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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...

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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...

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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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Rick Rubin's Tips for Creative Growth

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Photo Source: Newsweek

Rick Rubin, a legendary music producer, is known not just for his exceptional work in the music industry but also for his profound insights into creativity and personal growth.

Rick Rubin's Tips for Creative Growth:

  1. Embrace Vulnerability in Your Work: Be honest and open in your music. Authenticity leads to more engaging and relatable content.
  2. Foster Collaboration: Surround yourself with fellow musicians and creatives. Exchange ideas, give and receive feedback, and build a supportive community.
  3. Use Creativity for Personal Growth: View your music creation as a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Let your experiences and emotions fuel your art.
  4. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine to enhance focus, reduce stress, and boost creativity.
  5. Accept Imperfection and Learn from Failure: Don’t fear mistakes; use them as stepping stones for improvement and innovation in your music.
  6. Balance Intense Work with Rest: Recognize the importance of rest and downtime to rejuvenate your creativity and avoid burnout.
  7. Look Beyond Commercial Success: Focus on creating music that is true to you, rather than solely aiming for commercial success. Fulfillment often comes from the art itself, not just accolades.
  8. Explore Personal Stories in Your Music: Your unique experiences can be a powerful source of inspiration. Use them to create music that resonates on a deeper level with your audience.
  9. Stay Open to New Ideas: Be willing to experiment and try new approaches in your music-making process. Innovation often comes from unexplored territories.
  10. Prioritize Authentic Connections: Build genuine relationships with your audience, collaborators, and within the music community. Authentic connections can lead to more meaningful creative opportunities.
  11. Reflect Regularly on Your Journey: Take time to reflect on your growth, both as an artist and an individual. This can provide insight and direction for your future work.
  12. Seek Feedback and Constructive Criticism: Embrace feedback from trusted peers and mentors. Constructive criticism is essential for growth and improvement in your craft.
  13. Nurture Your Passion Outside Music: Engage in hobbies and interests outside of music. These can rejuvenate your creative energy and provide new sources of inspiration.
  14. Practice Self-Care: Take care of your mental and physical well-being. A healthy state of mind and body is crucial for sustained creative output.
  15. Keep Learning and Evolving: Stay curious and keep learning about music and beyond. Continuous learning keeps your creative juices flowing and your work fresh.