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For an artist who has spent years perfecting his craft across multiple monikers, Dane has finally arrived at his most vulnerable and unfiltered self. With his self-produced project ‘JASON ,' he takes listeners through an intimate, emotional journey—one born from pain but destined to connect with anyone who has experienced loss. Dane's raw and honest storytelling is at the core of ‘JASON.’ The album is a reflection of his personal struggle following his father’s suicide in 2023. Every song is a chapter in the emotional aftermath—navigating shock, sorrow, and the slow, complicated process of healing. One of the most poignant tracks, “Time Move Faster,” captures the paradox of grief. Dane wrestles with the desperate wish for time to speed up, to escape the weight of his pain, but at the same time, he fears that every passing moment distances him further from the last memories of his father. It’s a song drenched in heartache and longing, one that anyone who has lost someone can relate to. Dane’s ability to merge hip-hop, pop, and singer-songwriter elements shines through in ‘JASON.’ Entirely self-produced, the album’s sonic landscape is both delicate and powerful—sometimes soft and melancholic, sometimes urgent and dynamic, reflecting the ebb and flow of grief itself. The production feels deeply personal as if every note was crafted with intention, mirroring his emotions in real-time. The lead single, “Unspoken,” sets the tone for the album, offering a deeply emotional reflection on the words left unsaid, the moments that haunt us, and the pain of unfinished conversations. Meanwhile, the upcoming video for “Photographs in a Box” promises to be a visual representation of the memories we hold onto, the ones we fear losing as time moves forward. For Dane, this project isn’t just about making music—it’s about connection. “Ultimately my goal with this album is to help others who have lost someone they loved and who are dealing with grief. Hopefully, there's something in here that can help you heal, relate to, or at the very least, help process what happened.” ‘JASON’ is such a deeply personal project. What was the most challenging part of translating your grief into music, and what did you learn about yourself in the process? The most challenging part was kind of articulating and organizing my thoughts. After losing someone your head is really scrambled. You are trying to come to terms with this new reality while also feeling all these intense new emotions. So whenever I would feel something, I would self-analyze and figure out what it meant and how to summarize it; these would then become concepts for songs that I would text myself so I wouldn't forget. I would then go back later and expand upon that original concept or thesis. I knew the project was finished when I felt I had addressed everything I needed to say. You self-produced this entire album, making it not just a lyrical journey but also a sonic one. How did the production choices reflect the emotions you were feeling while creating it? Yeah, the production, I wanted to feel melancholic but kind of drifty. Kind of to convey how my brain felt, floating in and out of different emotions. Trying to pin down all my thoughts and feelings. I definitely wanted to utilize as many samples as I could to give it a unique, textured, raw feeling. But also, a few of these songs are pretty stripped down for me normally. Leaning into more folk, acoustic, and singer-songwriter elements. Of course, then also adding some synths and pockets of hip-hop drums. So, I think, ultimately, it was a blending of styles. The root of everything is raw and vulnerable songwriting. “Time Move Faster” is a powerful exploration of wanting to escape grief while also fearing the fading of memories. Can you talk about the moment that inspired this song and how it shaped the rest of the album? Yeah, it was just this nagging thought/emotion I would have at night lying in my bed. I felt this push & pull of wanting time to speed up, to escape the overwhelming grief & the shock of that moment, but also fearing that each passing day would pull me further away from the last time I saw him. There's a deep anxiety that the memories of him: his voice, his scent, his laughter, will eventually fade. Time may heal wounds, but that healing comes with a bittersweet cost. Your work has evolved over the years under different names and sounds, but ‘JASON’ feels like the most personal project yet. How do you think this album differs from your previous work, both creatively and emotionally? Yes it feels like not even the same thing comparing this project to some of my previous work. The old stuff was entertainment but this was more "art". Not trying to even inflate it or act like it's this highbrow thing cause it isn't, but just in terms of what it represents. These kinds of deeper complex emotions. Making music out of necessity not just out of enjoyment. I hope it shows maturity and showcases my skill set as a songwriter. Grief is something that connects us all, yet it’s deeply personal to each person. What advice would you give to someone who is in the early stages of loss and looking for ways to process their emotions? My advice would be to let yourself feel everything. Don't suppress it, find ways to express it. Get those thoughts and emotions out of your head through journaling or painting or, making music, etc. Be okay with not being okay for a while. I promise it will make you so much stronger and time really does heal wounds. You will never be the same, and you'll always carry the scar, but the wound and sting of it will heal. And trust me, I am by no means an expert. I am still only a year and a half in, and I'm sure the feelings will come and go and change throughout my life. But if you ever need someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to me or send me a DM, I'd be happy to talk.

