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Opening up our minds up like the gatekeeper in the Matrix and sung with so much majestic focus to help us find the genuine genius within that we all possess, Garfield Mayor  is the kind of musician the world needs more of. The British singer is acclaimed and for good reason. He has the kind of vocal ability flushed with class which very few have the powers to summon from their souls. Lyrically there is a message on each of his singles and this is no different. In fact, this one might be the best of the lot. Showing us where the torch has been hiding the whole time, Light the Dark  might help many who have felt down recently. There is so much to like here as our ears are awoken rather radiantly, by a creative who seems to be flying at the minute. Garfield Mayor is highly rated and you can tell why, as this is a fine effort to play loud and proud, no matter if it is rain or shine outside. Turn this up loud on Spotify .

When it comes to creating art, youth remains an undeniable power that burns with a unique intensity. There’s something visceral about the work of a young artist processing the relentless speed of life coming at them for the first time. It’s that heady mix of heavy feelings and hopeful anticipation, bewilderment, and bliss. Most of all, however, it’s a depth of passion, pure and uncompromised, for which there is no substitute. And while there are many young songwriters, it’s a rare thing to find a vocalist that can effortlessly communicate this complex kaleidoscope of feelings in one striking melody after another. Now, put this singer in front of a young band with a clear vision, shooting for the stars. Enter the dazzling dream pop of Polaroid Fade . We were thrilled to chat with Nicoletta from the band about their debut album, Chaos Into Poetry , which is out now via Shore Points Records. Polaroid Fade's music captures a powerful mix of nostalgia and youthful exuberance. How does your experience growing up in Vineland, NJ, and the unique challenges of starting a band during the COVID lockdown shape the stories and emotions in Chaos Into Poetry ? In spring of 2020 i had just turned 14. When the COVID lockdown hit it was actually a great time because it forced my very busy parents to stay in the house and we had some amazing times being all together. One of those amazing things was my dad teaching me how to play guitar on our back deck. My dad is a musician and there was always music in the house. He taught me some chords and he and I would play covers and actually write some songs. We would write lyrics together and just laugh and have a blast with it. I would say that had COVID not happened, Polaroid Fade may not exist. As for growing up in Vineland, NJ…we are 30 minutes from Philadelphia and 30 minutes from the Shore, the latter being my favorite. That ocean city boardwalk and town overall has been my muse for most of the songs in one way or another. It's a magical place. Thats all I can say. Nicoletta, your voice has been compared to legends like Susanna Hoffs and Deborah Harry while maintaining a modern flair. How do you balance drawing from iconic influences like The Smiths and Radiohead with creating a sound that feels fresh and uniquely your own? I honestly don't even try to hide it! Haha! My favorite singer is Harriet Wheeler of The Sundays and I just try to imitate her on everything I do. Luckily I'm not that great at imitating and it comes out sounding like me. But seriously, those are great women to be compared to! As for our other influences, I think we wear them proudly on our sleeves. We take bits and pieces of all of those great bands and when we put them together the end product is Polaroid Fade . The band’s chemistry, particularly between you and Tyler Bronn, is a standout feature of Polaroid Fade. Can you take us behind the scenes of how you collaborate to merge his intricate guitar textures with your emotionally charged vocals to craft songs like 'Any Other Way' and 'Bliss?' Tyler is like the older brother I never had. We laugh a lot! His guitar parts come from the necessity to fill space in a one guitar, bass and drums band. We don’t do a bunch of overdubs in the studio because we want to be able to replicate the songs live as a four piece. Those parts always keep that in mind. We try to be aware of each others space in the song when crafting melodies as well. It’s worked so far! You’ve built a passionate fanbase by blending dream pop with alternative rock elements. What do you think it is about Polaroid Fade’s music that resonates with audiences of all ages, and how does that influence the way you approach songwriting and performing? We just write what comes naturally to us and thats where those influences come in. We don’t really write for anyone but ourselves. I mean, we have our moments when we know fans of the cure, or the sundays and the smiths will recognize what we are doing, but I dont think it steers the songwriting one way or another. I think theres something familiar