UNCHAINED ACADEMY

Production & The Music Industry

Dive into all things production, songwriting and the latest happenings in the business.

Spotify Guide For New Independent Artists

A starter guide from Spotify that helps independent artists promote releases, pitch playlists, and grow their fanbase using Spotify for Artists tools.
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What Are Spotify Audience Segments?

Spotify Audience Segments show how listeners engage with your music by dividing them into active, previously active, and programmed groups.
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Spotify Charts Explained: Tracking Global Music Trends in Real Time with the Global Spotify Chart

Spotify Charts reveal the top songs and artists worldwide, updated daily based on listener activity to show what’s trending across regions and genres.
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Spotify Songwriter Pages

Spotify Songwriter Pages highlight a writer’s catalog, collaborators, and a curated Written By playlist, making it easier for fans to discover their work.
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Spotify Loud & Clear: A Comprehensive Overview of the Music Streaming Economy

Spotify Loud & Clear is a yearly report that explains how streaming royalties are paid, offering clear data on payouts and the global music economy.
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Spotify Fan Study

Spotify Fan Study explores global fan behavior, offering data‑driven insights that help artists understand discovery, engagement, and how to grow their fanbase.
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Spotify Songwriter Hub

A dedicated space on Spotify that spotlights songwriters through playlists, credits, and featured creators.
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Understanding Spotify Engagement Metrics

Spotify engagement metrics show how actively listeners interact with your music, helping artists measure real fan interest, improve visibility, and guide smarter release strategies
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What Is Spotify Ads Manager?

Spotify Ads Manager lets artists create targeted audio and video ads, set flexible budgets, and reach listeners using Spotify’s powerful first party data.
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Spotify Analytics Explained

Spotify Analytics helps artists track streams, audience trends, and playlist performance, offering insights to grow their fanbase and improve strategy.
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Spotify Discovery Mode

Spotify Discovery Mode helps artists grow by boosting priority tracks in Radio and Auto play, increasing discovery through Spotify’s recommendation system.
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What Is Spotify Showcase?

Spotify Showcase puts your music front and center with sponsored placements on the Home tab, helping drive streams and re‑engage listeners.
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What Is Spotify Marquee? A Powerful Tool to Boost Your Music’s Reach and Engagement

Spotify Marquee boosts new releases with full screen recommendations that reach the listeners most likely to stream your music.
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How to Get on Spotify Editorial Playlists

Spotify editorial playlists are curated by Spotify’s in‑house editors to help artists reach new listeners and boost discovery.
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Spotify Canvas

Spotify Canvas transforms songs with looping visuals that boost engagement, deepen storytelling, and make tracks stand out.
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Spotify's Music Catalogue Was Scraped. What does it Mean?

Spotify confirms a massive catalogue scrape. What was taken, who Anna’s Archive is, and why it matters for artists and streaming.
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What Are Spotify Countdown Pages?

Spotify Countdown Pages help artists build anticipation, drive pre saves, and engage fans with exclusive content and a real time release countdown.
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Enhance Your Music Experience with Real Time Sync Lyrics

Spotify’s synced lyrics let fans follow along in real time, deepening engagement and accessibility through Musixmatch.
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Spotify Fan Support: Direct Support for Independent Artists

Spotify Fan Support gives artists a dedicated space for donations, fundraising, and merch links, turning fan engagement into real financial support.
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Spotify Ticketing & Live Events

Spotify’s Live Events & Ticketing promotes your concerts on your artist profile, recommends shows to fans, and links directly to trusted ticketing partners to boost sales.
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Inside the Spotify Merch Integration

Spotify Merch Integration syncs your Shopify store to your artist profile, helping you showcase merch, boost sales, and monetize fan engagement globally.
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Spotify Artist Playlists

Spotify Artist Playlists help artists tell their story, promote new releases, and boost fan engagement through curated music on their profile.
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How to Add Artist Pick on Spotify Spotlight Your Music on Your Artist Page

Spotify’s Artist Pick helps artists feature priority content, boost streams, promote shows, and keep their profile updated and engaging
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Spotify Verified Artist Profile

Spotify verification confirms your identity, boosts credibility, unlocks Spotify for Artists tools, and helps you grow your fanbase with data‑driven insights.
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Spotify for Artists Dashboard

Spotify for Artists gives musicians real time data and tools to grow their audience, optimize releases, and strengthen their presence on Spotify.
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The Best Musician Platforms for Artists to Boost Their Reach

Discover key strategies for independent artists to grow their music career, leverage platforms, engage fans, and stay ahead in the music industry.
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DistroKid vs. Unchained Music: Which is Best for You?

