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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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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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Tate McRae: The Gen Z Powerhouse Changing the Music Scene

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In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, artists who resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level often rise to the top. Among this elite group is Tate McRae, a 20-year-old Canadian singer-songwriter and dancer who has captured the hearts of millions. Her raw, emotional lyrics, combined with her hypnotic voice and dance talent, make her a multifaceted star in today’s music world.

From Dance Floors to Global Charts

Born on July 1, 2003, in Calgary, Alberta, Tate McRae’s first love was dance. Her journey began at a young age, training in various dance styles. By her early teens, she had already gained international recognition, competing on "So You Think You Can Dance" as the first Canadian finalist in the show's history. Her graceful yet powerful movements mirrored her ability to channel emotions through her artistry—something that would later define her music career.

The Breakthrough: "One Day"

McRae’s music career took off unexpectedly. In 2017, she uploaded a song called "One Day" to her YouTube channel—a heartfelt tune written in her bedroom. The track went viral, amassing millions of views and sparking a wave of attention. The song showcased her knack for storytelling and her ability to tap into universal emotions like heartbreak and longing.

Global Stardom: The "You Broke Me First" Era

In 2020, McRae released "You Broke Me First," a single that solidified her place in the global music scene. The song, with its haunting production and confessional lyrics, became a viral sensation on TikTok, catapulting her to international fame. Its relatable themes of betrayal and resilience struck a chord with listeners, especially Gen Z, who found solace in her honest portrayal of heartbreak.

The track dominated global charts, earning multi-platinum certifications and racking up billions of streams. It was a defining moment for McRae, who had officially transitioned from a promising artist to a pop sensation.

Why Tate McRae Stands Out

  1. Emotional Authenticity: McRae’s music often feels like a diary entry, filled with vulnerability and introspection. Songs like "What Would You Do?" and "Feel Like Shit" explore themes of self-doubt, love, and growth, resonating with audiences who crave genuine expression.
  2. Multitalented Artistry: Beyond her vocal skills, McRae incorporates her dance background into her performances and music videos, creating a unique visual experience that sets her apart from many of her peers.
  3. Relatable to Gen Z: As a member of Gen Z herself, McRae understands her audience. Her songs often reflect the emotional complexities, digital connectivity, and challenges faced by today’s youth, making her a voice of her generation.

What's Next for Tate McRae?

With multiple hits under her belt, McRae continues to evolve. Her debut album, "I Used to Think I Could Fly," released in 2022, showcased her growth as an artist, with tracks ranging from introspective ballads to upbeat anthems. She has also collaborated with major artists like Khalid and Troye Sivan, proving her versatility in different genres.

Looking ahead, Tate McRae is not just an artist to watch—she’s an artist redefining what it means to be a pop star in the digital age. Whether through her soul-stirring lyrics, mesmerizing dance routines, or her down-to-earth personality, McRae is here to stay.