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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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Kygo's Summer Serenade

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Kygo, the maestro of summer vibes, returns with his self-titled album just in time to soundtrack your sun-soaked days. Released to coincide with the summer solstice, this album reaffirms Kygo's mastery of his distinct musical landscape. While he doesn't stray far from his established style, Kygo breathes new life into his compositions, crafting a lush garden where piano melodies sparkle like morning dew on petals.

The album serves as a reflective journey through Kygo's evolution as an artist. Each track offers a glimpse into different emotional landscapes, yet together they weave a cohesive narrative of love, loss, and the redemptive power of music. Songs like "Surrender" delve into synthwave influences, capturing the intoxicating feeling of surrendering completely to love, while tracks like "Me Before You" with Plested tug at heartstrings with their poignant lyrics and rich, immersive production.

Kygo's approach to his self-titled album offers valuable lessons for aspiring music creators. Firstly, consistency in style and sound can create a strong and recognizable brand identity, which is crucial for building a loyal fan base. Secondly, infusing familiar elements with subtle innovations can keep your music fresh and engaging without alienating existing fans. Lastly, storytelling through music—where each track contributes to a larger narrative—can deepen listener engagement and emotional connection, making your music resonate on a deeper level. By studying artists like Kygo, small music creators can refine their own artistic voice and create music that not only speaks to them personally but also resonates widely with audiences.