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Alaska & Aurora is a Northern Virginian Alternative, Indie-Pop band that’s been evolving and creating their own music since 2015. Alaska & Aurora’s sound is something extraordinary that you find yourself obsessing over! Together, the band forms an array of illuminated sounds, with each member embodying their own individual color. Each member plays an important role in helping manufacture the great hits they release. On lead vocals and bass is Lía Marie Johnson (Yellow). On lead guitar and B.G. vCcals is Rachel Kane (Violet) and alongside her is rhythm guitarist, Denise Loewinger (Rose). With Kate Sulek (Teal) on drums, and Austin Sulek (Orange) on keys, the group is one of a unique presence. Alaska & Aurora released their heart-rendering single titled “Pollyanna” that instantly begins with a delicate and delightful piano introduction that produces a unique falsetto key. Lía Marie Johnson keeps a sweet, mellifluous sound, completely enrapturing us with their enchanting energy. Alaska & Aurora stir beautiful connections between the listener and the song in which you become completely captivated with the song’s magnetic force and the dainty lyricism that shows elements of metaphoric word play and poetic inversion. The song feels holy in a sense where everything is so augmented and the dynamics are so big you feel like you’re becoming cleansed of everything negative while listening. Alaska & Aurora gave us this magical impact in “Pollyanna” and we can’t wait to hear what’s next! Download "Pollyanna" on your Spotify playlist today, and keep reading for the artists personalized interview! Hello! We are so excited about your new song “Pollyanna”! Can you tell us a little about yourselves and how Alaska & Aurora formed? Hi BuzzMusic! It all started when four of us (Kate, Rachel, Denise, Lía Marie) all met through a music school called Bach2Rock back in 2015. We started out playing a few covers here and there, but in little to no time, really got into the groove of writing and performing our own music. In late 2018, Austin started playing the keys for us at a couple shows and eventually joined us officially. It was just what our sound was missing and we’ve been together ever since!” How would you guys personally describe your artistry and music influence? “It’s hard to put a label on our music as it can embody so many things at once. It’s alternative, it’s indie, it’s rock, it’s pop, but above all, it’s art. Influenced by experiences, connections, and moments, it’s something that not only belongs to us, but everyone who chooses to listen. There are definitely a few artists that have heavily impacted the growth of our sound though, and that includes Fleetwood Mac (Stevie Nicks), the Beatles, David Bowie, HAIM, and Wolf Alice.” “Pollyanna” could be interpreted in many ways but from your artist perspective how would you guys lyrically connotate this? “For us, “Pollyanna” is ignorance personified. Narrating a state of concealment in a facade that’s beautiful, sweet, and lush. A state where chaos, pain, and consequences slumber in its undertones and thrive off its illusion. With that said, “Pollyanna”, as you’ve mentioned, may be interpreted in many ways; we give it to you, you feel as you do.” What inspired you to write “Pollyanna” ? “Pollyanna” was hugely inspired by the apathetic nature of today’s global society. Our inability to truly acknowledge and act upon problems that threaten our lives as we know it, when now is all we have to save it. We believe our generation is the future, and if those in charge won’t make a change, we’ll just have to instead. Have you guys had a chance to perform “Pollyanna” live yet? Are you planning on it? We have actually not had a chance to perform “Pollyanna” live yet, but most certainly, and excitedly, plan on doing so! We really want to be able to capture the full effect of the song and are working towards creating a live rendition that’ll serve it justice. How does “Pollyanna” differ from your debut single “Undergrove”? “Undergrove” and “Pollyanna” differ most in the stylistic choices and intentions that lie beneath them. On one hand, “Undergrove” takes on a relatively gritty and heads-on perspective on the issue(s) it confronts, which directly binds the lyrics and music to each other in a way that generates emotion and power. What makes “Pollyanna” unique, on the other hand, is a clash between the lyrics and music. Unlike “Undergrove”, the melodic elements of “Pollyanna” are fairly upbeat, and without any lyrical context, the song bears a more positive vibe. Overall, the dissonance between musical and lyrical elements help contribute to the idea of ignorance that was intended in the song. In the end, these songs both address different world issues that we hope to help change in the future and we’re glad we get to share them with our listeners today, tomorrow, and to whatever comes after. Connect with Alaska & Aurora via their Facebook or Instagram! #BuzzMusic

