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Them Damn Dogs began their musical journey in Alabama in 2012, when Jerome Villarreal Jr., Brandon Holmes, Chris Salib, and Drew Watts came together with the goal of creating something unique that would blend all of their musical interests. Their first album, “Let Loose”, kickstarted their career and allowed them to perform their music around their home state. After losing their lead guitarist (Drew Watts), they played as a three-piece band for a short period, and now they are back better than ever with new guitarist Russ Savage IV. To begin this next era of music, Them Damn Dogs released “Memories” as the lead single to their next album. An exciting and enjoyable track to open the album, “Memories” gives a glimpse into what Them Damn Dogs is all about. The alternative rock song layers the vocals to give it a unique texture and helps place emphasis on the vocals over the music. The song also has a small echo effect, that makes the song sound older and retro.  The song is energetic and jubilant, using fast guitar strumming to keep the energy high. Following “Memories”, the second album by Them Damn Dogs is set for release in spring 2020. Mark your calendars, the new album is titled “Unpoetic Flavor.” Listen to "Memories" here. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Them Damn Dogs! How did you pick “Memories” as the first single off of Unpoetic Flavor? What stood out to you about it? "Memories" had a driving pop-rock sound that really represented the music we set out to make 8 years ago. It has a catchy hook and some surf elements that we always wanted to incorporate into the band. It's crazy because most of the songs on the album sound nothing like it so we thought it would be interesting to release this one as the straight forward pop song. How does Them Damn Dogs go about their songwriting sessions? Will you typically work together on a piece, or write separately? I (Jerome Villarreal, Jr.) usually come up with a chord progression, melody, or a full demo of a song and I'll show it to the rest of the band. Our drummer Brandon Holmes will find a drumbeat the connects with my style of rhythm guitar or rhythm of melodies. He'll some times create beats that are a little off of what I had in mind but they always sound cool and inventive. Our bassist Chris Salib will find a groovy bass line within minutes of hearing what I have and he almost always has a bass line ready to go in no time. Him and lead guitarist Russ Savage IV will come up with harmonies with my vocals and throw in lead parts in empty spaces to enhance the song. We work together a lot. What inspired the name of your band? How did you come up with ‘Them Damn Dogs’? Our former lead guitarist Drew Watts lived with our friend Heather and she had this wild dog named Ollie. He was so crazy that Drew once said: "That damn dog is gonna be the death of me." One of his friends mentioned that "Them Damn Dogs" would be a cool name for our band and so it kind of stuck. We couldn't find a real name so when he told us that we just thought sure that will work for now. It's been our name ever since. It was a pleasure to chat with you today! What are your plans for the next couple of months before the album comes out? Are you planning any promotional shows for the Unpoetic Flavor? Thank you for having us! We will probably throw a release party in our hometown of Huntsville, AL around May. We really want a spring release. We are gonna release more singles from the album including our next single "I Wish I Was Dead." That will be released sometime in February so be on the lookout! facebook.com/themdamndogs instagram.com/themdamndogs twitter.com/ThemDamnDogs #BuzzMusic

Singer-songwriter Cas Cleo has immersed herself in the world of music from a young age, always passionate about lyrics and crafting them to fit her own sound. She began her songwriting journey by using phrases and melodies from songs she had heard, and manipulating them into something that was entirely unique. She eventually made a move to Nashville, where she became a regular at the Listening Room Café, and now spends her time collaborating with other talent on singles that are set to be released in 2020. Cas Cleo’s most recent release, “Ghosts”, is a folksy and calming track, with a slower tempo and minimal instrumentation. Her voice truly shines behind the simple acoustics.  This allows emphasis on the serene and meaningful lyrics. Cas Cleo’s voice is light and airy, with a smooth tone that is a pleasure to listen to. Nashville’s influences on her music are apparent within the soft acoustics.  The lyrics speak to the listener, a characteristic that comes with many country & folk songs. Cas Cleo demonstrates her gift of lyricism with beautiful lines that allow listeners to appreciate the things that life has given you. She sings “being alive is not the things you do, but the moments with the people who love you”.  This song will resonate with her listeners and form a connection with them that goes beyond the music itself. Listen to "Ghosts" here. Hi Cas Cleo, and welcome to BuzzMusic! What is your favorite part about “Ghosts”, and what would you say stands out about it compared to your previous tracks? Ghosts is definitely the happiest song I have ever released, which is part of the reason I released it. I was really on the fence about whether or not I should release it in the beginning just because it felt so different than the other music I had put out. After sending it to a few close friends and family they wondered why I even would question the decision to put it out. It’s really sort of intimidating to release songs that don’t fit with what I usually put out, but it was exciting to see the response at the same time. “Ghosts” in particular contains lyrics with much depth and meaning, where do you draw inspiration from, and what does a typical songwriting session look like for you? When it comes to writing, lyrics are the most important aspect to me. When writing this I was wondering, “how do I write a song that’s about living in the moment but also not overly cheesy or.. happy I guess?”