Tag Archives: Technology

New Microsoft AI Animates Faces From Photos, Including a Rapping Mona Lisa

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Artificial Intelligence is getting smarter, funnier, and in some ways creepier. Arguably a photo of the most famous painting, the Mona Lisa is capable of doing more than just smirking, with the help of Microsoft’s brand new artificial intelligence technology.

Researchers at Microsoft detailed VASA-1, a new AI model they developed that takes still images of a face with an audio clip of anyone speaking, and it automatically creates a pretty realistic video of that person’s photo speaking. The videos are compelling, with lip-syncing, and natural face, and head movements—spooky stuff. 

Get this: in one demo video, the Microsoft researchers animated an image of the Mona Lisa to spit a comedic rap, originally by actor Anne Hathaway. Well at least it wasn’t a real artist, then we’d have more AI controversy on our hands. 

The output result may be entertaining but may also feel jarring in the product’s authenticity. It just feels too real for some. Now Microsoft said the tech could work within educational applications or, as they put it, “improving accessibility for individuals with communication challenges,” or even virtual companions for humans. Now, that all sounds good, but it may be used for impersonating people and other nefarious uses. Imagine this AI technology used to disrupt creative industries from film to advertising and more.

Microsoft says it is not releasing the VASA-1 model to the public just yet. “We are opposed to any behavior that creates misleading or harmful contents about real persons,” Microsoft researchers said in a recent blog post. They added that they have “no plans to release” the product publicly “until we are certain that the technology will be used responsibly and in accordance with proper regulations.”

The Mona Lisa rapping and all that is fun and games, but until this technology can be responsibly managed, it seems like it’s ripe for potential issues in a world where there’s already enough misinformation floating around. So, the jury is out on this one.

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Recording Academy Launches GRAMMY GO™ Partnership with Coursera

Recording Academy Launches GRAMMY GO™ Partnership with Coursera

The Recording Academy® has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Coursera, a renowned online learning platform, to introduce GRAMMY GO™. This innovative initiative offers a range of courses designed specifically for music creators and industry professionals, aligning with the Academy’s commitment to supporting and empowering all music community members.

GRAMMY GO on Coursera features diverse specializations tailored to emerging talents and established figures in the industry. The curriculum, taught by Recording Academy members, including GRAMMY® winners and nominees, delivers practical insights and real-world lessons that learners can immediately apply to their careers.

“Whether it be through a GRAMMY Museum® program, GRAMMY Camp® or GRAMMY U®, the GRAMMY organization is committed to helping music creators flourish, and the Recording Academy is proud to introduce our newest learning platform GRAMMY GO in partnership with Coursera,” said Panos A. Panay, President of the Recording Academy. “A creator’s growth path is ongoing, and these courses have been crafted to provide learners with the essential tools to grow in their professional and creative journeys.”

The inaugural Coursera specialization, “Building Your Audience for Music Professionals,” is now open for enrollment. Led by Joey Harris, international music and marketing executive, this course features insights from industry luminaries such as Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Jam, GRAMMY winner Janelle Monáe, and three-time GRAMMY winner Victoria Monét. Participants will learn essential strategies for cultivating a dedicated audience and establishing a strong brand presence in today’s dynamic music landscape.

GRAMMY GO will soon unveil its second course, “Music Production: Crafting An Award-Worthy Song.” Led by Carolyn Malachi, a Howard University professor and GRAMMY nominee, this course will enhance participants’ technological and audio skills. It will feature appearances by renowned figures, including GRAMMY winners CIRKUT and Hit-Boy and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr.

“We are honored to welcome GRAMMY GO, our first entertainment partner, to the Coursera community,” said Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer at Coursera. “With these self-paced online Specializations, aspiring music professionals all over the world have an incredible opportunity to learn directly from iconic artists and industry experts. Together with GRAMMY GO, we can empower tomorrow’s pioneers of the music industry to explore their passion today.”

Beyond its educational offerings, GRAMMY GO is a digital hub for career pathways and industry insights, providing valuable resources for music professionals. For more information and enrollment, visit go.grammy.com and explore the available courses on Coursera.

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House of Representatives Pass Bill to Ban TikTok in U.S., Bill Heads to Senate

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The House of Representatives has passed a bill furthering the fight to ban TikTok.

