Sirius is an artist whom is forming his own sounds in Hip-Hop and R&B is focused on mixing and creating fresh new sounds that are catchy and filled with emotion. Born and raised in Oshawa, Canada and travelling back and forth to Toronto, Canada to further a career in music and acting, Sirius always had a vision and a vision he’s been determined to execute. From being on stage as Young Simba at the Princess of Wales Theatre and being in multiple shows including the Cheetah Girls, he continues to build upon his career in the industry to become a top tier performer, songwriter and artist. Sirius recently released his single titled “Art of War” and we were impressed by his lyricism and stylistic delivery. One lyric that stood out to us the most was “I was born in the booth”. That single lyric itself highlighted the entire song for me and showed us not only the meaning behind the song but a more genuine connection with the artist. I love it when rappers rap about how dedicated and passionate they are about their craft and making it in the game because it shows a more authentic side to rap other than the whole fabricated image most rappers like to put up. In our opinion it’s strategic to come out the game with a sense of hunger and drive and allow that genuine starvation to win, be present in the music you release because it adds an element of aggressiveness and undisputed character to your artistry and Sirius is an example of that specific bonafide inanition! Listen to "Art Of War" here and get to know Sirius in our interview below. Hi Sirius, care to introduce yourself to our readers? Don't mind if I do, I'm an Artist outside of Toronto, in a city called Oshawa. I am 28 years old born and raised in Canada. I am in love with music like most, but more recently than ever. The past year I have been blessed to stay focused on creating and developing my own music. Finding my own sound to share within Hip-Hop and R&B. I have had many opportunities which have helped me grow in the past. From performing on stage at the Princess of Wales Theatre as Young Simba in the Lion King Production when I was a young kid, which was the moment I knew I would want to create and perform my own music later in life. So here we are. Is Sirius your birth name or is it a stage name you’ve selected? If it’s a stage name, what’s the reason behind it? Well my name is Kyle, and Sirius is my stage name. It has developed over time through many stages and finally landed on the name Sirius. Reasons behind the name vary from a producer letting me know to keep it simple, as well from my handle on social media. SiriusHours. An anagram which I created to represent the Goddess Isis and The Sky God Horus along with the star Sirius. The brightest star in our night sky. I feel like I can carry myself with that, knowing that it will help me be my best. Shine my brightest. Do you recall your first time performing on stage? How nervous were you? Is it easier for you to perform live now? My first time performing was in front of 2,000 people when I was 11, as Young Simba. Downtown Toronto at the Princess of Wales Theatre. My first show a majority of people I knew came to see me that night. Ever since then I haven't really been as nervous since that moment. I now look forward to performing as it's so rewarding to have a crowd enjoy the show. I still get nerves but as soon as I step on stage, everything will stop for a split second. Realizing only after the set is complete that you wish you still had a couple songs left. What are some challenges you face as a rapper when performing live? Performing live, my biggest challenge is my breathing technique. I rarely use a backing track. So performing live without one you really need to be on point or the crowd will notice when you fall off. Having a proper breathing technique for your music is crucial to keep on top of the song and not miss a pocket or note. I keep a diligent routine when I rehearse my set before I perform a show so I can sound my best. What’s your artist interpretation of “Art of War”? Art of War is one of those song representing my perspective on life. Learning and observing how to move correctly. With everything going on in the world, it can always seem to work against you at a level not expected. There is always a struggle to overcome, so when you have to get out of a situation it can feel pointless. So I write to motivate myself and prove to others my capabilities. From a writing stand point this song means a lot. As I am speaking to others who blindly try to keep me down, but it will not stop my drive to keep building as an artist. I got an empire in my sights. If you can collaborate with any current rapper in the industry who would you select and why? If I could collaborate with any Rapper in the industry, I would love to have an opportunity to work with Asher Roth. To keep it simple and enjoy the process, I think he would be a go to for many reasons. He has fun and would bring out the best writing anyone could offer. Asher is so talented with constructing rhymes and delivery. Plus he really does seem like one of the most humble artists out there. Connect with Sirius on social media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/siriushours Twitter: www.twitter.com/siriushours Facebook: www.facebook.com/siriushours

