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Hailing from Los Angeles, Justin Hulsey is a singer/songwriter and gifted musician. Equipped with Midwest roots and a Nashville upbringing, Justin has released 5 full-length albums and multiple singles. With his impressive repertoire ranging from heartbreaking acoustic songs to grungey progressive rock songs, Justin Hulsey is a master of versatility. A literary buff, Justin Hulsey fills his music with emotive lyricisms and heavy subject matter. His latest single “Fun Gun” displays Justin’s passion for human rights combined with light-hearted melodies. A melancholic and charmingly organic intro slowly intensifies into a masterly crafted hit. The one of a kind sound is soulful with undertones of blues vibes. The hook has me completely blown away. It’s harmonically-rich, grungy, and all-around groundbreaking. Justin throws down tight grooves throughout the entire track and his vocals are mesmerizing. The versatility is fully showcased through the gritty hook and flawlessly switching to a soft angelic delivery. “Fun Gun” has a strong poetic lyrical substance and Justin Hulsey captures the essence of the emotion through spectacular lyricism and catchy riffs. The flowing sound arrangements and catchy melody make this song very addicting and we’re loving it. Check out “Fun Gun” here and read more with Justin Hulsey in our interview below! Welcome to BuzzMusic Justin Hulsey! For our readers who don’t know, how would you describe your sound and overall approach to making music? I would have to say that the sound is influenced by the words. I don’t think I’ve ever stuck to just one genre or sound. I’ve always been lyrically driven. When I was young and learned a few chords I started to write. I use music as a vehicle for the words to be heard. Sometimes that vehicle is rock. Sometimes soft acoustic. Sometimes machines of sorts. Who has had the biggest influence on your life musically thus far? Can you describe the impact this particular individual has had in terms of your new song “Fun Gun”? That’s a tough one. I’m mostly influenced by honesty. If an artist or a song isn’t honest then I can’t connect. I’ve always been under the influence of people like Jackson Browne, David Gray and bands such as Doves, Mew, and Elbow (Guy Garvey is a master songwriter!). R.E.M. has had a huge impact on me. Michael Stipe always seemed to just let his stream of conscious lead the way. Emotionally and politically. Even if you don’t understand what the hell he’s saying, which can be often, it just connects…it just makes sense. With “Fun Gun” I got the chance to marry the three. Stream of conscious. Emotion. Politics. But not just politics, human rights. As a father, I’ve been outraged by the continuous shootings in this country. I was the same age as the kids at Columbine in ’99.  And now here we are, 20 years later and I’m fearing for my son. It’s sickening. I’m a big proponent of making our gun laws smarter and safer. There’s no reason that this shouldn’t be obvious to everyone. And it pisses me off that it’s such a struggle and that while all the adults and leaders argue over it, more people are dying every day. We also checked out your amazing album “Morning Bloom”! How does this new single differ from the songs on that album? Has your sound changed or evolved with time? That was a tough time for me. A lot of big life changes were taking place, the end of a marriage, the beginning of being a single dad, and being in a new town which I never quite took to, so all of those songs pretty much wrote themselves. For better or worse I’m pretty heart-on-sleeve most of the time. Those songs were also all written on the acoustic guitar in a cold studio apartment about the size of a shoebox. At least it was across the street from the neighborhood bar. My producer and long-time friend, Justin Glasco, and I built the music for Morning Bloom from the ground up. And I love that process. With “Fun Gun” and the new music I’ve been trying my hand at the producer role. So my approach to writing has changed a bit because of that. No matter the process it’s going, to be honest. That’s the only way for me. We love that your new single is personal yet still vague enough to be relatable. What predominant message was integrated within "Fun Gun"? I’m tired of seeing people killed, especially our children. It’s got to stop. I want people to stand up and say enough’s enough. It’s embarrassing. I’m embarrassed of this country’s mentality. Music is powerful and all I’ve ever wanted to do with mine is to have a connection, to contribute. So “Fun Gun” is my way of contributing. All of the proceeds from downloads and streams will be donated to Everytown For Gun Safety. A really fantastic organization that’s making a lot of headway and opening a lot of minds. Thank you so much for chatting with us! What’s next for you artistically? Are you working on a longer project to accompany your new single!? I am working on the new album actually. The plan is to have "Fun Gun" be included but we’ll see. Doing a lot of writing and I’m starting to hone in on what it’s going to be. I’m really proud of these songs and very excited to share them. Connect with Justin Hulsey: www.facebook.com/justin.t.hulsey www.Instagram.com/justinhulseymusic #BuzzMusic

