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Grandson of Bob Marley and son of Rohan Marley, YG Marley , recently released what might be the song of the year in our eyes, "Praise Jah In The Moonlight." Born Joshua Omaru, YG Marley had music coursing through his veins his entire life. After all, he's not just born into the talented Marley family but he's also the son of R&B legend Lauryn Hill. In fact, on her recent  The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour , she invited YG on stage, and the crowd went wild. After the show, the internet was left SEARCHING for the tune he played live. With a tone, delivery, and style reminiscent of his iconic grandfather, the late great Bob Marley, YG Marley is undoubtedly leaving his mark on the modern music scene and bringing the timeless family name a whole new meaning. At long last, listeners got what they asked for. YG Marley paired up with hip-hop recording artist Rocko Ballin for their long-awaited hit, "Praise Jah In The Moonlight." Opening with a familiar, stunning sample from Bob Marley & The Wailers' "Crisis," YG Marley makes his refreshing vocal appearance, raining down from the heavens with pristine, glorious vibes that praise the almighty Jah above. This beautiful track almost sounds like a continuation of where Bob Marley & The Wailer's left off, while YG Marley introduces his own unique flair and style for a truly timeless impact. Even better, the song's writing credits cite Bob Marley, YG Marley, and Lauryn Hill - talk about family unity. If you're searching for a breath of fresh air, inhale the goodness from YG Marley and Rocko Ballin's critically acclaimed single, "Praise Jah In The Moonlight." Find the new song on all digital streaming platforms. Instagram

Ever found yourself power-walking through a grocery aisle just because “Eye of the Tiger” started playing? Or cried during a commercial because of a soft piano tune? You’re not alone. Music is a master puppeteer, pulling strings we didn’t even know were there. It doesn’t just set the mood; it shapes how we think, act, and feel in sneaky, science-backed ways. Your Brain on Beats Music is more than just a series of sounds; it’s a full-brain workout. When we listen to music, it lights up the brain like a Christmas tree, engaging areas responsible for emotion, memory, and even motor control. That’s why a catchy beat can make you tap your foot involuntarily or why a nostalgic song can transport you straight back to prom night (yes, even if it was embarrassing). Neuroscientists have found that music triggers the release of dopamine—the brain’s “feel-good” chemical. That’s why your favorite song can make you feel like you’re on top of the world, even if you’re just folding laundry. Mood Manipulation: Music as Emotional Fuel Music is a mood magician. Want to feel like a main character in a movie? Put on some dramatic classical music. Need a pick-me-up? Queue up a high-energy pop anthem. Studies show that people use music to regulate emotions, like a playlist version of a mood ring. Here’s the kicker: even if you don’t consciously choose your tunes, music in the environment still impacts you. Stores, restaurants, and even gyms carefully curate playlists to influence your behavior—slow jazz encourages you to linger and spend more, while fast-paced beats at the gym push you to run that extra mile. Productivity vs. Procrastination: Music in the Workplace The age-old question: does music help you work or distract you? The answer depends on the task. For repetitive jobs, music can boost efficiency and make time fly. For tasks requiring intense focus, instrumental music or ambient sounds are your best bet. Lyrics, on the other hand, might compete with your brain for processing power—goodbye, coherent email drafts. Interestingly, tempo matters too. A study found that classical music helped surgeons perform more precisely (cue “Flight of the Bumblebee”), while ambient noise levels improved creative thinking. Music and Social Influence: The Soundtrack of Identity Music isn’t just a solo experience—it’s a social glue. It’s why people bond at concerts, dance parties, or even awkward karaoke nights. Your taste in music can influence your social circle, your fashion sense, and even your political views. Think about it: punk rock fans of the ‘70s didn’t just listen; they lived  the anti-establishment ethos. Advertisers know this, too. A jingle you can’t stop humming? That’s no accident. Catchy tunes are designed to stick in your head, nudging you toward that specific brand of cereal or sneakers. Health and Healing: The Therapeutic Beat Music isn’t just fun—it’s medicine. Music therapy is used to treat everything from anxiety to Alzheimer’s disease. Studies show that music can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve immune function. It’s like a prescription but without the side effects (unless you count dancing in public). Upbeat music can reduce perceived exertion, making workouts feel easier for athletes. Calming tunes can lower pain perception for patients recovering from surgery. And for anyone stuck in a traffic jam, music can be the difference between road rage and a Zen state of mind. So, next time you’re crafting a playlist, remember: you’re not just choosing songs; you’re shaping your mood, energy, and even your actions. Whether it’s a power ballad for motivation, lo-fi beats for focus, or a sad tune for a good cry, music is the ultimate life hack that syncs to your soul's rhythm.

