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

  • 🐟 FishTank Tanks 

    🐟 FishTank Tanks 

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #132 | May 9, 2023 Reality shows are outlandish by nature. They push absurd personalities into the spotlight and encourage controversial behavior. But while on television, you have to adhere to the FCC’s rules, on the internet, anything is fair game.  That’s been more clear than ever with the rise of FishTank…

  • 🍄 It’s-a Me, Copyright!

    🍄 It’s-a Me, Copyright!

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #131 | May 4, 2023 Nintendo is having a hell of a year. The Super Mario Bros movie is the biggest hit of the year, and the latest adaption in the Legend of Zelda series, Tears of the Kingdom, will release on May 12. Many fans are excited to make videos reacting…

  • đŸš« Is It OK To Delete Comments?

    đŸš« Is It OK To Delete Comments?

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #130 | May 2, 2023 Building a fandom and community is the heart of sharing content and art. But along with positive attention comes the negative, and at times trolls and harassment can seem neverending.  As a creator’s audience grows, so do their tough decisions around content moderation. When is deleting negative…