“Slumped” is another hip-hop smash from Gotti Mirano, fusing high energy, multi-layered beats, with a heavy bass-line and a quickly confident, easy-going subject matter and performance. It’s is an easy anthem for contemporary hip hop fans. Gotti Mirano and SosMula drive with a simple lust for life including catchy hooks, laid-back concepts, professionalism, and style. This release is far from the exception and offers yet another track that further cements Gotti’s sound and approach as an artist. The lyrics are raw and Gotti Mirano and SosMula truly layout their individual journeys and experiences. “Slumped” not only showcases Gotti Mirano’s skill as a rapper and lyricist, but he gives us a high energy and catchy delivery to each hook that will have any listener shouting along with him. The multi-talented artist shows his versatility through this release. “Slumped” is a song that connects a little more strongly with every few moments that pass by, and with each new revisit. That intensity and swagger drive things along in an appealing way, reminding you there’s a musical connection at the heart of Gotti Mirano’s work and his reasons for making pure bangers. Gotti Mirano is currently working on his much-anticipated EP “137”, stay tuned! Listen to “Slumped” here and read more with Gotti Mirano below! You have a really versatile and unique style, how long have you been making music? It’s been about 4-5 years. It’s really hard to say what genre or sub genre of hip-hop I make, because I have so many different styles. I can make something where I’m screaming and being super hype, and then all of the sudden I can make something for the ladies. I guess the inner kid in me was the kid that wanted to shop at hot topic while listening to Drake, if that makes sense lol. What can you tell us about your new project “137”? Well, this EP I get pretty personal and I talk about some of the issues that I face in my day-to-day life. I’m really excited I actually got to work with baby goth in the studio and we made a song together and I honestly feel like this song couldn’t have been more personal. I was really sad when I wrote this song that she’s featured on, I was crying on the inside when I wrote it lol. What do you hope your listeners take away from your music? I hope that my listeners see that heartbreak/depression/substance abuse, is very common and they are not alone. I want to be the voice for those who don’t get heard. What is it about making music that draws such passion from? For me, music draws out an unexplainable feeling of joy and accomplishment that I don’t get from anything or anyone. What’s next for Gotti Mirano? My next EP ,137, is gonna be produced by ear drummers, I am very excited to see what comes of that. I got features from Baby Goth, Emotional Xan, and Lil Keyu. The EP has a very different feel, it’s pretty dark, but I know my fans will love it. It has some sad songs it, and it also has mad songs lol. #BuzzMusic

Born and raised in Barbados, Reezy FN moved to Canada at only 8 years old. Now hailing from London, Ontario, he discovered his passion for music and his authentic and original sound. Although it wasn’t easy, Reezy FN managed to launch his own entertainment company “FromNothin Entertainment...inc”, which was founded in January 2007. After beginning this company, Reezy FN has nowhere to go but to the top. His most notable release to date was in collaboration with Sean Kingston himself in a track called “Girl”. Reezy FN comes with a unique sound, admirable versatility, and the drive to make it. Don’t sleep on Reezy FN, performer, songwriter, owner/operator/entrepreneur, FromNothin! “Trust Me” ft. Young Prince Beats is a smooth R&B ballad from Reezy FN. “Trust Me” gives the listener a retrospective look at Reezy FN’s feelings and thoughts. “Trust Me” focuses on being in love with someone and so loyal and dedicated that Reezy FN needs to make it known that his girl can trust him. “Trust Me” is reminiscent of anyone’s first love and it demands to be heard. Equipped with a sultry voice and a catchy hook, Reezy FN weaves through storytelling elements through his emotive songwriting and R&B stylings. Reezy FN curates music that his listeners can relate to forge original connections with his fans. Contemporary pop/hip-hop fused with Motown vibes give this track just enough soul for anyone to rock along with. “Trust Me” possesses contagious energy and an addicting melody that we’re bumping on repeat. Authentically Reezy’s style, “Trust Me” is a spectacular smooth track on it’s way to the top. Check out “Trust Me” here and read more in our exclusive interview below. Hey there Reezy FN! Welcome to the BuzzMusic community! Congratulations on your latest track "Trust Me". How did the overall production go for the song? Well first off I will like thank you Buzz music L.A. for having me  but Young Prince Beats and I have made quite a bit songs together but this one was special from the moment I heard him making the beat I was like this is a banger and here we are and then next thing u know I was in Barbados shooting the video and the rest is history. We're incredibly excited to be featuring your track "Trust Me". We definitely sense that old-school flair you bring to a more contemporary R&B style. Where do you find your inspiration to curate tracks with such originality? Honestly, I have been making music for a while now but being able to actually sing has help me to create a lot easier and find different starting points to create and I obviously love women lol. What would you say is the most impactful takeaway message from "Trust Me”? Do you feel like you're able to connect with your listeners on that deeper level? Well, you can’t have a proper relationship without trust first and foremost and being able to connect with your partner on a deeper level. That no one can break is priceless and I believe