War zones aren’t usually associated with rock ‘n’ roll, but during the Vietnam War, music wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a full-blown weapon. From psychological operations (psyops) blaring eerie sounds deep in the jungle to the counterculture anthems that fueled protests thousands of miles away, the war of sound became almost as influential as the war of bullets. The Jungle Jukebox: Psy-Ops in Action The U.S. military embraced music as a psychological weapon, using loudspeakers to blast unsettling sounds and taunts to unnerve the Viet Cong. Operation Wandering Soul, for example, was one such tactic where eerie, ghostly recordings of "wandering spirits" were played at night. These sounds, designed to exploit Vietnamese cultural beliefs about the afterlife, aimed to sap the morale of enemy troops who might believe the voices were lost souls warning them against the fight. It wasn’t all ghostly wails, though—sometimes, they cranked up high-energy rock music to disrupt sleep or drown out enemy communication. Imagine the shock of jungle silence suddenly broken by Hendrix shredding his guitar, amplified enough to shake the leaves off trees. GI Soundtracks and Morale Boosters For American soldiers, music was an emotional lifeline. Portable radios and reel-to-reel tape players became essential kits, with troops tuning in to the Armed Forces Radio or sharing mixtapes from home. Songs like “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” by The Animals or “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival became unofficial anthems of the disillusioned, offering camaraderie amidst the chaos. Ironically, some of the most-played tracks—like Barry McGuire’s “Eve of Destruction” or Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence”—were anti-war hits. Their poignant lyrics highlighted the soldiers' frustrations with the war’s politics, even as they marched to the frontlines. The Protest Symphony: Music at Home Back in the States, music became the rallying cry of the anti-war movement. From Joan Baez’s haunting folk ballads to the righteous anger of Bob Dylan’s lyrics, artists on the airwaves voiced what many Americans felt but couldn’t articulate. Woodstock (1969) epitomized this countercultural power, with performances like Country Joe and the Fish’s “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die Rag,” which openly mocked U.S. involvement in Vietnam. These songs weren’t just entertainment; they were calls to action, galvanizing young people to protest, resist the draft, and demand change. The Echoes of War Even today, the music of the Vietnam War continues to resonate, a time capsule of a generation grappling with conflict, identity, and resistance. It was a time when a guitar riff could rattle as much as a gunshot, and a protest song could ripple across the world like an anthem of defiance. Whether it rattled the enemy, soothed a soldier, or ignited a movement, the music of the Vietnam War proved that sometimes sound can be mightier than the sword.

If you’re ready to get your blood pumping and your feet moving, look no further than Makes My Blood Dance 's explosive new single, "Heavy Metal Armour." Taking a sonic joyride through a disco-metal landscape, Makes My Blood Dance merges the best of glam, electro, and heavy rock into a pulse-raising anthem that practically demands you to dance along. It's got the theatrical punch of a rock opera and the infectious beat of a nightclub banger, which, in our eyes, is an irresistible combination that sets them apart as a unique force in the music scene. "Heavy Metal Armour" kicks off with growling guitar riffs that sink their hooks in right away, setting the tone for a track as raw as fun. EV0's fierce vocals tear through the mix with undeniable swagger, and just when you think you've got the vibe pinned down, the song veers into unexpected melodic twists. It’s these dynamic shifts that make a song of this caliber so exhilarating. Now, when it comes to the band’s infamous showmanship and eye for drama, their audience gets to watch it come to life in the “Heavy Metal Armour” music video, where the slick choreography meets an edgy, rave-metal aesthetic that makes every second unforgettable. Costumes, dance, and intense stage presence fuse into a visual feast that only heightens the adrenaline. What we love the most about Makes My Blood Dance has to be that whether you’re a metalhead, disco diehard, or just someone who craves music that breaks boundaries, this track delivers. Taking us on a wild and glitter-drenched ride, this serves as a reminder that music, at its core, is meant to be felt.