about our music that appeals to the older crowd. I try to be honest and tell a story in some of the songs. Other times its a bunch of words that sound good together! Haha! I think the younger crowd likes the fact that we are mostly in our teens making music that sounds a little like the “older” bands that are finding a second life on TikTok. They are just now being discovered by my generation. Having self-produced your debut LP, Chaos Into Poetry, in a home studio, what was the most rewarding—and most challenging—aspect of taking full creative control over the recording process? How do you think it impacted the album's final sound? Having the freedom to record at home was amazing. We could track stuff whenever we felt inspired. The bad part about it is you are so close to the project that you cant remove yourself to listen objectively. Our basic attitude was we didn't want perfect takes. We didn't want to tweak the sounds endlessly. We wanted to keep everything fresh sounding. Every time we felt ourselves overthinking something we would stop and move on. We would make mixes and listen to something for weeks in the car. If something was truly not working, it would reveal itself over time. Most of the time, repeated listening would smooth over whatever “mistake” was bothering us and we would just keep it. It was maddening at times but recording this ourselves really gave us a skillset that can never be taken away. What's next for Polaroid Fade? One fan at a time. We just hope that enough people will connect with our music like we connect with our favorite bands so that we can continue to make music for the next 20 years.

Better times are coming. Having gone from small-town dreamer to accomplished Nashville artist, Creigh Riepe ’s artistic journey stands as an inspiring story to us everyday people. A rising force in the Christian music scene, Creigh Riepe initially got his start as a producer and touring musician. Supporting and sharing stages with titans of the country music scene like Keith Urban and Tim McGraw, he caught the attention of the industry even further as a contestant on The Voice in 2024. Known for a blissful combination of emotionally rich songwriting, soul-stirring voice, and heartwarming faith, Creigh Riepe's music has become the personification of the artist he wants to be. His jump to a solo career was in many ways a long time coming, and we couldn’t be happier for an artist with such an uplifting message. Crafting music that uplifts, inspires, and connects has always been his goal, and as his solo career continues to take off, there’s no better time to achieve his dreams than now. Crafted during a self-described tumultuous period in his life, his release “Better Days” is in equal parts a personal confession and a bit of a spiritual refuge. From the instant “Better Days” starts, a beautiful piano draws you in, with his tender vocals opening the track with the words “Feeling all alone / Don’t even know what day it is.” Creigh Riepe is not one to wallow, though, and singing lines like “Better days / they’re on the way / I can see it in your eyes / Don’t believe the lies,” he channels personal trials into a universal message of resilience and faith. “Better Days” feels like a glimmer of hope in a dark world, balancing his frank honesty with an undeniable sense of optimism. With “Better Days,” Creigh Riepe further affirms his commitment to a most precious mission: making music that uplifts, inspires, and connects.

Kaitlin Cassady has delivered a heartfelt triumph with her title track, "Home Away From Home," a song that feels like a warm embrace on a cold day. It’s the centerpiece of her profound 12-song debut album, which blends indie folk and rock with echoes of country and jazz, creating a fresh and timeless sound. Inspired by her journey of self-discovery after leaving her Minneapolis hometown, Kaitlin captures the universal pangs of love, loss, and longing with a storytelling prowess reminiscent of Aimee Mann and Phoebe Bridgers. The track’s lush guitar riffs and delicate soundscapes make it feel simultaneously expansive and intimate as if she is singing directly to your soul, pulling you into a beautifully crafted world of introspection, resilience, and emotional candor. Its raw emotional weight makes "Home Away From Home" special. Kaitlin Cassady doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of life. Addiction, heartbreak, and mental health struggles are all woven into the fabric of her songwriting. Yet, an undeniable hopefulness shines through, acting as a reminder that growth often blossoms from the most harrowing moments. With over 15,000 streams and a growing reputation in the Twin Cities music scene, Kaitlin Cassady is proving herself as a songwriter with a gift for turning life’s quiet moments into universal anthems. If this track is any indication, her music is something you feel deeply. She’s given us a piece of herself. And trust me, once you hear "Home Away From Home," you’ll want to stay in her world a little longer.

