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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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SG Lewis: Who Is He - and What’s Next For This Rising Star?

February 6, 2023

SG Lewis (Samuel George Lewis) is a rising star in the dance/electronic music realm. He is a DJ/producer turned singer-songwriter, and is known for his disco-inspired, transcendent sound. He routinely

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Lessons to Learn From the Launch Of Sam Smith’s “Unholy”

February 4, 2023

Sam Smith just released their new album “Gloria” on the 27th of January. As described by Pitchfork, “Gloria flips between hyperpop, country, dancehall, disco, 2-step, and intimate, Kehlani-esque R&B”.

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Are Virtual Idols the Future of Music?

February 5, 2023

Virtual reality and the metaverse have become popular topics in the music industry where more and more technology and music have been combined, creating something that could revolutionize the entire

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Grammy Awards Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical: The Category Songwriters Deserve

February 5, 2023

The 65th annual GRAMMY Awards are here, and there's a long-awaited addition to the awards. This year marks the introduction of a new category: the Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical Award. For all

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Jade Thirlwall Calls Out Matty Healy's Political Silence: "Your Privilege is Showing, Disappointing"

Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet

Former Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall isn't mincing words about artists who avoid political engagement, specifically calling out The 1975's Matty Healy for what she sees as a privileged stance. In a candid Guardian interview, the solo artist argued that pop stars have a responsibility to address social issues, a sharp contrast to Healy's recent Glastonbury declaration that music should prioritize "love and friendship" over politics.

The Clashing Philosophies..

Thirlwall, who has vocally supported LGBTQ+ rights and Palestinian causes, dismissed Healy's apolitical approach: 

"It's very easy for someone who's white and straight and very privileged to say that. Good for you, hun!" Her comments reference Healy's June 2025 Glastonbury performance where the rocker stated: "We don't need more politics. We need more love."

From Group Constraints to Solo Freedom!

The criticism comes as Thirlwall prepares to release her debut solo album That's Showbiz Baby! on September 12 a project she says finally lets her speak unfiltered truths. One track, "IT girl," directly addresses the restrictions she faced in Little Mix: 

"Those are my experiences, and now that I'm on my own, there's nothing holding me back."

Pop's Great Divide: Megaphones vs. Escapism in 2025's Music Landscape" 

The clash between Thirlwall’s activism and Healy’s "good vibes" philosophy exposes a generational fault line in pop culture. Where artists like Jade use their platforms to amplify Palestinian voices and LGBTQ+ rights, others retreat into what she calls the "privilege" of neutrality, a tension magnified as global crises demand accountability. Her willingness to critique peers like Healy by name (a rarity in the industry) turns personal conviction into a public litmus test for artistic responsibility.

Just Schooled Pop on Real Activism vs. Performative Allyship

The debate highlights growing tension in pop culture between artists who view their platforms as megaphones for change and those who prioritize escapism. Thirlwall's outspokenness particularly about Palestine contrasts sharply with many peers' silence, making her critique of Healy particularly pointed. In an industry often criticized for performative activism, Thirlwall's willingness to name names sets her apart while ensuring her solo debut will be as discussed for its politics as its melodies.

Jade Thirlwall Calls Out Matty Healy's Political Silence: "Your Privilege is Showing, Disappointing" jade-thirlwall-calls-out-matty-healys-political-silence-your-privilege-is-showing-disappointingEbrunida KaradagAug 20, 2025Former Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall isn't mincing words about artists who avoid political engagement, specifically calling out The 1975's Matty Healy for what she sees as a privileged stance. In...