NIVAA’s done it. She’s cast a net, and we’re caught. Singer-songwriter Nitya Mohan, musically known as NIVAA, released “Fisherwoman,” a song inspired by a painting of a boat created by her mother. NIVAA confesses that the song practically wrote itself. In "Fisherwoman," NIVAA gives a soul-drenched narrative delicately layered with her Indo-Global style. The opening melody feels as if it was pulled from an ethereal realm, setting the stage for NIVAA’s angelic vocals to sweep you into a serene seascape. “Fisherwoman” tells the story of a woman leaving behind the city’s gray sprawl, choosing the timeless pull of the ocean over concrete and crowds. NIVAA sings, “I am the water, the water is me,” reminding us of the simplicity and beauty in things we often overlook. Growing up in India, she was raised by a musically rich family, and she was surrounded by sounds from around the world. She didn’t leap into music right away, though. Life pulled her into engineering, and a move to Texas, but music found her again in Austin, thanks to supportive musicians who pushed her to pick up her passion. With “Fisherwoman,” NIVAA’s voice stands as a reminder to stay close to what matters, to remember where you came from, and to find your way back when life pulls you off course. “Fisherwoman” also serves as a strong message to other women—especially Asian women—encouraging them to take risks and reconnect with what feels like home, even if it’s a little wild and unpredictable. It’s great to have you here at BuzzMusic, NIVAA! Congratulations on releasing “Fisherwoman.” How would you describe how your song reflects your core as an artist? I have wanted to tell a story through a song for a long time. However, I’d always have difficulty with words, unable to convey emotions authentically and rawly. With Fisherwoman, the words and the melody just came to me and fell into place like I was meant to create it and sing it. I looked at one of my mother’s paintings of a boat at sea and brought it to life through this song. Fisherwoman also describes my music style - a unique global sound. It might feel like an Irish shanty at the outset, but then you have these electronic pop layers and Indian taranas blending. That’s the kind of sound I wanted to introduce to the world. Something you can groove to but one that has diverse music styles interwoven unassumingly. The imagery of water and the sea in “Fisherwoman” is powerful and layered. What does water represent to you, both as an artist and as a person? You feel it too, don’t you? Yes, my relationship with water is interesting. I grew up in a coastal city, and staring into the vastness of the Arabian Sea was a frequent affair that helped me disconnect and contemplate. On the other hand, I had a near-drowning experience as a child, and that made me fearful of deep water for a long time. About two years ago, I didn’t know how to swim! I remember that exact moment when I learned how to float without fear. It was like a spiritual bond with the water. A surreal feeling! Water is so essential to all living beings. It is inside us and around us, and we should never take it for granted. As an artist, I love incorporating natural sounds, and the sound of water is second to none! Your music seems to blur boundaries—between genres, cultures, and even identities. How do you feel your multicultural background has shaped your sense of self, and how does that influence your music? We strive so hard to be different from others, but we all want the same things. The lines between the richness of diversity and stifling dichotomy are blurring. We live in a polarized world today, and there is unrest. Music has and will always be a means to bridge our differences. I want to continue to show that through my music - how myriad cultures and backgrounds can come together and make something as beautiful as a heartwarming melody. You’ve spoken about healing through music. What would you say has been the most healing or transformative moment of your career so far? People have often called me logical, practical, and even stoic. I would agree with them for the most part, haha. Music has always been around me, but this music-making process has been a revelation and a pivotal moment in my life. It helped me come to terms with feelings of hurt from my family’s separation, past wounds that had resurfaced, and general skepticism toward life. Also, I had never truly experienced the freedom of creative expression until I put my music out into the universe. I’m just grateful to have been able to do it. In what ways did the experience of living and traveling in different countries shape your understanding of what it means to “belong?" A feeling of belonging is integral to who we are as humans and as social beings. I have always liked to think of myself as a global citizen. People are not that different at the core. I have found them to be warm and welcoming. Traveling has allowed me to carve a lovely place for myself that I call home, where I acknowledge and feel pride in my roots, but I do not let it shackle or seclude me. Instead, it’s open to assimilation. It’s where I can respect or even embrace new cultures and ways of life. When you can imbibe the best of all worlds, why not? Instagram

