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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...

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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...

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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...

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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.

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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.

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Recreate a Vocal Stutter Effect Like Skrillex: A Step-by-Step Guide

August 21, 2024

If you’ve just stepped into the world of music production, vocal stutters can be a fun and impactful technique to add excitement and energy to your tracks. You’ve heard that fast vocal stutter at...

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Get a Great Sounding Synth: The Deadmau5 Approach

August 21, 2024

If you’ve been experimenting with synthesizers, you know the quest for a perfect synth sound can be a challenging but rewarding process. Whether you’re looking for something clean yet huge, or...

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Make Music Again: Overcoming Creative Burnout Like Pharrell Williams

August 21, 2024

Hey there, fellow music creators! Whether you’re balancing a day job, DJ gigs, and music production, or just feeling creatively stuck, you’re not alone. Many of us hit a wall at some point, where...

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Master Your Craft as a Beatmaker: The J Dilla Way

August 21, 2024

In this article, we’ll explore the most efficient ways to master your creative process as a beatmaker, and how you can learn from one of the most respected producers in the game: J Dilla.

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Bumbershoot Festival 2024: A Creative Celebration in Seattle

August 8, 2024

This Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival returns to Seattle Center from August 31 to September 1, 2024. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Bumbershoot continues to be a...

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Ohana Festival 2024: A Must-Attend Event for Music Creators

August 8, 2024

As the summer winds down and the crisp autumn air begins to roll in, music enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating one of California’s premier music festivals. The Ohana Festival, set to take place...

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Desert Daze 2024: A Creative Oasis for Music Enthusiasts

August 8, 2024

As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, the anticipation for one of California’s most eclectic music festivals begins to build. This October, the 2024 Desert Daze music...

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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!