Xander Nelson was born in the spring of 1994 in the small seaside city of Portland, Maine. He picked up the electric guitar at the end of the 6th grade, in a new effort to get girls to like him. Ironically, he ended up falling in love with the instrument instead which turned out to become beneficial for him later on in life. Upon returning home from Berklee College of Music, he met fellow Berklee alumni and guitarist Manny Urgiles, long-time DJ turned bassist Kristian Terison and industry veteran and drummer Chuck Martin. Xander Nelson released the debut EP "A Dull Roar" in April 2017 and hit the ground running. After receiving extensive radio play on the single “You Got A Problem,” sharing the stage with Grammy nominees, and playing some of Maine’s biggest music festivals, Xander and his band released the follow-up EP “See You On The Other Side” in October 2018. Determined to break out and armed with the big guitar hooks rock music has been missing, this indie quartet shows no signs of slowing down. Their newest single "See You On The Other Side" begins with emotional conviction and intriguing melodies by the vocalist. After we become serenaded in the beginning of the song, the fast-pace and electrifying instruments chaotically fuses together and transitions in, that’s when the party begins! "See You On The Other Side" has this strikingly electric element about the song we love. I like the tune of the hook. The melodies and chord progression while projecting sentimental emotions in a more upbeat mannerism becomes exhilarating and that’s what the hook displays. The band has a sense of unison and you can tell they know how to deliver a highly energetic performance. It’s rare we hear music and think “they will be exciting to see live” and that’s the exact thought we've developed from listening to “See You On The Other Side”. Listen to "See You On The Other Side" here and get to know Xander Nelson in our interview below! Hey there, care to introduce yourself for our readers? We’re Xander Nelson, an indie pop-rock band from way up north in Portland, ME. Named for my own damn self, Xander, the lead singer, guitarist and principal songwriter, the band also consists of Manny Urgiles on guitar, Chuck Martin on drums, and Kristian Terison on Bass. We’re been gigging in the Portland area for a couple years now, and are starting to branch out into other places in New England, like Boston and Burlington. We’ve just self-released our second EP “See You On The Other Side,” and are planning on hitting the road in the summer! Between “You Got A Problem” and “See You On The Other Side” which has been your personal favorite thus far? If I absolutely had to choose, I would say “See You On The Other Side.” While “Problem” holds very special place in my heart, and is seriously fun to play live, “See You” is faster, bouncier, and more in-your-face. It also shows off a bit more of the band’s dynamic range, with both a big guitar solo and beds of layered vocal harmonies. What’s the biggest misconception people have of rock music in your opinion? The biggest misconception most people have about rock music is that it has to be all doom-and-gloom all the time. Whenever anyone says ‘rock,’ the first images that come to mind are an excess of leather, long hair unconvincingly dyed jet-black, and unresolved commitment issues from a bad breakup 15 years ago. However, like any genre, rock is so much more than its stereotypes. Sure, it can be bratty and brash, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be clever and fun, too. How do you plan on breaking apart from the overcrowded music industry? In short: authenticity. There’s no way around all the hard work and relationship building that it takes to make it in the music industry, and a little luck never hurts… But on top of that, it seems like every band needs some sort of gimmick nowadays. Be it a particular look, attitude off stage, or super-specific sound that it’s impossible to break away from. Speaking as a music listener, I’m pretty goddamn tired of all that. So, we’re going to stick out by rebelling against it, and just being ourselves. What’s the meaning behind “See You On The Other Side”? “See You On The Other Side” is a slightly more polite way of giving the finger to anyone who ever doubted you, or told you that you should just give up. For me, that pertains specifically to music, but I’m sure anyone pursuing their passion has had at least a few of those moments in their journey. It’s my own way of saying “I’m sorry you think that. Now watch me go out there and do it anyway.” How impacting is rock music to you? Rock music has been more than just impactful in my life – it’s the reason I’m the person that I am today. I grew up with it, met all my closest friends through playing it, went to Berklee College of Music for it, and work with it every day in my jobs as a local radio DJ and a guitar/voice instructor. It matches the beat of my soul, and is far and away the best reason to wake up every morning. Connect with Xander Nelson on social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/XanderNelsonMusic Instagram: www.instagram.com/xandernelsonmusic Twitter: www.twitter.com/XanderNMusic

Midnight Wagon was formed in 2016 by bassist Trevor Speight and drummer Torrey Voisin. Originally formed as a joke band, the two conceptualized an album they called "Love is Brown." Months later, guitarist Ian Garrett was brought on board to help with the project. It was eventually scrapped and the group went on a short hiatus. The band later regrouped and took a different approach to their image. Midnight Wagon released their single “American Spirit” from their debut album titled “Deep Yellow” and I can thank this band for delivering us a hit we can add to our playlists! Midnight Wagon wastes no time at all as "American Spirit" begins with an outlandish, chaotic, and brashful energetic introduction with a tempo too insane to attempt! I’ve always had this perception of rock music that it’s equipped with beautiful melodies and chords yet projected in a bold approach. “American Spirit” projects the anarchic expression rock music exudes and I love that. What’s neat about this song is they didn’t just stick with the over the top sound the entire song, they eventually slow it down and give moments of extremely well delivered subtle melodies. "American Spirit" holds your attention from beginning to end due to the enormous amount of energy it has. This song is BuzzMusic approved! Listen to “American Spirit” here and get to know Midnight Wagon in our interview below! Hi Midnight Wagon! Care to introduce yourselves to our readers? What’s up gamers. We are a three-piece Alternative and Indie Rock band formed in April 2016 by bassist Trevor Speight and drummer Torrey Voisin, with lead vocalist and guitarist Ian Garrett joining later that year. We specialize in Alt-Rock revivalism, and we began production on our debut album, Deep Yellow, in January of 2018, releasing it one year later on January 4th. We also have a YouTube channel on which we regularly share behind-the-scenes vlogs, sketches, and other music related content.  