June 19, 2024
Allah Rakha Rahman, known globally as A.R. Rahman, is synonymous with musical genius and innovation. Born on January 6, 1967, in Chennai, India, Rahman's journey from a child prodigy to an...
Read moreJune 19, 2024
A recent study by Eventbrite has uncovered a notable shift in the behaviour of music fans, who are now purchasing concert tickets later than ever before. This trend was a key topic of discussion at...
Read moreJune 19, 2024
A new University of Ottawa study has revealed a stark disparity in the airplay of music by women, particularly racialized and trans artists, on commercial Canadian radio over the past decade...
Read moreJune 19, 2024
Taylor Swift’s billion-dollar Eras Tour recently graced Edinburgh, bringing a flood of enthusiastic Swifties to the city and creating an exceptional boom for local businesses. Tens of thousands of...
Read moreJune 19, 2024
Amazon Music is set to enhance its live streaming offerings with an exciting event: "The Pop Out — Ken & Friends," featuring the acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar. Scheduled for Juneteenth in...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
The Black Keys, the renowned rock duo, have recently made headlines with their decision to part ways with their long-time managers, Irving Azoff and Steve Moir. This significant change comes in the...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo, known professionally as Jhené Aiko, has become a defining voice in contemporary R&B with her ethereal vocals, deeply personal lyrics, and genre-blending sound. Born on...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
Billie Eilish has opened up about the emotional experience of performing her new song “The Greatest” for the first time. Her latest album, Hit Me Hard And Soft, was released on May 17, and Eilish...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
Billie Eilish has responded to Lana Del Rey’s recent declaration that she is the “voice of our generation.” Eilish made a special surprise appearance during Del Rey’s headlining set at Coachella’s...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
Lana Del Rey has spoken out following her “fight” with “stalkers” in Paris. The singer was recently spotted having a heated exchange in the French capital, where she claimed someone was “following”...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
Howard University announced on Friday that it would revoke Sean “Diddy” Combs’ honorary degree, originally conferred in 2014, in light of recent revelations concerning the disgraced rapper and...
Read moreJune 18, 2024
As summer draws near, the race for the season's signature song heats up. Just when it seemed like Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” was poised to dominate, Billie Eilish has thrown her hat into the...
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.