stayc main image

SXSW 2024: Why Music Creators Shouldn’t Miss This Year’s Festival

February 5, 2024

For an aspiring music creator, attending SXSW in 2024 could be a game-changer for your career. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should make it a priority to attend:

Read more
stayc main image

Maximize Your Music Promotion: Proven Strategies from Industry Icons

September 5, 2024

Promoting your music can be just as challenging as writing it. You've spent time creating songs you're proud of, but now you're stuck wondering how to get your music heard by a wider audience. The...

Read more
stayc main image

Improve Your Songwriting Skills: Techniques to Break Through the Creative Rut

September 5, 2024

Feeling stuck in a rut with your songwriting? You’re not alone. Many songwriters, even the most successful ones, have faced moments where the creative well seems to run dry. The good news is that...

Read more
stayc main image

Promote Your Music On An Independent Budget

September 4, 2024

But the truth is, many successful artists have faced the same hurdles and found creative solutions to reach their audience without relying on big budgets or full-scale...

Read more
stayc main image

Keep Your Rap Lyrics & Flow Fresh

September 4, 2024

Whether it’s bragging about your strength, future fame, or taking on rivals, it can feel repetitive and uninspiring after a while. So, what do you do when you’re tired of writing the same thing...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Start a Band and Get Your First Gig: Lessons from Music Legends

September 3, 2024

Starting a band and getting your first gig can feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re juggling a full-time job and a passion for music. But don’t worry—many famous musicians have been in...

Read more
stayc main image

Find Music Creators Who Share Your Genre Interests: Navigating Online Music Communities

September 3, 2024

If you’ve been searching for musicians who share your passion for breakcore, drum and bass, jungle, or other less mainstream genres on platforms like BandLab, it can be frustrating to feel like...

Read more
stayc main image

Find the Right Manager for Your Music Career—Even If You're Just Starting Out

September 3, 2024

The idea of hiring a traditional manager might seem premature, but finding someone who can handle your online presence and help you network could be exactly what you need to take your career...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Be a Successful Songwriter When You Can’t Play an Instrument

August 26, 2024

If you’re a songwriter who can sing but can’t play an instrument, you may feel like you’ve hit a roadblock in your creative journey. You have the ideas in your head, but you’re unsure how to turn...

Read more
stayc main image

What Is the Point of Mastering If the Mix Is Good? A Guide to Understanding Mastering's Role

August 26, 2024

For many newer producers, it can be confusing to understand the importance of mastering, especially when your mix feels polished and balanced. However, mastering is an essential step in the...

Read more
stayc main image

Write a Vocal Melody That Stands Out: Tips for Phrasing and Dynamics

August 25, 2024

If you’ve been writing music for a decade but are just starting to dive into vocal melodies, you’re not alone in facing challenges with phrasing and creating vocal dynamics that don’t feel repetitive.

Read more
stayc main image

Add FX and Ear Candy to Your Tracks: Tips for Taking Your Sketch to the Next Level

August 23, 2024

Adding FX and ear candy can feel like a daunting task, especially when you start to overthink the process. However, these little details are often what bring a track to life, adding depth, excitement.

Read more

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

stayc main image

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!