July 2025

July brings music wizardry of a game composer and inspiring songwriters are invited to attend a camp where award-winning singer songwriters will take you higher! We drop in a mastering house in London where recordings get a final gloss with two engineers. We have new album releases, music videos and documentaries. This is how you ride the crazy train, says the wizard. Grab an espresso and enjoy this month's serving!

Whether you’re a lyricist, guitarist, vocalist, pianist, or just someone with a passion for songwriting, singing, or both,this intimate master classes may be for you!

Grammy-winning producers and songwrtiers Linda Perry (P!nk, Christina Aguilera, and Alicia Keys), Autumn Rowe (Pitbull, Dua Lipa, and FKA Twigs), and Narada Michael Walden (Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Mariah Carey) will offer master classes held at East West Studios October 23-26, 2025.

Bring your original songs to this workshop and have the opportunity to record them with professional musicians at the historic studio. The workshop also offers learning about the business aspect of music, like how to pitch your songs to the top artists, producers, and record labels. 

Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp was born out of the desire to give the public the experience of living the life of a Rock Star for a few days, and gaining knowledge along the way. The idea came to David Fishof (Roger Daltrey, Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton) after years of producing rock tours throughout the world.

Packages start at $599. Reserve a spot here

Top: Mastering engineer Natalie Bibby at Air Studios with ATC's

left: Mastering engineer John Webber.

According to AIR Studios Mastering’s wisely-worded website: Professional audio mastering is the last part of the sound production process where recordings are given a final gloss.

In 2018 the studios started by Beatles producing genius George Martin added a full-range of speaker monitoring system with two ATC P2 PRO Dual Mono Power Amplifier additions.

John Webber is a Grammy winner and has worked with a diverse range of artists, from indie darlings to musical legends.

His recent notable projects include mastering the SAY Award-winning album Dinny Greet by rEDOLENT and chart-topping albums like Unreal Unearth by Hozier and Danse Macabre by Duran Duran (mixed by Bob Clearmountain). He has also mastered critically acclaimed works by BBC 6 Music favorites such as Honeyglaze, Ash, Coach Party, Divorce, Junodream, China Bears, Band Of Skulls, Sløtface, 86TVs, Peace, and English Teacher.

Originally Class-D amps were chosen for studio's speakers. "We always felt they were a little hard-sounding and lacking in musicality,” says Air's mastering engineer, John Webber.

“We felt it was worth exploring some Class A/B amp options, but, having tried several, we weren’t impressed… until we came across the ATC P2 PROs,” he adds.

The P2 PRO power amp is a true dual mono design delivering 300W of continuous power simultaneously from both channels to drive the most challenging loudspeaker loads with ATC’s signature virtues of wide bandwidth and ultra-low distortion. “The TADs are potentially a tough load with dual 10-inch bass drivers to control, and then there’s the passive crossover network and 4-ohm impedance to consider,” continues Webber. “They’re designed to be very responsive and linear, so, speculatively, we were looking for something that provided a balance between fast, focused, and sweet....The sound is still quite lively and true, but now there’s a more musical bottom end, and this extra dimension has made things more enjoyable to listen to...Two P2 PROs in a bi-amped configuration certainly sound different to just using one and took a little time getting used to, but I have always found brutally honest and revealing monitors to be best for my work because there’s little in the way of flattery going on and I generally find that masters translate better in the outside world,” trumpets John Webber.

Natalie Bibby began her engineering career at Metropolis studios, where she was trained by all of their engineers to become an amalgam of traditional and modern engineering. From the get go, she gained prestigious cutting credits assisting on live recording direct to vinyl sessions. Natalie has worked with the likes of Lewis Capaldi, The Big Moon, Squid, Portico Quartet, The Vaccines, Poppy Ajudha, Portico Quartet and Jimmy Eat World.

Natalie’s most recent mastering highlights include Newton Faulkner, Bimini, Hans Matheson, Alor and Ellen Winter. Coming from a mixing background, she makes herself available to advise how to get mixes right before mastering. Additionally, Natalie has experience in Dolby mixing and mastering and her latest Dolby credits include Gesu no Kiwami Otome and Indigo La End.

Natalie is also a self-producing artist under the name Ber Bein. She recently released an album called Dreaming Bones, which she recorded, mixed and mastered, on cassette tape via WereGnome Records. She describes herself as "Dungeon Synth artist hailing from the ancient forests of South East England." The name, Ben Bein, means “bare bones” in Icelandic and much of the music is inspired by mythology from that region.

