Latest news with #DevinTownsend
Tom's Guide
05-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I've been using the AirPods 4 for 6 months — what I like and don't
When the AirPods 4 first came out, I wrote about my experience with them after one short week. After vetting them for seven days, I found a pair of buds that weren't bad by any stretch of the imagination, but I did find them wanting in some key areas. Now, with six months under my belt of intermittent testing, has my opinion softened? Or have I found more things that give me pause about Apple's cheapest pair of AirPods? To be completely honest, I'm still somewhat nonplussed about the buds — and for a line that has traditionally hooked me in, that feels like a big shame. Well, the design still looks really nice. I love how small that case is, and I've only grown to like it more over the last few months. It fits super easily into just about any pair of pants I want to slip them in. The ANC in the noise-canceling model continues to impress as well. No, it's not as good as the best noise-canceling earbuds you can buy, but when you consider that they're more open, it's mighty impressive. One thing I've noticed during my extended time with the buds is just how magical the AirPods integration is with the rest of Apple's ecosystem. One thing I've noticed during my extended time with the buds is just how magical the AirPods integration is with the rest of Apple's ecosystem. I play them on my iPad, and then move over to my MacBook — and the audio moves with me. I know it's the way it's worked for years now, but that feature never ceases to amaze me. The weird connection issues I had when they were new seem to have worked themselves out as well — they've hooked up with my devices without any problem at all. Apart from my Android phone. Which I'll get to later. In my initial piece, I did a "sonic deep-dive" into the audio quality that the AirPods 4 offered. It's not that I was completely disappointed, but I felt like there were elements of the sound that could've been better. Listening again to them, I find that the mid-range is still a great strength, with good depth to vocals and guitars. It makes, for the most part, a relatively clean listen. Bass extension remains impressive for something of the AirPods 4 format, and it goes much lower than you might expect. But there remain these crucial bug-bears around the overall sonic profile that I struggle with. There's more sibilance than you might like, with cymbals becoming piercing, and high guitar or piano notes that have a less desirable tenor. Some of the bass gets lost as well, as the over-compensatory mids start to cause problems. I gave Devin Townsend's Victim (demo) a quick turn with the buds while writing here, and I found a hollow sound signature that took all of the edge out of the harsh vocals and distorted guitars. The AirPods 4 are going to sound fine to most people, but with some scrutiny, they don't hold up to the likes of the similarly priced Sony WF-C710N. I know that I'm picky — I'm paid to be picky. It's in my job description, right between "annoy your managing editor" and "write things about headphones and earbuds." The AirPods 4 are going to sound fine to most people, but with some scrutiny, they don't hold up to the likes of the similarly priced Sony WF-C710N. Time has simply highlighted more of these issues. The AirPods 4 and their open fit are never going to be as snug as something with silicone tips like the AirPods Pro 2. That's fine for some folks, but the issue is that I just... don't like it. They constantly fall out of my ears, or I've got to re-adjust and reseat them. It's a pain, and when other buds like the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds fit so well, it feels like a shame. I'll admit there's something to their 'barely there' fit that makes you forget you're wearing them, but I wish that didn't come at the expense of security. I don't want them falling out on the train — only to be never seen again. I know I said that the AirPods 4 now connect with iPhones and iPads much better and how magical it all is — and that's still true. But if you're not as ingrained in the Apple ecosystem, you might find connection problems. Since I wrote about the buds initially, I've swapped from iPhone to Android, and I've had no end of issues getting them hooked up to my Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It's annoying. They drop out, they don't show up, they want to connect more readily to my iPad upstairs instead. Not fun. Getting them into pairing mode is annoying too. I don't know what was wrong with the button on the old models, but now we've got a touch panel on the case — and it's bad. It was a cold winter here in the U.K. last year, and I frequently found my fingers in gloves. Mix that with the connection issues I had on my shiny new folding Android handset, and I was frequently pulling my gloves off to restart pairing mode and get them reconnected. A pairing button, in my eyes, will always be superior. I'll echo what I said in my previous piece: "I'm not going to say 'don't buy the AirPods 4!' — but I will tell you to check out the best wireless noise-canceling earbuds, and have a really good think about whether you might be better off with something from the competition." My overall opinion has changed over the last 6 months, and in that time I have found more annoying niggly bits with the buds that sour my opinion in ways I didn't expect. I don't dislike the AirPods 4 by any stretch of the imagination — they're solid, inexpensive buds. But there are plenty of superior options that cost either the same, or even less.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Devin Townsend is taking an indefinite break from touring but promises 'dozens' of projects to come
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Devin Townsend has announced an 'indefinite' break from touring, advising anyone who is planning to see him onstage to come along to his forthcoming US dates. After that, well, it's vacation time. With the rising costs of touring, the logistics involved, and the amount of time spent away from his family, the prolific Canadian prog-metal guitar trailblazer released a statement, saying it was time to press pause. 'Over the years, I've heard it countless times: 'Dev, take a break… please.' But the flood of ideas, the excitement, and the support of incredible musicians and listeners have kept me going, kept me touring, and kept me grateful for a life on the road,' he writes. 'That said, things have changed – especially since the pandemic. Booking tours now means planning up to two years in advance. With fewer venues, fewer crews, and a saturated touring circuit, it's become more challenging than ever to line things up.' Townsend does not say how long he will be off-road for. But his upcoming dates in North America will be the only live shows in the foreseeable future. Those who can't make it could point can relive the live production of The Moth, Townsend's most ambitious – most audacious – work, and stream it in 4K UHD from On Air (priced £20.99), where it is available on demand until 28 May 2025. The Moth tells the story of life, from birth to death, and Townsend's performance of it in the Netherlands saw him accompanied by the NNO symphony orchestra and choir, plus his regular band featuring Mike Keneally, Darby Todd, and James Leach. That Netherlands show is and will be the only time he performs The Moth in its entirety. Townsend, however, will be back onstage. He just doesn't know when. Right now his priorities – familial and musical – are at home. 'Life has simply caught up with me,' he writes. 'My parents need help, my dogs are on their last legs, the kids have moved out, The Moth is nearly complete, and truthfully, I need some time to breathe and recalibrate.' And also he needs some time to devote to a the projects that have been pushed aside by Townsend's touring schedule, chief of which is The Ruby Quaker Show, a YouTube series to 'explore the dozens of creative ventures' that Townsend has prevaricated over. What sort of form will this take? All-sorts, says Townsend. There will be some weird stuff too. 'Albums, worlds, inventions, and strange, wonderful ideas I've postponed for years – now I'm making the time to bring them to life, without that familiar pressure of knowing I'll be gone again in a month,' he writes. Townsend's latest studio album, PowerNerd, is out now via Inside Out. His US dates start on 2 May in Nashville. See Devin Townsend for upcoming tour dates and ticket details.