everyone on planet earth can relate especially the ladies. How would you describe the music scene for your particular genre in London, Ontario? Do you believe that you can fully develop your sound in the city? Well, thank god I’ve been blessed to be able to create different genres of music so for me it was about finding a way to adjust and being different then everybody else, and if I could fully develop my sound in my city? Ummmm probably not because like we all know sharks and whales can only grow as big their environment so for me it’s always about leveling up. Is there anything exciting happening for you within the next few months?! Any upcoming shows you can share with the BuzzMusic community? Honestly, right now I’m focused on making more music and increasing my value and networking but I am in the process of picking songs for my project mixtape album whatever they call it nowadays lol and then we can go from there. Connect with Reezy FN: www.instagram.com/reezyfn www.facebook.com/ReezyFN #BuzzMusic

Friends since high school and founding members of Mandala, Abe Azab and Morgan Fasanelli have been making music together since they were 17. Using music as an outlet for their emotions, funky rock collective Mandala creates powerful music with themes ranging from human rights, love, loss, confidence, struggle, and hope. With a tightknit group of members, Mandala has authentic chemistry both on and off stage. Their new EP “Damsel In Defense” proves that Mandala is on a mission to create an experience through their music by telling their story. “She Don’t Mind” is featured on Mandala’s latest EP and we’re grooving to this new hit through the office. With undertones of psychedelic funk-rock, “She Don’t Mind” brings back the danceable and contagious qualities frequently absent from modern music. Lead singer Morgan is electrifying, explosive, and comparable to legendary vocalists like Hayley Williams of Paramore. The melody and rhythm have us instantly addicted to this catchy new track. “She Don’t Mind” is an empowering anthem that sets Mandala apart in the music industry in a big way. Mandala lets the listener see their inner thoughts and feelings from a new perspective. It’s admirable for artists to be able to let their listeners connect with them on a personal level. I think “She Don’t Mind” is a track that everyone can vibe and relate to. I highly recommend you check it out and stay on the lookout for more from Mandala! Listen to “She Don’t Mind” here and read more with Mandala below! Hi Mandala! Welcome to BuzzMusic! Can you start by introducing all of the members of Mandala? How would you describe your overall approach to making music? Hey, We’ve got Morgan Fasanelli, 21, vocals. Abe Azab, 23, vocals and guitar. Sean Connelly, 22, drums. Pat Mulholland, 23, guitar. Matt Rosano, 22, bass. Our overall approach to music is a serious in the moment thought that then grows and develops over time. A lot of our writing and sound ends up being a cultivation of time and thought mixed with performance and consideration for previous thought. How do you think "Damsel In Defense" compares to your first album? How do you think your overall sound has progressed since the release of your first album? Our first album, and even our second we’re written and recorded during very formative parts of our lives and our young adulthood. They’ve got a lot more angst behind them but the same soul as always. Since our first album, Valley People, through to our second, Cash For Smiles, this new EP, Damsel in Defense, is a more matured sound. It’s our cleanest, grooviest sound yet as well. We really pushed ourselves while cultivating these tracks, all the way through to the final day of uploading. As a group I think we’ve all mentally progressed in the same direction and we tried to capture that energy and emotion on this EP. “She Don’t Mind” is an especially high energy track from this project. Can you tell us about the writing/recording process for this song? Originally the song was written completely opposite of the feeling “high energy”, it sounded almost like a folk song and was half the tempo that it is on the record. Abe kept pitching the riff to the band but we all couldn’t see the vision. One of our friends was listening and suggested that we literally speed the song up, almost double the tempo. From that moment it just started to click. It was suddenly this dancy, choppy song that was bursting with energy. From that point it was easy. Morgan wrote the entire verse, and we used Abe’s original chorus, but added some changes. It’s easily become one of the most favorited songs to play in the group. You mention that Mandala holds a special kind of chemistry with one another, how does that energy transfer to a live show? Morgan and Abe are the only founding members of the group so they bring the originality and true heart of Mandala. Sean, Matt, and Pat have a very cohesive vibe with one another where the grooves and rhythms are on a similar wave. Together we create a Mandala sound that just naturally happens. We all bring our own individuality to the table and push each other creatively. At live shows, no matter how many people there are as long as the five of us are up there together we’ll have a good time. We just love to entertain, and perform. We’re a unit. Thank you for allowing us to feature your music! Do you have any upcoming events or shows you’d like to tell us about? We can't wait to hear more! Thank Y’ALL for having us & shows, yes always. October 5th-The Acoustic in Bridgeport, CT October 11th-The Barbary for Rubbers Record Release Show (Philadelphia, PA) October 12th-The Cave (North Philadelphia) October 19th-The Well (Brooklyn, NY) October 31st-The Headquarters (New Britain, CT) Halloween Party Connect with Mandala: www.facebook.com/Mandalact www.twitter.com/mandalact www.instagram.com/mandalact #BuzzMusic