For Air Studio Mastering bookings contact Charlotte Matthews or Katy Jackson. bookings@airstudios.com

AIR Mastering specializes in all formats of analogue and digital mastering, providing high-end audio services to the global music industry. From independent artists to major labels and cult TV soundtracks to Hollywood blockbusters, the Air team has the craft and vision to add a gloss to your release.

East West's legendary Studio One (Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Rolling Stones) is booked for variety of sessions from single voice to 70-piece symphonic orchestra. Brent Fischer Orchestra recorded in one with a 56-piece ensemble.

Spanning over 61,000 cubic feet with a vibrant sound, the iconic studio comes complete with a spacious isolation booth and a beautiful Bechstein D-280 Concert Grand Piano. The control room features an 80-channel Neve 8078 Console, the largest in the world (originally commissioned for Michael Jackson's best-selling album, Thriller).

Each room at East West is equipped with a DB Technologies db4496 A/D-D/A Converter and ATC SCM25 Pro Mk2 house monitors along with NS10/ProAc speakers and are set up with Pro tools HD.

Right: Grammy-winner producers Brent Fischer and Dave Reitzas in studio one control room during a VIP event hosted by Source Connect

photos: by the C

Housed in 1920s Medinah Temple, the historic landmark studios, for almost six decades, The Village has recorded hundreds of legendary Grammy Award-winning albums and Academy Award-winning movie soundtracks. One of the studio's Grammy-winning, staff engineers, Alex Williams, used ATC 25s on the Jon Batiste We Are sessions, as well as the award-winning Odessa sessions. He also worked with Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Regina Spektor, Perry Farrell and many more. Noted Williams, “The quality of ATC’s design and construction is apparent upon opening the box. From recording to mixing, the ATCs perform flawlessly on rock, pop, hip-hop, jazz, or orchestral. I know what I’m hearing is what I’m getting. I’m thrilled that The Village is outfitting three studios with the new ATC SCM25A Pro Mk2s.”

“Choosing ATC SCM25A Pro Mk2s for Village's main studios is an incredible validation of this product’s excellence,” says Brad Lunde, president and founder of TransAudio Group.

Top Left: Jeff Greenberg, owner and CEO with Snoop Dogg at The Village

In 2022 Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson met with the reclusive Sly Stone in Los Angeles to discuss a documentary project about Sly's life and music. Sly was on board. The Funk Rock and Pop music pioneer, Stone passed away on June 9, 2025 at the age of 82.

The 6X-Grammy^®-winner Questlove himself appears briefly in the new film released on Hulu and Disney. His DJ-ing skill is at full display with effective music mash ups for Questlove's sophomore documentary, Sly Lives! The Burden of Black Genius.

In Sly Lives! the director unpacks the genius of Stone, his trials, tribulations and his cultural impact and contribution to contemporary music.

The archival footage of Stone's live performances from Woodstock, Dick Cavett and Soul Train TV shows are lovingly preserved. The film's soundtrack takes center stage. Highly sought-after music supervisor Randall Postel worked closely with the director, Questlove to curate the soundtrack, to include un-released recordings with familiar hits. The original score by Questlove and The Roots chimes in with the band's signature soulful horns and analog synth sound. The stellar guest artist performances include: Bruno Mars in an acoustic version of If You Want Me to Stay. Janelle Monet's spoken words grace Everyday People,  D'Angelo lends his voice to a rendition of A Family Affair, layered in a gospel backdrop. Childish Gambino's moody modern instrumental appears in the end titles. Interviewed are some of our times beloved music geniuses to include: D'Angelo, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Nile Roger, George Clinton, Lenny Kravitz, Chaka Khan, Dave Chappelle, Herbie Hancock, and Andre 3000. 

It's the story of how Sylvester Stewart evolved into Sly Stone, co-founded the Family Stone with his brother Freddie, and cranked out a pile of classic tunes over the course of a few years. And, of course, we learn about Sly's drug-fueled downfall and late-in-life recovery.

"Thompson is one of our preeminent contemporary music historians," says, one of the producers, former music journalist, Joseph Patel.

Drummer, DJ, producer, culinary entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, and member of The Roots – Questlove is at home when he's creative and stays present. "Music is a polaroid. A time snap shot of where you are at that moment." He recounts a tender personal memory in his home at the age of two when he first hears the bass line in There's A Riot Going On by Sly Stone. The song anchored the memory of his family rushing water on his eyes to wash out the detergent that his sister put in his hair. Questlove knows a genius when he hears one. He is fascinated by how Sly's music can take a childish nursery rhyme and make it into an aggressive funk dance tune like Everyday People, the 1968 song composed by Sly Stone and first recorded by his band, Sly and the Family Stone. 

