MusicManagement
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Pioneer launches rekordbox mobile app, prep your XDJ-AERO set ahead of time
If you were twiddling your thumbs waiting for Pioneer's XDJ-AERO to come out, you might want to head on over to iTunes or the Play store instead. Why? Because the mobile rekordbox companion app for iOS and Android has just been released. If you were thinking it'd just be a basic music management tool, then you'll be pleasantly surprised. Sure, you can import tracks, to then play on the XDJ-AERO (and other Pioneer DJ products that support WiFi), but you can also set up loop points, hot cues, analyze tracks, create playlists, and even experiment with ideas on the fly. This means you can get your tracks prepped up wherever you are, and turn up to the party good to go, be it on your own gear or a friends'. This is also what you'll need if you want to make use of the forthcoming controller's WiFi functionality, although it can also be used to connect with the desktop version of the program if you're already using it. The app is free, and available now, just head down to the source to line those beats up.
Interview: Artist Growth for iOS helps manage your musical career
Artist Growth is making waves in the tech and music industry. For musicians, Artist Growth is a means to manage all your gigs (including live performance royalty registration), recording projects, merchandise, social media promotion as well as advice and mentoring from industry pros, all from your iPhone. Artist Growth gives you step-by-step directions on how to take the next step in your musical career, too. Whether you're just starting out or you're selling out venues, Artist Growth brings the administrative side of being a performing artist all into one easy to use place. And in the tech world, Artist Growth was just awarded Best Music App in the MTV O Music Awards, surpassing music tech giants like Spotify and Live Nation for the accolade. So what's all the fuss about? We were fortunate to spend some time with Jonathan Sexton, Co-Founder and Chief Administrative Officer of Artist Growth, to find out. The Unofficial Apple Weblog: Firstly, tell us about Artist Growth. Jonathan Sexton: Artist Growth is a tool that helps musicians and artists reach their full potential. It is a software platform available for iOS and all other mobile and web devices where artists can track and organize necessary business tasks, keep up with merchandise and receipts, and access financial reporting. In addition to these business management tools, Artist Growth boasts a database of 50k venue, press, and radio contacts (straight from the Indie Bible) and offers tutorial based features, such as AGtv. AGtv is a library of videos created by experts from all sides of the entertainment industry, ranging from GRAMMY-winning producers to leading journalists to label executives. Action Packs are another key feature where to-do lists are compiled by industry experts, and put on an industry standard timeline. When the "Action Pack" or goal is activated (i.e Promote a Show, Routing a Tour) all the action steps needed to accomplish it hit the users calendar exactly when the task needs to be done. When needed, the task links back to AGtv to give more insight and strategy on best practices geared for the artist. TUAW: How did it all come about? What was the moment when things clicked into place and you knew you needed to start Artist Growth? JS: My co-founder Matt Urmy and I have both been independent touring artists for many years. On the road, we would always share tips, trick, tools, and contacts. It didn't take too long to figure out that something was missing from the digital landscape and that we were the guys who could make it happen. We knew we needed a dashboard from which we could manage everything, look at data, organize tasks, and also a place we could learn anything we didn't already know how to do. It started on a napkin, moved on to a business plan, and now it is live on the web and the iOS App Store. TUAW: So Artist Growth was birthed out of your own personal experience with the music industry. Typically, musicians are great at being, well... musicians, but not so much businessmen and women. You guys learned that the hard way? JS: Absolutely. We have both learned so many things the hard way so there is certainly a desire to shorten the learning curve for people like us. When our careers really started moving and we started signing management contracts, booking agents, publishers, publicists etc. We learned quickly that there are all sorts of insider industry protocol we had previously known nothing about. For example, it changed my life the day I learned what a "press release" was. Now it seems common knowledge, but that moment of discovery was a game changer. I remember thinking, "So THAT's how I get the press to know what I'm up too." TUAW: Given the advent of digital music, home recording studios and platforms like Artist Growth, for the up and coming artist, where do you see the future of the music industry going? JS: Well, this may be a better topic for an entire book, but in short...it's in the artist's (and their teams) hands more than ever. Which is a really exciting opportunity for everyone involved, it just doesn't look like it used to. Formerly, an artist can get their music out, meet the right person, get signed and go for it. Now, the decline of album sales has led to a music economy that is much more DIY. Labels don't have the money to gamble acts like they used to, so they don't. My guess is that 4 or 5 artists per year get signed to any given major label. That doesn't mean labels do not play a huge role in the business, because they do. Labels remain very useful and relevant. The difference is that an artist needs to figure out how to make money on their own first, in order to present themselves as a "good investment." Figuring out how to do this is no small task, but a great start is to develop business acumen by setting measurable goals informed by data and laying out a plan to get there. This is what Artist Growth is designed to help artists do, in a way that removes the intimidation that artist's typically feel when attempting to turn their art into a business. Obviously, this is a ton of hard work, so you better be sure that you love it. It's not an easy road. The silver lining is if you can make it work then you're in a fantastic position moving forward because you've created options for yourself. Figuring out how to become profitable on your own creates leverage in negotiations with labels and other bigger music companies, or you can decide you like the way its going on your own and forgo the whole "big business" thing. When you've figured out how to make money, then it isn't about survival anymore, it's about what you want your personal accomplishments to be. You have the power. Artist Growth is free to download from the iOS App Store or register online. You get a 60 day free trial and form there it's US$5 a month. If you're a musician looking to take the next step in your musical career, I highly recommend you check it out.
