Ins & outs

IT’S NOT ALL BAD... Good news is scarce right now, but devs including Moog, Korg, Native Instruments and Arturia have stepped up and offered free stuff for use while stuck at home. Apple also launched a 90-day Logic Pro X demo, so stay in and keep on creating!

GO WITH THE FLOW You may not consider this good news, but Sony Computer Science Labs have created an AI-assisted production platform. Known as Flow Machines, this can operate as a plugin and help you write basslines, chord progressions and melodies in various styles.

BEHRIN-DAW Having shaken up the hardware synth market, Behringer now have their sights on software, confirming that they’re working on a free DAW, to come with samples, plugins and support for third-party VSTs. A lot to promise, but we’re looking forward to seeing the goods.

SPOTI-BYE

Algoriddim have confirmed that, as of 1 July, you’ll no longer be able to play Spotify tracks in their popular djay app (though SoundCloud and Tidal are now supported). In fact, no 3rd-party DJing apps will be available for Spotify in the future.

APPLE GOES LOOPY

It seems Apple may have accidentally leaked a screenshot of a forthcoming Logic Pro update, which shows a cliplaunching workflow similar to the Live Loops feature in GarageBand iOS, on the education page of its website. Whoops.

CORONA CRISIS

Like most industries, the musicmaking and performance sectors have been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis, with gigs and events cancelled. Of course, we urge you to support artists and businesses however you can, and stay safe in these crazy times.