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Solving the General MIDI Program Change Dilemma in Ableton

October 1, 2024

When working with MIDI in Ableton, one might notice that although MIDI clips can send program changes, most of Ableton's native plugins don’t seem to respond to these changes effectively. This can...

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Escaping 'Tutorial Hell': Stay Motivated and Actually Progress in Music Production

September 21, 2024

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Should You Write Music or Lyrics First? Solutions from Famous Creators

September 20, 2024

One of the most common challenges for songwriters is deciding whether to write the music or lyrics first. This can feel like a "chicken-or-egg" situation, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer...

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How to Plan the Perfect Release Day for Your Single or Album

September 20, 2024

Releasing a new single or album is a huge milestone for any musician. However, without proper planning, your work may not get the attention it deserves. It’s not just about putting the song online...

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Mastering the Low End: Compression Tips for a Tight Mix

September 20, 2024

When it comes to music production, getting the low end right can be tricky. Many producers face a common issue: after the initial mix sounds perfect, a few days later, the low end starts to feel...

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How to Turn a Bedroom into a Professional Home Studio on a Budget

September 19, 2024

For many aspiring musicians, the dream of creating a professional-quality home studio seems out of reach due to costs and space constraints. However, with the right strategies and tools, it's...

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Remote Music Collaboration: Tools and Tips for Seamless Production

September 18, 2024

Collaborating on music remotely has become more common, but as you’ve experienced, it can be a challenge to get it right. Audio latency, control sensitivity, and lack of real-time feedback are...

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How to Build a Loyal Fanbase Using Social Media in 2024

September 18, 2024

In today’s digital age, building a loyal fanbase is essential for musicians to thrive. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for connecting directly with fans, sharing music, and...

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Best Apps and Websites for Creating Instrumentals When You Don’t Play Instruments

September 18, 2024

As a songwriter, it can be frustrating to have melodies or lyrics in your head but no way to bring them to life without instrumental skills. Thankfully, with modern technology, there are apps and...

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How to Match Chords to Your Singing – Overcoming the Struggle

September 18, 2024

Creating music often feels like an intricate puzzle. You might have a melody that you love, but when it comes to pairing it with chords, you feel stuck. If you're in this situation, you're not alone.

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The Top 10 Free Tools Every Indie Musician Needs to Succeed

September 18, 2024

As an indie musician, creating professional music while sticking to a budget can be challenging. You might not have the resources to afford high-end software or pay for expensive marketing...

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Miley Cyrus Sued Over ‘Flowers’: The Fine Line Between Inspiration and Infringement

September 18, 2024

Music creators often walk a delicate line between drawing inspiration from their favorite songs and unintentionally infringing on the work of others. The recent lawsuit filed against Miley Cyrus...

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Bruno Mars: More Than Just Your Average Pop Star

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Bruno Mars is no ordinary pop sensation. While his music is rooted in the feel-good vibes of party anthems, Mars offers more than just catchy beats and sing-along choruses. After witnessing his electric performance in Seattle on July 21, it's clear Mars provides a much-needed respite from the weight of current events—a moment of pure joy in a challenging world.  

Mars, whose chart-topping hits include the breezy *Doo-Wops & Hooligans* and the infectious *Unorthodox Jukebox*, isn’t just a hitmaker. He’s a pop historian, weaving the rich tapestry of music’s past—everything from Tin Pan Alley to 1960s pop, ’80s new wave, and even reggae and hip-hop—into his sound. The *Moonshine Jungle Tour* showcases this dynamic blend, with Mars acknowledging and celebrating his influences while asserting his own artistry.  

A Show Rooted in Humanity  

The Seattle concert was more than a typical arena spectacle. With synchronized dance moves and moments of shared spotlight, Mars and his eight-piece band focused on the collective energy of the group. This wasn’t just Mars’s show—it was a celebration of camaraderie and musicianship. Even the audience felt the unity, as strangers exchanged smiles, encouragement, and uninhibited dance moves, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and joy.  

Music for Everyone  

Mars’s ability to bridge generational and cultural gaps was evident throughout the night. His songs, while occasionally racy, strike a balance that charms parents and delights kids. In a diverse crowd of fans from all walks of life, Mars’s music reminded us of the shared connections music can foster.  

The concert felt like a glimpse of an ideal America: inclusive, kind, and aware. While Mars’s lyrics don’t overtly tackle social issues, his performances create a space where audiences can imagine a world united by love and music.  

Looking Ahead  

Bruno Mars isn’t without room to grow. His band could benefit from more gender diversity, and as his artistry evolves, he may be drawn to addressing deeper, more challenging topics in his music. But for now, his shows are a celebration of joy, talent, and connection—a reminder that even party music has the power to inspire and heal.  

Mars’s finale—his iconic ballad *Just the Way You Are*—encouraged everyone to look around and appreciate one another. And in that moment, as the crowd sang along, it felt possible to carry the message beyond the music: to see the beauty in others and embrace it, just the way they are.