. I have a pretty dark sense of humor that I incorporate into a lot of things along with a vast knowledge of supernatural type things,  (don’t ask why haha) so I decided “why don’t I write a song about enjoying life, from the perspective of someone who is dead? A ghost.” All of the songs I’ve released so far I’ve written alone, although I have been doing more co-writing recently. When I write alone I usually just have to get really in my head (if I’m not already) and once I sit down with my guitar, all the lyrics sort of pour out of me within 20 minutes. It’s rare that it takes me longer than that and if it does I usually stop because I never want to force anything. It can sort of be a surreal experience, sometimes I’ll be hearing lyrics come out of my mouth for the first time and wonder where they came from. Sometimes I sing words that I don’t think I even know the meaning of and then I have to go google them after, but they always seem to work, it’s like my subconscious kind of takes over. How did your upbringing influence your music, and how have you evolved as an artist since you began songwriting? I grew up with my parents always playing their different genres of music around the house. My dad liked to play Blues/ Rock and my mom liked to play Celtic Folk music. So I guess me choosing to write  Folk, (sometimes Folk-Rock) that can sort of lean on the more melancholy side, makes sense, almost like I blended both of their favorite genres. I would say now that I am almost finished releasing my first 5 singles that I recorded at the same time in my life, I definitely have a better understanding of how I want to move forward as an artist. I have a better ear for production than I did before recording the 5 songs, as well as a better understanding of what people want to hear. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today, Cas Cleo! Where is this next year going to take you, and can you give any details on upcoming singles? So this year I will definitely be playing a lot more shows than I have previously, as well as working on writing new material. I hope to record some new songs toward the middle of this year as well. I will be releasing the last song of the 5 singles I have put out in the past year. It’s the last in the series, but actually the oldest of all of the songs. It was one of the first songs I wrote when I moved to Nashville, and it might be my new favorite of the 5. I should be releasing it in late March or April. I posted a little sneak peek of it on my Instagram (@cas.cleo) because I couldn’t wait and the response has already been amazing, so I am really excited! facebook.com/cascleomusic instagram.com/cas.cleo #BuzzMusic

Dearquinton unleashed a new single to the world titled “On My Mind”. “On My Mind” is a vibe with great lyrical substance that is relatable and offers support for universal youth experiences. Dearquinton delivers a clean-executed flow with a great transition in verses that showcases his versatility as a rapper and storyteller. One of our favorite moments in “On My Mind” is when Dearquinton includes a vocal melody with his rap bars. The song bounces right back to spitting with detailed wordplay that is thought-provoking and meaningful. “On My Mind” also has a great hook with an infectious melody. The sonic effect is captivating. The hook becomes intertwined with listeners complex social memories. Dearquinton is an intricate rapper whose music blurs the lines between hip-hop, pop, and even R&B, with a diverse number of strong influences. This permits his personality to shine through his songs. “On My Mind” showcases the various dimensions of Dearquinton artistry, from his skillful rap bars to his soulful vocal mix. “On My Mind” is an incredible single with an addictive production that’s going to get a generation hooked on Dearquinton. Listen to “On My Mind” by Dearquinton here. Welcome to BuzzMusic DearQuinton! We are grateful for your personal touches to traditional R&B and hip-hop songs. Can you tell us about your creative process for “On My Mind?” Thank you so much for having me! “On My Mind” is obviously about a break up. Which is what I was going through at the time of writing this. But Instead of wallowing in sadness, I wanted to write a song that celebrates all the lessons and strengths gained from heartbreak. I am a better person after having gone through heartbreak and that’s what this song is about. “You ain’t on my mind..” because I’m focusing on me now. Getting ME back. We know you are inspired by multiple famous musicians including Kenny G, Sade, Jay Z, Glass Animals, and Foster the People. These artists come from different genres, can you elaborate on how they influence the music you create? Firstly, I’m a fan of music as a whole - no matter the artist or genre. Each of these artists specifically have something I want to incorporate within my sound. For example, the lyricism of JayZ, the smooth feeling you get when you hear a Sade song, or the use of experimental instrumentation with Glass Animals and Foster The People.  These are all elements I pull from to create my own sound. I’m a MAD SCIENTIST. What are some major goals you have as an artist? How have you been working towards these goals so far? Id like to do a song with Lady Gaga or Solange. I’ve always wanted to. They’re my muses. That’s a huge goal of mine. In order to get there, I’ve been working on perfecting my live shows, learning to play instruments, and rehearsing my ass off. We were happy to have you on BuzzMusic! Can you tell us what we can expect to see from you in the future? Do you have any upcoming shows or releases? As I’m typing this I’m literally walking off stage EXHAUSTED. I’m currently in the process of filming a new music video for my new song coming out later this month! Super excited about that. To stay up to date with when my next show will be feel free to shoot me a follow @dearquintonmusic! I respond to EVERYTHING! instagram.com/dearquintonmusic #BuzzMusic

