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Jazz-funk group and viral sensation TILAR is taking the indie music scene by the horns with their latest 7-track album, Unite & Heal. Since their 2022 debut, Over The Moon , TILAR has been captivating audiences with their unique sound and eye-catching silver space suits. Their viral presence has earned them over 13 million TikTok views, while their energetic live shows continue to build a loyal following. Their newest album, Unite & Heal, serves as a peek into the band's evolution, with front vocalist Clara's crystal-clear vocals floating over a powerful horn section and tight rhythm foundation. The album perfectly captures their signature cosmic funk sound while pushing into new musical territories. The album opens with its title track, "Unite & Heal," immediately launching listeners into TILAR's groove-filled universe with bright horns and infectious energy. "Alright Again" follows, showing the band's exceptional vocal arrangements and dynamic range that takes us straight to the dancefloor. "More Than A Friend" stands out as one of the album's most passionate tracks, celebrating the magical space between friendship and destiny and the journey to realizing that you've finally found the one. The experience continues with "Thirteen," a cinematic piece that feels like a song you'd hear at the end of a feel-good Hallmark holiday movie—all about personal growth and transformation. "Leading Role" slows things down a bit with its jazzy instrumentation and smooth brass section, while "Cereal" brings electric guitar into the mix and showcases Clara's animated vocal performance at its peak. The album closes with a special treat—a live version of "Unite & Heal" recorded at Berlin's Gretchen club. Featuring additional percussionists, backing vocalists, and a guitarist gives listeners a perfect taste of what to expect from their new live album, released on November 22nd. Experience this cosmic treat yourself and find TILAR's new album, Unite & Heal, on all major streaming platforms. Your new album, Unite & Heal, feels like a journey through space and sound. What inspired this cosmic approach to jazz-funk? Hey, Buzz! Thanks so much for having us; we're thrilled to be here! This album was born from our deep love for disco, funk, and everything that carries that electric energy. We wanted Unite & Heal to blend as many musical worlds as possible since we bring something unique to the table. Musically and lyrically, we pulled inspiration from our favorite sounds and eras, like the late ‘70s grooves of The Jones Girls, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Tower of Power, Herbie Hancock, Patrice Rushen, Prince, and Lenny White, as well as today’s electronic pop and R&B influences, like Robert Glasper, Ariana Grande, and Alicia Keys. The horn section really shines throughout Unite & Heal. Could you take us through what it was like to arrange such powerful sections? What was that creative process like? Joshua created the initial brass melodies, and we focused on blending them seamlessly with the rest of the instruments to make one cohesive sound. Benni Stanko, our trumpet player, added his own melodies, and Carla Köllner, our trombonist, arranged each instrument's individual parts. For this album, we wanted to elevate our sound even further by adding a string section, which was a dream come true. We’re huge fans of the Dutch Metropole Orkest—especially their work with Cory Wong—so Carla also took on the arrangement of the string parts to bring this layered, orchestral vibe to life. We're head over heels for Clara's vocals in Unite & Heal. What was your band's songwriting process like for these songs? Is it more of a one-person process or a shared collaboration? Thank you so much! Clara and Joshua write the songs together, collaboratively sharing ideas. Clara might come up with lyrics or a melody, while Joshua might have chord progressions or a melody in mind, and then we meet up in Hamburg or Berlin for writing sessions. We usually record a demo and then bring it to the full band rehearsal, where we fine-tune everything together until it feels just right. We’ve added tons of backing vocals to each track to make it extra fun. Which song from Unite & Heal is your band's favorite to perform? Which song have you had the most fun with so far? We have different favorites, but we all love playing Unite & Heal live because it’s so high-energy, especially with that driving slap bassline. It’s always a great vibe! Alright Again is also a blast—we get the audience to sing along in a three-part harmony, which gives us chills every