Spotify made headlines this year with an impressive claim: over $10 billion paid out to the music industry in 2024 alone. The streaming giant’s latest “Loud & Clear” report paints a picture of booming payouts, with over $60 billion distributed since the platform’s 2006 launch and more independent artists earning significant sums than ever before. And on paper, that’s worth celebrating. The report highlights that 1,500 artists made over $1 million from Spotify in 2024, with indie labels and artists raking in over $5 billion. The company is clear: 70% of its revenue goes to the music industry. In the last two years, a whopping $4.5 billion went to publishing rights holders representing songwriters. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: songwriters—those responsible for the very songs Spotify profits from—are still fighting for scraps. Follow the Money Trail Let’s break it down. Spotify pays rights holders (record labels, publishers, distributors), who then divvy up the revenue among the artists, producers, and writers involved. By the time a songwriter gets their cut, it's a fraction of a fraction. MIDIA Research estimates that each Spotify stream generates roughly $0.004. Of that, only 14% goes toward publishing—which is then divided among publishers, performing rights organizations (PROs), and songwriters. Songwriters typically receive 68% of that 14%. But most songs today are written by 3 to 12 people, meaning that thin slice gets sliced even thinner. Throw in managers and agents, and the take-home pay per stream for a songwriter can be practically invisible. You’d need millions of streams to earn anything close to a living wage—and that’s just for one track. Outdated Systems & Backroom Deals Much of the blame for the broken royalty system doesn’t lie solely with Spotify. The Copyright Royalty Board (CRB)—not Spotify—sets the publishing payout rate, and the process has long been criticized as slow, outdated, and heavily lobbied by corporate interests. The CRB did approve a 23% increase for the 2023–2027 period, raising the publishing share to 15.35% of U.S. revenue. Still, Spotify’s recent move to bundle music and audiobooks—a clever workaround to reduce royalty payouts—sparked outrage. It’s estimated to cost music companies over $150 million in the coming year. Labels like Universal and Warner may have renegotiated their deals behind closed doors, but the lack of transparency leaves songwriters in the dark once again. It’s true that more artists are earning more than ever before. Even lower-tier artists—those ranked around 10,000th in revenue—saw a jump from $34,000 in 2014 to $131,000 in 2024. That’s real progress. But for the songwriters behind the scenes, the system is still skewed. While top artists can tour, sell merch, and brand themselves, songwriters rely almost entirely on backend royalties—and those continue to lag. What We Think At BUZZMUSIC, we believe in celebrating the wins—Spotify has  helped rescue the music industry from the brink. But let’s not sugarcoat it: this system is still failing the very people who write the songs we stream, sing, and fall in love to. The fact that Spotify boasts record-breaking payouts while songwriters are launching petitions, lawsuits, and side hustles just to survive tells us everything we need to know. We need transparency, fair splits, and a model that values the pen as much as the performer. The music industry doesn't exist without songwriters. Until they're treated accordingly, these billion-dollar headlines will keep ringing hollow.

The artist’s recent self-discovery sheds new light on the creative intensity behind her music. Photo by Robyn Beck Grimes has never fit neatly into any box—sonically, visually, or philosophically. But in a candid post to X this week, the Canadian avant-pop icon opened up about a different kind of complexity: her recent diagnoses of ADHD and autism and the mixed emotions that come with finally putting a name to something that shaped her entire life. “ Got diagnosed w ADHD/autism this year and realized I’m prob dyslexic, ” she wrote, adding that she can’t spell “ at all without spellcheck .” But instead of regret, Grimes expressed a kind of strange relief that she didn’t know sooner. “Had we known this when I was a child, I would have worked so much less hard,” she explained. “I’m glad I overcame [those challenges].” For fans who’ve followed Grimes since her Visions   and Art Angels  days, the revelation feels less like a surprise and more like a missing puzzle piece. Her obsessive attention to detail, her genre-defying production choices, and even her resistance to mainstream norms all make a new kind of sense. But what’s most compelling is how Grimes uses her experience to reflect on the current culture of self-diagnosis and armchair mental health advice that dominates social media. “ I think the nature of this uninformed social media mental health subculture is really a big concern ,” she wrote, pointing to ADHD-themed accounts that discourage behaviors like reading—one of the things she says helped her symptoms most. This nuanced take on mental health discourse is rare in a digital world that often rewards oversimplification. And in typical Grimes fashion, she’s not interested in easy answers. “So many of the weird obsessions and motivations I had would have been seen as pathological,” she mused, “but I’m glad I didn’t write them off.” It’s a striking statement from someone who’s built an empire on so-called “weirdness.” Grimes hasn’t released a full-length album since Miss Anthropocene  in 2020, but her creative drive hasn’t slowed. In February, she dropped “Idgaf,” a long-unreleased demo that finally found its way to streaming platforms. The timing now feels serendipitous: raw, unfiltered, and a little chaotic—like the mind behind it. Beyond the music, her post also touched on the importance of consent when it comes to fame, especially for her 4-year-old son, X, whom she shares with Elon Musk . Following a media storm over the child’s appearance at the White House with Musk, Grimes made a clear request: “ I would really like people to stop posting images of my kid everywhere .” It’s a boundary that echoes everything else she’s been saying—about control, perception, and the freedom to evolve outside of the public’s pathologizing gaze. In a world quick to diagnose, define, and debate, Grimes reminds us that self-discovery is messy, ongoing, and deeply personal. And sometimes, the very traits that seem like obstacles are the ones that build brilliance.