Zhanara gives us an appealing and tasty music video to match her tangible single “Mood”. Zhanara's star quality most definitely popped out when I was watching this exclusive video. She doesn’t only sing the song, but in the video she performs! Giving you rhythmic choreography with extra dancers to match the tempo of the song with sensual moves to fit that seductive aura and feminine lyricism. What I really loved most about the video was the different cut scenes and different looks she gave us with different outfits that complemented the certain aesthetic. It was raunchy yet sophisticated. During the entire video I couldn’t help but look at Zhanara as an iconic figure who knows how to mirror the image of a star and brand herself as an artist. We loved the choice in locations for the video. They gave us scenes in the middle of nowhere which was a perfect background setting to really highlight the choice of clothing, alongside choreography on top of what seems to be a city landscape wearing complementary colors alongside appealing outfits. I really liked how the editing of the video matched with the erotic aura of the song. Zhanara gave us a hit record with "Mood" as well as a hit video to show us she’s the next big thing on the rise. Be on the lookout! Don't miss out on Zhanara's "Mood" and stream it now on Spotify. Scroll below for the artists exclusive interview! Hi Zhanara! Care to introduce yourself to our readers? Hey My name Zhanara im an artist in La. Ive been singing all my life. I started writing my own originals four years ago. I love what I do, because I enjoy the process. Music is the one of the main thing in my life that makes me happy. What was your initial vision for the visual to “Mood” ? My initial vision was to have a genuine presentation of myself to show the world. I wanted the intro to capture a moody aura to display. It was about the moment. How I was feeling at that particular point in my life. Have you been a part of a creation process for a music videos prior to this one? Yes, actually I have. I like to dictate all my creative artwork as much as possible. Who was the stylist behind all of those fashionable pieces? I worked with Dasha Maksimova. It was my first time working with her. She’s an amazing stylist and person. We built everything together, while looking for outfits. Also , Caanodii Avenue who provided the coolest fur coat! Can you tell us a bit about the meaning behind the song? To me it defines a lot of separate situations. Mainly about people who want to waste my time and frustrate me. Ive dealt with many fake people and I have just about had it with them. I wanted to sing about strength and going through a lot of stupid shit, bad shit, but still coming out a winner.  It could mean a lot of things to a lot of people, but that’s mainly what it meant to me. What's next for you through 2019? What’s next for me is working on my EP. I want to release it. Many new singles and more music video’s. Just new content over all. I want to really find myself more as an artist and find people who want to resonate with my new music. I want to give them a polished product, not just the bare minimum. Soon everything will be ready. Connect with Zhanara on the artists Instagram for the latest on upcoming releases! #BuzzMusic

In this current generation, being different is the new wave of cool. Why limit yourself from your fullest potential by being afraid of your authentic self? Authenticity seems to be the new black in today’s society and this lofi indie pop band from Philadelphia who goes by the name of Fruut is representing the idea of originality to its fullest extent. Fruut offers you rolling melodies over synthesizing beats to curate a sound that weaves the lines between dream-like and atmospheric vibrations to enhance that nomadic spirit in our bodies! Their record “One Shot, Two Shot” begins with lyrics like  “Airplane mode, I don't want to see you call". Their convoluted wordplay and way of delivering lyrics we can find ourselves immensely intrigued by shows a unique and special level of skill! The beat and vibe of “One Shot, Two Shot” reminded me of those contextual artists who creates musical art in which we’re fascinated and absorbed by completely. Great examples would be Kali Uchis, Tyler The Creator, Willow and Jaden Smith etc. although those artists are more geared towards the nostalgic side of urban pop and subtle hiphop, these elements are all noticeable in Fruut’s unique replica of artistry. Listen to Fruut's “One Shot, Two Shot” now on Spotify, and be sure to scroll down to catch the artists exclusive interview! Hey FRUUT! Great to chat with you! Care to introduce yourself to our readers? I'm a solo artist from Philly. I make indie music that's a blend of pop, lofi, and rnb. I producer and write all of my own music. Tell us a little bit about your single “One Shot, Two Shot” What is the whole meaning behind it? What was the inspiration behind writing it? One Shot, Two Shot is basically about the moment after a break up as well as moments after a night out. Where you are just trying to move on and leave the past behind you. Like, a "fuck it" if you will. If you were able to add a feature on this track who would you select and why? Probably Lorde, because I feel like you dont get to see that side of her much but I'm sure she'd kill it. Do you have any musical influences who you think help impact your style? I grew up listening to a lot of Drake, Frank Ocean, Lorde, Lana Del Rey and Rihanna. I think they have all impacted my music in different ways. When songwriting, where do you find your most focused concentration? Do you prefer to write alone or do you write with a team? I like to write alone. I focus a lot on the beat as well as the lyrics. I am definitely a lyrical person and they have to be just right before I can say the song is done. What's next for you through 2019? I will be putting out my debut album, Citrus, by the summer. I am very excited about it and hope people like it too! Keep up to date on the latest with Fruut on social media: Instagram Twitter #BuzzMusic

