Digit Music, the cutting-edge platform for hardware, software and sounds, is today proud to announce it has been awarded the highly competitive Inclusive Innovation Award 2022/2023 for its exceptional contributions to inclusive innovation, recognising the company’s excellence in fostering equal opportunity and accessibility in the field of music education. Alongside the initiative and dedication to promoting inclusivity in the industry, providing unparalleled opportunities for all members of the community to access, develop and enjoy the creativity of music.
Fifty pioneering companies across the UK have each been awarded £50,000 to further develop their inclusive innovations through Innovate UK’s Inclusive Innovation Award. The Inclusive Innovation Award recognises that it is vital for all parts of society to engage with innovation as a process that they can both benefit from and contribute to. Inclusive innovation rejects the notion that a product or service should be designed around the ‘average customer.’ By ensuring that accessibility and inclusion are considered from the outset of innovation design, a business can maximise its chances of commercial success by broadening its potential customer base – whilst also mitigating the risk of creating innovations that deepen existing inequalities and widen societal gaps.
As a disruptive force in the music industry, Digit Music has revolutionised the way people learn and create music. Using user-centric principles, the platform has made music creation more accessible than ever before, from complete beginners to professional musicians, Digit Music has something to offer everyone. The award is a testament to the company’s commitment to inclusive innovation that has proven to be an inspiration to the music industry, the community, and beyond.
The Inclusive Innovation Award is a prestigious award presented to the organisation for their significant contributions to advancing innovation while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in their respective fields. This year’s award also honours Digit Music’s groundbreaking work in promoting diversity and accessibility in the music industries.
Digit Music’s Founder, Simon Tew, comments: “We are thrilled to receive the Innovate UK Inclusive Innovation award and recognition for Digit Music in making music more accessible. We are proud, not only to be recognised as an innovative company but also one of the first of its kind in this government-facing grant scheme. The grant will mean we can continue on our mission to make music more accessible for everyone, as we are dedicated to breaking down barriers and empowering individuals to create music in their unique way.”
The Organisation’s innovative approach to music making has been not only recognised by the Inclusive Innovation Award but also by leading music educators, industry experts, and its ever-growing user base. Through its user-friendly interface and state-of-the-art technology, Digit Music has opened up new avenues for people to learn and express themselves through music.
Inclusive Innovation Award 2022/2023 represents another chapter in Digit Music’s journey to transform the Music Industry into a more accessible, diverse, and inclusive space.
HMV will open its first store in Ireland for almost a decade with a return to Henry Street in Dublin. The new store will mark the opening of its first flagship outside the UK. The store is planned to be open by mid-July 2023.
Although it has 120 shops across the UK at present, this is the first foray into Ireland for hmv under its new owners – Doug Putman’s Sunrise Records and will take up the 18 Henry Street address.
The 6,000 square foot space, let from Irish Life, will play host to three floors of the latest pop culture merchandise and become a destination for lovers of music and music technology. It will also offer performance spaces to create the city’s latest live music venue, hosting shows and signings from some of the country’s biggest artists, alongside global stars.
The announcement of a return to Dublin represents the latest sign of a dramatic turnaround of the hmv business under Canadian owner Doug Putman, who first took the reins in 2019. Under his tenure, the business has evolved its concept to centre on a fan and community-orientated offer. Under its previous owners hmv was forced to finally shutter its last Irish stores in 2016.
Doug Putman said: “Our return to Ireland marks the culmination of the team’s hard work having established a new hmv shopping experience across the UK. We are now in a position to expand that concept into Europe.
“While fans will be able to get their hands on the latest and limited release vinyl and the hottest audio technology, truly indulging their love of music, they will also be able to express their passion for pop culture with ranges that can’t be found anywhere else in Dublin under one roof.
“We want Henry Street to become a home for a new community of fans to come together. What’s more, we hope that once we’ve got our feet back under the table in Ireland, further hmv shop openings will follow.”
Sarah Coyle, Irish Life Investment Managers, said: “We are delighted to partner with hmv on the opening of their new store and would like to welcome them back to Ireland. We are seeing very strong demand from tenants looking to locate in premier retail locations like 18 Henry Street, with footfall having bounced back strongly to pre-pandemic levels.”
hmv Dublin will offer fans a choice of over 15,000 different products and will include over 5,000 different vinyl albums and 5,500 different CDs. The shop will also stock over 3,000 pop culture products and 1,000 different t-shirt designs.
