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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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Phoebe Bridgers: A Deep Dive into Songwriting

October 17, 2022

Phoebe Bridgers is an American songwriter, singer, and producer who has, in recent years, gained mainstream recognition with the release of her sophomore album “Punisher” in 2020...

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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!