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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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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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SXSW 2024: Why Music Creators Shouldn’t Miss This Year’s Festival

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Credit: SXSW

SXSW (South by Southwest) is an annual event where the worlds of music, film, and technology collide in one of the most exciting and influential festivals in the world. For an aspiring music creator, attending SXSW in 2024 could be a game-changer for your career. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should make it a priority to attend:

1. Unmatched Networking Opportunities

SXSW is a hub for artists, producers, managers, and industry professionals from all over the globe. Whether you're seeking collaborations, representation, or inspiration, you’ll find endless opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and industry heavyweights. Many music careers have launched from connections made in the corridors of SXSW.

2. Exposure to New and Emerging Trends

Staying on top of music trends is essential for any aspiring creator. SXSW is known for showcasing the latest in music technology, production techniques, and industry insights. Whether it’s cutting-edge software or the latest music marketing strategies, you’ll gain a glimpse into the future of the music industry.

3. Inspiration from Established Artists

SXSW has hosted performances and talks from legendary artists like Billie Eilish, Lizzo, and Kendrick Lamar. These are creators who’ve redefined the boundaries of music, and as an aspiring artist, you get the chance to learn from their journeys. Attending their live sessions and panels can inspire and guide your own creative process.

Check out the full artist performance line up here: SXSW 2024 Schedule

4. Performance Opportunities

SXSW isn’t just for observing—it’s also a stage for emerging talent. Many artists who started off playing small showcases at SXSW, like John Mayer and Amy Winehouse, went on to achieve international stardom. Performing at SXSW can put your music in front of thousands, including major label reps and music scouts.

5. Access to Educational Workshops and Panels

SXSW offers more than performances. It’s packed with panels and workshops led by industry leaders, covering topics ranging from music production to the legalities of the industry. This is a golden opportunity to learn about everything from songwriting and branding to royalties and distribution strategies.

Check out the full music industry workshop and panel line up here: SXSW 2024 Music Business Talks

6. Get Discovered

For many aspiring music creators, SXSW is where they get discovered. The festival has a long track record of putting unknown artists on the map. Artists like Ed Sheeran and Solange made major strides after being seen by key industry players at SXSW. Your dream of getting noticed by a record label or major influencer could happen here.

7. Showcase Your Brand

In today’s music industry, being a talented artist isn’t enough. You need a strong brand to stand out. SXSW is the perfect platform to introduce yourself to the world and showcase your unique brand identity. Whether it’s through your music, your style, or your social presence, SXSW offers endless chances to show the world what makes you different.

8. Interactive Music Technology

With SXSW being a cross-section of music and tech, the event hosts interactive music showcases that spotlight innovative audio tools, AI in music production, and immersive performances. You can test new equipment, see how virtual reality is being applied to music experiences, and get hands-on with tech that could shape the future of your sound.

9. Access to Global Media

SXSW attracts global press and media outlets covering music, culture, and innovation. Attending gives you a chance to be featured in publications, podcasts, and interviews, exposing your music to broader audiences. If you get the right media attention, you can amplify your reach significantly.

10. Be Part of a Legacy

Many of today’s top artists were once SXSW attendees and performers. By attending SXSW, you’re joining a long line of creators who went on to shape music history. The festival has been a launching pad for some of the biggest names in the industry, and being part of this legacy could be the first step in your journey toward stardom.

Final Thoughts

SXSW is a one-of-a-kind experience that can open doors for aspiring music creators. The combination of exposure, education, and networking could be the catalyst that takes your music career to the next level. If you’re serious about making your mark in the industry, don’t miss SXSW 2024. It could be the most important festival you ever attend.