time. Our audiences are so musically gifted; they sound like a full choir. We feel really lucky to experience that! Could you drop some hints about your upcoming live album release on November 22nd? Absolutely! The live album will feature all the songs from Unite & Heal, along with some fan favorites from past releases. We’ve reimagined them with an extended band that includes two backing vocalists, a guitarist, and a percussionist. It was recorded at our live show at the Gretchen Club in Berlin in March, and we filmed the entire performance, so we’re excited to release it as a full concert video on YouTube! We know that many of our listeners across the pond and around the world can’t make it to our concerts right now, and since we’re not quite big enough to pull off a U.S. tour yet, we’re extra happy to bring a bit of that live concert energy to YouTube. We hope they’ll like it! Instagram Facebook

Rising alt-rocker Petti Hendrix confronts existential fears in his latest single, " Die Alone ," accompanied by a visually stunning music video shot by Slick Rubin. Making waves in the alternative scene with his genre-bending sound, Hendrix has quickly built a devoted following, amassing over 23k monthly Spotify listeners. His 2024 album Choose Life  showcases his ability to blend punk energy with raw, relatable lyrics that strike straight to the heart. With "Die Alone," Hendrix continues to push boundaries alongside co-writer Lucas Messore. The track perfectly balances alternative rock edge with punk intensity, creating an urgent anthem about facing our deepest fears. Diving into "Die Alone," it instantly grabs us with its raw emotional power. Hendrix's vocals soar over sharp instrumentation with hints of R&B production, conveying both vulnerability and strength as he wrestles with the universal fear of isolation. It doesn't take long for the song to go full-throttle and unleash all the fears, thoughts, and feelings Hendrix has been holding in. The self-directed music video adds another layer to the song's impact. Shot against stunning natural backdrops, the dreamlike visuals flow through various scenes—from floating in water to contemplating life amid beautiful landscapes. These ethereal images perfectly complement the song's themes of struggle and determination, creating a powerful statement about facing life's challenges head-on. Feel the raw emotion of Petti Hendrix's new single, "Die Alone." Find it on YouTube and all major streaming platforms.

Los Angeles-based indie rockers Winnetka Bowling League expand their musical discography with a refreshing spin on their recent album, Sha La La , now releasing a comprehensive deluxe version of their already impressive debut. Led by frontman Matthew Koma, the band has carved out their own niche in the alternative scene with their honest storytelling and dynamic sound. Their ability to blend thoughtful lyrics with infectious melodies has earned them a devoted following, culminating in sold-out shows at iconic venues like New York's Bowery Ballroom. The original Sha La La  takes listeners on a journey through love, loss, and the complexities of modern relationships. Now, with the deluxe edition, we get to experience these stories from new angles, including live performances that capture the band's electric stage presence. The album opens strong with the title track, "Sha La La," an energetic alternative anthem that sets the tone for what's to come. From there, we dive into "No One's Ever Kissed You," a diary-like confession that showcases Koma's gift for intimate storytelling. "We're Broken Up (But Even More Together Now)" turns the typical breakup song on its head, finding hope in heartache through soaring vocal arrangements. Mid-album highlights include "Astrology & Context," a tender exploration of relationship differences, and "Handsome," an irresistible dance floor anthem. The introspective "Jesus Saves" adds orchestral elements for a cinematic touch, while "Breakfast For Dinner" delivers sharp wit and even sharper instrumentation. The original album's standout, "America in Your 20s," touches on the shift to adulthood with some Springsteen-like lyrics. The deluxe additions breathe new life into familiar favorites. Annika Bennett's angelic vocals on the stripped-down version of "America in Your 20s" add emotional depth to an already powerful track. The live recordings from Bowery Ballroom, including versions of "Handsome" and "Breakfast for Dinner," are sonic treats for any alternative music lover. Experience both sides of Winnetka Bowling League's musical world and find Sha La La (Deluxe)  on all major streaming platforms.

