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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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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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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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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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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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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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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February 6, 2023
SG Lewis (Samuel George Lewis) is a rising star in the dance/electronic music realm. He is a DJ/producer turned singer-songwriter, and is known for his disco-inspired, transcendent sound. He routinely
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February 4, 2023
Sam Smith just released their new album “Gloria” on the 27th of January. As described by Pitchfork, “Gloria flips between hyperpop, country, dancehall, disco, 2-step, and intimate, Kehlani-esque R&B”.
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February 5, 2023
Virtual reality and the metaverse have become popular topics in the music industry where more and more technology and music have been combined, creating something that could revolutionize the entire
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February 5, 2023
The 65th annual GRAMMY Awards are here, and there's a long-awaited addition to the awards. This year marks the introduction of a new category: the Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical Award. For all
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January 31, 2023
Zach Bryan released his first album in 2019, and in the short time since he has become one of the biggest names in country. His biggest album, “American Heartbreak”, broke single-day album streaming
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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 Pepsi, 2 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.