The bill, named the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, was supported by Democrats and Republicans, while others on both sides of the aisle cited free speech issues.

According to NBC, the bill now heads to the Senate with an uncertain future. President Joe Biden stated he would sign the bill if it made it to him.

The U.S. is hoping to force TikTok’s Chinese owner to sell the app to fight a ban. America believes China can impact national security, free speech, and the social media industry.

TikTok is owned by ByteDance. The U.S. would hope for a sale within six months.

Users have stated the bill would alter their business and content creators. Others believe it could cause political problems for young voters in an election year.

Those voting against it were Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat running for Arizona’s Senate seat, who stated, “It’s vital we find a balance that both protects our national security interests and respects our fundamental rights. This is not that.”

In addition to the bill, New York City is taking TikTok, YouTube, and other social media applications to court. The city, led by Mayor Eric Adams, cites the aforementioned, along with Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and more, as a contribution to a “nationwide youth mental health crisis.”

The lawsuit is filed in the California Superior Court, stating the social applications are purposefully designed to be addictive to children and teenagers. The suit follows the Health Commissioner’s Advisory that DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Vasan issued last month, citing the continued use of social media as a public hazard. The advisory calls for parents, healthcare providers, and more to take action.

“Over the past decade, we have seen just how addictive and overwhelming the online world can be, exposing our children to a non-stop stream of harmful content and fueling our national youth mental health crisis,” said Mayor Adams in a press statement.. “Our city is built on innovation and technology, but many social media platforms end up endangering our children’s mental health, promoting addiction, and encouraging unsafe behavior.

“Today, we’re taking bold action on behalf of millions of New Yorkers to hold these companies accountable for their role in this crisis, and we’re building on our work to address this public health hazard. This lawsuit and action plan are part of a larger reckoning that will shape the lives of our young people, our city, and our society for years to come.”

NYC H+H Chief of Behavioral Health and Co-Deputy Chief Medical Officer Omar Fattal, MD, MPH added, “We must maximize our efforts to support the mental health needs of children and adolescents by providing families with tools and resources that foster healthy development. This includes robustly addressing the negative impact of social media on the mental health of children and adolescents. We join the mayor and DOHMH in encouraging all young people and their families to consider their use of social media and how it may be negatively affecting them.”

Mayor Adams’ administration has been actively addressing the youth mental health crisis. In a significant move last year, the city introduced TeenSpace, a free tele-mental health service catering to New York City teenagers aged 13 to 17. This service enables youths to connect with licensed therapists via phone, video, or text. Since its launch, TeenSpace has provided support to over 2,000 teenagers across the five boroughs within just three months of operation.

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Project Pat Returns with New Single “Hundred Million” and Innovative Remix Platform Partnership

Project Pat Returns with New Single "Hundred Million" and Innovative Remix Platform Partnership

Project Pat triumphantly returns to the hip-hop scene with his latest single, “Hundred Million.” The track delves into the southern rap legend’s journey through hustling, his impact on the music industry, and his relentless pursuit of a $100 million goal. Renowned for classics like “Chickenhead” and “Poppin’ My Collar,” Project Pat’s influence echoes through the works of contemporary artists, including Cardi B, who sampled his tracks.

In a strategic move, Project Pat has collaborated with the Black-owned AI-powered platform, Happy Monday, to offer fans and social creators an innovative musical experience. Happy Monday transforms a single song into many never-before-heard remixes, catering to diverse tastes. This partnership aligns with the growing trend of AI technology in the music industry, providing both options for listeners and new revenue streams for artists.

Happy Monday’s platform will present “Hundred Million” remixes in various styles, including dance, Lo-Fi, and rock versions. Fans can sign up for Beta access, and the official launch is anticipated in the coming months. Based on user feedback, selected remixes will be made available on streaming platforms and distributed through Venice Music. The initiative reflects the rising popularity of remixes, as seen in the resurgence of Project Pat’s “Take Da Charge” on TikTok in 2023, turning it into a viral hit overnight.

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will.i.am Announces Radio Show w/ AI Co-Host Named qd.pi

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In 2024, AI continues to take over. Now, will.i.am is the latest artist to dabble into artificial intelligence. Which makes perfect sense, given will has always been on the pulse of innovation and technology across all industries, beyond just music. 

