Pop Conference’s Post

Let’s explore this idea further: When I say music theory isn’t necessary for making awesome music, it’s like saying you don’t need a map to go on an adventure. While knowing how music works can be helpful, it’s not the only way to make great tunes. Some musicians find that rules can hold back their creativity. They prefer to follow their instincts and try new things without worrying about theory. Many famous musicians never learned music theory, and they still made incredible songs. It’s like they found their own path through the musical jungle without a guidebook. From old blues legends to modern rock stars, lots of artists broke the rules and made history with their music. In the end, making music is about expressing yourself and connecting with others. Whether you’re a music theory pro or you play by ear, what matters most is the feeling you put into your music. So, if you’re passionate about making tunes, go ahead and follow your heart, no matter what the rulebooks say.

In making new music for a changed world, Sarah McLachlan wonders: ‘Where’s my place?’ https://buff.ly/3xNvV0l In the process of creating fresh music to resonate with a world that is constantly evolving, Sarah McLachlan finds herself pondering the question: 'Where do I belong?' This introspective query speaks to the artist's desire to navigate her role and purpose amidst a backdrop of societal shifts and changes. As she explores new musical avenues, McLachlan grapples with the challenge of carving out her own unique space in an ever-changing landscape. One possible interpretation of McLachlan's question could be her quest for relevance and authenticity in an industry that is constantly evolving. In an era where trends come and go at a rapid pace, artists like McLachlan may find themselves questioning where they fit in and how they can stay true to their artistic vision while also resonating with a changing audience. Additionally, the question of 'Where's my place?' could also be seen as a reflection of McLachlan's personal journey and growth as an artist. As she navigates the complexities of creating music in a world that is in flux, she may be seeking to define her identity and establish a sense of belonging within the ever-shifting landscape of the music industry. Overall, McLachlan's question encapsulates the universal struggle of finding one's place and purpose in a world that is in constant motion. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of self-discovery and authenticity in the creative process, as artists strive to create music that is not only relevant but also true to their own unique voice and vision.

The revival of vintage Japanese music has become a trend that’s broken mainstream, even getting a Japanese ambient and new age music compilation album from the 1980s nominated for “Best Historical Album” at the 2020 Grammys. While the album didn’t win, it still marked a historical moment for older Japanese music gaining more popularity and recognition in the era of today. This ongoing revival of Japanese music is all thanks to the magic of the internet, with YouTube and other online communities allowing users to find music from decades ago. One of the popular music genres of the 80s in Japan, City Pop, a blend of international disco, funk, and R&B with an upscale feel, has had one of the most prominent renaissances online, with thousands of videos uploaded by fans to YouTube, a dedicated online community on Reddit, and even City Pop-themed DJ nights at clubs around the world. On the opposite end of the spectrum, another genre that has been given a second life through YouTube is ambient or environmental music. It's a minimalist and soothing sound with a Japanese twist. Whether you’re a fan of the experimental upbeat City Pop genre or prefer the calming effects of ambient music, there’s never been a better time to explore vintage Japanese music online! Read more about the history of these various genres and the global expansion of Japanese music here: https://bit.ly/3xnvrOC Have you listened to any vintage Japanese music lately? Share your thoughts below! #Japan #CityPop #WorldMusicDay #AmbientMusic #JapaneseMusic #JapaneseArtists #MusicHistory #80sMusic #JapaneseTrends #JapaneseCulture #SoothingSounds #SoothingMusic

Back by popular demand, it’s Band Music Friday! There really wasn't any demand, this is just something I do when I remember and/or a certain someone mentions it’s been awhile. My background is in music education, specifically wind band, and I believe very strongly that wind band music is every bit as important, musical, and culturally relevant as orchestral music. So I’m doing some edumacating. Keeps me out of trouble. Anyhoodles, today’s band piece is Julie Giroux’s "Overture in Five Flat". Now, lemme tell you about my gal Julie here. It may be 2024, but female wind band composers are few and far between. Wind music has a better living composers/dead composers ratio but it’s still pretty much a sausage-fest. She has over 100 credits in TV, movies, and video game music; has three Emmys; and has worked with celebrities big and small. Julie is also one of the funniest people on the interwebz, and I highly suggest you follow her on Instagram, if for no other reason than because she has a Neo Mastiff “puppy” and Khan is canine perfection. Pup is a year old and the size of a VW Beetle. Now, I gotta ‘splain the confusion around the title of the piece. If a piece is in five flats it’s considered challenging. Not impossible, just requires a little more woodshedding than usual because we don’t often see a piece in the key of Db. Doable, but be ready for the bitching from everyone, increasing in volume from the polite flutes in front (yes, that would be me…😏) to the barely-potty-trained circus-clown trombones in back (who, due to the slidey fart machine in their hands, never STFU back there). So when I first heard this piece and saw the title I was kinda impressed. Wow, this piece smokes! And it’s in FIVE <REDACTED> FLATS? 🤯 Because something going that quick has no right to be in that key, it just ain’ right. 1/3