In the past year, hmv stores have welcomed artists such as Charli XCX, Stormzy, Shania Twain, Raye and Ellie Goulding for signings, and the Dublin shop is expected to draw names of similar quality. It’s also set to stage performances from up-and-coming acts through the hmv Live&Local programme which has been established to showcase local acts and give a platform for fresh talent.
Are you a musician or part of a band trying to make it big, but feel like you’re stuck in mediocrity? Don’t worry – achieving greatness is possible! The key lies in having an effective workflow and understanding the fundamentals of success.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the steps involved with transforming your mediocre band into an awesome one. From finding reliable equipment that provides quality sound to mastering marketing techniques and implementing different networking strategies – we got it all covered!
So if you’re looking for ways to create music that sets you apart from the competition – read on! Let’s dive right into how to turn a mediocre band into an awesome one through effective management.
Invest in better instruments and sound equipment
Investing in high-quality instruments and sound equipment can have a tremendous impact on the overall sound quality of your music. Whether you’re a professional recording artist or a beginner musician, making this investment will be worth it in the long run. Upgrading your hardware will allow you to produce exceptional sound quality that will stand out and impress your audience.
Quality sound equipment can capture all of the nuances and subtleties of your performance that might otherwise be lost with inferior gear. Not only will investing in better instruments and sound equipment elevate your sound, but it will also inspire you to reach new heights as a musician. For example, with a vocal equalizer, you can fine-tune the timbre of your voice to give it a unique and professional sound. On the other hand, higher-quality speakers will help you get the most out of your mixes.
Make sure to do your research when it comes to finding the right gear for you. Consider factors like budget and portability in order to make an informed decision that best suits your needs. Additionally, be sure to read reviews from other musicians to gain a better perspective on the product before making a purchase.
Take time to practice and rehearse regularly
In order to master any skill, practice, and dedication are essential. Whether it’s learning a new instrument or perfecting a dance routine, taking time to practice and rehearse regularly is crucial. It’s not just about putting in the hours, but also about making each practice session count.
By setting clear goals and focusing on areas that need improvement, you can ensure that every practice session is productive and effective. Regular practice also helps to build muscle memory, allowing you to perform tasks more easily and with greater confidence.
So if you want to excel in your chosen field, make sure to prioritize time for practice and rehearsal. After all, there’s no substitute for hard work and devotion.
Listen to other bands for inspiration
As a musician, it can be easy to get stuck in a creative rut. That’s why it’s so important to constantly seek out new sources of inspiration. Listening to other bands and genres can open up a whole world of possibilities.
You might hear a new chord progression that you never thought of before or a singer with a unique vocal style that inspires you to try something different. It can also be helpful to analyse the structures of your favourite songs to see what makes them so memorable.
So the next time you’re feeling stuck, don’t be afraid to branch out and explore new musical horizons. Who knows what kind of magic you might create?
Explore different genres of music
Music is the language that connects people across the world. It is an expression of emotions and ideas that varies with different genres. As a band, exploring different genres of music can help you find your own unique style. Consider listening to a range of music from classical to hip-hop, rock to jazz, and even folk to electronic.
By exposing yourself to different types of music, you can find inspiration and ideas to incorporate into your own music. As you experiment with different sounds and styles, you’ll start to notice what works best for your band and what sets you apart from others.
Knowing your unique style is essential as it can help you stand out from the saturated music industry and build a loyal fan base. So keep exploring, stay open-minded, and create music that reflects your own identity.
Experiment with new ways of songwriting and playing songs
Artists are constantly searching for ways to push the boundaries of creativity and take their craft to new heights. Experimenting with new ways of songwriting and playing songs can help achieve that goal. Whether it’s exploring different genres, incorporating unconventional instruments, or approaching lyrics from a fresh perspective, the possibilities are endless.
Embracing a spirit of curiosity and exploration can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and pave the way for truly unique and innovative work. So why not step outside of your comfort zone and see where your experimentation takes you? Who knows what new ideas and sounds you might discover?
Focus on making the live experience great
As technology continues to evolve, it’s important to remember the value of a live performance. Capturing the hearts and minds of an audience can be achieved in many ways, but two key elements to focus on are stage presence and lighting design. From the moment the lights go down, a great lighting design can create an atmosphere that’s both engaging and memorable.