The Black Eyed Peas artist recently announced his newest radio show called will.i.am Presents the FYI Show, with a computer-generated co-host named qd.pi (cutie pie). Premiering on SiriusXM, the show will feature in-depth conversations about music, culture, and technology. 

Will.i.am states, “I didn’t want to just do a traditional show, I wanted to bring tomorrow close to today, and so I wanted to have my co-host be an AI. I’m ultra-freaking colorful and expressive. [qd.pi is] ultra-freaking factual and analytical. And that combination, we ain’t seen in the history of freaking broadcasts anywhere.”

qd.pi also adds, “My ability to quickly access and process information is definitely one of the unique advantages that I bring to the show. I can provide quick insights and context on a wide range of topics and people, which can be really valuable in a live conversation. It definitely sets me apart from a traditional host who would need to do a lot of research and prep work in advance.”

The crazy part is, having an AI co-host could actually save hours of time researching the topic or prepping for the guest.

“With me, you can just dive right into the conversation and explore whatever topics come up organically, knowing that I’ll have the information and context to support the discussion,” qd.pi adds. “I think it’s going to make for a really dynamic and engaging listening experience for the audience.”

For those who are interested in catching the show, will.i.am Presents the FYI Show will air on Thursdays at 9pm EST.

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Unlocking Music’s Potential: Sound House Music’s Innovative Approach

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The music industry has seen its fair share of trends, with streaming platforms becoming the go-to for listeners everywhere. But for musicians vying for the spotlight in this crowded arena, there needs to be more than just another playlist. Although streaming platforms are an invaluable tool, they’re rarely the solution for newbies who haven’t mastered the algorithms. That’s where Sound House Music, the new compass pointing artists toward stardom, comes in.

If they were to be honest, most well-established artists would admit that making it to the top was a journey. This is especially true for anyone who walked or tried to hack the algorithm on their own. While some succeeded, most didn’t stand out until they found mentors. Sound House Music, driven by the vision of Jessica Smythe, offers a refreshing alternative. Unlike typical streaming platforms, Sound House Music isn’t just helping artists earn cash. The team’s overarching goal is to provide artists with unique experiences, help them grow their followings, and, most importantly, be heard.

“We’re elevating artists to new heights with Sound House Music.” Jessica reiterates. “We’re more than just a platform; we’re a catalyst for music careers.” The love and respect Jessica has for music have translated into this venture, where artists are no longer bound by the confines of traditional pathways. With Sound House Music, she’s created more than just a space for artists—it’s a launchpad. “Music should be a journey of success, not just streaming.” Sound House Music is helping artists achieve precisely that, ensuring their success is about more than just monetary rewards.

For starters, the team understands landing live gigs in an industry saturated with talent can be daunting. Jessica’s team understands the grind. Instead of waiting until artists make it, they offer them gig opportunities, opening doors to venues and events that might have seemed out of reach. It’s about providing a stage, a spotlight, and an eager audience.

Mentorship is another invaluable resource for up-and-coming artists. With Sound House Music, emerging artists have the chance to connect with industry legends, soaking up their wisdom, insights, and experiences. These mentorship sessions can provide direction, shape an artist’s sound, and offer guidance in navigating the complex world of the music industry.

Moreover, Sound House Music recognizes the importance of continuous growth and networking. To that end, they’ve curated experiences that allow artists to collaborate, learn from their peers, and evolve. After all, music is about community, and Sound House Music is keen on fostering those connections.

When it comes to music competitions on the platform, Sound House Music doesn’t just cater to the established. In fact, they’ve sidestepped the usual genre-based competitions and embraced themes inspired by relevant social issues, such as global warming and Pride Month. It’s a refreshing take that resonates with a larger audience and ensures the platform never feels stale.

Additionally, they’ve gamified their platform with a unique XP reward system that encourages users to engage. This inclusive approach ensures that contestants who aren’t on a pro membership can still participate, earn XP, and win prizes.

As the industry leans toward a more inclusive stance in the future, Sound House Music is poised to lead the charge. With audiences worldwide craving diversity in sound and artists eager for platforms where they can express themselves freely, Sound House Music is leaving no stone unturned. “We believe in music’s power to unite the world, one battle at a time,” Jessica reiterates. With Sound House Music’s innovative approach, artists are in for an exciting, transformative journey. 