Compare Unchained Music's distribution model with DistroKid’s subscription plans. Discover which platform offers better value, transparency, and features for artists.
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How to Use Online Song Mastering Services

Master your music effortlessly with online audio mastering services. Discover platforms like Unchained Music that offer affordable and professional-quality sound.
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Fair Use Music: Understanding the Legal Doctrine

Understand how fair use applies to music releases. Learn about its limits, when to seek permission, creative alternatives, and best practices for compliance.
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Is Sampling Legal?

Learn the legal essentials of music sampling. Discover licensing steps, risks of unlicensed use, and best practices for clearing samples in your music.
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Top 5 Free Pitch Shifter Plugin Options

Explore the best free pitch-shifter plugins for vocals and more. Perfect for musicians looking to enhance their sound without spending a dime.
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Top 20 Songs With Good Intros

Discover the 20 best song intros that have captivated listeners, including hits from Nirvana, Queen, and Michael Jackson. Iconic riffs and unforgettable beats await.
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The Best Computer to Make Music: How to Build the Perfect PC for Music Production

Build the ideal PC for music production with our detailed guide. Learn the best specs for CPU, RAM, and storage to ensure seamless audio performance and efficient workflow.
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What are the Most Viewed Videos on Youtube?

Find out which videos have dominated YouTube, with Baby Shark leading the pack at 14.77 billion views, followed by Despacito and more.
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Top Dance Music Playlists on Spotify

Discover the top user-owned dance music playlists on Spotify, including Beast Mode, Dance Party, and Deep House 2024. Perfect for dance music lovers!
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Who is the Biggest Artist in the World Right Now?

Find out who the biggest artists in the world are right now, including Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift, based on their streams and influence in 2024.
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The Top Places to Search for Lyrics Online

Discover the top places to search for song lyrics online. Explore platforms with real-time syncing, lyric analysis, translations, and community discussions.
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A Review of Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner

Unlock your full creative potential with Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner. Learn to overcome performance anxiety and play with freedom and mindfulness.
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Books that can Change your Life: A Review of The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Overcome procrastination, fear, and self-doubt with The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. Learn to combat Resistance and unlock your full creative potential.
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What is Music Publishing?

Discover the essentials of music publishing, its importance in the music industry, and how it impacts artists, songwriters, and copyright protection.
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A Review of The Art of Music Publishing by Helen Gammons

Unlock the secrets of music publishing with The Art of Music Publishing by Helen Gammons. Learn how to protect your rights and maximize your income through publishing and sync lice
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How To Make It In The Music Business: Review of Ari Herstand's New Book

Build a sustainable music career with How to Make It in the New Music Business by Ari Herstand. Learn DIY marketing, revenue streams, and touring strategies for independents.
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A Review of The Musician's Way by Gerald Klickstein

Discover how to improve your practice, overcome performance anxiety, and maintain long-term health as a musician with The Musician’s Way by Gerald Klickstein.
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A Review of All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald S. Passman

Learn everything you need to know about the music industry, from record deals to royalties, with Donald S. Passman’s guide All You Need to Know About the Music Business.
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A Review of The Inner Game of Music by Barry Green

Improve your performance and overcome anxiety with The Inner Game of Music by Barry Green. Learn techniques for focus, relaxation, and achieving a flow state.
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A Review of 'Music Theory for Dummies'

Learn the fundamentals of music theory with Music Theory for Dummies. Perfect for beginners and intermediate musicians looking to improve their skills.
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What is a Mechanical License?