Also, we always tell the truth and are never dishonest ever. Where did you guys meet? To be honest, we don’t remember how we all met. Something to do with a Disney Channel audition in San Antonio Texas for Good Luck Charlie, we think. But, yeah, while we were practicing our lines and waiting, like, three hours before audition we started talking about music and our favorite bands and artists and the rest was history. Obviously, none of us made it onto Disney Channel, but we’re not stopping ‘til we reach that yellow brick road, baby. How did you formulate the name “Midnight Wagon” any inspiration behind it? So we came up with a really sick movie script called Space ‘Rillaz, short for Space Gorillas, which basically steals the plot from Harry and the Hendersons but instead of a Sasquatch named Harry it’s three Hip-Hop loving Gorillaz from planet Kongulon. They love to kick it and spit freestyles. There’s the level headed leader Grand Master Fuzzy, the shy nerdy one and his name is Chuck G, and finally there’s the goofy ‘Rilla, SpaceRillaPurrp. Still a WIP but expect it to be on Netflix pretty soon. If you could describe your musical style in 3 adjectives what would you describe it as and why? Fun, Funky, Fresh. ‘Cause we F-ing rock. How do you hope to impact your fans with your music? We hope that our fans listen to our music and are like “Wow, this is surprisingly not as bad as I was expecting.” Impacting them in that way would be super cool. What’s the meaning behind “American Spirit” ? what atmosphere do you envision while listening! Over the summer of 2018, we observed a romantic relationship between two close friends that was so remarkably odd that it was impossible not to write about. There’s another song on our album that’s about another aspect of their relationship, but we’re letting listeners guess which it is. For the atmosphere of the song, we wanted it to be, like, sad, but like, rock n’ roll sad, you know what we mean?  Like, when your cat dies, but like, it was the cat that you didn’t really like because she was mean, but still you had her for, like, a long time so you’re still kind of sad but at the same time you’re, like, glad that she’s dead, you know? Or, like, the kind of atmosphere you might get listening to whale sounds in, like, a sensory deprivation tank. What’s your favorite part about creating music? All of it.  We especially love working in the studio and trying out new ideas. We feel like it’s where we’re all most comfortable making music because making music at a public park or a restaurant would be mega uncomfortable. If you could collaborate with any other artist of your choice who would you select and why? Ariana Grande for sure.  She’s our favorite artist and definitely our biggest musical influence.  We’re sure that definitely comes through on our most recent album. Connect with Midnight Wagon on social media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/midnightwagonofficial Twitter: www.twitter.com/MidnightWagon

Abby Brown started her music career at 7 years old singing the National Anthem at a Minor-League baseball game. A year prior she was diagnosed with hearing loss so it shows that she overcomes her struggles and faces different circumstances, yet she still didn’t allow any of that to diminish her dream and her goals as she kept going! Abby Brown released her single titled “Gypsy Soul” the catchy melodies and vocal honesty are just a few of many adjectives to describe the captivating single. "Gypsy Soul" begins instantly with the delightful southern tune that pays homage to her all American upbringing and background which makes Abby Brown who she is. The warmth of the ear-warming jingle makes you feel comfortable with the single and immaculate the authenticity of the vocalist. I like how "Gypsy Soul" evokes a positive emotion in our body while listening. It changes your mood into something more positive rather than dwell-some and I like that quality a lot about the song. The nomadic content behind “Gypsy Soul” was vibrant and we’re positive many other people will catch a glimpse of that vibrance themselves while listening! Stream "Gypsy Soul" on Spotify here and check out our interview with Abby below! Hi Abby, care to introduce yourself to our readers? Yes, hi! I am Abby Brown, a singer-songwriter currently living in Seattle, WA. I was born and raised in Cohasset, MA and lived in Vero Beach, FL before moving to Boulder, CO where most of my family now lives and where I call home. My two younger sisters and I started a band when I was 10 and we've been writing and playing ever since. In the last year, the stars aligned and I found myself given an opportunity to do something I have always dreamed of - recording an EP. Although this was a solo venture, my sisters and family could not be more excited for me. Outside of music I have a lot of passions related to health and fitness like yoga and plant-based cooking. I also take any chance I can to travel. I love discovering new places! It feeds my creative soul.   Is it challenging to create music while facing a hearing loss? How do you overcome your struggles? That's a great question. In all honesty, I was singing by age 3 and diagnosed with hearing loss when I was 6, so thankfully there wasn't a huge impact on my ability to hear music and match pitches. :) I have definitely noticed an increased challenge in the last few years when it comes to recording and playing live shows. So, with that in mind, I am making sure I take precautions as I move forward in my music career to preserve my hearing. I want to make sure it doesn't get worse. Not being able to hear music is my worst nightmare!  