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Shanae’s Musical Odyssey: A Journey of R&B, Authenticity, and Artistic Evolution

Shanae’s Musical Odyssey: A Journey of R&B, Authenticity, and Artistic Evolution

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

Rising R&B sensation Shanae has embarked on an exhilarating journey of music, authenticity, and artistic evolution. Her debut EP, ‘reset’, is a testament to her talent, resilience, and dedication to her craft. This article delves into her remarkable journey, from her humble beginnings in Western Sydney to her transformative artistic rebirth.

Introduction

The Australian music scene has witnessed the meteoric rise of Shanae, a dynamic R&B artist known for her evocative lyrics, unique sound, and powerful performances. With her debut EP, reset, Shanae has crafted a musical narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Early Life and Influences

Shanae was born and raised in Western Sydney to South African immigrants. Her upbringing was steeped in a rich tapestry of Capetonian jazz, gospel, and classic R&B and soul, shaping her musical sensibilities from a young age.

Encouraged by her school teacher, Shanae began singing and playing musical instruments, eventually writing and recording her own songs as a teenager. Her music is heavily influenced by neo-soul pioneers like Sade, Erykah Badu, and Jill Scott, from whom she drew inspiration to develop her distinctive confessional style.

The Birth of MADAM3EMPRESS

In 2020, Shanae emerged on the music scene under the stage name MADAM3EMPRESS. Her track “Come On Over” generated significant buzz and caught the attention of the music industry. She also lent her unique voice to a remix of Rico Nasty’s “Magic,” alongside fellow artist BARKAA.

The Quest for Authenticity

Despite her early success, Shanae, a self-proclaimed “deep thinker,” found herself questioning her artistic direction. In 2022, she underwent an artistic rebirth, striving for authenticity and seeking to express her sonic range fully. She reclaimed her birth name, Shanae, and relaunched her career with a dedicated team. Her dual single “am i dumb?/am i done?” marked this new phase, showcasing her versatility as she seamlessly switched between jersey club and contemporary R&B.

The Debut EP: ‘reset’

‘reset’, Shanae’s debut EP, is a bold statement of artistic evolution. The lyrics delve into the emotional complexities of relationships and her pursuit of personal freedom. One of the standout tracks, cloud 9, features a sample from the Queen of Bounce, Big Freedia, co-produced by NY’s Aire Atlantica and 18YOMAN.

Collaborations and Industry Recognition

Shanae’s talent and determination have won her admiration from industry insiders and audiences alike. She’s a graduate of Acclaim’s 2022 All-Stars Class, has showcased her music at Live Nation’s Ones To Watch and BIGSOUND, and has had the opportunity to open for Grammy-winning gospel-soul artist PJ Morton.

The Adidas Terrace Campaign

Shanae recently teamed up with JessB for a JD Sports campaign for Adidas Terrace. Her single “outside” served as the campaign’s theme, perfectly encapsulating its vibrant energy. This collaboration marked Shanae’s second venture with JD Sports, following a successful campaign for The North Face in the previous year.

In Her Own Words

In a heartfelt conversation about her journey, Shanae emphasized her commitment to authenticity and her ambition to be a global artist. She believes in the power of ‘resetting’, of taking time to reassess one’s direction and ensuring it aligns with one’s true self.

The Future of Shanae

Shanae’s aspirations extend beyond music. She envisions her music career as a stepping stone to other creative ventures. She is driven by a desire to create art that resonates with people across the globe, and she is committed to pushing the boundaries of what an Australian artist can achieve.

Conclusion

Shanae’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, artistic evolution, and relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. As she continues to carve out her unique path in the music industry, one thing is clear: Shanae is an artist to watch, and her story is just beginning.

The Importance of Artist Development in the Music Industry

The Importance of Artist Development in the Music Industry

Photo by israel palacio on Unsplash

The landscape of hip-hop has evolved significantly in recent years, with the emergence of new artists and the rise of streaming platforms. However, according to rapper Bow Wow, there is a concerning trend of record labels putting out “subpar ass artists” who lack the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the industry successfully. In this article, we will explore the importance of artist development in the music industry and why it is crucial for record labels to invest more time and resources in nurturing talent.

