stayc main image

EQ in Practice: How to Use Subtractive EQ to Clean Up Muddy Mixes

October 6, 2024

ixing music is an art, and one of the most essential tools for achieving clarity in a mix is the equalizer (EQ). One technique, in particular, known as subtractive EQ, can work wonders for cleaning...

Read more
stayc main image

How to Manage Static Noise in High Frequencies When Compressing Vocals

October 6, 2024

One common frustration in vocal production, especially for home studio and bedroom producers, is encountering static noise in the high frequencies after compressing and brightening vocals...

Read more
stayc main image

Sampling Like a Pro: How to Flip Samples and Avoid Legal Issues

October 6, 2024

Sampling has been a cornerstone of modern music production, allowing producers to reimagine and breathe new life into old tracks. Whether you're producing hip-hop, EDM, or any genre, knowing how to...

Read more
stayc main image

What Makes an EQ or Compressor VST High-Quality: Insights and Examples from Pros

October 6, 2024

When selecting EQ and compressor plugins, musicians and producers look for more than just a shiny interface or brand recognition. It's all about how these tools perform in real-world scenarios...

Read more
stayc main image

Sound Design 101: Crafting Killer Drum Sounds Using Synthesizers

October 6, 2024

Drum sounds form the backbone of many music genres, and while sample packs are popular, designing your own drum sounds from scratch can elevate your production to a whole new level. Crafting custom...

Read more
stayc main image

Mastering Multiband Compression Sidechaining: A Solution to Clashing Frequencies

October 6, 2024

In modern music production, one of the most common challenges is the clash of frequencies between instruments. For example, bass guitars and drum kits often compete for space in the lower end of...

Read more
stayc main image

Studio One Workflow Tips for Faster Music Production

October 1, 2024

Studio One by PreSonus is an incredibly powerful DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) that offers a variety of tools to streamline your music production workflow. However, like many DAWs, getting the...

Read more
stayc main image

Solving the Issue of Buried Crash Cymbals in the Mix

October 1, 2024

Crash cymbals often get buried in the mix, especially when using complex miking techniques like Glyn Johns, which balances close mics with overheads. While re-recording with higher cymbals may be a...

Read more
stayc main image

GarageBand Hacks: Creating Professional-Sounding Tracks Without Expensive Plugins

October 1, 2024

GarageBand is often seen as an entry-level DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), but it has powerful tools that, when used effectively, can create professional-quality tracks. Many indie musicians and...

Read more
stayc main image

Solving the General MIDI Program Change Dilemma in Ableton

October 1, 2024

When working with MIDI in Ableton, one might notice that although MIDI clips can send program changes, most of Ableton's native plugins don’t seem to respond to these changes effectively. This can...

Read more
stayc main image

Escaping 'Tutorial Hell': Stay Motivated and Actually Progress in Music Production

September 21, 2024

Read more
stayc main image

Should You Write Music or Lyrics First? Solutions from Famous Creators

September 20, 2024

One of the most common challenges for songwriters is deciding whether to write the music or lyrics first. This can feel like a "chicken-or-egg" situation, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer...

Read more

Virgil Abloh: Unparalleled Influence on Fashion and Music

stayc main image

Photo Source: Elle Magazine

Two years ago today, the fashion world lost one of its brightest stars, Virgil Abloh, at the young age of 41. A trailblazing designer known for his groundbreaking work with Off-White and Louis Vuitton, Abloh's influence extended far beyond the realms of high fashion. His impact on the music industry, particularly in hip hop and rap, marked a fusion of fashion and music, rendering the two inseparable in the contemporary creative landscape.

Abloh's journey in music began in his teenage years, DJing at house parties and small events. His unique style and love for music never faded, even as he pivoted to fashion. This dual passion led him to bridge the gap between these two worlds seamlessly. His close associations with artists like Kanye West, ASAP Rocky, and Jay-Z not only put him at the forefront of fashion but also at the heart of the music scene.

Abloh's collaboration with Kanye West stands out as a pivotal moment in his career. Meeting West in the early 2000s, their partnership flourished when Abloh took up the role of creative director at West's creative agency, DONDA, in 2010. This position saw him steering the artistic direction of some of the most iconic albums of the decade. From West’s "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" and "Yeezus" to the collaborative masterpiece "Watch the Throne" with Jay-Z, Abloh’s vision helped to shape the visual landscape of modern hip-hop.

His Grammy nomination for the art design of "Watch the Throne" is a testament to his prowess in blending visual and musical artistry. The album cover, featuring lavish gold embossing, became almost as famous as the music itself, highlighting Abloh's skill in creating imagery as powerful as the music it represented.

Beyond album covers, Abloh's influence permeated the broader music industry. He directed music videos, including ASAP Rocky’s “Fashion Killa” and Lil Uzi Vert’s “XO Tour Life,” further showcasing his multifaceted talent. His ability to translate musical themes into visual spectacles made him a go-to art director for many artists within the industry.

Abloh's DJing career, another significant facet of his musical legacy, saw him perform at major festivals like Lollapalooza and Coachella. His sets were not just about music; they were a blend of his fashion aesthetic and his sound, creating an immersive experience that reflected his unique creative vision.

The integration of music in his fashion shows was another area where Abloh excelled. He made it a point to feature music heavily in his runway shows, often premiering new singles from major artists. This practice not only brought a new dimension to his fashion shows but also underscored the symbiotic relationship between fashion and music. His soundtracks, often released on SoundCloud, became as eagerly awaited as his fashion collections.

Virgil Abloh's legacy lies in his ability to blur the lines between fashion, music, and art. He was not just a designer; he was a cultural icon who understood the power of collaboration across different creative fields. His work with musicians was not just about designing album covers or directing music videos; it was about creating a shared language between fashion and music.

As we remember Abloh two years after his passing, it's clear that his influence remains palpable. The current landscape of fashion and music, where the two are intrinsically linked, can be largely attributed to Abloh's vision and creativity. His ability to foresee and foster this fusion has left an indelible mark on both industries.

Abloh's passing was a significant loss, but his impact continues to resonate. The boundaries he pushed and the connections he forged between fashion and music have paved the way for a new generation of creatives who see no limits to their artistic expressions. In this way, Virgil Abloh's spirit and vision live on, inspiring and influencing the worlds of fashion and music in ways that will be felt for years to come.