Teddy at Night is revamping alt-rock with their single, “Somewhere in America.” This high-energy track captures the frustration and longing that’s come to define the search for meaning in modern America. It’s the latest release from Teddy Boldt and his bandmates, Ezra and Stephanie, who’ve evolved from Boldt’s solo project into a powerhouse trio, delivering a sound that’s equal parts stadium rock and synth-pop finesse. Opening with a gripping melody, “Somewhere in America” quickly settles into Teddy’s brooding vocals, carrying lyrics that hit hard: “Someone lied, it’s outa sight, we’re mystified and out of line.” The song paints a portrait of disillusionment and the quest for something real—a relatable anthem for anyone feeling out of step with modern life's digital noise. With lines like “Nothing happens while you’re waiting for the next bad thing to happen,” Teddy at Night dives deep into the tension of standing still while life races by, encouraging listeners to put their “weapons down” and embrace the search for euphoria. Released just last week on October 30th, this single marks a new chapter for the band. With an album release in May and more singles and remixes on the horizon, Teddy at Night is steadily building an introspective and electrifying catalog. “Somewhere in America” is both a cry for inspiration and a call to action, capturing the restless spirit of a generation that wants to feel alive—right here and now.  The trio’s live shows hit just as right as their tracks, pulling fans into an unforgettable experience that bridges the gap between indie rock grit and pop accessibility.

If 1990s grunge had a modern-day goddess, Sarah Shafey would be her. With her latest single, “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” the Canadian-Egyptian powerhouse delivers an electrifying blend of raw emotion, feminist rebellion, and hypnotic rock grit. This is the kind of track that reaches your attention unapologetically. Setting the stage with ominous, chugging guitars and a sultry, mid-tempo beat, the song immediately sets a dark, moody tone that ushers you to reflect and feel. Shafey’s vocals glide between haunting and commanding, pulling you into her world where nighttime in Los Angeles becomes a metaphor for self-discovery. The lyrical motif, "Why are you wasting my time?" hits in a way that's sharp, purposeful, and fairly impossible to ignore. Lyrically, Sarah Shafey delivers a masterclass in introspection and boundary-setting. Inspired by post-relationship growth, she offers a no-nonsense perspective on self-worth and emotional clarity. It’s a rallying cry for anyone learning to reclaim their power and set non-negotiable boundaries, all while headbanging to a beat that you can't shake off. It's a mantra and a musical mic drop as it sets the stage for her forthcoming album, "Paper Bag Princess," where Shafey reclaims grunge for the feminist era. Showcasing Shafey’s ability to weave vulnerability and grit into something edgy and deeply relatable, her rhythm guitar work anchors the track, while the layered production, co-crafted with Kyle Ashbourne, keeps the soundscape lush and dynamic. If this indicates what we're in for, it looks like we can expect an album that revolutionizes. Listen to "Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” on your favorite streaming platform today. We're thrilled to have you here chatting about "Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark." Grunge is often seen as a male-dominated genre. What inspired you to use it as a medium for feminist storytelling, and how do you hope to reshape perceptions of the genre with your music? Grunge has always been a part of me. To hear another woman channel her thoughts and feelings through this powerful music is deeply inspiring. It feels natural, honest, and liberating. I hope people see it not as aggressive but as a raw and pure expression of vulnerability. It's a beautiful and empowering thing to write and witness. You use nighttime in Los Angeles as a metaphor for self-discovery. How do you approach transforming physical spaces or moments into symbolic narratives in your songwriting, and why was L.A. the right setting for this track? Spending time