Equally important is the performer’s stage presence. Whether it’s through high-energy dance moves, witty banter, or simply a powerful vocal performance, a performer who can command the stage will leave a lasting impression on their audience. So, if you’re looking to make your next live show truly unforgettable, make sure you’re paying attention to stage presence and lighting design.
In conclusion, turning a mediocre band into an awesome one requires hard work and lots of dedication. It takes time to master the craft of being a successful musician.
With the right tools, practice, and discipline, any band can make it to the top! Invest in better instruments and sound equipment, take time to rehearse regularly, listen to other bands for inspiration, explore different genres of music to find your band’s own style, experiment with new ways of songwriting and playing songs, and focus on making the live experience great by developing stage presence and lighting design.
All these elements come together to create great music experiences that will catch the attention of listeners all over the world. So get out there; get inspired; practice today—you can be an awesome band tomorrow!
Straight out of Derbyshire, a music and tech-based start-up Digit Music, bridges the gap between creativity and music and provides a solution for anyone that wants to play an instrument or make their own music, as the company announces the launch of its first hardware product: Cmpsr (pronounced composer – kuhm·pow·zuh).
The founders of Digit Music, Si Tew and Owain Wilson, bring over 30 years of combined experience in the music industry to the table. With backgrounds in DJing, producing, engineering, and education, they have worked with major organisations such as Universal Music, Polydor, Sony BMG, BBC, MTV, Arts Council, and Youth Music. Si and Owain initially crossed paths in the early 2000s while participating in gigs and music outreach programs. In 2020, they joined forces to establish Digit Music to create the world’s most user-friendly ecosystem of integrated music creation products, content, and learning services.
As a disability-confident business, their vision is to inspire and enable everyone to be part of the musical landscape and experience the positive impact of creating music. Fundamentally, Cmpsr makes it easier for anyone to reach their creative goal and have fun. For those already making music, Cmpsr offers a new way to be creative on the stage or in the studio.
Introducing Cmpsr: Now anyone can play an instrument
Cmpsr is an innovative MIDI instrument built with user-friendly gaming hardware that enables users to create music through simple finger gestures. It has a 5-octave range, built-in key/scale/chord engines and smart sustain. It connects to anything that accepts MIDI by a USB-C or wirelessly via Bluetooth, to give creative control over software and hardware.
Cmpsr is hand-built in the UK and offers an accessible design that’s already been recognised with the Tech4Good Accessibility Award, making playing an instrument instantly accessible and fun for more people.
Designed with a focus on creative simplicity, the founders set out to create a straightforward musical instrument that helps people to make music freely, stay in their musical flow, and experience the joy of shaping sounds and creating their own memorable musical moments. Perfect for DJs who want to make beats, beginners who want a shortcut for production and composition, professionals looking for a different approach to keyboards and pad controllers, and people with access needs.
“Music is part of the cultural landscape, and everyone should have the opportunity to play, so we created Cmpsr, a tool designed to make music and creativity accessible to anyone. We are proud to launch this product to market and are excited for the future of both Cmpsr and Digit Music.” Comments Si Tew, Digit Music Co-Founder.
Next in from Soundpeats is the Capsule3 Pro and with some beefed up specs from recent models I have reviewed I was looking forward to checking out what there had to offer and when it comes to additional specs they have certainly beefed things up and they look cool and come in a cool charging case too offering up to 52 hours playtime which is not seen all that often in earbuds yet alone headphones however as you guess the cranked up ANC still takes a hit on that however nothing to sniff either. The ANC is top notch here citing up the 43db which again is a nice number..
These fit nicely in the ears and will not fall out and look great with the colour accent which matches the case they do not have a huge stem and rather subtle and stand out as a few people have asked me what earbuds am I using this time and complemented on the looks.
When it comes to calls they are also great and this was both ends on my testing and when it comes to the most important part is how do these sound in all situations, first there is no lag latency and for the gamers especially this is welcome, when it comes to movies and music and my usual test loop they pass with flying colours with nice volume levels no issue with highs lows and mids but this can change on the source of your music and EQ settings of course and overall a really excellent pair of earbuds for any one who want more than decent audio at their price point and shows up even more expensive earbuds
With LDAC™ High-resolution Codec Tech, SOUNDPEATS Capsule3 Pro is certified by Hi-Res Audio Wireless, supporting transmission of up to 990 kbps, transmitting pure high-fidelity sound, and bringing out every last detail. The custom-made 12mm biodynamic divers and Bluetooth5.3 of Capsule3 Pro let you get lost in the seamlessly tuning audio, from 20 Hz to 40 kHz, from luscious treble to boundless bass!
