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What Makes an EQ or Compressor VST High-Quality: Insights and Examples from Pros

October 6, 2024

When selecting EQ and compressor plugins, musicians and producers look for more than just a shiny interface or brand recognition. It's all about how these tools perform in real-world scenarios...

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Sound Design 101: Crafting Killer Drum Sounds Using Synthesizers

October 6, 2024

Drum sounds form the backbone of many music genres, and while sample packs are popular, designing your own drum sounds from scratch can elevate your production to a whole new level. Crafting custom...

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Mastering Multiband Compression Sidechaining: A Solution to Clashing Frequencies

October 6, 2024

In modern music production, one of the most common challenges is the clash of frequencies between instruments. For example, bass guitars and drum kits often compete for space in the lower end of...

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Studio One Workflow Tips for Faster Music Production

October 1, 2024

Studio One by PreSonus is an incredibly powerful DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that offers a variety of tools to streamline your music production workflow. However, like many DAWs, getting the...

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Solving the Issue of Buried Crash Cymbals in the Mix

October 1, 2024

Crash cymbals often get buried in the mix, especially when using complex miking techniques like Glyn Johns, which balances close mics with overheads. While re-recording with higher cymbals may be a...

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GarageBand Hacks: Creating Professional-Sounding Tracks Without Expensive Plugins

October 1, 2024

GarageBand is often seen as an entry-level DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), but it has powerful tools that, when used effectively, can create professional-quality tracks. Many indie musicians and...

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Solving the General MIDI Program Change Dilemma in Ableton

October 1, 2024

When working with MIDI in Ableton, one might notice that although MIDI clips can send program changes, most of Ableton's native plugins don’t seem to respond to these changes effectively. This can...

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Escaping 'Tutorial Hell': Stay Motivated and Actually Progress in Music Production

September 21, 2024

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Should You Write Music or Lyrics First? Solutions from Famous Creators

September 20, 2024

One of the most common challenges for songwriters is deciding whether to write the music or lyrics first. This can feel like a "chicken-or-egg" situation, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer...

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How to Plan the Perfect Release Day for Your Single or Album

September 20, 2024

Releasing a new single or album is a huge milestone for any musician. However, without proper planning, your work may not get the attention it deserves. It’s not just about putting the song online...

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Mastering the Low End: Compression Tips for a Tight Mix

September 20, 2024

When it comes to music production, getting the low end right can be tricky. Many producers face a common issue: after the initial mix sounds perfect, a few days later, the low end starts to feel...

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How to Turn a Bedroom into a Professional Home Studio on a Budget

September 19, 2024

For many aspiring musicians, the dream of creating a professional-quality home studio seems out of reach due to costs and space constraints. However, with the right strategies and tools, it's...

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Laufey: The Gen Z Artist Reviving Our Love for Jazz

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Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter Laufey (pronounced *Loy-vay*) is bringing a fresh, modern twist to jazz, channeling the timeless allure of icons like Ella Fitzgerald. With her unique blend of talent, musicality, and creativity, Laufey has quickly established herself as a standout voice in today’s music scene. Her journey into music began at an early age, inspired by her mother, a classical violinist, and has since evolved into a multifaceted artistry that seamlessly weaves classical, jazz, and modern influences.  

Laufey’s talents extend far beyond her enchanting voice. As a skilled pianist and cellist, she brings a rich instrumental depth to her music. Her musical prowess was evident early on, with a notable solo debut as a cellist with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra at just 15 years old. This classical foundation is a cornerstone of her artistic identity, merging seamlessly with her passion for jazz to create something truly unique.  

In 2021, Laufey introduced herself to the world with her debut EP, *Typical of Me*. The seven-track project is an intimate journey through 21 minutes of pure musical bliss. Tracks like "Magnolia" and "I Wish You Love" showcase her delicate, transcendent vocals, creating a one-on-one connection with listeners that feels almost sacred. The EP also highlights her effortless scatting, a nod to her deep appreciation for jazz’s improvisational roots.  

A standout track, "Like the Movies," immerses listeners in timeless nostalgia with its cinematic trumpet accompaniment and a playful call-and-response style, reminiscent of classic jazz and blues traditions. The song encapsulates Laufey’s ability to make the old feel new again, bridging generational gaps with her modern-day spin on jazz.  

But Laufey hasn’t stopped there. Her latest single, "Love Flew Away," a duet with Adam Melchor, showcases her ability to collaborate and innovate. Laufey describes the collaboration as a dream come true, saying, “Adam has been one of my greatest musical idols in the past few years, so it’s an incredible honor to release this song with him. Writing with Adam was so much fun, and we found common ground in our experiences with the pain of long-distance love, which inspired the song.”  

Melchor echoes this sentiment, sharing, “The first time I heard Laufey’s voice, I instantly knew I needed to sing with her. We connected deeply, talking for hours about shared experiences. When I showed her this idea I had about love feeling like it flies away, she elevated it to something incredibly powerful as a duet.”  

Laufey’s impact is undeniable. From captivating audiences on TikTok to earning fans like Billie Eilish, her ability to blend different sounds and styles resonates across generations. Her music feels like a warm embrace, the perfect soundtrack for crisp autumn days.  

With her sublime vocals, classical roots, and contemporary approach, Laufey is redefining jazz for the modern age, proving that this timeless genre is as vibrant and relevant as ever. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover or a curious newcomer, Laufey’s music invites you to fall in love with jazz all over again.