Daniela Galasso, also known as Dani, unveils her debut EP, Comfortable, a reflective coming-of-age journey that encapsulates the beauty in vulnerability. This Italian-bred, California-based singer-songwriter uses her ethereal blend of dream pop and folktronica to explore life’s complexities with poetic intimacy. Each track in Comfortable serves as a chapter in Dani’s own journey of self-discovery, weaving together themes of love, resilience, and emotional growth. The album opens with Sway, a whimsical, feel-good anthem that captures the innocence of dancing through life’s seasons. With lyrics like, “We sway to the beat of our favorite songs… playing in stereo till it’s dawn,” Dani creates a lighthearted, nostalgic soundscape perfect for getting lost in. Yesterday’s Story shifts to a slower, more reflective tone, narrating the bittersweet remnants of a past love. In this track, Dani’s heartfelt delivery makes lines like, “We can’t move on, but it feels so wrong to be in yesterday’s story,” resonate deeply with anyone holding onto old memories. Something You Can’t Borrow brings strength amid heartbreak, with Dani standing firm in her self-worth, proclaiming, “My heart is something you can’t borrow.” The song’s resilient energy reinforces the album’s theme of self-respect and staying true to oneself. And then, the warmth of new love, one that comes with a sense of safety and ease, is captured in “Comfortable.” Lyrics like “I’m getting comfortable, Sunday evenings at the house” evoke the beautiful simplicity of feeling at home with someone special. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who’s felt the gentle progression of a relationship—from sparks to a steady flame, where shared moments and small routines become the foundation of something deeply meaningful. All in all, Dani’s EP merges imagination and reality, creating a thoughtful soundtrack for anyone navigating the twists and turns of growing up and finding comfort in their own skin. Congratulations on the successful release of your EP, Comfortable. What was the most exciting or challenging part of creating this personal, coming-of-age project?   One of the most exciting things for me was hearing my songs fully produced. I’m used to writing in an acoustic environment (w/ a keyboard or guitar), but once I had a song I really liked for this project and was able to move into actual production for it, it was mind-blowing. It's an amazing experience to see the evolution of a song from a voice memo to something that is radio quality. Figuring out production and the overall sound was also challenging for me bc I did each song, one at a time, without having a full plan for the album; it was a really organic process, and because of that and the fact that it was my first time, I was second-guessing the direction of the sound different points. But, I also sort of think that’s the beauty of this project, that it's a little rough around the edges.    For the songs, since they are more honest/intimate, I was consistently asking myself, “Am I ok with this being out in the wild?” Naturally I’m a little shy about my music, but it's gotten easier as time has gone on, especially as I’ve been more sure about my sound and message, but it’s ultimately terrifying putting yourself out there. One thing that helped with this was sharing songs with people and starting to perform the songs live as venues have opened up post-pandemic.   Another thing I really enjoyed was creating music videos and visuals for this project; I liked tying the songs to something that people could see, and I was lucky enough to have help from my partner in creating the music videos for Embers and Comfortable. We did them completely DIY together as co-producers–we set up camp for the weekend at a cabin/Airbnb in Twain Harte for Embers, and we filmed Comfortable at my parents' house in Northern California.   Your music is described as a fusion of dream pop and folktronica with “wistful impressionistic flavors.” How did you develop this unique sound, and what drew you to these genres?   I’ve always been attracted to the pop/singer-songwriter genre from a lyrical and storytelling perspective—most of my favorite female artists and idols are in this space: artists like Ellie Goulding, Imogen Heap, Taylor Swift, and Kacey Musgraves.   