As we step into 2026, we’re taking a moment to reflect on 2025, a year shaped by steady creative work and thoughtful collaborations across film, television, and advertising at Rareform Audio and Black Sheep Music.

Listening to music while driving is second nature for most people, but research shows it can subtly shape speed, focus, and reaction time. Studies suggest music affects drivers differently based on volume, familiarity, and experience level, creating a more complex picture than simply turning the radio on or off.

Universal Music Group has partnered with NVIDIA to develop AI tools built specifically for the music industry, focusing on discovery, creative workflows, and responsible use as AI-generated music continues to scale.

Our track “Colliding Worlds” by Rory Cairnduff was featured in two spots for Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, supporting the cinematic scale and momentum of the campaign, including a placement during The Game Awards 2025.

One year after the Los Angeles wildfires, many music professionals are still rebuilding studios, replacing essential gear, and navigating the long road back to stability. While the immediate damage has faded from view, the recovery process continues to reshape how the music community works, creates, and plans for the future.

Hyped to share that our custom remix of Lucy Michelle’s Somebody New, remixed by Darby Phillips and Nathan Fields, was featured in the campaign spot for Normal, a film from Magnolia Pictures.

Ben Burtt uncovers the surprising origins of Hollywood’s iconic silencer sound, tracing it from 1930s studio ricochets to the cinematic “quiet” gunshots audiences recognize today.

New research shows that music does more than set a mood. Scientists have found that rhythm can synchronize brain activity and even involuntary physical responses, offering new insight into how deeply sound is connected to the human nervous system.

Hyped to share that our sound design elements were featured in the campaign for Mercy, a tense near-future thriller centered on mystery, technology, and survival.

We had a blast remixing “I’m A Man” by Nathan Fields and Darby Phillips, featured in the Season 1 trailer for Young Sherlock. A bold remix for a fresh take on the early years of the iconic detective.

Spotify has confirmed it disabled user accounts tied to a large-scale scraping incident involving its music catalog. The activity included the collection of audio files and metadata, raising new questions around platform security, copyright enforcement, and data protection in the music industry.

A strong mix isn’t just about levels and effects—it’s about clarity, space, and balance. When every element has room to breathe, the track holds up across any system. Small adjustments can make a big difference, and sometimes, less is more. The key is knowing what to enhance, what to pull back, and how to create a mix that translates everywhere.

The music industry continues to refine its approach to AI, with new partnerships signaling a shift toward tools built for professional, rights-aware creative workflows rather than fully automated generation.

Hyped to share that our track Invincible Teenager was featured in the trailer for People We Meet On Vacation. The film brings a grounded mix of friendship, travel, and reconnection to the screen, making this a fun one to be part of.

Regulatory attention toward performance licensing is increasing as questions surface about how certain organizations present their catalogs and solicit licenses. These concerns highlight the need for clearer standards that support creators, protect businesses, and maintain transparency across the music ecosystem.

Our track Jukebox by Darby Phillips and Nathan Fields was featured in the trailer for Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, a fresh take on the original film’s mix of tension and dark humor.

Album art has always shaped the way we experience music. From bold vinyl sleeves to digital thumbnails, visuals continue to influence discovery and connection in the streaming era. Here’s why strong design still matters—and how it supports music discovery today.

Our remix of A$AP Ferg’s “New Level” was featured across two connected clips promoting the upcoming film Marty Supreme.

A new study from Australian researchers suggests that consistent music engagement in later life may be linked to a lower risk of dementia. The findings highlight music as an accessible activity that could support long term cognitive health, though more research is needed to confirm causation

Blending organic and synthetic sounds is one of the most powerful ways to build tension and emotion in music. From film scores to trailers like Tales of the Underworld, the contrast between warmth and unease creates soundscapes that feel both grounded and otherworldly.