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
stayc main image

How to Create a Joyful Song Like "Happy" by Pharrell Williams

July 24, 2024

Creating a song that radiates joy and energy, much like Pharrell Williams' hit "Happy," is an exciting challenge for any music creator. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out...

Read more
stayc main image

Why Nas' Illmatic Deserves the Top Spot: Rap Lyricism at its Finest

July 17, 2024

Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, has been crowned the greatest rap album of all time by Billboard, and for good reason. Celebrated for its lyrical brilliance and profound storytelling, Illmatic set...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Create a Viral Chart-Topping Song Like Tommy Richman's "Million Dollar Baby"

July 8, 2024

Creating a viral, chart-topping song is the pinnacle of success for many music creators. Tommy Richman’s "Million Dollar Baby" exemplifies how to craft a hit that resonates with a wide audience...

Read more
stayc main image

Crafting Music Like Jeff Bhasker: A Guide for Aspiring Music Creators

July 2, 2024

Jeff Bhasker is a legendary figure in the music industry, celebrated for his outstanding contributions as a producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His Grammy-winning career has seen...

Read more
stayc main image

The Magic of K-pop: Insights from "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory"

June 30, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of pop music, K-pop has emerged as a global powerhouse, captivating audiences with its unique sound and stunning visuals. John Seabrook’s book, "Song Machine: Inside the...

Read more
stayc main image

Blackpink’s Lisa Dominates iTunes with New Single ‘Rockstar’

June 30, 2024

Music enthusiasts and aspiring creators, take note! Blackpink’s Lisa is making waves in the U.S. with her latest single, "Rockstar." Released late on Thursday, June 27, the song quickly shot up the...

Read more
stayc main image

Unlocking the Secrets of Pop Hits: Insights from "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory"

June 30, 2024

Have you ever wondered what makes a pop song stick in your head, or how some artists consistently produce hit after hit? John Seabrook's "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory" pulls back the...

Read more
stayc main image

TWICE’s Nayeon on Solo Debut, Songwriting, and Spoilers: Insights for Aspiring Music Creators

June 27, 2024

As the eldest member of the global K-pop group TWICE, Im Nayeon embodies big sister energy: she's protective, loving, and playful. Her playful nature sometimes leads to spoilers, much to the...

Read more
stayc main image

Celebrating Joyful Rebellion: Lake Street Dive's "Good Together"

June 24, 2024

In a world often divided by strife and discord, Lake Street Dive emerges with their eighth studio album, "Good Together," a jubilant testament to the power of joy and unity in music. Scheduled for...

Read more
stayc main image

Kygo's Summer Serenade

June 24, 2024

Kygo, the maestro of summer vibes, returns with his self-titled album just in time to soundtrack your sun-soaked days. Released to coincide with the summer solstice, this album reaffirms Kygo's...

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.