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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February 1, 2023
Google has done it. They have created an AI that can generate music from text descriptions. The announcement of this is timely because recently Chat GPT, (a language learning model created by OpenAI
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January 28, 2023
What does it take to be a professional singer in South Korea? On stage, these Kpop idols capture our attention with catchy songs and amazing choreographies, but what about off-stage? Behind the ...
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January 26, 2023
Writer’s block is real, and it’s not just authors, but also songwriters and composers. Thinking of top hit songs can be difficult, so how do the pros do it? Where do they get their inspiration from?
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January 26, 2023
What does a TV show based on a video game and the music industry have in common? Near the end of 2021, Arcane took the world by storm after debuting on Netflix. Not only did it dazzle us with its...
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January 23, 2023
As the contract between Blackpink and YG Entertainment nears its end, fans of the popular South Korean girl group are wondering if the group will renew their contract with the agency...
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January 19, 2023
Rapper J. Cole has recently announced that he had been struggling with writer's block, but found a way to break free from it by using a type beat from Youtube music producer BVTMAN's YouTube...
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January 19, 2023
Hania Rani is a Polish pianist and composer whose music has been described as "hauntingly beautiful" and "evocative." She is known for her unique blend of classical and electronic music, which she...
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January 16, 2023
Ryan Tedder is a highly accomplished and sought-after music producer and songwriter. He is known for his work with a wide range of artists including: Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and OneRepublic...
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January 6, 2022
Drake's ghostwriter controversy has been a topic of conversation since the rapper's feud with Meek Mill in 2015. Quentin Miller, a lesser-known rapper from Atlanta, was named as the ghostwriter....
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December 28, 2022
Many artists are using their personal brand and influence to educate artists, from beginners to fellow professionals. Timbaland has partnered with Masterclass to teach musicians how to make unique...
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December 7, 2022
Rina Sawayama has burst into the consciousness of queer music listeners in recent years. My first time listening to her work was Cherry, a track that is bubbly ...
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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.