New York City's Chad Post shares his latest single, "Beautiful Thing," which was co-written and produced by his longtime collaborator, Aria Jay. The track is from his forthcoming 20-song full-length album, Off The Record , which is scheduled to release in spring 2025. It follows his EP STATIC from earlier this year. We were thrilled to chat with him and learn about the new music. Check out the interview below! "Beautiful Thing" is described as a love letter to a past relationship. How did your experiences and emotions from that time shape the writing and production of this track? What message do you hope listeners take away from it?" I held onto a lot of loss and hurt for a long time that I didn't realize I internalized. I had worked through so much of it and really thought that I was fully healed for a very long time. And then signs would come up where I would be like, 'Hmm, maybe that's something to look at. Maybe I'm not as worked through as I thought I was.' I don't think you ever truly get over certain levels of heartbreak, but I started to really face it head-on and dove pretty deep into healing myself. When I did that and moved past it instead of avoiding it, I found so much more love than anger or hurt — just genuine gratitude and happiness. Cheeky, I know. I don't want to tell anyone how to digest anything I create, but I think people will feel hope, love, and nostalgia in the writing and production. I hope the song makes them happy. Your artistic journey spans from writing poetry and novels to crafting music that blends pop, R&B, and soul. How has your background as a writer influenced your songwriting process and the stories you tell through your music? I have always said that I am a writer first and foremost. Most of the mediums that I express myself in are just a different form of writing. I have written story ideas, poetry, and lines to songs since I was a child. As I grew up, that shifted into screenplay writing, novels, and songs. What I love about songwriting is that you can—and sort of have to—tell an entire story in a very concise and short body to convey a full emotion. Even poetry doesn't have to finish the story; it can be a fragment of one. But most songs give you an entire lens or landscape on what happened or is occurring. I love how tight and secure that feels. It's like a present tied with a bow if you get it right. Versus screenplays and novels that I could edit until the end of time. You mentioned that your EP STATIC was a departure from your previous work. Can you elaborate on how "Beautiful Thing" fits into your artistic evolution and what listeners can expect from your upcoming album, Off The Record? I would most describe 'Beautiful Thing' as an exhale. 'STATIC' was holding a lot in and then gently exploding—but in a (I guess) pretty way. I felt trapped in that emotion and very stagnant. This is why the title was chosen. Just couldn't move; everything was gray, and I was holding onto so much for so long. Writing all of that music helped relieve that tension. It wasn't lost on me that the first single after that was 'Snap! Crackle! Pop! Music!' and the imagery for that single was bubblegum popping. It had to be done. Once that bubble burst, out came a 'Beautiful Thing.' And no, that was not all planned out like that, but it is very serendipitous how it all happened. The order, I mean. 'Off The Record' is going to be such a large culmination pop album. It will be such a kaleidoscope of emotion (and a full story arc, which I always do with my full-lengths).  You’ve said you want your art to evoke a feeling rather than just be about a single piece of work. What emotions or connections do you hope fans experience when they listen to "Beautiful Thing" and engage with your broader discography? I really do feel that way. When I first began putting out music, I was so afraid people would see me as, 'Oh, you make THIS kind of music.' (insert any genre depending on what single I put out that time), so I was very, very strategic about which singles to release, which sounds I used, when, the order of singles, and the range of styles. I want to tell stories and evoke emotion. I want people swept into a feeling and my world rather than a 'single.' Now that I have a pretty large discography and a lot of visual art out, I hope people are able to become a part of that larger vision and immerse themselves in it. Specifically, with 'Beautiful Thing,' I do hope people feel an exhale from the previous works. I think it's time for that for me in the story. Growing up in Connecticut and later moving to NYC, how have your surroundings influenced your music? Are there aspects of those environments reflected in the themes or aesthetics of "Beautiful Thing" and your upcoming album? I absolutely love the dichotomy of city and country, which I'm sure, based on the question, you have realized that! I love big worlds, large nature, picturesque landscapes, retro buildings, and waterfalls juxtaposed with the gritty, gray, flashing lights and heartbeat of a city like New York. I was in Vermont shooting for 'Beautiful Thing' because it felt like the perfect vibe for the sound. Vast, open, and clean. Very nostalgic and introspective. I think when there is so little around, you are forced to resign yourself to yourself and your feelings and let thoughts that don't serve you go. Let some of the stuff you've been holding onto have some relief. I'm also very excited to explore it more for the album. I have teased some of the album aesthetic here and there without people knowing. The vision board has been done for like a year and a half, though. You have to wait and see! What's next for you? Stoked to be performing again in New York. Been headlining some gigs and some of my own shows, which is obviously so fun. I've been in the studio so much; it's nice to get out and connect with people face-to-face again. I'm also still in the studio and finishing up the final songs of the album, which will be out in March. The songs after this album have already been recorded. I'll sleep in another dimension. Instagram