I realized I wanted to blend classic, organic instruments (piano/guitar)–the instruments I used to write these songs–with more of a dreamy and electronic aesthetic. I also have a deep love for ethereal synths and the sonic quality + and production style of dream pop and electronic dance music; I especially like the more emotional artists that have played with the intersection of that sonic world and classic songwriting, like Illenium, Ellie Goulding, Churches,   Congratulations on achieving 2nd place in Indie International’s 2022 Songwriting Competition with your song Yesterday’s Story. How did that recognition impact your growth and confidence as an artist?   Thanks! It was a really special moment to get that recognition. I spent a long time incubating as a songwriter before I committed to releasing music as an artist, so receiving that award was a big accomplishment. It meant a lot more than streaming numbers to me, for sure, and it motivated me to continue getting better as a writer.    Yesterday’s Story was the first single for the album, so I was really proud knowing that it resonated with many people. After many years of hard work, I truly felt like something was working out at that point.   I felt similarly for Sway, and I’m really proud of that song in particular because it was one of the more happy/uplifting songs in my catalog. It was a milestone within itself because, for the longest time, I wrote more melancholic songs, but that song was different. I just love the way we produced the vibe of it and all of the vocal stacks in the post-chorus section “Can you see it now?” – Fun fact: along with being the first song on the album, it was the first one that was produced for the project.   What was it like navigating the role of co-producer on this EP? How did you ensure the music sounded true to your vision while collaborating with multiple producers?   I had a lot of ups and downs, to be honest. Originally, I thought I could do production myself, but in reality, the sound I wanted to achieve was a bit beyond my producer skillset at the time. So, I let go of that and tried different producers on different songs. In some instances, I had a rough demo to start, and in other instances, I did more of the groundwork with instrumentation and direction before working with someone else.   I really wanted to be as hands-on as possible with the sound, so I collaborated closely with the producers involved. I sort of played an executive producer role, so even though I wasn’t physically adjusting the knobs at the mixing board or playing the instrument in every instance, I was really involved in the direction of everything and would constantly refer back to other songs on the album to make sure they were feeling right with each other. Instagram

Austin/LA-based alternative rock outfit The Belle Epoch makes their debut with the psychedelic-tinged single "Sunray Lucy." Composed of seasoned musicians who've been playing professionally since their teens, The Belle Epoch brings years of experience to their fresh collaboration. Having already worked with artists like Christian Bland of The Black Angels, the band is poised to make their mark on the alternative rock scene. With "Sunray Lucy," The Belle Epoch delivers their first official release as a band. The track draws inspiration from classic psychedelic rock while adding its own modern twist to the genre. If anything, it's a solid example of how The Belle Epoch has found its signature sound right out of the gate. Hitting play on "Sunray Lucy," the track oozes with dark, alternative rock flairs from the get-go. It pounces through your speakers with buzzing electric guitars and a whirlwind of airy drums that provide the perfect foundation for the lead vocalist's sultry, muffled vocals. It's a hot and heavy anthem about the stunning beauty and smoking eyes of "Sunray Lucy," painting all sorts of images in our minds with clever wordplay and vivid descriptions. The song is both refreshing and a blast from the past. The overall sound feels very Jimi Hendrix, with its powerful lyricism and smokey instrumentals. But one thing's for sure. If The Belle Epoch continues pumping out stellar releases like this, we'll have a new act to watch. Experience the psychedelic journey of The Belle Epoch's newest single, "Sunray Lucy," now available on all major streaming platforms. What was your goal regarding the overall sound of "Sunray Lucy?" How did you want it to feel? Raw and Honest. No auto-tune or pitch correct here, just pure feel. That’s the ethos of the entire project really. Can you tell us about the recording process for "Sunray Lucy" and how you captured that perfect blend of vintage and modern elements? We just tried not to overthink it. There’s always a danger of “overproducing” and continuing to add layers. We wanted to keep it “low-fi” and create something timeless that would authentically translate to the stage. The early rock-inspired beats are at the core. Then Aaron just has an uncanny knack for coaxing unorthodox sonic artifacts out of the ether from his guitar and vocal takes that give the recordings an ethereal vibe. How did you develop The Belle Epoch's unique sound as seasoned musicians come together in a new project? At the end of the day, the songs just decide on their own what they want to be. Instagram

