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Jeff Gunn is Juno Award-nominated guitarist, songwriter, and producer for his work on Emmanuel Jal's The Key (Gatwitch/Universal). He co-wrote the song "Scars" with Jal and Nelly Furtado for the film The Good Lie (Warner Brothers 2014) and The Black Prince (2017) soundtrack. He has recorded with Emmanuel Jal, Nelly Furtado, Domanique Grant, Bibi McGill, Mark Pellizzer, Kae Sun, Domanique Grant, Rayzak, performed with DMC, Swizz Beatz, Tanika Charles, and continues to serve as musical director for Jal opening for such acts as Peter Gabriel, Bonnie Raitt, Angelique Kidjo, Xavier Rudd, Nico & Vinz, Mumford & Sons and Ellie Goulding. Gunn's sound is an exploration of the celestial sounds of the guitar. He aims to explore all available sounds on the guitar while storytelling through melodies with emphasis on harp harmonics combined with world music and percussion on my steel and nylon string guitars. Gunn’s latest album “Sonic Tales” begins with the brilliantly uplifting and soulful “Beginnings”, Jeff drives with simple, classic rhythms, thoughtful story-telling structures, and a passionate, meandering guitar. It’s all at once emotional and energizing while lifting the mood and engaging the listener. As the album moves into “Discovery” there’s a subtle hint of something slightly retro to the sound, but this is all part of that unique structuring and set-up the artist has quite clearly mastered for this project. A brilliant way to kick off the album. As the playlist continues, it’s difficult to put into writing quite how vast and immersive the soundscapes and the feelings they bring about truly are. “Luminescence” showcases Gunn's use of harp harmonics in an incredibly mesmerizing fashion. “Luminescence” feels like a genuinely new and fairly incomparable composition. The details and the way the instrumental story progresses take you on a mildly meandering journey through various feelings. “Universal Jam” features guitar solos by mega-pop group and jazz guitarist Magic!’s Mark Pelli and Philosopher Kings’ guitarist James Bryan. The song kicks in with a now-familiar style, but takes you down a somewhat more optimistic and detailed pathway. Creativity roams yet again, and just as you begin to presume what will follow, Jeff Gunn proceeds to throw yet another fork in the road, furthering his reach artistically, and helping make this whole album a total joy to escape into. “Wonder” adds a hint of swagger and a carefree vibe that later evolves into something far more ready to impress at a live show. “Loch Lomond” then pours through as something epic and complex, perhaps disconnecting a little and offering a simple backdrop to your day. “Starlight on a Winter's Evening” featuring violinist Koi Anunta emerges with a soothing sound, gathering momentum slowly but surely throughout. “Homecomings” utilizes another quickly memorable, recognizable riff to weave a web of familiarity around the listener. This one grows to become a hypnotic beauty of a track, well worth hearing in full, and at volume. “I Found Something in California” is perhaps the most aptly titled song on the release. There’s an immediately compelling aura to this composition that envelops the listener from the offset and continues to draw them in closer right through to the end. It feels like a big moment, something meaningful and indicative of togetherness and discovery. Sonic Tales includes several featured artists including “Everlasting”, which was co-produced by Antoine Dufour. This song brings the album to a close and feels like an intricate love story. A stunning piece of music, thoughtful and intentional, completely unlike anything else on the project, and, ultimately, the perfect way to wrap things up. A wonderful album, absolutely worth the time it takes to let it play. Check out “Sonic Tales” here and read more with Jeff Gunn below! Welcome to BuzzMusic! When did you begin your music career? I began playing guitar at the age of 14 years old. I went through my Dad’s records and discovered Jimi Hendrix, Cream and The Doors. I knew that I wanted to play guitar from that moment onwards. Within 3 months of learning some basic chords I started my own band and began to write songs. We would perform on Friday nights at the bass player’s house for friends or at parties. I learned by ear initially and then had a strong desire to learn to read and write music and took lessons. By 17, I was playing in pubs. I went on to study Classical and Jazz guitar at York University. During that period, I played in rock bands, Big Bands, jazz quintets and as a soloist in order to learn my craft and pay for school. Travelling the world in my twenties was a huge big eye opener as I would jam with musicians in West Africa, Thailand and more. I learned a lot from those jams and the exchange was so fulfilling on a musical and spiritual level. It wasn’t until I began writing and touring with Emmanuel Jal my career went to a new level. I have performed all over the world with Jal as his guitarist and musical director for audiences of several hundred in clubs to huge crowds