Technology News | Digital Culture

Spotify Hit with Cease and Desist Over Lyrics, Music Videos and More

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Spotify has been issued a cease and desist order from the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) for hosting lyrics, music videos, and podcast content without proper licensing.

According to Billboard, the NMPA demands the removal “or Spotify will face copyright liability for continued use of these works.”

Earlier this month, Spotify was noted to cut $150M in royalties from music publishers and songwriters beyond what was already expected. This results from adding audiobooks into certain plans, adding books to the total subscription price.

The letter reads, “Spotify appears to be engaged in direct infringement by hosting unlicensed musical works in its lyrics, videos and podcasts and by distributing unauthorized reproductions, synchronizations, displays and derivative sues of these musical works to its users. Making matters worse, Spotify profits from such infringement.”

You can see the full letter here.

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BLK Dating App Launches Summer “MBA” Program For Recent HBCU Graduates

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BLK, the number one dating and lifestyle app for the Black community, proudly unveils their new endeavor: The BLK MBA (Master of Black Affection) Program. Created to empower and support recent graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) facing post-graduation employment challenges, this innovative initiative seeks to redefine both professional and dating dynamics, while providing financial support to young job-seekers.

At its core, the BLK MBA Program creates an opportunity for recent HBCU graduates to navigate the journey from academia to the workforce. Despite improving graduation rates, systemic and cultural obstacles often obstruct the path to employment for Black graduates. African-Americans with college degrees are twice as likely to be unemployed as other graduates, with 12.4 percent of Black college graduates being unemployed, a rate significantly higher than the 5.6 percent average for all college graduates. BLK recognizes the need for solutions to fix this gap.

Enter the BLK MBA Program – a purpose-driven initiative designed to empower and support recent HBCU graduates struggling to find employment after college. But this isn’t your traditional MBA program – there will be no coursework or thesis statements. Instead, BLK will select three outstanding graduates from HBCUs, inviting them to embark on a summer of growth and discovery. These participants will immerse themselves in the vibrant BLK community, exploring networking and connections on the app. Along the way, they’ll share feedback to make the user experience even better, working alongside the brand to gain a deeper understanding of how Black Gen-Z approaches dating, networking and creating connections. Each participant will be awarded a stipend to support them during their journey.

“Our commitment to the Black community transcends the realms of just dating,” says Jonathan Kirkland, Head of Marketing at BLK. “The BLK MBA Program showcases our dedication to creating opportunities for professional growth and personal development for recent HBCU graduates. Through this initiative, we hope not only to address the employment challenges faced by Black graduates but also to enrich our platform with diverse perspectives and experiences.”

The application process for the BLK MBA Program commences in May, inviting recent HBCU graduates to apply. Applicants will be required to submit their resumes and a personal statement that showcases both their desire and need to be a part of the program. A panel of judges, comprising BLK brand team members and Black leaders from the BLK Advocacy Council, will evaluate applications to select three participants based on academic achievements, personal statements, and potential contributions.

Selected participants will embark on a transformative journey throughout the summer, immersing themselves in the vibrant BLK community to hone their networking skills and forge meaningful connections with other Black singles, recent graduates, young professionals and Black business leaders. Participants will proactively network, arrange meetings, and go on dates with the goal of fostering relationships that could lead to meaningful relationships and valuable job opportunities. As they navigate the digital dating landscape, participants will not only shape the future of dating experiences for Black Gen-Z individuals but also gain invaluable insights into effective networking strategies. 

For further information about the BLK MBA Program and details on how to apply, please visit https://www.theplugbyblk.com/blkmba2024. Stay tuned for updates and announcements via our press releases, social media channels, and in-app notifications.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka Star in New Beats Campaign

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Angel Reese, Sha'Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka Star in New Beats Campaign

Beats, a pioneer in audio technology, has expanded its bestselling product family by introducing the all-new Beats Solo Buds true wireless earphones and the next generation of its iconic headphones, Beats Solo 4. Reputable athletes Angel Reese, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Naomi Osaka headline the campaign.

The Beats Solo Buds embody the Solo line’s signature attributes of portability, comfort, and premium audio quality in its smallest form factor yet. The Solo Buds are the ultimate on-the-go companion, boasting impressive sound, up to 18 hours of battery life, and seamless one-touch pairing for both iOS and Android users. Available in four premium colors, including Matte Black and Arctic Purple, the Solo Buds will retail for $79.99 starting in June.

Meanwhile, the Beats Solo 4 offers upgraded, powerful sound, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and UltraPlush cushions for unparalleled comfort. With up to 50 hours of battery life and Lossless Audio via USB-C, the Solo 4 sets a new standard in headphone technology. Available in Matte Black, Slate Blue, and Cloud Pink, the Solo 4 is priced at $199.99 and can be ordered today from apple.com.

