SKIO Music

We believe in simplicity and creativity. So, we've made it easier to collaborate with anyone, anywhere, and anytime you like. www.skiomusic.com

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We’ve teamed up with @archismusic and @nettwerkmusicgroup to host a remix contest for #Archis - Let Me Love. Download the stems and get creative to win an official remix released on Nettwerk Records and a free 1 year premium membership to SKIO Music! ENTER THE CONTEST HERE!!!! http://snipurl.com/skiocontest #archis #remixcontest #skiomusic (at http://snipurl.com/skiocontest)

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Make remixes or have your songs remixes to reach more fans in new markets! Sign up to our private Beta now at www.skiomusic.com #skio

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Are you prepared to put in that little extra? #skiomusic The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. - Jimmy Johnson

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detektor  3D illustration for German web radio detektor.fm by Ronny Schmidt

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for all the hipsters out there

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Facebook’s Audio Fingerprinting: Good News, Bad News, or Both?

Facebook’s music tagging service that was introduced last month for mobile users in the US has caused quite a stir for those concerned online privacy, and not without good reasons, but today we look at how it will affect musicians and the digital media industry. The Shazam-like feature that activates a mobile device’s internal microphone to record and identify music and background sounds when a user composes a status update has been flagged as an egregious invasion of privacy for some, while at the same time, has been welcomed by performance rights organizations (PROs) for it’s capacity to police copyright, control infringing content, identify songs performed online and collect more royalties. So what should we think about this new feature?

While Facebook points out that the feature will only be active when users ‘opt-in’, and even in these cases, the microphone is not always on. In fact, only 15 seconds of audio is recorded while a post is being made and this audio is apparently not stored in any records. Additionally, Facebook claims any information that is collected is completely anonymous, and the goal is to let users post about what media they enjoy and to encourage fans to share music from their favourite artists. In this sense, audio tagging is said to be an extension of the feelings and activity sharing option which Facebook introduced last year, and has since been used by over 5 billion posters. What’s more, once a piece of audio has been identified and tagged, the user’s friends can listen to a preview of the song or see a link to the TV show, a function that will surely please media content owners (at least those who have their content registered with Facebook’s media database).

So what does this all mean? Well, we know that sharing media in a Facebook status will likely drive engagement and reach for those artists whose music is tagged, and the 30 second preview that uses API’s from Rdio, Spotify and Deezer (any longer and Facebook would have to pay out royalties) can be a great tool for music discovery within the largest social network. But is this really the goal, or is this an attempt to bring the social discussions on music, entertainment and sports which largely take place on Twitter, back to Facebook? Or maybe it’s a scheme by Facebook to break into the audio identification and music sales market, and cut out the middlemen like Shazam or Soundhound? Furthermore, the data that IS recorded with this feature is in fact quite valuable to music marketers, record labels, managers or anyone who is interested in tracking which music is popular, consumer listening habits, and targeted advertisements, thus constituting yet another lucrative revenue stream for Facebook.

Regardless of explicit or hidden intentions, for musicians this means a whole new way for fans to identify songs, share them with friends, and purchase their favourite artists music. While the millions of songs and TV shows (available in the US only) in Facebook’s media database is still relatively small when compared to the over 25 million songs in Shazam’s catalogue, this number can be expected to grow substantially in the coming months and years, especially as this feature is extended to more territories in Europe and Asia (two of the world’s largest music markets). Any labels or artists who intend on keeping up with useful and innovative technology to help make money from their music and otherwise pay their bills, should seriously consider registering their own songs with Audible Magic - the audio fingerprinting service used by Facebook, Vimeo, and Soundcloud to identify media content.

For a preview of Facebook’s audio tagging feature in action check out the video link below.

http://vimeo.com/95970002 

For more info on how to register your music with Audible Magic’s content management system follow the link:

http://bit.ly/1oT6yOp

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Pioneer's KUVO: Game Changer?

Well Pioneer seems to be handling this issue quite well, by offering DJs who use Rekordbox the option of marking their tracks Secret or Public, allowing for DJ's to retain exclusivity over their tracks and setlists. In fact, there are several potential benefits for DJs to use the new Pioneer technology, including access to custom metadata on tracks and full sets, and the ability to post messages and information with their tracks. Perhaps the most impressive feature, at least in terms of keeping the service legitimate and free from spammers, impersonators, and fraudulent promotion, is the requirement for DJs to undergo an authentication process in order to receive and authentication key.

