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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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Gracie Abrams: From Minor to Good Riddance

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Gracie Abrams, the talented singer-songwriter, has mesmerised listeners with her introspective and emotive music since her debut album "Minor." Recently, she released her latest offering, "Good Riddance," which showcases her growth and evolution as an artist with such a unique voice. 

Minor - A Debut of Vulnerability

 Released in 2020, "Minor" introduced the world to Gracie Abrams' delicate yet powerful songwriting. The album revolves around themes of love, heartache, and self-discovery. Songs like "Friend" and "I miss you, I'm Sorry" captured the raw emotions of youthful love and loss. Gracie's unique voice, accompanied by minimalistic production, allowed her emotional lyrics to take centre stage.

Good Riddance - Evolution into Emotional Depth

In her sophomore album "Good Riddance," released in June, 2023, Gracie showcases a remarkable evolution in her artistry. The album takes a more experimental approach, incorporating a wider range of musical elements while retaining her signature emotional depth. Songs like "I know it won't work" and "i should hate you" demonstrate her growth in vocal control and an expanded musical palette.

Comparing Key Tracks

"I know it won't work" (Good Riddance)

This popular track from "Good Riddance" delves into the complexities of a failing relationship. Gracie's soulful delivery and introspective lyrics exhibit a newfound sense of maturity and emotional depth. The song's rich production and haunting melodies signify Gracie's artistic growth and willingness to explore new sonic territories.

"This is what drugs are for" (Good Riddance)

A departure from her previous works, "this is what drugs Are for" showcases Gracie's experimentation with a more electronic sound. The song's dreamy atmosphere and thought-provoking lyrics reveal her willingness to embrace different genres while staying true to her introspective style.

"Unsteady" (Good Riddance)

"Unsteady" reflects on the vulnerabilities of love and the fear of losing someone dear. Gracie Abrams' raw and emotive vocals underscore the song's touching  message, displaying her increased confidence and maturity in her delivery.

"Friend" (Minor)

A standout track from her debut album, "Friend" showcases Gracie's ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity. The stripped-down piano accompaniment allows her heartfelt lyrics to shine, capturing the essence of a bittersweet friendship.

"I miss you, I'm Sorry" (Minor)

In this emotional ballad, Gracie bares her soul, expressing regret and longing for a past love. The song's raw vulnerability resonated deeply with listeners, establishing Gracie as a gifted storyteller.

For her debut album "Minor," Gracie Abrams drew inspiration from personal experiences and emotions. She often started with heartfelt lyrics and simple melodies, letting the emotions guide her compositions and raised the beats to a faster beat in some of her songs. The minimalist approach to production allowed the focus to remain on the storytelling.

With "Good Riddance," Gracie Abrams expanded her creative boundaries. Collaborating with a diverse group of producers and musicians, she explored a broader range of sounds and arrangements. Her songwriting process remained deeply personal, but her growth as an artist allowed her to experiment with various musical elements, adding layers of complexity to her songs.

Gracie Abrams' journey showcases an artist who has come into her own, unafraid to explore new sonic territories while maintaining her raw emotional honesty. The albums stand as a testament to her growth as a songwriter and performer, captivating audiences with her intense beautiful music. As Gracie continues to evolve, we can only anticipate even greater masterpieces in the future, as she continues to touch hearts with her sincere and soul-stirring melodies.