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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....

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MANILA GREY: Vancouver's Rising R&B Duo

March 18, 2023

The Filipino-Canadian duo from Vancouver has been releasing new tracks left and right, and they are known for their most streamed songs on Spotify, “Timezones,” and “Silver Skies.” Previously .......

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How did Miley Cyrus’ Heartbreak Song “Flowers” Break the Spotify Record?

March 17, 2023

The singer, songwriter, and actress Miley Cyrus has recently released a record-breaking song called “Flowers” in January 2023. This song recites her 10-year long relationship with her ex-husband....

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Men I Trust: Canada’s DIY Indie Band That Could Be Your New Favourite

March 4, 2023

Men I Trust is a Canadian indie pop band known for their dreamy and mellow sound. Their music is laid back, incorporating elements of funk, disco, and R&B to create a smooth and groovy vibe that is

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Basics For Building an At-Home Recording Studio

March 3, 2023

Artists like Kaytranada have proved that you don’t need access to a professional recording studio to create well-produced music. As technology and social media have advanced, it is now easier than eve

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Facing the Music: Legal Challenges With AI and Copyright Laws

February 25, 2023

People draw inspiration from others when forming their ideas, it’s a fact of life. Sampling in music is no exception - and artists do it for a variety of reasons. Traditionally, copyright laws and

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Tobias Jesso Jr.: GRAMMY-Winning Canadian Sells His Song Rights

February 23, 2023

Tobias Jesso Jr. You may know his name from his 2015 solo album Goon. Or maybe from his work on various popular songs, such as “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Alive” by Sia. Or even from his rece

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How Popular TV Shows and Movies Resurrect Classic Songs

February 23, 2023

HBO’s The Last of Us is arguably the hottest show out right now, receiving near universal acclaim from viewers and critics alike. This holds especially true for episode three: “Long, Long Time”.

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Ginalina: Bringing Her Taiwan Roots Into Her Latest Album

February 21, 2023

Folk singer. Songwriter. Canadian. Polyglot. All of these titles belong to Gina Lam, also known by her stage name Ginalina. In November 2022, she released her latest album titled Going Back: Remembe

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Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance

February 21, 2023

Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...

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How do Streaming Platforms Pay Artists - Is It Fair?

February 20, 2023

Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im

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Why Jay-Z Was Named The #1 Rapper Of All Time

February 23, 2023

Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s

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SZA's "Saturn": Chart-Topping Success and Insight into Her Songwriting Process

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In the ever-evolving world of R&B music SZA stands as a beacon of innovation. Her latest single, "Saturn," marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Debuted during the 2024 Grammy Awards in a memorable MasterCard commercial, "Saturn" quickly ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart, showcasing SZA's undeniable influence and artistic prowess.

 

"Saturn" represents more than just another hit in SZA's discography; it is a testament to her year-long dominance in the R&B scene. Following the success of her album "SOS" and its chart-topping singles, SZA's "Saturn" dethroned her own previous hit, "Snooze". This achievement not only highlights her consistent ability to resonate with listeners but also underscores a career highlight moment for SZA. Replacing herself at the number one spot is an honor that encapsulates her relentless creativity and appeal.

 

The track itself is a melodic journey through introspection and the cosmos, marrying SZA's soulful vocals with a lush, atmospheric production that evokes the vastness and mystery of a planet. With 25 million official U.S. streams in its first week, according to Luminate, "Saturn" debuted atop the R&B Streaming Songs chart, further cementing SZA's status as a streaming giant. Its fast commercial success, bolstered by 2,000 copies sold and significant airplay audience, paints a vivid picture of an artist whose work transcends the boundaries of traditional R&B.

 

Behind the celestial allure of "Saturn" lies SZA's intricate songwriting process—a craft she approaches with a blend of intuition and introspection. "Songwriting is like opening a window to my soul. It's a process of uncovering truths, layer by layer, until the essence of a feeling or a moment is distilled into melody," SZA has shared in interviews. This introspective approach to music-making allows her to connect with listeners on a profound level, offering solace and understanding through her lyrics.

SZA's journey to creating "Saturn" and its predecessors on the "SOS" album reveals an artist dedicated to exploration and authenticity. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, relationships, and the world around her, SZA crafts songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. "Each song is a piece of me, a moment in time that I've lived and felt deeply," she explains. This personal connection to her music is palpable in "Saturn," where every note seems imbued with emotion and significance.

 

As "Saturn" orbits the R&B scene worldwide, SZA's songwriting prowess and musical innovation continue to shine brightly. Through her ability to articulate the human experience with a unique blend of R&B, soul, and pop elements, SZA invites listeners into her universe—a place where vulnerability meets strength. SZA is starting off strong this year, leaving millions of fans worldwide wanting more and wondering what’s next in store for her in 2024.