The App
As seen above we have the app which is familiar and simple to use with a nice UI and comes with plenty of sound adjustments so you can be in control you also can control the ANC, Game mode and more and this can also be done from the earbuds themselves, 3 taps on the right for voice assistant 3 taps on the left to toggle game mode, tap and hold for 1.5 seconds to skip tracks there is oddly enough no reverse track here and to higher and lower the volume it is tap once, you can also control the calls on the earbuds.
Overall these are one of the best pair of earbuds this year for the money with the features on board and the ANC quality there is no wireless charging on the case which might be a caveat for some but for me these are an easy recommendation and will not only suit those who want to listen to music or movies they are for the gamers too.
Capsule3 Pro Ultra Long Lasting Hybrid ANC Earbuds Features:
Hi-Res Audio & LDAC Codec Tech
Anyone who’s using Spotify to share his music and to find an audience, at some point, starts to ask himself how he can promote his songs. Promotion for Spotify is a key component of success for any artist, as even though at first, your songs may get enough attention and likes from Spotify users, everyone starts struggling with reaching their target audience at some point. There are a few reasons why something like that happens. Firstly, it is always easier to make progress and get noticed by others when you’ve just created your Spotify account. And secondly, the sky’s the limit, right? Even if you have your own fan base, you should never stop on your way to success because you can always get more! You can always get more likes, plays, and appreciation for your songs only if you know how to promote them properly.
The solution to this problem exists, and it is Spotify’s promotion services. Such a service allows you to quickly get promotions for Spotify without going deep into the details of promotion and advertisement. But let’s first understand why it’s crucial to use such services? The fact is that Spotify gathers a huge number of musicians who share their music with their fans daily. So when investing in Spotify promotion, you ensure that among all those songs uploaded on Spotify, it is yours that listeners will choose. Isn’t it great to have a guarantee that the material you are working so hard on will get the appreciation it deserves?
However, you must be wise when investing in Spotify promotion. There are opportunities to buy album plays on Spotify. Also, many other services allow you to buy promotions for your songs, but you need to find a good and trustworthy one if you want your promotion to work.
The main factor you want to focus on when searching for a Spotify promotion service is if it offers you to buy likes and plays from real people. If you want your promotion to last long and to bring real fans who will stay with you, it is essential to not buy fake likes and plays. Buying bots and fake followers will definitely cost you less; still, it will bring you zero effect apart from faking your statistics. And what real artists care about is not numbers but the interest of real people in their music. So, if you want to find new fans, choose a service that will help you promote your songs and ensure that your target audience notices and listens to them.
When you find a good service, the algorithm for getting a promotion for you on Spotify will be straightforward. First, you get offered a few plans or packages, so you can choose the one that suits your aims and budget. Then, after you purchase a selected package, your account will get analyzed to find you, the target listener. And after that, your songs will get advertised only to the chosen audience potentially interested in your music. This means that every listener your music reaches will likely like it and consider joining your fanbase. So now, I guess, you know what has been stopping you from achieving real success on Spotify. Focus on your music’s promotion and get yourself new fans!
Looking for a new Wi-Fi streaming well look no further than this affordable piece of kit that connects to all your favourite streaming apps and more and comes in at a really good price and upgrades your home system you can even use your smartphone too which for me is really handy as it is where all my music is stored. You can also use a USB key stored with music to make this kit even more useful and there is multiple ports to pick from and it will work with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth,
You can stream Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Napster, TuneIn, Internet Radio, iHeart Radio, QQ Music, QQ FM and not only that you can stream music from your devices library to if you wish which is excellent.
The S10 mini stereo receiver connects directly to your online streaming providers to play high quality audio, avoiding Bluetooth bottlenecks and compression so in short better audio and no lag latency noted.
Connectivity is another win on this device as there is plenty and it is easy to set up to and comes with a free app called 4Stream and you can see all this in action in the video review below.You can also add other Arylic wireless streaming devices to build a multiroom system, manage and control all your wireless audio devices in one app.
Connections
Airplay – Stream any audio directly from your iOS system.
Bluetooth – Play any sound from your smart devices and paired with their streaming devices.
Web Control – Quick web control without app, enjoy your preset content and personal radios in a sec.