Where do you find most inspiration for your music? Typically my inspiration starts from whatever I am going through in that moment. Sometimes that means it's about a relationship, sometimes it's a place, sometimes it's about the voices in my head. But at the root of all my songs is the simple and raw emotion that I am feeling or that I want to feel. I love writing about the people that are in my life or the ones who no longer are. Writing has become my therapy when I need to come to terms with how I am feeling or let someone go.  If you can collaborate with any other country artist who would you select and why!? If I could collaborate with any country artist it would be Kacey Musgraves. She is so real and the storytelling in her songs is just so honest and relatable. I also love that her latest album is the perfect cross between pop and country.  Mind telling us a little bit about your songwriting approach? My songwriting approach tends to start by thinking of a catchy phrase or key theme. From there, what usually happens is I will write a chorus, both the melody and lyrics. In my mind, starting with the chorus, or theme, helps me continue to come back to the story I am trying to tell. Next I will write the verses, which are actually the hardest part for me. The last thing I work through is the bridge. And then I play it over and over and record it on my voice memos to make sure I am happy with it. After that I actually let it sit for a few weeks or longer. If I keep coming back to it or it stays stuck in my head, it's typically my sign that it's a keeper.  What’s your favorite element of “Gypsy Soul” ? My favorite element of Gypsy Soul would probably be the melody. When I wrote this song with Luke Bulla, he just started playing the most beautiful guitar part and humming the verse hook and I was sold. I think the melody matches the lyrics- flowing, finding peace in letting go, it just all works in my opinion. Connect with Abby Brown on social media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/abbybrownofficial Facebook: www.facebook.com/abbybrownofficial Twitter: www.twitter.com/abbyb__official

The authentic mix of sweetness & soul in the charming vocals & stunning music of Taylor Morse reflects her lifelong love for the art of music and true dedication to the craft of songwriting! Originally hailing from Dallas, Texas, where she discovered her passion for music through growth and spectacular natural talent for the first time, Taylor would make the most important decision for her music career by making a bold move to L.A., where she spent the past 5 years writing & incredible new songs that everyone can enjoy. The result? A sensational hit you won’t forget! The release of her single “Gliding” off her EP “Morse” begins with an uptempo tune and light progression while the beat slowly climaxes into the jamming backtrack instrumental that supports Taylor’s solid vocals and exquisite style. As soon as the hook occurs and the beat changes you find your head bopping and swaying to the song because that specific transition in “Gliding” is when the magic of the single occurs. I love how addicting the hook and lyricism is. It encourages us to sing along naturally due to the fact that it’s quite difficult to listen around the second time the hook plays, and not be prone to feel the vibe it delivers and in this case, sing along. I can 100% see "Gliding" excelling well in the mainstream radios while becoming a great party hit as well! Listen to "Gliding" here and get to know a bit about Taylor below in our interview! Taylor, care to introduce yourself to our readers? Hi! I’m Taylor Morse. I’m a singer songwriter and ukulele player from Dallas, Texas currently living in Los Angeles California. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember and writing since I was about 8. I grew up doing classical music and singing in choirs most of my life and moved to LA at 18 to pursue my dreams of being a professional singer, songwriter, and artist. I write various genres but my own style I like to describe as Rhythm & Uke-Pop. Nice to meetcha! :) Do you remember the first song you’ve ever learned to sing? If so which was it? I like to say my first word was also sung. When I was a baby my mom used to sing the words “chocolate milk” to me and tell me to sing it back to her. I always mumbled it back in the melody, but I’m fully convinced there’s video footage somewhere deep in our VHS archives of me singing the words “chocolate milk” back to my mom. Not quite a song, but it was quite the bop. What has been the most impacting moment for your music career thus far? I think other than actually moving out to Los Angeles by myself right after I graduated high school, releasing my very first EP was a big thing for me. I’ve been writing for most of my life and always dreamed of putting out a project...multiple projects! But because of my inner self doubt and some lack of using my resources, I didn’t release my first EP until just last month on December 14th. The process and finally releasing it into the world was so rewarding and also made me realize even more how much I want to be in this industry. How has it been creating music, any challenges? As an artist I feel most of us run into issues creating and have various different challenges. For me, I always write and enjoy listening back to my own songs as I’d write them, but finding who I really wanted to be was a big challenge. Me as a human functioning on this planet and me as an artist who wants to share my art with the world. I of course always kind of knew, but after a year of bouncing from room to room, a few mental breakdowns, and nights in my apartment crying alone, I really learned more about myself and how I processed my days. That really sparked a creative circuit in me and I felt