register via the ticket request system powered by Seated. For all other shows, fans who receive presale codes can purchase tickets on Tuesday, August 6th at 10am local time during the “Friends & Family Fan Onsale.” For London only, there will be a small public on sale allotment that will go on sale to fans on Tuesday, August 6th at 2pm local time.

The new album is Shawn’s fifth studio release and draws deeply from his travels and experiences over the last few years, following the cancellation of his 2022 tour. It represents his most musically intimate and lyrically honest work to date, guiding listeners through a profound self-dialogue with each song. Written and recorded over the course of two years, the project was crafted in diverse locations including Nosara, Costa Rica; Clubhouse Studio in Rhinebeck, NY; Bear Creek Studio in Washington State; Darkhorse Recordings in Nashville; and Electric Lady in New York City.

The album was written & co-produced by Mendes, alongside collaborators Scott Harris, Mike Sabath (Raye’s “My 21st Century Blues”), Nate Mercereau (Andre 3000 “New Blue Sun”), and Eddie Benjamin, with additional songs co-written by GRAMMY award winning writer Amy Allen and Ethan Gruska (Bon Iver and Phoebe Bridgers). The record also features instrumentation from the Punch Brothers’ Chris Thile.

The album’s lead single, “Why Why Why,” alongside “Isn’t That Enough,” will both be released on August 8. Alongside the album announcement, Shawn released a video for “Isn’t That Enough” as an album trailer and can be seen here.

GRAMMY-nominated & multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes was born in Toronto, ON and has released 4 acclaimed studio albums, with his 5th studio album Shawn due out in the Fall of 2024. His most recent album Wonder debuted as #1 on the Billboard 200 Chart and in multiple worldwide markets, marking Shawn’s fourth straight #1 album. In 2019 Shawn was nominated for a GRAMMY for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” for “Señorita,” his hit single with Camila Cabello.

In 2018 he released his self-titled platinum album, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Chart as well as multiple worldwide markets. The album became one of the top best-selling album debuts of 2018 and made Shawn the third youngest solo artist to ever have three consecutive #1 albums. Shawn was also nominated in two categories for the 61st annual GRAMMY® Awards for his tracks from the album, including “Song of the Year” for “In My Blood” and “Best Pop Vocal Album” for SHAWN MENDES. The same year Shawn debuted his 3x platinum single, “If I Can’t Have You,” at #1 on iTunes and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. With “Señorita” at #1 and “If I Can’t Have You” at #2, Shawn is the first male solo artist ever to simultaneously hold the #1 and #2 place on the Top 40 chart. On his last world tour, he sold out his first ever stadium show in minutes at Rogers Centre in his hometown of Toronto.

In April 2017, Shawn released his 6x platinum hit “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back.” The track scored Shawn his second #1 single at Top 40 radio and on Billboard’s Pop Songs chart, joining his 8x platinum single “Stitches.” Shawn has over 62 billion global streams and 13 billion video views. He topped Billboard’s “21 Under 21” in 2017 and 2018 and has been featured on Forbes “30 Under 30,” Spotify’s “25 Under 25,” and Time Magazine’s “Time 100 Most Influential”. In 2018, ROI Influencer Media recognized Shawn as the #1 Most Influential Artist and #1 Most Influential Teen across all social media platforms.

In 2019 Shawn launched The Shawn Mendes Foundation, which seeks to inspire Shawn’s audience, the youth generation of today—to learn about those causes that they are passionate about and help empower them to use the voice they have to bring change to the world by taking action & giving back. As part of its ongoing mission, the Foundation provides resources and support to amplify the voices, messages, and platforms of young leaders driving positive change.

Shawn Mendes Performing “Shawn” the Album Live
August 8th – Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theater
August 13th – London, UK – Theatre Royal Drury Lane
October 14th – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
October 18th – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
October 22nd – Los Angeles, CA – The Ford
October 24 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre

Singer-Songwriter Sheena Legrand Releases Anthemic New Single “Heroes in the Making”

After devoting her musical journey to process and express her own personal life and revelations, Canadian contemporary songstress Sheena Legrand proves on her newest release that she can flawlessly push the boundaries of her own artistry. Her latest single, “Heroes in the Making,” is an inspiring pop anthem that explores the innocence and resilience of becoming the hero in your own story.