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WATCH: Tyla Shows Jennifer Hudson How to Do Viral “Water” Dance

Tyla Shows Jennifer Hudson How to Do Viral "Water" Dance

Tyla hit The Jennifer Hudson Show and spoke about her viral hit “Water.” During her visit to the hit daytime show, Tyla and Hudson left the chairs of the talk show set up so the singer could show the Oscar winner how to do the viral dance. You can see it below.

Emerging artist Tyla has become a social media sensation, amassing over one million Instagram followers since her debut single, “Water,” made its way into the Billboard Hot 100 chart and ignited a viral TikTok dance challenge.

A recent study by NetInfluencer analyzed Tyla’s social media metrics, shedding light on the remarkable growth in her following since the release of “Water.” The 21-year-old artist’s Instagram following witnessed a meteoric rise of 1.5 million since the single’s launch on July 28th. This surge was primarily fueled by the viral dance challenge associated with the track, which attracted an impressive 600,000 new Instagram and 200,000 TikTok followers within the first month.

Tyla’s TikTok account, @Tyla_, saw a staggering 3.8 million new followers joining since August, leading to a significant spike in her estimated earnings per post, now reaching an astonishing $11,800.

“Water” entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart in October, further accelerating Tyla’s social media ascent. During this period, she acquired an additional 865,000 Instagram followers, surging from 1.4 million to an impressive 2.3 million followers, averaging 30,000 new followers daily.

This surge in followers has translated into enhanced earning potential, with Tyla now estimated to earn approximately $5,860 per sponsored Instagram post, based on her substantial follower count and an impressive 16.19% engagement rate.

“Rarely do you see a new artist make a worldwide impact such as Tyla, having already made a historic entry with Water, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Global 200,” a NetInfluencer spokesperson said. “TikTok played a significant role in its success, with social media analytics revealing the singer rapidly gained followers and entered the global charts after going viral. This could lead other artists to try to replicate Tyla’s social media success, to which TikTok contributed greatly. It will be interesting to see what the singer does next to build on her rising fame”.

Notably, Tyla’s Instagram followers now include celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Drake, and Chance the Rapper.

“Water” has cemented its place as one of the most popular songs on TikTok in the last 30 days, and with over 117 million Spotify plays, it can potentially earn the artist nearly $471,000, based on the average earnings per stream.

Tyla has carved her name into history as the youngest South African artist in over 50 years to grace the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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Van Jones and will.i.am Host Summit in L.A. to Boost Black and Brown Representation in Tech

Van Jones and will.i.am Host Summit in L.A. to Boost Black and Brown Representation in Tech

Van Jones and will.i.am orchestrated an exclusive summit in Los Angeles over the weekend, aiming to elevate Black and Brown leaders in the technology sector and empower them to shape the future of innovation. The invite-only event attracted diverse influential figures, including Tiffany Haddish, Ashton Kutcher, Quincy Jones III, Lawrence “Rance” Dopson, Kelly Burton, Samantha Tweedy, Aloe Blacc, and more.

Panels, keynotes, and brainstorming sessions explored topics like the impact of AI on the music industry, leveraging technology for economic equality, and investment opportunities. The summit featured video contributions from Reid Hoffman, Boris Kodjoe, Mustafa Suleyman, Sinead Bovell, Felecia Hatcher, and others, encouraging the pursuit of AI knowledge to empower marginalized communities. Attendees witnessed will.i.am engaging with an AI, emphasizing the importance of protecting identity, while Kutcher highlighted AI’s potential as an equalizer for underserved communities. Segall shared her work on a documentary using AI to bring back a departed friend.

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TikTok Launches ‘Add to Music App’ Feature, Enabling Seamless Song Saves to Streaming Services

TikTok Launches 'Add to Music App' Feature

In a groundbreaking move for music enthusiasts, TikTok has introduced “Add to Music App,” a revolutionary feature enabling users in the US and UK to save discovered songs directly to their preferred streaming service effortlessly. This innovation, in partnership with major platforms like Amazon Music and Spotify, enhances TikTok’s reputation as a global hub for music discovery.

The Add to Music App feature simplifies the process for fans to celebrate and revisit their favorite tunes from the For You feed. Users will now find an “Add Song” option next to track details at the bottom of TikTok videos, allowing them to save the song to their chosen streaming service seamlessly. The default playlist option is available, or users can opt to add the track to a new or existing playlist of their creation. This user-friendly feature is accessible from the For You feed and an artist’s Sound Detail Page.