Sometimes, the scariest evil lurks within. Raised in the scorching hot sun of Phoenix, Arizona, rock and metal outfit Traumatone has delivered a gritty, cinematic brand of rock that feels like a “soundtrack to the broken world.” The brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Jesse Broniste, Traumatone have made a name for themselves in a crowded scene by marrying the brooding, moody post-punk textures with industrial metal’s relentless edge. Fueled by their unrelenting passion, Traumatone plays with the love and fury of a spirit unleashed, shattering expectations wherever they go. Traumatone was created as the manifestation of Jesse Broniste’s grand musical vision. A highly skilled multi-instrumentalist himself, Traumatone’s live presence is bolstered by a bevy of seasoned Phoenix musicians: Tony Robles (In Bloom, Sweet Summer) drives the pulse on drums, DJ Eickhoff (In Bloom, Tell All Your Friends) brings depth to rhythm guitar, and Alex Magewick (Jules) lays down heavy basslines that add a visceral low end. In the end, Broniste’s creation—a fusion of ambient soundscapes, hard-hitting riffs, and searing synths—transcends typical genre boundaries, blending the melancholy of alternative rock with powerful, resonant vocals that linger long after the last note. Traumatone’s latest release, “Monster,” is a beautiful and dark release that will appeal to fans of dark, passionate rock with a cinematic twist. To that end, “Monster” is accompanied by a striking music video where bathed in red light, Broniste delivers a cathartic, profoundly resonant experience. Dropping lines like “I am the bad guy that no one can see,” Traumatone looks inwards to the “Monster” inside, putting on a performance that captivates with their twisted yet breathtaking portrayal of the anguish of inner conflict. With every performance, release, and note sung, Traumatone continues to advance its mission—to meet listeners in life’s darker spaces, captivating them all the while. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream Traumatone’s latest release, “Monster,” on all major streaming platforms. We couldn’t get enough of “Monster,” what a crazy release! We wanted to ask you what the inspiration for this song was. Could you take us through your creative process a little bit? Thank you! Great to speak with you again! As with any Traumatone song, it always starts with the music. In this case, the subtle drums that started the song were the first thing to happen, and it was just luck that I was sitting behind the drums playing music with some friends. Just started playing that pattern and recorded it on my phone. From there, I amped it up and played a heavier version of the pattern, which demanded a heavy riff! At the time, I was dealing with some heavy emotions, so it came about quite easily! I knew from the force of that opening riff that the whole song would have to carry on the feel and not really let up. Staying true to the sound, I found some haunting melody to underlie the heaviness, and everything came together pretty quickly. Typically, when I’m going through something, songs just fall out of me without having to think about it much. Lyrically, the song plays at a split personality brought on by a buildup of hurt and giving control over that side of one’s self. What inspired you to take that initial step to pursue music seriously, and what motivates you to make music now? Well, “seriously” is a tricky term for me. In one sense, I take my craft very seriously and want to try to put my best into everything. It’s a creative outlet that I love and am gifted to do. I’ve never taken lessons for anything and it just comes naturally. So I know this is my lane. Being that it’s an outlet, as any artist would say, I often find that songs fall out of me when emotions are stirred up one way or another. I rarely write something so much as just hearing it in my head and then figuring out how to play it. So I’m confident in knowing this is what I’m meant to do. But I’ve never been one to want to give up life for music or life on the road if you will. I’m content being able to create and play shows. Wherever that goes is wherever it goes. If some people are touched by it in some way, I’m happy with that. You’re headlining a show at the Rebel Lounge in Phoenix next year (January 12th; tickets are on sale now!), right? How does it feel to bring your new releases to the stage, and what kind of energy will you be coming with? Playing new music live is always great! Having this new, amazing band that is bringing the music to the stage and sharing it with people is an incredible privilege! We’ve built a good reputation with the energy and content of our live shows. We’re always aiming to bring a solid set of music that will take people on a