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What Is the Point of Mastering If the Mix Is Good? A Guide to Understanding Mastering's Role

August 26, 2024

For many newer producers, it can be confusing to understand the importance of mastering, especially when your mix feels polished and balanced. However, mastering is an essential step in the...

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Write a Vocal Melody That Stands Out: Tips for Phrasing and Dynamics

August 25, 2024

If you’ve been writing music for a decade but are just starting to dive into vocal melodies, you’re not alone in facing challenges with phrasing and creating vocal dynamics that don’t feel repetitive.

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Add FX and Ear Candy to Your Tracks: Tips for Taking Your Sketch to the Next Level

August 23, 2024

Adding FX and ear candy can feel like a daunting task, especially when you start to overthink the process. However, these little details are often what bring a track to life, adding depth, excitement.

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Recreate a Vocal Stutter Effect Like Skrillex: A Step-by-Step Guide

August 21, 2024

If you’ve just stepped into the world of music production, vocal stutters can be a fun and impactful technique to add excitement and energy to your tracks. You’ve heard that fast vocal stutter at...

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Get a Great Sounding Synth: The Deadmau5 Approach

August 21, 2024

If you’ve been experimenting with synthesizers, you know the quest for a perfect synth sound can be a challenging but rewarding process. Whether you’re looking for something clean yet huge, or...

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Make Music Again: Overcoming Creative Burnout Like Pharrell Williams

August 21, 2024

Hey there, fellow music creators! Whether you’re balancing a day job, DJ gigs, and music production, or just feeling creatively stuck, you’re not alone. Many of us hit a wall at some point, where...

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Master Your Craft as a Beatmaker: The J Dilla Way

August 21, 2024

In this article, we’ll explore the most efficient ways to master your creative process as a beatmaker, and how you can learn from one of the most respected producers in the game: J Dilla.

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Bumbershoot Festival 2024: A Creative Celebration in Seattle

August 8, 2024

This Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival returns to Seattle Center from August 31 to September 1, 2024. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Bumbershoot continues to be a...

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Ohana Festival 2024: A Must-Attend Event for Music Creators

August 8, 2024

As the summer winds down and the crisp autumn air begins to roll in, music enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating one of California’s premier music festivals. The Ohana Festival, set to take place...

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Desert Daze 2024: A Creative Oasis for Music Enthusiasts

August 8, 2024

As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, the anticipation for one of California’s most eclectic music festivals begins to build. This October, the 2024 Desert Daze music...

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How to Create a Joyful Song Like "Happy" by Pharrell Williams

July 24, 2024

Creating a song that radiates joy and energy, much like Pharrell Williams' hit "Happy," is an exciting challenge for any music creator. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out...

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Why Nas' Illmatic Deserves the Top Spot: Rap Lyricism at its Finest

July 17, 2024

Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, has been crowned the greatest rap album of all time by Billboard, and for good reason. Celebrated for its lyrical brilliance and profound storytelling, Illmatic set...

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Bad Omens ‘Just Pretend’: Ironic Parody to NO.1 Radio Rock Hit

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Bad Omens' alt-metal breakout, "Just Pretend," has transcended its origins as an ironic parody to become a genuine No. 1 radio rock hit. The song, featured on the band's 2022 Album, "The Death of Peace of Mind," initially gained traction as a viral TikTok song before claiming the top spot on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. In a recent interview with NME, Bad Omens' vocalist-songwriter Noah Sebastian shared the surprising journey of how a song conceived as a comedic take on radio rock conventions evolved into a chart-topping anthem.

Noah Sebastian revealed that the origin of "Just Pretend" was born out of frustration and a desire to make fun of the formulaic nature of radio-friendly rock. In response to pressures from outside perspectives advocating for a more radio-oriented approach, Sebastian decided to prove a point by creating what he describes as an "ironic butt-rock song." The intention was to demonstrate how effortlessly one could produce a song adhering to the stereotypical opinions of mainstream rock.

Despite the initial sarcastic intentions, Sebastian found himself captivated by the chorus he had created for "Just Pretend." The exaggerated boldness and intentionally silly vocals took an unexpected turn, revealing a genuinely great hook that stuck with the songwriter. The decision was made to immediately develop the song for the record, setting the stage for an ironic twist in the band's trajectory.

Throughout their career, Bad Omens has stuck to the principle of creating music without ulterior motives. The band's focus has consistently been on crafting music they genuinely enjoy and feel proud of, rather than succumbing to external pressures or industry expectations. "Just Pretend" stands as a testament to this, as it defied its initial sarcastic purpose to become a radio rock sensation.

Noah Sebastian reflected on the irony of the situation, acknowledging that a song written to poke fun at the ease of creating radio rock has now claimed the top spot on the radio rock charts. The unexpected success of "Just Pretend" marks a full-circle moment for Bad Omens, highlighting how art can surprise us, 'Just Pretend' showcases the unexpected beauty that comes from being true to oneself in creative expression.

Bad Omens' journey with "Just Pretend" serves as a reminder that artistic endeavors, even those born out of irony, can take on a life of their own. The accidental transformation of a parody into a No. 1 radio rock hit underscores the power of genuine creativity and the unpredictable path that music can take when driven by authenticity rather than external expectations.