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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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Olivia Rodrigo's Journey: One Year Since her First Album Release

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Photo: Olivia Rodrigo Sour Album Cover

It’s been one year since the young pop-star, Olivia Rodrigo, released her first music album “Sour”. Since her debut, Olivia Rodrigo has won 3 Grammy Awards and named Women of the Year in 2022. In two years her fame has skyrocketed, and she’s now one of the top pop singers in the decade.

She began learning music when she was in kindergarten, and began acting on TV when she became twelve. She played lead roles in Bizaardvark and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series where she started to gain recognition before her formal music debut.

In January 2021, Olivia released her first single “Driver’s License”, which became one of the best selling singles that year. “Driver’s License” is a break-up song about a teenage girl who looks back at her memories while driving down the suburbs after getting her driver’s license. The song was believed to be a representation of Olivia’s personal love life and gained a lot of attention in the media. However, that is not the only reason for her sudden popularity. The song had very relatable prospects to the teenage demographic, and her musical talent was embedded in people’s hearts. The song currently has 380M views on YouTube, and was awarded Song of the Year by MTV Video Music Awards.

The songs in her Sour album highlight emotions from heartbreak to jealousy to self-assurance, all emotions that we face. She has explained that songwriting is how she organizes her feelings, and writing sad songs in her room is her favorite thing in the world. Now, her songs are streamed and played on many radio stations across the world.

Photo: Ben Madden (Cool Accidents)

Currently, she has been on her Sour Tour around North America and Europe. She’s just finishing her last weeks in the US and then heads to Europe for the end of her journey. She has also invited other artists like Gracie Abrams and Holly Humberstone on her tour to perform. Olivia’s been taking this opportunity to meet fans around the world and provide unforgettable experiences for them. Her growth is unpredictable and we’re excited to see where her musical journey will lead her in the future.

Olivia Rodrigo's Journey: One Year Since her First Album Releaseolivia-rodrigos-journey-one-year-since-her-first-album-releaseKeri Howard | May 27, 2022It’s been one year since the young pop-star, Olivia Rodrigo, released her first music album “Sour”. Since her debut, Olivia Rodrigo has won 3 Grammy Awards and named Women of the Year in 2022.