more like an artist than If ever felt before and I'm only growing from here. In what adjectives would you describe “Gliding”? There are so many potential adjectives I can use to describe Gliding. Do I have a limit? For now I’m just going to go with: smooth, carefree, independent, semi-sexy, upbeat, courageous, motivational, feel-good and exuberant. ;) Who are your biggest musical inspirations that have helped your form into the artist you are today. I have a very eclectic taste and tend to get inspired by different artists all the time, but one of my first influences for songwriting was definitely Ed Sheeran. I always wanted to learn how to play and sing his songs and his writing style really helped me figure out new ways to write myself. When I was 4 I was a big Britney Spears fan and I would dance in front of our fridge blasting Baby One More Time in my CD player, so I guess you can technically say Britney was my first intro into Pop music that I really loved. I also loved anything Jackson 5 or Michael Jackson which is definitely because my mom is such a big fan so I grew up listening to it. Daily I get inspired by new music a lot as well. I love all the new stuff that’s coming out and I love hearing something new, or someone say something in a way I never thought, so when I hear something that I’ve never heard before it’s definitely inspiring. Connect with Taylor Morse on social media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/taylormorse Facebook: www.facebook.com/TaylorMorseMusic Twitter: www.twitter.com/thetaylormorse

Ahead Of Ourselves is a band formed in Naperville, Illinois. They were formed back in their freshman year of high school at a talent show! The band has been writing music for almost three years but have waited to release music because it took them up until now to figure out their unique sound that makes them stand out from the rest. During their writing process, they’ve taken significant inspiration from bands like Hippo Campus and Pinegrove. They’re also no stranger to live performances as they’ve played at local charity events with other high school bands, such as Donsapalooza 2016 and Donsaroo 2016. Ahead Of Ourselves released the soothing single “About Dancing” off their "What Lies" EP. About Dancing has this warmth and comforting sensation you feel during the duration of listening. The backtrack creates a smooth-sailing atmosphere by its delicate and charming wind instruments and jazzy sounding fusion of drums and acoustics. Alongside the delightful tune produced by the instrumentalists, Ahead Of Ourselves voices are just all around relaxing. They don’t apply too much pressure on their notes, refraining from projecting any heavy power yet still delivering a wide range of vocal ability and emotional conviction. About Dancing has a digestible mixture between laidback and up-beat which makes it fitting for any type of mood. It can set the tone for your highway drives, enjoying life, stereo on loud volume or it can fabricate the setting of subtle sadness. Lying down, earplugs in, and tuned out from your outside environment, while becoming lost inside the music. Ahead Of Ourselves plans on releasing more music in the future and I highly evoke that they do. This can be a big act on the rise if they continue producing quality tracks such as "About Dancing". Listen to "About Dancing" here and get to know Ahead Of Ourselves in our interview below! How did you come up with the name “Ahead Of Yourselves”? We had huge ambitions from an early stage. The name came up in text conversation one day, and Max thought it was a good idea for a name. We didn’t think that it would stick, but we never felt the need to change it. The name Ahead of Ourselves shows that we have been and will continue to better our music and performances. Have you noticed any major improvements from when you first performed together in high school to your live performances now? Starting off as a band freshman year, we each had limited experience on our individual instruments. As a result, we mainly had to focus on staying together metronomically.  It took a few rough live shows and some growing pains in order to get beyond the notes and rhythms. Over the past four years, we have developed a real sense of our playing tendencies, and have sunk into a unified sound. Additionally, we are able to focus more on tone and phrasing as it relates to the individual track. What’s the meaning behind most of your music? “Nectar” and “About Dancing” revolve around similar themes of self reflection and understanding. “Nectar” really invokes a feeling of nostalgia, and reminisces on times when we didn’t really feel like we fit in, or felt isolated. “About Dancing” on the other hand is about hitting rock bottom — more like the feeling after hitting rock bottom. It talks about when you truly have nothing left to give, there’s a bounce back feeling of joy and resilience that never ceases to lift our spirits. There is no point in being unhappy with yourself and all you gotta do is dance, baby. Knowing that you’re influenced by the bands Hippo Campus and Pinegrove, do you have any personal favorite releases from either artist? If so which and why? Landmark, Hippo Campus’ first full length album, has influenced us the most because it opened our eyes to many different aspects of alternative music. It also helps that Hippo Campus is the first band that the four of us all loved. We’ve seen them live and strive to deliver the same energy in our performances. Pinegrove’s live Audiotree session is a release that embodies the live performance we look to achieve. The level of musicianship the four players use to play off of each other is second to none and takes their studio recordings to another level. What’s the ultimate goal for your band in 2019? Our ultimate goal for 2019 is to release a full length album. This is something we have dreamed about for years, but it is now feeling more like a possibility. Taking inspiration again from our favorite bands, we hope to make the album a seamless and immersive listen with recurring themes. The album will largely build off of the styles that were introduced in the single release. Additionally, we hope to refine songs that we wrote throughout our high school experience, and set them into stone with some new twists. Instagram: www.instagram.com/aheadofourselves Twitter: www.twitter.com/officialaoo?lang=en Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/aheadofourselves