Who else doesn’t love a passionate pop rock band who takes personable experiences into creative songwriting to release bops everyone can remember!? That’s exactly what the Canadian band Parasona is keen for! The band consists of members; Adam Lancia (Vocals, Guitar) and Joshua Golias (Drums, Beard). This two piece band released their energetic rock song titled “Scars You Left Behind”. "Scars You Left Behind" has the perfect elements that can resonate and connect with a listener. Due to their highly relatable lyrics, we can find ourselves clicking with not only the music but the band. A “wow I feel that” kind of moment while listening. Parasona delivered a record in which we feel aligned with, and as if this song was specifically written for our emotions. That’s the beauty behind this progressive and electrifying rock hit is that it shows signs of classic fused together with modern day rock n roll! The foghorn belts in the hook adds the perfect emphasis on the lyrics and projects a burst of energy into our bodies in which we are completely amped up and in a sense, hypnotized by the magical ball of electricity from “Scars You Left Behind”. The duo progress the song forwardly with an increase in dynamics starting from an emotionally convicted subtle introduction to a rapid, and high energy drive! Influenced by all types of music and art, Parasona loves keeping an open mind. The band blends a modern day rock vibe and have been compared to a more gritty rock n roll version of the pop rock band Maroon 5. Parasona will have a career filled with longevity with songs like “Scars You Left Behind” under their belt! Try something new and listen to "Scars You Left Behind" on Spotify! Check out Parasona's exclusive interview below! What made you two form a band? How did you choose the name “Parasona”? Josh and I have known each other since kindergarten and as teenagers we started to learn our respective instrumentals separately. We always had the urge to perform in front of people and after a couple years it was kind of an organic: “you wanna play music together?!” moment. We went months without a band name. Without any ideas we asked one of our mutual friends to help us because he always has out of left field ideas. He responded five minutes later with a text reading: “I’m feeling the Latin words Parabellum (meaning prepare for war) and Potensona (powerful music) and combine them you have PARASONA (prepare for music).” You’ve been compared to a more rock version of Maroon 5. Are you guys a personal fan? If not, who are some of your influences and how did they impact your artistry? We are fans of just the process and work that goes into making a “hit” song. Almost like a formula of different components that come together that can appeal to a mass audience and affect a listener. It’s been amazing that Maroon 5, for example, has been around for how long they have and continue to pump out hit single after single. However you feel about them, you can’t deny the power of a catchy hit song and we strive for creating the same feeling when writing. Tell us a little bit about “Scars You Left Behind”. What inspired you to write this? And what can we expect from "Bad Seed"? Well our Bad Seed album we released in 2017. We wrote, arranged, performed, recorded, and produced the whole album ourselves. Once released, this caught the ear of producer Steve Molella who is also a member of the band Finger Eleven. He liked what we were going for but felt he could add more of the top 40 feel in production that we were seeking from a proper producer. We then got to work on the single “Scars You Left Behind”. We wanted a song that talked about the addiction of not being able to let go of someone. Being taken advantage of because of being complacent and letting any love you had left to give slowly drain away. It's a song that on the surface you can listen and have a good time to but also has a deeper meaning of toxic relationships. Steve co-wrote and produced the single which is now available on all streaming services and music buying platforms. What's 2019 looking like for Parasona? We are continuing to work with Steve Molella on an EP that will have the same feel as “Scars”. Our Scars song has started to get picked up for rotation across North American college radio stations and has gotten airplay from Alan Cross and 102.1 The Edge (Toronto’s main rock radio station). It’s continuing to get picked up on Spotify playlists and is being added to Stingray Music’s commerce and retail playlists that are supplied to 74k+ stores across Canada. The music can compete which what’s out there today and we are doing everything we can to get it places and played for people to hear it. Don't forget to check out Parasona on their website to keep up to date with the latest on the duo! #BuzzMusic

Not lacking confidence, Derrick Cobb’s "Savage AF" drops the funky, rhythmic beat as soon as you press play. Destined to be a club favorite "Savage AF" will have you rolling your hips and bouncing to the beat. Derrick’s smooth R&B voice spouts lyrics of his ‘don’t give a f*ck’ attitude, and let’s be honest, who hasn’t had a moment in daily life where you toss your hands up and say ‘I don’t care.’ If you find yourself in one of those moments this track is perfect to turn up on your stereo! "Savage AF" is the perfect let loose tune that we all need in our life right now! Derrick has a long history in the entertainment industry, preforming since he was 8, influenced by the likes of Prince and Janet Jackson. Derrick creative influences appealed to him not just because of their music, but the way they presented their art. Derrick is inspired by dance and theatrical visualizations that contribute to is writing and singing. A series of life events has motivated Derrick to further is musical career, and has lead him to work with the likes of Nate Beats, D.Gatez, and Grammy award winning producer Ebonie Smith. This talented and expressive artist is one not to pass up, "Savage AF" drops today on streaming platforms for your listening pleasure! Listen to "Savage AF" here and get to know the artist behind this savage single below! Hi Derrick, congratulations on your new track “Savage AF”. Can you tell us about what this song means to you? Thank you so so much. “Savage AF” means so many things to me. The over all message of the song is to be an unapologetic go getter. Be a savage when it comes to reaching your goals, be a savage when it comes to your dreams and never let anyone tell you different.  