Iggy says Universal Music Group’s been playing broke, but she’s calling game over. Photo by GQ Australian rap queen and global hitmaker Iggy Azalea isn’t just firing shots — she’s lighting the whole damn label system on fire. Over the weekend, Iggy took to X (formerly Twitter) and unleashed a scathing callout against Universal Music Group (UMG) , accusing the industry giant of withholding millions  in unpaid royalties throughout her career. “Crazy how in my entire career I was never paid a single royalty by Universal Music for anything outside of the USA,” she wrote. “They owe me millions of dollars in back pay that they technically stole from me.” According to Iggy, the total amount owed is in the eight-figure  range. UMG’s response? A laughable settlement offer of $18,000. You read that right. One of the most influential record labels in the world allegedly tried to wave off years of global royalties with a payout that wouldn’t even cover one week of a mid-tier influencer’s glam budget. For those doing the math — that’s less than 0.2% of the millions she claims she’s owed. “ I’m told this is a normal response from their lawyers ,” she continued, “ and after appearing in court, they end up paying millions as they’re supposed to. ” Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about one artist’s paycheck. Iggy made a point to zoom out, accusing UMG of systematically exploiting artists: “I think Universal Music are criminals who actively take advantage of ALL of their artists in perpetuity for their own gain… Yuck.” This adds another chapter to UMG’s messy history with royalty disputes. From Limp Bizkit’s lawsuit over a software system allegedly designed to dodge artist payments to Prince’s infamous beef with Warner to Taylor Swift’s public battle for master rights — the pattern is louder than a double-platinum hook. But Iggy? She’s not  about to play quiet or play nice. “Universal music mark my words you ugly b**** – You will pay me what’s owed.” Talk about bars. Honestly, someone get this woman in the studio, because that line goes harder than half the rap charts right now. Iggy Azalea shot to stardom in 2014 with the chart-topping “ Fancy ”  and has since racked up multiple Billboard Hot 100 top tens, collabs with Ariana Grande , Rita Ora , and a Grammy nod for The New Classic.  She's been operating independently since 2018 and released Money Come  in 2024 — which, ironically, might’ve been trying to tell us something. Where We Stand Let’s be real — major labels love to romanticize “artist development” and “creative partnerships,” but when it’s time to run the numbers, suddenly, it’s all ghost budgets and mystery accounting software. Iggy calling out UMG is bigger than personal beef — it’s a reminder that the music biz still plays artists like pawns unless someone speaks up loud enough to shake the board. And if there’s one thing about Iggy? She’s not here for the polite clapbacks or email chains. She’s dragging receipts and  reputations. Universal, you might want to log out of your socials and into your accounting software. You’ve got some overdue invoices to settle — and we’re all watching.

Before MTV became a never-ending stream of Ridiculousness  reruns, it was the wild west of pop culture — a chaotic, brilliant era filled with experimental TV formats , iconic reality shows , and unforgettable characters that shaped the way we consume entertainment today. Back when cable ruled and social media didn’t exist, MTV was the beating heart of youth culture — where music, fashion, and drama collided on screen in real time. From the golden days of Total Request Live (TRL) , where the biggest stars in pop and hip-hop battled for chart dominance, to the sun-soaked drama of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County , MTV gave us a front-row seat to the rise of reality TV as we know it. These classic MTV shows from the ‘90s and early 2000s weren’t just background noise — they were cultural resets, conversation starters, and in many cases, career launchpads. Shows like Jackass , Daria , and The Real World  pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and helped define an entire generation’s sense of humor, style, and attitude. In an era before binge-watching, these MTV throwback shows  were appointment television — the kind of content you'd talk about at school the next day or record on VHS just so you didn’t miss a second. From outrageous dating shows to legendary animated series and raw, unscripted drama, MTV was a fearless trendsetter long before the algorithm took over. Whether you’re craving some 90s MTV nostalgia, hunting for early 2000s reality TV gems , or just wondering what happened to your favorite MTV stars , you’re in the right place. Let’s take a nostalgic deep dive into the top MTV throwback shows that kept us glued to our TVs before streaming was even a thing. 1. Total Request Live (TRL) Photo by MTV Aired:  1998–2008 Why It Was Iconic:  Carson Daly holding it down in Times Square, the crowd going wild, and Britney, NSYNC, and Eminem ruling the countdown — TRL  was the  place for pop culture. If your video made it to the top spot, you had officially “made it.” 2. MTV Cribs Aired:  2000–2011 Why It Was Iconic:  “This is where the magic happens.” That one line pretty much defined every episode. MTV Cribs  gave us outrageous peeks into celebrity mansions, walk-in sneaker closets, and absurdly over-the-top fridges. 3. Jackass Aired:  2000–2002 Why It Was Iconic:  Johnny Knoxville and crew took physical comedy, danger, and WTF moments to new heights. This show was chaotic, disgusting, and impossible to turn off. 4. Daria Aired:  1997–2002 Why It Was Iconic:  Dry wit, biting sarcasm, and iconic one-liners made Daria  one of the smartest shows on TV. A true gem of 90s animation and a cult classic for angsty teens. 