"We deserve everything we get in this life," said Sly in one interview. Questlove may even share a sense of empathy with him. Both black artists may have struggle issues with success. Many geniuses do. The movie touches on how Sly 's genius paints a surreal picture of life in Hot Fun In The Summertime. Life was anything but a picnic in the park on a joyful summer day in the 60s. Post civil rights movement, post Vietnam, post Kennedy and MLK assassinations, no one was experiencing the easy breezy mood heard in his song. There lies the magic of an artist making us dream, and awaken to realize the possibilities. "My assessment is that Sly used joy as an act of rebellion," adds Questlove. Then again, Sly once described funk - "the music of Rhythm and Blues that wants to cuss!"

"Questlove could also see a lot of himself in my Dad in a way, you know — as a musician and as a Black man in the world," says Sly's daughter, artist/DJ, Novena Carmel.

SLY LIVES! (aka the Burden of Black Genius) is Questlove’s second directorial effort of 2025, alongside Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music, for NBC/Peacock with Oz Rodriguez. Both projects follow his debut music-doc, 2021’s Summer of Soul (…or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), which won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Next, Questlove plans to work on new documentaries about the band Earth, Wind & Fire.

Sly Stone's longtime manager Arlene Hirschkowitz co-authored Sly's memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin). Sony released a compilation of 3 albums, Stone released before Woodstock, considered the all-time party dance music.

The original Motion Picture Soundtrack was compiled by author/music journalist Jeff Mao and producer/director Joseph Patel and co-produced by Mao, Patel, Questlove, and Rob Santos on behalf of Sony Music. 

The production budget for Sly Lives! was $7million (including securing music licensing, animation via titmouse, scoring, sound design, high-definition restoration of historical material and promotional expenses for theatrical roll outs and festivals and sold-out screenings at Sundance and Trebecca).

The film was backed by music studios and streaming partners like Hulu originals, Sony Music, cultural grants, and Root's own production company. The doc earned an estimated $18 million globally at the box office, in addition to Hulu streaming and licensing revenue of over 12 million. Hulu acquired domestic rights premiering the film in HD and Atmos. Disney's Star banner distributed the film to Canada, Europe, India and Latin America. 

The documentary ends with the question. Is there a burden on black geniuses? Ironically, the argument that genius knows no color is emphasized In the film's title by crossing Black.

Nevertheless, Questlove tells the human story of a burdened artist touched by drugs. He also tells the story of how black entertainers were often intimidated by the police in the 60s and 70s. In some instances a black artist had to take the bus to show up for his gig after being traumatized by an arrest. 

Still, when it came to music, Sly Stone, like most musicians, saw all colors, all genders. Boys, Girls, Black & White made up his multi-ethnic multi-racial band. He had brilliant women musicians like Cynthia Robinson on Trumpet . 

Sly Lives because his message of love and unity resonates today. Sly Lives! The Burden of Black Genius is a loving tribute to Sly Stone by Questlove.

Now go ahead, Stand for the things you know are right and Dance to the music! 

The soundtracks is available HERE

Now streaming on Hulu

Director: Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson

Nzinga Blake: executive producer 

Producers Vanessa Czworniak Gonzales, Brian Sung, Joseph Patel

Assoc Producer Yliana Roland

Invest in Good Speaker Stands. Why? While looks can be deceiving, you must have seen concrete blocks and other DIY configurations used in some project studios. Speaker stands may not be on top of your purchasing list, but this 19-minute video by Colt Capperrune @ColtCapperrune may change your mind. $20 block stands are compared with professional stands ranging from $140 Gators to $1,200 Sound Anchor stands. Can you guess which one performs the best? check it out here Adjust-ability is also important for Speakers. For optimum sound quality the speaker’s acoustical axis should be at approximately ear level for the most consistent and best sound.

Sound Anchor adjustable monitor stands allow you to adjust the position of the monitors (height, angle and tilt) so you can place the monitors where they need to be for the highest quality sound.

Sound Anchors and Redmount products are designed and manufactured in Palm Bay, Florida U.S.A. using American parts and skilled American labor. click here for Sound Anchor dealers in USA

Starstruck Entertainment, the parent company of Starstruck Studios was founded in 1988 by Narvel Blackstock. Located on Music Row, Starstruck Studios is considered one of the top iconic Nashville recording facilities, and recently chose an ATC 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos configuration and paired it with their SSL System TS-500 console for their Dolby Atmos room.

