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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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Phoebe Bridgers: A Deep Dive into Songwriting

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...

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Celebrating Independence: The 2024 Libera Awards Shine a Spotlight on Independent Music

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The 2024 Libera Awards, held on June 11 at Gotham Hall, marked a significant celebration of the vibrant and diverse achievements in independent music. Presented by the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), this annual event gathers the community of independent artists, labels, and music industry professionals to honour those who have made notable contributions to the independent music scene over the past year.

The Libera Awards are designed to recognize a wide range of musical talents and achievements, focusing on artists and labels that operate outside of the major label system. This year’s ceremony was a dynamic showcase of the creative resilience and innovative spirit that define the independent music sector. Winners across various categories, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, and Lifetime Achievement, were celebrated for their artistic excellence and contributions to the culture of independent music.

Gotham Hall provided a grand backdrop for the evening, adding a touch of elegance and history to the festivities. The choice of venue reflected the importance of the occasion, underscoring the significance of the independent music community gathering to honour its own. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and excitement, as attendees celebrated not just the winners, but the collective achievement and progress of the independent music industry.

The Libera Awards are more than just an annual celebration; they are a crucial part of the ecosystem supporting independent music. By highlighting the successes of individual artists and labels, the awards bring attention to the innovative and diverse work being done outside the mainstream music industry. This recognition can help propel careers forward, open new opportunities, and inspire a new generation of musicians, producers, and industry professionals to pursue their creative visions without compromise.

As the independent music sector continues to grow and evolve, the role of the Libera Awards as a catalyst for recognition and development becomes increasingly important. The awards not only celebrate past achievements but also set the stage for future innovations and success stories in the independent music scene. The ongoing support and recognition of independent talent foster a more dynamic and inclusive music industry overall.

The 2024 Libera Awards was a resounding success, bringing together the best of the independent music world for a night of celebration and recognition. As the winners go on to inspire and influence the industry, the importance of such events in highlighting and supporting independent music remains clear. The Libera Awards continue to champion the artistic integrity and entrepreneurial spirit that drive the independent music scene, making it an essential part of the music industry’s landscape.