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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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Why This Pop-Rock Band Got Hate For Starting On YouTube

January 31, 2023

Before the invention of TikTok, many music artists gained popularity through YouTube. However, similar to the TikTok stars of today, people in the music industry saw ‘YouTube bands’ as lesser because

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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.