Music Production and Songwriting This Past Week
The 7 Biggest News Stories
12/16/20244 min read


5. Beatoven Announces AI Music Generator with Compensation for Rightsholders
Beatoven, an AI-powered music platform, has announced a new AI song generator that promises to address one of the music industry’s most contentious issues: compensation for rightsholders.
How It Works:
Beatoven’s new tool generates full songs using AI while ensuring that copyright holders are compensated for their contributions.
This initiative is a response to growing concerns about how AI disrupts intellectual property rights in the music industry.
Why It’s Important:
As AI becomes more integrated into music production, platforms like Beatoven are showing that innovation and fairness can coexist.
This move may set a precedent for other companies to prioritize ethical practices in AI-generated content.
Implications: Beatoven’s approach could reshape the AI music landscape by demonstrating that creators and technology can thrive together.
6. The Surge of Daily Music Releases Reflects Accessible Production Tools
According to recent data, more music is now released daily in 2024 than was released in all of 1989. Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music are seeing 120,000 new songs uploaded every day, thanks to increasingly accessible production tools.
What’s Driving the Surge?:
Affordable and user-friendly digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Ableton Live and FL Studio.
Platforms like DistroKid and TuneCore make distributing music to global audiences easier than ever.
Challenges:
With such an influx of music, standing out has become more difficult for artists.
Quality control and curation are emerging as key challenges for streaming platforms.
Implications: While democratization of music creation is a positive trend, it also highlights the need for innovative ways to help listeners discover new talent.
7. David Gilmour Praises Brian Wilson as a Master Songwriter
Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour recently expressed admiration for Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, calling him a “master of songwriting.” Gilmour’s comments have sparked renewed interest in Wilson’s work, particularly his innovative approach to harmony and melody.
Why It Matters:
Gilmour’s praise highlights the timeless appeal of Wilson’s songwriting, which continues to influence artists across genres.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of craftsmanship and innovation in songwriting.
Implications: This acknowledgment underscores the enduring legacy of artists like Brian Wilson, inspiring songwriters to strive for excellence and creativity.
The Bigger Picture: A Week of Musical Milestones
This week’s stories highlight the diverse ways music production and songwriting continue to evolve. From celebrating the legacy of legendary artists to embracing emerging technologies and new talent, the industry is as dynamic as ever. These developments not only reflect the creativity of individual artists but also showcase how the business of music is adapting to modern demands.
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This week has been full of exciting developments in the world of music production and songwriting. From rising stars and iconic artists to new technological advancements and industry shifts, these stories reflect the dynamic evolution of the music industry. Let’s dive into the seven most significant stories of the past week, exploring their broader implications and why they matter.
1. Toowoomba Father-Daughter Duo Wins Big at Australian Songwriters Association Awards
Chris Richter and his daughter Jasmine Aleisha Richter from Toowoomba made headlines by winning the Open categoryat the 2024 Australian Songwriters Association Awards with their heartfelt track “2 Be Alice.” The duo was also named Songwriters of the Year, marking a major milestone in their musical journey.
Why It Matters:
This is the first major award for the duo, who have been dedicated to honing their craft and creating impactful music.
Their victory highlights the increasing recognition of family collaborations and personal storytelling in songwriting.
Their Story:
Jasmine expressed disbelief and joy at the honor, describing the moment as “surreal.”
Chris, who has been writing songs for years, feels validated by the acknowledgment from fellow songwriters.
Implications: This win underscores the power of collaboration and the enduring appeal of deeply personal music. As they continue creating, the Richters may inspire other independent songwriters to pursue their passion.
2. Pete Tong Discovers Rising Talent in Dance Music
Legendary DJ Pete Tong has identified FR3ADY (Frederic Rappenecker) as one of dance music’s most promising new talents through a remix competition. FR3ADY’s reimagining of Tong’s track “Release Me” was chosen from over 1,000 entries.
A Major Opportunity:
FR3ADY will perform alongside Pete Tong at London’s O2 Arena during the Ibiza Classics show, one of the most high-profile events in dance music.
This win marks a significant career milestone for the 26-year-old, who has been building his skills since completing a Music Production and Sound Engineering degree.
Why It Matters: Remix competitions like this provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent and gain exposure in a highly competitive industry.
Broader Implications: FR3ADY’s success underscores the role of established artists in mentoring and promoting new talent, keeping the electronic music scene vibrant and innovative.
3. Brian Eno to Lead a Songwriting Workshop with School of Song
Brian Eno, the legendary musician and producer, is offering a rare opportunity for aspiring songwriters by hosting a four-week songwriting workshop in January 2024 through the School of Song.
Workshop Highlights:
Four live lectures covering topics like Oblique Strategies, Avant Gardening, and the creative process.
Hour-long Q&A sessions and a live writing exercise to encourage hands-on learning.
Registration is open until January 4, with a fee of $160.
Why It’s Significant:
Eno’s innovative approaches to music creation have influenced generations of artists. This workshop allows participants to learn directly from one of the industry’s most forward-thinking figures.
Implications: This initiative highlights the growing demand for accessible, high-quality educational opportunities in songwriting and music production.
4. Travis Introduces a New Lager with Signature Brew
Scottish rock legends Travis have launched their own lager, “Raze the Bar,” in collaboration with the award-winning craft beer company Signature Brew.
A Multi-Faceted Promotion:
The lager release coincides with Travis’s “Raze The Bar” UK tour, their first headline tour since 2022.
Named after their latest single, the lager is described as a Bavarian-style helles beer with crisp flavors and refreshing hops.
Broader Impact:
This collaboration is part of a growing trend of artists branching into branded consumer products, creating new revenue streams and strengthening their connection with fans.
Why It Matters: By tying the product to their music and tour, Travis is blending their artistic and entrepreneurial pursuits, showcasing how bands can diversify their offerings in an ever-changing industry.