June 7, 2024
Charli XCX has opened up about her early struggles in the British music scene, revealing that she often felt like an outsider whose innovative ideas were dismissed as "silly or childish."
Read moreJune 7, 2024
Ticketmaster, a leading ticket sales and distribution company, is currently under legal scrutiny due to a reported data breach, which has led to a class action complaint...
Read moreJune 7, 2024
Sean 'Diddy' Combs, a prominent figure in the music industry and beyond, is potentially facing a significant legal challenge as reports indicate that the Department of Justice...
Read moreJune 7, 2024
The Pop Conference 2024 recently convened under the theme "Legacy, Music Collections, and Archives," offering attendees an in-depth exploration of the preservation and impact of musical legacies...
Read moreJune 7, 2024
House music, with its infectious beats and feel-good vibes, is more popular than ever, especially among young people. But what makes house music so damn good?...
Read moreJune 7, 2024
Halsey has courageously shared her private battle with illness, revealing her journey through a series of Instagram videos that document her receiving medical infusions...
Read moreJune 7, 2024
The hip-hop community is abuzz with renewed allegations that Drake uses ghostwriters, spurred by the recent leak of a reference track for his song "Mob Ties."
Read moreJune 2, 2024
Coca-Cola has a knack for mixing music with its brand, creating memorable moments that resonate globally. Remember the 1971 commercial where a group of young people sang...
Read moreJune 2, 2024
German singer Lena Meyer-Landrut, at 33, has no qualms about discussing her battles with depression and self-doubt in the public eye...
Read moreJune 2, 2024
The beats of reggaeton, known for their infectious rhythms and global appeal, are now at the center of a massive legal battle that could reshape the genre...
Read moreJune 2, 2024
Twenty One Pilots, the alternative pop-rock duo known for their introspective and often introspective themes, have released their concept album "Clancy...
Read moreJune 2, 2024
Apple Music has recently unveiled its highly anticipated list of the 10 greatest albums of all time, placing Lauryn Hill's seminal 1998 album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill...
Read moreWhen you're creating music on your own, it can be tough to define your style, especially with so many genres and influences out there. You might feel like you’re trying to piece together a puzzle without knowing what the final picture looks like. Narrowing down your genre can make the process of learning and making music smoother, helping you focus your efforts.
Many famous musicians faced this same struggle, but by experimenting, reflecting on their influences, and honing their craft, they found their sound. Here’s how you can do the same:
Before narrowing down to a specific genre, it’s important to explore different styles and see what resonates with you. Don’t be afraid to experiment across genres to find where your sound naturally fits. Often, your style will emerge organically through trial and error.
What You Can Do:
Example: Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) began his music career experimenting with genres like hip-hop and electronic, but his 2016 album Awaken, My Love! saw him shift to a funk and soul-inspired sound. By trying different styles, he found his unique voice in an unexpected place.
One of the easiest ways to narrow down your genre is to reflect on the music you listen to and admire. What artists and sounds are you naturally drawn to? These preferences can help guide your genre choice.
What You Can Do:
Example: Bruno Mars initially began his career as a producer, but after reflecting on his influences like Prince, Elvis Presley, and Michael Jackson, he found his sound in funk, pop, and R&B. His ability to draw from his idols while maintaining his individuality helped him create chart-topping hits.
Another important step is to listen to the music you’ve already made. Sometimes, your genre might be hiding within the work you’ve already created. Review your past projects with an objective ear and analyze what sound seems to come naturally.
What You Can Do:
Example: Tyler, The Creator often blurs genre lines with his music, but by looking back at his earlier work, he noticed that his sound often blended hip-hop with jazz and R&B. This reflection helped him craft albums like IGOR, which embraced a more refined and focused genre.
Genres aren’t just about technical aspects—they also come from an emotional connection. The genre that resonates with you emotionally is likely the one you’ll excel at the most. Pay attention to how certain music makes you feel and use that as a guide.
What You Can Do:
Example: Adele built her career by tapping into her emotional connection with soul and pop music. Her ability to channel personal experiences into relatable ballads like Someone Like You solidified her place in the pop-soul genre.
Discovering your genre doesn’t have to happen overnight. It’s a journey that can evolve as you grow as a musician. Don’t rush the process—sometimes, your genre will reveal itself over time.
What You Can Do:
Example: Kanye West has famously evolved throughout his career, experimenting with everything from traditional hip-hop on The College Dropout to electronic and experimental sounds on Yeezus. His genre evolution didn’t happen overnight—it grew as his music developed.
Finding your genre is a natural part of the creative process, and it doesn’t have to be rushed. By exploring different styles, reflecting on your influences, analyzing your own music, and following your emotional connection, you’ll gradually discover the genre that fits your sound.
Many famous artists have gone through this same process—experimenting and evolving over time. Like Childish Gambino, Bruno Mars, and Adele, your genre will eventually emerge as you continue to create and hone your craft. Stay open to the journey, and remember that your unique sound may lie in a genre you didn’t initially expect.