The question of which genres are most popular is an everlasting one, and a topic that sparks endless debate among friends, families, and music industry professionals. While there may not be one definitive answer (since it ultimately depends on which metrics you use), we’ve decided to create a list based
In 2026, music is no longer “finished” the moment you hit export. With the rapid evolution of streaming algorithms, the rise of spatial audio, and shifting loudness standards, a master that sounded perfect two years ago can quickly start to feel like a relic. That’s why you should be treating
When you combine maybe ‘the‘ trance legend Armin van Buuren, a world-famous powerhouse vocalist like Teddy Swims (boasting nearly 45 million monthly Spotify listeners), and Norway’s own melodic mastermind Matoma, you get more than just a collaboration, you get a global hit, which they showcased two years ago. Released in
Every year, the music industry gathers for the Grammys to celebrate the best in sound, but for all us producers, what we want to know is: “What software did they use?” If you’re looking for a single “magic” DAW that guarantees a golden gramophone, you won’t find it. Instead, you’ll
The difference between an amateur demo and a commercial release isn’t usually the gear, it’s the discipline of the workflow. Before you call a track “done,” there are technical benchmarks that must be met to ensure your music survives the journey to streaming platforms: The Masterchannel Advantage You’ve done the
In almost every genre, the vocal is the most important element, but it’s also a frequency hog. To get a vocal to sit perfectly, you have to be gentle with your EQ. Professional vocal mixing involves targeting specific “problem zones” that occur in almost every recording: The Masterchannel Advantage A
Compression is the “invisible hand” of music production. At its core, it’s about reducing the dynamic range, the distance between the quietest and loudest parts of a sound, to create a consistent, powerful energy. Whether you’re working on a drum bus or a lead vocal, understanding the four pillars of
Every producer eventually hits a wall where their beats sound “fine,” but they don’t feel “emotional.” The secret usually lies in the harmonic movement. By leveraging classic and popular chord progressions, like the soul-stirring I – VI – III – VII or the ubiquitous I – V – vi –
If you’ve been scrolling through SoundCloud or TikTok lately, you’ve likely encountered that distinct, ethereal sound that feels like a dream sequence in a digital world. That’s PluggnB for you. A seamless fusion of the gritty, rhythmic foundations of Plugg and the smooth, soul-stirring melodies of R&B, PluggnB is more
In the modern streaming era, “genre” has evolved from a strict set of rules into a loose suggestion. We are living in an age of fearless experimentation, where Hyperpop collides with Heavy Metal and Lo-fi textures meet Latin Trap beats. And that’s kind of cool! But while creativity knows no
Compression is the “invisible hand” of music production. At its core, it’s about reducing the dynamic range, the distance between the quietest and loudest parts of a sound, to create a consistent, powerful energy. Whether you’re working on a drum bus or a lead vocal, understanding the four pillars of
Every producer eventually hits a wall where their beats sound “fine,” but they don’t feel “emotional.” The secret usually lies in the harmonic movement. By leveraging classic and popular chord progressions, like the soul-stirring I – VI – III – VII or the ubiquitous I – V – vi –
If you’ve been scrolling through SoundCloud or TikTok lately, you’ve likely encountered that distinct, ethereal sound that feels like a dream sequence in a digital world. That’s PluggnB for you. A seamless fusion of the gritty, rhythmic foundations of Plugg and the smooth, soul-stirring melodies of R&B, PluggnB is more
In the modern streaming era, “genre” has evolved from a strict set of rules into a loose suggestion. We are living in an age of fearless experimentation, where Hyperpop collides with Heavy Metal and Lo-fi textures meet Latin Trap beats. And that’s kind of cool! But while creativity knows no
In 2026, music is no longer “finished” the moment you hit export. With the rapid evolution of streaming algorithms, the rise of spatial audio, and shifting loudness standards, a master that sounded perfect two years ago can quickly start to feel like a relic. That’s why you should be treating
When you combine maybe ‘the‘ trance legend Armin van Buuren, a world-famous powerhouse vocalist like Teddy Swims (boasting nearly 45 million monthly Spotify listeners), and Norway’s own melodic mastermind Matoma, you get more than just a collaboration, you get a global hit, which they showcased two years ago. Released in
Every year, the music industry gathers for the Grammys to celebrate the best in sound, but for all us producers, what we want to know is: “What software did they use?” If you’re looking for a single “magic” DAW that guarantees a golden gramophone, you won’t find it. Instead, you’ll
The difference between an amateur demo and a commercial release isn’t usually the gear, it’s the discipline of the workflow. Before you call a track “done,” there are technical benchmarks that must be met to ensure your music survives the journey to streaming platforms: The Masterchannel Advantage You’ve done the
In almost every genre, the vocal is the most important element, but it’s also a frequency hog. To get a vocal to sit perfectly, you have to be gentle with your EQ. Professional vocal mixing involves targeting specific “problem zones” that occur in almost every recording: The Masterchannel Advantage A
From the top of the global charts to the depths of the underground scene, the pendulum is swinging back. Distorted guitars and live drums are making a massive comeback, bringing a sense of organic grit back to our playlists. However, if you’re used to producing electronic music, mastering a Rock
Afrofuturism isn’t just a visual movement; it’s a sonic revolution. From the chart-topping textures of Burna Boy and Tems to the boundary-pushing experimentalism of Flying Lotus, this genre is defined by a beautiful contradiction: the marriage of ancient tradition and the distant future. Musically, this translates to a mix of
In a world dominated by the “loudness war,” there is a growing movement back toward the quiet, the raw, and the real. Whether you’re crafting a delicate Folk ballad, an Indie-Acoustic anthem, or a complex Jazz arrangement, your goal isn’t to compete with a heavy metal wall of sound, it’s
EQ (Equalization) is one of the most powerful tools in your mixing arsenal. By understanding the different types of EQ curves, you can surgically remove problems or add musical character to any track. 1. High Pass / Low Cut: The “Declutter” Tool 2. Narrow Bell Notch: The “Surgeon” 3. Low
If you’ve ever wondered why a piano note fades away slowly while a drum hit stops instantly, the answer lies in the A-D-S-R Envelope. Understanding these four phases allows you to transform a static beep into a lush pad, a sharp lead, or a punchy bass. 1. Attack: The Starting
Have you ever wondered why some song transitions sound like a single, continuous masterpiece while others feel like a train wreck? The secret is Harmonic Mixing. By using the Camelot Wheel, you can ensure that the keys of two tracks complement each other perfectly. 1. Understanding the Layout: A vs.
When you’re EQing a kick drum, you aren’t just adjusting volume; you’re adjusting the feel of the track. By focusing on these five specific zones, you can move from a flabby, weak sound to a tight, driving rhythm. 1. The Low-End Power: Sub (0 – 50 Hz) This is the
If EQ is about carving out space, compression is about control. It’s the tool that glues a mix together, making sure the quiet parts are audible and the loud parts don’t jump out and scare the listener. But with all those knobs, Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, it’s easy to get
Have you ever finished a mix only to find it sounds “blurry”? You can hear the kick drum, but it feels soft; the vocals are there, but they lack sparkle. This is often caused by frequency clashing, when two or more instruments compete for the same real estate in the
We at Masterchannel recently released our new Mastering Component, and so far, people are loving it! Compared to the previous version, we’ve upgraded the new service with some key features, essential for anyone creating and producing music. With the new component you can now: We hope you’ll like the new