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BET CEO says network has 'suspended' Soul Train and Hip-Hop Awards

August 11, 2025

The Soul Train Awards and Hip-Hop Awards, two cornerstone events celebrating Black music and culture, have been suspended by BET. The news was confirmed by BET CEO Scott Mills in an interview with...

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GloRilla Goes Gospel: Why Her Kirk Franklin Collab Is Causing a Ruckus

August 11, 2025

When Memphis rapper GloRilla's October 2024 debut album Glorious, one track left everyone talking; "Rain Down on Me," featuring gospel heavyweights Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra...

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Machine Gun Kelly Reveals Taylor Swift’s Candid Super Bowl Moment as Chiefs’ Dreams Crumbled!

August 11, 2025

When the Kansas City Chiefs' three-peat dreams collapsed at Super Bowl LIX, the real drama wasn't just on the field it was in Travis Kelce's VIP box where Taylor Swift and Machine Gun Kelly were...

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Jelly Roll, Jonas Brothers, & More Unite for Stand Up To Cancer’s Nashville Debut Special!

August 10, 2025

In a powerful fusion of music and philanthropy, some of today’s most celebrated artists are stepping onto the stage not just to perform, but to make a difference. Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) returns...

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A long time coming,’ Canadian artists applaud first-ever Latin category in 2026 Juno Awards

August 10, 2025

The Juno Awards are officially recognizing the powerful rise of Latin music in Canada. Starting in 2026, the annual awards ceremony will feature a brand-new category: Latin Music Recording of the...

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Laufey & Clairo Just Dropped the Hottest Swiftie Takes (Literally) with Battle Spicy Wings on ‘Hot Ones Versus’

August 7, 2025

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“I Hated Music”: Yvette Young Gets Candid About Burnout & Tour Pressures

August 7, 2025

Guitarist, songwriter, and frontwoman of Covet, Yvette Young, is known for her intricate tapping technique, genre-bending sound, that creates a calm presence. But in a new interview, the math rock...

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Is Contemporary Christian Music, CCM, Just Secular in Disguise?

August 7, 2025

A June 13, 2025, Baptist News Global article highlights the long-standing conflicts between traditional Black gospel music and contemporary Christian music (CCM), which are exacerbated by racial...

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What Really Led to Zak Starkey’s Confusing ‘Firing’ from The Who

August 7, 2025

In April 2025, The Who unexpectedly fired long‑time drummer Zak Starkey during a Royal Albert Hall show, reportedly over performance issues. Starkey, son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr, had been...

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MTV VMAs snubs and shocks: See who was left out of nominations

August 7, 2025

The 2025 MTV Video Music Award nominations have been announced, boasting a diverse lineup with 33 first-time nominees. Pop icons Taylor Swift and Beyoncé even earned artist of the year nods without...

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Can a Christian Rapper Go Viral Without Compromise? DC3 Just Did

August 7, 2025

From church pews in Northampton to crowds in Zimbabwe, DC3 is more than just a popular TikTok artist; he is a devout musician who is setting a new standard for UK rap. Through ingenious videos...

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KATSEYE Makes History at Lollapalooza 2025 With Record-Breaking Festival Debut

August 7, 2025

Under the blazing Chicago sun, HYBE’s rising stars KATSEYE and BOYNEXTDOOR didn’t just perform at Lollapalooza—they owned it. From viral on-stage chemistry to career-defining sets, the two groups...

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Unlocking the Art of Confessional Songwriting with Gracie Abrams

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In an industry bursting with noise, Gracie Abrams has mastered the rare art of making listeners lean in. Her songs, built on confessional storytelling, cut through the clutter by speaking directly to the heart. For music creators, her approach offers a powerful lesson: authenticity isn't just a buzzword—it’s your greatest asset.

What Is Confessional Writing?

Confessional writing isn’t about airing your laundry for shock value; it’s about vulnerability with purpose. Abrams crafts lyrics that feel like a trusted conversation, creating a space where listeners feel seen. From heartbreak to self-doubt, her songs resonate because they’re raw yet intentional.

For example, "21" paints a portrait of longing and regret with such specificity that it becomes universal. Lines like “You’re a memory I can’t lose” transform her personal experience into something we’ve all felt. This is the power of writing from the heart—it makes the particular relatable.

How Does She Do It?

Abrams employs techniques that you, as a music creator, can incorporate into your own work:

  1. Write With Brutal Honesty
    Instead of hiding behind metaphor, she lays her emotions bare. Ask yourself: what scares you about your truth? Start there. Vulnerability fosters connection.
  2. Use Details To Ground Your Story
    Abrams’ lyrics often include tactile, everyday details—like the smell of someone’s sweater or the feeling of cold December air. These small moments give her songs texture and authenticity. Think about the little details in your life; they can be the keys to unlocking big emotions.
  3. Keep It Conversational
    Abrams’ songs often read like diary entries or letters never sent. This conversational tone makes them intimate and accessible. Experiment with writing as if you’re speaking directly to one person. How would you say it?
  4. Pair Simplicity With Depth
    Her melodies are often understated, allowing her lyrics to shine. Remember, complexity isn’t always better. Strip your music back to its emotional core.

Why It Works

Abrams taps into what we crave most: connection. As a creator, you have the power to be a mirror for your audience’s emotions. Confessional writing isn’t about crafting a perfect hit—it’s about honesty, and that’s what makes songs timeless.

Your Turn: Get Vulnerable

Gracie Abrams’ success is a reminder that your story matters. When you embrace your flaws, heartbreaks, and joys, you create something truly unique. Start your next project by asking: What do I need to say?

Remember, your audience isn’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for you.