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Ryan Tedder’s Studio Review: Writing Three Songs From Scratch

January 16, 2023

Ryan Tedder is a highly accomplished and sought-after music producer and songwriter. He is known for his work with a wide range of artists including: Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and OneRepublic...

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Quentin Miller only got paid $30,000 for writing 6 Drake songs.

January 6, 2022

Drake's ghostwriter controversy has been a topic of conversation since the rapper's feud with Meek Mill in 2015. Quentin Miller, a lesser-known rapper from Atlanta, was named as the ghostwriter....

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Timbaland’s Beatmaking Masterclass Review: A Class on Feeling the Flow

December 28, 2022

Many artists are using their personal brand and influence to educate artists, from beginners to fellow professionals. Timbaland has partnered with Masterclass to teach musicians how to make unique...

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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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Liz Lawrence's New Album 'Peanuts': A Sonic Rallying Cry for Community and Connection

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Liz Lawrence has always enriched her songwriting by absorbing the influence of various art forms, and her latest album, Peanuts, set for release on June 7th, exemplifies this approach. An artist who thrives on connection, Lawrence aims to build community through her potent and politicized lyricism. Reflecting on our modern dystopia, she emphasizes the necessity of rallying against the disconnection we face today: “We are disconnecting from each other at a time when we’ve never needed connection more. I am afraid that we’re losing physical spaces, and community spaces, and a sense of us all being together. More than ever, I think we have to rally against that loss.”

Produced alongside Ali Chant, Peanuts features the lead single 'Big Machine', a favourite on 6Music, which delves into the weight of the world and the frustration of addressing the climate crisis amid political inertia. Lawrence eloquently captures the desire to retreat into nature and the boiling frustration at societal stagnation. Following its release, Lawrence will play at the Great Escape in Brighton and a series of in-store performances across the country in June, culminating in a sold-out show at the Lexington in London and a full UK and Ireland tour in November.

Described by The Skinny as a record that disorients in the best way, Peanuts blends a variety of genres—funk, pop, glam, country, rock, and punk—while maintaining a cohesive sound. The album’s foundation consists of a funky beat, heavy bass, and Lawrence’s stunning voice, with subtle elements adding depth and complexity to each track. From the funky intro of 'Big Machine' to the summery 'Oars' and the rock-laden 'No One', Lawrence’s ability to create a cohesive album from such diverse styles is a testament to her artistry. Peanuts is a triumph, a record that invites listeners to explore its layers and connect with its message. You’d be nuts not to listen.

Advice for Up-and-Coming Music Creators

For emerging music creators, the journey to success involves several key steps. First, immerse yourself in various art forms to enrich your creativity and songwriting. Building a sense of community and connection through your music can resonate deeply with audiences. Experiment with different genres and sounds to create a unique and cohesive style. Collaborate with other artists and producers to refine your sound and reach a wider audience. Finally, be persistent and passionate about your craft, continuously performing and engaging with your audience to build a dedicated fanbase.