"ATC 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos system is cited as the speaker system of choice for the growing number of multichannel immersive sound studios.

Manufactured and designed in the UK to the highest engineering standards, it was only natural ATC could develop this solid niche," says Brad Lunde of Trans Audio Group.

ATC models:

SCM25As

SCM45As,

SCM50ASLs

SCM100ASLs

"ATC monitors are something you have to experience. Lets just say that you can hear details you’ve never heard before, leading you to faster, more accurate decisions in your creative process," says Brad Lunde, President of Trans Audio Group

ATC SCM 25a pro mk2 has been upgraded with ATC’s hand made proprietary SH25-76S Dual Suspension Tweeter, extending the high-frequency response with a reduction in distortion. " The best of the best rely on ATC monitoring as their main solution for tracking, mixing and mastering. Like the original SCM25A, the new upgraded Mk2 is a compact 3-way high-performance active studio monitor loudspeaker, based around the hand made proprietary ATC 3”/75mm soft mid-dome driver and 6.5”/164mm bass driver loaded in a 25-litre vented cabinet," adds Brad Lunde, President of Trans Audio Group. Models range from $5,000 to $50,000 per pair and all share a very similar sound. For larger rooms and midfield, applications check out the SEM45 with dual 6.5-inch drivers and the fantastic SEM150 with a 15-inch woofer and 350 Watts of power. More info here

TransAudio Group, U.S. distributer of the finest professional recording equipment in the world, is pleased to announce the new ATC SCS70 Pro, a compact, ultra-high performance subwoofer using ATC’s first, in-house-designed and built sub driver.

Designed by Billy Woodman and his team of engineers, this new 12-inch sub driver delivers the kind of honest and detailed low-frequency information that professionals have come to expect from ATC. “Subwoofers can be a source of distortion, making the mixing or mastering process a guessing game. Now an ATC system, complete with the one or two SCS70 subs, can deliver full bandwidth audio for any genre, enabling superior translation on any system it gets played on, from ear buds to home hi-fi to clubs and everything in-between. Other subwoofers rely on EQ and poorly implemented ports, transmission lines or passive radiators to boost low end and make their subs sound impressive," says Brad Lunde. USA List Price: $5,490.00 USA MAP: $4,990.00

October 23-26

Fantasy Camp With Producers

East West Studios

Grammy-winning producers and songwrtiers Linda Perry (P!nk, Christina Aguilera, and Alicia Keys), Autumn Rowe (Pitbull, Dua Lipa, and FKA Twigs), and Narada Michael Walden (Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Mariah Carey) will offer master classes held at East West Studios October 23-26, 2025.

Bring your original songs to this workshop and have the opportunity to record them with producers

Packages start at $599. Reserve a spot here

October 23-25, 2025      

AES Show 2025 

Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center 

Long Beach, California

This annual gathering unites over 10,000 audio professionals, enthusiasts, and exhibitors from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned expert, a novice, or a student, the AES Show provides a platform for collaboration, discovery, and learning 

Register here

Sponsor Opportunity here



For more events visit our calendar

Above: studioexpresso and Trans Audio Group presented "Atmos-ize Your Music" at NAMM on Thursday January 23, 2025. Below: Speakers for the session: l-r: Cam O'Bi, Brad Lunde of Trans Audio Group, Ryan Ulyate, Eva Reistad, Brent Fischer, Harry Weinger of UMG, and Claris Sayadian Dodge of studioexpresso.

studioexpresso and Trans Audio Group have featured many producers, and musicians over the past ten years of TEC Track's history at NAMM