journey and impact them so they remember us! We also pull some of the older Traumatone material in for a good mix and flow to the show. But taking new material to the stage and getting that instant reaction has been amazing! Seeing people get excited about new music exclusively at live shows means a lot! If your fans could take one thing away from your music, what would you want it to be? I’d say feeling. There’s nothing better than when you connect with the music and you feel it. It gets in your bones. But more so, I’d hope it’s in the soul. I know the music of Traumatone tends to have a darker sound, and the world and life can be dark for some people. So, I would want the music to find those darker corners of someone’s soul and connect in that place. But connect in order to bring them out of that. What’s next for Traumatone, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans? There is a new EP in the works! “Monster” will be a part of that, but for now, it’s just a single to hopefully hold people over until that gets here in 2025. So there’s more coming! Meanwhile, we just continue to play shows all around the Phoenix area. As you mentioned, we are headlining the Rebel Lounge on January 12th! Just continuing to get out there and get more exposure. Hopefully, we’ll be able to expand and play some shows in the surrounding states if the opportunity arises. For everyone who has supported Traumatone, a very big thank you! Follow us, spread the word, buy some merch, and support local music wherever you are. If you catch us live, come say hi! Instagram Facebook

You might recognize her from her early days on Youtube, where she captivated listeners with covers or several viral TikTok moments. Singer-songwriter Niki Kini has her own bold blend of R&B and alt-pop that comes alive with witty lyrics and an infectious groove. Her new single, “WATCH YOUR BACK,” is a head-turner. The song pulses with confidence and playfulness, pulling listeners into Niki’s world, where humor and a bit of edge meet irresistibly infectious melodies. The track’s mix of R&B and alt-pop layers edgy beats with catchy hooks, creating a backdrop for Kini’s bold statements. Her clever wordplay, as in “two steps to your left, so watch your back / too fake, come correct, so watch your back,” feels like a playful but sharp reminder that she’s keeping tabs on those who’ve crossed her. She balances her confidence with humor, like in the line, “I wear odd socks but you’re mismatched.” It’s music that makes you want to move but can also resonate on a deeper, more introspective level. Niki infuses her work with her South Indian heritage—adding vibrant visuals, bold jewelry, and subtle nods to the culture in production. Motivated by the limited South Indian representation in UK music, Niki is on a mission to make her mark—and she’s doing it with style and substance. It's great to have you back with us, Niki Kini, celebrating the release of your track, "WATCH YOUR BACK." You’ve had a unique journey, starting with YouTube covers and now creating original music with such a distinct voice. What moments shaped your evolution from covering songs to owning your own sound? I’ve always loved to sing around the house from a young age (although my family tells me I couldn’t hold a tune when I was younger, I’d like to think I can now!). The biggest moment for me that shaped this shift was the opportunity to perform at an Open Mic at my school. I hadn’t really ever sung in front of an audience, so I decided to sing an original song that I’d written accompanied by a piano. It was such a powerful moment to prove to myself that I could perform in front of an audience and perform a song that people really liked. I ended up posting that performance clip on YouTube and then was presented with the opportunity to work with people from the music industry at just 15, so that was a pretty defining moment for me. My sound has definitely evolved over time, as expected, but now I’m making music that I love to perform live. I love any opportunity to boogie on stage, and this new era of music is perfect for that. In "WATCH YOUR BACK," you talk about people who doubted you or didn’t take you seriously. How do you deal with criticism, and what keeps you motivated in the face of it? I think criticism can be good sometimes, but it can also be a bitter pill to swallow, and that’s mostly when you believe in something. However, I also think that’s how you know just how much you believe in yourself and your project. The only times I ever get defensive over criticisms of my music is when I truly disagree, and that’s just a testament to knowing what I’m capable of and what I think my music can achieve. There will always be people who have another opinion, and I think that’s totally fine and can truly be a useful insight. So, in the face of criticism, I hear what’s being said, evaluate my situation, and decide whether I want to listen to it or not because, after all, why is someone else’s opinion more important than my own when it comes down to something as personal as my music and who I am? You’ve worked with artists like RAYE and Rina Sawayama. What was it like collaborating with them, and how have these experiences shaped your own music? Honestly surreal. I never thought I would get the opportunity to work with artists I respected as much as I did then and still do now so early on in my career. It was completely inspiring to see how