James Stephens is a Toronto-based artist who has created the very project that is Fourth Born. Fourth Born curates music that mostly adheres to the Alternative/Rock community, but sometimes he likes to throw in a little twist, which is undeniably strategic. We can't say we'll always know what to expect from Fourth Born as an artist, but that's half the fun of listening to his music. What is Fourth Born all about?  His sound is smooth and cultured.  Fourth Born brings back a rustic sound, but with a sound that contains a modern flow. A memorable aspect of almost all of his music is the sophistication. Listeners notice how crafted his instrumentals are, and how well they combine with light-hearted vocalism. Qualities like this are present in one of Fourth Born's track, "Last Cigarette", which displays an alternative environment that keeps up with an almost robust tune. "Cross Thread" is another track that we've seen from artist Fourth Born, which is similar to a heavier alt/rock track. Here, we get to indulge in the deeper vocalism of Fourth Born, which is inevitably filled with jagged and striking emotions.  Here, it's easy to compare Fourth Born to the vocal elements that bands such as The Arctic Monkey are able to produce. There's nothing more intriguing than an artist who is able to effortlessly gain the attention and interest of listeners, and this is definitely something that Fourth Born is capable of doing. His talent is there, and that's easily demonstratable through his songs. We feel that giving a chance of listening to the music of Fourth Born will leave you happy with the results! If you're an alt/rock fan, Fourth Born is the new wave to hop on. Listen to "Cross Thread" here. Hey, Fourth Born! It's great to talk about your music and what you've been up to artistically. Can you tell us more about your journey through the music world so far? For sure, my journey through the industry has been eye-opening. I’ve met a lot of creative and hardworking people, 2019 was a busy year for myself working primarily as a musician. I did mostly cover gigs, independent small studio productions, live sound, and worked with an emerging artist program called OMCI. (Ontario Musicians Cooperative Inc.) I am now in Toronto performing a lot, working part-time, networking and interning with a producer. Your release of "Cross Thread" greatly showcased your true alt/rock side of your artistry. Compared to "Last Cigarette", this track contains more of that vigor and robust passion. How do you personally think the songs compare, and how did the creative process differ across the two? These songs share similar messages but each offered in a different light. They’re both break up songs. The last cigarette offers the message of kind of an ironic blissful acceptance. Accepting the fact that you ignored all the warning signs but it’s not too late to quit. Whereas Cross thread takes on a bit more of a direct and cutting tone. The vibe of this song is about truly coming to terms that there’s too much that’s broken. Like a cross-threaded bolt that you need to break off and let go of. I don’t know, I guess metaphors are fun. The all-encompassing message I’m trying to portray with both of these songs is to let things go. Particularly things that are broken, or unhealthy. Sometimes breakups feel like they last forever. But I think boundaries are important and people need to move on in their own ways. Cross thread definitely just flowed out of me all at once, whereas last cigarette was on the back burner for around 2-3 years before it was fully written and released. As a multi-instrumentalist, do you think your knowledge and experience with this side of music aided in the creation of your current releases? Knowing how to play multiple instruments has definitely helped with my current releases. I like to play different instruments as a source of creativity. And to gain from the perspective of whatever instruments I’ve picked up over the years. It allows me to get at least a glimpse inside the minds of well-trained drummers or bass/piano composers. In regards to my education in music, I think about music in a very practical way. I learned to do it by basically picking stuff up by ear and running with it. I find it easier to think outside of the box when I’m not thinking about time signatures, and chord structures or scales when I’m trying to vibe out to a new track. Cross thread is a great example of a song that is theoretically written pretty well but without a conscious thought of what the theory of the song was while I was writing it. The chorus part is 4/4 timing. And the verses jump into 14/8 or something like that? I don’t know.. it’s a weird song. But it’s cool because naturally, the time signature changeup creates an unstable effect in the verses. And then when that chorus drops in the more stable 4/4 time signature change shed more light on the initial message of the song. Are there any sounds and/or genres that you're unfamiliar with, but would like to incorporate into the sound of your music in the near future? For sure, I’m always trying to get inspired by different sounds and genres. I do want to attempt to incorporate electronic vibes into my music eventually. I also like industrial type sounds. Maybe like reverb tank pops and falling guitars or something. Typewriters and stuff like that. To create a scene has always been an appealing concept to me. And hopefully something I can learn to do effectively as my production knowledge develops further. We appreciate the time, Fourth Born! Can our readers expect any new releases in the near future?! Thank you! The next release will be a song called “Masters of disguise” which will be released to streaming services on February 14th. instagram.com/fourthbornmusic twitter.com/fourthbornmusic fourthbornmusic.ca #BuzzMusic