Never let others opinion affect how you feel about yourself. What has been the most influential event in your life that has contributed to your music? Back in 2010 I was invited to Essence Magazine to hang out with the online editor and chief. I had the opportunity to meet Famed singer/songwriter Kandi Burruss. She is in the r&b group Xscape and has written hit songs for Mariah Carey, TLC, Destiny’s child and Ed Sheran. When we talked I was in awe of her. She was so kind and sweet and gave me advice fast I hold on to to this day. She told me to always be honest in my music and to not fear my imagination. I apply all of that when I enter the studio to record music, when I’m writing and even when I’m performing. What message do you want to send to your fans through your music? The message I want to send to my fans through my music is to be true to who they are, Own their stories and develop their own gifts in their own way. I want them to know that just like them I’m on this journey of life just like them so as much as they want to see me win. I want to see them win as well. What are you hoping the LA music scene brings to your music? I’m hoping the LA music scene will bring a chill vibe to my music. I love how laid back and low key LA is. The artist that I’ve seen out here are just so calm and pure and the sound is so diverse. I would love to bring that vibe, and that energy, that rawness to my music. What compels you to be so devoted to the expression of art through music, dance and theatrics? To be honest what keeps me devoted to my work is my struggle with depression. Expression of art through music and dance is whet keeps me going. Music and dance allows me to speak what’s really on my heart and express how I feel. When I perform, its the theatrics that brings that story to life. Work is my safe space. The music doesn’t judge me. Dancing allows me to move through the world freely and The theatrics allows the audience to see what I see. And that’s the reason I’m so devoted to the work. Connect with Derrick Cobb on social media: Instagram Facebook #BuzzMusic

Chad Michael is an independent hip-hop and R&B artist from Tuscon, Arizona. He is a rapper, singer and songwriter. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in English from Western New Mexico University in 2014, Chad packed his life up into his Toyota 4Runner and drove west to sunny Los Angeles, California. Leaving everything behind, he started off in LA with no connections or contacts in the music industry. Having only begun recording in 2012, Chad is constantly developing not only his artistic craft but his knowledge of the music industry as well. As a committed independent artist, he has taught himself techniques in audio engineering, production, marketing and web development while simultaneously writing and recording his music. Chad’s style continues to evolve, relying on a wealth of inspiration. His lyrics are reminiscent of some of Chicago and Brooklyn’s most conscious hip hop acts. A great deal of Chad’s music follows similar themes: lust, anxiety, mistrust and melancholy are often juxtaposed with a growing confidence in his ability to persevere and change the world through music. He does his best to impart these lessons through his music, but also acknowledges that he is only human and may not always follow his own advice. Chad Michael is here to stay, committed to constant improvement in both himself and his music, writing from the heart for both himself and the collective consciousness. BuzzMusic presents Chad Michael’s EP, “Rain III”. Preceded by “Rain I” and “Rain II”, “Rain III” is the finale to the trilogy that continues his personal story as an independent artist in southern California. The EP is a journey through five polished songs that are deep and intellectual and widely varied in mood, texture and techniques. Themes of the artist’s personal life clearly shine through the EP, ranging from lust, anxiety, social awareness and dedicated perseverance. The EP’s opening track, “Diamonds”, begins with an ethereal, airy and dream-like introduction, which transitions (after the lyric “wake up!”) into a rhythmically pounding rap. The verse is confident, powerful and delivered with dizzying speed. The chorus by contrast is mellow and lulls one into a sense of bliss, the falsetto tones soothing every nerve in the body. This track is a perfect mix of moods, with the incredible speed and rhythm of the verses, and the dream-like quality of the introduction and chorus. At just over three minutes, “Diamonds” is a short yet impressive showcase of skill and versatility.“The Aura” is the second song of “Rain III”, which also has a music video that was released in February featuring downtown Los Angeles. Similarly to the first track, the introduction is calming and ethereal. The use of guitar might seem unconventional, but is very tastefully introduced, and worth noting that Chad himself plays guitar on this track. The verses are delivered with relative ease, with a confidence that is indicative of a talented wordsmith. The chorus is a welcome return to something that sounds familiar yet fresh. The haunting lyric near the end of the song, “can you find your way home?” leaves this song hanging on a lingering question. “4th Ave” is a homage to Chad’s hometown of Tucson, Arizona. This song, as in “The Aura”, is laden with lyrical themes such as growth and perseverance. This song is the first of the EP to feature a more aggressive beat from the beginning, which persists constantly through the whole track, with the same rhythmic and poetic qualities of the lyrics continuing to shine through. Following “4th Ave” is the title track of this EP, “Rain III”. Beginning with a rich sounding guitar, this song has the most melancholy mood of the lot. The beat