5. The Real World Aired:  1992–2017 Why It Was Iconic:   The Real World  walked so all reality shows could run. It was the OG social experiment — putting strangers in a house and letting the cameras roll. Drama? Always. Life lessons? Occasionally. 6. Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County Aired:  2004–2006 Why It Was Iconic:  This glossy, sun-drenched reality show introduced us to Lauren Conrad, Kristin Cavallari, and the art of vague beach breakups. It was like a scripted teen drama… that just happened  to be real. 7. Singled Out Aired:  1995–1998 Why It Was Iconic:  Before Tinder and swipes, there was Singled Out . Hosted by Jenny McCarthy and later Carmen Electra, this dating game show was pure chaotic energy in miniskirts. 8. Celebrity Deathmatch Aired:  1998–2007 Why It Was Iconic:  Claymation meets pure violence — and somehow, it worked. Watching clay versions of pop stars fight to the death? Peak late-night TV. 9. Beavis and Butt-Head Aired:  1993–1997 Why It Was Iconic:  Two idiotic teens with a love for metal, fart jokes, and mayhem. Mike Judge’s iconic duo defined 90s grunge counterculture and satirized everything in its path. 10. Making the Band Aired:  2000–2009 Why It Was Iconic:   Making the Band  was the reality-TV-meets-pop-music  experience we didn’t know we needed. Why We Still Love Classic MTV Before algorithms ruled our screens, MTV gave us real moments — from pop culture meltdowns to raw creativity. These MTV throwback shows  weren’t just TV… they were snapshots of who we were. Messy. Passionate. Unfiltered. And always a little over the top. Whether you lived it or missed it, one thing’s for sure: classic MTV  will never go out of style. And if you’re not rewatching Daria  or MTV Cribs  this weekend, are you even nostalgic?

As the live music scene continues to bounce back stronger than ever, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling years for festivals across North America. From massive headliner events to grassroots gatherings spotlighting emerging talent, this year is all about community, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re into hip-hop, indie rock, EDM, or genre-defying fusion acts, there’s something for every music lover. Here’s our breakdown of the top festivals you need to know about—with a special shout-out to some of the independent artists lighting up the stages. 1. Coachella (Indio, California) April 11-13 & April 18-20, 2025 Photo courtesy of G-Easy Coachella remains one of the most iconic festivals on the planet, drawing global attention with its star-studded lineup and fashion-forward crowd. This year, headliners include Dua Lipa, Travis Scott, and Arctic Monkeys. Indie Picks to Watch: Jessie Reyez  – Canadian singer-songwriter blending raw lyricism with soulful pop. Iniko  – A rising genre-bending artist whose vocals go viral for good reason. Channel Tres  – Merging house music with laid-back West Coast rap. 2. Bonnaroo (Manchester, Tennessee) June 12-15, 2025 Photo courtesy of Bonnaroo Known for its jam-band roots and wide-ranging lineup, Bonnaroo is a four-day escape into music and community. The 2025 bill includes the likes of Foo Fighters, Megan Thee Stallion, and Fred Again. Indie Picks to Watch: Squirrel Flower  – Haunting, ethereal indie-folk. Tomberlin  – Soft-spoken singer-songwriter with deep emotional pull. Ric Wilson  – Funk-infused hip-hop and irresistible charisma. Lollapalooza (Chicago, Illinois) July 31-August 3, 2025 Photo courtesy of Lollapalooza Set in the heart of Chicago, Lollapalooza always offers an eclectic mix of the biggest names in music. 2025’s lineup includes Kendrick Lamar, Paramore, and ODESZA. Indie Picks to Watch: Chappell Roan  – Glam pop with serious edge and personality. Arlo Parks  – Poetic lyrics and soulful storytelling. Hemlocke Springs  – Viral sensation with a DIY attitude and unique sound. 4. Osheaga (Montreal, Canada) August 1-3, 2025 Photo by Foster The People This Montreal-based fest continues to be a favorite for those looking to balance big names with indie charm. Headliners include SZA, Tame Impala, and Bad Bunny. Indie Picks to Watch: Debby Friday  – Polaris Prize winner pushing experimental electronica. Zoon  – Shoegaze meets Indigenous storytelling. TEKE::TEKE  – A genre-defying band mixing surf rock, psychedelia, and Japanese folk. 5. Outside Lands (San Francisco, California) August 8-10, 2025 Photo by Outside Lands A celebration of music, food, and art in Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands has grown into a cultural staple. 2025’s lineup features Tyler, The Creator, The Strokes, and Doja Cat. Indie Picks to Watch: Sudan Archives  – A violinist and vocalist whose Afro-futurist music is unforgettable. Spellling  – Avant-garde pop that feels like a dream. Serpentwithfeet  – A stunning fusion of R&B, gospel, and experimental sounds. Why Independent Artists Matter at Festivals While major headliners often steal the spotlight, it's the independent artists who bring authenticity and innovation to the stage. These are the musicians shaping the future of sound, many of whom are still grinding without major label backing. Supporting them at festivals not only diversifies your experience but also helps sustain a thriving, grassroots music ecosystem. So grab your wristbands and pack your portable chargers—festival season is here, and 2025 might just be the most exciting year yet. Stay tuned to our blog for artist interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and on-the-ground festival coverage all season long.