Originally from Colorado, Tudor began releasing music in 2018 under the acoustic alias Luca. He later decided to take on a different route with Hip-Hop/Pop music. Tudor currently lives in Seattle, Washington and he's still killing the game! Tudor recently released his single “Lately “ and we can't get enough of it! "I’ve been through a couple of rough patches just like everybody else, the difference is I don’t like asking for help" The lyrics were uncut and genuine. Tudor demonstrated vulnerability and emotive lyricism personable to how he feels but also relatable to how many people tend to feel. Tudor has a fluent vocal resonance that’s hipped to the style popular in today’s generation. It’s the smooth-sailing, suave flare a lot of R&B and Pop kings are equipped with such as Usher, Justin Bieber, etc. Despite the silky beat and appealing vocals, the intricate play in words was my favorite part about the song. It showcased the lyrical talent Tudor has and his capability to show many sides to his personality within his songs. We all love listening to certain types of music that can touch to our emotions and also connect with us on a certain level. Whenever artists open up in their songs, they allow us to see the authentic side of them. Although the lyrics may seem rather dwellsome, Tudor presented an up-beat and charismatic delivery. "Lately" would make an excellent addition to any of your feel-good playlists! Listen to "Lately" here and get to know Tudor in our interview below! Hi Tudor, care to introduce yourself to our readers? My name is Tudor Arvinte, I was raised just outside of Boulder, Colorado, and I operate under two artist names: Luca and Tudor. The former is acoustic music and the latter is more pop/hip-hop oriented. I'm currently studying business at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA, and plan to attend law school afterwards in order to learn the ins and outs of music law. Is the music scene heavy in Colorado? Colorado isn't usually what comes to most people's minds when asked which states have a heavy music scene, but the past few years have yielded many great artists out of Colorado, specifically in the EDM scene. There's more than a few amazing venues in Colorado, the most famous and my personal favorite being Red Rocks Amphitheater (duh). Overall, I think the Colorado music scene is on a heavy come up. When did you discover your love for singing? My love for singing is a direct result of my Dad's love for singing. Some of my earliest memories include my Dad singing and playing guitar for the entire family, and for as long as I can remember my sister and I were eager to join in whenever we knew the words. I was always encouraged by my family to pursue and further develop my passion for music. Do you face any challenges during your song-writing process if so which? I think every writer has to deal with writer's block every once in a while-whenever this happens to me I force myself to completely remove my quality filter and write whatever pops into my mind, this usually helps. Another challenge I've faced is the continuous balancing act of writing music you think other people will want to hear, but at the same time writing music that is rooted in real emotion. I've found it's easy to get lost in trying to write a song that you think will get streams, but ultimately the music that does the best is music that is most genuine. People can feel the emotion in a song, and a track that was written without a real emotion backing it will end up feeling empty. How do you manage to stand out from the crowd with your music? The songs I make are influenced by a very wide range of artists; I feel my music stands out because it's a blend of genres that most people haven't heard before. In addition to that, I put a lot of energy into the lyrics I write. A lot of music out there today is a lot less about the message and a lot more about the sound, but I think it's possible to maintain lyrical integrity no matter what genre an artist falls under. In total, a unique blend of genres and the depth of the lyrics I write is what makes me stand out. Between rent and your single “Lately” which is your favorite and why? If I had to choose between Lately and Rent I would probably have to go with Lately. I wrote it a few months after Rent, and I made a lot of progress as a writer in those few months. I think the lyrical structure, content, and slant rhymes in Lately are a lot better than in Rent, and the hook is in a sweet spot in my voice. That being said, I think the chorus in Rent is one of the catchiest I've ever written, and I would definitely prefer to listen to it over Lately in any type of high energy situation. Lately was my favorite song I've ever written for a little bit, but one of the songs I just recorded has now taken that spot. It's called "Let It Ride" and will be on my EP dropping on January 14th, my 21st birthday! Connect with Tudor on social media: Instagram Twitter Facebook

