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⏰ World-Class Records a Waste of Time??

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In this week’s issue:

  • Max Norman Claims Making "World-Class Records" is a Waste of Time

  • 🎧 50 Cent Hints at New Music with Dr. Dre on Producer's Birthday

  • 🧘🏽 Lil’ Jon Turns Down for This: Total Meditation Album

  • 🎛 SPIN: The AI Synthesizer Shaping the Future of Music Creation

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Top Story

Legendary Producer Max Norman Claims Making "World-Class Records" is a Waste of Time

The What: Max Norman, a seasoned producer renowned for his work on iconic rock albums such as Ozzy Osbourne's Blizzard of Ozz, offers his perspective on the contemporary music landscape during an episode of the Talk Louder podcast. Norman suggests that the traditional pursuit of crafting "world-class records" may be losing relevance in today's environment, marked by the overwhelming volume of new music releases.

"People can't make world-class records because there's 10,000 records a day coming out."

Max Norman

Tell Me More: Norman asserts that the saturation of the music market diminishes the impact of individual albums, leading to a lack of widespread recognition or appreciation. However, he finds optimism in the thriving domain of live music, where the raw energy and authenticity of performances continue to attract enthusiastic audiences across various genres.

Say Word: Norman envisions a future where mobile recording setups capture the essence of live gigs, preserving the unpolished yet electrifying atmosphere of live performances. He emphasizes the unique appeal of live recordings in capturing the genuine character and skill of musicians, contrasting with the more sanitized nature of studio albums.

Final Verdict: Norman's insights suggest a potential shift in focus towards live performances as a cornerstone of the music industry. By embracing the spontaneity and intimacy of live shows, artists may find new avenues for creative expression and audience engagement in an era dominated by digital consumption.

Do you agree that making "World-Class Records" is pointless in today's music industry?

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This Week’s Trivia Question - Guess to Win!

Each month we take our weekly trivia participants and put them into a prize draw. This month we’re teaming up with Image-Line to offer a copy of FL Studio Producer Edition (or a license upgrade if already owned). Correctly answer the trivia question below to be entered in February’s draw.

By entering the contest, you are agreeing to our official contest rules.

Which classic 1967 album is considered one of the first concept albums, featuring groundbreaking production techniques like tape loops and backward recording?

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More Stories

50 Cent Hints at New Music with Dr. Dre on Producer's Birthday

Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Filmmagic

50 Cent stirred anticipation among fans by commemorating Dr. Dre's 59th birthday with a suggestive Instagram post. Posting a throwback photo of the pair, 50 Cent hinted at the possibility of new music, declaring, "we got some New Heat coming." This cryptic message fueled speculation among followers, who eagerly await further details on a potential musical collaboration between the two iconic artists. Given their history of successful joint projects, including chart-topping hits, fans are hopeful for another dose of magic from the duo.

This isn't the first time 50 Cent has alluded to working with Dr. Dre. Last year, during an appearance on Big Boy's Neighborhood, he hinted at new music after sharing plans for upcoming projects. With support from the Shady/Aftermath camp and past instances of Dr. Dre providing beats for 50 Cent, excitement builds for what could be another groundbreaking collaboration between the two influential figures in hip-hop.

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New Music

Lil Jon Turns Down for This: Total Meditation Album

Lil Jon surprises fans with the release of Total Meditation, a guided meditation album that diverges from his usual crunk style. Created in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning producer Kabir Sehgal, the album offers a unique insight into Lil Jon's personal practice of meditation, with the rapper sharing his experiences and insights throughout the tracks. In interviews, Lil Jon reflects on the transformative power of meditation, especially during challenging life events like his recent divorce, emphasizing its role in bringing him peace and a fresh perspective.

Check the Tech-nique

SPIN: The AI Synthesizer Shaping the Future of Music Creation

SPIN, an innovative AI-powered synthesizer concept, is revolutionizing music creation by translating moods and preferences into personalized soundscapes. Developed by award-winning designer and AI faculty Arvind Sanjeev, SPIN simplifies the complex world of AI music generation into a tangible experience. Users can express their emotions and musical tastes through prompts, allowing SPIN to generate customizable music that can be manipulated in real-time using a physical record. With features like the Digital Vinyl System (DVS) for on-the-fly music manipulation, SPIN offers a glimpse into the future of creative tools, paving the way for hyper-customized music tailored to individual preferences.

The Results

Check out the answer to last week’s trivia question.

Who is the producer behind the groundbreaking album "Endtroducing.....," known for his mastery of sampling and turntablism?

Answer: DJ Shadow

Congratulations to all participants. If you answered correctly, you have been added to our monthly prize draw. Answer this week’s trivia to increase your chances of winning.

Responses from some of our subscribers:

Anonymous wrote:

“This was actually DJ Shadows' debut album. It was released on September 16, 1996, 5 days before I was born. There was so many interesting sounds on this album. My favorite track is "Mutual Slump".”

Anonymous wrote:

“Truly criminal how underrated and underappreciated this classic record is.”

Anonymous wrote:

“Game changer! I loved the use of rock and John Carpenter scores.”

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