BUZZMUSIC isn't here for it—and neither are real artists. In a move sending shockwaves through the music industry, Amazon has officially entered the AI music game, teaming up with major tech developers and select labels to launch its new artificial intelligence-driven music platform. But not everyone is clapping. Most of us are hitting pause —hard. While Amazon paints this project as a "revolutionary" way to democratize music creation, independent artists, ethical creatives, and grassroots music platforms like BUZZMUSIC call it what it really is: a corporate cash grab that sidelines real talent in favor of soulless algorithms. "It's not innovation when it erases the heart of the art," says an anonymous indie producer. "It's exploitation, plain and simple." Manufactured Vibes Over Musical Truth The platform uses AI to generate full-length tracks in seconds based on prompts, moods, or even custom lyrics. This sounds cool on paper, but here's the problem: these "AI artists" are trained on existing songs, many from real musicians who never consented to their work being scraped to build some Frankenstein-like playlist bot. This move comes at a time when the conversation around artificial intelligence in music is already heated. Countless artists are demanding transparency, fair compensation, and consent regarding how tech giants use—or misuse—their work. Now, Amazon, a company with virtually unlimited resources, is flexing its influence to flood the already-saturated market with synthetic music that dilutes creativity and buries the raw, emotional storytelling that defines true artistry. Independent Artists Speak Out Unsurprisingly, the backlash has been swift. Independent musicians, label-free creatives, and fans alike are voicing concern that this kind of tech prioritizes profit over people and threatens to further devalue human-made music. It's not just about the tools—it's about who controls them and who gets  pushed out in the process. "We're not anti-technology," BUZZMUSIC's team explains. "But we are 100% anti-inauthenticity. Music should never be reduced to a formula. It's a heartbeat, not a blueprint." Where We Stand At BUZZMUSIC, we stand with real artists—the ones grinding in studios, bleeding into their lyrics, and pouring truth into every note. We believe in ethical music creation, in protecting the soul of the sound, and in platforms that lift up—not replace—human expression. We're here to spotlight the artists who cannot be cloned, coded, or commodified. So, no—we're not supporting Amazon's latest AI-powered experiment. Because you can't fake a soul. And the music industry doesn't need more machine-made noise—it needs more of you .

