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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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How Dave Mastered Storytelling Through Lyrics

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British rapper Dave, born David Orobosa Omoregie, has carved a unique space for himself in the music world through his profound storytelling and introspective lyricism. Known for tackling complex themes and weaving intricate narratives into his tracks, Dave’s music resonates deeply with listeners. One song that exemplifies his storytelling prowess is “Lesley,” from his critically acclaimed 2019 debut album, *Psychodrama*.

"Lesley": A Haunting Tale of Struggle and Resilience**

“Lesley” is an 11-minute opus that delves into the life of a woman ensnared in an abusive relationship. The song begins with Dave meeting Lesley on a train, and as their conversation unfolds, so does her harrowing story. Through vivid imagery and emotive lyrics, Dave portrays Lesley’s struggles with domestic abuse, her feelings of isolation, and the complexities of her situation. 

The track stands out for its empathetic approach, inviting listeners into Lesley’s world and encouraging them to reflect on the hidden experiences of those trapped in abusive circumstances. Dave’s lyricism doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, but instead illuminates them, fostering both awareness and understanding. The raw emotion and attention to detail make “Lesley” not just a song but an experience—one that lingers long after the music fades.

Exploring Social Themes Through Music

Dave’s storytelling extends far beyond a single track. His 2019 hit “Black” is a candid exploration of racial identity and systemic racism, providing a voice to the black experience in the UK. The song’s unflinching honesty and poignant lyricism sparked widespread conversation about race and representation.

In his sophomore album, *We’re All Alone in This Together*, Dave delves even deeper into social issues. Songs like “Three Rivers” confront the struggles faced by immigrants, while “Heart Attack” examines the systemic challenges endured by black youth. These tracks not only showcase Dave’s lyrical brilliance but also his commitment to addressing real-world issues through music.

Authenticity and Depth: The Hallmarks of Dave’s Art

What sets Dave apart as a storyteller is his authenticity. He draws from personal experiences, societal observations, and the lived realities of those around him, creating narratives that feel both intimate and universal. His ability to articulate complex emotions and situations in a way that resonates with a broad audience has solidified his reputation as one of the UK’s most compelling lyricists.

Dave’s music is more than entertainment; it’s a platform for education, empathy, and change. By tackling challenging topics with grace and depth, he has become a voice for his generation—shedding light on issues that often go unspoken and giving them the attention they deserve.

Through tracks like “Lesley,” “Black,” and countless others, Dave continues to redefine what it means to be a rapper and a storyteller. His music doesn’t just tell stories; it creates connections, ignites conversations, and leaves an indelible impact on those who listen. In an era where authenticity is increasingly rare, Dave stands as a beacon of what music can achieve when it’s rooted in truth.