How did Mac Miller Release a New Album if He’s Dead?
Just when you thought we’d heard the last of Mac Miller’s musical genius, a new album surfaced from this sadly departed artist. Circles, a posthumous album, was released on January 17, 2020. If you’re scratching your head and wondering how this is possible – Mac Miller passed away in September 2018 after all – I’m here to shed some light on this topic.
The thing about artists like Mac Miller is that they often live and breathe music. Their creative juices flow constantly, leading to an abundance of material – some officially released while they’re alive, and some left unfinished or unreleased for various reasons. In Mac’s case, he had been working on Circles as a companion album to his previous release Swimming before his untimely demise.
So how did we get our hands on a new posthumous album? Typically, the estate or family members will consult with recording engineers or producers who worked closely with the artist. They’ll then utilize existing vocal tracks and production notes left by the artist to complete these unfinished pieces of work. In this instance, it was Jon Brion, a producer who had been working with Mac on Circles at the time of his death that took up the mantle to ensure Mac’s vision came to fruition.
The Mystery of Posthumous Albums
I’ve always been intrigued by the concept of posthumous album releases. It’s a phenomenon that leaves many scratching their heads, asking questions like “How did Mac Miller release a new album if he’s dead?” Let me unravel this mystery.
Creating an album is an intricate process requiring months, sometimes even years, of hard work. Artists often leave behind unfinished projects or unreleased tracks. When an artist passes away, these pieces could be collected and compiled into what we know as a posthumous album. In Mac Miller’s case, his family released his album “Circles” after his untimely death in 2018.
There’s usually a team involved in bringing these albums to life. They could include producers who worked closely with the artist or professionals specifically hired to complete unfinished work. Jon Brion, for instance, was instrumental in finishing “Circles”. He had previously collaborated extensively with Miller and had intimate knowledge of where he wanted to take his music.
Now let’s tackle another question – who profits from these albums? Generally speaking:
- Record labels might profit
- Proceeds may go towards maintaining the deceased artist’s estate
- Sometimes funds are directed toward charities or causes significant to the artist
For example, proceeds from Mac Miller’s posthumous music have gone towards the Mac Miller Circles Fund which supports youth arts and community-building programs in his memory.
It’s important to note that reactions to posthumous albums can be mixed. While some fans appreciate the chance to hear more from their favorite artists one last time, others consider it exploitative. It’s a delicate balance between respecting the legacy left by the artist and fulfilling audience demand for fresh content.
So there you have it – although it seems eerie on surface level when someone like Mac Miller releases an album long after their passing; it’s really just about preserving their artistic legacy while providing solace to grieving fans.
Understanding the Concept Behind a Posthumous Release
I’ll admit, the idea of a posthumous album can seem like an enigma at first. How did Mac Miller release a new album if he’s dead? The key lies in understanding what a posthumous release is and how it works.
Often when musicians pass away, they leave behind unreleased music. Sometimes it’s fully formed tracks that just didn’t make the cut for their last albums; other times, it’s fragmented ideas or rough drafts that never got polished up. Record companies, family members, fellow artists – whoever owns the rights to these songs – might decide to put together these leftover pieces into a brand-new record.
This is precisely what happened with Mac Miller. After his untimely death in 2018, his family and producers combed through hours of recordings. They found enough material to create “Circles”, an album released two years after his passing.
Here are some key points about posthumous releases:
- Often made from unfinished work: These albums typically comprise songs that weren’t completed or weren’t deemed fit for previous albums.
- Involvement of close associates: Usually, people who were close to the deceased artist play significant roles in shaping these records – this includes family members, managers or fellow musicians.
- Legal matters: Issues related to copyright laws and ownership rights often come into play during the process.
It’s important to note though that reactions towards posthumous releases vary greatly among fans and critics alike. While some see them as fitting tributes to beloved artists’ legacies, others express concerns over potential exploitation of these artists’ work for financial gains.
Regardless of where you stand on this issue, there’s no denying that posthumously-released albums like Mac Miller’s “Circles” offer fans one more chance to appreciate their favorite artists’ creativity even after their physical departure from this world.