Los Angeles-based senses aren’t here to play by the rules—they’re here to break them. The self-proclaimed “punk-curious, emo-friendly” band has made a name for themselves by fusing raw emotion with unfiltered energy, delivering anthems that hit just as hard in a packed venue as they do in your headphones. Now, fresh off their signing with Hopeless Records , they’re back with a vengeance, unleashing “ Nosebleeds ,” the electrifying lead single from their second EP, I’m Still Breathing . At its core, “Nosebleeds” is a battle cry for anyone who’s ever been overlooked, underestimated, or dismissed—only to turn around and prove every doubter wrong. The song captures the sting of being ignored, the frustration of grinding in the shadows, and the sweet satisfaction of watching those same people suddenly pretend they were in your corner all along. But senses aren’t looking for validation—they’re letting their success speak for itself. “This song is a reminder to stay true to yourself, embrace the grind, and let your success do the talking,” the band shares. “It’s for anyone who’s ever been underestimated and is ready to turn the tables.” Sonically, “Nosebleeds” is a relentless adrenaline rush—a perfect blend of pop rock hooks, emo grit, and punk defiance. The track kicks off with an urgent guitar riff, setting the stage for Madison Taylor’s dynamic vocals that oscillate between melodic vulnerability and searing intensity. Nick Sampson’s pounding drumwork drives the momentum forward, making it impossible not to move. The song’s anthemic chorus begs to be shouted in a crowd, a cathartic release for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider looking in. As the opening salvo of their upcoming EP, “Nosebleeds” perfectly encapsulates the central theme of I’m Still Breathing —resilience. The EP is a deeply personal exploration of pushing through heartbreak, self-doubt, and chaos to emerge stronger. “Each song tells a story of struggle and survival,” the band explains. “No matter what you’ve been through, you’re still here. You’re still breathing.” Since their Craigslist-origin story in 2019, senses have built a fiercely loyal community through their music and live performances. Having shared the stage with artists like Charlotte Sands, Carlie Hanson, Leah Kate, and Boys Like Girls, their momentum has only grown, fueled by viral live videos and an unrelenting passion for creating an inclusive, cathartic space for fans. With “Nosebleeds,” the band isn’t just proving themselves—they’re proving that they never needed anyone’s permission in the first place. ' Nosebleeds’ is an anthem for the underestimated. Have there been specific moments in your career where you felt overlooked, and how did you turn that frustration into fuel for your success? Nosebleeds was really born from those feelings. So many times, as we were just starting out, it felt like no one wanted to look our way or believed in what we were doing, and then we started growing faster, and those same people came back preaching that they've been there the whole time. It's so frustrating when you know something to be so true, and someone just brushes it off until you prove them wrong. We use it as fuel every day to keep pushing and turn that negative energy into our own positive energy to push us forward. We truly use it as inspiration to go even further and not waver. Your music has built a real sense of community among fans. What does it mean to you to create a space where people can connect and find solace in your songs? It means everything to us. When we were asked early on what we wanted this to be and where we saw it going, that was always the main goal. To create a space where everyone just felt safe and had a place to escape together. For people to connect to the music just never gets old, and seeing them sing the songs back to us at these shows is just the coolest thing in the world. Since forming in 2019, senses has grown tremendously, from playing live shows to signing with Hopeless Records. How has that journey shaped your identity as a band? I think it's just helped us become more resilient with every step we take forward. It justifies to us that we're on the right path and just need to keep doing what we love and what's been working for us so far. We always stay true to what started this for us in the first place, and everyone around us has always been so supportive of that. It really helps to have a team that gets the vision and just wants to help elevate it. If someone listens to ‘Nosebleeds’ for the first time, what’s the one feeling or message you hope sticks with them long after the song ends? There will be so many people along the way who doubt you or treat you like what you have isn't special. And there might be a time they circle back and try to take credit for your accomplishments. But if you stay true to what you believe and protect your inner peace and the space closest to you, you'll be able to say on your own that you got yourself there by trusting your gut and your instincts. And they can watch you from the nosebleeds!! What's next for senses? We're so excited to be on our first ever headline tour and these shows have been so amazing so far. So we are focused on giving people the best show we can! After this tour, we have a lot of music that we're so excited to get out this year. We are always trying to grow and evolve with our music and are so excited for what's next!

Have you ever wondered what’s playing through the headphones of someone in uniform? They could either be on base or halfway across the world on deployment or even a veteran who’s retired.  Music has the power to evoke emotions, leading to significant reductions in stress levels. The same goes for many military personnel; music to them is more than just entertainment. It’s a source of motivation, a lifeline to home, a way to decompress, and sometimes even a bridge between cultures.  The playlists of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines reflect a blend of backgrounds, missions, and emotional states that vary as widely as their duties. And for those in the military, their musical tastes are as diverse as the people wearing the uniform. Rock, Metal, and the Soundtrack of Grit There’s something about the driving guitar riffs and intense vocals that feels tailor-made for the military mindset. Bands like Metallica are staples, not because of tradition but because the sound speaks directly to the adrenaline required in military life.  Fun fact:   Rock music , alongside metal, has long been associated with features like courage, strength, and rebellion. Such th emes of perseverance, rebellion, and survival common in these genres tend to resonate deeply.  