between LA and Toronto, I am drawn to the laid-back West Coast vibe. The ocean, the sound of skateboards on pavement, and the quiet hours of the night have a therapeutic effect on me. There's a unique energy in LA, a sense of discovery that resonates with everyone there. I started writing "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" while in LA, and it felt like the perfect place to capture that spirit. It's also an ode to Toronto in many ways. There are commonalities. How has your personal evolution influenced your artistic voice, and what message do you hope listeners take away about self-worth and resilience? We've all had our share of struggles, and it's in these challenges that we truly grow. As I get older, I become more comfortable in my own skin. I've learned a better sense of worth through both love and heartbreak. I think this contributes to our collective and unique beauty. I am more open in my music and interviews now. I hope this song encourages women (and all people) to be kind to themselves, to let go of self-judgment, and to persevere through life's trials. Remember, ‘through the forging of fire comes gold.' Also, if anyone makes you feel less than me, it's a "no thanks, dude." What’s your creative process like when building layers of emotion through instrumentation, and how do you balance grit with vulnerability? I'm a bit of a sonic hoarder, layering instruments and vocals like a mad scientist. I love pushing things to the extreme with reverb and delay, but thankfully, my coproducer (Kyle Ashbourne) for my new album "Paper Bag Princess" kept me grounded and prevented me from going full harmony butcher. As for balancing grit and vulnerability, I'm still figuring that one out in life. Some days I am more grit and dirt, some days I am more vulnerable, sweet, candy and I just hope to God that the ratio is good enough to pass for reasonable. With your upcoming album release, you’re reclaiming the idea of a woman’s agency in a traditionally male-dominated narrative. How do you see your music as a tool for challenging outdated norms, and what conversations do you hope this album will spark? My music is a journey through rock, electronic, and pop. While my albums might seem diverse in genre, they're all connected by a common thread. This new album leans more towards rock, which feels exciting and authentic to me. I don't consciously try to challenge outdated norms, but I do embrace individuality and unconventional approaches. I hope this music offers solace, escape, or simply a moment of peace. It does for me. In terms of conversations that I hope it will spark, I think I am seeing that happen naturally which is lovely. I am being asked a lot in interviews about female empowerment and how it relates to my music. So, I guess I am doing something right. Right on!

Hold onto your horns, party people, because Méa Fisher (aka DJ Mea) has descended upon us with her latest track, “Devil Inside,”  and it’s a scorching invitation to unleash your inner mischief. Whether you’re a die-hard industrial rock aficionado, a dancefloor devotee, or just someone who wants to see how hot the underworld’s nightlife gets, Méa’s twisted siren song will leave you spellbound. From Chicago’s 90s house scene to her reign as a genre-defying queen, Méa Fisher has spent her career proving she’s a triple threat. With live vocals that enchant, a flair for fearless stage presence, and a sound as bold as her signature style, Méa has climbed the ranks from vinyl-spinning DJ to international star. And let’s not forget her time fronting the legendary Lords of Acid, where she formed alliances with icons like En Esch (KMFDM, Pigface) and Danny Lohner (Nine Inch Nails). Now, with Me and My Nightmare,  Méa is in her prime—unleashing party anthems that pull listeners into a labyrinth of sound, sweat, and a little sin. Devil Inside: An Electrifying Invitation to Darkness “Devil Inside”  is everything the title promises: sultry, wicked, and impossible to resist. The track begins with a low, hypnotic beat before exploding into distorted guitar riffs and metallic percussion. It’s a masterclass in musical mischief, fusing industrial rock grit with trance-inducing EDM. Méa’s vocal delivery oscillates between commanding and conspiratorial, seducing listeners with lyrics like, “There’s a hunger that lies, and you hold the key.”  