Musicians

CHOMPI, the compact portable sampler instrument, has released both its hardware and software as open-source. Makers and musicians can now access the design files and code, modify the device, and build their own versions. The move has drawn attention from the hardware hacking and music tech communities, who see it as a rare full open-source release for a commercial instrument.

Fans of School of Rock are quoting the film's famous 'goblet of rock' toast in tribute to Jack Black and director Richard Linklater's 2003 comedy. The film, released October 3, 2003 and loosely inspired by musician Paul Green's real rock school for kids, remains a beloved favorite more than two decades on, with audiences celebrating its music and humor.

A Grammy Award-winning artist has been reunited with the son she gave up for adoption, according to NewsNation. The story of a family brought back together after decades has drawn widespread attention, with people moved by the emotional reunion between the musician and the child she placed for adoption years earlier.

A Missouri man who was adopted as a baby has learned that his biological father is Michael McDonald, the rock and soul singer known for his work with the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan. The story, reported by NBC News, is drawing attention for its striking twist of a decades-old family mystery ending with a famous father.

A man has discovered through a DNA revelation that his biological father is Grammy-winning singer Michael McDonald, the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan vocalist famous for his distinctive baritone voice. According to TODAY.com reporting, he was stunned by the finding. The story has drawn attention as a striking example of DNA testing uncovering unexpected family connections to well-known figures.

Phil Collins says he and Paul McCartney have 'kissed and made up', ending a decades-long rift between the two music legends. The comments, reported by People, renew attention on a feud that had lingered for years. Fans of both musicians are discussing the reconciliation and the history behind the falling-out.

Composer Steve Reich, a pioneer of minimalism, is marking his 90th year and speaking about continuing to compose music. He remains one of the most influential living American composers, known for works like 'Music for 18 Musicians' and 'Different Trains', and says age has not slowed his creative work.

Oreste D'Arconte is being profiled for turning everyday kitchen items into musical instruments, performing on pots and pans. The Sun Chronicle carries a feature on his unusual approach to making music, highlighting how ordinary cookware can be repurposed as percussion. The piece is drawing attention to his creative craft and long-standing musical hobby.

Granite City Radio Theatre is beginning its 15th season, with musician and storyteller Katy Tessman joining the opening show as a featured guest. The live radio theatre program, produced with Minnesota public radio station KVSC 88.1 FM, marks the milestone season with her appearance. Local audiences are expected to turn out for the kickoff performance as the long-running series enters another year.

Northwest Missouri State University's Wind Symphony will perform at the Missouri Music Educators Association Conference. The invitation places the university ensemble in front of music educators from across the state, a showcase opportunity for its student musicians and its music program. Details of the performance date and program are available through the university.

Unofficial modifications for the Elektron Digitakt are adding a new metallic percussion synth machine to the popular drum sampler. The DIY mods, covered by Synthtopia, expand the hardware's sound design options beyond its stock capabilities. Electronic musicians and synth enthusiasts are discussing the mods as a way to extend the life and versatility of existing gear without buying new equipment.

Readers are revisiting They Might Be Ghosts, David G. Rowlands' 2003 ghost story collection published by Ghost Story Press, run by David Tibet, Richard Dalby and Kat Cormie. A fan highlighted the book's unsettling cover design by Steven Stapleton, the artist and Nurse With Wound musician, noting how well its strangeness suits the supernatural fiction inside.

A music fan in Chemnitz says they really missed rockabilly after hearing the Ray Allen Band with US musician Marcel Riesco play live. The post jokes that much of what passes for music these days hardly deserves the name, praising the band's authentic rock and roll sound in a follow-up comment.

Harry Connick Jr. has revealed that he waited 45 years to fulfill a dream his late mother had for him. The story has touched readers, who are moved by the musician and actor's long-held promise to honor his mother's wishes. Details of exactly how he fulfilled the dream are drawing attention as fans react warmly to the personal revelation.

The New York Times profiles comedian and musician Kyle Gordon, whose satirical songs are winning attention as catchy parodies in the mold of Weird Al Yankovic. The piece frames Gordon's comedy music as genuinely addictive listening, not just joke material, and highlights his growing profile in the music and satire scene. Readers of the arts section are sharing the profile as recognition for a parody artist often seen as an internet-native talent.

UPI's daily celebrity birthday roundup marks Oct. 3 with musician Keb' Mo' celebrating his 75th birthday and actor Tessa Thompson turning 43. The recurring feature lists notable public figures marking birthdays each day, and this edition highlights the blues guitarist and the star of film and television among those being celebrated.

A harpist has compiled a playlist bringing together four videos of performances of their own compositions, and is inviting listeners to hear the full set in one place. The share is drawing a small but appreciative response, with listeners noting the effort of writing and performing original harp music and sharing it openly with the public.

Billboard has previewed six panels at Latin Music Week 2026 aimed at independent artists, offering guidance on navigating the industry without major-label backing. The programming focuses on practical advice for self-releasing musicians, from distribution to marketing. Coverage is drawing attention from Latin music professionals and indie artists planning to attend the industry event.

The Redwood Coast Music Festival is underway in Eureka, California, filling the city with live music and performances through the weekend. Local coverage features photos from the event, highlighting crowds enjoying the listening entertainment across venues. The long-running festival is a fixture of the area's cultural calendar, drawing visitors and musicians to the Redwood Coast each year.