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Why This Pop-Rock Band Got Hate For Starting On YouTube

January 31, 2023

Before the invention of TikTok, many music artists gained popularity through YouTube. However, similar to the TikTok stars of today, people in the music industry saw ‘YouTube bands’ as lesser because

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Will Google End Work for Music Creators with their New Music AI?

February 1, 2023

Google has done it. They have created an AI that can generate music from text descriptions. The announcement of this is timely because recently Chat GPT, (a language learning model created by OpenAI

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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 ...

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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?

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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....

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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...

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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 ...

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Liz Lawrence's New Album 'Peanuts': A Sonic Rallying Cry for Community and Connection

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Liz Lawrence has always enriched her songwriting by absorbing the influence of various art forms, and her latest album, Peanuts, set for release on June 7th, exemplifies this approach. An artist who thrives on connection, Lawrence aims to build community through her potent and politicized lyricism. Reflecting on our modern dystopia, she emphasizes the necessity of rallying against the disconnection we face today: “We are disconnecting from each other at a time when we’ve never needed connection more. I am afraid that we’re losing physical spaces, and community spaces, and a sense of us all being together. More than ever, I think we have to rally against that loss.”

Produced alongside Ali Chant, Peanuts features the lead single 'Big Machine', a favourite on 6Music, which delves into the weight of the world and the frustration of addressing the climate crisis amid political inertia. Lawrence eloquently captures the desire to retreat into nature and the boiling frustration at societal stagnation. Following its release, Lawrence will play at the Great Escape in Brighton and a series of in-store performances across the country in June, culminating in a sold-out show at the Lexington in London and a full UK and Ireland tour in November.

Described by The Skinny as a record that disorients in the best way, Peanuts blends a variety of genres—funk, pop, glam, country, rock, and punk—while maintaining a cohesive sound. The album’s foundation consists of a funky beat, heavy bass, and Lawrence’s stunning voice, with subtle elements adding depth and complexity to each track. From the funky intro of 'Big Machine' to the summery 'Oars' and the rock-laden 'No One', Lawrence’s ability to create a cohesive album from such diverse styles is a testament to her artistry. Peanuts is a triumph, a record that invites listeners to explore its layers and connect with its message. You’d be nuts not to listen.

Advice for Up-and-Coming Music Creators

For emerging music creators, the journey to success involves several key steps. First, immerse yourself in various art forms to enrich your creativity and songwriting. Building a sense of community and connection through your music can resonate deeply with audiences. Experiment with different genres and sounds to create a unique and cohesive style. Collaborate with other artists and producers to refine your sound and reach a wider audience. Finally, be persistent and passionate about your craft, continuously performing and engaging with your audience to build a dedicated fanbase.