stayc main image

Tobias Jesso Jr.: GRAMMY-Winning Canadian Sells His Song Rights

February 23, 2023

Tobias Jesso Jr. You may know his name from his 2015 solo album Goon. Or maybe from his work on various popular songs, such as “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Alive” by Sia. Or even from his rece

Read more
stayc main image

How Popular TV Shows and Movies Resurrect Classic Songs

February 23, 2023

HBO’s The Last of Us is arguably the hottest show out right now, receiving near universal acclaim from viewers and critics alike. This holds especially true for episode three: “Long, Long Time”.

Read more
stayc main image

Ginalina: Bringing Her Taiwan Roots Into Her Latest Album

February 21, 2023

Folk singer. Songwriter. Canadian. Polyglot. All of these titles belong to Gina Lam, also known by her stage name Ginalina. In November 2022, she released her latest album titled Going Back: Remembe

Read more
stayc main image

Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance

February 21, 2023

Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...

Read more
stayc main image

How do Streaming Platforms Pay Artists - Is It Fair?

February 20, 2023

Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im

Read more
stayc main image

Why Jay-Z Was Named The #1 Rapper Of All Time

February 23, 2023

Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s

Read more
stayc main image

Behind Kaytranada’s Unique Sound

February 18, 2023

Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has

Read more
stayc main image

The Creative Act: Rick Rubin’s Knowledge Turned Into A Book

February 17, 2023

What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the

Read more
stayc main image

Behind the Music: The Audio Engineer

February 14, 2023

The music industry is a place full of musicians, producers, and creators who have the magical ability to make those perfect sounds we hear everyday through our digital devices. We want to listen close

Read more
stayc main image

Koji Kondo: Nintendo’s Melody Maestro

February 14, 2023

What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...

Read more
stayc main image

Taylor Swift on Industry Sexism and Music Rights

February 8, 2023

Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.

Read more
stayc main image

What’s the Ideal Length for a Single— Are Songs Getting Shorter?

February 8, 2023

“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are

Read more

Bruno Mars: More Than Just Your Average Pop Star

stayc main image

Bruno Mars is no ordinary pop sensation. While his music is rooted in the feel-good vibes of party anthems, Mars offers more than just catchy beats and sing-along choruses. After witnessing his electric performance in Seattle on July 21, it's clear Mars provides a much-needed respite from the weight of current events—a moment of pure joy in a challenging world.  

Mars, whose chart-topping hits include the breezy *Doo-Wops & Hooligans* and the infectious *Unorthodox Jukebox*, isn’t just a hitmaker. He’s a pop historian, weaving the rich tapestry of music’s past—everything from Tin Pan Alley to 1960s pop, ’80s new wave, and even reggae and hip-hop—into his sound. The *Moonshine Jungle Tour* showcases this dynamic blend, with Mars acknowledging and celebrating his influences while asserting his own artistry.  

A Show Rooted in Humanity  

The Seattle concert was more than a typical arena spectacle. With synchronized dance moves and moments of shared spotlight, Mars and his eight-piece band focused on the collective energy of the group. This wasn’t just Mars’s show—it was a celebration of camaraderie and musicianship. Even the audience felt the unity, as strangers exchanged smiles, encouragement, and uninhibited dance moves, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and joy.  

Music for Everyone  

Mars’s ability to bridge generational and cultural gaps was evident throughout the night. His songs, while occasionally racy, strike a balance that charms parents and delights kids. In a diverse crowd of fans from all walks of life, Mars’s music reminded us of the shared connections music can foster.  

The concert felt like a glimpse of an ideal America: inclusive, kind, and aware. While Mars’s lyrics don’t overtly tackle social issues, his performances create a space where audiences can imagine a world united by love and music.  

Looking Ahead  

Bruno Mars isn’t without room to grow. His band could benefit from more gender diversity, and as his artistry evolves, he may be drawn to addressing deeper, more challenging topics in his music. But for now, his shows are a celebration of joy, talent, and connection—a reminder that even party music has the power to inspire and heal.  

Mars’s finale—his iconic ballad *Just the Way You Are*—encouraged everyone to look around and appreciate one another. And in that moment, as the crowd sang along, it felt possible to carry the message beyond the music: to see the beauty in others and embrace it, just the way they are. 

Bruno Mars: More Than Just Your Average Pop Starbruno-mars-more-than-just-your-average-pop-starHiba AdilNov 29, 2024Bruno Mars is no ordinary pop sensation. While his music is rooted in the feel-good vibes of party anthems, Mars offers more than just catchy beats and sing-along choruses. After witnessing his...