Learn everything about mechanical licensing, including when you need one, how to obtain it, and its importance for legally distributing music and cover songs.
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Do You Need Permission to Cover a Song?

Learn whether you need permission to cover a song, the importance of mechanical licenses, and how copyright laws impact digital and live performances.
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Spotify Royalty Calculator: How Much Does Spotify Pay per Stream?

Calculate your Spotify royalties easily with our Spotify Royalty Calculator. Estimate earnings based on streams, country rates, and listener location.
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How Many Songs are in an EP? A Guide to Albums, Singles, EPs, and Extended Albums

Discover the differences between albums, singles, EPs, and extended albums, including song counts and how each format impacts music releases.
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Comparing Symphonic Distribution and Unchained Music

Compare Unchained Music and Symphonic Distribution. Learn which music distribution platform suits your needs.
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How to Upload Music to Amazon Music

Learn how to upload your music to Amazon Music using Unchained Music. This step-by-step guide helps independent artists distribute, promote, and maximize earnings on Amazon Music.
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How to Get Your Music on Audiomack

Learn how to upload your music to Audiomack using Unchained Music. This step-by-step guide helps independent artists distribute, promote, and maximize earnings on Audiomack.
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The Ultimate List of DSPs and Music Streaming Services

With countless platforms catering to different tastes and regions, we’ve put together a comprehensive, alphabetical guide to help you explore music streaming services.
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Pressing Vinyl: What Are the Options?

Discover the various options available when pressing a vinyl record, from vinyl sizes and weights to color variants, packaging, and mastering choices.
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Vinyl Record Pressing in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide for Artists on How to Press Your Music to Vinyl

Learn how to press your music to vinyl in the UK. Discover the best pressing plants, costs involved, and how to prepare your tracks for vinyl pressing.
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Understanding YouTube Content ID: A Guide for Artists and Rights Holders

Learn what YouTube's Content ID system does, how it works, and how creators and rights holders can use it to manage their copyrighted content on YouTube.
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How to Nail Your Performances Every Time: A Musician's Guide

Get top tips and tricks to help you deliver a first-class live music performance every time.
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Deconstructing Remixes: The Anatomy of a Masterful Remix

Want to learn what makes a great remix? From inventiveness to honoring the source material, a good remix is more than meets the eye.
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Understanding Musical Royalties: A Comprehensive Guide to Rights and Payments

Demystifying Music Royalties: Learn How Artists Earn from Their Creative Work
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Unlocking Your Music Marketing Strategy: 10 Tactics for Musicians

Learn the top 10 strategies in music marketing to promote your music and enhance your music PR. Harness the power of digital marketing and social media to make your music heard.
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The Top Music Publishing Companies in 2023

Behind every captivating melody and heart-stirring lyric is a talented artist – and, often, a dedicated music publishing company. Learn more about music publishing here.
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Your Music Career in 2025: How to Make Money as a Musician

Monetizing your music might seem challenging, but rest assured, it's achievable. Learn about how to make money as a musician in 2023.
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What is Content ID?

Explore the world of YouTube Content ID, learn how to tackle copyright claims, and protect yourself from copyright infringement.
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How to Promote Your Music on YouTube in 2023

Wondering how to promote your music on YouTube? Explore effective strategies for YouTube music promotion beyond the classic music video.
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Music Marketing 101: 10 Proven Strategies to Elevate Your Success in the Music Industry

Discover the power of effective music marketing to boost success for independent artists. From a strong online presence to strategic content creation, learn the top 10 strategies.
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Starting a Record Label or Indie Label: A How To

A thorough guide on starting a record label, including essential considerations, required resources, and professional advice on successfully running a music label.
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Discover the Top 30 DistroKid Alternatives of 2023 - Your Guide to Music Distribution Companies

Are you an artist trying to get your music on streaming platforms? Are you considering options for other services than DistroKid?Here's what you need: A reliable digital music dist
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Understanding the Difference Between Ditto Music and Unchained Music for Music Distribution

A Comprehensive Comparison of Music Distribution via Ditto Music and Unchained Music, Providing Essential Information to Empower Independent Musicians in Making Informed Decisions.
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How to Upload a Song to Apple Music