En Esch’s gravelly backing vocals add an extra layer of chaos, while Danny Lohner’s fiery guitar licks keep things teetering on the edge of madness. It’s more than just a song—it’s a portal to the hottest dancefloor hell has to offer. Close your eyes, and you can practically feel the heat of the flames licking at your heels as the beat pulses through your body. A Video That Screams “Follow Me to the Fire” The accompanying music video is a feast for the (un)holy. Picture this: Méa, red-skinned and horned, channeling her inner Lucifer as she leads a disoriented but eager crowd into her dark domain. The quick cuts, flashing lights, and supernatural imagery make it feel like you’ve stumbled into a rave at the gates of the underworld. Méa’s dance moves ooze confidence and control, reminding us that she’s the devil here—and you’re just along for the ride. The visuals are as rich and decadent as the song itself. A bright, full moon glows ominously over fiery backdrops while Méa’s presence commands the screen. Whether she’s smirking through the flames or daring you to take a bite of forbidden fruit, you’re hooked. If you’re looking for a track to fuel your late-night escapades—or just a song that makes you feel like the main character in a wickedly indulgent story— “Devil Inside”  delivers. It’s a thrilling testament to Méa Fisher’s ability to blend dark, heavy aesthetics with euphoric energy. So go ahead, press play. Follow Méa into the flames. You might just discover that the devil inside has been dying to dance all along.

Eliza Oakes 's latest single, "The Weight of the World," is a soulful dive into vulnerability, resilience, and growth that hits like a breath of fresh air. This track is layered and richly orchestrated and pulls listeners straight into Eliza's world of emotional honesty. Think Florence + The Machine meets London Grammar, but with a unique, bold edge, that’s all Eliza. Her voice rises and falls effortlessly over deep harmonies, each line packed with subtle power and undeniable conviction. Co-produced with the talents of Lorenz Okello-Osengor and Jess Camilleri, "The Weight of the World" combines haunting strings and moody synths with Eliza’s vocals taking center stage. Unfolding with dramatic flair, echoing that feeling of carrying the weight of the world, Eliza’s clever shifts in rhythm and dynamics also add a sense of playfulness. It’s a sonic journey, blending introspective lyrics with anthemic crescendos that make you want to listen again and again. Eliza’s vocal prowess is undeniable here. Her voice commands every twist and turn without ever feeling overdone. It’s what makes a good storyteller when she makes you feel every ounce of struggle, release, and transformation woven into the lyrics. "The Weight of the World" tells a tale of survival and acts as an ode to self-discovery. For anyone feeling the pressures of life, this track is like a musical therapy session delivered by one of the most authentic new voices on the scene. "The Weight of the World" does an excellent job of capturing themes of survival and resilience. How did these personal experiences shape this song and your broader creative journey? The process of writing and crafting this song was a real learning experience for me as a writer and producer!  The Weight Of The World  is a song that expresses the power and sense of identity/self that can be found in states of isolation and fear.  I wrote it a few years ago in what felt like survival mode, and I wanted to ‘watch the thinker’ and, in a way, champion the feelings I was experiencing at the time as a way to help process them. It jumps between negative emotional feelings in the verses and states of optimism in the pre-choruses, and this arc helped shape the song's harmonic and melodic journey. As soon as I had the chorus written on just piano and voice, I was really drawn to exploring quite a weighted textural arrangement and production, Lorenz Okello-Osengor and Jess Camilleri who I co-produced this song with helped bring this vision to life!  I’m continuously grappling with my relationship with fear, and I know it’ll be a subject I continue to explore in my future work. Vulnerability is such a beautiful thing. How do you decide which parts of your life and emotions to channel into your music? It is indeed, and as a listener, I find a level of vulnerability to often be vital when connecting to someone else’s music, however I know it can take a lot of bravery!  I’m definitely still in a stage of lyrical discovery, and vulnerability within that lyrical realm is something I’m dedicated to figuring out and harnessing as a writer as I move through a lot of personal change. I guess I decide which parts to channel by what feels the most honest to share at the time, but more specifically, what parts organically show up at the piano when I sit down to play. When I begin a new idea, I tend to lead with harmony, there’s such a variety of emotion that you can find in different combinations of chords and voicings, the mission then becomes finding what truly weaves and connects these elements together.   