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Meet NewJeans: The K-Pop Group Taking the World by Storm

March 22, 2023

Even if you haven't heard of NewJeans yet, there's a good chance you'll soon be humming along to their infectious tunes. The Korean pop group is quickly gaining international attention and breaking..

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Max Martin: Why a Pop-Hit Songwriter and Producer Created a Musical

March 31, 2023

Even if you don’t know who Max Martin is, you’ve definitely heard his songs. Hit-pop songs are kind of his thing after all. Martin first stepped into the music world in 1985 as a frontman for....

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MANILA GREY: Vancouver's Rising R&B Duo

March 18, 2023

The Filipino-Canadian duo from Vancouver has been releasing new tracks left and right, and they are known for their most streamed songs on Spotify, “Timezones,” and “Silver Skies.” Previously .......

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How did Miley Cyrus’ Heartbreak Song “Flowers” Break the Spotify Record?

March 17, 2023

The singer, songwriter, and actress Miley Cyrus has recently released a record-breaking song called “Flowers” in January 2023. This song recites her 10-year long relationship with her ex-husband....

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Men I Trust: Canada’s DIY Indie Band That Could Be Your New Favourite

March 4, 2023

Men I Trust is a Canadian indie pop band known for their dreamy and mellow sound. Their music is laid back, incorporating elements of funk, disco, and R&B to create a smooth and groovy vibe that is

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Basics For Building an At-Home Recording Studio

March 3, 2023

Artists like Kaytranada have proved that you don’t need access to a professional recording studio to create well-produced music. As technology and social media have advanced, it is now easier than eve

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Facing the Music: Legal Challenges With AI and Copyright Laws

February 25, 2023

People draw inspiration from others when forming their ideas, it’s a fact of life. Sampling in music is no exception - and artists do it for a variety of reasons. Traditionally, copyright laws and

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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

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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”.

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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

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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...

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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

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Clairo: Redefining Pop Music with Vulnerability and Innovation

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Clairo, born Claire Cottrill, has emerged as one of the most authentic and innovative voices in contemporary music. The 25-year-old singer-songwriter first gained attention in 2017 with her viral hit "Pretty Girl," a bedroom pop anthem that resonated with a generation navigating self-discovery and vulnerability. Since then, Clairo has continued to push boundaries, crafting music that blends introspection with innovation, and earning her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.

The Rise of a Bedroom Pop Icon

Clairo’s journey to stardom began in her Massachusetts bedroom, where she recorded and uploaded music that felt intimate, raw, and unfiltered. "Pretty Girl," accompanied by a lo-fi DIY video, was a watershed moment. The song’s unapologetic simplicity and relatable lyrics struck a chord, amassing millions of views on YouTube and propelling Clairo into the spotlight.

Her early music, rooted in the bedroom pop aesthetic, quickly set her apart in an industry dominated by polished, high-production pop. Clairo’s ability to connect with listeners through her honest storytelling and understated sound became her trademark, resonating particularly with young, digital-native audiences.

Musical Evolution: Immunity and Beyond

In 2019, Clairo released her debut album, Immunity, produced in collaboration with Rostam Batmanglij. The album showcased a significant leap in her artistry, incorporating elements of indie rock, R&B, and electronic music. Tracks like "Bags" and "Sofia" became instant classics, praised for their emotional depth and experimental soundscapes.

Immunity also marked a shift in Clairo’s lyrical themes, exploring topics like queer identity, mental health, and the complexities of relationships. The album received widespread critical acclaim, earning her a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2020 Grammy Awards.

Her sophomore album, Sling (2021), revealed a more introspective and acoustic side to Clairo’s music. Inspired by her experiences with chronic illness and a desire to slow down in an increasingly fast-paced industry, Sling was a deeply personal project. Produced with Jack Antonoff, the album featured lush instrumentation and a nostalgic, folk-inspired sound that drew comparisons to legends like Joni Mitchell and Carole King.

A Voice for a New Generation

Clairo’s music goes beyond catchy melodies; it’s a vehicle for conversations about mental health, LGBTQ+ identity, and societal expectations. As a bisexual artist, she’s been open about her journey with self-acceptance, often using her platform to advocate for inclusivity and representation.

Her transparency extends to her struggles with mental health and autoimmune diseases, topics she addresses both in interviews and her lyrics. By sharing her experiences, Clairo has created a safe space for fans to feel seen and understood, fostering a community of listeners who value vulnerability and authenticity.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Clairo?

As Clairo continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate her next chapter. Whether it’s experimenting with new sounds, collaborating with other artists, or exploring different creative mediums, one thing is certain: Clairo’s artistry will remain rooted in her unique ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.

In a music landscape often characterized by superficiality, Clairo stands out as a beacon of authenticity. Her willingness to embrace imperfection and explore uncharted territory has not only redefined pop music but also solidified her as one of the most important voices of her generation. With her ever-growing influence, Clairo is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music world—and beyond.