Hailing from central California, Rixmey Virik is an up and coming artist who has been writing seen the age of 10 years old. Taking things more seriously since college, Rixmey Virik was originally known for his rock songs but slowly began transitioning and experimenting with a more indie-pop sound. Rixmey is always diving into other genres and plans to release songs in both English and Khmer. Rixmey Virik strongly believes that artists should remain fluid with which genres they represent to fully capture their artistic expression. “Know What You Desire” is an alluring song from Rixmey Virik. Whether he’s weaving through catchy verses or the addicting hook, Rixmey’s powerhouse vocals remain strong over top of the addicting, sultry instrumentals. “Know What You Desire” focuses on what the title insists, it’s about focusing our energy on what we want the most. Although the vocals are slightly melancholic, they captivate you throughout the entire track. You’ll find yourself swaying to the music as you sing along with every word by the second or third listen. Rixmey’s positive energy shines through the speakers while the infectious rhythm takes the listener on a journey through the soundscapes he’s created. We welcome this budding indie artist onto the BuzzMusic playlists and we can’t wait to hear more! Check out “Know What You Desire” here and stay tuned for more releases from Rixmey Virik. Welcome to BuzzMusic Rixmey Virik! As an artist and film-maker, how do you find time to focus your energy on both passions? Does your creativity manifest itself in other ways? Initially, I tried focusing on all of my passions simultaneously, but I realized that when you have to manage your career singlehandedly for the most part, you only have so much time to "perfect" all of your craft. I have learned to focus on one film and 2-3 songs at a time or only on 2-5 songs for a period of 2-3 months. During this time period, my goal is to give ample attention to the projects and polish my craft to the best of my abilities. Melodies come to me randomly, endlessly, it's quite funny, I think my sense of sound is my natural talent and my favorite aspect. However, I sing songs best when I'm going through the same emotions I'm supposed to convey in the song. Sometimes it takes a while for me to feel the same energy of the song again, but movies and articles help manifest those emotions. You’ve been writing songs for a long time, and you mentioned you release some of your older songs in between new releases. Is “Know What You Desire” a newer or older composition for you? I came up with the melody of Know What You Desire in the spring of 2015 after returning from a bonfire. I just had this inspiration to create a sensual melody, a bit off beat when compared to my other songs. I worked on some films and songs in between and wrote the lyrics around the summer of 2016. A friend and I created a slow jazz version of the song in 2017, and in 2018 Sony Music Producer Marcus Urbanski and I teamed up to take the song to its full potential. It now has a more suspenseful vibe and it suits it perfectly.  Now it's one of my favorite songs and I never get tired of it, because it gives off such a unique mysterious vibe. When a strict artist can say that about their own song, they've done something right. How has your songwriting style changed or developed from when you first began writing seriously? I would say that the first songs I wrote were generally more of the pop/rock variety, somewhat along the magnitude of "If Love Could Touch" and "Being Superficial," which I wrote in 2011 and 2013 respectively. I wrote songs with a similar rock/alternative style since I began song-writing in 2003. However, I wrote some rnb inspired songs like "Seashore Sunset" and "Above" back in 2010. As I've gotten older, I've developed an interest in ballads and rnb, so I've been playing around with those genres more. If "Know What You Desire" becomes a hit though, I'll definitely continue to release songs with that same style.  At the same time, I look forward to developing my song-writing ability in Khmer. Maybe I could blend the 2 and help create a whole new genre. Who knows? "Know What You Desire" had a powerful underlying story to it. Are you able to dive deeper into the honest meaning of the track? It was supposed to be a more optimistic song. I first wrote the lyrics to uplift. In the beginning, I always tried to downplay drama, so I would make my song lyrics more generic.  However, after going through some troubled relationships and having some people I looked up to belittle me, I felt there was no more need to try to be dignified-because someone will always look down on you. I wrote that song when I was at my breaking point when I was transitioning from trying to be ideal to becoming a bit more spontaneous. Now, ironically, it's become one of my early releases. It was completed in 2018, but while I was trying to re-live and re-sing "If Love Could Touch" and other earlier more innocent songs, I didn't want to delay my music career for too long so I just released the darker song so I could just move forward. It's kinda funny but that needs to happen sometimes because you never know how long you'll live. Thank you for telling us more about yourself and artistry! We’d love to hear more from you. Have you released any of your songs in Khmer yet? When can you listeners expect to hear that!? I haven't released a Khmer song yet but I would love to. I've come up with the melodies, but I would need the elders in the community to  check my lyrics to make sure that I actually make sense. I don't want to give them partial songs as well, they will definitely critique it. My plan is to release songs in both languages by the end of the decade, but my more upbeat Khmer songs I want to save for the beginning of 2020 as I know they would be partying a lot around that time. I'm excited to see how the genres I work with will fuse together! Connect with Rixmey Virik: Instagram: www.instagram.com/miracast.media Facebook: www.facebook.com/rixmey #BuzzMusic

