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GarageBand Hacks: Creating Professional-Sounding Tracks Without Expensive Plugins

October 1, 2024

GarageBand is often seen as an entry-level DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), but it has powerful tools that, when used effectively, can create professional-quality tracks. Many indie musicians and...

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Solving the General MIDI Program Change Dilemma in Ableton

October 1, 2024

When working with MIDI in Ableton, one might notice that although MIDI clips can send program changes, most of Ableton's native plugins don’t seem to respond to these changes effectively. This can...

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Escaping 'Tutorial Hell': Stay Motivated and Actually Progress in Music Production

September 21, 2024

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Should You Write Music or Lyrics First? Solutions from Famous Creators

September 20, 2024

One of the most common challenges for songwriters is deciding whether to write the music or lyrics first. This can feel like a "chicken-or-egg" situation, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer...

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How to Plan the Perfect Release Day for Your Single or Album

September 20, 2024

Releasing a new single or album is a huge milestone for any musician. However, without proper planning, your work may not get the attention it deserves. It’s not just about putting the song online...

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Mastering the Low End: Compression Tips for a Tight Mix

September 20, 2024

When it comes to music production, getting the low end right can be tricky. Many producers face a common issue: after the initial mix sounds perfect, a few days later, the low end starts to feel...

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How to Turn a Bedroom into a Professional Home Studio on a Budget

September 19, 2024

For many aspiring musicians, the dream of creating a professional-quality home studio seems out of reach due to costs and space constraints. However, with the right strategies and tools, it's...

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Remote Music Collaboration: Tools and Tips for Seamless Production

September 18, 2024

Collaborating on music remotely has become more common, but as you’ve experienced, it can be a challenge to get it right. Audio latency, control sensitivity, and lack of real-time feedback are...

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How to Build a Loyal Fanbase Using Social Media in 2024

September 18, 2024

In today’s digital age, building a loyal fanbase is essential for musicians to thrive. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for connecting directly with fans, sharing music, and...

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Best Apps and Websites for Creating Instrumentals When You Don’t Play Instruments

September 18, 2024

As a songwriter, it can be frustrating to have melodies or lyrics in your head but no way to bring them to life without instrumental skills. Thankfully, with modern technology, there are apps and...

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How to Match Chords to Your Singing – Overcoming the Struggle

September 18, 2024

Creating music often feels like an intricate puzzle. You might have a melody that you love, but when it comes to pairing it with chords, you feel stuck. If you're in this situation, you're not alone.

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The Top 10 Free Tools Every Indie Musician Needs to Succeed

September 18, 2024

As an indie musician, creating professional music while sticking to a budget can be challenging. You might not have the resources to afford high-end software or pay for expensive marketing...

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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.