Along with producer Bryan Livaudais, Legrand wanted to write a hero-themed song. After overcoming her own initial hesitation, the singer-songwriter decided she wanted to write a song about a hero inspired by classic contemporary artists like Mariah Carey and Enrique Iglesias – despite how cheesy she thought they could often be.

“I hear these songs differently now since my dad passed away last year,” she says of the single. “‘Heroes in the Making’ is dedicated to him and all the souls out there who leave big shoes for their children to fill. Not because they were perfect or invincible, but because they set an example worth striving for.”

Serving as a heartfelt soundtrack to the relationship with her late father, Legrand says “Hero in the Making” is ultimately inspired by her father rising up to the role of being a great dad and supporting both his wife and children over the years.

She adds, “And just as children play and use their imaginations, I think of a world where everyone seeking to grow into their highest calling can see themselves as the hero in their own story. That this wild possibility brings out the best in each of us no matter the hardships we’ve lived through, and maybe even because of those hardships. That we somehow see the best in others, even when we’re lost or hurting. The more I live to hear the stories of others around me, the more my belief is strengthened. That’s what ‘Heroes in the Making’ is all about.”

The track initially began to come to life after Legrand enrolled herself in a songwriting course with Catch the Moon Music. As songwriters received monthly assignments and were instructed to collaborate with as many artists as possible, Legrand soon became curious of what might come out of her artistry if she collaborated with many different people. Soon, her collaboration with Livaudais was born, and the songwriting that followed was nearly effortless.

“It’s interesting that Bryan and I were never in the same room!” Legrand says. “We just emailed ideas and tracks back and forth and met over Zoom a couple times. I found it was a really easy co-write because he just seemed to get the concept right from the beginning. It was like he could read my mind, and everything just flowed. I think you can hear that in this track.”

Within the track, listeners will find a deeply emotional message supported by a reassuring contemporary pop musicality. As she balances delicacy and playfulness, strength and vulnerability, excitement and peace, Legrand’s musicality will undoubtedly move both the body and the mind.

Formerly known as Sheena Grobb until the release of her previous single “Green Light,” Sheena Legrand is a Winnipeg-based, Manitoba-born multi-instrumentalist, indie-folk/pop songwriter, and West Canadian Music Awards nominee. As she tackles her music career head on, Legrand also balances this with her side work as a public speaker who uses music, storytelling, and mindfulness to help schoolchildren who deal with mental health struggles, bullying, or low self-esteem. Additionally, she is also a part-time health coach who specializes in helping patients to survive autoimmune disease – something she has struggled with herself.

With the release of her two recent singles, Legrand is returning from a 10-year recording hiatus to serve as an empowering feminist icon within the Canadian music world. Within this new era of her artistry, Legrand is setting out to release Back To Life, her first full-length studio album since her three albums under the moniker Sheena Grobb. As she looks within and takes on an advocating role within her work, Legrand says this will be reflected on the upcoming album.

“I’m excited to share the full concept of Back To Life, and how it relates to the classic hero’s journey. More to come!”

Roots Musician John Dawson Speaks To Life’s Big Picture With “Things That I Meant To Say” From ‘Outlier’ Album

One of life’s bigger events is the birth of a child and the dichotomy that comes for parents. On one hand there’s the joy of seeing a little bundle of joy while on the other there is the fear and stress of how to look after and care for that same little bundle of joy. For John Dawson, his latest single “Things That I Meant To Say” serves as a credo to tell his child of the wholehearted love and support they’ll have regardless of what unexpected twists, turns or hurdles life has in store.

“The song essentially serves as a list of things I wanted to make sure my child knew no matter what challenges life presented to our relationship,” Dawson says. “It is also the picture of the ideal parent I hope to be as I moved into this new adventure: an example of unconditional and unwavering love ‘until my days are done.’ Above all, I believe it’s a song that serves as a reminder to me during those inevitably challenging times of that one thing which truly matters above all else: love.”

“Things That I Meant To Say” is lyrically economical as Dawson says so much in so few words, getting to the heart of the matter with an approach that recalls the late JJ Cale, Mark Knopfler or the underappreciated singer-songwriter Tim Easton. Dawson’s guitar work is accompanied by Anthony D’Angela on drums and percussion while bassist Manny DeGrandis rounds out the pristine piece of words melded with music. And the thoughtful middle instrumental section is just the icing on this enjoyable sonic cake.

