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Behind Kaytranada’s Unique Sound

February 18, 2023

Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has

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The Creative Act: Rick Rubin’s Knowledge Turned Into A Book

February 17, 2023

What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the

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Behind the Music: The Audio Engineer

February 14, 2023

The music industry is a place full of musicians, producers, and creators who have the magical ability to make those perfect sounds we hear everyday through our digital devices. We want to listen close

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Koji Kondo: Nintendo’s Melody Maestro

February 14, 2023

What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...

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Taylor Swift on Industry Sexism and Music Rights

February 8, 2023

Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.

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What’s the Ideal Length for a Single— Are Songs Getting Shorter?

February 8, 2023

“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are

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SG Lewis: Who Is He - and What’s Next For This Rising Star?

February 6, 2023

SG Lewis (Samuel George Lewis) is a rising star in the dance/electronic music realm. He is a DJ/producer turned singer-songwriter, and is known for his disco-inspired, transcendent sound. He routinely

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Lessons to Learn From the Launch Of Sam Smith’s “Unholy”

February 4, 2023

Sam Smith just released their new album “Gloria” on the 27th of January. As described by Pitchfork, “Gloria flips between hyperpop, country, dancehall, disco, 2-step, and intimate, Kehlani-esque R&B”.

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Are Virtual Idols the Future of Music?

February 5, 2023

Virtual reality and the metaverse have become popular topics in the music industry where more and more technology and music have been combined, creating something that could revolutionize the entire

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Grammy Awards Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical: The Category Songwriters Deserve

February 5, 2023

The 65th annual GRAMMY Awards are here, and there's a long-awaited addition to the awards. This year marks the introduction of a new category: the Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical Award. For all

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How Zach Bryan’s Authenticity Makes His Music So Appealing, Even to Non-Country Fans

January 31, 2023

Zach Bryan released his first album in 2019, and in the short time since he has become one of the biggest names in country. His biggest album, “American Heartbreak”, broke single-day album streaming

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Miley Cyrus is Going to Take Over Pop in 2023

January 31, 2023

Miley Cyrus was born into the music industry, and has spent her career channelling her Nashville and Hollywood roots into a diverse discography stacked with hits. Add to that countless covers that are

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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.