What role does solitude play in your songwriting and personal growth as an artist? Solitude for me is a necessity to not only creative growth and flow, but for life in general, it’s something I deeply value and actively practice in day to day life, the power of solitude affirms a connection to a sense of being which is essential to creative energy. This year, I’ve gratefully found myself in a whole variety of expansive musical spaces, from studying and performing medieval Old Roman Chant in the mountains of Pigna, Corsica, with Idrîsî Ensemble to playing Glastonbury and touring the world as part of Jordan Rakei’s band.  The need for solitude to ground and tap back into my own creative artistry has been vital!   In a digital realm, we’re constantly bombarded with images, comparisons, and expectations, and I think we’ve forgotten how to be bored, how to be still, how to just be.  I grew up singing communally, with choirs and other people, so for me, singing is a spiritual practice that requires solitude to better understand your individuality but also equally requires community and other voices to learn from. It’s definitely about balance!  In "The Weight of the World," there’s a tension between vulnerability and strength. How do you balance these two sides in your life and in your music? It takes vulnerability to be strong and vice versa, and in this song, I’m definitely toiling back and forth between the two. There’s a saviour of some kind in the song that appears in the pre-choruses, the identity of this saviour has come to re-define itself as time as gone on.  A friend of mine asked if I’m referring to God, which I resonate with (though not in a religious sense).  The savior role has been a partner and a friend, but also myself- ‘sweet clarity, you’re my sanctuary, yeah you help me stand.’   The pre-chorus continues with ‘ sometimes, I’m filled with so much love that I could break.’  Whether that role be your self or someone else, there’s such undeniable strength in expressing vulnerability, these forces go together. How do you define authenticity in today's music? What is your mission statement as an artist? To me, authenticity is leading with musical intention rather than musical brand, prioritizing the experience over the product and community over numbers and stats. We’ve become extremely consumerist as a society, and as we have fast fashion, I find we also have fast music. The honing of your craft and the dedication of time with your instrument, your pen, and your voice shows resilience, even if your journey may feel slower or uncertain in comparison to others. Amongst so much noise, good and bad, leading with honesty is as authentic as it comes.

Better times are coming, my friend, so just wait. At the age of just 15, Cormac Thompson has already achieved a level of artistry that most artists strive for throughout their careers. Having amassed over 2.2 million Spotify streams and 8 million YouTube views, Cormac has steadily built a devoted fanbase since his breakout at 11, when his brilliant artistic talent earned him a deal with Decca. Since then, he’s charted his own course as an independent artist, captivating listeners with his vocal maturity and an emotional depth that belies his years. As someone whose very soul seems to be permeated with music, it should come as no surprise that Cormac’s talents aren’t limited to just singing. A multi-talented musician also capable of playing the piano and guitar, his well-rounded understanding of the art form has resulted in some absolutely inspired creations. At just 15, Cormac has already released two critically acclaimed albums, “Hear My Voice” and “A Borrowed Gift,” and with such an inspiring past, it’s practically a given that Cormac’s future seems incredibly bright as well. Cormac’s latest single, “Days Like These,” offers yet another glimpse into his ever-evolving musical identity. Originally penned by Grammy-winning songwriter Janis Ian, the track showcases Cormac’s vocal maturity and a newfound penchant for the folkier side of his artistry. Underscored by delicate piano, warm pedal steel guitar, and lush ambiance, Cormac’s graceful yet technical vocal performance leaves nothing to be desired. Tender lyrics like “So let us fill this empty earth with hope / until the rain comes down / in lives like these” truly cut through to the heart, and the young musician has once again created a little piece of magic. With an expanded vocal range and a refreshing willingness to explore new genres and styles, Cormac Thompson is continuing to redefine the standards for young artists. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream Cormac’s new release, “Days Like These,” out now on all major streaming platforms.