stayc main image

Find the Right Manager for Your Music Career—Even If You're Just Starting Out

September 3, 2024

The idea of hiring a traditional manager might seem premature, but finding someone who can handle your online presence and help you network could be exactly what you need to take your career...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Be a Successful Songwriter When You Can’t Play an Instrument

August 26, 2024

If you’re a songwriter who can sing but can’t play an instrument, you may feel like you’ve hit a roadblock in your creative journey. You have the ideas in your head, but you’re unsure how to turn...

Read more
stayc main image

What Is the Point of Mastering If the Mix Is Good? A Guide to Understanding Mastering's Role

August 26, 2024

For many newer producers, it can be confusing to understand the importance of mastering, especially when your mix feels polished and balanced. However, mastering is an essential step in the...

Read more
stayc main image

Write a Vocal Melody That Stands Out: Tips for Phrasing and Dynamics

August 25, 2024

If you’ve been writing music for a decade but are just starting to dive into vocal melodies, you’re not alone in facing challenges with phrasing and creating vocal dynamics that don’t feel repetitive.

Read more
stayc main image

Add FX and Ear Candy to Your Tracks: Tips for Taking Your Sketch to the Next Level

August 23, 2024

Adding FX and ear candy can feel like a daunting task, especially when you start to overthink the process. However, these little details are often what bring a track to life, adding depth, excitement.

Read more
stayc main image

Recreate a Vocal Stutter Effect Like Skrillex: A Step-by-Step Guide

August 21, 2024

If you’ve just stepped into the world of music production, vocal stutters can be a fun and impactful technique to add excitement and energy to your tracks. You’ve heard that fast vocal stutter at...

Read more
stayc main image

Get a Great Sounding Synth: The Deadmau5 Approach

August 21, 2024

If you’ve been experimenting with synthesizers, you know the quest for a perfect synth sound can be a challenging but rewarding process. Whether you’re looking for something clean yet huge, or...

Read more
stayc main image

Make Music Again: Overcoming Creative Burnout Like Pharrell Williams

August 21, 2024

Hey there, fellow music creators! Whether you’re balancing a day job, DJ gigs, and music production, or just feeling creatively stuck, you’re not alone. Many of us hit a wall at some point, where...

Read more
stayc main image

Master Your Craft as a Beatmaker: The J Dilla Way

August 21, 2024

In this article, we’ll explore the most efficient ways to master your creative process as a beatmaker, and how you can learn from one of the most respected producers in the game: J Dilla.

Read more
stayc main image

Bumbershoot Festival 2024: A Creative Celebration in Seattle

August 8, 2024

This Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival returns to Seattle Center from August 31 to September 1, 2024. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Bumbershoot continues to be a...

Read more
stayc main image

Ohana Festival 2024: A Must-Attend Event for Music Creators

August 8, 2024

As the summer winds down and the crisp autumn air begins to roll in, music enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating one of California’s premier music festivals. The Ohana Festival, set to take place...

Read more
stayc main image

Desert Daze 2024: A Creative Oasis for Music Enthusiasts

August 8, 2024

As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, the anticipation for one of California’s most eclectic music festivals begins to build. This October, the 2024 Desert Daze music...

Read more

Exploring Don Toliver’s New Universe: 'Hardstone Psycho' Album and Fortnite Game Launch

stayc main image

Don Toliver, the Houston-born maestro of atmospheric melodies and genre-blending soundscapes, is once again redefining the boundaries of music and immersive experiences with his latest album, Hardstone Psycho. Just over a year since he invited us into the evocative world of Love Sick, Toliver now ushers fans into an even more intricate and enthralling universe with his fourth studio album.

Hardstone Psycho is an ambitious project, carefully crafted and divided into four distinct parts. The album kicks off with two solo tracks, “Kryptonite” and “Tore Up,” setting a strong, introspective tone before diving into collaborative waters. Kodak Black lends his unique flair to the third track, “Brother Stone,” while the first segment concludes with “Attitude,” featuring Charlie Wilson and Cash Cobain. This track has already gained attention with a narrative-extending video featuring a cameo from Travis Scott, who also contributes to two other tracks on the album.

As the album progresses, listeners are treated to an array of star-studded collaborations. Teezo Touchdown, Future, and Metro Boomin add their unique touches, enhancing the album's rich and varied soundscape. One standout track is the intriguingly titled “Purple Rain,” a nod to Prince, and a subtle connection to Future's previous work, “Purple Reign.” This blend of past influences and fresh creativity showcases Toliver's ability to bridge different musical eras and styles.

Beyond the music, Don Toliver is expanding his creative empire into the realm of gaming. Drawing on his years-long enthusiasm for Fortnite, Toliver has launched the Hardstone game within the platform. This free-to-play game allows fans to explore Psycho Valley, an interactive world inspired by the new album. Toliver expressed his excitement about this innovative venture, highlighting it as a pivotal moment in his career where fans can engage with his music in an entirely new way.

In addition to his album and game release, Toliver is also set to perform as part of the Cactus Jack lineup at the 2024 edition of Lyrical Lemonade's Summer Smash festival. Fans can look forward to seeing him live in various cities, including Milan and London, bringing his latest musical creations to life on stage.

Hardstone Psycho is available now on all major streaming platforms, offering a multi-sensory journey that goes beyond traditional listening. With this album, Don Toliver continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be an artist in the modern age, blending music, storytelling, and interactive experiences into a cohesive and captivating universe.