Google Music Beta walkthrough: what it is and how it works (video)
We made a few predictions about Google's (then-presumed) music service in our streaming roundup last week, and thanks to the inability of an undisclosed amount of labels to take a whiff of whatever El Goog was cooking, it looks as if we've been left with something less robust, but nevertheless intriguing. It's worth taking a glance at our team editorial on Music Beta by Android to get a feel of what could've been, but the reality is this: what was launched today is what we've been dealt, and now it's time to break things down and see how it actually functions in practice. Care to have a look at a full installation walkthrough, problem reports and two more pennies on how the service stacks up? That, along with tips on fulfilling your hopes and dreams, are tucked away just after the break. %Gallery-123283%
Editorial: Hey Apple, why does it take an hour to put an album on my iPod?
This one's been a long time comin', but the iTunes forced backup / syncing issue is no less real today than it was a decade ago when iTunes began to play a larger-than-life role in the operation of Apple's iDevices. As it stands, it's effectively impossible to use an iPhone, iPad or iPod without also using iTunes, and while Apple's done an exemplary job ensuring that it works with most major platforms (yes, Windows included), there's one nagging question that just won't go away: why?
Qsonix Remote Pro for iPad app brings easier touch control to its music servers
It's been a while since we checked in with Qsonix, but the company has kept right on with its high end music management systems, unveiling the Q205 and Q10 whole home audio servers last year. Of course, if you're spending north of $6k on a whole home audio solution, fixed touch control screens are nice but the new iPad remote app is more likely to provide the wow factor customers expect. Sure you could just control the music from a computer or iPhone, but in this market a marriage of the company's touch interface with the iPad's larger form factor is much more ideal. It'll find any Qsonix systems on the home network going back to the Q100 models (provided they're running version 3.4 of the firmware or higher.) Check the press release after the break or just snag the Qsonix Remote Pro from iTunes at the link. It's courteously available at the low price of "free," but we're betting that if you've got the iPad and the scratch for one of these, you could get up to some serious AirPlay synced shenanigans for even less.
DoubleTwist partnering with T-Mobile for Android music management
As the late, great Rodney Dangerfield would attest, DoubleTwist has been jonesing for some respect for quite some time. For those unaware, said software essentially acts as an iTunes for everything else, giving users of all those non-Apple devices a somewhat familiar interface and portal to sync media, playlists, etc (video demonstration is after the break). Up until now, Android users have been forced to figure out content management on their own, and while geeks have obviously had no issue, those expecting iTunes to take the wheel have found themselves in an uncomfortable position. Reportedly, T-Mobile USA has decided to partner with the company and pre-load the software onto a number of new Android devices -- not just the Fender myTouch 3G. The only real pitfall here is that Amazon's MP3 Store integration is missing, but we should learn more as T-Mob goes official with the details later today. Is this the big break DoubleTwist has been waiting for? Time shall tell.
TUAW Tip: Getting your fill with iTunes' autofill
I'm the iTunes music pharmacist for my family's iPod and iPhone music libraries. In short, what this means is that, whether it's due to "getting sick of hearing the same thing over and over when I'm running" or wanting a new song or album on their iPod, they come to me when they want their music refilled. Which is fine and dandy. I'm more than happy to do this, and have my trusty ol' 17 inch iMac loaded with everyones' music on it (except mine, which is loaded on my MacBook Pro). From the 3rd generation iPod classic to the iPhone 3G S, and from The Arcade Fire to ZZ Top, there exists an eclectic iPod and music mix in my family. How I would sync music for each person varied on a case-by-case basis, and usually took shape in syncing specific folders, playlists, smart playlists, and genres. For the iPod shuffle, however, I would typically click on the "music" within the device and choose playlist-based "autofill." This morning, my sister brought over her shiny new third generation iPod shuffle. And to my surprise, it, unlike its predecessors lacked the "autofill" feature. Or so I thought. After spending a half hour or so creating a size-limited smart playlist with random songs, I said to myself, "Self, there's gotta be an explanation for this. Surely, the folks at Apple wouldn't leave out something as important as autofill." And they didn't. They just put it in a different place for the third generation shuffle, and have now extended the feature for all iPods and iPhones. To enable autofill on your iPod or iPhone, click on "summary" tab for your device (in the "device" section of iTunes). Then place a checkmark on "manually manage music [and videos]." Now here's where I got lost and confused, and I don't want you to pull out your hair like I almost did mine just because I didn't read the Apple support forums carefully enough. Except for first and second generation iPod shuffle models, the autofill option for all iPods and iPhones is activated by expanding the device (by clicking on that little triangle to the right of it) to reveal its media folder hierarchy. Then, you'll want to click on "music," and now you'll see the autofill option in the bottom left hand corner. The whole time, I thought it'd be located on the "music" tab within the device, much like how it's on the "contents" tab on the second generation iPod shuffle. Autofill is now available for all iPods and requires iTunes 8.1. The more you know...Dun, dah, duh, ding.