After all, when your job routinely involves uncertainty and challenges, it makes sense to reach for music that understands struggle and matches your energy. Oldies, Classics, and the Comfort of Nostalgia For every heavy metal fan or hip-hop enthusiast, there’s someone in uniform whose playlist is packed with oldies and classic hits. Think Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and even Motown.  Nostalgia plays a huge role here. These songs remind many service members of parents, grandparents, or just simpler times before their world became about orders and operations. During long nights or reflective moments, turning to the classics feels like grounding yourself. There’s a sense of comfort in singing along to songs that have stood the test of time.  Apart from active military members, veterans also listen to the classics quite a lot, especially when they’re looking to reminisce about the old days. In many cases, such music can remind veterans of events of the past and maybe think about how things turned out for them. For instance, many veterans are currently dealing with the aftermath of the AFFF exposure. According to TorHoerman Law, the AFFF exposure led to PFAS contamination in many military bases in the US. This prompted many military personnel, including veterans, to file the AFFF lawsuits. Currently, there are plenty of  VA claims for exposure to AFFF  in court. AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits keep many veterans awake at night. Some of them turn to music, including the classics, to go back to their days at a military camp. Who knows, perhaps these classics are helping them deal with the stress of these lawsuits and carry on with them till the end. Country Music and the Call of Home Study shows that 52 percent of country enthusiasts experience less stress when listening to country music. More importantly, if there’s one genre that feels almost synonymous with the military, it’s country music.  There’s just something about the storytelling, the references to small towns, and the love for family and country that hits home. This is especially true for service members stationed far from everything familiar.  Songs that talk about the American heartland have a way of pulling soldiers back to their roots, if only for a few minutes. Some country songs are written specifically for or about the military, making them even more personal. Tracks that talk about deployment, coming home, or missing loved ones speak to the military experience in a way few other genres manage.  It’s no surprise that during long deployments, many turn to country music when they’re craving a piece of home. Electronic, EDM, and the Need to Escape Here’s a fact you probably didn’t know:   EDM tracks  help you feel more energetic, happy, and less anxious. For military personnel, EDM, techno, and trance offer a completely different kind of escape.  Such music helps them lose themselves in rhythm and beats rather than focusing on words. Especially during downtime or when trying to power through repetitive tasks, electronic music provides an outlet that feels like freedom. The pulsing beats and hypnotic melodies of artists like Calvin Harris create a mental space where worries, stress, and even boredom temporarily fade. It’s easy to understand why, when stationed somewhere far from civilization, some choose EDM to transport themselves somewhere else. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Why do military personnel listen to music so much during deployment? Military personnel often listen to music during deployment to cope with stress, loneliness, and homesickness. Music provides a mental escape from the harsh realities of their environment and helps them relax during downtime. It can also remind them of home, family, and better times, offering comfort in difficult situations far from loved ones. Does music help lift the spirits of military personnel during war? Yes, music plays a powerful role in lifting the spirits of military personnel during war. It can ease anxiety, boost morale, and create a sense of normalcy amid chaos. Songs with familiar melodies or meaningful lyrics can connect soldiers emotionally, strengthen camaraderie, and offer much-needed mental relief during challenging moments. How does music help a veteran military officer? Music helps veteran military officers manage stress, anxiety, and memories from their service years. It can trigger positive emotions, reduce feelings of isolation, and even assist in coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many veterans use music as a therapeutic tool, finding comfort, healing, and personal expression through their favorite songs or melodies. At the end of the day, there’s no single genre that defines what military personnel like to listen to. Their musical tastes are as varied as the branches they serve in and the places they’re stationed.  If you ever get the chance to peek at a military playlist, you’ll probably be surprised at how eclectic it is. In the end, the songs they choose aren’t just about sound. They’re about survival, connection, and the stories they carry with them, wherever they go.

Some albums transcend music, weaving philosophy, art, and introspection into an immersive experience. Son Kuma 's  What Goes Around ... is precisely that—an exploration of life's cyclical nature, blending physics, karma, and raw human emotion into a genre-defying soundscape. Hailing from Inglewood, California, Son Kuma has always been one to challenge conventions. From being suspended at Stanford and channeling his emotions into music to graduating with a physics degree and crafting an album inspired by the forces that govern the universe, his journey is anything but ordinary.  What Goes Around... reflects this path, merging scientific theory with spiritual insight and translating both into deeply personal storytelling. The album's sonic palette is as expansive as its themes. Ethereal soundscapes, cinematic production, and hard-hitting beats seamlessly fuse elements of hip-hop, alternative R&B, and electronic soul. Tracks like Love Everlasting balance hypnotic melodies with introspective lyricism, while Go Pro and Home Run showcase his ability to turn deep philosophical musings into compelling narratives. There are echoes of Kid Cudi's dreamlike introspection, Kanye West's sonic ambition, and Frank Ocean's emotive storytelling, yet Son Kuma's sound remains distinctly his own. At its core, What Goes Around... is a meditation on energy, mindset, and self-discovery. As Kuma puts it, "The thing all of us are looking for is a sense of intrinsic value — well, you find that from unlocking the potential within yourself."  With this album, he invites listeners to embark on that journey with him. For LA fans, don't miss Son Kuma's free show at High Tide in Downtown LA on March 21st at 9 PM for Poetry and Passionfruit—a perfect opportunity to experience his music in its rawest form. Your new album  What Goes Around...  