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The Road to Success: What qualities can we learn from Kpop Idols?

January 28, 2023

What does it take to be a professional singer in South Korea? On stage, these Kpop idols capture our attention with catchy songs and amazing choreographies, but what about off-stage? Behind the ...

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Songwriter's Block: Inspiration Tuning in From Around the World

January 26, 2023

Writer’s block is real, and it’s not just authors, but also songwriters and composers. Thinking of top hit songs can be difficult, so how do the pros do it? Where do they get their inspiration from?

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Arcane: How A Video Game Adaptation Ended Up With A Banger Soundtrack

January 26, 2023

What does a TV show based on a video game and the music industry have in common? Near the end of 2021, Arcane took the world by storm after debuting on Netflix. Not only did it dazzle us with its...

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How Black Pink Should Negotiate Their New Contract with YG Entertainment

January 23, 2023

As the contract between Blackpink and YG Entertainment nears its end, fans of the popular South Korean girl group are wondering if the group will renew their contract with the agency...

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Writer's Block is Real, Even for J.Cole: Here are 8 Tips to Overcome

January 19, 2023

Rapper J. Cole has recently announced that he had been struggling with writer's block, but found a way to break free from it by using a type beat from Youtube music producer BVTMAN's YouTube...

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Hania Rani: A Virtuoso in the World of Classical and Electronic Music

January 19, 2023

Hania Rani is a Polish pianist and composer whose music has been described as "hauntingly beautiful" and "evocative." She is known for her unique blend of classical and electronic music, which she...

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Ryan Tedder’s Studio Review: Writing Three Songs From Scratch

January 16, 2023

Ryan Tedder is a highly accomplished and sought-after music producer and songwriter. He is known for his work with a wide range of artists including: Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and OneRepublic...

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Quentin Miller only got paid $30,000 for writing 6 Drake songs.

January 6, 2022

Drake's ghostwriter controversy has been a topic of conversation since the rapper's feud with Meek Mill in 2015. Quentin Miller, a lesser-known rapper from Atlanta, was named as the ghostwriter....

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Timbaland’s Beatmaking Masterclass Review: A Class on Feeling the Flow

December 28, 2022

Many artists are using their personal brand and influence to educate artists, from beginners to fellow professionals. Timbaland has partnered with Masterclass to teach musicians how to make unique...

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Rina Sawyama -- The Voice of a Genre-Spanning Pop Star

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 ...

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YouTube Announces New “Creator Music” Platform

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...

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Deep Dive: How Conan Gray Writes His Songs

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”...

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BLACKSWAN: Pioneering Diversity in K-Pop

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In the vibrant world of K-pop, known for its dazzling choreography and catchy melodies, the group BLACKSWAN stands out not just for their musical talents but also for breaking significant cultural boundaries. As one of the first K-pop groups to include African American members, BLACKSWAN is reshaping what it means to be a global music sensation, providing a powerful example for aspiring music artists everywhere about the importance of diversity and representation in the music industry.

Traditionally, K-pop has been perceived as an industry dominated by East Asian idols. However, BLACKSWAN's debut challenged these norms by introducing members from diverse backgrounds, including African American artist, Fatou. This inclusion is not merely a token; it is a statement, showcasing the group's commitment to embodying true global representation.

BLACKSWAN’s diverse lineup allows them to connect with a broader audience, transcending geographical and cultural barriers that often limit K-pop groups. For fans around the world, seeing a member who looks like them can be deeply empowering. It's a testament to the group's impact that they can inspire fans across different continents, fostering a more inclusive community of K-pop enthusiasts.

For aspiring music artists, BLACKSWAN’s journey offers valuable lessons in the power of diversity and the importance of authenticity. In an industry that often favours a certain image or background, the success of BLACKSWAN underlines the fact that audiences are eager for representation and relatability in their music icons.

Navigating the K-pop industry as a culturally diverse group has not been without challenges. From language barriers to differing cultural expectations, BLACKSWAN has had to forge their own path. Yet, their perseverance and dedication to their craft have allowed them to turn potential obstacles into stepping stones towards greater success.

BLACKSWAN’s rise is also a narrative about the power of social media and global connectivity. Utilising platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, they have been able to share their music and story with a worldwide audience, demonstrating the transformative power of digital media in the modern music industry.

BLACKSWAN is not just creating music; they are setting the stage for future generations of artists who might once have thought the world of K-pop was out of reach due to their background. They stand as proof that the music industry is ever-evolving and that there is room for all voices, regardless of their origin.

For aspiring artists, BLACKSWAN exemplifies that with talent and determination, it is possible to break through traditional barriers and succeed on a global scale. Their story is a call to embrace one’s uniqueness and contribute to the growing diversity in the music industry. As the world of K-pop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly be shaped by more stories like that of BLACKSWAN, who continue to challenge the status quo and inspire a new wave of artists around the globe.