The Current State of Hip-Hop

Bow Wow, also known as Bow Weezy, recently expressed his frustration on social media regarding the lack of artist development in the music industry. He believes that record labels are too quick to sign and promote artists who may not be ready for the challenges of the industry. In his tweet, he highlighted the importance of bringing back artist development programs at these labels to ensure that artists receive the necessary training and guidance.

The Role of Record Labels

Record labels play a significant role in shaping the careers of artists. They have the resources and expertise to provide artists with the necessary tools and opportunities to succeed in the highly competitive music industry. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards signing artists based on their viral success or social media following, rather than their artistic abilities or potential for growth.

The Need for Artist Development

Artist development programs are designed to help artists refine their skills, develop their unique sound, and navigate the complexities of the music industry. These programs provide artists with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed, both creatively and professionally. By investing in artist development, record labels can ensure that the artists they sign are prepared for the challenges they will face and have the potential to create lasting, impactful music.

The landscape of hip-hop has evolved significantly in recent years, with the emergence of new artists and the rise of streaming platforms. However, according to rapper Bow Wow, there is a concerning trend of record labels putting out “subpar ass artists” who lack the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the industry successfully. In this article, we will explore the importance of artist development in the music industry and why it is crucial for record labels to invest more time and resources in nurturing talent.

The Current State of Hip-Hop

Bow Wow, also known as Bow Weezy, recently expressed his frustration on social media regarding the lack of artist development in the music industry. He believes that record labels are too quick to sign and promote artists who may not be ready for the challenges of the industry. In his tweet, he highlighted the importance of bringing back artist development programs at these labels to ensure that artists receive the necessary training and guidance.

The Role of Record Labels

Record labels play a significant role in shaping the careers of artists. They have the resources and expertise to provide artists with the necessary tools and opportunities to succeed in the highly competitive music industry. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards signing artists based on their viral success or social media following, rather than their artistic abilities or potential for growth.

The Need for Artist Development

Artist development programs are designed to help artists refine their skills, develop their unique sound, and navigate the complexities of the music industry. These programs provide artists with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed, both creatively and professionally. By investing in artist development, record labels can ensure that the artists they sign are prepared for the challenges they will face and have the potential to create lasting, impactful music.

There have been numerous success stories in the music industry that highlight the importance of artist development. Artists like Symba, Westside Boogie, Lady London, and Lola are just a few examples of talented artists who have benefited from proper artist development. These artists have honed their craft, developed their own unique styles, and gained recognition for their talent.

The Future of Hip-Hop

Bow Wow’s call for record labels to prioritize artist development reflects a growing sentiment within the industry. There is a need for change and a return to nurturing talent, rather than focusing solely on short-term gains. As the music industry continues to evolve, it is essential for record labels to invest in the future of hip-hop by supporting and developing emerging artists.

Conclusion

Artist development plays a vital role in the success and longevity of artists in the music industry. By providing artists with the necessary training, guidance, and resources, record labels can ensure that they are nurturing talent and creating opportunities for artists to thrive. The future of hip-hop depends on a return to artist development, where artists can grow, evolve, and create music that resonates with audiences for years to come.

JID and Lil Yachty: A Perfect Blend of Musical Artistry

JID and Lil Yachty: A Perfect Blend of Musical Artistry

JID and Lil Yachty have been creating waves in the music industry since 2020. Their fans have eagerly anticipated new releases, teased through performances, live streams, and social media posts. In a recent announcement, the duo finally confirmed the speculation — two previously leaked songs, “Van Gogh” and “Half Doin Dope”, would be available for streaming. And true to their promise, the two tracks were finally released, much to the delight of their widespread fan base.

The Arrival of the Blakkboyz

Their collaboration took a new turn as they released these tracks under the group name, Blakkboyz. This exciting development was a treat for fans who had been waiting for official releases from their favorite artists.

An Artistic Visual for “Van Gogh”

A visual for “Van Gogh” was also released alongside the tracks. Directed by Boosh, the video is a simple yet expressive portrayal of the duo’s life and style. The video showcases the artists at an unknown residence, brandishing guns and exploring an art gallery, reflecting the eccentricities of their lifestyle.

JID’s Journey so far

JID, known for his critically acclaimed third studio LP, The Forever Story, is currently working on a follow-up titled Forever & A Day. The Forever Story, which was released in 2022, had major contributions from EARTHGANG, Kenny Mason, 21 Savage, Baby Tate, Lil Durk, Ari Lennox, Yasiin Bey, and more.