at festivals and stadium/arena shows. Looking back, my career has developed on a path of steady growth and I’m still excited as ever to learn more about my instrument and self. What feelings do you hope to instill in your listeners when they hear your music? Each song on Sonic Tales (Fretmonkey Records) was crafted from a spiritual place and I hope that comes through. I see myself as a sonic storyteller who explores the sonic possibilities on the guitar while aiming to take my audience on a journey. I know that I feel emotions such as love, gratitude, and wonder when I perform and I based on many shows I think the audience feels this when they hear my songs. “Everlasting” was written in honor of my parents and the love between them while “Starlight on a Winter’s Evening (featuring Koi Anunta) was inspired by enchanting winter nights spent in the Canadian countryside. “Universal Jam” featuring Mark Pelli (Magic!) and James Bryan (The Philosopher Kings) is all about improvising solos in the moment. I wanted to share with listeners the beauty of spontaneous play and interaction between musicians and when I play live I usually have a local musician join me on stage to jam together. What is your personal favorite track off of your album "Sonic Tales"? It is difficult to pin down my favorite track because I truly gave my heart and soul to each song on Sonic Tales, but I do love to perform “Luminescence”. The song was the last one that came to me before heading to record the album at Antoine Dufour’s studio (he engineered, mixed and mastered the album and he is also featured as a co-producer on “Everlasting”). What is your most profound influence when curating your pieces? Travel and people play a big role in writing my songs. Often a simple conversation with a family member or friend or a new found friendship on the road can inspire me to craft a song. Seeing the architectural wonders of the world and walking down unfamiliar streets in majestic places play a big role in cultivating ideas for songs. Many of the songs on Sonic Tales were inspired by my travels to such places as Thailand, Ghana and Peru. What’s next for you through the end of 2019? Well, I just completed a Sonic Tales European Tour this summer to the UK, Germany, Turkey and more so at the moment I am gearing up for shows in the Fall. I will be performing with Sofar Sounds, performing and author signing (Hidden Sounds Guitar Series with Mayfair Publications) at several Indigo Books stores in Canada, delivering guitar workshops at universities and colleges, and continue performing with Emmanuel Jal and Domanique Grant. I will be a featured performer at NAMM 2020 Breakfast Sessions and planning a Sonic Tales tour in Australia and New Zealand for 2020. Stay connected: www.instagram.com/jeffgunn1 www.jeffgunnmusic.com #BuzzMusic

Hey Kettie Munroe! We’re loving your EP “Indigo”! What was the main concept behind this project? Thank you! The main concept behind this project was futuristic & retro. Most of the songs are either dance tracks or ballads ! I wanted to step away from the urban productions that I had in my first EP, Venus Flytrap. What do you hope your fans take away from your music? I hope that my fans take away a lot of authenticity and the strength to be themselves . My music is fun & rational.. I’m not a huge fan of the fake love song lullabies. I tell the truth with extra studs & glitter! What does the track “Freefall” represent for you? Can you dive into the lyrics and tell us the meaning behind it? The track Free fall was a ballad written about mental health . It’s a song that breaks down the stages of dealing with that state of mind . It’s the only song on the EP that was written for me ( all the other tracks I wrote myself ) the lyrics were written by Raul Ortiz who is one half of the Key Playerz that produced the EP. “Don’t listen to the voice in your head , What she said is all lies , she said go ahead and take a swim , the waters fine “ Those specific lyrics talk about the mind games that can be played during those stages of dealing with mental health. The music is uplifting & soothing. (Your not alone is the message) Which track from “Indigo” would you say in the most personal to you? Why? The most personal track for me on the EP would be STAY! It talks about a narcissist. In the past of dealt with relationships where I stayed in it because I felt as if being alone wasn’t enough . The toxic behaviors that would occur during those times made me realize this was a person who literally lived off of being controlling and playing the victim at the same time. I was tired of being an option ( and a mental punching bag ). When I wrote stay it was my way of being relived and escaping that downward spiral. Did you hone your vocal style over time or have you always had a natural ability to sing? I’ve always had the natural ability to sin! However I’ve toned my vocal style overtime as well. My vocal  teacher , Chris Waller who’s trained Whitney Houston & Bobby Brown has been my biggest blessing in my career . He taught me how valuable the vocals are and how important it is to eat right