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GarageBand Hacks: Creating Professional-Sounding Tracks Without Expensive Plugins

October 1, 2024

GarageBand is often seen as an entry-level DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), but it has powerful tools that, when used effectively, can create professional-quality tracks. Many indie musicians and...

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Solving the General MIDI Program Change Dilemma in Ableton

October 1, 2024

When working with MIDI in Ableton, one might notice that although MIDI clips can send program changes, most of Ableton's native plugins don’t seem to respond to these changes effectively. This can...

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Escaping 'Tutorial Hell': Stay Motivated and Actually Progress in Music Production

September 21, 2024

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Should You Write Music or Lyrics First? Solutions from Famous Creators

September 20, 2024

One of the most common challenges for songwriters is deciding whether to write the music or lyrics first. This can feel like a "chicken-or-egg" situation, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer...

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How to Plan the Perfect Release Day for Your Single or Album

September 20, 2024

Releasing a new single or album is a huge milestone for any musician. However, without proper planning, your work may not get the attention it deserves. It’s not just about putting the song online...

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Mastering the Low End: Compression Tips for a Tight Mix

September 20, 2024

When it comes to music production, getting the low end right can be tricky. Many producers face a common issue: after the initial mix sounds perfect, a few days later, the low end starts to feel...

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How to Turn a Bedroom into a Professional Home Studio on a Budget

September 19, 2024

For many aspiring musicians, the dream of creating a professional-quality home studio seems out of reach due to costs and space constraints. However, with the right strategies and tools, it's...

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Remote Music Collaboration: Tools and Tips for Seamless Production

September 18, 2024

Collaborating on music remotely has become more common, but as you’ve experienced, it can be a challenge to get it right. Audio latency, control sensitivity, and lack of real-time feedback are...

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How to Build a Loyal Fanbase Using Social Media in 2024

September 18, 2024

In today’s digital age, building a loyal fanbase is essential for musicians to thrive. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for connecting directly with fans, sharing music, and...

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Best Apps and Websites for Creating Instrumentals When You Don’t Play Instruments

September 18, 2024

As a songwriter, it can be frustrating to have melodies or lyrics in your head but no way to bring them to life without instrumental skills. Thankfully, with modern technology, there are apps and...

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How to Match Chords to Your Singing – Overcoming the Struggle

September 18, 2024

Creating music often feels like an intricate puzzle. You might have a melody that you love, but when it comes to pairing it with chords, you feel stuck. If you're in this situation, you're not alone.

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The Top 10 Free Tools Every Indie Musician Needs to Succeed

September 18, 2024

As an indie musician, creating professional music while sticking to a budget can be challenging. You might not have the resources to afford high-end software or pay for expensive marketing...

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RAYE Shines at Brit Awards 2024: A Record-Breaking Night to Remember

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In an industry often criticised for its fleeting nature and quick-to-pass trends, the Brit Awards 2024 will be remembered for its groundbreaking achievements, particularly for British pop sensation RAYE, who turned the night into a personal victory lap. The London-born singer-songwriter, whose real name is Rachel Keen, did not just attend the event; she owned it, breaking records and setting new benchmarks for future nominees.

RAYE's road to the Brit Awards has been anything but smooth. After a highly publicised split from her label Polydor in 2021, which she accused of stifling her creative freedom and blocking the release of her debut album, RAYE took control of her career in a move that was both bold and risky. This decision to go independent was not just a step away from traditional industry constraints but a leap towards self-discovery and artistic integrity.

Her struggles and eventual triumph resonate deeply with a music industry still grappling with issues of artist autonomy and label control. RAYE’s narrative is a compelling testament to the power of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of one's artistic vision. Her debut album, "My 21st Century Blues," which she released independently, not only received critical acclaim but also commercial success, charting at No. 2 in the UK.

At the Brit Awards 2024, held at the iconic O2 Arena in London, RAYE transformed her trials into trophies. Nominated for an unprecedented seven awards, she broke the record for the most nominations received by any artist in a single year at the Brits—a record previously held by British heavyweights like Gorillaz, Craig David, and Robbie Williams. The significance of this achievement was not lost on the audience or her peers, as it underscored not just personal victory but also a shift towards more equitable recognition in the music industry.

RAYE's evening was crowned early as she scooped the Brit Award for Songwriter of the Year, a recognition that celebrated her exceptional talent in crafting compelling lyrics and melodies that resonate with a wide audience. In her acceptance speech, RAYE reflected on her journey, acknowledging the lows and the highs, and emphasising the incredible feeling of being recognized at such a prestigious level.

The Brit Awards 2024 were not just about celebrating individual achievements but also about recognizing the strides being made toward inclusivity and diversity within the music industry. More than half of the nominees in major categories like Song of the Year and Artist of the Year were women, a notable improvement from previous years.

However, the absence of female nominees in the Group of the Year and International Group of the Year categories highlighted that there is still work to be done. This mixed bag of progress and ongoing challenges was a central theme of the night, with many speakers calling for continued efforts to ensure that the industry reflects the diversity of its audience and artists.

As the curtains fell on the Brit Awards 2024, the spotlight was undeniably on RAYE, who not only walked away with top honours but also with a reinforced status as a powerhouse in the music industry. Her story is a beacon for emerging artists, proving that with talent, determination, and a willingness to forge one's path, the music industry's glass ceilings are not just to be cracked, but shattered.

In a night filled with music, applause, and a few tears, the Brit Awards 2024 set the tone for the year in music—not just in celebrating what has been achieved, but also in looking forward to what is still possible. RAYE's record-breaking night at the Brits is not just a personal victory but a symbol of hope and renewal in an ever-evolving musical landscape.