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Steve Lacy is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and living proof that you don’t need the most advanced or high-tech studio equipment to create music that listeners will love...
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For the last two years, there has been something missing in the lives of music lovers around the world—live music. The advent of a global pandemic meant the absence of concerts, festivals........
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One of the biggest questions many spaces face today is how blockchain technology may overhaul industry norms, and the music industry is no exception. In particular...
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Snapchat has recently announced Snapchat Sounds Creator Fund, a monthly grant program of up to $100,000 awarded to independent artists distributing music on the platform...
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Over the past few years, TikTok’s popularity has significantly increased resulting in 1 billion global daily users by early 2022. The app has also become extremely influential in the current music....
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Charlie Puth has paired with Studio to create a 30-day online course that outlines the entire songwriting and production process for $279 USD. This hands-on learning experience has been marketed....
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Whether you know Lexie Liu from her performance as Seraphine in K/DA’s “MORE” or her fourth-place finish on The Rap of China 2018, there’s no denying that the Chinese hip hop star is a global ...
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BTS is the most famous K-Pop band in the world now, and recently, they were invited to the white house to speak about anti-Asian hate crimes and inclusivity. Being the first K-Pop band to be...
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SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) is a 13 member Korean boy band under Pledis Entertainment. They are split into 3 teams, the Hip Hop unit (S.coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu, Vernon), the Vocal unit (Jeonghan, Joshua, Woozi...
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On May 20, Harry Styles released his new album Harry’s House, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart. This is his third studio album in which all thirteen songs are in the top 30...
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The Song House is a songwriter house in Nashville, Tennessee where all levels of writers and artists come together to develop music. Every week, 12-15 songwriters are challenged to write a hook in...
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It’s been one year since the young pop-star, Olivia Rodrigo, released her first music album “Sour”. Since her debut, Olivia Rodrigo has won 3 Grammy Awards and named Women of the Year in 2022.
Read moreA Four-Part Odyssey
"Hardstone Psycho" has four distinct parts, each offering a unique musical journey. The album opens with the featureless cuts "Kryptonite" and "Tore Up," setting a powerful tone before Kodak Black enters on the third track, "Brother Stone." The first chapter concludes with "Attitude," a collaboration featuring Charlie Wilson and Cash Cobain. This track, which recently received a narrative-extending video with a cameo from Travis Scott, highlights the thematic continuity of the album.
Across the remaining three chapters, Toliver enlists an impressive roster of collaborators, including Teezo Touchdown, Future, and Metro Boomin. These partnerships enhance the album's dynamic range, while Toliver's unique voice remains the driving force behind the project.
The Rise of a Distinctive Voice
Don Toliver's instantly recognizable voice is a significant part of his appeal. His rapid rise to fame, beginning with his signing to Travis Scott's Cactus Jack Records, can be attributed to his ability to impact any track immediately. "Hardstone Psycho," his fourth album, feels like a coming-out party, encapsulating everything he does well while introducing fresh and exciting musical ideas. This album is undoubtedly his best release to date.
The Singles that Set the Stage
The anticipation for "Hardstone Psycho" was built on the strength of its singles. "Bandit" offered a stunning teaser with its classic rock sample and stuttering beat, while "Attitude" saw Toliver and Cash Cobain remaking a beloved Pharrell track. These singles set the tone for an album that is both musically bold and consistent in its quality. Tracks like "Backstreets," a memorable duet with Teezo Touchdown, and "Inside," featuring Travis Scott, highlight the album's diverse soundscape.
Solo Triumphs
While the features on "Hardstone Psycho" are notable, Toliver's solo tracks are where he truly shines. Songs like "Last Laugh" and "Tore Up" showcase his newfound confidence and vocal prowess, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Final Thoughts
"Hardstone Psycho" is a testament to Don Toliver's evolution as an artist. With its bold musical direction, impressive features, and immersive gaming experience, the album is a multifaceted project that offers something for everyone. As Toliver continues to push the boundaries of his artistry, fans can look forward to even more innovative and exciting music in the future.
What can aspiring artists learn?
Don Toliver's multifaceted approach in "Hardstone Psycho" offers invaluable lessons for new and up-and-coming artists. His ability to blend genres like hip-hop, R&B, and rock creates a unique sound, highlighting the importance of genre experimentation. The innovative production techniques and dynamic features from rising stars to legendary artists demonstrate the value of creative collaborations and strategic feature selection. Toliver's recognizable voice and vocal versatility, combined with a cohesive narrative and emotional depth, showcase how artists can maintain listener engagement and convey genuine emotion. Integrating strong visual elements, as seen in his narrative-extending videos, enhances the overall artistic experience. Balancing solo tracks with collaborations further solidifies his presence as a solo artist while benefiting from the strengths of others. Aspiring musicians can learn from these strategies to create innovative, engaging music that resonates widely.