stayc main image

How AI Technology Impacts Artists’ Rights

April 28, 2023

Artificial Intelligence (aka AI) is not a new thing. It has been used for various purposes like social media algorithms and Siri on your phone. However, for the first time, AI is being used in

Read more
stayc main image

Who is Kiana Ledé?: The Story Behind the “Jealous” Singer

April 28, 2023

From Kidz Bop idol to R&B and pop singer, Kiana Ledé has fully planted herself within the music industry. The release of her latest single “Jealous” featuring Ella Mai adds to her growing achievements

Read more
stayc main image

Breaking The Silence: A Look At Mental Health In The K-pop Industry

April 23, 2023

In the past few years, the K-pop culture has experienced a number of suicides, which has devastated the Korean entertainment industry. Sulli from f(x), Jonghyun from SHINee, Goo Hara from KARA, and

Read more
stayc main image

Breaking Down The Genius of SZA’s Album ‘SOS’

April 20, 2023

Since SZA has released her latest album ‘SOS’, it has made a lot of buzz in the music industry. The album has received positive reviews for its combination of R&B, pop, and hip-hop and featured.....

Read more
stayc main image

Korean Indie/Pop Rock Bands You Need To Know: Day6, The Rose, & HYUKOH

April 20, 2023

With K-pop bands like BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, and SEVENTEEN, Korean music has been on the rise over the past ten years. But Korea’s music culture doesn’t stop there....

Read more
stayc main image

Show Me The Money: South Korea’s No. 1 Rap Competition

April 10, 2023

Read more
stayc main image

WONHO: Rising Success After Departure From Monsta X

April 8, 2023

In October 2019, member of the K-pop group Monsta X, WONHO, faced allegations of drug usage, resulting in his departure from the group. Fans were disheartened by the news of him leaving and wondered..

Read more
stayc main image

BMI’s Court Case Win Helps Songwriters in the Live Music Industry

April 1, 2023

Songwriters, composers, and publishers have long been underpaid when it comes to the live concert industry. However, a successful court case may be the first step to changing that.....

Read more
stayc main image

How Has Social Media and Music Platforms Influenced and Evolved Music Creators?

March 28, 2023

Society has always placed a high value on music. As technology starts to become more part of our lives, social media and music platforms have become more and more prominent in the music business....

Read more
stayc main image

The 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Put The Spotlight On Songwriters

March 28, 2023

The Latin GRAMMY Awards are changing it up this year for songwriters! On March 21, 2023, The Latin Recording Academy released a press release announcing various additions and changes to the awards...

Read more
stayc main image

Meet NewJeans: The K-Pop Group Taking the World by Storm

March 22, 2023

Even if you haven't heard of NewJeans yet, there's a good chance you'll soon be humming along to their infectious tunes. The Korean pop group is quickly gaining international attention and breaking..

Read more
stayc main image

Max Martin: Why a Pop-Hit Songwriter and Producer Created a Musical

March 31, 2023

Even if you don’t know who Max Martin is, you’ve definitely heard his songs. Hit-pop songs are kind of his thing after all. Martin first stepped into the music world in 1985 as a frontman for....

Read more

Songs That Kick Started Careers

stayc main image

Photo Source: Getty Images

Shake It Off - Taylor Swift

"Shake It Off" is a smash-hit song by Taylor Swift, released in 2014 as the lead single from her fifth studio album, "1989." The upbeat and infectious track marked a significant shift in Taylor Swift's musical style, transitioning from country to pop. Its catchy melody, fun lyrics, and positive message resonated with audiences worldwide. The song's release was accompanied by a vibrant and colourful music video, further amplifying its popularity. "Shake It Off" received widespread airplay, topping the billboard charts in various countries and earning Taylor Swift numerous accolades. Its commercial success and infectious appeal played a pivotal role in solidifying Taylor Swift's status as a global pop superstar till this day. 

Can't Feel My Face - The Weeknd

The Weeknd's "Can't Feel My Face" was a turning point in his career, catapulting him to mainstream success. Released in 2015 on his album called “beauty behind the madness”, the infectious and upbeat track showcased his unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music. With cleverly masked drug-related lyrics, the song received widespread attention , firmly establishing The Weeknd as a major force in the music industry. It placed him on a high pedestal in the mainstream and showcased his versatility as an artist, leading to numerous award nominations.

Slow Jamz - Kanye West

Released in 2004 as part of his debut album The College Dropout, "Slow Jamz" was a pivotal song that kick-started Kanye West's illustrious career. The track, featuring Twista and Jamie Foxx, became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts and earning critical acclaim. The song showcased Kanye's distinctive production style and clever lyricism, cementing his reputation as a trailblazing artist. 

The Way - Ariana grande

“The Way" is Ariana Grande's 2013 debut single which was also a song on her album “Yours Truly”, featuring the late rapper Mac Miller. This catchy R&B-pop track showcased Ariana's powerful vocals and received widespread acclaim from music critics. Its success catapulted her to stardom, establishing her as one of the most influential pop artists of her generation.

Best I Ever Had - Drake

In 2009, Drake achieved a significant breakthrough when he dropped the mixtape "So Far Gone," featuring the popular single "Best I Ever Had." The release of this mixtape sparked a fierce competition among record labels, leading Drake to sign with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment, which operates under Cash Money. By the end of the year, the label re-released "So Far Gone" as an EP, making Drake's music a rising success in the music industry.

Good Girl Gone Bad - Rihanna

Incorporating dance-pop elements, Rihanna's third album, "Good Girl Gone Bad" (2007), solidified her position as a prominent icon in the music industry. The Grammy-winning single "Umbrella" not only marked her first prestigious accolade but also propelled her to international fame.

Sign of the Times - Harry Styles

Harry Styles' song "Sign of the Times" marked a significant turning point in his career after departing from the global sensation One Direction. Released in 2017 as his debut solo single, the track showcased Harry's artistic maturity and versatility as a solo artist. The song's epic, anthemic sound and poignant lyrics resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him critical acclaim and widespread recognition. "Sign of the Times" not only solidified Harry Styles' status as a serious musician beyond his boy band origins but also propelled him to become a successful and respected solo artist in his own right.

The careers of these popular artists were undeniably shaped and accelerated by their breakout songs. These songs not only kick-started their careers but also left an indelible mark on the music industry.