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Tobias Jesso Jr.: GRAMMY-Winning Canadian Sells His Song Rights

February 23, 2023

Tobias Jesso Jr. You may know his name from his 2015 solo album Goon. Or maybe from his work on various popular songs, such as “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Alive” by Sia. Or even from his rece

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How Popular TV Shows and Movies Resurrect Classic Songs

February 23, 2023

HBO’s The Last of Us is arguably the hottest show out right now, receiving near universal acclaim from viewers and critics alike. This holds especially true for episode three: “Long, Long Time”.

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Ginalina: Bringing Her Taiwan Roots Into Her Latest Album

February 21, 2023

Folk singer. Songwriter. Canadian. Polyglot. All of these titles belong to Gina Lam, also known by her stage name Ginalina. In November 2022, she released her latest album titled Going Back: Remembe

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Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance

February 21, 2023

Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...

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How do Streaming Platforms Pay Artists - Is It Fair?

February 20, 2023

Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im

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Why Jay-Z Was Named The #1 Rapper Of All Time

February 23, 2023

Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s

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Behind Kaytranada’s Unique Sound

February 18, 2023

Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has

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The Creative Act: Rick Rubin’s Knowledge Turned Into A Book

February 17, 2023

What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the

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Behind the Music: The Audio Engineer

February 14, 2023

The music industry is a place full of musicians, producers, and creators who have the magical ability to make those perfect sounds we hear everyday through our digital devices. We want to listen close

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Koji Kondo: Nintendo’s Melody Maestro

February 14, 2023

What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...

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Taylor Swift on Industry Sexism and Music Rights

February 8, 2023

Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.

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What’s the Ideal Length for a Single— Are Songs Getting Shorter?

February 8, 2023

“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are

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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.” 

The 'Gaga-esque' Legacy: How Lady Gaga Redefined Music and Culturethe-gaga-esque-legacy-how-lady-gaga-redefined-music-and-cultureHiba AdilNov 29, 2024In 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...