From London, alt-punk and metal band The Buddha Pests are making quite the name! With multiple releases and having just returned from their UK tour, their sound is being compared to that of The Pixies, Queens of the Stoneage, and Joy Division. In 2006, singer-songwriter Pete Derzbach started the project. Atilla Pal on bass and occasionally vocals, as well as Simon Du Toit on vocals, are currently featured. The Buddha Pests are here to bring an exciting mix of psychedelic and heavy rock that stimulates and delights the imagination. Their song “All Alone” is filled with rich guitar sounds and a groovy bassline; the smooth vocals fit well with this kind of bass. The percussion is powerful, changing rhythm throughout the song to keep it refreshing, and is completed with clean and hard-hitting drum fills. The track during the chorus is split in such a way that it demands audience attention. The vocal harmony is clear and clean, and the addition of the whistle is ear-catching and unusual. A dynamic ending leaves you wanting more. The Buddha Pests are working on their latest and greatest album, and we can’t wait to see where their new music will take us. Listen to "All Alone" here. Welcome to BuzzMusic! Tell us a bit about yourselves and how you got your start in the industry. I am 42 years old from Hungary, Budapest. I have been living in London UK for 15 years now. I started The Buddha Pests in 2006 since we have released two EPs and 2 albums and toured in Europe and in the UK a few times. I have started playing on open mic nights in London and started to know promoters from them and kept contact with them via the internet and other social media platforms. Your sound has been compared to some notable bands such as Foo Fighters and Joy Division. How have bands like these influenced the way you create music? My influences are 60s beat music, 60-70s rock, psychedelic rock, punk  80s art-rock new wave and 90s grunge and brit-pop and a lot of alternative rock from the 90s to nowadays. I really like Joy Division, I am not a huge Foo Fighters fan, but I like some of their tunes. I was a much bigger Nirvana and Queen of the stone age fun. Even though you guys have just completed a UK tour, you’re already working on a new album. Why do you think this is your greatest album yet and what inspired you to write it? Yes, we are working on our 3rd album, but still just coming up with ideas. What inspires us is the hidden unknown in our second mind. We try to be as "careless" as we can be and relaxed when we write as it possible and let things happen and if something unusual and surprising happens then we start to work them out. This album shouldn't give teaching about life and experiences and mindfulness. It should be a documentation of a few months of 2020 when we wish to meet with our unknown sounds and thoughts from our back or our mind. A bit to explore our unknown thoughts about what really affecting our lives. What can we expect to see from The Buddha Pests throughout 2020? We wish to release our 3rd album around autumn, a couple of new music videos from the album and hopefully a tour again in the UK, France, Italy, and Hungary. Also to get to as many people as it is possible and give people valuable time when they here us. facebook.com/thebuddhapests twitter.com/thebuddhapests #BuzzMusic

Welcome, Ryan from Little King! Fill us in on what 2020 has had in store for you so far! Any big dreams you are running toward this year? Good afternoon! Yes, 2020 is off to a breakneck start. Busy with rehearsals for now, as Manny (Tejeda, bass) and I am wood-shedding all of the new songs with a bunch of the older ones in preparation for touring later this year. That's been fun and challenging, as all of the bass players who came before him in Little King made sure to make it as difficult as possible on those who came after them. We just spent a couple of hours on the solo section of the song "Virus Divine" from the album of the same name that was released in 2004. Shannon Brady played bass on that record in the studio, and he wrote a monster part for that track. I am sure he thought no one else would ever have to deal with it! He and Manny are friends, though, so hopefully, they communicate a little bit on it if Manny gets stuck. Was sounding good today, though. In addition to doing a bunch of interviews and rehearsing about 15 songs for the tour, we are also about to launch a national college radio campaign in March. We have a company in Minnesota who has worked on a couple of our records over the years with good results, and since I think our newest material from Occam's Foil is the strongest yet, I expect to have some great feedback soon. Hopefully, this will help launch us onto some commercial stations and festival stages as well.  Radio is an odd beast, but I feel like "Hate Counter," "The Skin That I'm In," and "Forgotten Mile" are all strong enough to win some spins. Also doing some Spotify promo, a little bit of Social Media campaigning, running a business in Silicon Valley, raising a teenager, washing the cat, taking out the trash, re-shingling the neighbor's roof, and running for governor... Can you recall the moment when you knew you wanted to be a musician? What do you think motivated you day in and day out to continue on the path? Oh yes, I remember it well.  I dabbled in music in high school, as I was a "singer" in a cover band called the Green T's. We thought that was funny!  Anyway, we played a few songs in the cafeteria at lunch, which was actually called "The Mushroom" because it was shaped like a giant Boomer.  So we butchered some songs by U2, Rush, Zeppelin, INXS, and I think The Police. Or, should I say, I butchered them. The rest of the guys were pretty good. It was awful!  But I kept practicing. Before I was a musician, I was a serious basketball player. Like pretty dominant for a little guy, and I was actually coached and taught by the current coach for the Utah Jazz, Quin Snyder, who lived across the street from me just outside of Seattle. So I had major Hoop Dreams. But when my senior year rolled around, my focus lapsed. I was playing as much guitar as I was shooting jump shots, and because I was short, I was up against long odds. Our high school was generally considered to have the best basketball program in the state of Washington, so it was a SERIOUS BUSINESS.  