Don't Make the Mistake I Did: How a Social Media Agency Ruined My Instagram Growth
Cylus Young Cylus Young

Don't Make the Mistake I Did: How a Social Media Agency Ruined My Instagram Growth

I tried using a social media agency to grow my Instagram—and it was a disaster. Path Social promised real engagement, but instead, they tanked my organic reach. My posts stopped hitting my audience, and it felt like I was shadowbanned.

But then, Instagram’s Trial Reels feature changed everything. I started focusing on organic growth again, testing content that actually connected with people. Now, I’m reaching over 100k profile views monthly—and I did it without fake engagement.

If you're an artist, creator, or building a personal brand, don’t make the same mistake I did. Growth isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about strategy. Want to learn my formula? Book a call with me here.

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I Almost Quit Music Production Yesterday. Here's Why I'm Still Going.
Cylus Young Cylus Young

I Almost Quit Music Production Yesterday. Here's Why I'm Still Going.

I was working on a new track and nothing felt right. No matter what I tried, the inspiration just wasn’t there. I closed my laptop and seriously thought about quitting music altogether. But the truth is, burnout isn’t failure—it’s part of the process. In this post, I’m sharing what pulled me through, why I’m still here, and how to keep creating even when it feels like no one’s listening. If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone.

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How to Keep Creating When No One Gives a Sh*t
Cylus Young Cylus Young

How to Keep Creating When No One Gives a Sh*t

Creating music when it feels like no one is listening can be tough. But your journey starts with you. Every track you make is leveling up your skills. Every song is a step forward, whether people notice yet or not.

Instead of chasing validation, focus on improving for yourself, helping others, and shifting your perspective. Even if only five people hear your music, that’s five lives you’ve impacted. Keep creating, keep pushing, and stay true to your art.

Want to refine your sound and stay inspired? Let’s connect. Book a free call here.

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How to Start Music Production (Without Breaking the Bank)
Cylus Young Cylus Young

How to Start Music Production (Without Breaking the Bank)

You don’t need to break the bank to start producing music. I’ve built a simple setup that has helped me rack up six-figure streams, and you can do the same with the right essentials. While upgrading over time is great, the most important thing is just getting started.

In this guide, I’ll break down the essential gear you actually need, from computers and DAWs to headphones, audio interfaces, and MIDI controllers. Whether you're working with a small budget or planning to invest in high-quality equipment, this will help you build a solid foundation for your music production journey.

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Which Computer for Music Production?
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Which Computer for Music Production?

Choosing the right computer for music production is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a producer. Whether you're debating between Mac and PC, wondering how much RAM and storage you need, or trying to future-proof your setup, the right choice depends on your workflow and creative needs.

I've worked with both PC and Mac, starting with a Razer Blade Stealth before switching to a MacBook Pro M3 with 32GB RAM—and I’ve learned what really matters. In this guide, I’ll break down the best options, key specs to consider, and what has worked best for me as a music producer and content creator.

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Why I’m Not Afraid of AI Music as a Producer
Cylus Young Cylus Young

Why I’m Not Afraid of AI Music as a Producer

AI-generated music is everywhere, but I’m not worried. Sure, AI can generate patterns, predict trends, and pump out tracks in seconds, but it lacks the soul, emotion, and human touch that make music timeless. I’m patient. I know that my best music is still ahead of me. While many producers chase trends, I stay true to the sounds that inspire me. AI can be a tool, but it will never replace the most powerful thing in my music—ME.

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Your Sound is Waiting to Be Discovered
Cylus Young Cylus Young

Your Sound is Waiting to Be Discovered

Your sound isn’t something you have to create from nothing. It already exists, waiting for you to uncover it. Just like electricity wasn’t invented but discovered, your unique artistic voice is out there, vibrating in the unseen. The key to finding it isn’t forcing, but listening.

Great artists don’t manufacture their sound. They find it. They experiment, they fail, they refine. Edison failed a thousand times before he found the right filament for the lightbulb. The Beatles played relentlessly before shaping the music that changed the world. Discovery isn’t passive. It’s a process of aligned action, trial, and persistence.

If you want to speed up that process, I’m here to help. After nine years of music production, I’ve learned that the fastest way to find your sound is with a mentor. Someone who has failed. A LOT

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Music as a Spiritual Practice: How Sound Connects Us to Something Greater
Cylus Young Cylus Young

Music as a Spiritual Practice: How Sound Connects Us to Something Greater

Have you ever felt chills while listening to a song or goosebumps at a live concert? Music has a way of transcending words and tapping into something deeper whether you see it as a spiritual force or a scientific phenomenon. I believe it’s one of the most powerful spiritual experiences a human can have. From the vibration of sound to the flow state of creation, music connects us to something greater. In a world where many feel lost in the modern meaning crisis, music can be a guide, offering purpose, connection, and self-discovery.

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I Tested Fuel by Musikhack —Here’s Why It Might Replace Your Go-To Plugins
Cylus Young Cylus Young

I Tested Fuel by Musikhack —Here’s Why It Might Replace Your Go-To Plugins

When Music Hack sent me their new plugin, Fuel, I was curious—could this all-in-one tool for saturation, bass enhancement, clipping, and limiting really deliver? After putting it to the test on synths and vocals, I found that Fuel thickens low-end, enhances transients, and adds warmth without muddying the mix. But how does it compare to other saturation plugins like Decapitator, FabFilter Saturn, and Ableton's stock tools? In this review, I break down what makes Fuel unique, its strengths and limitations, and whether it’s worth adding to your production arsenal.