and breathe correctly in order to fully use its power. When I record I always want to out sing my record live! It’s always the goal. No matter how naturally talented you are, you always want to train your most powerful tool to be greater. What do you hope to achieve as an artist going forward? What’s next for you? Oh boy! I’m just string started.. I do hop to get some awesome collaborations done as well as be able to perform at bigger festivals like Coachella, SXSW. I would like to write doe other pop acts as well. It’s always been a goal of mine. Traveling is also huge for me and is one of my biggest writing inspirations. More music on the radio and songs on the charts ! Maybe I’ll get to rub elbows with Lady Gaga some day. :) Listen to Kettie Munroe's new EP Indigo here! Connect with Kettie Munroe on social media: www.instagram.com/kettiemunroe/ www.twitter.com/BrutallyVintage www.facebook.com/MunroeKettie #BuzzMusic

From playing their first show in the basement of Thurston Hall, their freshman dorm, The Colonies have progressed to becoming a one of a kind act performing at venues around DC including opening for St. Lucia at the 9:30 club. The band, comprising of Pete Stevens on guitar and vocals, Joey Mamlin on drums and Jarrod Hendricks on guitar, have been inspired by indie rock from the early 2000s and wear their influences on their sleeve. Their songs have been described as “hooky indie rock with contagious charm”. With three albums out and more music on the way, this is a band to keep your eye on. “Do Nothing With Me” is colorful and contagious new anthem from The Colonies. The vocal melody is anthemic and instantly recognizable. It makes you want to grab your closest loved ones and sing with them in the most light-hearted, authentic way possible. It produces such wholesome feelings that I think many of the happiest songs strive to do. Clocking in just over three minutes, “Do Nothing With Me” wastes no time in establishing its tone and feel. The verses pulsate with heartbeat-like rhythms that serve as the perfect foundation for the Colonies’ mesmerizingly vocals. Melodic instruments are layered throughout and are used to great effect to establish a real sense of minimalism without ever sounding empty. “Do Nothing With Me” is a song you’ll want to blast in your car on a sunny day with the windows rolled down. The Colonies have curated a catchy and fun song, one that’s over before you know it, but creates a lasting impression. Check out “Do Nothing With Me” here and read more with The Colonies below! Welcome to BuzzMusic! Can you start by introducing yourselves and telling our readers what role you play within The Colonies? Hi guys my name is Pete and I am the lead singer of The Colonies. How did you create your band name? Is there a story behind it? We got our band name because we attended school at GW where the team name was the colonials. We thought it’d be fun to play off of that. What did you hope to achieve with your newest single “Do Nothing With Me”? What inspired this song? With “Do Nothing With Me” we aimed to be able to just record a track with Joey and I as two members left the band due to graduation and moving away from DC. The song sounds great considering it’s only Joey and I playing each instrument, he does bass and drums while I did vocals and all guitar parts! If you had to pick just one song in your collection to adequately describe your sound, which song would you choose and why? I would say the song that fits our sound most is one we released last year and is arguably our most popular, Bound To Be Something Good. I think we sound best while we take our influences (like The Strokes) and switch it up a bit, in this case we added dance/disco elements. What are your main aspirations as a band going forward? As of now we are all working day jobs in DC but we’re aiming to get the band to a point where we can live off that. :) Connect with The Colonies on social media: www.facebook.com/TheColoniesBand/ www.instagram.com/thecoloniesdc/ www.twitter.com/thecoloniesdc #BuzzMusic

Avidian is an alternative hard-rock band hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area. Founding member Joshua Fredric Smith formed Avidian in 2003 with Roger Stockton and Jeremy Bess. Eventually, Jeremy would part ways with the trio due to family reasons and Rob Carrero would step in on drums for shows and several live recording sessions at the bands' rehearsal space in Sebastopol, CA. To date, none of the new trio’s material has made it to a professional recording studio but with their latest single “The Void” FT. K.Lee Marie, Avidian is back with intention and a fine balance between melody and grit. “The Void” Ft. K. Lee Marie is a song that makes certain to utilize contrast, moving skillfully from quietly expressive verses to the high-octane strength and vibrancy of a full rock hook. There are similarities to Incubus during the verse delivery, quick lyricism with seemingly free rhythm, then we hear a more Foo Fighters vibe during the hook. Contrast strikes again, later on, Avidian is far from afraid to make the most out of space in-between