Anyway, I got cut before my senior season, and I was devastated and pissed. In retrospect, though, I probably didn't deserve to make the team. In the absence of having basketball as my prime mover for the first time in 12 years, I got serious about music. When I really focused on playing the guitar, I found that I probably had a much better future in music than in sports. I eventually went to college in Arizona, and when I auditioned for my first band as a lead guitar player down in Tucson, I was hooked. I didn't make that cut either, but damn if I didn't burn that rehearsal up!  Their loss, I guess. But that set me on a path that hasn't deviated for about 30 years. How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started making music? What if anything has stayed the same about your music-making process? I think 16 years old I would probably make fun of the current me.  Seriously, I was pretty narrow with my spectrum of musical influences back in the day. If it wasn't classic rock or metal, it wasn't on my radar. Guitar solos were mandatory, "serious" musicianship in the bands I listened to was more important than songwriting, and I don't recall ever wanting to emulate anything other than what I heard on KISW, Seattle's premier rock station. Times change. I draw a lot more inspiration from jazz, hip hop, classical music, and reggae. Yes, I guess Little King is still rooted in classic, alternative, and progressive rock, but I listen to a wide variety of genres. I am sure that seeps into my writing. What HAS stayed the same, though, is a dedication to my craft. I take pride in writing challenging guitar parts and thoughtful lyrics. It is my mission to record songs that I am not thoroughly embarrassed by in 10 years!  I've been successful, for the most part, in that goal.  There are a few songs that I cringe at all these years later, but I don't have to play them and our audience doesn't have to be tortured with them.  We all win that way. Growing up, how important was music in your life? It can be a tough road, were your family and friends supportive of this career choice? As I mentioned before, music was second only to sports until they intersected and changed roles at about age 17. My big brother Matt was a huge influence on my listening tastes as a kid. He's about 3 years older than me, so he would bring home a new album or listen to a song on the radio and I wanted to know who it was, what it was called, and who was in the band. I would then run to the nearest Tower Records and find a magazine that featured that band as soon as I could!  No internet to scout new music...hell, this was even before MTV.  It was a radio and off to the record store. Glorious in its simplicity, no? Matt and I used to have stereo wars. He was a big Zeppelin guy, and I was a Rush guy. We would go back and forth, much to my parents' chagrin, cranking songs at full volume. He'd blast "Dazed and Confused," and I'd counter with "Xanadu."  But he was bigger than me, and when I got too aggressive with the stereo, he'd come into my room and sit on top of me and torture me with chest compressions. I couldn't breathe! It was all in good fun, though. My parents have always been very supportive. They aren't musicians, but there was a lot of music around the house. Dad loves the Stones and the Beatles. Mom...well, let's just say I know a few Gordon Lightfoot and Bee Gees songs by heart. But while they didn't UNDERSTAND what I was up to, and they still probably don't, they've always been particularly supportive. It was fun not long ago to go on a road trip with my mom from Tucson, where she lives, to El Paso to visit my daughter. We spent 5 hours listening to all kinds of music, and I got to play a few of my songs and explain what they were about. You'd think we would have done that long before, but we hadn't. The song "Happy Home" affected her particularly, as it's a song about the pain of going through a divorce, and she lived that period of time with me. Mom and I are really close...it was a really special moment to share the last 23 years of my music with her. What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music in your career? Have you had an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all? The biggest surprise is how difficult it has been to stay active as a musician while juggling fatherhood, adult responsibilities, running a business...LIFE in general. It's not for the faint of heart. But I am driven by my passion for songwriting and the desire to share my vision, both musically and lyrically, with the world. I went and got a BA in Creative Writing, and always try to infuse my lyrics with as much thought and care as possible. It's not easy, and after 6 albums, I have to be really careful to not be redundant. So that's been a challenge...no one likes that old guy who keeps repeating himself. I love the challenge of putting a setlist together and blending the new material with the older songs. It's so much fun to listen back and fit all of these 15 or so pieces together like a puzzle. Some of them are very challenging to play and sing at the same time, especially the songs from Time Extension (1998). I was reckless as a writer back then!  But they still move me, particularly "Bloodline."  The way we have designed the set for this year, there is a very definite through-line that links the songs together. What a thrill it will be to bring that to our fans. Can't. Wait! Let’s talk about the new music you are going to be putting out. What has been your inspiration for new material? How creatively are you involved in what you put out? Occam's Foil is the name of the new EP, and I am the primary writer of the lyrics and music, although Manny and Eddy (Garcia, drummer) have considerable input into the arrangements once I bring the songs to them.  This album is a reflection of our time down in El Paso recording in 2019, as well as some things I have been through personally in the last few years.  I deal with failed relationships, my pointed anger at our current political climate, the opioid crisis, living in a place that is far far away from the rest of my family, and so much more. I think the songs are the best combination of the many styles that influence me as a musician that I have ever released. "The Foil" has a lot of reggae influence, there's a serious Latin flair to the bridge of "The Skin That I'm In," a ton of bluesy flavor on "Nerve #8," and some good old fashioned HEAVY on "Hate Counter."  