is slower, and the lyrics are delivered with an urgency that speaks of a passionate internal struggle and inner strength. There is an airy and celestial quality and mood to the arrangement and production, and as a contrast to his earlier intense rhythmic raps, this song really showcases Chad Michael’s more contemplative and softer side. “Garden” finishes up this 5 song EP with a hopeful and dynamic shift from the doom and gloom of the album to a more positive message. With the first lyric, “It sounds like a garden, so you let it grow”, the mood is immediately set in a much more positive light than the preceding song. The beat is uplifting, and the mood and delivery of the vocals are peaceful in contrast with the heavy mood of “Rain III”, yet Chad Michael has no problem maintaining energy and momentum with his vocals. “Garden” is a ray of sunlight, exploring the concepts of new territory and possibility, maintaining the verbal skill and range listeners have come to expect from Chad Michael. “Rain III” is an action packed EP, with each of the 5 songs showcasing Chad Michael’s wide array of talents. The rapping itself is skillful, rhythmic, and memorable. What’s astounding is the amount of lyrical and thematic content that this artist is able to put into a single song. In just a few minutes, he is able to transport you through an emotional journey through time and space. Themes like perseverance, self-doubt and self-confidence, and a personal pilgrimage in the pursuit of happiness are sincerely presented throughout the EP. This reveals a depth of character in this young artist that we hope to see more of, and provides the listener something that almost anyone can relate to on some level. “Rain III” is an example of an excellent EP, so check it out and experience the journey that it has to offer! Be sure to check out Chad Michael's EP "Rain III" on Spotify, and remember to scroll below to get to know the artist better through their personalized interview! Hey Chad! Thanks so much for catching up with us. Can you start by briefly describing your background and how you first developed an interest in making your own music? Thanks for taking the time y'all! I think a lot of my early inspiration owes to the fact that I grew up playing basketball, and when I started playing on traveling teams early on in high school, I was introduced to a lot of new experiences culturally, including a lot of hip-hop and rap music that I had never been exposed to before. The rawness, the passion, and the sounds themselves definitely opened up a brand new world for me, and over the next few years I really took a deep dive into the culture and history of hip-hop across the country. I've been playing guitar since I was 16, and I've always written poetry as well. When I was 21 I wrote and recorded a verse for the first time, kind of as a fun side project, but it really felt amazing and natural. The people around me also immediately told me that I was on to something special, so I bought a microphone, started writing a lot of songs, and just went for it after that. I felt a real connection to the kind of music I was making, even if it was extremely raw. I've been practicing, improving, and learning ever since, and that fire I felt has never left. Growing up in Tucson, what was the music scene there like? I never thought to explore it much. When I was growing up, downtown was a lot of boarded-up buildings and failing businesses. There were concerts from bands and groups passing by, but in terms of artists really coming from the city, I didn't know of any. Tucson is a college town, big on sports and outdoors events and pursuits, and that really was the focus in my childhood. As I got a little older, the city started to put a lot of money into making downtown somewhere to be - clubs, restaurants, night life - and the music scene started to take baby steps. I felt when I started making music that I had to leave Arizona to pursue my goals. I really didn't feel like there were enough opportunities or community support for me to truly grow, and that's a huge reason I moved to LA. But recently, I've noticed a definite grassroots movement in hip-hop in Tucson. There are some talented artists coming up now, and it seems like they're all trying to support each other, which is cool to see. The city actually just had its first hip-hop festival this month - I'm hoping to be a part of it next year. Its always been my goal to come back to Arizona and use these experiences to help build us all up. Would you mind walking us through your writing process? Definitely! I never put deadlines on my writing. Sometimes, a verse will take a month to finish, sometimes I can write one in an afternoon. It all really depends on what I'm trying to say, and if I'm all the way ready to say it yet. My verses and songs take me on these paths of understanding, and they create stories that at times I'm not sure what the resolution is. It starts with the instrumental usually, finding the base by which I want to write to. When the music itself strikes me is when I know I need to write over it. I write random lyrics and keep them in a folder on my phone, and sometimes when I need some inspiration I'll pull a couple of those lines out and add them to my verse, but I mostly start from scratch every time. I also write songs on paper now, in pen. There are scribbles and cross-outs all over the place, but for me it keeps all of my thoughts in order, and if I can't actually delete ideas, then I might be able to come back to them more easily later. These notebooks are really like road maps through my process and inspirations, and sometimes just looking through them all is motivation enough for something brand new. A lot of your music speaks about your personal journey through the music industry. What prompted your brave decision to pack up your 