Music transcends all boundaries. Music is more than art; it’s the universal language of human emotion. As a Fadista, I’ve seen how this soulful Portuguese rendition transcends language and culture, moving people with the emotion of pathos in a way that feels almost magical. When I sing the Fado on international stages, I notice how it transcends language barriers.  Listeners who don’t understand a word of Portuguese often approach me after a performance to share how deeply moved they were.  This emotional connection is the true power of music—it brings us closer, helping us empathize with experiences different from our own.  When artists come together, they not only share their craft but also their cultures, stories, and perspectives. This exchange enriches everyone involved and often leads to the creation of something beautiful.  The Fado can move global audiences. However, preserving the genre's authenticity while making it accessible and relatable to new listeners is the artist's responsibility. As I continue my journey with Fado, I’m reminded that in every note sung and every audience mixed by the haunting melodies, there’s an opportunity to open up an entire audience to a new culture and art form.

Darius Rucker’s First Memoir & More Country Music Books to Add to Your Reading List

Let’s explore this idea further: Music theory is like a set of rules and principles that musicians learn to understand how music works. It teaches things like how different notes sound together, how melodies are made, and how to structure songs. I would say that you don’t need to know music theory to make great music. I know that relying on your instincts and creativity is enough. And I’ll point to famous musicians who never learned music theory but still made incredible songs. These musicians might have relied on their natural talent and intuition to create music that resonated with people. They followed their instincts and experimented with sounds until they found something that sounded right to them. However, knowing music theory can also be helpful. It gives you a deeper understanding of how music works, which can help you make more informed choices when creating songs. It can also give you more tools to work with, allowing you to express yourself in new and interesting ways. In the end, whether or not you need music theory depends on your personal approach to music-making. Some people find it helpful, while others prefer to rely on their intuition and creativity. Both approaches can lead to great music—it’s all about finding what works best for you. And remember, not knowing music theory or any specific skill shouldn’t stop anyone from making music or trying. It’s all about enjoying the process and expressing yourself.

Our year in numbers and music 📈 🎶 With the end of the year around the corner it’s good to analyze what we have done in the past (almost) 365 days – have we met our goals, have these actions been efficient, and what can be done better next year? For this, we approach it with numbers and put them into context with our team. Therefore, here is our year in numbers: ⏩ 1 masterclass, 1 seminar day, and 4 camps organized ⏩ 1 new team member ⏩ 3 new partners ⏩ 5 lectures given in 3 different schools/programs ⏩ 9 new artists in sync and 1 new in publishing ⏩ 12 wins and 19 nominations ⏩ 13 sync deals made ⏩ 17 conferences and festivals attended ⏩ 27 singles and 4 albums/EPs released from TM artists as well as co-written by our songwriters and producers And a whole lot of new ideas for our next steps! Also, being a management, publishing, and sync agency, it’s only appropriate to look at the year in music as well. For this, check out the playlist, with all the released music from Tier Music artists, songwriters and producers in 2024: https://lnkd.in/d3R74s8N What is your approach to analyzing your yearly activities? With this in mind, we wish you beautiful holidays and a successful new year! 💛🎄

Think Brazilian music isn’t your thing? Think again. Brasil Calling is here to show you that Brazil's freshest sounds are just as cool as anything else you’re into. For over a decade, we’ve been curating the most exciting beats that go beyond the usual, proving that Brazilian music can be as cutting-edge and genre-defying as any mainstream hit. Each month, you’ll get a full-length album and an exclusive compilation, crafted with the ABMI (Brazilian Association of Independent Music). We’re talking about innovative, genre-blending tracks that push boundaries and offer a fresh take on what you thought you knew about Brazilian music. We might not have the headline-grabbing hype of major shows or the buzz from top music journals just yet, but we’re delivering the coolest fucking music from Brazil that’s bound to turn heads and spark conversations. Ready to explore something truly unique and modern? Sign up now and get ahead of the curve with music that’s redefining the scene.

As an up-and-coming independent artist, getting your music discovered and playlisted can be a daunting task, especially when faced with limited resources. However, fear not, as the world of music promotion offers a plethora of free platforms that can help you reach a wider audience without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top three free music submission platforms that can give your tracks the exposure they deserve.   In our latest blog article, we have tried to answer a few questions: What are the Top 3 Free Music Submission Platforms? Who can I submit my music to? How do I find playlists to submit my music? Is playlist-push legal? How often should I submit my music? What should I include in my music submission? Read our full article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gNShaeq3