I took it as a challenge to write songs that would never be boring or sound too similar yet at the same time maintaining consistency in feel and passion.  I think we achieved that quite nicely this time around. The title of the record, Occam's Foil, is based on a famous theory called "Occam's Razor."  That philosophy has roots in 12th or 13th century England, as Father William of Ockham theorized that the simplest answer is usually the correct one, absent extenuating circumstances. I'm simplifying, but you get the meaning. So I counter that argument by encouraging deeper thought, more thorough investigation, consideration of counter-viewpoints, and a lust for the core of what really is righteous and true. That may not help me fill a dance floor - I get it - but at least I can be proud of leaving something behind that will hopefully inspire some introspection and perhaps even some change. You have shared the stage with many incredible performers so I am curious which one really stands out the most to you? Who have you learned the most form? I have had the magnificent fortune of playing and recording with some absolute monsters. Eddy Garcia has engineered the last 4 Little King records and has played drums on the last 3.  He also founded the Texas Metal band Pissing Razors, has toured all over the world with Ministry and Overkill and is one of my dearest friends. Eddy and I have different backgrounds, but damn do we work well together! I respect his ears, his no-nonsense attitude, his honesty, and his ridiculous chops. The way he brings my vision to life on the drums is just something that I will never take for granted. I wish that people could see him recording Little King songs. His ability to make sense out of my bloody ridiculous arrangements in almost no time flat is nothing short of incredible.  I love that dude, and he's had a major hand in literally shaping my legacy as a musician and human being. I also had an opportunity to work with Terry Brown, Rush's producer, and engineer, back in 2003.  This was a formative experience, sitting at the desk with the man who helped record and produces the soundtrack to my childhood. He's such a smart, humble, and talented man. We would work all day and then go out on the town in Toronto in the evening for dinner and drinks, and invariably people would recognize him. It was always a shock to him that people CARED who he was!  I was also struck by the times he would be casually mentioning a funny story about Jimi Hendrix having coffee and acid in the studio while Terry would mic up a tuba. And he'd mention these stories without any sense of how utterly cool he was! That was a great lesson...my heroes are humble. Where can we get our hands on new music and connect with you more? Please do! Start off at www.littlekingtunes.com as that is comprehensive. We are also on Facebook - facebook.com/littlekingtunes and Instagram instagram.com/littlekingtunes #BuzzMusic

Plastic Culture is a California-based duo that incorporates a multitude of styles into their songs. They specialize in rock and roll while fusing psychedelic, reggae and funk cultures which creates a multi-genre platform for their music. Plastic Culture was formed in 2012 by lead vocalist Kaitlin T. She recruited the group’s multitalented guitarist Oscar E. who can play many different instruments. Plastic Culture has officially recorded an EP produced by LA’s highly awarded producer Frank Gryner. Kaitlin and Oscar have put all of their focus into improving their tunes through practice, re-writing, and re-working sections. Their authentic sounds are the clear result of tireless work and an investment of effort and time. The new release “Power of Love” is a seamless blend of psychedelic rock, heart and soul and funk with a modern twist. Like traditional rock songs, Plastic Culture relies heavily on instruments for the background music; Oscar jams on an electric guitar along with a pounding drum beat. During an instrumental section of “Power of Love” Oscar solos with his impressive guitar riffs. Kaitlin also wows her audience with her natural vocal talent. She has a rich, throaty voice that expresses her emotion during the powerful chorus. Plastic Culture sings about the “power of love” and how truly addicting a love interest can be. The song is lyrically relatable and musically fresh. Unlike most traditional rock songs, “Power of Love” can be enjoyed by a variety of music lovers rather than fans of one specific genre. Listen to "Power of Love" here. Hey Plastic Culture, welcome to BuzzMusic! We love the fresh style of rock ‘n roll that you provide. Can you tell us more about the creative process for your song “Power of Love?” Hello BuzzMusic! Thank you for having us & for the kind words, really our main goal behind this single was to create something that we felt sounded good & original,  something that a wide variety of audiences can enjoy & something we enjoyed playing ourselves. Can you tell us how you came up with the name “Plastic Culture,” and what it represents? We came up with the name ‘Plastic Culture’ because we felt that there’s lot’s of plastic, fake-ness going around in our culture & of course with music & we wanted to ensure people that we are something different that is coming out of this plastic culture we live in. Are there any artists that have influenced the way you create your music? How have they inspired your musical style? We have many different influencers, to just name a few: Sublime, Jefferson airplane, Hepcat, The Doors, Barrington levy, Santana, Deep Purple, etc, we like to take things we hear like a sick lick or a cool drum snare and do something a bit different with it & add our own sound. We have a lot of love for so many different types of genres, so, we tend to put them all together in a big ol’ mixing pot & see what we can create out of it. It’s very important for us to make sure that we sound like us. Thanks, Plastic Culture! We were very