Rapper, singer, songwriter and talented performer, Indigo Asaá lis making her name known from New Jersey. Originally hailing from Laurel, Maryland, Indigo Asaá grew up listening to legends like Erykah Badu, Zhané, Sade, Jill Scott, and Lauryn Hill. With notable 90’s and neo-soul influences, the 25-year-old artist Indigo Asaá fuses her soulful sound with a contemporary rap flow to draw in a wide variety of listeners from all walks of life. Her tracks captivate listeners for their authenticity and relatability. With a full-length album titled “Bloom” out now, Indigo Asaá shows no signs of slowing down. Featured on “Bloom” after the intro is “Hey Bye”, a versatile track that features a smooth R&B aura, Indigo Asaá’s soulful vocals, melodic bars, and a well-fitting feature from rapper Hattress. Whether she’s weaving through catchy verses or the addicting hook, Indigo Asaá’s powerhouse vocals remain strong over top of the heavy backbeat. “Hey Bye” is a track all about how mesmerizing, ambitious, and inspiring Indigo Asaá is. Her quirky rhymes will leave you singing along to every bar and “Hey Bye” features a hook that will guarantee a second listen. We welcome this budding songstress into the BuzzMusic Family with open arms and we can’t wait to see what she delivers next! Check out “Hey Bye” here and read more below in our exclusive interview with Indigo Asaá! Welcome to BuzzMusic Indigo Asaá! You give off a really confident aura through your music! Is this a skill you've developed over time or has it come naturally to you? First, I want to thank you for having me! But to answer your question, I want to say a little of both. I’ve always wrote poems as a child to now, so knowing what to say was something that I always knew I had confidence in. But I think my biggest challenge was allowing myself to be open enough for others to hear me and to hope that the overall messages of my songs are relatable. I still have moments of indecisiveness when it comes to the style I think each song I do could be, but I do have the confidence that each song will be great because they come from the heart. In a male-dominated industry, what sets you apart as a female rapper and artist? It’s the stories and point of view I have that makes me different. In fact, that’s anything you do as a person: going against the odds and being true in your craft and letting your story be heard. I love what I do and as a listener I feel that you can hear the genuineness of it. “Hey Bye” kicks off your album “Bloom” with a smooth R&B mood. Is this theme carried throughout the album or does it remain versatile? I would say that “Bloom” definitely offers smooth R&B elements, but it also has Alternative R&B, Pop, Soul and Hip Hop elements as well. We love the addition of fellow rapper Hattress on the track. How did this collaboration come about? It’s funny you ask that lol. During the time “Bloom” was half done, I made a status advertising it on my personal FaceBook. Hattress, whom I known for a while, commented and said “oh wow, you’re really making this without me?” totally teasing at first but also hinted that he was serious lol. I had already wanted him to be on the project as a spoken word feature, but the beat I used for “Hey Bye” was just sitting in my flash drive, untouched. I decided then I was going to rap on that beat and asked him if he wanted to be apart of it. I recorded it in New Jersey and sent it to him where he resides in New York. A week later, he sent me back his verse and the rest of history. I’m happy that our styles really mixed well on the song. Because of it, it is the most streamed song on “Bloom”. Thanks for chatting with us! With your large project “Bloom” out now, what can your fans expect next from you? Do you have any events or shows planned in the near future? Now that “Bloom” is done, fans can definitely expect more rapping elements and experimental singing with future projects. As of shows, I’ve been performing at open mic’s in the south New Jersey/Philadelphia area. Dates are random, but if fans would like to keep up with me, I’m super active on my Instagram,  which post anything that comes up. Currently I am also working on a mini EP for early next year and a second mixtape around Fall/Winter 2020. Lastly, I started working with new engineers to help create different vibes in my music. Overall, I’m ready for what’s in store for me in the future. Connect with Indigo Asaá: www.Instagram.com/indigoasaa www.Twitter.com/indigoasaa #BuzzMusic

