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
stayc main image

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...

Read more
stayc main image

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...

Read more

Olivia Rodrigo's Journey: One Year Since her First Album Release

stayc main image

Photo: Olivia Rodrigo Sour Album Cover

It’s been one year since the young pop-star, Olivia Rodrigo, released her first music album “Sour”. Since her debut, Olivia Rodrigo has won 3 Grammy Awards and named Women of the Year in 2022. In two years her fame has skyrocketed, and she’s now one of the top pop singers in the decade.

She began learning music when she was in kindergarten, and began acting on TV when she became twelve. She played lead roles in Bizaardvark and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series where she started to gain recognition before her formal music debut.

In January 2021, Olivia released her first single “Driver’s License”, which became one of the best selling singles that year. “Driver’s License” is a break-up song about a teenage girl who looks back at her memories while driving down the suburbs after getting her driver’s license. The song was believed to be a representation of Olivia’s personal love life and gained a lot of attention in the media. However, that is not the only reason for her sudden popularity. The song had very relatable prospects to the teenage demographic, and her musical talent was embedded in people’s hearts. The song currently has 380M views on YouTube, and was awarded Song of the Year by MTV Video Music Awards.

The songs in her Sour album highlight emotions from heartbreak to jealousy to self-assurance, all emotions that we face. She has explained that songwriting is how she organizes her feelings, and writing sad songs in her room is her favorite thing in the world. Now, her songs are streamed and played on many radio stations across the world.

Photo: Ben Madden (Cool Accidents)

Currently, she has been on her Sour Tour around North America and Europe. She’s just finishing her last weeks in the US and then heads to Europe for the end of her journey. She has also invited other artists like Gracie Abrams and Holly Humberstone on her tour to perform. Olivia’s been taking this opportunity to meet fans around the world and provide unforgettable experiences for them. Her growth is unpredictable and we’re excited to see where her musical journey will lead her in the future.