Fan or User benefits come in the form of access to their favourite DJs set lists and new music discovery, with the option of directly downloading tracks from online music stores like iTunes or Beatport. The KUVO system also keeps tracks of songs and DJs that are trending, and gives audience members the option to find real time track, artist, and DJ information, as well as the ability to interact with the DJ or club through messaging, pictures, or by handing out 'likes'. Essentially, Pioneer just upped the ante when it comes to interacting with the audience, both in the club and over the internet.

While the immediate benefits of the KUVO system are still revealing themselves, one potential area of interest, particularly for small or independent labels and even unsigned artists, is the ability for this type of service to provide valuable information on new remixes, underground music and previously unknown tracks to Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) like SOCAN and ASCAP.

Although KUVO currently requires Pioneer CDJs, Mixer and new hardware to be installed, we anticipate this new service to be expanded to work with Serato and Traktor as well, making nearly every DJ set available for the masses and the PROs.

The implications of KUVO could be game changing in the music industry and we think this is only the beginning. In such a rapidly changing environment it is difficult to know which new music app or service will come out next that will revolutionize the way we create, share and listen to music. So keep a close eye on SKIO Music ;)

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The Johnny Cash Project

One of the most exciting new trends to come out of digital media is the ability to turn to the crowd for creativity. Crowdsourced music and art projects are becoming more and more common and impressive. The Johnny Cash Project is a beautiful display of what can come from many minds working together.

The Johnny Cash Project is a collaborative music video, constructed by fans’ interpretations of the original video of Cash's final studio recording - "Ain't No Grave". Hundreds of thousands of Johnny Cash fans from all over the world have contributed to the project using a drawing tool on the Project website.

"[The Project] really allows this last recording of his to be a living, breathing memorial. I'm honored to have inadvertently made a contribution to something so magical," said the maker of frame #856 in this summarizing video.

We believe the Johnny Cash Project hints what the future holds for musical collaboration. With technology allowing people to become a piece in a greater creative puzzle, we can expect many more group masterpieces to come.

While we work to make that happen, you should head over to The Johnny Cash Project website and add your contribution to the video!

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KWAAI - Sweden/South Africa Hip Hop Exchange

Here's a video from the tour. 

"The Kwaai project really shows that music is indeed a global language. From Sweden all the way to South Africa, music brought a bunch of guys and girls together to create music, and experience a little bit of each other's cultures," said South African Kwaai member LD in an interview with Okayplayer.

Scandinavia's largest Hip Hop magazine Kingsize gave the Worldwide album a five out of five review with the motivation that it "speaks directly to the heart of the listener".

Check it out and see if it speaks to you as well. 

We're looking forward to hearing more from Kwaai and other collaborations of this sort!

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Gramatik Teams Up with Bittorrent to Release New Album: The Age of Reason

As long time fans of the Slovenian producer, the new Gramatik album was highly anticipated here at SKIO Music HQ by all of us, and after finally listening to The Age of Reason, it's clear Gramatik has stepped his game up once again. We always love it when an artist combines scales, sounds, and various elements from different genres into their tracks, but Gramatik has taken this concept to another level in this benchmark release.

The first release on his own label Lowtemp is a career milestone since his first appearance on Pretty Lights Music in 2009, this NYC based producer has been developing and evolving his sound with every release, constantly pushing the boundaries of what the masses call EDM. In fact, he has been pushing the boundaries in just about every way an artist can! The news of a free torrent download link for The Age of Reason came as no surprise to Gramatik fans, since his social media campaign to encourage greater discourse on copyright law that culminated in his last album release titled #digitalfreedom.

By releasing his music for free, whether on PLM, via BitTorrent or by any other means, Gramatik has found a way to connect with his fans on a meaningful level and make a statement about music and the industry status quo. Offering 'Free downloads' is not a new strategy for artists and can really be a great tactic for those seeking to grow their fan base, however, it seems that Gramatik, Pretty Lights and others have been having greatest success by offering a free download link alongside a 'Donate' option, or iTunes purchase link.

If you haven't already downloaded this album, make sure you head over to link below! (maybe even hit the donate button if you are one of those beauties who supports the artists whose music you listen to)

Download The Age of Reason - Gramatik

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Welcome to SKIO Music!

The world is full of talented musicians, producers, vocalists and artists, and we are here to help you connect and create great music!

At SKIO, we understand the challenges musicians face in today's industry, that's why we've made it easier to find other artists to collaborate with, share your music globally, and collect your digital royalties.

There is a growing need for change in the industry, and through music innovation, we are able to help artists connect with a global community, while reducing the barriers to creating great music together. SKIO Music was designed by artists and industry professionals with the goal of helping artists in the digital era.

Thanks for visiting! Be sure to check back often for new music, production tips, career advice and industry related news.

We are excited to be launching our service soon, so make sure you sign up to get an exclusive notification for Beta access!