their creative brains work and to talk to them about their experiences in the music industry at the time. Raye actually played ‘Ice Cream Man’ for me back in 2019, which brought tears to my eyes then and still does now. They’re just such beautiful people inside and out, and they really taught me to keep hustling and working hard and that it’ll eventually pay off. Raye has always been one of my favorite artists, and so working alongside her at the writing camp (and I actually did my first ever tequila shot with Raye at that session) just made me feel like the coolest 15-year-old whilst everyone else was at school. As a young artist with big goals, what does success look like to you, and how do you define it in your career? I think success is a metric that is best measured by how you feel. I think society defines success by how much money you make and what events you’re attending, et cetera. Still, you could be the biggest artist in the world but feel lost and lonely, so success to me is about how I feel when I’m performing at shows, how my audience interacts with me and with the music, and whether I have 1000 monthly listeners or 100,000 monthly listeners, I just want my audience to feel connected and heard. It’s these kinds of things that make me feel like I’m making a difference. Social media reshaped the music industry quite a bit and so now it’s really about nurturing the audience you have, I think that’s what builds long-term careers. So, whilst I do have my own metrics and goals I want to achieve, I also want to make anyone who listens to my music feel good. What’s next for you after "WATCH YOUR BACK?" Are there themes or sounds you’re excited to explore in future releases? I’m very excited for the next chapter of my life. I’m completely independent and now officially have 100% control over my sound. At first, that was incredibly scary for me, but I’m now finding power in it, so this next chapter holds new music, vibes, and themes, and I can’t wait for the world to hear it. Stay tuned! Instagram

Known as NYC’s post-millennial piano man, Craig Greenberg brings a storytelling style reminiscent of Billy Joel and Randy Newman, blending it with his own soul-baring honesty. Greenberg’s new track, “Dissipating Energies,” explores the cycle of giving and getting nothing back. Right from the start, he sings, “You better say what’s in your heart, ’cause that’s how real connection starts.” The song then dives into the weight of past mistakes and old emotions that creep back in, often when we least expect it. The chorus, “The more that we try, just dissipating energies,” hits that feeling of trying too hard in relationships where things fall apart despite our best efforts. Generally known for his piano chops, his newest release features him on guitar, and the lyrics highlight a relatable struggle of wanting to connect yet being drained by it. With more than 15 years on the NYC music scene and a reputation as a modern “piano man,” Greenberg has a unique way of making big emotions feel close and personal. “Dissipating Energies” combines his thoughtful lyrics in a way that draws you in, inviting you to reflect on the moments where we give, lose, and grow. For those who love introspective music, this track offers a familiar yet fresh listen. Congratulations on your single release, “Dissipating Energies.” You’ve been called NYC’s post-millennial “piano man,”—yet the new single showcases your guitar skills. Do you often write on guitar? Does writing on guitar bring out a different side to your music? Well, I don't usually write on guitar, but occasionally. All my earliest songs were written on guitar. I was surprised as I listened back recently to the original sketch (i.e., phone voice memo ) of "Dissipating Energies." it was originally a piano song.. but somewhere early on in the process, I moved it over to guitar, and that’s when it clicked and came together. And yeah, I’m a different writer on guitar. I tend to write more straight ahead and use less complex chords. I also find I sing a bit differently on guitar.. less bluesy, more folky. "Dissipating Energies" explores cycles of trying and letting go. Is this theme based on a specific experience or a broader observation from your life? Well it definitely explores the "trying", not so sure about the "letting go" lol.. The song is about being in a relationship and trying to make up for (unsuccessfully) what's not working or connecting by over-giving and over-accommodating the partner. I wrote it after having an "A Ha! moment" that I'd been on both sides of this equation in back-to-back relationships. With more than 1,000 shows under your belt, what keeps you motivated and passionate about performing and creating new music? Well, to be honest, if I go too long without performing, or creating new music, I can go off the rails, so i almost don't have a choice in the matter. Writing and performing are the ways I process and interact with the world. But also, the expression "I didn't come this far to only come this far" definitely applies. It's taken me a *long* time to get good and make some headway in the music world, and though it's almost a cliche thing for an artist to say, I *do* feel I'm doing my best work now.. so why would I stop? As an artist who’s spent years on the NYC music scene, how has the city shaped your musical identity, and do you feel that “Dissipating Energies” reflects a unique “New York” perspective? Well, I