Hip-hop artist King Gamble teams up with Ism to deliver a hard-hitting new single, "What You Thought," setting the stage for their upcoming album, HNB2. King Gamble is quickly making a name for himself in the cut-throat hip-hop scene, gaining attention with his debut mixtape and now stepping up his game with all-original tracks. His music blends confidence with catchy hooks, appealing to both old-school hip-hop heads and new fans of the genre. His newest single, "What You Thought," is a straight-up banger. If you're new to the artist, consider it a powerful introduction to King Gamble's evolving sound. The track showcases his impeccable flow and conceptual bars that set high expectations for the forthcoming HNB2 album. From the moment "What You Thought" kicks off, listeners are hit with a hypnotic beat that's impossible to ignore. King Gamble's flow is smooth yet assertive, delivering lines that ooze confidence and ambition. The production strikes a perfect balance between modern hip-hop sensibilities and classic boom-bap influences that keep us locked in for the ride. King Gamble's bars hold nothing back, and we can say the same for Ism. Both artists use "What You Thought" as a platform to address haters and showcase their evolving journeys. The hook is catchy and repetitive in the best way, practically daring listeners not to nod along. It's clear that King Gamble isn't just making music—he's making a statement about his place in the hip-hop landscape. Challenge your expectations with King Gamble's new single, "What You Thought," now available on all major streaming platforms. Welcome to Buzz, King Gamble, and ISM! We're loving the confidence and vibes in "What You Thought." What inspired you guys to create this bold banger?  ISM - First and Foremost, thank you for having us. It’s been a long time coming for the both of us and once we heard the record, we immediately both had the idea to make a record about coming back and coming back with an impact. King Gamble spazzed on the record, so I had to get my flow on to keep up with him. That’s my brother right there.  Gamble - Once we heard the melody for the first few seconds, we knew we had something special in the works. It speaks volumes as we did take a small hiatus dealing with life, so coming back, this is the perfect song to capture our mindset and intentions.  How does "What You Thought" set the tone for your upcoming album  HNB2 ? Gamble - It sets the tone dramatically! Showcasing our talents beyond just rapping as we are complete music artists. ISM - The hypnotic melody from the beginning of the record is meant to grab your attention and keep you captivated from beginning to end, and that’s the feel that we have for the entire project. From rapping, singing melodies & testing different sounds, we feel incredible about the project.  Your collaboration with ISM seems to bring out the best in both of you. How did this partnership come about? ISM - King Gamble and I met in 2014 at a showcase (that he was headlining) & I did my thing - to where we clicked, and not only a partnership but a great friendship has come from it to this day. Timeless music has always been our mantra, and we push one another to improve artistically.  Gamble - We literally watched each other grow from kids to grown men. So, the chemistry is unmatched, and as you can see and hear, it comes through without a shadow of a doubt. It’s something that just works once our creative minds collaborate.  The production of "What You Thought" is fire. Can you tell us about the production process and what sort of vibe ya’ll wanted for the track? Gamble - man…. He sent me over the beat, and he was like we definitely have to do this and have you on the hook. We traded maybe two voice memos, and the hook was done.  We got in the studio and wrote the verses at the moment, and the final product was amazing.  