stayc main image

The Road to Success: What qualities can we learn from Kpop Idols?

January 28, 2023

What does it take to be a professional singer in South Korea? On stage, these Kpop idols capture our attention with catchy songs and amazing choreographies, but what about off-stage? Behind the ...

Read more
stayc main image

Songwriter's Block: Inspiration Tuning in From Around the World

January 26, 2023

Writer’s block is real, and it’s not just authors, but also songwriters and composers. Thinking of top hit songs can be difficult, so how do the pros do it? Where do they get their inspiration from?

Read more
stayc main image

Arcane: How A Video Game Adaptation Ended Up With A Banger Soundtrack

January 26, 2023

What does a TV show based on a video game and the music industry have in common? Near the end of 2021, Arcane took the world by storm after debuting on Netflix. Not only did it dazzle us with its...

Read more
stayc main image

How Black Pink Should Negotiate Their New Contract with YG Entertainment

January 23, 2023

As the contract between Blackpink and YG Entertainment nears its end, fans of the popular South Korean girl group are wondering if the group will renew their contract with the agency...

Read more
stayc main image

Writer's Block is Real, Even for J.Cole: Here are 8 Tips to Overcome

January 19, 2023

Rapper J. Cole has recently announced that he had been struggling with writer's block, but found a way to break free from it by using a type beat from Youtube music producer BVTMAN's YouTube...

Read more
stayc main image

Hania Rani: A Virtuoso in the World of Classical and Electronic Music

January 19, 2023

Hania Rani is a Polish pianist and composer whose music has been described as "hauntingly beautiful" and "evocative." She is known for her unique blend of classical and electronic music, which she...

Read more
stayc main image

Ryan Tedder’s Studio Review: Writing Three Songs From Scratch

January 16, 2023

Ryan Tedder is a highly accomplished and sought-after music producer and songwriter. He is known for his work with a wide range of artists including: Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and OneRepublic...

Read more
stayc main image

Quentin Miller only got paid $30,000 for writing 6 Drake songs.

January 6, 2022

Drake's ghostwriter controversy has been a topic of conversation since the rapper's feud with Meek Mill in 2015. Quentin Miller, a lesser-known rapper from Atlanta, was named as the ghostwriter....

Read more
stayc main image

Timbaland’s Beatmaking Masterclass Review: A Class on Feeling the Flow

December 28, 2022

Many artists are using their personal brand and influence to educate artists, from beginners to fellow professionals. Timbaland has partnered with Masterclass to teach musicians how to make unique...

Read more
stayc main image

Rina Sawyama -- The Voice of a Genre-Spanning Pop Star

December 7, 2022

Rina Sawayama has burst into the consciousness of queer music listeners in recent years. My first time listening to her work was Cherry, a track that is bubbly ...

Read more
stayc main image

YouTube Announces New “Creator Music” Platform

October 4, 2022

In the wake of Tiktok’s rapid expansion and growing dominance in the short-form video market, YouTube has felt the pressure to adapt to keep up with the shifting demands of its audience...

Read more
stayc main image

Deep Dive: How Conan Gray Writes His Songs

October 5, 2022

Conan Gray is an American YouTuber turned singer-songwriter, most well-known for his songs about heartbreak and unrequited love. Throughout his career, Conan has written songs like “Crush Culture”...

Read more

Lena Meyer-Landrut: Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity

stayc main image

German singer Lena Meyer-Landrut, at 33, has no qualms about discussing her battles with depression and self-doubt in the public eye. "As an artist, I've always been open about my emotions and thoughts," the Hannover native shared with dpa. "I share them at the right time." Despite this openness, she maintains a certain level of privacy, keeping aspects of her life personal. Recently, she opened up even more about her mental health and past self-doubt in interviews with "Spiegel" magazine and her YouTube documentary series. "Doubting oneself can resurface at any moment," she confessed to dpa. "But for now, I'm feeling relatively stable about my relationship to success."

A Journey Back to Herself

The Eurovision Song Contest winner from 2010 considers "Loyal to Myself" and its 17 songs a significant part of her personal growth. In her video documentary, Meyer-Landrut describes the album as a "journey back to myself." The album's motto is clear: "More authentic. More me. Back to me. Less pressure. More fun." The singer acknowledges her struggles with self-doubt and insecurity, stating that she's been on an emotional tightrope between "what am I really" and "what am I for the wrong reasons."

Lena questions if she has to alter her music, language, or appearance to fit societal expectations. "I don't understand the world, I don't understand the rules, yet I have to swim along," she says, admitting that self-doubt and insecurity are constant companions. Meyer-Landrut has learned to cope with the pressure and has grown more relaxed, and less prone to anger or upset.

Embracing Change and Authenticity

As part of her newfound courage, Meyer-Landrut ditched her original album plan, stating, "I could have regretted something that I didn't feel a hundred percent about or didn't fully stand behind." In the documentary "Making Loyal," she explained that she couldn't portray consistency while being part of a constantly evolving world. Lena's newfound confidence comes from the realization that she must take responsibility for the person she wants to be and her genuine willingness to be vulnerable. This vulnerability allows her to deeply connect with her fans, sharing her journey through her music.

Looking Forward

The adventurous journey toward self-acceptance, musical experimentation, and personal growth is evident in her music, making the album release all the more exciting. Meyer-Landrut is not afraid to make changes or ditch the plan, jumping fearlessly into the next stage of her artistic career. Not only fans, but the whole music industry should keep a keen eye on this phenomenal artist.

This summer's tour will be a chance for Lena to display her newfound boldness. With a fresh sound and a newfound purpose, Lena anticipates the future with excitement and courage. The future of Lena's music career may be unpredictable, but she is determined to stay true to herself. "I am loyal to myself now," after all.

A Message for Other Creators

Lena Meyer-Landrut's journey offers valuable lessons for other music creators. Her message of authenticity and self-acceptance can inspire artists to stay true to their vision and emotions, rather than conforming to external pressures. By embracing vulnerability and openly discussing her struggles with mental health, Lena demonstrates the importance of addressing and sharing one's battles, which can foster deeper connections with audiences.

Moreover, her willingness to prioritize personal satisfaction over commercial success underscores the significance of artistic integrity. Music creators can benefit from this approach by focusing on creating work that resonates personally, leading to more genuine and impactful art. Lena's story encourages artists to trust their instincts, be fearless in their creative processes, and understand that personal growth often translates into artistic evolution.

In embracing her true self and rejecting societal expectations, Lena Meyer-Landrut sets a powerful example for other artists. Her courage to be authentic and vulnerable not only enhances her own music but also serves as a beacon for others striving to find their voices in the ever-evolving music industry.