definitely feel I've benefited from the seemingly endless amount of music and culture that New York has to offer. The city really is a melting pot, and my big NY songwriting influences (e.g., Paul Simon, Billy Joel) used the bits and pieces from different sounds and styles they heard here coming up, and I like to think I've done the same. I don't know that I'd say the song reflects something specific to New York, other than it was from experiences I had in relationships living here (*and* the recent realization that I must have first heard the phrase 'dissipating energies' in the Billy Joel song "Summer Highland Falls," haha.. ). To me, the song's message is pretty universal. Having been compared to greats like Billy Joel and Randy Newman, how do you preserve your own voice and originality within such a tradition? Ahh, well, those guys are heroes of mine, so I'm honored to be considered as someone continuing in that tradition. Though I grew up in a different time and have had my own life experiences, I think I touch on some different subject matter lyrically. (For example, a song of mine from a few years ago, "Candy Store," was about my first experience with a psychedelic drug. Neither of those guys has touched on that subject, lol.). I also started playing and singing in bars in South America and Spain, so that time influenced my perspective. The main reason I left the States when I did then was to find "my own voice" as an artist. Especially as a singer-songwriter, I think having your voice is the most important thing. Instagram Facebook

Kitsch’s sound is an unmistakable blend of pop accessibility and rock’s rougher edges. With her latest single, "BETWEEN YOUR TEETH," Kitsch crafts a soundscape that feels as biting as it does intimate—layering sultry, confessional lyrics over beats that make you feel like the main character. Hailing from Agoura Hills, CA, Kitsch’s artistic journey began early. By two, she was playing piano, and by nineteen, she’d already written over four dozen songs. Eventually, she dropped out of college to pursue music full-time, hustling through LA’s gritty underbelly—waitressing, bartending, putting it all on the line for her art. In "BETWEEN YOUR TEETH," Kitsch digs into the psyche of envy and self-reflection, contrasting herself with a “pageant queen” who’s “organized and clean, brushes hair, changes sheets, knows the day of the week.” The chorus takes a more defiant turn, with Kitsch singing, “I bet she’s never met a girl like me / I’m talking about the shit between your teeth.” Her lyrics don’t hold back, painting a gritty, unfiltered portrait of love’s darker, rawer side. It’s like she’s daring listeners to look closer, to see the jagged edges behind the polished façade. Tackling themes like emotional abuse, addiction, and romantic toxicity, Kitsch doesn’t shy away from the raw and complex, making her music a cathartic outlet for anyone who’s been bruised by life. Instagram    TikTok

February 16, 2020 Ethan Kershner, 21 years old, presents Sandbox McCline , a musical project that is self-written and produced. This is his second album release, both of which he created and produced. Ethan is based in Ohio, where he creates and writes all his own music. “Nothing I Wanna Do” from Sandbox McCline has a 90s rock feel to it, with ambiguous lyrics and soft, distorted vocals. Kershner has added sound effects onto his vocals to provide an echo and to add a mysterious element to the song. The verses jump from idea to idea; this effect serves to increase the mystery. The title line, “There’s Nothing I Wanna Do”, is frequently repeated in the chorus and projects an almost sorrowful emotion. The unpredictable theme of the song is what gives it a unique feel and distinguishes it from typical rock songs. The melody is somber and melancholic.  This approach parallels some of the one-line lyrics in the song. Underlying the lyrics and vocals are simple acoustics, with a short, repetitive guitar riff. Ethan Kershner’s production abilities are projected through “Nothing I Wanna Do”, and no doubt the rest of his LP “ Sandbox McCline ”. Listen to "Nothing I Wanna Do" here. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Ethan Kershner! It was great to listen to “Nothing I Wanna Do”! How did the process for this particular song begin? Did you come up with a lyrical idea, melody, or instrumentation first? Do you find one easier than the others? "Nothing I Wanna Do" started with the chorus melody and the phrase "there's nothing I wanna do". More often than not I find it easier starting a song musically, but when I have a lyrical or melodic idea from the start the song seems to come to me a lot faster. Can you elaborate on some of your lyrics in “Nothing I Wanna Do?” For example, “Did you think that someone had their eye on you/If it hasn’t killed me then it’s going to”. What message do you want to convey with this release? That line came from the idea of everyone wanting to be desired, or looked at, or noticed. That constant motivation to be wanted could eventually be someone's downfall. Is it important for you to have all your music self-produced and self-written? Would you consider collaborating with other musicians in the future? I wouldn't say it's important, for the time being making records alone has been the most efficient way for me to execute my vision. I am absolutely open to collaborating with other musicians. Do you typically stay in one genre of music production, or do you like to switch it up and try different styles? I try to switch it up from record to record, and even song to song sometimes. Every track is usually done with a different type of production, and the style of the song is usually just decided by the initial feeling I get from that writing session. What can we expect to see next from you throughout 2020? More promotion for the "Martha Street" album and another full-length LP is in the works with plans of release at the end of the year. twitter.com/probably_e instagram.com/ithinkthismightbe #BuzzMusic