Vee, a Russian native, had the goal to move to LA and become a great American singer. With a language barrier as an obstacle, he took it on full force. Moving to LA and conquering the English language in 2.5 years, he was bound for greatness. And what next on his mission trip? Music. Vee teamed up with multi talented artist, Reek Ivan to create the featured song, “Get High”. Reek Ivan, a Philly native, is a rapper,songwriter and model. This artist has experienced a lot of negatives coming up. Negatives that could have ruined his life. But instead, Ivan was able to ultimately turn those negatives into positives with music. This collab, “Get High”, comes in strong with a wavy production. A track that is will get everyone up and dancing to the beat. The message is relatable in this track. We have all had a night like this. Vee’s smooth lyrics paired with the beat has you rocking in sync. Easily a track you can catch in a club or on your way to an event. Then Reek Ivan comes in with the bulletproof rap game. You can’t help but to head nod to every word he’s spitting. This duo made a banger that definitely goes on the pre-game playlist. Listen to "Get High" and be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Vee and Reek I'van to find out how this collab came about! Hey there, care to introduce yourselves to our readers? Vee: What's up! I'm Vee! I'm a singer-songwriter and producer from Los Angeles, and I originally come from Russia. I am so passionate about American music that I taught myself English just so I could make music that I like, how crazy is that? Reek I'van: My name is Reek Ivan. I am a rapper/singer/model from originally from Philly. I’ve been creating music for 10 plus years. Some of my career highlights include writing with The Underdogs, performing at The Fame Tour Miami, performance at A3C in ATL and SXSW in Texas, as well my role in Jay Z's I Got the Keys video. How did you two cross paths to create this collab? Vee: Reek and I actually met in on of those "shared" Ubers at some point in the past. We exchanged Instagrams right before my stop, so we didn't get a chance to talk much about what we do. Almost half a year later I came across his page on my feed, and I knew right away - we had to do a song together! Reek I'van: Ironically, we met through this collaboration, but I've heard his music on Spotify so I already knew he was very talented. What sparked the idea for the track? Vee: I made the beat on the plane from NYC back to LA. The song is about work sometimes getting in the way of your relationships, family, etc. We definitely tried to mask it under a party-song disguise, but if you really listen to the lyrics - you hear the pain of separation, and your obligations getting in the way of your personal life. We made this song for all entrepreneurs, performers, working fathers away from their families and all the people who work on the road. Reek I'van: Vee has already had the track when he approached me for a verse. I received the song with the open verse so I recorded a video freestyling to I. Once Vee heard the verse he asked me to record it asap. The following day the whole song was complete. What was your immediate reaction after hearing the mixed and mastered version of this track? Vee: It was a huge relief for me because I could not mix it right myself. Reek I'van: I loved the vibe of the song the first time I heard it. The end product sounded like everything I envisioned plus some. I hope our fans enjoy the song just as much. How long have you been sitting on this track? Or was it an immediate release? Vee: We were sitting on it for a hot minute, it was stuck in the mixing stage for a while. I tried doing it myself first, and it wasn't working and then I hired someone to do it and after a couple of tries, we finally got it right! Reek I'van: It felt like a while but in reality it was only a few months. What can we expect to see from you in the near future? Vee: A lot of new music! I've been so creative lately, you will hear all of it very soon! :) Reek I'van: Movie soundtracks, more modeling campaigns and more great music. Connect with Vee on social media: Instagram: www.Instagram.com/veealwayshere YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VenyaPak/videos Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/veealwayshere Twitter: https://twitter.com/veealwayshere #BuzzMusic

Growing up as a singer-songwriter, Drea is an uprising artist based in Los Angeles, California, and she’s giving us some serious vibes with her naturally chilling vocals. As an artist with an incredibly diversified background, Drea’s music reflects every milestone she has overcome to be the artist she is now— and this really doesn’t go unnoticed within her music. One day, like any dreamer, Drea decided to pick up everything and make the move out to Los Angeles, which we are incredibly thankful she did, because she gave us exemplary tracks on her debut EP “No Vacancy” in 2016. Drea gives us with her new single “La Paz” and its authenticity is unquestionable. Right from the start this ballad immediately hits you with some pretty acute rhythms, and you’ll undoubtedly be taken aback from the way the vocals strike you with their connotation. With an integration of various compelling beats paired with captivating piano rhythms, Drea unveils the true extent of her dynamics. “La Paz” brings something uniquely raw to the table— soulful yet contemporary tones intertwined with flowing and dramatic vocals is the combination we didn’t even know we needed until now. Drea’s new track “La Paz” is notably leaving us wanting more - so much more! Listen to “La Paz” from us first, on Spotify. Hi Drea! Care to introduce yourself to readers? I am a pop artist and songwriter, originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have been making music in LA for over 5 years now, and in that time I have had the opportunity to learn from and work with some of the most talented musicians I have ever met. I currently serve on the board of directors for two non-profit organizations in Los Angeles, and run a dance class for survivors of sexual assault (www.reclaimmvmt.org). How much would you say your past experiences have shaped the way you sing and write music now? The music I am releasing now is more personal than anything I have previously released. "La Paz," and the single that will follow, are focused around my personal experience with sexual assault and trauma. As the years have passed and I have healed more