blends themes of physics, spirituality, and human emotion in a way that feels both grand and deeply personal. What inspired you to merge these concepts into your music? Everything I create stems from a deep desire to understand and fulfill a greater purpose. No matter our backgrounds, each of us eventually confronts questions about the meaning of our existence. By looking inward and exploring emotions like joy, desire, love, and even hate, we move closer to discovering our own truths. Conversely, by looking outward and noticing the omnipresence of nature, we begin to understand our place within the broader universe. Without diving too deep into the complexities, quantum mechanics presents fascinating insights into the relationship between observation, consciousness, and reality. Essentially, it suggests that we play an integral role in shaping our own experiences and perceptions of reality. These scientific revelations inspired me to weave physics into my music, hoping to encourage listeners to explore their own deeper purpose and recognize their power to shape reality. On a spiritual level, I feel strongly that there's an intangible connection binding all of us together. There's something uniquely powerful about making eye contact—both individuals immediately recognize what they're seeing, creating a shared moment of understanding. It's intriguing because, under any other circumstances, you can’t truly know exactly what someone else is focused on without asking. They say the eyes are windows to the soul, and that resonates deeply with me. In fact, our eyes are kind of enigmatic, especially considering the pupil—a dark opening where light enters but doesn't escape, remarkably similar to black holes in space. From this, you might draw one of two conclusions: either we're all walking around with tiny black holes inside us, or perhaps the universe itself possesses eyes. Personally, I find comfort in believing that the universe is indeed watching back. The album artwork and themes reference Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. Can you break down how this ties into the album’s message and what it symbolizes for you? Galaxies evolve slowly, typically revolving around a central quasar or supermassive black hole. The album’s overarching message is that everything in the universe moves in cycles—what goes around inevitably comes around. Incorporating the theme of black holes representing the universe’s eyes led me to reflect on Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's center. Given that we recently obtained the clearest image of Sagittarius A* and considering my personal connection as a Sagittarius, it felt symbolic to visually place myself within this cosmic phenomenon on the album cover. In the artwork, the color shift from blue to red symbolizes the concept of redshift, the phenomenon where a black hole gradually stretches the wavelength of the reflected light. Additionally, I drew inspiration from Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, a figure depicted simultaneously within a circle and a square. To me, this iconic image illustrates two ways of perceiving reality—linearly (represented by the square) and cyclically (represented by the circle). Our habitual focus on linear progression often causes us to overlook the cyclical nature of existence. Ultimately, this reinforces the album's central theme: the energy we put out into the universe eventually returns to us, a truth evident even at cosmic scales within galaxies and solar systems. Sonically, this project blends hip-hop, alternative R&B, and electronic elements in a way that defies traditional genre boundaries. How did you approach the production and songwriting to achieve this unique sound? I was heavily involved in producing most of the tracks on this album, aiming for a diverse and expansive sonic experience. My goal was to blend unexpected instruments and textures to craft unique soundscapes that defy traditional genre boundaries. For instance, I experimented by pairing Caribbean steel drums with brass sections and violins—an unconventional combination in hip-hop that added a fresh and distinctive vibe. Additionally, I deliberately ensured that no two songs sounded alike by varying drum rhythms throughout the project. Tracks like "Go Pro" and "Love Everlasting" feature hard-hitting trap beats, "Halloween" draws from Afrobeat rhythms, and "No Way!" embraces a vibrant Reggaeton influence. This intentional diversity helps the album m aintain an exciting unpredictability while staying cohesive in its overall sonic vision. Your journey—from a suspended Stanford student recording in exile to a physics graduate making music that reaches millions—is a wild one. How has this path shaped your perspective as an artist? Throughout my life, I've frequently encountered people who tried to place limitations on what they believed I could achieve. In high school, teachers told my parents I wasn't good at math—when, in reality, I just wasn't applying myself. Growing up, there weren't many visible role models of black scientists or mathematicians, aside from Neil DeGrasse Tyson, who deeply inspired me. Once I began to fully apply myself and got accepted to Stanford to study physics, which was the top university in the U.S. at the time, people finally acknowledged my talent in math and science. However, I resisted being confined by expectations. My love for music was just as strong as my passion for science, but people found it hard to imagine that someone could excel in both worlds. How many rappers do you know hold a physics degree or have published research alongside Nobel Prize-winning scientists? When my first mixtape, "Indica," unexpectedly gained significant attention, I took it as a message from the universe: pursue this unconventional journey—not just for myself, but also to inspire others. I want to show black youth around the world that they, too, can defy expectations. Don't ever allow someone else to define your potential or put you in a box. With What Goes Around... now out and a live show coming up in LA, what’s next for Son Kuma? Any upcoming projects, collaborations, or surprises fans should look forward to? I'm currently working on several exciting collaborations with artists whom I deeply admire, and I'm eager for fans to hear these new songs in the upcoming months. Additionally, I've begun the early stages of my next project, tentatively titled "Keep That Same Energy." I'm committed to further exploring and blending themes of physics, spirituality, and personal growth in my music. I'm genuinely excited to see what new inspirations and experiences the universe brings my way next.