4Runner and move to Los Angeles? I didn't want to be normal. I grew up in a place where I could've easily found a good-paying job and settled down with the whole classic American life thing. I'm not saying that isn't good enough - for a lot of people, that life is a dream and an accomplishment in itself, but for whatever reason I've always felt like I had something special to offer this world, and through my music is how I found that passion. I believe in myself, my abilities to push boundaries and to make more of my life than anyone expects. I knew this move would shock my system and force me to open up to new possibilities and situations, and that is exactly what it's done. My experiences here could never have happened at home. There's too much comfortability for me to have really grown into the person I'm becoming now. I needed to be uncomfortable to grow, and I think that goes for all of us, in any =thing we are aspiring to do or become. I hope my music speaks to that for anyone dealing with uncertainty or difficulty in their lives. What can we expect to see from Chad Michael in the future? I can't wait to get on stage more. I'm trying to do as many live shows as I can find this year, get in front of new people, and spend more time collaborating with some amazing and talented artists. I'm also starting to lay the framework for my first studio album. I don't have much more news on that at the moment, just know that its firmly on my horizon and something I can't wait to accomplish. I'm focused on whatever's next, and I'm moving towards it. Connect with Chad via the artists socials: Instagram Twitter #BuzzMusic

Lia Mangouras is an LA based musician who has been sharpening her craft in one of the most significant places in the world for the recorded music industry. Eternally driven by the essence of music, Mangouras is not only a talented singer/songwriter, she is also proficient in an array of instruments. "Visions" opens with a somber and delicate piano riff as we are acquainted to Lia Mangouras ghostly, harmonic voice. "Visions" progresses into an upbeat pop melody that showcases Mangouras powerful vocal range. "Visions" is arranged with cascading instrumentals and Mangouras voice holds a sweet, soulful and formidable hold over the listener. "Visions" and Mangouras voice is reminiscent of Kelly Clarkson’s- Breakaway, and Avril Lavingne’s -self-titled EP. Open your arms to Lia Mangouras and stream "Visions" today on Spotify! Scroll below for Lia's exclusive interview! Hi Lia! Nice to chat with you. Can you tell us a bit about your background and what made you get into music? From as early as I can remember, I always had this fascination with performers, musicians specifically. I loved watching them perform on stage, bringing the crowd to their feet, and hitting those high notes that made the hair on your arms stand up. It was insane to me how these people could get that certain emotion out of you. I was hooked. Though I was born in Seattle, WA I was primarily raised in a small town in Minnesota. Life was simple but so were my opportunities and resources. I didn’t really have the environment to push and motivate me to pursue any sort of musical hobby, so it became just an internal passion for a while. It wasn’t until I was about thirteen when I started writing a lot of songs and I discovered the power of music in a whole new way. That was when something in me switched and I knew I’d be doing this for the rest of my life. What do you think living in LA brings to your songwriting and music? When I moved to LA at 19 I was more terrified than I’d ever been in my life. I didn’t know anyone in the city, I didn’t have a job, I wasn’t sure how I was going to support myself, but mostly I was worried about how I was going to get my foot in the door in the music industry. After a little while of just putting myself out there, talking to anyone I could and not having anything stick, I luckily started meeting like-minded people who not only were talented and motivated, but they wanted to work with me! I found people to co-write with, producers, engineers, etc…;  most of which have become close friends that I return to for new projects. Moving to LA has not only given me opportunities to collaborate on songs and projects, but it’s also shown me a new part of the world. This new perspective on life and people has really let me grow as a songwriter. It has inspired me for a whole new era of writing for myself. What is the meaning behind your single Visions and what made you write it? I was not expecting to write a song like Visions. It almost felt like someone else wrote the song for me because I can honestly say what came out of this song was a feeling I had not felt in a long time. This single’s message is about the untapped power within ourselves and how that potential that either be capped or freed to resonate throughout the universe. It’s about old souls and young minds who want to make an impact in today’s world. I remember early along in the song's writing process being in the studio with my writing partner and producer, Brian Valdes. He was getting the project all set up and started organizing the song from the previous session to get some new ideas recorded. I was sitting on the couch at the end of the room just writing random words down into my notebook. I think I got through a couple of pages of nonsense before my hand wrote the line “unknown to the world”. That one line sparked a thought. The thought of how hard so many talented people work who move to LA or New York or anywhere and how so many of them you’ll never know who they are. You’ll never see the hard work, the tears, the triumphs, the hardships. This song is to show we are here and to give validation that someone, somewhere, heard you. As a songwriter what atmosphere do you create for yourself to elevate your