đŸŽ¶ Meet the Music Men of TikTok

CREATOR ECONOMY NEWSLETTER


Rodger Cleye and Ian Rae are two creators that especially stood out on TikTok in 2022, united by their love for music. Beloved clips and meme-ified fan edits of amateur singer Cleye, singing along to Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, and Christina Perri, became a viral sensation on TikTok. Meanwhile, singer and piano player Ian Rae has dabbled in the arts since he was a child but blew up on TikTok for his wholesome piano videos.

In an interview with Passionfruit contributor Charlotte Colombo, these two creators shared their origins, what turned them into online sensations, and more. Colombo also reflects on how these two “distinguished gentlemen” transcend stereotypes about Boomer-aged creators and demonstrate a shift in audience preferences toward wholesome, earnest content.


NOW LOADING


Meet the music men of TikTok: Rodger Cleye and Ian Rae


ONE GREAT TIP


TOOLS REVIEW

YouTube channel deleted image (frowning YouTube logo) on gray background

8 YouTube channels that were terminated or restricted—key takeaways for creators

Why do creators get kicked off of YouTube, and how can others avoid the same fate?

By Rachel Kiley, Passionfruit Contributor


TIPS AND TRICKS

TikTok mental health advocate Jorge Alvarez shares advice for applying for grants and awards

“Shoot your shot when the chance does come up.”

By Grace Stanley, Newsletter Editor


IN THE BIZ


TIKTOK MADE ME DO IT

Content for Creators.

News, tips, and tricks delivered to your inbox twice a week.

Newsletter Signup

Latest Newsletters

  • Why OnlyFans Billboards Are Everywhere

    Why OnlyFans Billboards Are Everywhere

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #344 | May 27, 2025 – Taylor Lorenz, Passionfruit Contributor PLATFORMS Is Twitch ‘Double Taxing’ Creators’ Income? Twitch hasn’t responded to the backlash. By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED The Best Hoka Shoe Deals This Summer Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to keep your feet cool and comfortable with Hoka shoes. Whether you’re…

  • Beware The Chromebook Challenge Panic

    Beware The Chromebook Challenge Panic

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #343 | May 22, 2025 Over the past few weeks, parents, educators, and adults across the country have been in a full-on panic over an alleged TikTok “challenge” called the “Chromebook challenge.” The alleged challenge consists of students inserting metal objects into their school-issued laptops to cause damage and make them spark. But like many social media…

  • How to Start a Podcast Without Crying.

    How to Start a Podcast Without Crying.

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #342 | May 20, 2025 – Liz Plank, Passionfruit Contributor PERSONALITIES Outdoor Boys’ Luke Nichols Quits Channel After Becoming Too Famous Nichols admitted that he found the fame difficult. By Charlotte Colombo, Passionfruit Contributor → READ THE FULL STORY SPONSORED This cannabis startup pioneered “rapid onset” gummies Most people prefer to smoke cannabis, but that isn’t always an option if…