Dedicated worship leader and passionate artist Michael Manhertz has devoted his life to Christ and singing. Michael has been leading congregations in worship for many years, allowing his love for ministry to grow. Through his opportunities, Michael has been able to share stages with fellow Christian artists such as Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale, Londa Larmond, Vashawn Mitchell, Israel Houghton, Todd Dulaney, Kim Burrell, Marvin Winans, Amante Lacey, Tye Tribbett, and many more. Over time, Michael has developed his own soulful, energizing sound through his powerful vocals and meaningful messages. He aims to point people from all walks of life to Jesus Christ. Michael is currently working on the release of his debut album! Stay tuned. Michael’s debut single “Take It All” was released in 2018 and is available on all major streaming platforms. It focuses on giving out passion and dedication to Christ and showing worship in every way we can. The graciousness and honesty can be heard through the delivery of Michael Manhertz’s lyricism and smokey vocals. The addition of a choir throughout “Take It All” adds all the more power and meaning to this incredible message. The outpouring of dedication and overall message of love and faith is contagious. It’s easy to sing along to “Take It All” and get lost in the teachings of worship leader and up and coming artist Michael Manhertz. Check out “Take It All” here and read more with Michael Manhertz below! Thanks for chatting with us Michael! What can you tell us about your debut single “Take It All”? Thank you for this opportunity! The pleasure is truly mine! Wow! The song 'Take It All' was birthed from a place of hurt, guilt and shame. I was at a point in my life where everything I had put my hopes in, were falling apart! I got devasting news that the dream I had been working hard towards, wasn't going to pan out the way I wanted it to. It drove me into a deep depression. So much to the point that I didn't leave my house for 3 months. I was completely devastated and crushed by this failed goal. During this dark time, I prayed and asked God to take away all the hurt, guilt and shame I was feeling from this situation I was going through. Out of that prayer, God birthed this song through me! This song is meant to uplift any listeners that are in a rocky place. Lay all your burdens at his feet and embrace total freedom! What made you decide to start recording your music and spreading your message of worship on a larger scale? In my community growing up, I often didn't see a lot of men leading worship and/or singing in the church! It caused me to be ashamed of my gifting and embarrassed to acknowledge it was something I loved. So, I decided to be the person I never saw growing up and make a difference in my generation and the one to follow! As far as spreading the message goes, leading worship at church and devoting more time with God, songs just began to flood my heart which impressed me to share. I wrote a song a few years back (you'll get to hear it soon) and shared it with a mentor/group I was apart of and they LOVED IT! I was shocked! From then on, I became really confident about the songs God had given me and seeing the impact of the song being sung in various churches in the local area gave me a small glimpse of what God can do through a song! Since then, I've been aiming to spread the gospel to youth, young adults and anyone who needs some 'Good News'! We could all use some Good News, right? Who are your musical influences that have helped to shape your career in music? Why? Where do I start? Ok... William McDowell and his pure heart for a deeper relationship with God has really impacted my sound and approach to leading worship. Jonathan Nelson and his eclectic sound, Byron Cage for his timeless music, Brian Hamilton and Divine Worship whom I served under for years groomed me as a professional and taught me to always have a standard of excellence, Matthew McIntosh and LIFE for teaching me to be an atmosphere changer wherever I am, Owen 'O'Sound' Lee to this day has shaped and continues to develop my sound. He's behind majority of the vocal arrangements you'll hear from me! I've learned a lot from him and honor him for his hard work! Trinity Anderson has also coached me and helped me with many practical and applicable tips and strategies that I use to this day! I appreciate and honor her as well! When you're not writing music, what do you do? I love spending time with friends and family for sure! Nothing beats bonding with loved ones! I'm also very enthusiastic about sports! Particularly basketball and football! I'm always down for sports talk! Also, I love working with youth! I serve with the youth team at my church. I'm very passionate about investing, mentoring and grooming our youth for success and helping them grow and develop their character spiritually and mentally! I've also been able to run after school programs through local organizations to help kids in various low-income/high risk area by providing safe spaces for kids to have fun while providing and fostering basic skills! Can we expect another album in the near future? I am currently working on my project right now! You can expect it to drop in the near future! I've been blessed to work with Sean Samuels and Kirk Grange of Dream Universe Music Group on the record! They have done a phenomenal job with the project! Can't wait for you to hear what we've been cooking up! I'm looking to drop my single for the album very soon! Stay tuned to my socials for more info on when it will be released! What's next as 2019 comes to an end? As the year comes to an end, you can find me releasing some merch, traveling, looking for various networking opportunities to grow and develop. I'm also in full gear planning for 2020! Keep an eye out for that! Lastly, I'm aiming to come various cities near and abroad to lift up the name of Jesus! Hopefully, I can meet you in the near future! If you see me in person, hit me up! I'd love to connect and talk with you! Connect with Michael Manhertz on social media: www.Instagram.com/michaelmanhertzmusic www.facebook.com/MichaelManhertzMusic #BuzzMusic

