Random music news for Saturday, July 8, 2023

People are competing to make “the worst video games possible.” On purpose. I, however, strive for the best music news possible. Here’s what’s going on for July 8, 2023.

1. The Online News Act is now law. Now what? Which sites will be affected? The one you’re reading right now?
2. Justin Trudeau just gave Tay-Tay a BIG publicity boost.
3. Meanwhile, she approved her sponsorship deal with FTX. Yeah, the crypto firm that collapsed and will see people sent to jail.
4. There’s a new AI-based voice-swapping service for artists.
5. Here’s more on the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas. Wow.
6. What music has helped Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy get on with the war with Russia? Dad rock. Whatever you need, dude.
7. Rising costs are threatening Austin’s reputation as a music city.
8. “Nine reasons every musician should be on Threads.”
9. Hamilton’s Tom Wilson (Junkhouse, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, and more) has been awarded the Order of Canada.
10. There’s a new Gordon Lightfoot documentary coming, but it’s different than anything that came before.
11. Bob Ludwig, the legendary mastering engineer (dozens of albums in your collection were mastered by him), has retired.
12. Women are making inroads into yacht rock. Uh, yay?
13. Conan O’Brien got to sit down with Paul McCartney. it’s a good interview. (Via Walter)
14. Earthquake! Wait. No?
15. Um, okay. It’s art, right?

More music news? Check here.

BONUS: Yeah, who didn’t see this coming?