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Koji Kondo: Nintendo’s Melody Maestro

February 14, 2023

What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...

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Taylor Swift on Industry Sexism and Music Rights

February 8, 2023

Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.

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What’s the Ideal Length for a Single— Are Songs Getting Shorter?

February 8, 2023

“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are

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SG Lewis: Who Is He - and What’s Next For This Rising Star?

February 6, 2023

SG Lewis (Samuel George Lewis) is a rising star in the dance/electronic music realm. He is a DJ/producer turned singer-songwriter, and is known for his disco-inspired, transcendent sound. He routinely

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Lessons to Learn From the Launch Of Sam Smith’s “Unholy”

February 4, 2023

Sam Smith just released their new album “Gloria” on the 27th of January. As described by Pitchfork, “Gloria flips between hyperpop, country, dancehall, disco, 2-step, and intimate, Kehlani-esque R&B”.

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Are Virtual Idols the Future of Music?

February 5, 2023

Virtual reality and the metaverse have become popular topics in the music industry where more and more technology and music have been combined, creating something that could revolutionize the entire

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Grammy Awards Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical: The Category Songwriters Deserve

February 5, 2023

The 65th annual GRAMMY Awards are here, and there's a long-awaited addition to the awards. This year marks the introduction of a new category: the Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical Award. For all

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How Zach Bryan’s Authenticity Makes His Music So Appealing, Even to Non-Country Fans

January 31, 2023

Zach Bryan released his first album in 2019, and in the short time since he has become one of the biggest names in country. His biggest album, “American Heartbreak”, broke single-day album streaming

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Miley Cyrus is Going to Take Over Pop in 2023

January 31, 2023

Miley Cyrus was born into the music industry, and has spent her career channelling her Nashville and Hollywood roots into a diverse discography stacked with hits. Add to that countless covers that are

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Why This Pop-Rock Band Got Hate For Starting On YouTube

January 31, 2023

Before the invention of TikTok, many music artists gained popularity through YouTube. However, similar to the TikTok stars of today, people in the music industry saw ‘YouTube bands’ as lesser because

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Will Google End Work for Music Creators with their New Music AI?

February 1, 2023

Google has done it. They have created an AI that can generate music from text descriptions. The announcement of this is timely because recently Chat GPT, (a language learning model created by OpenAI

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

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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. Let's delve into the elements that contributed to its success and how you can apply these principles to your own music.

  1. Crafting a Catchy Hook The hook is the heart of your song—the part that listeners will remember and sing along to. In "Million Dollar Baby," the hook is incredibly catchy, with a melody that lingers in your mind.

Tip: Spend extra time crafting your hook, aiming for simplicity and memorability. Experiment with different melodies and lyrical ideas until you find the perfect fit.

  1. Writing Relatable Lyrics Lyrics that resonate with a broad audience can propel your song’s popularity. "Million Dollar Baby" tells a universally relatable story of ambition, struggle, and triumph.

Tip: Draw from your own experiences and those around you. Write lyrics that speak to common human experiences, such as love, heartbreak, dreams, or overcoming challenges.

  1. Achieving Modern Production Quality Top-notch production quality is essential. "Million Dollar Baby" blends modern and classic sounds, with crisp, clean mixing and mastering.

Tip: Invest in high-quality production. Work with a skilled producer or take the time to master production techniques yourself. Ensure your track is well-mixed and mastered to compete with top-charting songs.

  1. Maximizing Viral Potential Songs that go viral often have a unique element that makes them stand out, whether it's an unusual sound, a viral dance challenge, or a memorable music video. "Million Dollar Baby" gained traction on platforms like TikTok.

Tip: Think about how your song can stand out on social media. Create a catchy, shareable music video, or come up with a fun dance challenge. Engage with your audience and encourage them to create content featuring your song.

  1. Developing a Strong Visual Identity The visual elements of "Million Dollar Baby" significantly contributed to its success. The music video is visually engaging, and Tommy Richman’s distinct style adds to the song’s appeal.

Tip: Develop a strong visual identity for your music. Invest in a professional music video and create consistent, eye-catching visuals for your social media and promotional materials. A unique and recognizable visual style can help your song stand out.

  1. Engaging with Fans Building a loyal fanbase is crucial. Tommy Richman actively engages with his fans on social media, fostering a supportive community.

Tip: Interact with your fans regularly. Respond to comments, host live sessions, and share behind-the-scenes content. Building a strong connection with your audience can turn casual listeners into dedicated fans who will help spread the word about your music.

  1. Strategic Promotion Effective promotion is key to reaching a wider audience. "Million Dollar Baby" was promoted through various channels, including social media, streaming platforms, and music blogs.

Tip: Develop a comprehensive marketing plan for your song. Utilize social media ads, collaborate with influencers, pitch your music to playlists, and reach out to music blogs and radio stations. Consistent and strategic promotion can significantly boost your song’s visibility.

Conclusion

Creating a viral, chart-topping song involves a combination of catchy music, relatable lyrics, high-quality production, and effective promotion. By studying successful tracks like Tommy Richman’s "Million Dollar Baby" and applying these principles, you can enhance your music's potential. Keep refining your craft, connect with your audience, and stay true to your unique style. With persistence and continuous improvement, your viral hit could be just around the corner!