Curt Bisquera (Sarah McLachlan, Elton John), Kenny Aronoff (Smashing Pumpkins, John Mellencamp, Sting), Greg Penny (Elton John, KD Lang), Cam 'Obi (J Cole, Chance the Rapper), Niko Bolas (Neil Young, LeAnn Rimes), Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hedrix, Kiss), Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, Faith No More), Cheche Alara (Christina Aguilera), Kim Bullard (Elton John, Kelly Clarkson), Cristina Abaroa (Celine Dion, Enrique Iglasias), Brady Leffler (Hot Chelle Rae, Justin Beieber), Al Schmitt (Diana Krall, Paul McCartney), Alex Acuna (LA Phil, Beck), Teddy Campbell (American idol, The Tonight Show w Leno), Ellis Hall (Ray Charles, Tower of Power), Jacob Armen (Prince), Peter Asher (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt), Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Melody Gardot), Manny Marroquin (Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys), Dave Schiffman (Adele, Limp Bizkit), Gregg Field (Sinatra, Pharell), Sylvia Massy (Tool, Johnny Cash), CJ Vanston (Toto, spinal Tap), Dame Gail Dorsey (David Bowie, Gwen Stefani), Jenny Mason (The Mrs), Neal Pogue (Outkast, Andre 3000), Eva Reistad (Dune 1,2, Alien, Sherlock Holmes), Leland Sklar (Phil Collins, James Taylor), Moogie Canazio (Sergio Mendes, Sarah Vaughan), Rafa Sardina (Lady Gaga, John Legend), Daniel Seeff (KJazz, Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz), James Torme, Zev Feldman of Resonance Records (Sarah Vaughan, Bill Evans, Nat King Cole), John Wooler of Mood Media (Flying Lotus, Elton John, Miles Davis), David Benoit, Harry Weinger (Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Frank Sinatra), Matt Wong, Ryan Ulyate (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Ian Charbonneau (Mana, Neil Young, Jake Owen) and Grammy^®-winning Brent Fischer (Usher, Elvis Costello, Symphonic Prince).

Bettermaker Mastering Limiter 2.0 Convenient, easy-to-use plug-in control and instant recall.

“From Grammy-award winners, to top international recording artists, home and free-standing recording studios, the original Mastering Limiter is that piece of go-to gear that adds that particular dynamic edge and significant touch towards the end of the recording process.

The Bettermaker Mastering Limiter 2.0 has faster release time, a lowered noise floor and the same 100% analog signal path with the ease of digital plug-in control and recall. This one is a superstar product,” adds Brad Lunde, president, and founder of TransAudio Group

Watch Vlog review by DJ, Producer, Jon Sine of the new Bettermaker Mastering 2.0 here

The Bettermaker Mastering Limiter 2.0 is priced at $3,500 in USA and is now available for shipping.

Above at 2025 NAMM Bettermaker Booth 10302 in Hall A, is the legendary Stevie Wonder checking out the game-changing accessibility of the new Bettermaker VSPE which allows for seamless control of Bettermaker hardware and plugins using voice commands, using its cutting-edge open source AI technology (created in partnership with The MIDI Association’s Music Accessibility Standard Special Interest Group MASSIG as well as real-time speech feedback for accurate parameter adjustments.

"The Daking Mic Pre 4T, nominated for a TEC Award 2023, will elevate any recording offering unique solutions to common problems," say Brad Lunde (click top left image for a video presentation by Brad Lunde). The “low-distortion” Jensen input and output transformers offer more linear low-end performance under super dynamic conditions. Daking’s own variable high-pass filter dials out the low-frequency mud that can be subsonic and will decrease available headroom. Built in the USA, Daking uses only high-end parts like Jensen input and output transformers in a high-end design using all-discrete transistor Class A circuitry. Unusually high 24dB of headroom and easy to read twenty segment meters make proper gain staging easy and forgiving under a wider array of conditions.

Auratone Celebrates its 50th anniversary, Auratone and its US distributor, TransAudio Group, introduced the first-ever Active 5C, nominated for TEC Awards at NAMM 2023.

A careful R&D process has been implemented to maintain the original characteristics of the 5C, utilizing the same amplifier design from the NAMM TEC Award winning A2-30 amplifier.

“We were happy to get boutique Polish manufacturer Bettermaker together with Alex Jacobsen, owner, and grandson of founder Jack Wilson, for the perfectly matched A2-30 amplifier. Now, the two companies have collaborated to get a mono amplifier that contains the guts and soul of the A2-30 into each chassis for the active version,” says Brad Lunde, founder, and president of TransAudio Group.

The Auratone Active 5C is now shipping • MAP: $749/pair

Like the other 5C variants, the Auratone ACTIVE 5C is made in the USA.



Trans Audio Group -- The Recording Studio Equipment Experts. Call to order from their trusted brands:

A-Designs (USA), ATC Loudspeakers (UK), Auratone, Bettermaker, Daking Audio, Drawmer, Hakan, Latch Lake, Mojave Audio, Mutec, Pete's Place Audio, Sabra-Som, Subwoofer Pros, and Tube-Tech 

Questions- pricing, availability and dealer locations please email sales@transaudiogroup.com

Inspired by the legendary ‘Motown EQ’ sound, Drawmer created two new 500 series EQs. Each unit offers 7-band proportional Q equalizers with EQ curves akin to the renowned ones used in the illustrious Detroit studios of the 1960s. These 100% analog units feature sevens bell curves, each having a variable cut/boost of ±10dB and set at the beautifully musical frequencies of the original.