and more from that trauma, I have been able to put that pain into my art. Although I have shared my story semi-publicly in the past on my social media pages, I don't think it prepared me for how nervous I would be to release this music. This is real. This is me. This was my horrifying experience. And now the world is going to hear about it in a whole new way. But what is art for if not to tell our truth? Was “La Paz” executed the way you initially envisioned it being? I worked closely with my long-time collaborator Kayja (@kayjaofficial) to create the right mood and essence of the track to back "La Paz". Kayja and I released my last two singles together, and it is important to both of us that we use live instruments, not just sounds of instruments, to fill out the tracks. Kayja is an incredibly talented producer and multi-instrumentalist, but perhaps most importantly, he has been willing and able to listen to my production ideas and execute them flawlessly. We make an incredible team, and I can't wait for you to hear what we have next for you. Do any of your musical influences reflect heavily in “La Paz”? I would say from a genre perspective, the song was definitely influenced by Latin Pop, which I listen to all the time. As "La Paz" has a Spanish chorus, I wanted a Latin rhythm to be present in the track at points as well. Overall, the track is a mixed bag: there are high, "discoteca" or club moments, but also moments of heavy synths, of bare bone piano... to me, the ups and downs of the track really resemble the ups and downs of life, of processing trauma. Although that wasn't necessarily the intention, that was the result, and that couldn't be more exciting to me. Has your vision for your music always remained the same since you’ve started your music career? My music has become more and more honest the longer I've been in LA. When I was dropped by my manager and in essence lost my best chance at a major record deal, I was forced to come into my own as an artist and work on my brand independently. In this moment, I was freed from having to meet a manager's or label's expectations. I could release the music I wanted to in the way I wanted to. It's been really liberating, and I am finally beginning to see my music become the platform for social discussions I always hoped it would be. I have become more honest, more vulnerable, more brave, and I believe all of that is reflected in "La Paz". What’s next for you? The music video for "La Paz" is set to be released in early February, and will be followed by a second single and music video in April. Another bilingual collaboration is in the works, as well! Connect with Drea on social media: Instagram: www.Insntagram.com/dreaxmusic Facebook: www.facebook.com/dreaxmusic YouTube: www.youtube.com/dreaxmusic www.dreaxmusic.com www.reclaimmvmt.org #BuzzMusic

BALO is a talented artist and producer based in Los Angeles, CA. BALO has spent most of his life on a nomadic lifestyle. Going from New York, to Boston, to Hawaii and now residing in Los Angeles where he graduated from MI School of Contemporary Music. Don’t let this debut artist fool you, he is no newbie to the music scene! Opening for artists such as Mac Miller and producing form labels like G.O.O.D Music, BALO is ready to take the world by storm with his natural talent. BALO just dropped his debut single "Around You" featuring platinum producer and artist Suji. I really was not expecting this single to give me so many island vibes with a hip hop blend but it did exactly that! The production gives you that slow wind type of feel and it's executed quite articulately. “Around You” is a catchy melody with smooth vocals. There’s a depth to this single that extends beyond the vocals. You can hear the dynamic range of influences from BALO. This single is one you will put on repeat and dance around the house like no ones watching! "Around You" is the perfect song for your all your feel-good playlist! We're excited to hear more from BALO this year. Listen to “Around You” here and get to know BALO in our interview below! HI BALO! Why don’t you tell us a little more about yourself? Well I'm an artist and producer who traveled my whole life which kind of reflects in my music. I spent a lot of my life in Hawaii and I think that influenced the island sound in my music a lot. How has MI assisted in your music career? It really just helped me network and meet the right people to get opportunities when I moved to LA. I learned the value of meeting people and creating a good circle around you. How would you describe your sound? My sound is a mix of hip hop and reggae, with a splash of rnb in it. Most of my songs I produce myself so I have been able to sculpt a sound that is really my own and caters to what I like. What were the major influences that helped create “Around You”? To be honest, Around You was created in 15 minutes really. I made the beat and laid the hook down in about 15 minutes total. Later that night I went over to Suji's studio (the other artist on the song) to see what he thought and the rest is history. I think we might have stayed up til 8am that night making this song but thats normal for us. What major artist would you like to work with and why? I always wanted to work with one of the Marley's. Either Stephen or Damien Marley would be a dream. But there are a lot of up and coming artist who's music I like a lot. I'm pretty open to working with people as long as the vibe is right. What can the readers hope to expect from you in this year? This year you can expect an EP from me dropping sometime in early spring called "Fuse". Also a bunch of features and collab's as well as  projects I'm producing on are coming out. Suji will be dropping his debut project this year which I am apart of sculpting. Really excited about that one. You can find all my new releases on any of my social media's (@playbalo) through out the year. Going to be a busy year and I'm excited. Instagram Twitter Facebook Soundcloud