happy to have you here on BuzzMusic. We know that you have put many hours into improving your music, can you elaborate on how this has impacted the resulting songs you create? Thank you very much and again thank you for having us! The results have been great, We’ve been working on these songs for years now, 2012 is when they were created, & so much change & work has been put into to the songs / Newly released single. We feel it was such a big help to have taken the time over the years, to really, really, perfect the tunes we have, instead of pushing them out right away. What can we expect to see next from Plastic Culture? We have quite a few things in the works we are currently working with the AMG Corp & Sony music, We have an international distribution/marketing deal with them. We have three more singles coming! The next one will release this month! We also have a mini-tour in the states coming up later this year & a Japan tour coming up as well. We have a few music licensing deals & a music placement deal for tv shows, etc, with great companies such as: MTV, Mood media & KDigital media. We honestly couldn’t be more thankful & thrilled for the things we have coming up & ready for this year, & the great people/ companies we are working with and are starting to work with, we are ready to take over! instagram.com/plasticulture plasticultureofficial.com facebook.com/Thatbandcallesplasticculture #BuzzMusic

Granite To Glass is a Brooklyn-based, Indie-folk chamber ensemble that knows how to captivate the audience with their transcending sound that is both elemental and atmospheric. They have released singles, “Dusk” and “A Light”. These are songs that depend heavily upon ethereal vocals and hazy productions. “Dusk” has a dream-like vibe with sophisticated instrumentation that is elegant and dramatic. These elements complement the whispery, yet dynamic vocal resonance that moves the listener along into an other-worldly dimension. Granite To Glass not only captivates the audience with “Dusk” but they also show an unusual dimension to “A Light”. This song is soft and subtle, with delicate instrumentation and a feathery light vocal delivery. The vibe in “A Light” is more vague and misty, providing a build-up of emotion throughout the song. “A Light” was beautifully arranged, but the nebulous vibe was our favorite element to this song due to its peace and relaxation. “Dusk” and “A Light” are two songs with many similarities, but a significant number of differences. The song is authentic in its emotional range and in the presentation of passion. Production creates a satisfying link between the two songs. One side of the door is more mellow and the other side is more glossy and tenuous. Granite To Glass has impressive artists with a celestial vibe that is compelling. Listen to "A Light" and "Dusk" here. Welcome to BuzzMusic Granite To Glass! All being multi-faceted artists with diverse musical backgrounds and experiences, how did you find each other and re-form "Granite To Glass" with original founder Jon Kohen? Craigslist! Jon (acoustic guitar & vocals) posted an ad looking for string players. Jen (violin) responded and was a perfect match. Gavin (cello) was connected through Jen. Neal (pedal steel) found us on Facebook, and sent us a message! Jesse (electric guitar & vocals) and Jon knew each other from Massachusetts and linked up in NYC. We're excited to talk to you about your project "A Light | Dusk". What does this project mean to you as a band? Can you tell us a little bit about the meaning behind this release and the message you wish your listeners will take away from it? A Light is my attempt at a love song. Everyone likes those, right? I haven't really written many. I tried to keep this one simple. This song gives me a deep sense of peace when I play it live. Especially during the instrumental bridge. The whole thing feels like one big exhale of relief to me." - Jon Kohen "Dusk is based on a story I read online. The story was meant to be motivational. It's about feeling unmotivated, then closing your eyes, and imagining you were on your deathbed, wishing you'd done more. All you have to do is open your eyes, and you can do the things that you will regret not doing at the end of your life. Also, fun-fact, the first verse about souls passing is based on some dialog in Twilight Princess (Zelda game).." - Jon Kohen We hear there's a new LP coming in the spring of 2020! How does this album differentiate from your debut LP 'For When You Need This'.  Our next release, a self-titled LP, will sound a lot more organic. “for when you need this” was recorded with an orchestra in a concert hall. “Granite to Glass” represents more of what we sound like live; more like we’re sitting next to you and playing in your living room. The space between the notes is much more tangible.  Today, there are many resources available for artists to create an album and record it in their bedroom. It's very cool to hear your new LP is being created this way. For someone who's just starting out and learning the ropes. what advice can you give them? Don’t let any preconceptions get in your way, even from yourself. Music is about passion, and there’s no “right” way to do it. Play a guitar like a drum if you want to. Work on developing your own taste. When your ability matches your taste—when you truly dig what you have created—then others will most likely share in that taste as well. We recorded in a studio with the lovely Jesse French (electric guitar/vocals) as an engineer, but just a reminder to anyone that is recording completely DIY: Iron & Wine did it (four-track). Elliott Smith did it (four-track). The Mountain Goats did it (boombox). Check out all of their first albums!  It's been a pleasure talking to you! What can we expect to see from Granite To Glass throughout the year? We have some live music videos coming out next week, so check us out on social media or our website for updates! We’re planning a tour, and an album release. For the summer. In the meantime, we’ll be playing in NYC! Facebook Instagram Twitter #BuzzMusic

