stayc main image

The Best Beginner-Friendly DAWs for Music Production

October 18, 2024

Getting into music production can be an exciting journey, especially for beginners. With so many digital audio workstations (DAWs) available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

Read more
stayc main image

Top 10 Mixing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

October 18, 2024

Mixing is an art form that requires not only technical skill but also a keen ear and attention to detail. Many producers and engineers fall into common traps...

Read more
stayc main image

Choosing the Best CPU for Music Production

October 18, 2024

When upgrading your CPU for music production, whether you're composing orchestral scores, producing electronic music, or working with intricate multi-track projects, selecting the right processor...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Create Epic Risers and Transition Effects for Electronic Music

October 11, 2024

Creating epic risers and transition effects is essential for electronic music producers to build tension and anticipation before a drop or shift in their tracks. Here’s how you can do it...

Read more
stayc main image

Automating a Drum Bus in Reaper to Create Dynamic Room Effects

October 6, 2024

Read more
stayc main image

EQ in Practice: How to Use Subtractive EQ to Clean Up Muddy Mixes

October 6, 2024

ixing music is an art, and one of the most essential tools for achieving clarity in a mix is the equalizer (EQ). One technique, in particular, known as subtractive EQ, can work wonders for cleaning...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Manage Static Noise in High Frequencies When Compressing Vocals

October 6, 2024

One common frustration in vocal production, especially for home studio and bedroom producers, is encountering static noise in the high frequencies after compressing and brightening vocals...

Read more
stayc main image

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...

Read more
stayc main image

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...

Read more
stayc main image

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...

Read more
stayc main image

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...

Read more
stayc main image

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...

Read more

Shakira Recalls Putting Her Music Career on Hold to Support Gerard Piqué’s Pro Soccer Dreams

stayc main image

Two years after her split from Gerard Piqué, Shakira has achieved significant milestones, including four major hits and a VMAs Vanguard Award, while preparing to release her next album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women No Longer Cry). In a recent interview with The Times of London, the Colombian singer, renowned for tracks like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Beautiful Liar,” and “Waka Waka,” reflected on her years-long hiatus from music to support Piqué’s soccer career and raise their two sons, Milan and Sasha. Shakira recounted her decision to put her career on hold, emphasizing the sacrifices she made for love and family.

Shakira and Piqué’s relationship began after they met on the set of the “Waka Waka” music video for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where Piqué’s team, Spain, won the championship. They started dating soon after and welcomed their first son, Milan, in 2013. Despite their long-term partnership and two children, the couple never married and announced their separation in September 2022. Following the split, Piqué’s relationship with Clara Chia Martí became public, amid rumors of infidelity. In response, Shakira released four record-breaking songs, including “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” where she mentions Piqué’s new girlfriend by name. Shakira highlighted the contrast between artists and athletes, noting that empathy is essential for artists but often absent in athletes due to their competitive nature.

After moving from Barcelona to Miami with her sons in early 2023, Shakira found renewed inspiration in her music career. She shared with Billboard how the relocation allowed her to reconnect with music professionals and release new music more frequently, despite the challenges of balancing single motherhood with her career. Shakira emphasized the difficulty of juggling her responsibilities as a present mother and a pop star without a partner’s support. Her career had been a lower priority while living in Europe, as she dedicated herself to her family. Now, she involves her sons in her music, with Milan and Sasha contributing their voices to her 2023 ballad “Acróstico.” Shakira also expressed how her children inspire her to be a better person, describing them as the most important and amazing aspects of her life.