moments of weight and power, and this undoubtedly helps make “The Void” an unmissable hard rock anthem for 2019. The latter half is insanely energizing, particularly when listened to at volume! K.Lee Marie adds another refreshing element of contrast through her perfectly matched vocals and unbelievable register. A hard-hitting and brilliantly authentic rock track, from a band who we should all be grateful, are making their way back on to the world’s music scenes. We’re looking forward to hearing more! Listen to “The Void” here and read more with Avidian below! Welcome to BuzzMusic! "The Void" has many layers. What’s the overall theme you were trying to achieve with this song? Great Question!! Initially, the Void was very stripped down, it had building blocks (basically, stuff ) guitar, rhythm bass, etc, But once I sat down with producer, Drew Kapner we dug deep into what sort of vibe we wanted. It was a very long process really dialing in everything. Somedays/weeks we work just on the Drums & Guitar tones etc.. we wanted to have that late 90’s - 2000’s vibe, but fresh enough for 2019.. I wanted this track to pull you in and right when its about to drop you it takes you even higher, something that stays with you.. I feel like this track is a Blend of Mystery with a few drops of SyFy lol. almost out of this world.. I think that makes sense. What do you hope your listeners take away from "The Void"? I believe music hits everyone differently and for different reasons, for The Void, I hope each individual finds some type of relationship to the song. If it helps someone through a bad breakup or someone finishing a sprint on track day to the racer driver getting pumped for his big day, this track is meant to sit with you, to pick you up & get you going.I remember the first time we Cranked up the first mix in the Studio, I knew it was something special, that feeling of being taken somewhere. Where is the best setting to listen to your music? Why? We have several Releases out, but for this music ... The Void, I think its best for seekers, people on the move, The ones looking for more. Maybe the gym folks or cyclists .. even within the Lyrics, this track is perfect for anyone standing on “ their own two feet “ symbolically it means you're handling life as it hits you. I’ve cranked this track up before it was finished about a million times and I’d get folks in Los Angeles traffic glaring at me, so maybe its best for all locations and moods. What was it like to collaborate with K. Lee Marie!? We are in love with her voice and hope to hear more in the future!! K.Lee Rocks , there's no doubt about it & she such a hard worker too !.. we wanted a specific type of featured vocalist on this track. The singer had to have a powerful voice and an edge to go with it. When I Heard K. Lee’s voice I just knew .. I had received a link to one of her performances & it was a cover of an Alice n Chains song! I mean ... seriously .. it was the perfect fit. Once we got linked up, we rehearsed for a few months before going into the Studio to track Vocals, etc.. It was great. we honestly would be in Recording Studio for 16 hours a day, but that was pure bliss, haha , One thing that really stood out with K.Lee was that while we were tracking her Vocals we’d ask her to push more or make adjustments & she’d give us more then we hoped for, so yeah . she really did an amazing job on The Void. K.Lee also has another project “ EdgeWater Angel” as well as her own under her name. What do you hope to achieve as a band artist through the end of 2019? We’re at a place now where after 3 releases and a lot of creative efforts it would be great to see more sync and publishing deals come through, some feature film and Tv placements. we have a few at the moment, but the new Music has a different flavor than the past Music no doubt . In short, there is plenty more on the Horizon for Avidian, we have a Music video concept to produce, more song to mix and Master and eventually, this is all going to lead to hitting that main stage! As for 2019, I'd be lying if I didn’t want to see The Void Hit the Billboard charts before the year is up! Connect with Avidian on social media: www.instagram.com/avidianmusicnation www.facebook.com/avidianmusic/

Tyrell Drew is a talented singer/songwriter from Quebec, Canada. Currently distributed by Higher Reign Music Group/Sony Music Canada, he started creating waves in the pop scene in June 2018 with his single “Anywhere”. After seeing much success, this was only starting to touch the surface of what Tyrell could become. His influences certainly come from R&B but as an artist, the reflection of his thoughts in music is strongly versatile and touches many genres. Tyrell Drew is currently working on an EP, stay tuned! Late July 2019, Tyrell Drew released his new single "Beautiful". Featuring an electro-pop flare, we can see his exceptional ability to blend genres. The soundscape gathers momentum, slowly but surely enveloping you in this surprisingly upbeat and beautifully chaotic downpour of layers and moments. The music energizes, you've swept away through a vibrancy during