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In the music industry, some of the most famous songs weren’t performed by the artists who wrote them. Think of classics like Dolly Parton’s "I Will Always Love You" or Sia’s "Diamonds."...
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Quincy Jones, the legendary music titan, has left us at 91, but his spirit endures through every note, melody, and rhythm he touched. From his groundbreaking production on Michael Jackson’s Thriller..
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Compression is one of the most crucial tools in any beatmaker's toolkit, shaping the dynamics of your track and helping achieve that punchy, polished sound....
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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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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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The Impact of SZA's 'Ctrl' on the Music Industry
One year ago, SZA released her debut album, *Ctrl*, and its influence on music—particularly R&B—has only grown since. For many listeners, it was the soundtrack to the summer of 2017, and it’s safe to say that it’s still in heavy rotation. *Ctrl* wasn’t just a moment in music; it was a cultural shift.
The album's impact extended well beyond the music, resonating through striking visuals for fan favorites like "Doves In The Wind" and "Garden (Say It Like Dat)." But what really made *Ctrl* unforgettable was SZA’s openness—her willingness to share unfiltered vulnerability. Through her raw, confessional lyrics, she tapped into themes of love, self-doubt, and the challenges of being a twenty-something. Songs like "Normal Girl" and "20 Somethings" became anthems, offering a perspective that was refreshingly honest in a landscape where image often dominates over authenticity.
With each song, SZA became not just an artist but a friend, sharing life lessons learned from her mother and grandmother, and creating a sense of solidarity for listeners who saw themselves in her stories. *Ctrl* reminded people that it’s okay to be imperfect, to struggle, and to take control of your own life.
Upon release, *Ctrl* not only skyrocketed SZA’s fanbase but also earned her widespread acclaim and chart-topping success. She quickly emerged as one of R&B's leading voices, gaining accolades and Grammy nominations that underscored her impact. Her journey, however, wasn’t without obstacles. Before the album dropped, SZA nearly quit music due to delays and her own anxiety about the project. But with encouragement from her label, *Ctrl* finally saw the light of day, going on to achieve Platinum status and marking SZA as a formidable presence in music.
*Ctrl* proved that R&B still has a place in an industry dominated by rap and pop, showing that authenticity and introspection can resonate just as powerfully as any chart-topping trend. SZA’s debut was more than just an album; it was a statement—and for SZA, this is just the beginning.
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