Perth Now
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Devin Townsend to take indefinite hiatus after North American tour
Devin Townsend will take an indefinite hiatus after the conclusion of his North American tour in May. The Prog legend, 52, plans to take a break to "breathe and recalibrate" after going at it non-stop for more than three decades. In a video update, he told fans on social media: 'For nearly 35 years, I've followed a creative path guided by instinct — each album, each tour, each project a new chapter in a story I've felt compelled to tell. 'My mind latches on to concepts, and I love chasing them down. That chase has made this journey wild, unpredictable, and deeply fulfilling.' He continued: 'Over the years, I've heard it countless times: 'Dev, take a break… please.' But the flood of ideas, the excitement, and the support of incredible musicians and listeners have kept me going, kept me touring, and kept me grateful for a life on the road. That said, things have changed — especially since the pandemic.' Townsend noted how tours have become a logistical challenge due to 'fewer venues, fewer crews, and a saturated touring circuit.' Further to this, the musician's family need him. He explained: 'And beyond the logistics, life has simply caught up with me: my parents need help, my dogs are on their last legs, the kids have moved out, 'The Moth' is nearly complete, and truthfully, I need some time to breathe and recalibrate. 'So I've made the decision to take a break from touring — an indefinite one. This upcoming North American run will be the last time you'll see me on stage for the foreseeable future.' Townsend reassured fans that this does not mean he is retiring, insisting: 'I'll be performing until my final breath." He went on: 'Touring has been a beautiful, exhausting constant in my life, and for once, I'm listening to the voice that says: slow down. I want to create from a place of calm inspiration rather than frantic obligation. And until I can truly be there for the people who rely on me, my creativity won't be at its best.' Townsend's final concert of his jaunt takes place May 23 in Los Angeles.
CBC
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
'The Junos do their homework': Award nominations pay special attention to B.C.'s metal scene
British Columbia and the Juno awards are having a bit of a moment; the awards will be hosted in the western province this year by a B.C. artist, and local musicians make up about 13.5 per cent of the nominees — up from last year and impressive given that Ontario and Quebec typically dominate the music scene in Canada. But the province has seen a strong showing in a particular category that may surprise some: metal. Of the five nominees for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year, three are from B.C., and a fourth is from Edmonton. Remarkable, given that Montreal has long considered itself a hub for metal music; in 2019, the city declared itself a "city of excellence for heavy metal music." Joey Hawkin, who organizes two metal music festivals in B.C. each year, says he wasn't surprised at all to see Western Canada metal acts get a little love from the Junos. "B.C. has an incredible metal scene," he said. "There's always local shows going on you can go to. There's always local bands working really hard to get to the next level." Hawkin said the Junos have a good reputation, and the judges "know what they're talking about." "The winner of the metal award is decided on primarily by metalheads," he said. "The Junos do their homework." Vancouver's Anciients, which won Metal Album of the Year at the Junos in 2018, is up for the award again for their album Beyond the Reach of the Sun. "It's definitely always a surprise to be recognized on a national level," vocalist and guitarist Kenny Cook said. "When we're making albums, it's never with thoughts of winning an award in mind. We're very honoured to be recognized." Fellow nominees Spiritbox, also up for Group of the Year, hail from Victoria. They were nominated for metal album and breakthrough group in 2022. Their album The Fear of Fear earned them this year's nomination. "When we were kids growing up in Canada, some of our favourite Canadian bands were nominated for Junos, and it was always such a huge deal," said guitarist Mike Stringer. "When I was in high school I was voted most likely to win a Juno, and I've been nominated a couple years ago, but I've never won. We'll see if they were right." Vocalist Courtney LaPlante said it's exciting to see music that isn't mainstream get recognized. "Some pretty-out-there heavy and metal acts have been nominated for major awards, and that's very inspiring to us." The third B.C.-based Juno-nominee in the metal category is musician Devin Townsend of New Westminster for his album PowerNerd. He's been making all kinds of music for decades and won the award in 2015. Nominees from outside B.C. in Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year include Edmonton's Kittie and Striker of London, Ont. Listen to the B.C. nominees below. WATCH | The title track from Devin Townsend's PowerNerd: WATCH | The music video for Jaded, off Spiritbox's The Fear of Fear: WATCH | Anciient's Forbidden Sanctuary, from their album Beyond the Reach of the Sun:
