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Max Martin: Why a Pop-Hit Songwriter and Producer Created a Musical

March 31, 2023

Even if you don’t know who Max Martin is, you’ve definitely heard his songs. Hit-pop songs are kind of his thing after all. Martin first stepped into the music world in 1985 as a frontman for....

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MANILA GREY: Vancouver's Rising R&B Duo

March 18, 2023

The Filipino-Canadian duo from Vancouver has been releasing new tracks left and right, and they are known for their most streamed songs on Spotify, “Timezones,” and “Silver Skies.” Previously .......

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How did Miley Cyrus’ Heartbreak Song “Flowers” Break the Spotify Record?

March 17, 2023

The singer, songwriter, and actress Miley Cyrus has recently released a record-breaking song called “Flowers” in January 2023. This song recites her 10-year long relationship with her ex-husband....

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Men I Trust: Canada’s DIY Indie Band That Could Be Your New Favourite

March 4, 2023

Men I Trust is a Canadian indie pop band known for their dreamy and mellow sound. Their music is laid back, incorporating elements of funk, disco, and R&B to create a smooth and groovy vibe that is

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Basics For Building an At-Home Recording Studio

March 3, 2023

Artists like Kaytranada have proved that you don’t need access to a professional recording studio to create well-produced music. As technology and social media have advanced, it is now easier than eve

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Facing the Music: Legal Challenges With AI and Copyright Laws

February 25, 2023

People draw inspiration from others when forming their ideas, it’s a fact of life. Sampling in music is no exception - and artists do it for a variety of reasons. Traditionally, copyright laws and

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Tobias Jesso Jr.: GRAMMY-Winning Canadian Sells His Song Rights

February 23, 2023

Tobias Jesso Jr. You may know his name from his 2015 solo album Goon. Or maybe from his work on various popular songs, such as “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Alive” by Sia. Or even from his rece

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How Popular TV Shows and Movies Resurrect Classic Songs

February 23, 2023

HBO’s The Last of Us is arguably the hottest show out right now, receiving near universal acclaim from viewers and critics alike. This holds especially true for episode three: “Long, Long Time”.

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Ginalina: Bringing Her Taiwan Roots Into Her Latest Album

February 21, 2023

Folk singer. Songwriter. Canadian. Polyglot. All of these titles belong to Gina Lam, also known by her stage name Ginalina. In November 2022, she released her latest album titled Going Back: Remembe

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Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance

February 21, 2023

Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...

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How do Streaming Platforms Pay Artists - Is It Fair?

February 20, 2023

Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im

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Why Jay-Z Was Named The #1 Rapper Of All Time

February 23, 2023

Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s

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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.