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Rina Sawyama -- The Voice of a Genre-Spanning Pop Star

December 7, 2022

Rina Sawayama has burst into the consciousness of queer music listeners in recent years. My first time listening to her work was Cherry, a track that is bubbly ...

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YouTube Announces New “Creator Music” Platform

October 4, 2022

In the wake of Tiktok’s rapid expansion and growing dominance in the short-form video market, YouTube has felt the pressure to adapt to keep up with the shifting demands of its audience...

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Deep Dive: How Conan Gray Writes His Songs

October 5, 2022

Conan Gray is an American YouTuber turned singer-songwriter, most well-known for his songs about heartbreak and unrequited love. Throughout his career, Conan has written songs like “Crush Culture”...

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Phoebe Bridgers: A Deep Dive into Songwriting

October 17, 2022

Phoebe Bridgers is an American songwriter, singer, and producer who has, in recent years, gained mainstream recognition with the release of her sophomore album “Punisher” in 2020...

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How Steve Lacy Makes the Most with Less

October 18, 2022

Steve Lacy is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and living proof that you don’t need the most advanced or high-tech studio equipment to create music that listeners will love...

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Has the Pandemic Changed the World of Live Music?

August 31, 2022

For the last two years, there has been something missing in the lives of music lovers around the world—live music. The advent of a global pandemic meant the absence of concerts, festivals........

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Like the Early Days of Hip-Hop: The Future of Blockchain in the Music Industry

August 19, 2022

One of the biggest questions many spaces face today is how blockchain technology may overhaul industry norms, and the music industry is no exception. In particular...

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Snapchat Announces a $100,000 Monthly Grant for Artists

August 19, 2022

Snapchat has recently announced Snapchat Sounds Creator Fund, a monthly grant program of up to $100,000 awarded to independent artists distributing music on the platform...

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TikTok Plans to Introduce a New Music Streaming App

August 15, 2022

Over the past few years, TikTok’s popularity has significantly increased resulting in 1 billion global daily users by early 2022. The app has also become extremely influential in the current music....

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Are Charlie Puth’s Music Classes Worth $300?

August 4, 2022

Charlie Puth has paired with Studio to create a 30-day online course that outlines the entire songwriting and production process for $279 USD. This hands-on learning experience has been marketed....

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Success Through Self-Exploration: Lexie Liu's Rise to Stardom

August 2, 2022

Whether you know Lexie Liu from her performance as Seraphine in K/DA’s “MORE” or her fourth-place finish on The Rap of China 2018, there’s no denying that the Chinese hip hop star is a global ...

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BTS: The First K-Pop Band to be Invited to the White House

June 17, 2022

BTS is the most famous K-Pop band in the world now, and recently, they were invited to the white house to speak about anti-Asian hate crimes and inclusivity. Being the first K-Pop band to be...

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Adele’s ‘Million Years Ago’ Ordered Off Streaming Platforms Amid Plagiarism Allegations

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A shocking turn of events has rocked the music industry as a judge has ordered Adele’s hit song “Million Years Ago” to be removed from all streaming platforms globally. The decision comes after a high-profile plagiarism claim, adding a contentious chapter to the career of one of music’s most beloved artists.

The Accusation

The legal battle centers around allegations that “Million Years Ago,” a heartfelt ballad from Adele’s critically acclaimed 25 album, borrows elements from another artist’s work. The claim was brought by the family of the late Turkish singer Ahmet Kaya, who allege that Adele’s track bears striking similarities to Kaya’s song “Acilara Tutunmak” from 1985.

Kaya’s representatives argued in court that the melody and structure of Adele’s song were “substantially similar” to the Turkish classic, asserting that the similarities go beyond coincidence.

The Judge’s Ruling

After reviewing the evidence, including audio comparisons and expert testimonies, the judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff. The verdict requires Adele’s label to remove “Million Years Ago” from streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, effectively making it unavailable to millions of listeners worldwide.

The ruling is a significant blow for Adele, as “Million Years Ago” has been praised for its deeply emotional lyrics and nostalgic tone.

Adele’s Response

Neither Adele nor her representatives have issued an official statement addressing the court’s decision, but fans are speculating about how this could impact her future projects. Known for her integrity and respect for artistic influences, Adele has often cited her inspirations openly. However, this ruling could prompt her team to re-evaluate how her music is vetted for potential copyright issues.

Fans React

Fans of Adele have expressed mixed emotions about the ruling. Many have taken to social media to defend the singer, arguing that similarities in music are often unintentional and reflective of shared cultural influences.

However, others acknowledge the need for proper credit in the music industry, pointing out that artists, particularly from non-Western backgrounds, often face challenges in protecting their work.

A Broader Industry Issue

This case highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding intellectual property in the music industry. With billions of songs available worldwide, determining originality can be a complex task. The rise of streaming platforms has further complicated copyright enforcement, as music can be accessed and distributed globally in seconds.

Experts suggest this ruling could set a precedent for future cases, encouraging artists and labels to be more meticulous about crediting influences and avoiding potential legal disputes.

What’s Next for “Million Years Ago”?

While the song has been ordered to be pulled from streaming platforms, its future remains uncertain. The decision may prompt Adele’s team to negotiate a settlement or rework the track to address the allegations.

For now, the removal of “Million Years Ago” marks a rare setback in Adele’s otherwise stellar career, but her loyal fanbase remains supportive as she navigates this legal challenge.

The Bigger Picture

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting artistic contributions across cultures and eras. As music continues to evolve in an increasingly globalized industry, ensuring that all creators receive recognition for their work is more critical than ever.

While the verdict may momentarily overshadow Adele’s achievements, her artistry and influence remain undeniable. Fans and industry watchers alike will be eagerly awaiting her next move in this unfolding story.