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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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Danny Ocean's Evolution of Latin Music

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If you haven’t heard of Danny Ocean yet, it's only a matter of time before his soulful beats and melodies capture your attention. Hailing from Venezuela, this singer, songwriter, and producer skyrocketed to mainstream fame, becoming a household name with his chart-topping hits and groundbreaking achievements in the music industry.

His breakout single, “Me Rehúso,” took the world by storm, surpassing 50 million streams on Spotify in a mere two months and eventually reaching an incredible milestone of 1 billion streams. This feat not only solidified Ocean's status as a global phenomenon but also made history as the first Latin solo artist to join the Spotify Billions Club.

But Danny Ocean isn't one to rest on his laurels. Despite “Me Rehúso” breaking records and dominating the airwaves, Ocean continued to push boundaries and explore new musical territories. His second album, @dannocean, showcased his versatility and creativity, with hit singles like “Fuera del Mercado,” “Tú No Me Conoces,” “Pronto,” and “Apartmento.”

In an exclusive interview with For the Record, Ocean shared insights into the making of the newly released studio album, REFLEXA, and his profound connection to the music.

Describing REFLEXA as a labour of lust, love, and the desire for authenticity, Ocean revealed that the album is deeply personal and introspective, reflecting on themes of reflection and human experience. It's a departure from his previous work, both sonically and lyrically, as he experiments with new sounds and draws inspiration from diverse musical influences.

One of the key pillars of Ocean's success has been his partnership with Spotify, which he credits for changing the game in the music industry. From promoting tour dates to facilitating album pre-saves, Spotify has provided Ocean with invaluable support in connecting with his fans and sharing his music with the world.

Looking ahead, Ocean has his sights set on collaborating with legendary producer Max Martin, expressing his admiration for Martin's unparalleled talent and influence in the industry. As for aspiring artists, Ocean's advice is simple yet profound: stay true to yourself, stay authentic, and keep creating art that speaks to who you are.

REFLEXA promises to be a chart-topping addition to Danny Ocean's discography, showcasing his evolution as an artist and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of pop music. With its fusion of catchy melodies, introspective lyrics, and experimental sounds, REFLEXA is set to solidify Danny Ocean's legacy as one of the most innovative and influential artists of his generation.