Hello Lexi Todd! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today. We are so excited - you just released a new single "Get My Mind Right". Congrats! How would you describe the vibe of this song? Thanks so much! Genre-wise, I like to call it "smooth, indie/alternative r&b."  GMMR is a lush, introspective song about overcoming negative habits and maintaining good vibes. Do you ever feel like no matter what you do you can't get out of a funk, so you keep trying to convince yourself that everything is great until you actually start believing it? That's what this song is about. The first verse is about all the things we do to procrastinate taking our mental and emotional health seriously. The second verse is about ignoring all of those distractions and letting yourself get better. The hooks and bridge/outro is our mantra: you've got this no matter what. How did you decide this would be your next single? To be totally honest, I kind of hit a wall at the end of 2019. I think I let myself get a little too burnt out and wasn't taking care of myself properly. As a result, I became unmotivated and a bit depressed. I desperately needed to harness new energy at the top of the year and this song couldn't have been a better fit for that. Making New Year's resolutions and recommitting to my healthy routine in 2020 meshed perfectly with the song, so it made sense to have the song and video come out at the beginning of the year. Do you get nervous before you put new material out into the world or is it more exciting to you? Of course, I get nervous! I go through a cycle of being really excited to share my hard work with the world and then terrified that no one will listen or, worse, no one will like it. At a certain point, I kind of just have to say "screw it, I'm putting this out; I'm committed." Doing that is very freeing. What do you hope listeners feel or take away after listening to Get My Mind Right? I hope they feel more positive and motivated to take on their day. I hope they stop guilt-tripping themselves about little things and refocus on the present moment. Please tell us – do you have plans for an EP or album in 2020? We want the full scoop! I'm looking to release one more single in early spring before focusing on finishing and releasing my first full-length album. Stay tuned for more updates on that album! What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music in your career? Have you had an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all? I would say the biggest surprise has been realizing how much of being an indie musician is not creative; it's sending emails. As an indie musician, we're expected to be our own rights administrator, distributor, marketing team, publicist, and more, so at least half of our time is taken away from creating and devoted to our business. Luckily, I like the business side of things and love that I can have complete control of my artist career, but it can be overwhelming at times. Stream Lexi Todd on Spotify. lexitodd.com instagram.com/lexitoddmusic facebook.com/lexitoddmusic twitter.com/lexitoddmusic #BuzzMusic

Welcome To BuzzMusic DJ Forrest! You’ve received great recognition on your DJ skillsets so far! What has been the most monumental moment of your career and why? The most monumental moment was being recognized as one of the three top DJs in Houston, TX, the third largest city in the US in 2018, 2019, and again in 2020 this year! This was a result of great feedback from working with such top companies as Twitter, Microsoft, Exxon Mobil and other top companies in the world. Can you describe to us the nightlife scene in Houston, Texas? In what ways are you inspired by your environment and how does the energy of the crowd impact your sets? Houston has a robust nightlife scene and the energy when I perform there is second to none. One thing I hear after performing is that people are blown away that a DJ could possibly perform at a level this high. The downtown, Midtown, and corporate scene inspire me to get better as there are hundreds of great DJs I compete within a friendly manner, so the cutting edge scene keeps me on my toes and at the top of my game at all times. What’s a major difference for you when it comes to producing your own original music as opposed to remixing others? Which would you consider to be more challenging for you and why? The biggest challenge is that while I have been DJing for over 20 years, I only began releasing original music in 2019. My inspiration for releasing music as that it's challenging in today's environment to find new music that works well at events, so I began creating danceable music for DJs that when they play my songs, there will be a rhythm and quality that is designed to move the dancefloor. I love releasing remixes because I am able to take songs that are already great and put my own spin on them to give DJs another option when playing hits that have been overplayed. My goal is to take slower songs and add an EDM twist that will make them more conducive to the dancefloor to help DJs be unique. Can you tell us more about your song, “Not Alone”? What was the vision you had for this single? "Not Alone" has been one of my most successful releases to date. I relied heavily on the talented singer/songwriter to write this emotional and inspirational anthem that would help our fans realize that they are NEVER alone, even when in this world it seems your voice often gets overshadowed. I believe that leads to much of the depression and feelings of hopelessness plaguing many of us. When I sent over the instrumental and vision, Kelsey took it and ran, and we worked great as a team because she is a genuine person like myself that hoped to touch lives with this one. What can we expect to see from you throughout 2020? I am putting the finishing touches on "Call Me Up" featuring Dezi Dior and "The Shift" and these official music videos will be shot in late February of 2020. I have more projects lined up with some tops names that I can't discuss quite yet, but there will be more top-notch originals and remixes coming very soon. instagram.com/djforresthouston facebook.com/djforresthouston #BuzzMusic