Learn how independent artists upload their music to Apple Music and start earning royalties from selling music. Find out the process and requirements to upload songs.
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Master Recordings: A Guide To Ownership and Rights

Discover the importance of keeping your masters in the music industry and their significance as a tool for making money in the industry.
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The Best Music Distribution Services for Independent Artists

Discover the best music distribution services for independent artists. Reach a global audience and unleash your musical potential.
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How Label and Artist Services Create Success for Musicians

Discover how artist-driven platforms can outsmart record labels in the music industry, offering artists increased control over royalties, cost savings, and revenue opportunities.
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An In Depth Guide to Sync Licensing and Pitching Music Supervisors

Explore the world of sync licensing and the pivotal role of music supervisors in TV, film, and gaming industries, bringing insights to beginners and professionals alike.
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Music Industry Basics: Understanding Master Recordings

Discover the importance of owning your own songs and masters in the music industry.
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Navigating the Legal Implications of AI-Generated Music & Copyright

Explore the intricate interplay between Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence and the Music Industry as AI-generated music raises critical questions on copyright.
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Record Label Contracts Explained: Pros and Cons

Learn about the pros and cons for a record deal and label contract in order to empower your decisions as an artist in the evolving music industry.
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Uncover The Best Music Distribution Services

Discover the best music distribution services that can amplify your reach. Learn how to choose wisely and make the most of music distribution to elevate your musical journey.
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How to Upload Your Music on Spotify

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about publishing music on Spotify and optimizing your presence on this popular streaming service.
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Legato Labs and Unchained Music Partner in Order to Redefine Music Licensing

This strategic partnership brings together the expertise of Legato Labs in blockchain-based intellectual property licensing with the extensive music distribution network of Unchain
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Unraveling Music Artist Advances: An In-Depth Guide to How They Work

Understand music advances with our comprehensive guide, covering types, negotiation, recoupment, risks, benefits, and best practices for managing advances effectively.
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Exploring AI in Music Production: The Emergence of Automatic Mixing and Mastering

Unlock the potential of AI mixing and mastering and automatic mixing and mastering tools to elevate your music production to the next level.
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Disruptive DeFi Music company Unchained Music to deploy on Avalanche.

Unchained Music's unique DeFi infrastructure and royalty capture model allows musicians to access the benefits of Web3 while redefining the traditional music distribution process.
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How Long Does Music Distribution Take?

Learn about music distribution timelines, the importance of planning, and the benefits of allowing sufficient time between distribution and release for a successful music launch.
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How to Distribute Music to Streaming Platforms (Updated 2023)

Learn how to Distribute Music to Streaming Platforms such as Spotify - the ins and outs and best distribution platforms - all updated for 2023.
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Solving the Cashflow Conundrum: The Emergence of Fractionalized NFT Music IP and How to Value Future Streaming Royalties

Investing in music used to require extremely expensive analysis, locking out smaller players from investing in catalogs. Unchained Music are changing this paradigm.
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Music Copyright 101

Learn everything you need to know about music copyright, including legal protection, fair compensation, copyright law, intellectual property rights, and registration requirements.
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The Future of Sound: Exploring Automatic Mixing and Mastering

The future of mixing and mastering is here.
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Using short form video to massively increase organic growth (no ad spend)

Breaking through organically is hard, so here's a solid strategy
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Building a team for success in the music industry

How to find the team you need to make your musical vision come to life.
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Exploring ai music creation tools

A foray into the deep rabbit hole that is AI-assisted creativity.
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6 pro level vsts

Here are six pro vsts we've found for you - all 100% free.
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The power of creative constraint

With modern studios and seemingly endless plugins and virtual instruments, creativity is almost boundless. But is this a good thing? 
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5 essential concepts for music production

I wish I had known these when I started producing music.
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The quantity principle

From Mozart to Disclosure - many great songwriters write hundreds of songs before they strike gold.
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Are analog synths really better than vsts?

The answer, like many in life, is yes and no.
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Why there are no rules in the music industry

There's a rulebook to the music industry, but how you use it is up to you.
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