The MQ-1 offers a single channel Mono 7-band EQ, with the highly regarded ‘CRUSH’ feature present on the Drawmer 1971 Dual 4-Band Parametric Equalizer rack unit. When you activate the crush circuit, get ready for some pleasing harmonic saturation and that classic analog warmth that adds a ton of character to any signal passing through the unit. CRUSH fattens up the bass, adds presence to the mids, and brings a delightful shimmer to the top end. The harder you drive the EQ the more crush you’ll get! The MQ-1 is a single-slot 500 series module. The MQ-2 offers the same EQ curves, but in full stereo, and is far more than an equalizer. It also incorporates a program-dependent, single-knob compressor that adapts its envelope to the characteristics of the signal. The order of the EQ and Compressor in the signal path can be swapped according to your requirements. The MQ-2 also has the same integrated ‘CRUSH’ feature that warms up your mix with harmonic saturation, and additionally includes comprehensive metering. The MQ-2 is a 2-slot 500 series module.

Visit Drawmer at TransAudio Group for more details.

Pricing: MQ-1 $349.00 • MQ-2 $539.00

The new Drawmer 1971 4-band parametric EQ, available in the U.S. from TransAudio Group.

Trans Audio Group introduces Drawmer 1971 4-Band Parametric EQ. This new edition to the Drawmer 70s series of FET-based gear offers two channels of fully featured 4-band parametric EQ and a new CRUSH button with the ability to deliver a myriad of unique musical applications on each bandwidth.

Noted Brad Lunde, president and founder of TransAudio Group, “Widely popular, the Drawmer 70’s series has received many industry awards, and this new EQ is sure to follow. The features embodied in the 1971, plus the amazing new CRUSH button, allow for fine-tuned tactile tone sculpting. CRUSH is a dramatic tool. Engineers and producers will love the diverse and subtle creative options. Drawmer gear is designed and handmade by Drawmer in the UK – no small feat for a pro audio manufacturer.”

Now Available. Price: $1799.00 Details here

Universal Music Group

SEC Registration, and Partnership with IP Management Firm Liquidax

Universal Music Group (UMG) artist roster is vast: Taylor Swift, Sting, Elton John, Weekend, Justin Beiber, Drake, J Cole, Nirvana, The Rolling Stones, Billie Eilish, Katy Perry, Queen, ABBA, DJ Khaled, Stevie Wonder, Post Malone, The Beatles, Metro Boomin...

July was a busy month for the label. The company submitted a draft registration statement on Form F-1 to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) relating to a proposed public offering in the United States of its ordinary shares held by certain shareholders, followed by resignation of non-Executive Director Cyrille Bolloré from its Board of Directors, to launching of an ambitious program to up-cycle obsolete or unsold t-shirts and other merchandise at scale for use in new products.

Additionally, this week a strategic partnership was announced with IP asset management, investment and advisory firm Liquidax Capital. The goal stated is to accelerate the development of UMG’s music-related AI patents. Under this new partnership, Liquidax will provide UMG with support on the development, filing, and licensing work required to greatly expand its patent portfolio and bring new products to market. UMG has already filed 15 patents with Liquidax in the fields of musical collaboration, multi-media content and campaign creation, music & health, AI threat protection, music administration and rights management. Two of the UMG AI patents have already been issued.

"We’re very pleased to be entering into this collaboration with Liquidax, with whom we intend to develop a strong strategic relationship that will amplify our ability to develop IP and take it to market, accelerating the evolution of the music ecosystem, ”says Chris Horton, SVP, Strategic Technology at UMG. "We are laser focused on advancing UMG’s leadership and their cutting-edge technologies, especially in AI, to empower their artists, protect creative rights, foster partnerships, and enhance UMG’s fan experiences worldwide," says Daniel Drolet, Founder of Liquidax.

The 27-year-old Gibson artist Yungblud (Dominic Harrison) is known for voicing what he feels are major concerns for his generation including gentrification, assault, troubled upbringings, and political corruption.

His new album IDOLS was recorded just outside of where Yungblud grew up in the north of England, with producer Matt Schwartz (Kylie Minogue and Massive Attack) at the helm.

Bob Bradley appears on additional production with guitarist Adam Warrington. Single, Hello Heaven, Hello has garnered widespread airplay across the U.S.The 9-minute epic blends classic British rock with orchestral arrangements, and experimental sounds.