Rest assured, for all it gives you,
The world can take as much.
But rest assured that it can’t take from you
What’s given you in love.

Though my love for you is yours, and yours alone
Remember: love freely shown is freely grown.

The single easily falls alongside such parent-child narratives such as Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s In The Cradle” and John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy),” intent on making each moment count, not waiting for the right or perfect time for a parent to express their love to their child.

“Things That I Meant To Say” is the latest single from Dawson’s new studio album Outlier. The nine-track effort, produced by Adam Brunner, features Dawson with D’Angela and DeGrandis on songs including the reflective, folksy “Life Just Came To Me” that brings to mind Ron Sexsmith at his finest. Meanwhile “Mend In My Ways” shows a simplicity few singer-songwriters can lay claim while the jazzy, roots instrumental “Merry and Pippin” shows another side of Dawson’s musical depth.

Dawson, who besides his music also co-hosts a weekly professional wrestling radio program called Ringside Heat, cites inspirations such as Eric Clapton, the late George Harrison, Paul Simon and Knopfler for crafting and shaping his musical career. He’s also a graduate of the Humber College Music program and graduated from York University with degrees in both Education and Music.

Now with his tender, straightforward new single “Things That I Meant To Say” and a studio album it’s clear John Dawson’s music is an outlier in the best way possible.

Folk Singer-Songwriter Erika Kulnys Courageously Speaks Out Against Domestic Violence On “Black Swan”

Singer-songwriter Erika Kulnys’ new single “Black Swan” is aching and melancholy, with introspective guitar and deeply heartfelt vocals that go beyond typical grief or sadness.

The song was written after an abusive relationship, one in which Kulnys suffered physical and emotional abuse. “It’s about reckoning with despair and finding the dawn after the long night,” she says.

The song was written and recorded over the course of not only a metaphorical journey, but an actual one. Kulnys began writing “Black Swan” at the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, and then finished it after finally leaving the relationship while traveling in the north of Ireland. She then recorded it in Habana Cuba at EGREM studios and Silvio Rodriguez’s Ojalá studio. The second guitar part is by Manuel Alejandro Vaillant, who she met while living in Cuba.

The song touches on the larger theme of her album Stand Together. Stand Together is about empowerment and solidarity, and Erika hopes this song raises awareness about same sex abuse, a subject that’s still taboo and remains largely untouched by the media. There are still significant barriers to lesbians seeking help. Lesbians often do not report abuse to police for fear of prejudice, and in many places, the law fails to protect same sex partners. Police often assume the abuse is mutual and are more likely to arrest both members of the couple. Women’s shelters and organisations may not be open to serving lesbians.

“Black Swan” captures a very harrowing point in Erika’s life, and the healing continues. “The abuse, and leaving, was incredibly hard,” she says. “I haven’t been the same since, but I have learned a lot about discernment, boundaries, and I am more prudent in giving my trust and my heart.” She adds, “May all people be respected and may women and trans people find the strength to leave abusive situations and develop good self-esteem and self-respect.”

How To Turn Spotify Streams Into Followers

Turning Spotify streams into followers requires a strategic approach to engage listeners and encourage them to become part of your growing fanbase. Here are some effective strategies to help you achieve this:

1. Optimize Your Spotify Profile

  • Profile Picture & Bio: Ensure that your Spotify profile picture is professional and eye-catching. Write a compelling bio that tells your story and includes a call-to-action encouraging people to follow you.
  • Social Media Links: Include links to your social media profiles and website in your Spotify profile so that listeners can connect with you elsewhere.

2. Use Spotify for Artists

  • Artist Pick: Use the Artist Pick feature to highlight a specific song, album, or playlist. This can direct listeners’ attention to your latest release or a song you want to promote.
  • Custom Canvas Videos: Add engaging Canvas videos to your tracks. These 8-second looping visuals can make your music more memorable and shareable.

3. Engage with Playlists

  • Submit to Playlists: Submit your songs to Spotify playlists that align with your genre. Focus on both official Spotify playlists and independent ones.
  • Create Your Own Playlists: Curate playlists featuring your music alongside other artists you admire. Promote these playlists on your social media to increase your reach.

4. Leverage Social Media and Content

  • Cross-Promotion: Use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to promote your Spotify tracks. Encourage your followers on these platforms to follow you on Spotify as well.
  • Share Behind-the-Scenes Content: Post videos, stories, and photos that give fans a behind-the-scenes look at your music-making process. Personal connections often lead to more followers.
  • Host Contests and Giveaways: Run contests where the entry requirement is to follow you on Spotify. This can incentivize streams and increase follower count.

