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The Weight Behind the Power of Aretha Franklin's "Respect"

February 24, 2024

‍In the annals of music history, songs that have sparked as much cultural resonance and transformation as Aretha Franklin's rendition of "Respect" are unique to say the least. Originally written....

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IU's "The Winning" and H.E.R. 2024 World Tour

February 24, 2024

IU, South Korea's beloved singer-songwriter and actress, has once again captivated the hearts of fans worldwide with the release of her sixth mini-album, "The Winning."

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The 2024 Oscar Best Original Score Nominees: A Symphony of Talent and Legacy

February 21, 2024

The race for the Best Original Score at the 96th Academy Awards is diverse and compelling to say the least. This year's nominees have painted aural landscapes that are integral to the success of....

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Mariah Carey Masterclass Review: Vocal Production

February 19, 2024

The Mariah Carey Masterclass, aptly titled "The Voice as an Instrument," promises an intimate look into the artistry behind the iconic singer and songwriter's success. Mariah Carey begins the class...

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Shakira Unveils 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran': A Beacon of Empowerment and Personal Rebirth

February 16, 2024

In an era where the global music landscape continually evolves, few artists have managed to redefine their musical and personal journey as profoundly as Shakira. With the announcement of her...

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The Impact of Spotify's New Royalties Model on Music Creators

February 12, 2024

Spotify's upcoming overhaul of its royalties model marks a significant shift in the way the streaming giant compensates artists, aiming to funnel more earnings towards more popular artists, labels...

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How Tracy Chapman Wrote Fast Car

February 9, 2024

Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" is not just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon that transcends its initial release. Its ascent to global acclaim was catalyzed by a pivotal moment: Nelson Mandela's 70th...

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How Tyla's "Water" is Making a Splash in the U.S. African Music Craze

January 29, 2024

‍The U.S. music scene has been captivated by the African music craze, and at the forefront is Tyla, a young South African singer whose song "Water" has taken the world by storm...

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Understanding Music Publishing for Music Creators

January 28, 2024

Understanding music publishing is crucial for artists looking to make their music a viable long-term career. This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of music publishing and how it can...

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Maximize Your Music Royalty Earnings With Songtrust

January 28, 2024

Navigating the world of music royalties can be daunting, especially for independent artists and newcomers. Songtrust has emerged as a popular solution, favored by a range of artists from beginners...

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Rick Rubin's Tips for Creative Growth

January 27, 2024

Rick Rubin, a legendary music producer, is known not just for his exceptional work in the music industry but also for his profound insights into creativity and personal growth...

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Sonical.ly Masterclass Review: Nas Teaches Hip Hop Storytelling

January 23, 2024

ntroductionIn the ever-evolving landscape of music education, Nas' Masterclass emerges as a beacon for those intrigued by the art of hip-hop. Nas, a figure synonymous with lyrical finesse...

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How Steve Lacy Makes the Most with Less

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Photo: Chugg Entertainment

Does equipment matter when producing bangers– or is it about working with what you have?

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. With something as simple as the GarageBand app on his iPhone, the “Dark Red” artist was able to gain recognition in the music industry. During his TEDxTeen talk, Lacy expressed that he always wanted a MacBook Pro since that’s what his friends used to create art. He never got that MacBook, however. Instead, Lacy created beats with an iPod. “With this [iPod], I’ve got these apps and I’m just exploring this world of sound with this little device in my pocket - and I realized that I didn’t necessarily need what I thought I did,” he said.

Lacy was able to gain traction as the guitarist of The Internet, an Alternative R&B band from LA. One of their songs titled “Curse”, created via GarageBand, was the demo that would go on to lead the then high-schooler into a Grammy nomination. From there, he continued creating music not necessarily having any idea what it was for– “it just felt right”, he said during the talk. He wasn’t even aware that he was producing an album, he was just laying down ideas that he had heard in his head with his friends. This first body of work opened the doors of opportunity for him to work with more people like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar– all just from his iPhone.

According to a Wired feature on YouTube, Lacy records all of his music on his phone. He’s used lots of apps before but GarageBand is his favourite, according to the Wired video. He would start off with a simple drum loop, and then he plugs his guitar into his iPhone using an iRig cable. After, he adds his vocals– Lacy prefers singing straight into the iPhone’s mic, holding a pop filter and getting right up close. As he works, he just stacks the tracks one-by-one in GarageBand.

“I like to, you know, make wherever I am”, he said in the Wired video.

Besides Lacy, other legendary musicians such as Rihanna, and electronic music duo, Justice, have released masterpieces using GarageBand. Rihanna’s 2007 hit “Umbrella” uses a drum loop that you can find if you search for the “Vintage Funk Kit 03” sample on the app. Justice’s 2007 album “Cross” was produced using the Apple app.

GarageBand and other alternative apps like Logic Pro (Apple), Groovepad (Android), Audacity (Windows, Linux, Mac), Adobe Audition (Windows & Mac), etc. are powerful, yet accessible tools available to new-age artists to create music on. Furthermore, with the emergence of the Information Age, a simple internet search can help young artists get their foot in the door of the music industry.