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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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Switzerland Wins Eurovision song Contest After Controversial Grand Final

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Switzerland emerged victorious in the 68th Eurovision song contest, amidst controversies over Israel's participation and the disqualification of the Dutch contestant just before the grand final. Nemo, a non-binary Swiss singer, clinched the title with their energetic performance of "The Code," beating out top contenders Croatia and Israel. Their operatic and drum'n'bass-infused song dominated the jury vote, comprising half of the total score. However, the event was marred by the disqualification of the Dutch contestant, Joost Klein, due to an incident involving a female member of the production crew, threatening to overshadow the musical performances at the world's largest live music event.

The Dutch broadcaster expressed shock at the disqualification of Joost Klein and refused to allocate points from its jury. The controversy intensified due to Klein's apparent disagreement with Israel's participation, voiced during a press conference. Meanwhile, Israel's clearance to compete after modifying song lyrics about a Hamas massacre stirred political debates. Pro-Palestine activists urged a boycott, leading to protests during the event in Malmö, where some were detained by police. Despite the controversy, cheers overshadowed boos as Israel's contestant took the stage.

Eurovision's organizers dismissed rumors linking Joost Klein's suspension to other performers or the Israeli delegation. Swedish police investigated a complaint from a crew member, leading to Klein's disqualification due to alleged inappropriate behavior. The Dutch broadcaster Avrotros expressed shock, stating Klein made a threatening gesture toward a camerawoman. Despite offering solutions, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) upheld the disqualification. Eurovision's executive director faced audience backlash, and rumors circulated about Ireland's entry, Bambie Thug, potentially withdrawing after missing the final dress rehearsal.

Olly Alexander's entry for Britain, "Dizzy," placed 18th in the Eurovision contest with zero points from the audience vote. Joost Klein, a former YouTuber from Friesland, was expected to leave an impression with his multilingual song "Europapa," featuring imagery of a burning "European house." Despite the controversy, he did not compete. At a pro-Palestine rally, a participant waved a placard supporting Klein, highlighting the entanglement of politics and pop at Eurovision.