Microsoft Songsmith Signals the End of the Human Musician

Microsoft Songsmith is new software from Redmond that actually introduces a pretty cool technological maneuver: it parses a musical vocal passage and attempts to add auto accompaniment in a variety of styles, taking cues from the user as to emotional scale ranging from happy and sad to genre based generalities like “jazzy” and “twist” and gee, I dunno, a train smashing into a muzak jukebox. […]

Google Shuts Down Video, Big Labels drop DRM and Indie 103.1 R.I.P

There is a lot to report in the music world this week, major changes, shifts in policy and the death of what may have been one of the best radio stations ever. […]

Live Review: Liz Phair at The Troubadour

October 5, 2008 Week Of Shows, Episode Nine Liz Phair Performing Exile In Guyville in its Entirety – Again “Hello.” “Hey, it’s me. Did I wake you? Your cell went straight to voicemail, so…” “What time is it?” “Not that late. I just got home from a show. I know your iPhone gets crappy service so I […] […]