Prolific Photographer Charlie Sarsfield (Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi, Stormzy) direced the song. The raucous, Lovesick Lullaby follows with stunning performance visual for the focus track Ghosts .

Five years in the making, the album was issued as a double LP, with the first part released on June 20, 2025 on UMG. "Album III is out. Was a journey, from London to LA, some crazy moments and sessions, laughing, jumping, arguing and celebrating.The most sublime artist and entertainer out there. Performing is definitely in his blud whether in the studio or on stage, it’s always exciting inspiring and unexpected. Album IIII (4) is already in motion and … expect the unexpected, said producer Schwartz in a post.

Yungblud’s latest single, Zombie, features a stunning cinematic video, a creative collaboration starring the Academy Award-nominated actress, Florence Pugh.

Yungblud has received several accolades, including the MTV EMA for Best Alternative (2021) and the O2 Ailver CLef Award for Best Live Act (2022). He has built and nurtured a vast collective of dedicated fans around the globe--a close-knit family that’s grown into the millions and has accumulated an astonishing six billion streams globally. “Self-belief, self-reclamation, self-evolution, and change. As we grow up, we lose our belief in magic and mystery, and we begin to rationalize everything; our cage walls build up,” says Youngblud.

Catch Yungblud on his Idols World Tour in select cities, including @ The Hollywood Palladium on 8/23.

For more dates and tickets, visit here

AssH grew up in Tokyo, Japan. He started playing guitar at the age of 17 and began a solo career in 2018. "It wasn't that I thought I was going to be a professional guitarist from the beginning, I just kept on playing guitar because I loved it, and that's how I ended up here.” AssH focuses on his solo activities, in addition to supporting the following artists both live and in recordings AI, EXILE, EXILE THE SECOND, Misato Watanabe, HEY!SAY!JUMP, and with YOASOBI at Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Primavera Sound festivals. He also appears on his own master classes on his YouTube channel, and he works with music-related manufacturers on magazines and video product reviews. In addition to his solo music work, he started the rock group Kyso with Nicholas Edwards in 2024, and the total number of views of YouTube-related videos has exceeded 600 million. “As a marquee artist, I am both honored and excited to work on various music activities in partnership with Gibson. The Gibson sound and brand have always been very familiar, admired, and a big part of my life since I got my first ES-335 guitar in high school,” says AssH. "I use my Gibson for production, songwriting, and live performances, and I hope that I can be an inspiration giving dreams, love, and cool sounds to other people who want to express themselves through music and work hard, if even just a little bit.”

“We are thrilled to welcome AssH to the Gibson Marquee Artist program,” says Beth Heidt, Chief Marketing Officer at Gibson.

The Gibson Marquee Artist program follows artist-first initiatives that the brand has introduced, including the Gibson G3 that supports youth artists globally, the Gibson Gives Scholarship program that provides financial support to students with music career aspirations, and Gibson Records, a record label that works with artists to produce, record, and promote guitar-driven music. Recent releases include Serj Tankian new EP, Foundations, Slash’s star-studded debut blues album, Orgy of the Damned, a collection of 12 dynamic songs that shakes up and revitalizes blues classics with a stripped down, instinctive approach. The acclaimed guitarist and songwriter teamed up with numerous guest vocalists including Iggy Pop, Chris Stapleton, Demi Lovato, Paul Rodgers, Chris Robinson, Billy Gibbons, Gary Clark Jr. Brian Johnson, Beth Hart, Dorothy, and Tash Neal, to create a singular expression that pays homage to the blues.

My Chemical Romance is a rock band renowned for their hits Welcome To The Black Parade, Teenagers, Famous Last Words, Helena, I'm Not Ok, and The Ghost Of You. They worked with artists like Brian May, Green Day, and The Used — amassing billions of global streams and received multi-platinum certifications.

Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, the Deluxe Edition of 3x platinum certified sophomore album, of My Chemical Romance arrives nearly 21 years to the original release date. The Deluxe Edition is remixed and remastered and is available on CD, multiple colored vinyl variants, including a stunning zoetrope 2LP, and digitally. The 2 LP vinyl formats are 3-sided, with Side 4 boasting a special etching, making them collector’s items for the MCRmy. Grammy®-winning producer Rich Costey has done new mixes for the Deluxe Edition with new artwork, a restored video for The Ghost of You is out.

Limited tickets remain for their highly anticipated summer tour, which includes 2 nights at Dodger Stadium.

Tickets are available HERE.

Purchase/Listen to Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge (Deluxe Edition) HERE.

Singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist G Flip has announced their third studio album Dream Ride, arriving September 5th via AWAL Recordings.