the hooks and throughout the remainder of the track. Tyrell’s voice cuts through the chaos of “Beautiful” with an emotional and attentive sense of confidence and honesty. Rarely do you come across an act that so impressively crafts their music this way. Tyrell Drew is an act that offers the best of the best in both performance and production. He’s consistently establishing his craft, working on those qualities that already come naturally to him, and that’s why every release he presents leads its listeners down an endlessly impressive pathway. I highly recommend you check out “Beautiful” here and read our interview with Tyrell Drew below! Hey Tyrell! For those who donʼt know, how did you first get into music? How would you describe your current approach to writing? Well, music has been a big part of my life since I was very young but I really started producing and learning how to mix when I was 17. I used to rap a lot but my vibe was mostly about R&B. In fact, I really have a wide musical register. It goes from Ray Charles, Musiq Soulchid & Trey Songz, to The Bee Gees and even Charles Aznavour. These guys and more made me who I am. Fact is that I could probably go on hours naming artists that influenced my craft and that got me into this. When it comes to writing, I’m a natural. These days, I can topline a song in ten to fifteen minutes easily. It hasn’t always been that way and I’ll probably get better with time. I mean, the way I structure a song from A to Z now I can releate to an architect drawing a home. A couple of years ago I was only making cardboard houses but I guess I have a lot to say with everything I’ve been through. What does the track “Beautiful” mean to you? What inspired this song? This new record is an introduction to the perfect balance between all the different vibes I was trying to bring to my game. It represents me and my background in so many ways. "Beautiful" is all about those going home when the sun comes up nights you spend with your crew. I know it might sound pointless to some people.. They’re probably somewhere in a Walmart buying a new set of scented candles for their 8 O’clock bathtime routine. You have an EP on the way! What can listeners expect from that project? A dope ass 6 to 7 mostly electro-pop records. It ain’t finished and I have some other projects going on on the side but you can expect a lot of emotions with a side of thrill. Something you can flex on and then the other minute wonder why you keep pulling up with Bianca or Sara or some other girl name that ends up with the letter A. Let me rephrase, you can expect a little of everything that makes us humans. Whatʼs one of your greatest aspirations or dreams as an artist right now? This is way too big to put in words. For a start, not having to put up with some 9 to 5 work anymore. What do you hope people take away from your music? Whatever they can hold. Connect with Tyrell Drew: Facebook: www.facebook.com/tyrelldrew Instagram: www.Instagram.com/tyrelldrew #BuzzMusic

Lottyhanz is a talented artist hailing from Vallejo, California. He paints a lyrical picture of the more urban side of the streets with years of experience in graffiti, MMA, and as well as overall music production. Lottyhanz has over 10 years of hands-on experience in the music industry including beat production, recording, mixing, mastering, and overall audio engineering. His lyrical content, delivery, and flow alongside his funky, aggressive beats foreshadow the battles he's been through in the MMA cage, on the mats, and in the streets. Tune in to Lottyhanz and let him take you on a lyrical journey! We took a good listen to Lottyhanz’s latest track, “Keep It Lit” Ft. D. As the track pours through, the bars entertain and provoke thought in equal parts. There’s a story-line and there’s the intention to the writing. Lottyhanz’s verses come through with intensity and darkness and the hook, featuring D, creates a memorable loop and an overall level of drive and determination. Everything about “Keep It Lit” works, authenticity was once the heart of hip hop and hopefully, it will be again. Lottyhanz, and this record in full are a worthy step in the right direction. Stay on the lookout for Lottyhanz and his future musical endeavors. Listen to “Keep It Lit” here and read more with Lottyhanz in our exclusive interview below! Welcome to BuzzMusic! Can you start by introducing yourself to our readers? How did you know when you first wanted to start making music? My name is Lottyhanz. Im from Vallejo, CA in the Bay Area. The name comes a combination of two nicknames I’ve gotten from friends. In high school I played football and had the number 42, my friends nicknamed me Ronnie Lott at the time. After graduating high school I started fighting. My first Muay Thai fight I wore sparkly gold fight shorts and my coaches at the time nicknamed me goldiehanz. I took both names and combined them into Lottyhanz. I first started making music in the 8th grade. My brother showed me a website advertised on the back of a cereal box where you could make beats. That was back in 2007 and I’ve been at it ever since. Music and