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Top 10 Mixing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

October 18, 2024

Mixing is an art form that requires not only technical skill but also a keen ear and attention to detail. Many producers and engineers fall into common traps...

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Choosing the Best CPU for Music Production

October 18, 2024

When upgrading your CPU for music production, whether you're composing orchestral scores, producing electronic music, or working with intricate multi-track projects, selecting the right processor...

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How to Create Epic Risers and Transition Effects for Electronic Music

October 11, 2024

Creating epic risers and transition effects is essential for electronic music producers to build tension and anticipation before a drop or shift in their tracks. Here’s how you can do it...

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Automating a Drum Bus in Reaper to Create Dynamic Room Effects

October 6, 2024

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EQ in Practice: How to Use Subtractive EQ to Clean Up Muddy Mixes

October 6, 2024

ixing music is an art, and one of the most essential tools for achieving clarity in a mix is the equalizer (EQ). One technique, in particular, known as subtractive EQ, can work wonders for cleaning...

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How to Manage Static Noise in High Frequencies When Compressing Vocals

October 6, 2024

One common frustration in vocal production, especially for home studio and bedroom producers, is encountering static noise in the high frequencies after compressing and brightening vocals...

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Sampling Like a Pro: How to Flip Samples and Avoid Legal Issues

October 6, 2024

Sampling has been a cornerstone of modern music production, allowing producers to reimagine and breathe new life into old tracks. Whether you're producing hip-hop, EDM, or any genre, knowing how to...

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What Makes an EQ or Compressor VST High-Quality: Insights and Examples from Pros

October 6, 2024

When selecting EQ and compressor plugins, musicians and producers look for more than just a shiny interface or brand recognition. It's all about how these tools perform in real-world scenarios...

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Sound Design 101: Crafting Killer Drum Sounds Using Synthesizers

October 6, 2024

Drum sounds form the backbone of many music genres, and while sample packs are popular, designing your own drum sounds from scratch can elevate your production to a whole new level. Crafting custom...

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Mastering Multiband Compression Sidechaining: A Solution to Clashing Frequencies

October 6, 2024

In modern music production, one of the most common challenges is the clash of frequencies between instruments. For example, bass guitars and drum kits often compete for space in the lower end of...

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Studio One Workflow Tips for Faster Music Production

October 1, 2024

Studio One by PreSonus is an incredibly powerful DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that offers a variety of tools to streamline your music production workflow. However, like many DAWs, getting the...

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Solving the Issue of Buried Crash Cymbals in the Mix

October 1, 2024

Crash cymbals often get buried in the mix, especially when using complex miking techniques like Glyn Johns, which balances close mics with overheads. While re-recording with higher cymbals may be a...

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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.