New single In Another Life available now on all streaming platforms Dream Ride finds the Melbourne-born, LA-based musical polymath playing every instrument and teaming back up with co-writer/producer Aidan Hogg

Next up, G Flip will appear at Montreal Pride later this summer, and perform at festivals including both the Washington, DC and New York City editions of All Things Go Music Festival later this year. A complete list of upcoming live dates and ticket information can be found Here. 

Timed to coincide with the touring production’s summer run at Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles (August 13 – September 7), the exhibit will open at the GRAMMY Museum on July 23 and remain on display through October 27, 2025.

For more information on & JULIET

visit here.

I Need You: 53 years of The Band America is a new documentary that chronicles the decades of touring and recording of one popular music’s most iconic and surviving bands. In addition to the band’s success is the enduring and beautiful friendship of its founding members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell. Featured in the film is also legendary Beatles producer and studio owner George Martin, a huge part of the band America’s history, sound, and success. Though usually known first as the Beatles’ producer (and often referred to as the “fifth Beatle”), Martin also produced six albums with America - Holiday, Hearts, Hideaway, America, Hat Trick, and Harbor

The film is co-directed and co-produced by David Breschel and Dustin Elm. Together with Jack Piatt (also a producer on the film), they brought the film to the screen through Breschel and Piatt’s company Highway West Entertainment.  Highway West also produced the amazing music documentary Immediate Family  in 2022, directed by Denny Tedesco (The Wrecking Crew).

A lot of the footage is the band, America's home movies. Respected photographer Henry Diltz is a big part of the story. "When Henry would shoot these album covers, he would be shooting with a photography camera, but he would carry an 8mm home movie camera with him. In between the photos, he’d be filming. This was when we realized we could show more than the photos, we can see them on this journey to making the album cover," said Elm to reporter Janice Lee.

Dustin Elm is also in production on an upcoming series, with films also in the works. When not making films, Dustin Elm created and founded the annual music festival in San Diego The Mustache Bash. What started as a house party with a few college friends at San Diego State has grown into a huge 70’s themed Disco and Funk music festival.

"With making a doc, you can’t predict exactly what will get to film." adds Breschel, who is also working on a documentary Far Behind: The Candlebox Story, which is slated to start the film festival tour towards the end of 2025.

Sign up for screening/viewing updates here

Watch the trailer here

Back to the Beginning marked the historic return of the original Black Sabbath – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – performing together for the first time in 20 years on July 5, in Birmingham, England The all-star celebration of heavy metal’s founding fathers saw Ozzy take to the stage for a short solo set before reuniting with Black Sabbath for their final ever performance, making this one of the most significant live music events of the decade.

Lead singer Ozzy died weeks after his farewell show. He was 76.

Formed in Birmingham in 1968, Black Sabbath went on to become one of the most influential and successful metal bands of all time, selling over 75 million albums and defining a genre.

The reunion also featured performances from Metallica, Slayer, Guns N’ Roses, Pantera, Gojira, Alice In Chains, Halestorm, Lamb Of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and more. A super-group of legendary musicians also performed including Ronnie Wood, Steven Tyler, Billy Corgan, Duff McKagan, Slash, Frank Bello, Fred Durst, Jake E Lee, Jonathan Davis, David Draiman, KK Downing, Lzzy Hale, Mike Bordin, Rudy Sarzo, Sammy Hagar, Scott Ian, Sleep Token ii, Papa V Perpetua, Tom Morello, and Zakk Wylde.

“It was a great honor to pay tribute to Tony Iommi and Black Sabbath during their final Back to the Beginning show this past weekend in Birmingham, UK, where it all started,” says Cesar Gueikian, President and CEO of Gibson. "It was an honor for all of us at Gibson to have had the opportunity to be there to host the artist community at the Gibson lounge backstage and raise a significant amount of funds for great local causes. I will never forget that day, it was a once-in-a-lifetime event,” says Gueikian.

Gibson Guitars was a sponsor and supporter of the event, offering signed guitars for the auction. The concert raised nearly $200 million for three charities- Birmingham Children's Hospital, Cure Parkinson's, and Acorn Children's Hospice.

Rick Beato offers a good take on the musical influence of Black Sabbath. Watch it here

Until next month,

Ride the crazy train and ask yourself how to support musicians, music, and the arts.Tell us about your new release, upcoming event, or reach out for music production support.

Music Lives and Moves!

Claris Sayadian-Dodge, founder/editor

claris@studioexpresso.com

Right: At The Village Studios