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Sampling Like a Pro: How to Flip Samples and Avoid Legal Issues

October 6, 2024

Sampling has been a cornerstone of modern music production, allowing producers to reimagine and breathe new life into old tracks. Whether you're producing hip-hop, EDM, or any genre, knowing how to...

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What Makes an EQ or Compressor VST High-Quality: Insights and Examples from Pros

October 6, 2024

When selecting EQ and compressor plugins, musicians and producers look for more than just a shiny interface or brand recognition. It's all about how these tools perform in real-world scenarios...

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Sound Design 101: Crafting Killer Drum Sounds Using Synthesizers

October 6, 2024

Drum sounds form the backbone of many music genres, and while sample packs are popular, designing your own drum sounds from scratch can elevate your production to a whole new level. Crafting custom...

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Mastering Multiband Compression Sidechaining: A Solution to Clashing Frequencies

October 6, 2024

In modern music production, one of the most common challenges is the clash of frequencies between instruments. For example, bass guitars and drum kits often compete for space in the lower end of...

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Studio One Workflow Tips for Faster Music Production

October 1, 2024

Studio One by PreSonus is an incredibly powerful DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that offers a variety of tools to streamline your music production workflow. However, like many DAWs, getting the...

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Solving the Issue of Buried Crash Cymbals in the Mix

October 1, 2024

Crash cymbals often get buried in the mix, especially when using complex miking techniques like Glyn Johns, which balances close mics with overheads. While re-recording with higher cymbals may be a...

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GarageBand Hacks: Creating Professional-Sounding Tracks Without Expensive Plugins

October 1, 2024

GarageBand is often seen as an entry-level DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), but it has powerful tools that, when used effectively, can create professional-quality tracks. Many indie musicians and...

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Solving the General MIDI Program Change Dilemma in Ableton

October 1, 2024

When working with MIDI in Ableton, one might notice that although MIDI clips can send program changes, most of Ableton's native plugins don’t seem to respond to these changes effectively. This can...

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Escaping 'Tutorial Hell': Stay Motivated and Actually Progress in Music Production

September 21, 2024

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Should You Write Music or Lyrics First? Solutions from Famous Creators

September 20, 2024

One of the most common challenges for songwriters is deciding whether to write the music or lyrics first. This can feel like a "chicken-or-egg" situation, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer...

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How to Plan the Perfect Release Day for Your Single or Album

September 20, 2024

Releasing a new single or album is a huge milestone for any musician. However, without proper planning, your work may not get the attention it deserves. It’s not just about putting the song online...

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Mastering the Low End: Compression Tips for a Tight Mix

September 20, 2024

When it comes to music production, getting the low end right can be tricky. Many producers face a common issue: after the initial mix sounds perfect, a few days later, the low end starts to feel...

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Rihanna's Fresh Start with 'R9': A Journey of Rediscovery

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Rihanna's journey towards her ninth studio album, affectionately dubbed ‘R9’, has been a long and winding road. At the launch party for her new Fenty Hair line, she opened up about the delay, humorously noting that while the product line took a long time to create, it pales in comparison to the time taken for her new album. She confessed that she is essentially starting over on the record.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting new material since her last album, ‘Anti’, dropped in 2016. Rihanna shared with Entertainment Tonight that her approach to music has shifted over the years. “Music, for me, is a new discovery,” she said. “I’m rediscovering things. I have been working on the album for so long that I put all that stuff aside, and now I’m prepared to go back in the studio.”

She emphasized that while she is starting fresh, she doesn't intend to disregard the work she has already done. Instead, she plans to revisit her existing songs with a new perspective to see what still resonates with her. This revelation follows a week of speculation after she wore a dress that humorously declared, “I’m retired. This is as dressed up as I can get,” leading some fans to believe she might be stepping away from music.

Rihanna’s foray into haircare with Fenty Hair marks her fifth business venture, aimed at providing products to strengthen and repair all hair types. This launch underscores her expanding empire beyond music, though rumors of a musical comeback have been swirling since December, when reports suggested she had signed a new deal with Live Nation, potentially hinting at a world tour in the near future.

In April, Rihanna shared with Extra that her new music represents an evolution of her sound, and she has a plethora of visual ideas for the album. She also revealed that she and her partner A$AP Rocky have been collaborating, with both artists having to decide who will use their best material.

Rihanna's last musical release was ‘Lift Me Up’, the lead single for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, which she performed at the 2023 Oscars. Her first performance in seven years came when she headlined the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show, followed by a private performance at a billionaire’s wedding in India.

Her achievements in music continue to set records. Rihanna recently became the female artist with the most diamond-certified singles, including hits like ‘Umbrella’ and ‘We Found Love’. Last July, she also became the first woman to have ten songs reach one billion streams on Spotify. Reflecting on these milestones, she remarked, “Bad Gal billi’ … wit’ no new album… lemme talk my shit!”

As Rihanna continues to redefine her musical journey, fans remain on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in her illustrious career.

Rihanna's Fresh Start with 'R9': A Journey of Rediscoveryrihannas-fresh-start-with-r9-a-journey-of-rediscoveryHla EidJun 20, 2024Rihanna's journey towards her ninth studio album, affectionately dubbed ‘R9’, has been a long and winding road. At the launch party for her new Fenty Hair line, she opened up about the delay...