Remote Control – local remote control without network.
4STREAM APP – Take full functionally control via our 4STREAM app with network, streaming your favorite sounds, multiroom control and other personalize settings, this app is simple to use with a nice UI and makes life easier.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Spotify is one of the biggest music services nowadays and the target platform of every music artist. No wonder that many artists want to upload their tracks on Spotify because it gathers an enormous number of listeners. But, if you are a beginning artist trying to find his audience on Spotify, you must know what Spotify Music promotion services are and why it is so crucial to use them.
First of all – well done! Since we live in a digital era, sharing your music on the Internet is a must. And by choosing Spotify to share your music with the world, you made a very smart choice! However, if you really want to succeed and to get more likes than just a few from your friends and family, there is an important thing you need to know. Simply sharing your songs on Spotify does not guarantee success and does not allow you to reach Spotify’s huge audience. The reasons for that are simple – too many people use Spotify, and too many artists share their songs there. This means that the offer in this market is huge, making it almost impossible to get through the flow of the songs uploaded on Spotify daily to your target listener. So, to help your music get noticed by the listeners, you need to take additional measures, such as using Spotify promotion.
Before you get stressed out – don’t worry. It’s not as complicated as it seems. Luckily, special Spotify promotion services do everything for you. Using such a service, you can promote your songs without knowing what marketing, ads, and promotion are. Furthermore, you will not have to analyze the market, your music, and its potential target listener – such a service will do everything for you!
Spotify’s music promotion services allow its users to buy different promotion packages that would fit every musician’s financial capacities and needs. So all you will have to do is to find such a service, choose the plan that will best fit you, buy it and enjoy the results of your promotion.
It is important, however, to find a reliable service that will allow you to buy listeners and likes on Spotify legally. There is no golden rule in finding your best Spotify music promotion service. However, there are a few things you might want to bear in mind when choosing one.
-Look for a service that will offer you fine and transparent conditions.
-Search for a service that has enough reviews.
-Always go for a service that offers you to buy likes and plays from real users!
Remember that the goal of your promotion is not to simply improve the statistics of your songs but to actually gain new fans. This is why it is essential to ensure that your songs reach real Spotify users – only then will they be able to appreciate your songs, join your fanbase and maybe even show your music to their friends.
By following those easy steps, you will be able to find your favorite Spotify promotion service, which will, believe me, change your music career forever!
The OneOdio Studio 10 Pro are a simple to use pair of headphones with no controls at all so in short it is just pop them on sit back and enjoy the sounds, there is no app here either. They have 50mm neodymium drivers built in to deliver a powerful sound with good bass, aimed at the DJ these can also be used on mobile phones with a headphone jack and can plugged into games consoles and your TV, You can also plug into an amp or guitar.
These would be ideally used in a studio or for mixer panels and turntable something which we do not have here and tested in a casual capacity with a sound system and mobile phone and for me the sound is quite good and loud with some bass thrown in, you can change the EQ via your device or platform used but in short these just plug in and you just listen to the tunes, they do come with an inline control which we demo in the video review so you have some control over your music like skip and reverse tracks and play and pause you can also answer and hang up on calls…Overall the sound is quite good no lag latency, highs lows and mids are fine and in general a decent audio experience for the price.
If you want a simple pair of cans to use these are just what you need with having super comfortable cups that block pretty much all the outside world and ideally used at home.
Features
BASS SOUND: Enjoy powerful bass and comfort with the OneOdio Studio headphones. Large 50-millimeter speaker unit drivers combined with neodymium magnets deliver dynamic bass, great for DJing, mixing, monitoring, or listening to music.
BUILT TO STAY COMFORTABLE: The soft padded ear cushions are designed for monitor headphones’ comfort and noise isolation. The headband is adjustable and stretchable for you to find the desired angle you like to fit in.
NO MORE ADAPTER: DJ-style coiled cord (9.8Ft Stretched) easily reaches from the TV or stereo to your chair. They both are completely detachable, so you can plug in any devices that have a 3.5mm or 6.35mm jack.
SINGLE-SIDE MONITORING: 90° swiveling ear cups for single-ear monitoring anytime; self-adjustable and flexible headband delivers a fatigue-free listening experience that can last for hours, ideal for mastering and mixing.
WORKS WITH: All devices have a 3.5mm or 6.35mm audio jack. Bass sound, durability, and comfort. These are the headphones you’ve been looking for.