Lil Yachty’s Recent Work

Meanwhile, Lil Yachty has been experimenting with his music. He unveiled his psychedelic body of work, Let’s Start Here, in January. The album features assistance from Diana Gordon, Teezo Touchdown, Justine Skye, Foushee, Ant Clemons, and Daniel Caesar. Since then, he has released several well-received tracks, including “Strike (Holster),” “SOLO STEPPIN CRETE BOY,” and “TESLA”.

Conclusion

The music industry is always evolving, and artists like JID and Lil Yachty continue to push boundaries and redefine standards. Their collaboration has created a stir among fans and critics alike, and it will be interesting to see what they come up with next.

Major Recording Artist RozeGold soul searches and connects with his purpose in 2022

Major Recording Artist RozeGold soul searches and connects with his purpose in 2022

Soul searching is the main ingredient in being successful.  

When major recording artist RozeGold looks back on his life and career in 2022, he’ll be able to see how every choice he made – no matter how small – led him to this point of success. In addition to tracing his journey from a promising up-and-coming rapper to one of the biggest names in music, he will be able to talk about his impact on society and the music industry. 

A vision laid the foundation for everything that followed. A visionary artist, RozeGold didn’t just want to succeed as a musician; he wanted to change the landscape of music. The cycle of success requires preparation on every level, which means preparing for every detail. Manifesting his destiny and living through the process were the keys to making his dream come true. He’s accomplishing that goal in real-time. 

RozeGold’s belief in himself is unrivaled. 

RozeGold worked tirelessly on his craft, honing his skills and perfecting his artistry. He made connections and built relationships with people who could help him achieve his goals. He studied the music industry inside and out, learning everything he could about the business. And finally, he took action and released his debut single ‘Gimmie What You Got‘ in 2015. 

The rest, as they say, is history. RozeGold’s track ‘Gimmie What You Got’ was an enormous hit, garnering critical acclaim from top music insiders, propelling him into the spotlight, and cementing his status as one of the industry’s most innovative and exciting artists. 

The RozeGold team understands that success is a journey, not a destination. Rather than focusing on the end result, he’s more concerned with the process and living day-to-day.  

Keeping true to his vision and staying connected with his purpose is always at the forefront of RozeGold’s thinking. As he moves forward into the year 2023, it is anticipated that he will continue to soul search and connect with his purpose while working hard to accomplish his goals simultaneously. 

Music artists earn more with Peloton

Music artists earn more with Peloton

It is a well-known fact that although platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music enjoy millions of listeners, they are not as generous with their payments to artists. However, recent research has uncovered an unexpected and shocking fact, which further explores how terrible the situation is. When it comes to payments per stream, Peloton managed to beat every other platform.

Recently, it was revealed by The Trichordist in “Streaming Price Bible” that according to the numbers from 2019, music rights holders were offered just 0.35 cents per stream by Spotify. On the other hand,  Apple Music offered 0.68 cents per stream and Tidal paid 0.88 cents per stream. Finally, the least amount was paid by YouTube- 0.15 cents per stream. Interestingly, the amount paid by Peloton is much higher, at 3.1 cents per stream.

It is undoubtedly surprising that a fitness company is offering better compensation for artists when compared to streaming services. This disparity is better explained by Slate. The higher compensation rate of Peloton can be attributed to the fact that songs are played consistently during classes, and thus, the company needed to seek public performance rights coupled with publishing rights.

In essence, when specific units of music, such as vinyl or digital files are produced, mechanical royalties must be paid. Any third-party entity that records, manufactures, and distributes copyrighted music is paid, and the artists receive funds eventually. In simple terms, performance royalties are paid when artists perform live, either in movies, TV shows, or when streamed in a public setting. When it comes to Spotify and other on-demand streaming services, wherein users who don’t possess specific recording copies of a song, still can play the song when desired, and make both mechanical royalty payments and performance royalty payments to the artists. Peloton pays performance royalties for the songs it streams, and thus, it broadcasts itself as a music broadcaster resembling a radio. It’s possible for users to search for songs or playlists featuring a certain artist, but the entire experience is determined by the instructors – not you.

Yet, the fact that streaming services are able to pay artists fractions of pennies per stream remains a sore point; let’s hope they follow Peloton’s lead and offer better rates soon.

This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.