stayc main image

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...

Read more
stayc main image

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...

Read more
stayc main image

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...

Read more
stayc main image

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.

Read more
stayc main image

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.

Read more
stayc main image

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...

Read more
stayc main image

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...

Read more
stayc main image

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...

Read more
stayc main image

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.

Read more
stayc main image

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...

Read more
stayc main image

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...

Read more
stayc main image

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...

Read more

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

stayc main image

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.