December 7, 2022
Rina Sawayama has burst into the consciousness of queer music listeners in recent years. My first time listening to her work was Cherry, a track that is bubbly ...
Read more.png)
October 4, 2022
In the wake of Tiktok’s rapid expansion and growing dominance in the short-form video market, YouTube has felt the pressure to adapt to keep up with the shifting demands of its audience...
Read more
October 5, 2022
Conan Gray is an American YouTuber turned singer-songwriter, most well-known for his songs about heartbreak and unrequited love. Throughout his career, Conan has written songs like “Crush Culture”...
Read more
October 17, 2022
Phoebe Bridgers is an American songwriter, singer, and producer who has, in recent years, gained mainstream recognition with the release of her sophomore album “Punisher” in 2020...
Read more
October 18, 2022
Steve Lacy is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and living proof that you don’t need the most advanced or high-tech studio equipment to create music that listeners will love...
Read more
August 31, 2022
For the last two years, there has been something missing in the lives of music lovers around the world—live music. The advent of a global pandemic meant the absence of concerts, festivals........
Read more.jpg)
August 19, 2022
One of the biggest questions many spaces face today is how blockchain technology may overhaul industry norms, and the music industry is no exception. In particular...
Read more
August 19, 2022
Snapchat has recently announced Snapchat Sounds Creator Fund, a monthly grant program of up to $100,000 awarded to independent artists distributing music on the platform...
Read more.jpg)
August 15, 2022
Over the past few years, TikTok’s popularity has significantly increased resulting in 1 billion global daily users by early 2022. The app has also become extremely influential in the current music....
Read more.jpg)
August 4, 2022
Charlie Puth has paired with Studio to create a 30-day online course that outlines the entire songwriting and production process for $279 USD. This hands-on learning experience has been marketed....
Read more
August 2, 2022
Whether you know Lexie Liu from her performance as Seraphine in K/DA’s “MORE” or her fourth-place finish on The Rap of China 2018, there’s no denying that the Chinese hip hop star is a global ...
Read more
June 17, 2022
BTS is the most famous K-Pop band in the world now, and recently, they were invited to the white house to speak about anti-Asian hate crimes and inclusivity. Being the first K-Pop band to be...
Read more
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.