5 Smart Playlists to help you manage your iTunes library
Smart playlists have been a feature of iTunes since version 3.0 (circa 2002), and they provide a means for you to create automatically-updated playlists that fit a certain criteria. For me, they serve as a hands-off way to stay up-to-date on my latest music and Podcasts, as well as a repository for a certain genre of music. To create a smart playlist, click on "File" and select "New Smart Playlist" (or you can use the command-option-n keyboard shortcut). If you want a playlist that contains only holiday music, you could specify that the playlist include all songs with either the "Christmas" or "Chanukah" genre tag on it. Because smart playlists auto-update, you needn't worry about adding songs to it: as long as the track's tags meet the criteria, it is automatically included in the playlist -- unless, of course, you choose the "limit to" option, which limits the the tracks in the playlist based on your choosing. Read more for five of my favorite smart playlists, as well as criteria for how to create them. Share
CasaTools announces CasaTunes Xle Multi-Room Music Server
It's a month or so late, but those eager to get their hands on a new music server from the labs of CasaTunes are probably willing to forgive the brief delay. The multi-room device, which was announced last September at CEDIA, is finally shipping to those interested. Dubbed the CasaTunes XL, it comes stocked with a capacious 250GB hard drive (which, honestly, sort of pales in comparison to WD's newest 2TB monster), touchscreen controls and the ability to shuffle between up to nine different sources. A few different model options are available, but you can get started for as low as $1,499.Update: CasaTunes wrote in to say that the CasaTunes XLi Music Server is available now, while the CasaTunes Xle and the CasaTunes Xle Music Server are expected to be available in a few weeks.%Gallery-30203%
NuVo Technologies ships Wireless Control Pad
Heads-up, NuVo Technologies fans -- the outfit's swank Wireless Control Pad, which was unveiled at CEDIA, is now shipping. For those unaware, this little bugger can be used to control your Grand Concerto and / or Essentia E6G multi-room audio systems, not to mention the sources attached to them. The unit itself includes a 1.6-inch OLED display and checks in at around 5- x 2- x ~0.5-inches, but if you thought such a small package would run you cheap, you're sorely mistaken. Bundled with the Network Coordinator and Charging Dock, the Control Pad will run you $799, while the Pad alone goes for $599.
Sooloos delivers RackMount media server models at no extra cost
So far as we can tell, this is the first major product introduction from Sooloos since it was acquired by Meridian Audio Limited in December 2008. For those who've already plunked down for one of the company's music management devices, you'd be better off holding your ears and scrolling down with haste. For everyone else, you should know that Sooloos's Source, Twinstore and Ensemble units will now be available in a 2U rackmount enclosure for -- get this -- no additional cost. The mountable iterations will include internal fans for heat dispersion and a front-panel power switch, though functionally everything will remain the same. Pays to wait sometimes, huh? The full release (prices included) is after the break.
Qsonix delivers 17-inch TS17 touchscreen for Q110 music management system
For those spending upwards of $6,000 on a sophisticated Q110 music management system, having an expansive 17-inch touch panel to control things is a practical necessity. The new TS17 controller can be wall-mounted or used on a tabletop in order to delve deep within your music library and come as close as you'll ever be to being a conductor. Additionally, Qsonix is introducing the v2.42 software, which enables users to burn CDs while playing back and adds client support for DirectWay and satellite-based internet service providers, the ability to import music from external USB drives and Ready-to-Play CD conversion service. No word on a price for the TS17, but current Q110 owners can snatch the update gratis right now.[Via Electronic House]
Qsonix launches Q110 music management system
For those who spend copious amounts of time listening to their music collection -- enough to justify a touchscreen-based music management system -- the Qsonix Q110 ought to tempt your wallet. The device is available in 250GB, 500GB or 1TB kits and features front access USB / accessory ports, four discrete analog audio outputs for multi-room applications and IR remote control capabilities. Additionally, it comes bundled with the latest (v2.2) software that adds "a fully integrated MusicGiants HD Download Store using Qsonix's Album Browser drag-and-drop interface," and just in case you plan on never going there, each system comes with a $50 music store credit to rope you in. Reportedly, the Q110 is available as we speak with prices ranging from a whopping $5,995 to a staggering $7,795. [Warning: PDF read link][Via AudioJunkies]