If you’re done downplaying who you are, Nerva’s got a track for you. His latest hip-hop release, “Light The Whole Town Up,” is a song all about shining so bright it squashes any shade thrown your way. The track comes off his album Kill Nerva Pt. 4. It’s a song that rides a minimalistic wave, bringing in catchy bars, a harmonious beat, and those culturally fresh and grounded elements of trap. The beat gives Nerva’s words the space they need, and he doesn’t waste a line. Nerva is passionate about letting his inner light shine, no matter who’s trying to snuff it out—confidence and ferocity can easily be felt in his every word. “Light The Whole Town Up” is hip-hop with a purpose, yet it’s still loaded with that braggadocio flair, reminding you Nerva’s not here to dim his light for anyone, with lyrics like, “Shine so bright I can scorch demons with ease / Ima shine bright till it’s my time to leave.” Nerva invites his listeners in “Light The Whole Town Up” to rise above the noise and radiate unapologetically. In a world constantly pushing us to fit in, Nerva stands firm in the power of self-assurance, embracing the strength of knowing who you are, showing up fully, and doing it with confidence. Rooted in a strong sense of faith, Nerva brings authenticity and resilience to every track, and we can’t wait to see what experiences and wisdom he draws from next. It’s great to have you with us, Nerva, to celebrate the release of “Light The Whole Town Up.” For those who are new to your music, how would you describe your sound and the message you want to convey through it? I appreciate the opportunity to express myself on your platform, and I am elated to know new listeners will be introduced to my music! If I were to describe my sound, it would be “variational.” My sound cannot be contained in a box. The songs I write, and the beats I produce can go from upbeat, hype, and energetic with motivational and feel-good lyrics to soothing, reflective, intense, heartfelt, and thought-provoking lyrics with melodic sounds. Overall, my music can be considered conscious music that serves as a great light in the dark. The message that I am trying to convey through my music is, “For me to live, the old me must die.” Your lyrics in “Light The Whole Town Up” strongly highlight staying true to yourself. Has there ever been a moment in your journey where you found that to be challenging for yourself? Truly, I appreciate this question! With the desire to be accepted in society or in our communities, it is extremely challenging to seek validation outside of oneself while receiving rejection as a reward. Staying true to myself is something I had to grow into because I struggled with fitting in with the crowd since I was a young child. I’m finally coming to the realization that even if I choose to fake the funk to fit in, someone is going to find something about me they don’t like. Even if I did everything right to please everyone, someone is going to hate me or talk bad about me. Finally, I’m free! Pleasing people is no longer the goal. The main objective in my scope is to please the Most High (Galatians 1:10). As I seek the Most High and aim to please Him, everything seems to work out how it should (Matthew 6:33) — And I have much more peace. With lines like “Shine so bright I can scorch demons with ease,” you emphasize strength in the face of negativity. How do you personally stay focused on your path despite outside pressures? As long as I lived, positivity never ceased to rule over negativity. I’ve realized that outside pressures should never outweigh the pressure that I carry within. I’ve come this far, overcoming many pressures and negative circumstances, so I can only believe that I am the pressure to the pressure coming my way. Faith seems to be a big part of your identity. How has your faith shaped not just your music but also the way you live day to day? My faith gives me the confidence to go further than my eyes can see. Where fear or doubt can keep one stagnant or in disbelief of their greatness within, my faith pushes me to trust in the Most High abilities to take me beyond my emotions or human limitations. What does success mean to you now compared to when you first started making music? Has your perspective shifted as you’ve gained more experience? Surely, success can be defined in many different ways, depending on one’s heart desires. I believe that when I began making music, I defined success as being the greatest entertainer or everyone who heard and loved my craft. Today, success for me is knowing that when listeners hear my craft, their spirit is rejuvenated, and their soul is edified. My perspective has definitely shifted as I gained more experience because I understand the power behind words to either heal or destroy (life and death are in the power of the tongue). Instagram