5. Collaborate with Other Artists

  • Features and Collaborations: Work with other artists in your genre. When you collaborate, you expose each other’s audiences to your music.
  • Remix Projects: Create remixes of popular songs or collaborate with remix artists to tap into different audiences.

6. Encourage Playlist Followers

  • Highlight Playlists: Share playlists that feature your music and encourage listeners to follow those playlists.
  • Engage with Playlist Curators: Reach out and build relationships with playlist curators to feature your music regularly.

7. Utilize Spotify’s Marketing Tools

  • Spotify Ad Studio: Use Spotify’s Ad Studio to create audio ads promoting your music and encouraging listeners to follow you.
  • Spotify Codes: Create and share Spotify Codes that direct people to your music or profile. They can be scanned directly in the Spotify app.

8. Perform Live and Host Events

  • Virtual Concerts: Perform live sessions on social media platforms and encourage viewers to follow you on Spotify for exclusive content and updates.
  • In-Person Events: Host events or concerts and promote your Spotify account during these performances.

9. Engage Your Current Followers

  • Release Regular Content: Consistently release new music to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
  • Interact with Fans: Respond to comments and messages, and engage with fans who share your music.

10. Monitor Analytics and Adapt

  • Use Spotify Analytics: Keep an eye on your Spotify for Artists dashboard to understand listener trends and adapt your strategies accordingly.
  • Track Conversion Rates: Monitor how many streams convert into followers, and tweak your approach to improve these rates.

11. Offer Exclusive Content

  • Exclusive Releases: Offer exclusive tracks or early releases to your followers on Spotify.
  • Fan Clubs: Consider creating a fan club with perks that include special access to music and content for Spotify followers.

12. Collaborate with Influencers

  • Influencer Marketing: Partner with influencers who can help promote your music to their audiences, leading to potential new followers on Spotify.

By consistently applying these strategies and building authentic connections with your audience, you can effectively turn Spotify streams into followers, ultimately growing your fanbase and enhancing your music career.

Music in Video Gaming: An Outlook to 2024

By Mitch Rice

The Changing Landscape of Video Game Music

It is 2024, and the game has changed from its conventions! Video games are morphing fast from just cool graphics and captivating storylines. They will be the new-age concert halls that bring in a new way music will be felt right at the core. We are not talking about background scores here; interactive concerts and exclusive song releases throb your gaming headset with energy! Music always has an emotional power, which has to be influential through video games. It makes gameplay more exciting and enables players to experience the game more deeply.

 In 2024, music takes a leading role in helping with the narrative depth of games. Game developers are strategically embedding soundtracks into their storylines for maximum effect. This evolution mirrors the broader changes in music culture, including the rise of electronic dance music from subculture to mainstream, influencing various entertainment forms, including gaming.

For example, an epic orchestral score may surround the revelation of a major twist or be the backdrop to some frantic action. In contrast, a sad piano piece would be much more suited to moments of loss or reflection.

Adaptive Music in Certain Titles

These dynamic audio technologies, including adaptive music, have taken great strides. Adaptive music changes on the fly as one takes some action or decides to respond to the environment being presented. Examples of Adaptive Music Implementation:

The Last of Us Part II: This game title uses adaptive music for emotional moments; the score changes depending on the player’s interactions, thus providing an enhanced narrative experience.

Red Dead Redemption 2: Dynamic music changes with the player’s actions, whether combat or exploration of the large open world.

Ghost of Tsushima has an adaptive score. It modulates the player’s journey and changes intensity based on the action and emotional stakes.

Financial Aspects of Music Gaming

Participation in the music gaming world both raises financial barriers and creates opportunities. The high costs of development, licensing popular tracks, and distribution can form significant obstacles for developers.

For example, licensing a hit song can vary from $10,000 to over $100,000 for an artist, depending on usage rights. Yet the potential payoff comes from various fronts: actual sales or downloads of games and revenue through subscription models such as “Guitar Hero Live” or even advertising revenues generated through free-to-play versions supported by microtransactions. Games like “Just Dance 2024” benefit from the freemium model, whereby the core game is free, but features are charged for. An emerging monetization opportunity is the eSports industry, which attracts large online viewers even at amateur levels and can be converted into advertising revenues. This trend of diversified revenue streams is also seen in online gaming platforms like platincasino.es, which offers a range of casino games and betting options, catering to a growing market of online entertainment seekers.