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Half of American Adults Support Ban on TikTok, 46% Believe China Using it to Spy on United States

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Half of American Adults Support Ban on TikTok, 46% Believe China Using it to Spy on United States

A recent poll by Reuters/Ipsos reveals a divided sentiment among U.S. adults regarding the potential ban of TikTok. How surprising. Sarcasm. ByteDance, a China-based tech company, owns the popular social media app. With an ambitious law on the horizon that could effectively ban TikTok nationwide by January 2025, about half of Americans express support for the drastic measure, citing concerns over data privacy and Chinese influence.

The legislation, known as the “Protecting Americans’ Data From Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024,” signed by President Biden after receiving bipartisan support in Congress, mandates ByteDance to divest its stake in TikTok within nine months to a non-“foreign adversary” entity. That’s a bold statement, but the lawmakers are serious about this. Failure to comply would result in the app’s distribution being prohibited in America. TikTok intends to challenge the law on First Amendment grounds, but the ban may become a reality if unsuccessful. ByteDance has no plans to sell its interest in the platform.

According to the poll, approximately 50% of Americans support a TikTok ban, 32% oppose it, and 18% are undecided. Concerns about Chinese government surveillance and influence loom large, with 55% believing ByteDance utilizes TikTok to sway public opinion and 46% suspecting espionage activities by the Chinese government.

Senator Maria Cantwell has raised alarms, suggesting that TikTok and ByteDance exploit data and artificial intelligence for surveillance purposes, even targeting journalists covering the company. Past incidents, such as ByteDance firing employees for unauthorized access to TikTok data, further fuel apprehensions.

Concerns about the repercussions of a TikTok ban exist. Ninety percent of respondents believe content creators would migrate to alternative platforms, while 45% worry about adverse effects on small businesses and performing artists. Additionally, 46% fear potential infringements on free speech rights.

The Ipsos/Reuters poll, conducted from April 29-30 with a sample size of 1,022 U.S. residents aged 18 or older, highlights the complexity of public opinion on the TikTok ban issue, with a margin of sampling error of +/- 3.2 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Whatever happens, TikTok has become an influential staple in pop culture, but the connection to China has some people concerned, and possibly, rightfully so. 

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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

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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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Tyla Stars in New Beats by Dr. Dre and Alo Campaign

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Tyla Stars in New Beats by Dr. Dre and Alo Campaign

Beats by Dr. Dre (Beats) and Alo Yoga (Alo) have joined forces to introduce the Beats X Alo Special Edition Fit Pro true wireless earphones. This exclusive collaboration combines a sleek black finish with polished chrome accents, offering a stylish yet functional accessory for workouts and daily wear.

Featuring a debossed Alo logo on the right earbud and pearlized “b” logos on both buds, these true wireless earbuds make a subtle yet fashionable statement. The custom Beats Fit Pro case boasts a high-gloss coating infused with shimmering sparkles, complemented by a reflective chrome-like finish inside.

The Beats Fit Pro earphones, renowned for their premium sound quality, include features such as Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and the Apple H1 chip. They are also compatible with Android phones via the Beats companion app.

“The Beats x Alo collaboration felt truly predestined as both Los Angeles hometown brands have made a lasting impact on fitness and culture,” said Chris Thorne, Beats CMO. “Beats and Alo have a shared passion for high-performance products that allow our customers to express their unique and distinct personalities. We’re thrilled to join forces with Alo and bring the perfect tech accessory to the world of fitness.”

“We are thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration between Beats and Alo Yoga, uniting the worlds of premium sound and mindful movement. This partnership is more than just a fusion of technology and fashion; it’s a celebration of the rhythm of life and the practice of being present. Together, we aim to inspire our communities to live their most authentic lives, amplified by the power of music and movement.” Said Danny Harris, Co-CEO and Co-Founder.

Beats x Tyla

To coincide with the launch, Beats and Alo enlisted GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Tyla for the campaign. Filmed in the Bahamas, the campaign immerses viewers in an sensory experience set to the track “Safer” from Tyla’s debut album, TYLA. For more information, visit beatsbydre.com.

“Partnering with Beats and Alo has been a dream collaboration for me,” said Tyla. “I’m so excited to join forces on this campaign and share a product I personally rely on day-in, day-out.”

You can see the campaign video below.

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DJs Are Making Money Helping Songs Go Viral on New Music Platform DJ Connect App

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DJs Are Making Money Helping Songs Go Viral on New Music Platform DJ Connect App

Most upcoming artists understand the grind: mixing tracks into the wee hours, investing your essence into every beat, all while dreaming of that moment when the world finally hears your sound. Sadly, the music scene is crowded now with the digital explosion. For listeners, this is fantastic, offering a daily menu of fresh talents with the click of a button. But for artists? It’s an uphill battle.

Watching hard work get lost in the shuffle is tough, and it’s even more challenging when you hear about the big labels once the dream makers are cutting back and laying off. The truth hits hard: talent and hard work only sometimes guarantee success in this digital age. Unless you’ve got a mentor in your corner, a Mr. Miyagi figure for the digital age, teaching you to fight and win. That’s the role DJ Connect App proudly plays.