ISM - Sid, the producer, is a good friend of mine from the Baltimore area who has not only produced “What You Thought” but also other records of mine from previous projects. I sent the beat over to Gamble, and within minutes, we had the hook and the concept.  What was your main goal with "What You Thought?" What did you want to get across to listeners? ISM - We’ve been passionate about music all our lives, and it’s been a dream of ours, not only since we’ve met but since teens, to achieve greatness in the industry - whether independent or signed. Life happens to all of us - from working (I was in Charlotte from 2019 to early this year), so we weren’t going to our main studio to learn about the blessing of fatherhood for me. That should not stop anyone from chasing their dreams, so the main goal was to send a message that no matter how much time passed, King Gamble and I can connect and make an incredible record and an amazing project that we can’t wait for y’all to hear. So many incredible artists have come out, and now that we’re older as well, it’s a message to state that we can always come back and vibe out with anybody. “What You Thought” is a statement record, and we want everyone to enjoy what’s to come. Thank you.  Gamble - How am I supposed to follow that? Lol. I just want the masses to tap into the music. We make incredibly amazing music, and this single is truly showcasing that.  As creatives, we all get to a point where we feel like it’s never good enough. We’re living proof that if you have a passion for something…. whatever it is in life. Do it. Love and live with no regrets. We appreciate y’all for this interview. Thank you.  King Gamble Instagram ISM Instagram

The highly anticipated “VROOM ROOM” late-night series returned for Race Weekend 2024, offering an unparalleled post-race experience that blended electrifying performances, celebrity appearances, and breathtaking views of Las Vegas. Held on November 22 and 23 at the luxurious Allē Lounge on 66 in the Conrad Tower of Resorts World Las Vegas, the event brought nightlife and F1 excitement to dazzling new heights. Unforgettable Performances Night one featured headlining sets by Kaz James and Ahmed Spins, energizing the crowd from midnight to 5 a.m. On the second night, the bar was raised with WhoMadeWho’s dynamic live set, followed by a captivating performance from Carlita. The night culminated in a surprise set by none other than Diplo, taking the energy to another level and leaving attendees in awe. A Partnership of Titans The event collaborated with experiential marketing powerhouse Corso Marketing Group (CMG), automotive lifestyle agency Race Service, and Resorts World Las Vegas. With support from Dorsia and powered by RepBets, VROOM ROOM transformed the 66th-floor lounge into an exclusive playground for music and motorsport enthusiasts. Guests enjoyed a 360-degree view of the Las Vegas Strip, raceway, and surrounding desert, enhanced by an epic fireworks display marking the conclusion of the final F1 race. Star-Studded Guest List The weekend attracted a VIP crowd, including stars like Luka Sabbat, Johnny Manziel, David Dobrik, Brandon Skenlar, Kevin Dias, Romain and Mary Bonnet from Selling Sunset , and comedian Chanel Omari. Industry leaders and influencers mingled with partygoers, creating an electric atmosphere cemented VROOM ROOM as the ultimate post-race destination. World-Class Collaboration and Entertainment The success of VROOM ROOM was driven by CMG’s expertise in crafting high-profile experiences and Race Service’s innovative approach to automotive culture. Sponsors such as Heineken Silver, PATRÓN Tequila, and Red Bull Energy Drink added a touch of luxury with specialty cocktails and energizing refreshments. David Corso, CMG’s founder, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to partner with Resorts World Las Vegas again to bring our vision of VROOM ROOM to life. This event represents the intersection of motorsport, culture, and nightlife.” Resorts World’s Ronn Nicolli echoed the sentiment, saying, “David Corso is a visionary, and collaborating on VROOM ROOM has been an amazing experience. We’re proud to host such an iconic event during one of the year’s most anticipated weekends.” The Future of Race Weekend Nightlife Following its stellar debut in 2023 and this year’s groundbreaking success, VROOM ROOM continues to redefine race weekend after-hours entertainment. With cutting-edge DJ performances, a vibrant social scene, and a luxurious setting, the event has become a must-attend highlight of the Formula 1 calendar.

