.png)
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...
Read more.png)
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.
Read more.png)
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.
Read more.png)
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...
Read more.png)
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...
Read more.png)
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...
Read more.png)
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.
Read more.png)
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...
Read more.png)
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...
Read more.png)
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...
Read more.png)
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...
Read more.png)
July 17, 2024
Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, has been crowned the greatest rap album of all time by Billboard, and for good reason. Celebrated for its lyrical brilliance and profound storytelling, Illmatic set...
Read more.png)
Since leaving One Direction in 2015, Zayn Malik has embarked on a journey of artistic exploration and self-discovery. His solo debut, Mind of Mine (2016), featured the global hit "Pillowtalk" and showcased a more mature, R&B-infused sound. However, while filled with experimentation, his subsequent albums, Icarus Falls (2018) and Nobody Is Listening (2021), struggled to find a cohesive identity.
Zayn’s latest album, Room Under the Stairs, marks another shift in his musical direction. Produced by Nashville's Dave Cobb, known for his work with country and Americana artists like Chris Stapleton, the album embraces a minimalist, acoustic style. This new sound departs from his previous pop and R&B efforts, focusing on rustic guitars, soft keys, and live drums.
The album’s "Dreamin" opener sets an introspective tone with its smokey guitar licks. The first single, "What I Am," highlights Zayn's rich, emotional vocals over a soft-rock melody. Songs like "How It Feels" and "Shoot at Will" delve into raw, personal themes, while the breezy "Stardust" offers a lighter, more upbeat moment. Lyrically, Room Under the Stairs is Zayn's most revealing work yet. Tracks like "My Woman" reflect on past mistakes with poignant self-awareness, while the closing "Fuschia Sea" combines sultry vocals with a memorable chorus.
Room Under the Stairs is a testament to Zayn’s evolution as an artist. It’s an album that might require multiple listens to fully appreciate, especially for fans accustomed to his earlier R&B hits. However, the bold experimentation and heartfelt performances make it a significant addition to his discography. Zayn Malik continues to intrigue and surprise, proving that he is not just a former boy band member but a genuine artist in his own right.
As Zayn navigates his musical journey, it’s clear that he values artistic authenticity over mainstream success. Room Under the Stairs is a reflection of this ethos, and while it may not dominate the charts like his earlier work, it firmly establishes him as an artist willing to take risks and explore new horizons.
