Back to Blog

Calum Hood on the creativity behind ORDER chaos ORDER

Calum Hood, known for his role in the popular band 5 Seconds of Summer, released his highly anticipated solo album on Friday, June 13th. This album is a deeply personal project that features standout tracks, including "Don't Forget You Love Me," "Call Me When You Know Better," and "Sunsetter." Despite encountering a series of technical difficulties during our interview, Calum navigated the situation with remarkable poise, allowing us to engage in a meaningful conversation about the creative proc...

How Streaming Changed the Anatomy of a Hit Song

In the pre-streaming era, a hit song might have taken its time easing into a groove, slowly unfolding its story, building toward a massive chorus in minute three. But today? The music industry moves at the speed of a swipe.Thanks to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and TikTok, streaming hasn't just changed how we consume music it's completely reshaped the anatomy of a hit song. Here's how:In the streaming era, listeners decide whether to keep listening within the first few seconds. On Spoti...

From Passion to action: Behind the lens with Sylvie De Meyer

Sylvie de Meyer is a well-loved member of Lloyds workshop with whom I chatted about how the workshop has shaped her journey with photography. As always, it had to be asked who was on the current rotation in Sylvie's playlist, and she has an iconic lineup featuring artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, King Princess, Harry Styles, and Black Pumas. Sylvie has an evident appreciation for music, which is fantastic to see in a music photographer.Sylvie finds her inspiration primarily on Instagra...

Cassie Jones on Creative inspiration, and Capturing authentic moments during concerts.

Cassie Jones (cassiejvisuals on Instagram) is an Australian photographer making waves in the music scene. I had the opportunity to sit down with her to discuss her inspiration, creative process, and everything in between.First and foremost, Cassie has been a long-time music fan, with her current playlist featuring Fall Out Boy, Twenty One Pilots, Tate McRae, and at least one song by Taylor Swift. She has been a photographer for eight years, spending the first five years focused on car and fashio...

How 2010s Tumblr Pop Still Shapes Today’s Sound

Back in the early 2010s, Tumblr was more than a social platform — it was a feeling. A curated feed of blurry concert photos, confessional text posts, and lyrical heartbreak. But most importantly, it was a music discovery engine. Tumblr Pop wasn’t an official genre, but we all knew what it sounded like; Melancholy synths, Soft vocals, Cinematic emotion, A diary entry disguised as a chorus.  It gave rise to artists like Lana Del Rey, Troye Sivan, Sky Ferreira, and Halsey, whose music fel...

Music Marketing in the Age of Algorithms

In the not-so-distant past, breaking into the music industry required the right connections, relentless gigging, and a hefty dose of luck. Fast forward to the present, and the gatekeepers have changed. Today’s music landscape is dominated not by radio programmers or record store buyers but by recommendation algorithms, streaming data, and social media metrics. Welcome to the age of algorithmic music marketing—where success is often one viral moment, one playlist ad, or one TikTok sound away....

The 2010s boyband Epidemic

The 2010s boyband epidemic was a whirlwind of catchy tunes, vibrant fashion, and screaming fans that took the world by storm. From One Direction to 5 Seconds of Summer, these bands brought a revival of pop music that resonated with teenagers everywhere, including all the way here in New Zealand. Their infectious energy and harmonies captivated audiences and made concerts feel like unforgettable adventures. These groups weren't just bands; they were movements, fostering a sense of belonging among...