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Don’t Compare Your Artist Journey to Anyone Else
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Don’t Compare Your Artist Journey to Anyone Else

Your artistic journey is unique, and there’s no set timeline for success. Too often, artists fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others—whether it’s a viral sensation on Instagram or a producer who blew up overnight. But the truth is, greatness happens on different timelines. Jay-Z, Mark Cuban, and Mark Ronson all faced rejection, debt, and uncertainty before they found success. Your path is yours alone, and the only person you should be competing with is your past self. Stay focused, keep creating, and trust that your time will come when it’s meant to.

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I Just Attended Thailand’s First AI-Powered Music Festival – Here Are My Takeaways
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I Just Attended Thailand’s First AI-Powered Music Festival – Here Are My Takeaways

VR was a huge part of this festival, and every time I experience it, I can’t shake this existential Allegory of the Cave feeling—like we might already be living in some form of simulation. The more advanced this tech gets, the closer we inch toward a reality indistinguishable from VR itself. At what point do we put on a headset and lose track of what’s “real”? It’s a mind trip, and watching VR evolve at events like this only fuels that thought. One thing’s for sure—VR is having its glow-up moment, and I’m here for it.

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Why I Meditate (And How It Helps Me With Music Production)
Cylus Young Cylus Young

Why I Meditate (And How It Helps Me With Music Production)

In today’s fast-paced digital world, distractions can be the biggest enemy of creativity. For music producers, staying focused, disciplined, and in the creative zone is essential for crafting high-quality tracks. Meditation is a powerful yet often overlooked tool that sharpens concentration, enhances workflow, and helps producers enter deep creative states more effortlessly. By training the mind to resist distractions and stay present, meditation acts as a force multiplier, allowing producers to get more done in less time. Discover how a simple daily meditation practice can elevate your music production, boost creativity, and transform the way you work.

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How to Create Content That Attracts Your Ideal Audience as an Artist
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How to Create Content That Attracts Your Ideal Audience as an Artist

As an artist, your content isn’t just about getting likes—it’s about connecting with your ideal audience and building a fanbase that truly resonates with your music. The key? Focus on one platform, master it, and expand from there. Know who your audience is, test different content styles, and refine what works. Authenticity beats trends every time. Content creation should feel like an extension of your artistry, not a chore. Dial in your strategy, show up consistently, and the right fans will find you.

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Cylus Music & Sin Nikka Drop a Psychedelic DnB Banger: "Playfriend"
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Cylus Music & Sin Nikka Drop a Psychedelic DnB Banger: "Playfriend"

Cylus Music and Sin Nikka have unleashed an absolute DnB banger with their latest single, “Playfriend” a hypnotic fusion of psychedelic electronica and deep, melodies that makes you want to move, melt, and maybe even touch yourself—but let’s not get weird about it. With lush, dreamy synths layered over intricate drum breaks, this track pulls you into a sensory playground where desire meets rhythm and the dancefloor becomes a cosmic experience. Whether you're raving at 3 AM or vibing in your own headspace, “Play Friend” is a journey you won’t want to miss.

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Best Places to Promote Your Music for Playlisting on Spotify in 2025
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Best Places to Promote Your Music for Playlisting on Spotify in 2025

In 2025, getting your music onto Spotify playlists remains one of the most powerful ways to grow your audience and boost streams. With an ever-evolving landscape of playlist submission platforms, influencer marketing tools, and free options, independent artists have more opportunities than ever to get heard. In this guide, we break down the best playlist submission platforms, TikTok influencer strategies, and free tools to help you navigate Spotify promotion effectively. Whether you're looking for high-quality playlist placements, budget-friendly submission services, or viral social media exposure, this article has everything you need to level up your Spotify strategy this year.

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How to Find Creative Flow as a Music Producer
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How to Find Creative Flow as a Music Producer

Creative flow isn’t something you force—it’s something you cultivate. As a music producer, the key to unlocking your best ideas is removing the barriers that hold you back. That means mastering your DAW so it feels like second nature, minimizing distractions, and curating an environment that fuels inspiration (yes, Feng Shui matters). Music isn’t just about technique—it’s a meditation, an expression, and sometimes, a connection to something bigger than yourself. When you stop judging and start creating, you tap into your true creative power.

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Why Trying Is Better Than Living with Regret (Especially in Music Production)
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Why Trying Is Better Than Living with Regret (Especially in Music Production)

At 26, I left my stable corporate job in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. to pursue music full-time. I had zero income from my music business, no clear roadmap, and a lot of uncertainty. But I knew one thing for sure—the regret of never trying would be worse than any risk I took.

Most artists stay stuck because of fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of financial instability. But here’s the truth: fear is temporary. Regret lasts forever. Since launching Cylus Music, I’ve grown more than I ever imagined. If you feel that pull to go all in on your music, this is your sign to start.

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Why You’re Not Making Music That Hits—And How to Fix It
Cylus Young Cylus Young

Why You’re Not Making Music That Hits—And How to Fix It

Your sound isn’t something you find once and lock in forever—it’s something that evolves with you. I discovered my sound through experimentation, not by chasing a single ‘aha’ moment. There have been times when I felt completely aligned with my music, only to later uncover new influences that felt even more true to me.

If you’re feeling lost, you’re exactly where you need to be. Discovery happens through movement, not standing still. At Cylus Music, I help artists tap into their creativity, break past fear, and create without limitations. Let’s discover your sound.

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