making beats was mainly just a hobby for me at the time. It wasn’t until about 2 years ago I decided to release my music publicly to get heard. “Keep It Lit” is a dope track! What inspired it? The vibe of the beat gave me and my group of friends (Familyties) a summer like vibe. We let the beat play and wrote lyrics on the spot. Is this your first collaboration with D? Can we expect more from you two? Me and D have many other unreleased songs we have worked on. He is actually featured on another song called “Wastin Time” on my newly released album “Family Ties.” The album also includes “Keep It Lit” and is available on iTunes, Apple Music and other streaming platforms. Make sure to download and give me a follow on Instagram and Twitter! How does your hometown influence your sound? I try to keep the old school Bay Area flavor and combine it with the newer generation of music. I personally don’t listen to too much music that comes out today so I believe that alone helped us develop a unique sound and makes us stand out in a sense that we don’t sound like the rest. What do you hope to achieve as a hip-hop artist through the end of 2019? I make music for the passion and love for it. My only goal is to get heard and hopefully gain some fans, nothing more. Connect with Lottyhanz. Instagram:  https://instagram.com/goldiehanz?igshid=1h209kjpb21p3 Twitter:  https://mobile.twitter.com/lottyhanz1 Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/lottyhanz/

Strange Breed is an all queer, all-female garage rock band based out of Vancouver, BC. The eclectic 4-piece sound like an anthemic riot girl band with an unexpected modern rock twist! Strange Breed has been described as what a collaboration between Veruca Salt, Paramore and Hole would sound like. Strange Breed is set to release their debut studio album, “Permanence.” in September 2019 alongside a cross country tour spanning from Vancouver Island to Montreal, QC. They constantly have individuals of all different backgrounds reaching out and expressing how much they appreciate seeing queer representation inaccessible music, and hearing “good, catchy tunes with an actual message”. Strange Breed always takes a moment during each show to ensure that the acknowledgment is made of who’s land they have the privilege of playing music on, and ensures that people know what kind of environment they are entering when they come to a StrangeBreed show… “Safe spaces, Inclusivity, Good times and Great music is what these babes are all about.” Strange Breed’s latest single “Closer” features cascading guitars and high octane drums accompany a strong vocal and a structurally varied melody that lets the experienced rain down in the way that vintage punk-rock once did. All of this comes with a distinct sense of authenticity, as if this is what the band has to do, this is what they’ll be doing whether you’re listening or not. It’s a great sound, raw and real, with some refreshingly entertaining songwriting. The personal touch intrigues and “Closer” in particular make you want to listen in full. You can lose yourself in the fullness of the sound, think back to the mosh-pits of the nineties and earlier, or just revel in the originality as it stands today. Listen to “Closer” here and read more with Strange Breed below! Hey ladies! Welcome to BuzzMusic! Can you start by introducing yourself and describing what role you play within Strange Breed? Nicolle Dupas - Lead vocals, Guitar - She/Her Terra Chaplin - Lead Guitar - She/Her/They/Them Megan Bell - Drums - She/Her Ally Von Wallis - Bass - She/Her What is the meaning of the lyrics in “Closer”? What do you hope your listeners take away from it? "Closer" is a story about desire, but mostly it's a jumble of emotions. The desire to find love and to love yourself. The desire to reach your dreams. The desire to embrace your queerness, or otherness. The desire to love yourself. This video was a collaboration and an artistic community project of some beautiful and talented individuals that we feel completely embody the future of our community, and of our core values as a band. We hope that what people take away from the experience of listening to "Closer" is power and self-confidence, and "feeling yourself" !!! What can your listeners expect from your upcoming album “Permanence”? It's an 8 songs album exploring social and political issues such as sexual assault, gender discrimination, LGBTQ+ issues, mental illness and more. We wanted this first album to be this way, because we are emerging as a band during a very divided political moment in history and we wanted to clearly comment on the core values we have as individuals and as a band. When we started, we were initially aiming to be a true Riot Grrrl Punk band, but our sound developed over time - so some of the content and sounds on this album are still very much a nod towards that culture of music we grew up listening to, and were influenced to. We hope that when you listen to "Permanence." you can hear the development of dynamics and our approach to our "genre" as a band between the tunes we have previously released as digital singles, and