Welcome to BuzzMusic! What can you tell us about Midwest Cartel? Midwest Cartel is the combination of Chicago native Chi-Town Lani and Ypsilanti, Mi native H6Z100 collaborating, constantly and consistently coming with hits and a new sound. We’re bumping your latest track “Friend or Foe” through the office! Can you dive into the meaning of the lyrics? The meaning of those lyrics is, us as two artists exposing all the fakeness we’ve seen in false friends that pretend. What has been one of your most memorable or life-changing achievements as an artist so far? My H6Z100s House of Van performance and Chi Town Lanis sound social Dallas appearance. What are your thoughts on mainstream hip hop at present, and your hopes for the genre going forward? It’s kind of all the same and definitely hope that artists become more original and exploit their individuality. What are the main values you hope to represent as artists? Integrity, dignity and respect. What's next for Midwest Cartel? New single Lust coming soon New video: Crossroads/ Lost it all coming soon New video : This Life coming soon New video: No pressure coming soon New mixtape: Deadpool meets Childsplay: Kingz of the City coming soon Connect with Midwest Cartel on social media: www.Instagram.com/tbkmoneygame www.Instagram.com/chitown_lani www.Instagram.com/h6z100 www.Instagram.com/uniquedetwah www.Instagram.com/BaggLifemo6booking www.Instagram.com/thoroughbreadkings #BuzzMusic

Tribulationz is a hip-hop artist hailing from Vancouver, Canada. After battling his own addiction and going through the journey of rehab just over 3 years ago, Tribulationz strives to spread his message to the masses. Through sobriety, he was able to find clarity and truly put his thoughts on what he has overcome into songs. He uses music as a way to learn from his passed and hopes to shed light on what he’s been through in hopes that someone else will find comfort. “Rehab” is a spectacular song from Tribulationz. It's introspective, intelligent, inspiring, and most of all a brilliant piece of work that Tribulationz should be proud of. The lyrics are vulnerable and raw and Tribulationz truly lays out his journey to hell and back. “Rehab” not only showcases Tribulationz's skill as a rapper and lyricist, but he expertly sings to catchy hooks. The multi-talented artist shows his versatility through this release. Many people struggle with addiction and sobriety and “Rehab” provides a relatable anthem for anyone looking to improve themselves. Listen to “Rehab” here and read more with Tribulationz in our interview below! Welcome to BuzzMusic Tribulationz! It’s a pleasure to feature your song “Rehab” that you wrote about your journey through drug and alcohol rehabilitation. How has this new quest influenced your current mindset? Well I came from a mindset that was dominated by self-loathing and pity, so after attending rehab I've noticed how much damage a person can inflict on themselves through the simple act of repetitive self-criticism. It often goes unnoticed because it becomes our reality and it's hard to question the mind when it's running subconsciously. I'm really trying to influence people to challenge their own beliefs in most of my current music. “Rehab” will be helpful for many listeners struggling through what you’ve been through. What prompted you to want to inspire music fans to stay clean and spread your experience with them? Before treatment I was in a very dark place, I spent all my life's savings in a short period of time, which put me in the hospital, I was getting in fights, losing loving relationships, and just overall becoming something i wasn't proud of. I thought I was the only one. I felt so alone. Until I went to treatment, then I started meeting people with similar or worse stories, and we all seem to have this common thread; many of us were reclusive people, didn't quite fit into society, socially awkward, or just ashamed of who we were. I started playing open mics around Vancouver and got an influx of positive responses from my music, and realized that I just want to help people learn from my mistakes that I've made through life's trials and "tribulationz" (which is where I decided upon my alias) “Rehab” is an incredibly creative and original new track-- how do you get started with a piece like this, and how do you know when it’s done and ready to be shared? Well the instrumental is usually where I start I often play guitar and produce my own tracks, but lately I'm finding I need to write lyrics faster than I can create the beats so I've been outsourcing the productions from other companies. I was browsing the internet and came across this company and the beat was titled "bad habits" which immediately caught my attention. I wrote this song quite quickly and after I was finished I just felt that I knew what I had to do. Rehab was the starting point for my new direction as a hip hop artist Have you always lived in Vancouver? What’s the hip-hop music scene like there? Originally I grew up in Kitimat BC. I moved to Vancouver just to go to rehab and fell in love with the city and decided to make it my permanent home 3 years ago. The hip hop scene is quite small for the size of the city surprisingly, but I'm quite reclusive and I tend to only play out at recovery events so I wouldn't say I'm a part of the usual hip hop scene just yet It was great having