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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...

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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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MTV VMAs 2023

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Photo Source: MTV

After nearly four hours of must-see performances, a surprise guest appearance, record-breaking award victories, and an epic celebration of hip-hop's 50th anniversary, MTV's greatest music event came to an end late on Tuesday night. 

Shakira had a big night as she became the first South American performer to receive the prestigious Video Vanguard Award, which honors an artist for their contributions to music videos and pop culture. In addition to winning big, Ice Spice was also voted Best New Artist. 

A record-breaking night for Taylor Swift saw her win nine awards, including Album of the Year and Artist of the Year for "Midnights." According to MTV, she is currently tied for second place in terms of the most victories in a single night.

Another huge surprise the event gave us was the surprise appearance of NSYNC, who hadn’t been on the same stage together since they last performed at the 2013 VMAs. The group is also now rumored to be working together and will be creating music sooner than we expect.

You can find the full list of the 2023 MTV VMAs winners below: 

  • Video of the year: Taylor Swift — “Anti-Hero”
  • Artist of the year: Taylor Swift 
  • Song of the year: Taylor Swift — “Anti-Hero” 
  • Best new artist: Ice Spice 
  • Push performance of the year: April 2023: Tomorrow X Together — “Sugar Rush Ride” 
  • Best collaboration:  Karol G, Shakira — “TQG”
  • Best pop: Taylor Swift — “Anti-Hero”
  • Best hip-hop: Nicki Minaj — “Super Freaky Girl” 
  • Best R&B: SZA — “Shirt”
  • Best alternative:  Lana Del Rey featuring Jon Batiste — “Candy Necklace” 
  • Best rock: Måneskin — “The Loneliset” 
  • Best latin: Anitta — “Funk Rave” 
  • Best K-Pop: Stray Kids — “S-Class”
  • Best Afrobeats: Rema & Selena Gomez — “Calm Down”
  • Video for good: Dove Cameron — “Breakfast” 
  • Best direction: Taylor Swift — “Anti-Hero." Directed by Taylor Swift.
  • Best cinematography: Taylor Swift — “Anti-Hero." Cinematography by Rina Yang.
  • Best visual effects: Taylor Swift — “Anti-Hero." Visual effects by Parliament.
  • Best choreography: Blackpink — “Pink Venom," Kiel Tutin, Sienna Lalau. 
  • Best art direction: Doja Cat — “Attention." Art direction by Spencer Graves. 
  • Best editing:  Olivia Rodrigo — “vampire." Edited by Sofia Kerpan and David Checel.
  • Show of the summer: Taylor Swift 
  • Group of the year: BLACKPINK 
  • Song of the summer: Jung Kook featuring Latto — “Seven” 
  • Album of the year: Taylor Swift— "Midnights"