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Master Your Craft as a Beatmaker: The J Dilla Way

August 21, 2024

In this article, we’ll explore the most efficient ways to master your creative process as a beatmaker, and how you can learn from one of the most respected producers in the game: J Dilla.

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Bumbershoot Festival 2024: A Creative Celebration in Seattle

August 8, 2024

This Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival returns to Seattle Center from August 31 to September 1, 2024. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Bumbershoot continues to be a...

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Ohana Festival 2024: A Must-Attend Event for Music Creators

August 8, 2024

As the summer winds down and the crisp autumn air begins to roll in, music enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating one of California’s premier music festivals. The Ohana Festival, set to take place...

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Desert Daze 2024: A Creative Oasis for Music Enthusiasts

August 8, 2024

As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, the anticipation for one of California’s most eclectic music festivals begins to build. This October, the 2024 Desert Daze music...

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How to Create a Joyful Song Like "Happy" by Pharrell Williams

July 24, 2024

Creating a song that radiates joy and energy, much like Pharrell Williams' hit "Happy," is an exciting challenge for any music creator. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out...

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Why Nas' Illmatic Deserves the Top Spot: Rap Lyricism at its Finest

July 17, 2024

Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, has been crowned the greatest rap album of all time by Billboard, and for good reason. Celebrated for its lyrical brilliance and profound storytelling, Illmatic set...

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How to Create a Viral Chart-Topping Song Like Tommy Richman's "Million Dollar Baby"

July 8, 2024

Creating a viral, chart-topping song is the pinnacle of success for many music creators. Tommy Richman’s "Million Dollar Baby" exemplifies how to craft a hit that resonates with a wide audience...

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Crafting Music Like Jeff Bhasker: A Guide for Aspiring Music Creators

July 2, 2024

Jeff Bhasker is a legendary figure in the music industry, celebrated for his outstanding contributions as a producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His Grammy-winning career has seen...

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The Magic of K-pop: Insights from "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory"

June 30, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of pop music, K-pop has emerged as a global powerhouse, captivating audiences with its unique sound and stunning visuals. John Seabrook’s book, "Song Machine: Inside the...

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Blackpink’s Lisa Dominates iTunes with New Single ‘Rockstar’

June 30, 2024

Music enthusiasts and aspiring creators, take note! Blackpink’s Lisa is making waves in the U.S. with her latest single, "Rockstar." Released late on Thursday, June 27, the song quickly shot up the...

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Unlocking the Secrets of Pop Hits: Insights from "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory"

June 30, 2024

Have you ever wondered what makes a pop song stick in your head, or how some artists consistently produce hit after hit? John Seabrook's "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory" pulls back the...

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TWICE’s Nayeon on Solo Debut, Songwriting, and Spoilers: Insights for Aspiring Music Creators

June 27, 2024

As the eldest member of the global K-pop group TWICE, Im Nayeon embodies big sister energy: she's protective, loving, and playful. Her playful nature sometimes leads to spoilers, much to the...

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Laufey: The Gen Z Artist Reviving Our Love for Jazz

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Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter Laufey (pronounced *Loy-vay*) is bringing a fresh, modern twist to jazz, channeling the timeless allure of icons like Ella Fitzgerald. With her unique blend of talent, musicality, and creativity, Laufey has quickly established herself as a standout voice in today’s music scene. Her journey into music began at an early age, inspired by her mother, a classical violinist, and has since evolved into a multifaceted artistry that seamlessly weaves classical, jazz, and modern influences.  

Laufey’s talents extend far beyond her enchanting voice. As a skilled pianist and cellist, she brings a rich instrumental depth to her music. Her musical prowess was evident early on, with a notable solo debut as a cellist with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra at just 15 years old. This classical foundation is a cornerstone of her artistic identity, merging seamlessly with her passion for jazz to create something truly unique.  

In 2021, Laufey introduced herself to the world with her debut EP, *Typical of Me*. The seven-track project is an intimate journey through 21 minutes of pure musical bliss. Tracks like "Magnolia" and "I Wish You Love" showcase her delicate, transcendent vocals, creating a one-on-one connection with listeners that feels almost sacred. The EP also highlights her effortless scatting, a nod to her deep appreciation for jazz’s improvisational roots.  

A standout track, "Like the Movies," immerses listeners in timeless nostalgia with its cinematic trumpet accompaniment and a playful call-and-response style, reminiscent of classic jazz and blues traditions. The song encapsulates Laufey’s ability to make the old feel new again, bridging generational gaps with her modern-day spin on jazz.  

But Laufey hasn’t stopped there. Her latest single, "Love Flew Away," a duet with Adam Melchor, showcases her ability to collaborate and innovate. Laufey describes the collaboration as a dream come true, saying, “Adam has been one of my greatest musical idols in the past few years, so it’s an incredible honor to release this song with him. Writing with Adam was so much fun, and we found common ground in our experiences with the pain of long-distance love, which inspired the song.”  

Melchor echoes this sentiment, sharing, “The first time I heard Laufey’s voice, I instantly knew I needed to sing with her. We connected deeply, talking for hours about shared experiences. When I showed her this idea I had about love feeling like it flies away, she elevated it to something incredibly powerful as a duet.”  

Laufey’s impact is undeniable. From captivating audiences on TikTok to earning fans like Billie Eilish, her ability to blend different sounds and styles resonates across generations. Her music feels like a warm embrace, the perfect soundtrack for crisp autumn days.  

With her sublime vocals, classical roots, and contemporary approach, Laufey is redefining jazz for the modern age, proving that this timeless genre is as vibrant and relevant as ever. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover or a curious newcomer, Laufey’s music invites you to fall in love with jazz all over again. 

Laufey: The Gen Z Artist Reviving Our Love for Jazzlaufey-the-gen-z-artist-reviving-our-love-for-jazzHiba AdilDec 08, 2024Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter Laufey (pronounced *Loy-vay*) is bringing a fresh, modern twist to jazz, channeling the timeless allure of icons like Ella Fitzgerald. With her unique blend of...