you here on BuzzMusic! Tell us more about what's next for you!? Any shows in the near future? I am currently working on my next album, which is a lot more upbeat than my first self titled project. It is about halfway done, and focuses mainly on issues that I've struggled with in the past and found solutions to overcome them. I will be working with the legendary producer/engineer NATO Down from Up in arms studios in Edmonton, he's been working with Merkules since the beginning and I feel having him behind this album will really give it the quality it deserves. I just played at Canada's largest recovery festival "recovery day BC" with Sonreal and Trooper a few weeks ago, that really gave me the fuel I needed to go full speed ahead with this next project. That's the last show I'm doing until this albums finished, I am now going on lockdown and will be writing for the next few months. Then I will likely do my first tour to promote the album upon completion! Thanks for the interview, it's been a pleasure! www.instagram.com/tribulationz #BuzzMusic

Jason O’Grady, better known for his professional name, Karate Kactus, is a Canadian DJ and producer. Born in Africa, Jason spent most of his childhood moving around from place to place, giving him a diverse cultural edge to his sound. After relocating to North America, Karate Kactus began anonymously submitting his songs online to see what his fans would take to. Soon after he was garnering attention from peers in the industry. His high energy tracks focus on peak dance floor time to allow for maximum enjoyment from his listeners. Since Karate Kactus was brought up in a variety of cultures, it’s not hard to understand how he holds such an alternative edge in the music industry today. Karate Kactus’ latest release is a cover and remix of the well-known track “Bulletproof” by La Roux. As if the song couldn’t get any catchier, Karate Kactus adds a more energetic drop and collaborates with talented singer Willa. Her vocals add a familiarity that is easy to sing along with but her charismatic aura adds her unique sound to the mix.  Contagious synths and effects paint the perfect melody for an addictive storyline to continue. Invigorating and energizing, “Bulletproof” is an incredible project. “Horizon” comes equipped with heavy electronic sounds that lead the listener to a mesmerizing vibe. “Bulletproof” is the perfect song to liven up any party. Upbeat and energetic, it explodes out of the speakers and brings the party vibe back into your life. Check out “Bulletproof” by Karate Kactus and Willa here and read more below in our exclusive interview! Welcome to BuzzMusic Karate Kactus! We're so energized by your sound! Can you tell us more about your intentions when you first began to curate your recent release “Bulletproof” Ft. Willa? It started off as a remix idea, just for fun. I wasn't sure if we were going to put it out or take the instrumental and turn it into an original. But as the final product started to take shape and we had Willa re-do the vocals we knew we had to put it out as a cover. It also happened to be the 10 year anniversary of La Roux's version. After moving around so much, how did you finally settle on Canada as your place of residence? How do you think your multi-cultural upbringing affects your individual sound? I'm originally from Canada (my dad's side) and my mom was from Zambia. So between moving around because of his work and living with my mother's side of the family I got a vast exposure to different cultures. Decided to come back home where I had the opportunity to pursue music as a career. The multi-cultural upbringing helped me curate my sound because I experienced the different instruments and their unique rhythms that make people move and really influence their moods. Whether is African vibe, which would be mostly drums and percussion-based or something with a Spanish flair that would involve eclectic melodies, I've figured out how to mesh them into my own individual sound. Your music is always so high energy and perfect for peak dance floor hours. Do you ever dive into other genres? Or do you prefer to stick to your area of expertise? I do enjoy other genres of music. Where I've been a DJ for about 7 years, I'm usually drawn to genres that energize the crowd and gets them moving. I wouldn't be able to stick to just one genre of music. I look at Diplo and DJ Snake for inspiration because they just make good music, regardless of the style. House, Trap & Moombahton would be my favorite ones at the moment that I have been working on lately. Willa took the vocals in “Bulletproof” and absolutely made them her own! How did this collaboration come about? Do you plan on working with her in the future? The Willa collab came from Corey LeRue, a producer I collaborate with, that worked with her in a song camp and thought she would slay these vocals and she absolutely did. We will definitely be working again in the future, not only is she an incredible vocalist, but she's also an amazing songwriter. What's the next move for you artistically? Can your listeners expect a larger project from you in the near future? The next move is to keep on the current trajectory of making solid pop tunes, leaning more into genres and styles that cater to a world sound. I have been loving the Puro Pari and Afrobeats lately, and I do have some artists I am setting studio sessions with, I guess that would be considered a 'larger project' haha. Can't say who yet :) Keep up with Karate Kactus through social media: www.facebook.com/karatekactus www.instagram.com/karatekactus #BuzzMusic