the unreleased tracks on the album. Strange Breed is all about promoting positive change through the messages in our music and in our general interactions with the world and online, and "Permanence." is the deepest and most pure exploration of those values and beliefs. How do you decide what to write about in your songs? I wouldn't say it's always decided ahead of time. As the primary songwriter, my personal process is usually that I do nothing and it comes to me. That sounds super douchey!!!! I've been writing music since I was about 10, so for almost 20 years. But it's only been in like the last 6 or 7 where I've struggled to sit down and just play and find a song. Nowadays, I usually am washing dishes, driving, showering - doing something mundane. Instead of singing popular songs that I enjoy in the shower, I sing made up melodies and lyrics until something catches my interest. Then, I do a shitty phone recording of it, and when I have time to sit down with my guitar and figure it out, i do. I usually only flesh out a verse or a chorus and then I bring it in to the band and we finish it together. There's been a few times I've brought in fully formed songs ("Sharks" is one example, or our first track on the album "25"), but usually it's only a semi-formed thing. The cool thing about working with a band to compose is that you get multiple perspectives on whatever the context of the song is. Sometimes, we're all very much feeling heated about a social topic of the day (ie #Metoo - we wrote The C-Word in one evening very quickly!!!). Sometimes we all just spew out random phrases until we mesh something together that sounds cool. That said, we all have a no holds barred approach to writing. We don't censor ourselves on the content, even if we feel it might be controversial. We write about things that matter to us, but we try to do it in the most commercially accessible way possible. Not because we want to "Sell out" but because we want to make more space in the commercial industry for bands like  us (all female, all queer, etc.) , and for songs about something real. If people only have time to listen to one of your songs, which would you recommend, and why? Hard question! I think we'd agree for the average person, "Closer" should be your go to. It's catchy, it's sexy, it's badass, the video is great, it gets stuck in your head, it's easy to relate to regardless of where you're at in life. But for people that enjoy something a little heavier, we'd recommend our unreleased track, "Witch Hunt". You'll see why! Connect with Strange Breed on social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/STRANGEBREEDBAND Instagram: www.instagram.com/strangebreedband Twitter: www.twitter.com/StrangeBreed_

KHARI JOHNS is a talented hip-hop/R&B artist who uses unorthodox cadences, soulful singing, and unique songwriting to convey his messages to the world. Coming from a professional acapella background, his songs are developed with an array of harmonies. KHARI JOHNS is now getting ready to release his first studio album. KHARI JOHNS newest single “D.I.E” describes a new life and perspective from the old way he used to live. It also represents KHARI JOHNS getting out on his own and reinventing himself. In the second verse, he says, “Underestimated and appreciated, but that’s how I made it.”, which is referring to the music and a stage in KHARI JOHNS’ life. This track can be interpreted in many ways by the listener. KHARI JOHNS says there are many hidden messages throughout “D.I.E” for his listeners to find. Equipped with a sultry voice and a catchy hook, KHARI weaves through storytelling elements through his emotive songwriting and R&B stylings. KHARI curates music that his listeners can relate to forge original connections with his fans. Contemporary R&B/hip-hop fused with old school Motown vibes give this track just enough soul for anyone to rock along with. It’s got contagious energy and an addicting melody that we’re bumping on repeat. Authentically KHARI’s style,”D.I.E” is a spectacular smooth track on it’s the way to the top. Check out “D.I.E” here and read more with KHARI JOHNS below! Welcome to BuzzMusic Khari Johns! Can you tell us about the meaning behind your new track “D.I.E”? The meaning of D.I.E describes my metamorphosis into me being a new artist and describing my return to a faith-based lifestyle. You said there are some hidden messages within the lyrics, can you dive into that a little bit? Well D.I.E represents me, you, and the black community leaving behind the bars that we were once held by. It stands for Drug-Induced Experience- “Get a little smoke you gon be alright, homie told me that before he paid price, now he the pen like he ray rice.” When I was under the illusion of the way I was living, my growth was prohibited. It is the same for the black community today, we were once held down by Jim Crow and societal laws but now we are liberated as the new Hebrews in the Promised Land.” What do you hope your listeners take away from your music? I hope my listeners take the time to absorb the lyrics. Listen to the message. Me and Tommy Massari, the executive producer, put a lot of work and time into the music. Take heed. What’s the concept behind the music video for “D.I.E”? The concept of the music video is explained in the setting. I am in the Mohave desert, where I was born in. I am wandering through the desert and I find resources, I find restoration, I find life where I am at my final breathe. Can you tell us more about your upcoming album? My upcoming album, Near Life Experience, is 7 tracks of Real rap, melodies, and harmonies for your soul, and life lessons for anyone in the world, especially for an L.A. Native. Date TBD. Connect with Khari Johns on social media: Facebook Instagram #BuzzMusic

