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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 Joyful Song Like "Happy" by Pharrell Williams

July 24, 2024

Creating a song that radiates joy and energy, much like Pharrell Williams' hit "Happy," is an exciting challenge for any music creator. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out...

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Why Nas' Illmatic Deserves the Top Spot: Rap Lyricism at its Finest

July 17, 2024

Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, has been crowned the greatest rap album of all time by Billboard, and for good reason. Celebrated for its lyrical brilliance and profound storytelling, Illmatic set...

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How to Create a Viral Chart-Topping Song Like Tommy Richman's "Million Dollar Baby"

July 8, 2024

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...

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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.