stayc main image

Efficiently Providing Music Lessons for Younger Children: Tips for Teaching Piano, Drums, and Guitar

September 9, 2024

Teaching music to young children is a rewarding but challenging experience, especially if you're used to playing instruments yourself rather than instructing others. Whether it’s drums, piano...

Read more
stayc main image

Finding Your Unique Voice in Music: Lessons from the Greats

September 9, 2024

Every great musician has a distinct voice that defines their sound. Think of Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day, Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses, or Dave Mustaine from Megadeth. Imagine Green Day...

Read more
stayc main image

The Impact of Technology on Modern Music Creation: How to Maximize Tools like DAWs, Sampling, and AI

September 9, 2024

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven music world, having musical talent is just the beginning. Technology has transformed the way music is produced, offering musicians unprecedented access to...

Read more
stayc main image

The Art of Creating a "Luxurious" Sound in Instrumental Music: Lessons from Legends

September 9, 2024

Many aspiring music creators are captivated by the lavish, grandiose quality of certain beats. Tracks like Kanye West's "Devil in a New Dress" or many of Westside Gunn's productions embody this...

Read more
stayc main image

Should You Start with an EP? A Guide for New Music Creators

September 9, 2024

When it comes to launching your music career, one common question arises: "Should I start with an EP or a single?" This is a crucial decision for any new artist, especially for those who are trying...

Read more
stayc main image

Why Connor Price and Forrest Frank’s ‘Up’ is the Ultimate Feel-Good Anthem

September 9, 2024

Connor Price and Forrest Frank’s track ‘Up’. This song has been everywhere, and for good reason—it’s got everything you need to vibe, feel inspired...

Read more
stayc main image

Apply Reverb to Your Drum Recordings: A Guide to Perfecting Your Drum Mix

September 8, 2024

Reverb can be a powerful tool in drum recordings, adding depth, space, and character to your drum mix. However, using it correctly is essential to ensure your drums don’t sound too muddy or distant...

Read more
stayc main image

Have Fun Playing Your Instrument Again: Tips for Reigniting Your Passion

September 8, 2024

Playing an instrument can be one of the most fulfilling experiences, but it’s natural to feel like you’ve hit a plateau, especially after playing for years. If you’re finding it hard to enjoy...

Read more
stayc main image

Achieving the JPEGMAFIA Unique Sound: A Breakdown of His Mixing Techniques

September 8, 2024

Whether you're a fan of his chaotic beats, distorted vocals, or gritty textures, it's clear that his mixing approach is a key element in creating the signature JPEGMAFIA sound. But how does he do it?

Read more
stayc main image

SXSW 2024: Why Music Creators Shouldn’t Miss This Year’s Festival

February 5, 2024

For an aspiring music creator, attending SXSW in 2024 could be a game-changer for your career. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should make it a priority to attend:

Read more
stayc main image

Maximize Your Music Promotion: Proven Strategies from Industry Icons

September 5, 2024

Promoting your music can be just as challenging as writing it. You've spent time creating songs you're proud of, but now you're stuck wondering how to get your music heard by a wider audience. The...

Read more
stayc main image

Improve Your Songwriting Skills: Techniques to Break Through the Creative Rut

September 5, 2024

Feeling stuck in a rut with your songwriting? You’re not alone. Many songwriters, even the most successful ones, have faced moments where the creative well seems to run dry. The good news is that...

Read more

MTV VMAs snubs and shocks: See who was left out of nominations

stayc main image

A Wide Net — But Not Quite Wide Enough

The 2025 MTV Video Music Award nominations have been announced, boasting a diverse lineup with 33 first-time nominees. Pop icons Taylor Swift and Beyoncé even earned artist of the year nods without releasing music videos during the eligibility period (June 20, 2024 – June 18, 2025). Bruno Mars racked up 11 nominations — all for collaborations — second only to Lady Gaga.

But amid the celebration, a number of major music videos failed to make the cut, leaving fans and industry watchers scratching their heads.

BigXthaPlug & Bailey Zimmerman — All The Way

Despite racking up over 32 million views, the cross-genre hit All The Way — blending rap from breakout star BigXthaPlug with rising country talent Bailey Zimmerman — was completely overlooked. Its strong viewership and genre-crossing appeal seemed like a natural fit for a nomination, but it didn’t land a single nod.

Mariah the Scientist — Burning Blue

Mariah the Scientist’s Burning Blue has pulled in 21 million views in just three months, making it one of the fastest-rising R&B visuals of the year. Still, the acclaimed video — praised for its sleek direction and emotional resonance — received no recognition from MTV.

Lisa’s Collaborative Power Plays

Lisa of Blackpink fame did earn one nomination for her collaboration Born Again with Doja Cat and Raye in the best K-pop category. But many expected more, especially given her high-profile collaborations this year:

  • Lisa & Rosalía — New Woman: A high-concept, star-studded video that amassed 40 million views in its first week.
  • Lisa & Tyla — When I’m with You: A sultry, dance-heavy visual with 21+ million views.

Despite their popularity, neither video found space in the best collaboration category.

The Weeknd — Dancing in the Flames

While The Weeknd earned several nods for Timeless and Hurry Up Tomorrow, another hit from his latest album, Dancing in the Flames, was left in the cold. The cinematic video — shot on an iPhone 16 Pro — features a surreal sequence in which The Weeknd is hit by a semitruck and miraculously recovers. With 70 million YouTube views, its omission feels particularly glaring.

Kesha — Boy Crazy and Joyride

Kesha’s much-discussed comeback era hasn’t yet been embraced by MTV. Her self-directed Boy Crazy, released in June, sparked social media buzz for its unapologetic feminist message. And Joyride, an action-packed November 2024 release featuring desert chases and campy shootouts, showcased her flair for spectacle. Both videos, however, went unrecognized.

The Bottom Line

The 2025 VMAs clearly aimed for broad representation — but even with dozens of new names in the mix, some of the year’s most compelling music videos were overlooked. Whether these omissions are due to stiff competition or shifting industry tastes, they’ve sparked a conversation about what it takes to make the cut in an era when viral reach and artistic ambition don’t always guarantee awards-show recognition.

MTV VMAs snubs and shocks: See who was left out of nominationsmtv-vmas-snubs-and-shocks-see-who-was-left-out-of-nominationsMuhammad SiddiquiAug 07, 2025The 2025 MTV Video Music Award nominations have been announced, boasting a diverse lineup with 33 first-time nominees. Pop icons Taylor Swift and Beyoncé even earned artist of the year nods without...