Will love win out, or will it fizzle? Alli Cruz is a genre-blurring storyteller whose work spans music, poetry, and fiction. Of Filipina and Cuban descent, Cruz crafts a warm, intimate sound that mirrors the rich, introspective themes she explores across her creative work. Her upcoming debut EP, Your Dream Girl, slated for a 2025 release, promises a dreamy soundscape steeped in reflection. With her comforting vocals and self-aware wordplay, Cruz’s music feels like an invitation to connect on a deep, emotional level. As Cruz continues to chart a bright path to the future, we can’t wait to see what her next creation will be. In addition to her music, Cruz is a published poet and fiction writer, most recently honoured as a 2023 Lambda Literary Fellow. Having done her BA at the fabled Stanford University, Cruz’s prose and poetry have appeared in publications such as The Los Angeles Review and The Margins, showcasing her ability to weave evocative, relatable narratives no matter the medium. Consuming her work often feels like a candid look at the intimately human yearning to belong, whether it’s to someone, someplace, or something greater, and this has resonated with her listeners. As a reflective guitar lulls you into the sweet, gossamer soundscape of Cruz’s latest release, “All The Same,” you quickly get the sense that this is a master at work. “And I’m so sorry, but it’s gonna turn out all the same / Can never leave you long enough to change,” Cruz laments, feeling the pull of a familiar urge threaten to prevent her from breaking the cycle. Charmingly, Cruz’s vocals make “All The Same” feel like an intimate confession, lending the intricately personal touch she’s become known for to this release as well. Fans of R&B and soul are not going to want to miss this release. Based in Culver City, Alli Cruz continues to make a name for herself, whether it’s music, poetry, or other art forms. With each release, her impressive discography shines brighter and brighter. We loved “All The Same.” Your vocal performance really swept us away! We wanted to ask, what was your creative approach when you made this release? Was there any special inspiration behind it? I really appreciate the kind words! Honestly, I went into this song just wanting to write something vibey. When I first heard the beat, I instantly felt pulled toward it. What came out was a sound inspired by the music artists I’ve been listening to heavily this past year – UMI, Orion Sun, etc. I admire how these artists can capture this air of calm and ease, even and sometimes especially when addressing topics or feelings that are pretty serious. I didn’t necessarily go into the writing process intending to make something about toxic on-and-off relationships, but that’s what came out. In retrospect, I think that the song, in many ways, reflects how I felt in relationships that were purely defined by intense ups and downs. Sonically, the song mostly feels upbeat and happy, with twinges of sadness/poignance dropped in with the electric guitar. But the lyrics are quite sad – the song essentially says, "Yeah, I love you, and you love me, but this is not, has not, and will not work the way we wished it would. To me, there’s a happiness that’s put on in relationships like that: each time you get back together, you try to convince yourselves that you’re both finally on this chill/positive wavelength (for real this time!), but in reality, there’s a hurt that underscores the entire experience because you both know in your hearts that it isn’t going to last. What inspired you to take that initial step to start pursuing music seriously, and what motivates you to make music now? I used to write songs as a kid, but before this year, I hadn’t written a single song since I was about 12. I’ve always loved writing – I got my BA in Creative Writing at Stanford – but for some reason, I’d put singing and performing on the back burner. In the back of my head, I had always thought that music would be something I’d pick up again someday, but "someday" kept getting pushed further. In the past decade or so, I’ve invested most of my creative energy into being a writer and have shaped my identity around that. But this year, I craved another artistic outlet – a desire to try something new. I firmly believe that if you want to tell a story, you have to make sure that the medium you’re choosing is the best vessel to communicate that story. I’m drawn to music in the same way I’m drawn to poetry, which is to say – I want to communicate a feeling. I think you can break down a song however you want, but there’s something about music that, like poetry, is sort of inexplicable, and I think it’s a cool thing to tap into. Songs give texture to a story. Sound is its own type of setting. I’m motivated to keep making music because I believe that there are some stories I want to tell - particularly regarding romantic relationships - that are best expressed both sonically and through the written word. What’s your fondest music-related memory? I don’t have one specific memory, but my favorite music-related memories revolve around listening to music with friends. Of course, I love that music can be a really private thing (ex, putting in my AirPods while doing chores or walking around the city), but I especially love music when it’s a shared experience. There’s nothing quite like driving down the freeway, blasting music with your closest friends. I aspire to make music that my friends and I