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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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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

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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

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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

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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

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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...

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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.

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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

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

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When Songs Find Their Perfect Match

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." These hits gained fame when their original songwriters handed them over to other performers, allowing those artists to bring the songs to life in unforgettable ways.

Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston: A Song Transformed

Dolly Parton wrote "I Will Always Love You" as a heartfelt ballad, performing it herself with signature charm. But when Whitney Houston sang it for The Bodyguard soundtrack, it transformed into a global sensation. Parton’s willingness to let Houston record the song didn’t take away from her artistry—instead, it allowed both her and Houston to shine, creating a powerful anthem that still resonates today.

Sia and Rihanna: Finding the Perfect Voice

Sia, known for her unique style and powerful lyrics, originally wrote "Diamonds" for herself. When she passed the song to Rihanna, it became a chart-topping hit, defining a new moment in Rihanna’s career. Rihanna’s voice gave the song fresh energy, showcasing how handing over a song to the right artist can elevate it in ways the writer might not have expected.

The Power of Letting Go: Why Sharing Songs Works

For songwriters, sharing a creation can feel risky. But sometimes, giving another artist the chance to interpret your song can make it even stronger. Letting someone else bring your work to life doesn’t lessen your impact; it amplifies it. Your voice and creativity are still part of the song’s journey, and by sharing, you allow your work to reach a larger audience.

Passing the Mic: A Tip for Music Creators

For music creators, understanding the power of collaboration can open doors to incredible possibilities. Handing a song to someone else doesn’t mean losing control—it’s about creating something greater than you might have achieved alone. When you share your work, you stay part of its legacy, and sometimes that’s the key to making it truly unforgettable. Remember, the goal isn’t always to be in the spotlight; sometimes, letting go leads to the greatest success.

Hit Songs You Didn’t Know Were Handed Over By Your Favorite Artistshit-songs-you-didnt-know-were-handed-over-by-your-favorite-artistsHla EidNov 08, 2024In 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."...