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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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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!