
Top Music Technology Highlights of 2024 | Image Source: musictech.com
Dec. 26, 2024 — The year 2024 was a transformative one for the music technology industry, marked by groundbreaking innovations, legal battles, and unforgettable moments. From revolutionary instruments to generative AI controversies, the industry witnessed significant advancements and challenges. Here, we explore the most impactful events and trends of the year, as reported by MusicTech.
Telepathic Instruments Revolutionize Synth Design
One of the most notable innovations this year was the debut of Telepathic Instruments and their flagship product, the Orchid. Founded by Kevin Parker of Tame Impala and Tom Cosm, Telepathic Instruments embodies a “by artists, for artists” philosophy. The Orchid, a compact 16-voice digital synthesizer with a single-octave keyboard, redefines chord generation and creativity in electronic music production. According to MusicTech, the inspiration for the Orchid traces back to an idea Kevin Parker envisioned over a decade ago. The first 1,000 units of the Orchid became available on Dec. 18, sparking excitement among music enthusiasts worldwide.
Music and Politics: A Tumultuous Intersection
In a U.S. election year, music played a contentious role in political campaigns. High-profile candidates leveraged platforms like YouTube and Spotify for outreach, appearing on influential podcasts such as The Joe Rogan Experience. However, the lack of critical questioning by hosts like Joe Rogan and Alex Cooper drew criticism. Meanwhile, artists such as DJ Snake and Beyoncé explicitly restricted the use of their music by certain candidates, underlining the growing intersection of music and political discourse. As MusicTech highlighted, the year also saw debates around unauthorized music use in campaigns, adding another layer of complexity to the cultural landscape.
Drake vs Kendrick: A Legal and Artistic Showdown
The longstanding tension between Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point in May with the release of Lamar’s viral track “Not Like Us.” As the song approached a billion streams, Drake accused UMG and Spotify of colluding to undermine his career through unfair promotional practices. This legal dispute, as noted by MusicTech, included allegations of bot usage and royalty manipulation, though UMG has firmly denied these claims. The outcome of this legal battle could set precedents for artist-label relationships in the digital era.
Generative AI Sparks Industry-Wide Controversy
The rise of generative AI in music production was among the year’s most divisive topics. In a bid to address ethical concerns, Roland and UMG co-authored a manifesto outlining principles for AI use in music. While many industry leaders endorsed the guidelines, legal conflicts soon erupted. As MusicTech reported, Sony, UMG, and Warner joined forces to sue AI platforms Udio and Suno for copyright infringement, alleging that their technologies were trained on copyrighted works without authorization. With damages sought reaching $150,000 per instance, the case underscores the tensions between innovation and intellectual property rights.
Moog Music and Teenage Engineering Push Creative Boundaries
Renowned synth manufacturers Moog Music and Teenage Engineering delivered some of the year’s most exciting product launches. Moog expanded its Studio line with the Spectravox vocoder and Labyrinth generative synthesizer, while unveiling the Moog Muse, a $3,000 flagship analogue synth with cutting-edge features. Teenage Engineering, known for its experimental designs, released the OP-XY portable synthesizer, boasting an array of engines, effects, and a 16-track sequencer. According to MusicTech, these innovations reflect a broader trend of manufacturers blending traditional craftsmanship with futuristic capabilities to cater to modern musicians.
Festival Drama and Monumental Performances
Grimes’ Coachella performance was one of the year’s most dramatic festival moments. Plagued by technical issues, her set suffered from tempo discrepancies caused by a Rekordbox bug, a mishap she partly attributed to user error. Despite the challenges, Grimes’ candid approach endeared her further to fans, as per MusicTech. On the other end of the spectrum, Fred Again achieved a milestone for electronic music with his sold-out show at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Featuring an innovative stage design and a state-of-the-art sound system, the performance showcased the growing cultural prominence of EDM.
In retrospect, 2024 was a year that challenged norms and celebrated creativity in equal measure. From groundbreaking instruments to heated legal disputes, the music tech industry navigated a dynamic landscape. As we step into 2025, these events serve as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of musicians, technologists, and creators worldwide.