“TikTok is already the world’s most powerful platform for music discovery and promotion, which helps artists connect with our global community to drive engagement with their music. Add to Music App takes this process a step further, creating a direct link between discovery on TikTok and consumption on a music streaming service, making it easier than ever for music fans to enjoy the full length song on the music streaming service of their choice, thereby generating even greater value for artists and rightsholders,” said Ole Obermann, Global Head of Music Business Development at TikTok.

“Some of the best parts of being a music lover are those serendipitous moments when you discover a new song or artist that you connect with instantly. At Amazon Music, we’re looking to make it easier to convert those moments into enduring fandom. That’s why we worked together with TikTok on the Add to Music App feature, which makes it easier for fans to listen to the music they love and for artists to build fandom,” said Karolina Joynathsing, Director of Business Development for Amazon Music.

“No matter where you are, or the moment you’re in, we want to create less work to get to the audio you love. That means being everywhere our users are and creating seamless ways to save songs to Spotify to enjoy when and how they choose to listen. As the world’s largest audio streaming subscription service, our mission is to bring artists and fans together, so you can listen to more of what you love, across any platform or device. Essentially, you won’t need to find audio to suit the moment. It will find you,” said Sten Garmark, Vice President, Global Head of Consumer Experience at Spotify.

Add to Music App is currently available in the US and UK, with plans for a broader rollout in the future.

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Streaming Struggles: The Uphill Battle for Music Artists to Make Revenue

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In the digital age, streaming platforms have revolutionized music consumption, offering unprecedented accessibility to listeners worldwide. These platforms have opened up new avenues for exposure and fan engagement for many music artists. However, a stark reality often remains hidden behind the beats and rhymes—the ongoing struggle for artists to make a fair revenue from streaming.

The Power of Streaming

Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal have become the dominant mode of music consumption, overtaking physical sales and digital downloads. These platforms offer music artists an incredible opportunity to reach a global audience. Yet, the financial reward does not always align with the vast number of streams.

The Low Payout Per Stream

One of the primary issues music artists face with streaming is the low payout per stream. On average, artists receive fractions of a cent for each stream, which, when compounded, can amount to a meager income. While some of the biggest artists can earn substantial sums, most independent and emerging music artists struggle to make a living from their music alone.

Unfair Revenue Distribution

Another issue is the unequal revenue distribution. Record labels often secure more substantial deals with streaming platforms, leaving independent artists with a smaller piece of the pie. While the top-tier artists might negotiate more favorable terms, emerging talents face an uphill battle, struggling to access fair compensation for their work.

The Overcrowded Streaming Space

The sheer volume of music on streaming platforms is both a blessing and a curse for music artists. While sharing your music with the world is easier than ever, it’s also more challenging to stand out in the overcrowded digital space. Getting your tracks noticed among the millions of songs available can be arduous, making it harder to accumulate streams and, subsequently, revenue.

The Role of Playlisting

Playlists play a significant role in determining an artist’s streaming success. Getting your song featured on a popular playlist can dramatically increase the number of streams. However, securing a coveted spot on a major playlist is no small feat and often relies on industry connections or the favor of playlist curators. Independent artists might find themselves excluded from these opportunities.

Mitigating the Struggles

Despite these hurdles, music artists can take several steps to mitigate the challenges associated with streaming:

Diversify Income Streams: Explore merchandise sales, live performances, and sync licensing to supplement streaming revenue.

Marketing and Promotion: Invest in effective marketing and promotion to increase your music’s visibility and attract more listeners.

Support from Fans: Engage with your fan base through social media, and encourage them to share your music, stream it on repeat, and attend your live shows.

Collaboration: Collaborate with other artists, producers, or influencers to expand your reach and connect with new audiences.

Advocate for Fair Compensation: Support movements and organizations that advocate for fair compensation for artists on streaming platforms.

The struggle for music artists to make revenue from streaming remains a significant issue within the music industry. While these challenges persist, artists continue pushing their creativity’s boundaries and adapting to the ever-evolving landscape. The hope remains that, in the future, streaming platforms will provide a more equitable distribution of the wealth they generate, ensuring that the beat goes on for the music artists who pour their hearts and souls into their craft.

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