creativity? The biggest piece of advice I try to consciously give myself is to be honest with myself as a writer. If you’re honest with yourself and you’re honest with your music, it’s impossible that your creativity can’t flow freely to its fullest potential. It’s all about the healthy atmosphere you create for yourself so before the world has anything to say about your art, you are already at peace with it. Songwriting is all about showing others what’s in your soul and your heart. That’s what makes real connections and real emotions come out of a song. What are you most excited about in the year ahead for you? I would have to say I’m most excited for the singles and projects I have stocked up that I can’t wait to release! It wasn’t until this release, Visions, where I believed I have found my sound as a writer, a singer, and an artist. So I’m very much looking forward to getting to show the world who the real Lia is. Connect with Lia via the artists socials: Instagram Twitter #BuzzMusic

Cedric la CruZz is a DJ and producer from the Netherlands. He is renowned for turning every club and event into an experience that is out of this world. Cedric has played well-known festivals and clubs in Europe including Ultra Europe, Electric Picnic Festival, Bloemendaal XXXL, Club Escape, Reveal and House Rockers to name a few. His big break came when he was asked to play for the Ultra Music Festival, where he performed alongside the likes of Steve Aoki, Nicky Romero, Afrojack, Avicii and Armin van Buuren. Cedric works in his studio daily, working on his upcoming music, monthly released mixes that are guaranteed to rock any dance floor to the max. BuzzMusic is proud to release Cedric la CruZz’s brand new single, “Buss It”. This single will have you searching for the volume knob, and then shortly thereafter the nearest dance floor. The arrangement and production value of this single is absolutely top flight. The beat is captivating, the sounds are clear, the buildup is tension-filled. The drop, when it finally occurs, is an incredibly gratifying moment. This is a song that has it all, and it's quite apparent after just one listen that this is a seasoned DJ with plenty to offer his fans. With this single, there is little doubt that Cedric la CruZz is a talented DJ with many strengths, and we look forward to what the future holds for this artist. Give a listen to "Buss It" on Spotify, and check out the artists exclusive interview below! Hey Cedric! Thanks for catching up with us. Would you mind describing your background and how you got into music and becoming a DJ? I started as a music producer back in 2012, around the same time when Swedish House Mafia released their hits as 'Leave the world behind you' and 'Don't you worry child'. Those songs gave me butterflies in my stomach and goosebumps on your arms. It was such a magical moment that I wanted to do the same for other people who love electronic music. One thing leads to another and a friend of mine who was organizing dance events asked me if I wanted to play as a DJ. I didn't have any experience as a DJ but wanted to know how it feels like to play for a crowd with tracks that inspire as a producer. My first time was very scary because I was afraid of making a mistake while mixing live in front of a crowd. However, I practiced a lot at home and fortunately, I gained a lot of confidence when the first few transitions went well and see people enjoy the tracks I was playing. Your new single is called “Buss It”. This is an audio term, right? Did you have a particular meaning behind this song? The title of 'Buss It' doesn't really have a special meaning to it. I was looking for inspiration, a catchy phrase in sample banks but wasn't able to find anything that caught my attention. Would you briefly describe what your creative process is like? After looking on YouTube I saw a video of a guy walking in the streets of Jamaica shouting phrases and I liked what he said, so I downloaded the audio of that video, sliced, pitched the audio and came up with with the phrase I'm using in 'Buss It'. I immediately knew that I needed to produce a track with an energetic buildup and hard drop to make a crowd go wild! Who would you say your biggest musical influences are? I don't really have any specific artists who influence my music these days. I can get inspired by any type of genre and a wide variety of different artists. I love listening to pop, hip-hop, dance, Trap, classical music and everything else you can think of that sounds great to me. However, if I should pick an artist who really influenced me then I would say, Avicii. I know you are not able to hear his influence in 'Buss It' but I think it was one of the best, most creative and inspiring artists of this decade. What can we hope to see from Cedric la CruZz in the future? You can expect new releases very soon, as I'm working on several projects at this moment. There is an awesome house/pop track which I'm sure you will love which is scheduled to release in May or June but I haven't finalized a date yet. Connect with Cedric la CruZz on the artists website and socials: Facebook Instagram #BuzzMusic

