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Meet NewJeans: The K-Pop Group Taking the World by Storm

March 22, 2023

Even if you haven't heard of NewJeans yet, there's a good chance you'll soon be humming along to their infectious tunes. The Korean pop group is quickly gaining international attention and breaking..

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Max Martin: Why a Pop-Hit Songwriter and Producer Created a Musical

March 31, 2023

Even if you don’t know who Max Martin is, you’ve definitely heard his songs. Hit-pop songs are kind of his thing after all. Martin first stepped into the music world in 1985 as a frontman for....

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MANILA GREY: Vancouver's Rising R&B Duo

March 18, 2023

The Filipino-Canadian duo from Vancouver has been releasing new tracks left and right, and they are known for their most streamed songs on Spotify, “Timezones,” and “Silver Skies.” Previously .......

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How did Miley Cyrus’ Heartbreak Song “Flowers” Break the Spotify Record?

March 17, 2023

The singer, songwriter, and actress Miley Cyrus has recently released a record-breaking song called “Flowers” in January 2023. This song recites her 10-year long relationship with her ex-husband....

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Men I Trust: Canada’s DIY Indie Band That Could Be Your New Favourite

March 4, 2023

Men I Trust is a Canadian indie pop band known for their dreamy and mellow sound. Their music is laid back, incorporating elements of funk, disco, and R&B to create a smooth and groovy vibe that is

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Basics For Building an At-Home Recording Studio

March 3, 2023

Artists like Kaytranada have proved that you don’t need access to a professional recording studio to create well-produced music. As technology and social media have advanced, it is now easier than eve

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Facing the Music: Legal Challenges With AI and Copyright Laws

February 25, 2023

People draw inspiration from others when forming their ideas, it’s a fact of life. Sampling in music is no exception - and artists do it for a variety of reasons. Traditionally, copyright laws and

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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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Addison Rae: From Tiktoker to Pop Music Trend Setter

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The Rise of a TikTok Star 

Addison Rae’s TikTok career skyrocketed in 2019, making her one of the most recognizable faces on the platform. Known for her engaging dance routines and approachable demeanor, she quickly amassed millions of followers. Yet Addison didn’t settle for being a TikTok personality. Instead, she sought to explore her passion for music, blending her knack for creating trends with a desire to develop her artistic voice.  

From “Obsessed” to *AR* 

Her debut single, *“Obsessed,”* was just the beginning. Though it received mixed reviews, Addison’s willingness to experiment was clear. By 2023, she returned with her EP *AR*, a collection of tracks that demonstrated not only her evolution as an artist but also her ability to tap into nostalgia and modern pop sensibilities.  

The *AR* EP introduced fans to songs like Diet Pepsi2 Die 4, and Aquamarine, which quickly became fan favorites. These tracks revealed Addison’s flair for combining early-2000s-inspired production with contemporary pop trends, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.  

Songs That Define Her Sound  

Diet Pepsi stands out for its sleek production and breezy vibe, perfectly capturing the playful yet introspective tone Addison is becoming known for. Aquamarine leans into dreamy, atmospheric pop, with shimmering synths and lyrics that reflect her personal growth. Meanwhile, 2 Die 4 taps into a catchy, TikTok-ready hook, solidifying its status as a hit among her social media-savvy fanbase. Together, these songs highlight her ability to create music that resonates in the digital era, blending catchy hooks with lyrics that feel personal and relatable.  

A Pop Star for the Social Media Age 

Addison’s music works so well because she understands her audience. Her songs are short, infectious, and crafted with the social media ecosystem in mind. Yet beyond their trend-friendly nature, tracks like Aquamarine demonstrate her ability to explore deeper emotions and artistic themes. Collaborating with seasoned producers and songwriters, Addison has honed her vocal delivery and leaned into a sound that bridges the gap between lighthearted pop and introspective storytelling.  

Overcoming Challenges and Earning Respect  

Addison’s pivot from TikTok star to pop artist hasn’t been without challenges. Critics have often questioned whether influencers can find legitimacy in traditional entertainment industries. However, Addison’s *AR* EP and tracks like Diet Pepsi and Aquamarine have silenced many of those doubts, proving her potential as a serious artist.  

What’s Next for Addison Rae?

As Addison Rae continues to explore her identity as a musician, her ability to combine social media savvy with authentic artistry will set her apart. With songs like Diet Pepsi and Aquamarine already gaining traction, she’s poised to establish herself as a mainstay in pop music.