Imagine having a guide to navigate the chaos of the TikTok and YouTube algorithms. Someone who shines a light on your path, ensuring your music doesn’t just blend into the background but stands out, gets noticed, and gets played. That’s precisely what the DJ Connect App does. Unlike other platforms offering little more than streams, DJ Connect App is your industry sensei, using its $25 million valuation and vision to transform music careers.

As the platform’s founders observe, every artist faces two significant challenges: getting their music heard by the right people and making a living out of their passion. The industry’s saturated and traditional paths to success are narrowing. DJ Connect App tackles this head-on. How? By connecting you directly with music movers and shakers – top A&Rs, DJs, and label executives who can turn your music into the next big hit.

Instead of just throwing your music into a vast ocean and hoping for the best, this team goes out of its way to ensure you have a career—no more casting wide nets and hoping for a nibble. DJ Connect ensures your music reaches industry influencers who can propel your career forward. To them, it’s simple: Why gamble on marketing that might not hit the mark when you can get your tracks directly in front of industry professionals who can make a difference?

DJ Connect is more than talk. With a launch on the Apple Store, they’re ready to show just how much impact direct connections can make. As an insider discloses, they’re not just about helping artists and DJs break into the industry but about creating sustainable careers. This platform is designed to generate real income for DJs and artists, supporting the financial backbone of their careers.

DJ Connect is a testament to what’s possible when technology meets tenacity in a world where even the giants are stumbling. It’s a rallying cry for every artist tired of the traditional treadmill, offering a new way to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Joining DJ Connect isn’t just signing up for another service; it’s enlisting a champion in your corner, dedicated to turning your musical dreams into reality. With DJ Connect, your music does more than release—it resonates, reaches, and revolutionizes.

Why fight a losing battle when you can join a winning army? Where others see obstacles, the DJ Connect App sees opportunities. Welcome to the future of music and the DJ Connect App.

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Why Does TikTok Still Have Ariana Grande and Other Universal Music Artists Even Though There’s a Standoff With the Label?

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If you or your kids use TikTok, don’t feel bad because pretty much every social media user does; then you may have noticed a lack of certain music from your favorite artists on the platform. There’s a standoff regarding royalty payments and AI policies. Variety reports that it has “resulted in a near-complete blackout of all music owned, distributed, and published by the company on the platform.” Now get this: the videos are still on and popping on the platform, but the actual music is being muted – yikes.

Now it gets murky because new songs from UMG artists, like stars Ariana Grande, Camila Cabello, and Niall Horan, can still be discovered on TikTok as of yesterday, but what is the reason is the real question? Variety didn’t have any comment from reps at UMG and TikTok, who both declined.

So, if you don’t know how the whole music on TikTok thing works, it goes like this, as Variety reports: Rights-holders, such as record labels, are not the only way music can be uploaded onto TikTok. Pretty much anyone uploads music and displays it as “original sound” on a user’s post. Then, said sound can be used by virtually anyone on TikTok, including artists. Once that music is on the platform, the rights-holders lose control over the content, and all they can do is send off takedown notices and other notifications via legal means. So it falls on TikTok to follow through by detecting, policing and muting the unauthorized music floating around on its platform. Are you exhausted from that rundown? We are. 

Even though reps from the label declined to comment to Variety, UMG spoke on the situation broadly. They’re, in essence, directing fault to TikTok’s detection software. They dropped a letter to artists breaking down the ban. “TikTok makes little effort to deal with the vast amounts of content on its platform that infringe our artists’ music and it has offered no meaningful solutions to the rising tide of content adjacency issues, let alone the tidal wave of hate speech, bigotry, bullying and harassment on the platform,” from an excerpt of the letter. “The only means available to seek the removal of infringing or problematic content (such as pornographic deepfakes of artists) is through the monumentally cumbersome and inefficient process which equates to the digital equivalent of ‘Whack-a-Mole.’ … We will always fight for our artists and songwriters and stand up for the creative and commercial value of music.” It seems like this is not going to end soon.

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What is Causing the Current Bitcoin Surge?

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In case you have missed it, Bitcoin is going crazy. Last month, Bitcoin passed up the $45,000 mark. Now, it is headed past $60K, following a 20% jump in just five days.

According to CNN Business, the bitcoin surge is a product of billions pouring into the cryptocurrency after the US Securities and Exchange Commission approved bitcoin exchange-traded funds in January.

Adding to the rise is “halving,” which is a feature of bitcoin that reduces the rate of new coins in circulation every year, making the price go higher.

Conversely, investors are optimistic that halving won’t lead to a positive period and are looking to cash out on the surge. The surge has led to an impact on Coinbase.

“Some users may see a zero balance across their Coinbase accounts & may experience errors in buying or selling,” Coinbase Support wrote on Wednesday. “Our team is investigating this & will provide an update shortly. Your assets are safe.”

You can find out more here.

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