AKEEM (Akeem Delanhesi) is an artist and multi-instrumentalist with a distinct identity. You might find him in Cidade Baixa, a Canadian pub or Porto Alegre’s bohemian neighborhood. He has toured with the likes of Cartolas and Tabascos, the latter of which took him to Canada in order to perform in the Canadian Music Week festival, where he performed alongside bands like Tegan and Sara to Eagles of Death Metal. With his unique experience as a musician, songwriter and producer, AKEEM put together a team of great instrumentalists to record the first offerings from his new solo career, “Cyber Love” and “Lullaby of Samba and Goodbyes”. These two singles gather references from his journey to present day. AKEEM is a multi talented artist that is able to fuse genres such as indie, folk, and synth pop. BuzzMusic is proud to showcase a fresh new single from AKEEM called “Far Away”. The song begins with ethereal sounding vocals and a punchy yet mellow guitar riff. The synths and backup vocals that follow round out the intro perfectly. This single makes use of a punchy beat and is juxtaposed nicely with ethereal sounding guitar and tastefully completed with synths. The vocals have a fantastic flow to them, and the lyrics are captivating and soulful. Halfway the vibe completely switches up in a strangely seamless manner, making this single something of a 2 for 1 deal. “Far Away” makes use of a myriad of different sounds that all blend together to form a calming, otherworldly yet catchy song. With this new single, it’s easy to hear the multi-faceted talents of AKEEM, and we are excited to see what this rising star dreams up for the future! Be sure to check out AKEEM's "Far Away" on Spotify, and scroll below for the artists personalized interview! You have a new single, “Far Away”, that uses an incredible number of different sounds and vibes. How would you describe your writing process, and how do you end up with this much variety in a song? Actually , this song is a remix of an old song of ours. this year we decided to give a new face to the band and to the new releases. so our process is basically link a melody of voice and guitar ,with electronic beats synths and other layers that come in mind. samplers of other sounds can come in as something extra. Does “Far Away” have a hidden meaning or message behind the music? No, it is a simple love song. 99% of our songs are about relationships and feelings :) Who would you describe as your biggest artistic influences? Toro y moi, Unknown mortal orchestra, darwin deez (who mastered our first LP), arctic monkeys, rex orange county, cosmo pyke. What can we hope to see from you in the future? We are about to release our next EP called "rebites" with 5 tracks (4 remixes and 1 bonus new track ). - in may 2019. Keep up to date with AKEEM through the artists website and socials: Facebook Instagram #BuzzMusic

Drumming for The Carbons must keep you in excellent upper body physique, as these drums are hammering, crashing and smashing together on the track "Black Mirror". From their rhythmic, pounding opening beat the percussion only intensifies throughout the returned from their cross-Canada 10,000km tour and concluded 2018 by opening up for Spotify giants Pop Evil and Rsoyal Tusk. ned, rugged lead vocalist round out this trio quite nicely. With infectious melodies accompanied by their unique groovy rock style "Black Mirror" is a hit you need to hear. The Carbons from Western Canada have come out thrashing right out of the gate. They released their debut LP August Ash in May 2018 and their unique “groove-rock” sound has spread like wildfire ever since. Only eight months after the release, The Carbons returned from their cross-Canada 10,000km tour and concluded 2018 by opening up for Spotify giants Pop Evil and Royal Tusk. The Carbons have shared the stage with some HUGE North of the border talent including The Trews and Sloan. "Black Mirror" is now streaming, treat yourself and discover this talented group!​ ​ Give a listen to "Black Mirror" here, and keep scrolling for the bands exclusive interview! So great to talk to you three, I thoroughly enjoyed your new single, ‘Black Mirror’. What was the basis for this track? Thank you for having us! I (Tomy) started writing it while I was in Nicaragua last year. I wanted to write something really different from our first album August Ash. I came up with the guitars and melodies first (some of which are now bass parts due in part to our producer) and the lyrics came over the next few weeks when I got back home. Black Mirror is basically a musical exploration of the quarter and mid-life crisis phenomenons. More specifically it discusses the common fear amongst middle-aged men and women that "our best years may be behind us". This is especially apparent in the extreme case of professional athletes. These athletes often dedicate their first 20-30 years of life to achieve peak performance only to decline for 40+ years after that. This can be a tough pill to swallow when the amount of dedication required to beat out the competition in the early years can often lead to a lack of identity outside of their chosen profession. A similar feeling can be true of parents that retire early with no children left in the nest. In both cases, a void can often set in if retirement has not been planned with a purpose to leave some form of legacy. Completing a 10,000km tour is just huge and incredibly cool to cover that much country.  What is the most ‘Rock n Roll’ thing you’ve seen or been part of while on the road? Haha! We're not typical rock n' rollers but I would have to say playing the legendary Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto was pretty Rock n Roll. Other than that, we went off roading with some friends we made while on the road and filmed a secret music video about it. What is the most rewarding aspect of playing live? When fans are singing our songs. Nothing beats a dedicated fan who is proud to show that we've affected them with our art. Is there any artist you’d love to collaborate or tour with? Oh yeah. The Trews would be up there. We also met TheGlorious Sons recently and those dudes are awesome! The Blue Stones or Cleopatrick would be amazing too. They are less known but just as talented! What are you most looking forward to in 2019? Releasing these new songs and creating some interesting music videos to go with them! Then getting back on the road...maybe internationally this time...time will tell. Keep up to date with The Carbons via the bands social media: Facebook Instagram #BuzzMusic