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Olivia Rodrigo: Giving Voice to Gen-Z's Fear, Anger, and Anxiety

November 13, 2024

Olivia Rodrigo’s music resonates deeply with Gen-Z. Her songs—raw, fierce, and honest—are filled with fear, anger, and anxiety, emotions that define the reality of today’s teens. As much as we’d...

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How Taylor Swift Masterminded Her Way to Global Success

November 11, 2024

Taylor Swift’s success is no accident; it's built on an unmatched knack for songwriting. According to Toby Koenigsberg, Associate Professor and Chair of Popular Music, Swift’s songs are both...

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Frank Ocean’s Coachella Set: Redefining What Live Performance Means

November 11, 2024

In today’s music landscape, live concert broadcasts have grown increasingly predictable, packaged, and polished. But at this year’s Coachella, Frank Ocean shattered the mold with a performance that...

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Anticipating Lil Durk's Deep Thoughts: A Deep Dive into His Upcoming Album

November 11, 2024

The Chicago rapper Lil Durk is out with his ninth studio album Deep Thoughts on 22nd November 2024. This album is a follow-up to his album Almost Healed (2023) and will have no shortage of eager...

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Morgan Wallen: From Small Town Dreamer to Country Superstar

November 11, 2024

Morgan Wallen's country music career has been one of hustle, raw talent, and the sort of sound that has changed the genre. Wallen began his career as a small-town visionary but his music never...

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From McDonald’s to Global Fame: Pharrell Williams Journey

November 11, 2024

Pharrell Williams' journey from a McDonald's employee to a global music icon, fashion mogul, and cultural influencer is a testament to talent, resilience, and innovation. His story is not just...

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How Charli XCX Redefined 'Brat' in Pop Culture

November 9, 2024

In a world where pop icons often aim for flawless personas, Charli XCX has taken a different route, embracing a new brand of "brattiness" that redefines what it means to be....

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Addison Rae’s ‘Diet Pepsi’ Poured New Life Into Her Music Career

November 8, 2024

In a move that caught the music world by surprise, Addison Rae’s latest single, Diet Pepsi, has reshaped her image and proved she’s more than just a social media star....

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Coldplay’s Influence on Modern Music and Culture

November 8, 2024

Coldplay has been a cornerstone of the pop-rock scene for over two decades, with their sound evolving from melancholic, guitar-driven ballads to vibrant, arena-filling anthems that defy genre...

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Hit Songs You Didn’t Know Were Handed Over By Your Favorite Artists

November 8, 2024

In the music industry, some of the most famous songs weren’t performed by the artists who wrote them. Think of classics like Dolly Parton’s "I Will Always Love You" or Sia’s "Diamonds."...

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Quincy Jones: A Legacy That Will Resonate Through Generations

November 5, 2024

Quincy Jones, the legendary music titan, has left us at 91, but his spirit endures through every note, melody, and rhythm he touched. From his groundbreaking production on Michael Jackson’s Thriller..

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Compression for Beatmakers

October 18, 2024

Compression is one of the most crucial tools in any beatmaker's toolkit, shaping the dynamics of your track and helping achieve that punchy, polished sound....

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Addison Rae: From Tiktoker to Pop Music Trend Setter

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The Rise of a TikTok Star 

Addison Rae’s TikTok career skyrocketed in 2019, making her one of the most recognizable faces on the platform. Known for her engaging dance routines and approachable demeanor, she quickly amassed millions of followers. Yet Addison didn’t settle for being a TikTok personality. Instead, she sought to explore her passion for music, blending her knack for creating trends with a desire to develop her artistic voice.  

From “Obsessed” to *AR* 

Her debut single, *“Obsessed,”* was just the beginning. Though it received mixed reviews, Addison’s willingness to experiment was clear. By 2023, she returned with her EP *AR*, a collection of tracks that demonstrated not only her evolution as an artist but also her ability to tap into nostalgia and modern pop sensibilities.  

The *AR* EP introduced fans to songs like Diet Pepsi2 Die 4, and Aquamarine, which quickly became fan favorites. These tracks revealed Addison’s flair for combining early-2000s-inspired production with contemporary pop trends, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.  

Songs That Define Her Sound  

Diet Pepsi stands out for its sleek production and breezy vibe, perfectly capturing the playful yet introspective tone Addison is becoming known for. Aquamarine leans into dreamy, atmospheric pop, with shimmering synths and lyrics that reflect her personal growth. Meanwhile, 2 Die 4 taps into a catchy, TikTok-ready hook, solidifying its status as a hit among her social media-savvy fanbase. Together, these songs highlight her ability to create music that resonates in the digital era, blending catchy hooks with lyrics that feel personal and relatable.  

A Pop Star for the Social Media Age 

Addison’s music works so well because she understands her audience. Her songs are short, infectious, and crafted with the social media ecosystem in mind. Yet beyond their trend-friendly nature, tracks like Aquamarine demonstrate her ability to explore deeper emotions and artistic themes. Collaborating with seasoned producers and songwriters, Addison has honed her vocal delivery and leaned into a sound that bridges the gap between lighthearted pop and introspective storytelling.  

Overcoming Challenges and Earning Respect  

Addison’s pivot from TikTok star to pop artist hasn’t been without challenges. Critics have often questioned whether influencers can find legitimacy in traditional entertainment industries. However, Addison’s *AR* EP and tracks like Diet Pepsi and Aquamarine have silenced many of those doubts, proving her potential as a serious artist.  

What’s Next for Addison Rae?

As Addison Rae continues to explore her identity as a musician, her ability to combine social media savvy with authentic artistry will set her apart. With songs like Diet Pepsi and Aquamarine already gaining traction, she’s poised to establish herself as a mainstay in pop music.