Emerging Trends: Blockchain and NFTs

Blockchain Technology: This will revolutionize all copyright-related issues in the music industry. Smart contracts over a blockchain system such as Ethereum would mean that the distribution of royalties for all creators would be open, and everybody could equally distribute them.

NFTs: The trend is that some of these limited-edition game soundtracks are being tokenized as non-fungible tokens, opening up new revenue streams for composers and giving fans ownership of these digital assets. Take “Axie Infinity,” which experimented with NFTs that let players own unique assets within the game, such as music tracks.

In general, what remains genre-fluid for video game soundtracks will be the most reoccurring trend for 2024. Entire scores are new sub-genres exclusive to the video game industry, fusing multiple styles into one to create something never done before that would fit with the gameplay.

Well then, in the dark of the interstellar space of games and music, we arrive with an ever bigger role these days for artificial intelligence (AI). Advances in AI have also opened up new routes for musical expression in video game environments, where soundtracks can now react according to the player’s behaviors. All these live-performance technologies are breathing new life into game soundtracks, with virtual concerts gaining momentum. A good example is what Fortnite did by hosting a concert with Travis Scott that 27 million unique players joined; it showed how games can up the gameplay level but also provide artists with some of the most untraditional stages in making accessible a global audience.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

New Study Finds Pet Acoustics Music Reduces Canine Stress in Kennels Better Than Classical Music or Silence

 Pet Acoustics, the pioneering force in animal-specific auditory products, proudly announces a proven discovery in the realm of pet care. A comprehensive biometric study has unequivocally shown that Pet Acoustics music reduces stress levels in dogs more effectively than classical music and no music, revolutionizing how we care for our canine companions in kennels and beyond.

UNPRECEDENTED FINDINGS:

  1. STRESS REDUCTION: Dogs exposed to Pet Acoustics music had less stress behaviors measured by the PetPace™ Smart Collar. The PetPace biometric collar worn by 12 dogs showed a higher heart rate variability (HRV), lowered pulse rates and calmer activity levels showcasing the profound impact of the Pet Acoustics tailored auditory experience. The study was collaborated with the Co-Founder of PetPace, Dr. Asaf Dagan.
  2. OUTPERFORMS CLASSICAL MUSIC: While classical music has been praised for its soothing effects, Pet Acoustics music, meticulously crafted for canine ears, outperformed classical compositions in reducing stress indicators, setting a new standard in pet care.
  3. IMPACT OF NO MUSIC: Dogs in the no-music group exhibited heightened anxiety and stress, with higher pulse rates, and more frequent stress-related behaviors, highlighting the necessity of auditory intervention for canine well-being.

COMPREHENSIVE STUDY METHODOLOGY:

This six-week groundbreaking study canines were recruited from Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD, Torrington, CT, US), an Assistance Dog International (ADI) accredited service dog organization. Lu and Dale Picard, Founders of ECAD, reviewed the study for animal welfare and safety considerations and based on the non-invasive biometric monitoring parameters and non-invasive music/ sound interventions agreed to have 12 service dogs in training participate in the study.

Janet Marlow, CEO and Founder of Pet Acoustics, states, “This is a monumental validation of our mission to enhance animal lives through scientifically-backed music. These findings, published and peer reviewed in the International Animal Health Journal highlight the critical importance of tailored auditory solutions for pets, and we are thrilled to lead this transformative movement.”  Watch our ten-minute study documentary on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3lRE0ZeBf8

IMPACTFUL IMPLICATIONS FOR KENNEL AND HOME MANAGEMENT:

The study’s results suggest that incorporating Pet Acoustics music into kennel environments can revolutionize stress management, creating a more serene atmosphere for animals and staff alike. This breakthrough offers an invaluable tool for kennel operators, veterinary clinics, and pet parents dedicated to optimizing the welfare of dogs under their care.

Babyface And SZA to Receive BMI Awards at the 2024 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards

BMI announced today that GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Babyface will receive the BMI Icon Award at the 2024 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, on Thursday, September 5th. This honor recognizes his impressive career, marked by a formidable catalog of hit songs that have transcended generations and connected with audiences around the globe. In addition, GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter SZA will be presented with the BMI Champion Award in honor of her dedication and efforts in fostering the next generation of music creators. Hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O‘Neill and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton, the private event will return to Los Angeles, CA for the first time in nearly ten years to be held at Fairmont Century Plaza.