want to listen to, and I think that also motivates my songwriting. What do you think is the most crucial quality for a musician to have? Gratitude. It’s a privilege to have the time and opportunity to make and record music. I’m blessed to have people who have lent me their recording space. I’m also blessed to have had time to pursue my creative passions outside of my day job. I think that even beyond the realm of music, gratitude should ideally be the thing that shapes our mentality/outlook on life. No matter what comes from making music -- or any piece of art -- I feel grateful to be able to experience the act of creating something that I’m proud of. What’s next for Alli Cruz, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans? I’m currently making an EP called “Your Dream Girl,” which will be released next year. The project came about as I reflected on past experiences where I felt like I was being over-romanticized/idolized. In my opinion, being a “dream girl” isn't a real thing – no person is a dream; we’re just human beings. In a way, the moniker sounds sweet, but relationships and friendships like that left me feeling overlooked and confined to the other person’s idea of me. Dreams are what you try to reach, and I think if you label someone as a “dream girl,” you’re essentially admitting that you’ll always be trying to chase them. And it’s not fun to be chased or be chased. I’m trying to hit on all these ideas through the project while also playing with the idea of what it means to dream, lose sleep, drift off, etc. As for my listeners – I’m grateful to everyone who takes the time to sit with my music! I hope it moves you. Instagram

The talented artist continues to captivate with vocal performances filled with infectious emotion. Emerging artist Novaphasefive has long been one of the most intriguing artists in the industry. As talented as he is versatile, his genre-bending style and signature sound encompass the realms of electronic, hip-hop, and dream pop. Known for lush, layered soundscapes and introspective lyricism, Novaphasefive’s tracks carry an emotional depth that’s not ordinary, capturing intense feelings in words and melodies. As Novaphase continues to stamp his name in history, you’re going to want to remember his name. Novaphasefive’s impressive discography continues to expand to this day. It includes tracks like “BuTTRflyBambiii / purple dynasty,” “Purple Excalibur,” and “October was Once a Story,” all of which have captivated listeners, racking up listens by fusing beauty, lyrical prowess, and artistic complexity in a way that feels cinematic yet deeply personal. With releases featuring atmospheric production and layered textures, NovaPhaseFive immerses listeners in his entertaining, almost hypnotizing, immersive soundscapes, making for uneasily replicated listening experiences. Novaphasefive continues his exemplary run with his latest release, “Eternally Beautiful,” a soft yet powerful release that drips with emotion from start to finish. A beautiful yet slightly melancholy guitar begins the sonic adventure, but although the instrumental performance starts slow it gradually builds, swells, and eventually breaks. Novaphasefive’s vocals perfectly mirror this pattern, making for a release that feels incredibly personal and intimate, something he’s become known for as he fully enters his own. Novaphasefive continues to prove himself to be a forward-thinking artist who is unafraid to push boundaries and explore the fascinating worlds of genre, mood, and intimate sounds. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream “Eternally Beautiful”, out now on all major streaming platforms. We loved your new release, “Eternally Beautiful." How your emotion seemed to build and build gave us chills, man! We wanted to ask what inspired this release and how it felt when you heard the finished version for the first time. I am delighted to hear about your enjoyment of this one. So the inspiration behind this one is the loss of a friend, a best friend at that, and I'll eternally miss them... Huh, so once I heard this track finished and polished. I sat still for a bit, and the emotions flooded me. Then I recollected myself to just how amazing it all sounded. What inspired you to take that initial step to start pursuing music seriously, and what motivates you to make music now? In a way, music calls to me beyond typical words; it's as if it's just something I have been destined to pursue and devote full attention to; creation is beautiful. The motivation as of now going forward is emotion itself,  as long as I feel pain, I'll create, as long as I feel all that is negative I'll create, as long as I can feel love,  I'll create and all that is positive will contuine to be my palette for creation. What do you think is the most important quality for a musician to have? The top, number one quality artists should have is imagination because imagination holds the keys to unlimited limitations. What goals or changes do you want to achieve through your music? I just want more listeners... heck...more people to realize that even in the dark, it's light, even in the light, darkness, and accepting both elements and the paradoxical similarities is home. What’s next for NovaPhaseFive, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans? So up next for novaphasefive is perform! Perform! Performing, it been well overdue, and I owe nothing less than such to my patient-loving fans! Muah! Instagram