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DJ Khalil - The Secrets to a 5x Grammy Award Winning Career as a Music Producer

May 18, 2023

Anyone within the hip-hop scene knows the name, DJ Khalil. He gained popularity for both his music-producing and DJing skills. The other day, Sonical.ly had a chance to sit down and talk with DJ Khal

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Ed Sheeran Successfully Defends Himself in Copyright Trial

May 7, 2023

Copyright infringement cases are very much on the rise in the music industry. Recently, Ed Sheeran was on the receiving end of one. Fortunately for him and the music industry as a whole, he won. Who

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How AI Technology Impacts Artists’ Rights

April 28, 2023

Artificial Intelligence (aka AI) is not a new thing. It has been used for various purposes like social media algorithms and Siri on your phone. However, for the first time, AI is being used in

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Who is Kiana Ledé?: The Story Behind the “Jealous” Singer

April 28, 2023

From Kidz Bop idol to R&B and pop singer, Kiana Ledé has fully planted herself within the music industry. The release of her latest single “Jealous” featuring Ella Mai adds to her growing achievements

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Breaking The Silence: A Look At Mental Health In The K-pop Industry

April 23, 2023

In the past few years, the K-pop culture has experienced a number of suicides, which has devastated the Korean entertainment industry. Sulli from f(x), Jonghyun from SHINee, Goo Hara from KARA, and

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Breaking Down The Genius of SZA’s Album ‘SOS’

April 20, 2023

Since SZA has released her latest album ‘SOS’, it has made a lot of buzz in the music industry. The album has received positive reviews for its combination of R&B, pop, and hip-hop and featured.....

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Korean Indie/Pop Rock Bands You Need To Know: Day6, The Rose, & HYUKOH

April 20, 2023

With K-pop bands like BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, and SEVENTEEN, Korean music has been on the rise over the past ten years. But Korea’s music culture doesn’t stop there....

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Show Me The Money: South Korea’s No. 1 Rap Competition

April 10, 2023

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WONHO: Rising Success After Departure From Monsta X

April 8, 2023

In October 2019, member of the K-pop group Monsta X, WONHO, faced allegations of drug usage, resulting in his departure from the group. Fans were disheartened by the news of him leaving and wondered..

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BMI’s Court Case Win Helps Songwriters in the Live Music Industry

April 1, 2023

Songwriters, composers, and publishers have long been underpaid when it comes to the live concert industry. However, a successful court case may be the first step to changing that.....

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How Has Social Media and Music Platforms Influenced and Evolved Music Creators?

March 28, 2023

Society has always placed a high value on music. As technology starts to become more part of our lives, social media and music platforms have become more and more prominent in the music business....

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The 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Put The Spotlight On Songwriters

March 28, 2023

The Latin GRAMMY Awards are changing it up this year for songwriters! On March 21, 2023, The Latin Recording Academy released a press release announcing various additions and changes to the awards...

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The 'Gaga-esque' Legacy: How Lady Gaga Redefined Music and Culture

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"Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are." – Lady Gaga

In a world where the music industry has long been dominated by patriarchal norms and systemic biases, Lady Gaga has emerged as a revolutionary force. Her career isn’t just about chart-topping hits; it’s a testament to self-expression, inclusivity, and resilience. From the very start, Gaga has challenged the status quo, becoming an icon for individuals across the spectrum—women, genderqueer individuals, and anyone who dares to defy societal conventions.  

Breaking Barriers in Music  

Lady Gaga’s music transcends genres and expectations. Influenced by legends like David Bowie, Queen, Madonna, and Whitney Houston, she has crafted a sound that is uniquely her own. Her albums—*The Fame Monster*, *Born This Way*, *Artpop*, *Joanne*, and *Chromatica*—reflect an unparalleled versatility, blending pop, EDM, avant-garde, and more.  

Beyond the beats and melodies, Gaga’s work is a medium for addressing themes that resonate universally: love, identity, mental health, freedom, and societal change. Her lyrics often venture into sensitive territory, yet she tackles them fearlessly, making her music not just entertaining but also deeply meaningful.  

Theatrical Performances and a Bold Persona  

Gaga’s live performances are nothing short of transformative. She doesn’t just sing; she creates theatrical spectacles that captivate and inspire. Her approach to pop music, which she describes as treating it as a "highbrow medium," elevates the art form, challenging the notion that pop is purely superficial.  

Her visual identity is just as striking. From the infamous meat dress to her glitter-glam phase, Gaga’s fashion has become an extension of her artistry. She describes her style as a blend of fantasy and reality: “People say Lady Gaga is a lie, and they are right. I am a lie. And every day I kill to make it true.” Her ability to transform imagination into reality has defined her career and set her apart as a cultural icon.  

Advocate for Change  

Lady Gaga’s impact goes far beyond music and fashion. A staunch advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and mental health awareness, she has used her platform to inspire and empower. In 2012, she founded the Born This Way Foundation, dedicated to fostering kindness, combating bullying, and supporting youth mental health.  

Her philanthropy extends to global causes, from supporting earthquake relief efforts in Haiti and Japan to raising awareness for HIV and AIDS. Gaga’s activism, coupled with her openness about her identity as a bisexual woman, has made her a beacon of hope for marginalized communities worldwide.  

An Icon for Today’s Youth  

Lady Gaga’s journey serves as an enduring reminder that authenticity and courage can break barriers. She embodies the message that individuality is powerful and that change begins with standing up for who you are. Whether through her music, fashion, or advocacy, Gaga continues to inspire millions to embrace their true selves and envision a more inclusive future.  

Lady Gaga isn’t just a pop star—she’s a revolutionary force. Her legacy is a testament to the power of being unapologetically yourself and using art as a medium for change. And as she reminds us all, “You’re born this way.”