“We’re excited to honor the legendary Babyface with the BMI Icon Award in celebration of his incredible talent and gift of prolific songwriting which has influenced decades of hits amongst all genres,” said Brewton. “We’ll also recognize the exceptional industry-shifting career of SZA, who challenges conventions and has a unique vibe that continues to transform and inspire a new feel of R&B that we have grown to love. It will be a phenomenal night of music celebrating BMI’s award-winning songwriters, producers, and music publishers that we’re so fortunate to represent.”

Throughout the evening, BMI will also salute the songwriters, producers and music publishers of the past year’s 35 most-performed R&B/Hip-Hop songs from BMI’s repertoire of more than 22.4 million musical works. The BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter, Top Producers, Producer and Publisher of the Year will also be named during the ceremony.

As one of the most sought-after songwriters and producers of our time, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds has contributed to over 800 million records sold and over 800 billion streams and has worked with the biggest names in music like Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Kenny G, Lil Wayne, Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, and Barbra Streisand to name a few. As the co-founder of the legendary LaFace Records, he’s helped launch the careers of Toni Braxton, P!nk, TLC, Outkast, Usher and more. He has also released three consecutive multi-platinum albums as a solo artist, including Tender Lover, For the Cool in You, and The Day, and in 2023, his most recent single, “As a matter of fact” reached #1 on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart, marking his first chart-topping single in 26 years.

Throughout his illustrious career spanning nearly five decades, Babyface has received many accolades including multiple American Music, Soul Train, and NAACP Image awards, and secured his 13th GRAMMY win in 2024 for Best R&B Song for “Snooze” by SZA. He received 63 BMI Awards and Song of the Year three times, BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year seven times and, together with his LaFace Records co-founder L.A. Reid, was named a BMI Icon in 2006. In addition, Babyface has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and The Apollo Walk of Fame, where he received the inaugural Legacy Award.

As the 2024 BMI Icon honoree, Babyface joins an elite group of music creators who have received BMI’s highest honor including James Brown, Al Green, Isaac Hayes, Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, LA Reid, Nile Rodgers, Snoop Dogg, The Jacksons, Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne and more.

SZA is a GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter who continues to set a new standard on creativity and songwriting by defying genres and shattering records with over 10 billion streams worldwide. In 2017, she released her major label debut album, Ctrl, to critical acclaim, launching SZA into stardom by landing at No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart, No. 2 on the R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart, and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, where it remained for 371 weeks, the longest run for any Black female artist’s debut album. The RIAA-certified 3x Platinum album received five GRAMMY nominations, including Best New Artist. In 2022, she released her long-awaited sophomore effort SOS, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and spent ten non-consecutive weeks on top. With the release of SOS, SZA peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Artist 100 chart as the most popular artist across all musical genres, and No. 1 on the Hot 100 Songwriters chart. She also secured the most RIAA certifications of 2023 with 15 titles, including Top Album with 3x Platinum going to SOS and Top Single with 5x Platinum “Kill Bill.” SZA closed out 2023 as the most GRAMMY nominated artist of the year, subsequently winning Best Progressive R&B Album, Best Pop/Duo/Group Performance for “Ghost in the Machine,” and Best R&B Song for “Snooze.”

Over her impressive career, SZA has received four GRAMMY Awards, a Golden Globe nomination, and an Academy Award nomination. She has earned 10 BMI Awards, one American Music Award, six Billboard Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, six BET Awards, including Best New Artist in 2018 and Album of the Year in 2023 and received Billboard’s Women in Music Rule Breaker Award in 2019. In 2023, SZA was crowned the Woman of the Year at the Billboard’s Women in Music Awards, named Variety’s Hitmaker of the Year, WSJ. Magazine’s Music Innovator of the Year and received R&B Artist of the Year and R&B Song of the Year for “I Hate U” at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. In 2024, she received the Hal David Starlight Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In receiving this honor, SZA joins previous BMI Champion Award recipients including Inflo, Khalid, Mark Ronson, Residente, Sebastian Krys, Keith Urban and Lee Thomas Miller, who were honored for their commitment and efforts supporting the next generation of songwriters and music makers.

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That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

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