Hey Mac Woodz! Welcome back to BuzzMusic. Can you dive into some details of the lyrics in your track “Bicoastal”? Bicoastal is the title track to my upcoming album, BICOASTAL. I wanted to make my first full length project a theme. I’m from the north side of Atlanta, a small town called Powder Springs. But California is such a big piece of my life that I wanted to just highlight that, you know? How were you able to achieve the perfect mixture of West coast and Southern flavors in this track? It’s real. It’s no cap in my raps. I really come from this. I really grew up being a kid and listening to Kilo Ali in my mom’s Isuzu Rodeo. I remember hearing OutKast blasting out guys cars riding down the street as a kid. I remember the first time I heard Gucci and future and Skooly and all this these people that influence Atlanta’s sound. I remember coming to California and being captivated by it all. So it’s just embedded in me so making the music was so natural. If people only have time to check out one track from your collection which would you recommend, and why? I love my entire catalog but Bicoastal really is a dope song. It really sets you up for what my album is gonna be. It’s the perfect intro to an album that’s gonna show my influences and versatility. I can’t wait for you guys to hear this project. What are the main values you want to represent as an artist right now? Family is big for me. Being loyal is another. Just in a world full up slime people, I just wanted people to see that friends and family that stick together and uplift each other there is nothing y’all can’t do. My mom treats my business partner Maanz like another son. We break bread together. Be a pure person. Don’t let any of these toxic outside forces break what you and your people build. What are your main aspirations going forward in hip hop? I just want to be heard. I really feel like I’m dope. I really feel like the game is saturated with similar sounds. And just people trying to sound the same. I really think i got something here. BICOASTAL, the album ON THE WAY! Connect with Mac Woodz on social media: www.instagram.com/macdotnet

Hello Craymo! We gave a listen to your latest single "December Rain" and it's incredibly soothing and tranquil. Do you intend for your music to have that natural calming atmosphere? Thank you.  The tone of this is soothing for sure. December Rain (Carol Of Love) is a special kind of song. It’s an introspective tale of unrequited love, loving someone who doesn’t love you back. I lived with a girl for three years and then she decided didn’t she want to be with me anymore. It’s about sadness and loneliness. When my co-songwriter Paul Dinletir played me this beautiful, haunting melody, I was instantly inspired to write the lyrics, melody and the hook. We know that "December Rain" has an impactful meaning behind the lyrics. Can you explain to our readers your personal connection to the song? I recorded this song as a demo many years ago and it was one of my Mom’s favorite’s.  When she passed away recently I wanted to do something special in her memory. Carol Love was her maiden name, so I thought Carol Of Love!  I had always wanted to record the song professionally, now was my chance. My Mom was my biggest supporter of my music and talent my whole life, so this song is for you Mom. A beautiful song for a beautiful soul. Congratulations on winning Best Alternative Video in the 2019 Indie Music Channel Awards! How did it feel to receive that honor for your song? Winning that Indie Music Channel award was the best feeling, because that award was also for her. I was very emotional that night at the Clive Davis Theater at the Grammy Museum as I felt her there and knew that she was proud of me.  There is an emotional presence in that song, I am glad that other people feel it too. How do you feed your passion for music on a daily basis? I am a very passionate soul and music has always been there for me through good times and bad in my life. I hope my music touches people in that way too.  Music is my life, I don’t know where I’d be without it. What is the overall emotions you want to instil in your listeners while they are listening to your music? Hopefully people can feel what I am feeling and can connect on a spiritual level.  I write about positive messages and about real emotions.  I am on a mission to make the world a better place one song at a time. Listen to Craymo's latest release here! #BuzzMusic