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American Idol finalist Jovin Webb released his debut album, Drifter , on October 18, 2024, a record that dives deep into his life’s highs and lows with blues, Southern rock, and soul. Drawing from his Louisiana roots and gospel influences, Webb brings a raw, soulful edge to each track, shaped by his journey. Produced by Grammy-winner Tom Hambridge, Drifter shines in tracks like “Drunk On Your Love,” where Webb’s raspy yet smooth vocals convey the thrill of new love. Described as a “romantic slow-burner,” the song leans into sultry, bluesy melodies, and an accompanying in-studio video strips it down further, letting fans feel every note and lyric. “Drunk On Your Love” easily captures the feeling of being fully swept up in early romance—the electric rush of emotions, those butterflies, and the excitement of each moment. Other notable tracks include “Livin’ Reckless,” which leans into those gospel influences and explores finding direction amid life’s chaos, and “Blues for a Reason,” a song where Webb’s gritty vocals address struggles with identity and financial hardship, embodying classic blues themes with a modern edge. Drifter ultimately feels like an extension of Webb’s soul. Listeners get the joy, the pain, and everything in between. It’s a real testament to the artist he’s become since American Idol. You can catch Drifter and the video for “Drunk On Your Love” on all streaming platforms. Drifter feels deeply personal, like your own music autobiography. Can you share the journey that led you to pour your story into this album? I felt that this debut album should be personal. I wanted to lay it all out on the line. This is me; this is where I'm at in life at this point--the vulnerability, the love, the lust, the pain, the loss, and the trauma is what has shaped me to be the man I am today. I've been through a lot these 34 years; this is my testimony. I sing the blues for a reason. In Drifter, you explore themes of love, loss, and redemption. Which of these themes has been the most challenging to write about, and why? To be honest, none of the themes were difficult to visit. They are all how I feel. Off stage, I really don't like to share my feelings. This is the only way I know how to let all of that out. Through music, I can articulate everything that I can't say aloud in normal conversations. "Drunk On Your Love" beautifully captures the feeling of new love and infatuation. How do you approach writing about love in a way that feels authentic and fresh? We all can remember a time in our lives when we have longed for someone or have been in love. I just tried to tap into what I felt like when I went through it. The blues is usually about heartbreak. No one can break your heart if they don't have your heart. So, I wanted to capture the love before the pain. You’ve been praised for your "barbecue sauce" voice, a comparison to the richness and warmth of Southern soul. How did you develop this distinctive vocal style, and who were your early vocal influences? I think, well, I know, it came from Southern Baptist church, no matter how cliche it sounds. I naturally had sort of a raspy voice, even as a child. I just didn't know how to use it. With maturity, I learned how to appreciate what I had and how to make the most of it. There's pain, hope, fun, and redemption behind my wails. Growing up in Louisiana, the birthplace of jazz and blues, how did the cultural richness of your environment shape your sound and artistic voice? Depending on where you go in Louisiana, the vibes will cater to blues, zydeco, jazz, country, and southern rock. I dove into that gumbo and took it all in. When someone listens to my album, they will get all of that with my razzle dazzle on it. Instagram Facebook

Faithless Town’s “ California Come Home ”  feels like a musical love letter to Los Angeles—blending acoustic rock and Americana vibes that make you want to roll down the windows and hit the open road.  This nostalgic track looks back on frontman Gene Owens' early days living in LA with his wife, capturing the magic of falling in love with both a person and a city. It’s sun-soaked, heartfelt, and effortlessly easy to sing along with. Known for their infectious sound and powerful performances, the Faithless Town band has built a reputation through energetic shows at iconic venues like The Whisky a Go Go and The Viper Room. “California Come Home”  reflects that same spirit—an ode to California’s classic sounds, with nods to The Beach Boys and the Laurel Canyon scene. The “California Come Home”  video pairs perfectly with the song’s nostalgic vibe, offering scenic shots of beaches, amusement rides, and city highways that feel like pages from a personal scrapbook.  Owens describes it as a snapshot of his first year in LA—a celebration of love, life, and the city’s electric charm. Congratulations on the release of “California Come Home.” How does this song reflect where you are as a band today? I think the song reflects a lot of what Faithless Town does really well: infectious melodies and timeless sounds, all presented in a new and unique way. 
 Gene – What was it like shooting the music video for “California Come Home” across Los Angeles with your wife? It was our first time collaborating on anything artistic, and it was a really fun experience that brought us closer together. Since then, we’ve collaborated on other music videos, some of which have received accolades from some independent film festivals. Did you have any unexpected or special moments while filming? We learned a lot about filmmaking while shooting the video. We filmed everything on an iPhone, experimented with a gimbal for smoother shots, and used different lenses and frame rates to achieve various effects. It was really cool to see what you can create with just an iPhone and a few affordable accessories, especially considering that in the past, such quality required expensive cameras, film, and costly editing software.
 How did living in Los Angeles influence your sound and approach to songwriting? I have always held a certain romanticism for LA and the music that has come out of that city, especially The Doors and the Laurel Canyon scene of the 1960’s. I think my affinity for that music has definitely influenced the way I write. While living there, I also studied improv at Groundlings, which I think opened me up to new creative avenues that enhanced my writing and artistic expression. Are there specific places or moments in the city that shaped your creative process? There’s a quiet, often empty stretch of beach in Playa Del Rey where I used to bring my guitar to play and write. It’s the same beach where I’m performing the song in the video for “California Come Home.” Watching the waves roll in is something deeply inspiring about being by the ocean.
 Your music blends Americana and rock with thoughtful lyrics. How do you balance storytelling and creating something that feels energetic and infectious? I just try to write from an honest, personal place. Sometimes, that involves writing about my relationships or the people and places that have shaped my life; other times, it involves me observing things that are happening in the world and trying to express my thoughts and feelings about it.
 With a fan-favorite song like “California Come Home” getting new attention, what can we expect from your future releases? Will California remain a source of inspiration? I actually have a new single set to come out this December, and this one is all about my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. So instead of surfing and sun, this one has more snow and gothic cathedrals. Instagram Facebook

Formed in June 2024, Dumb Crush is the latest alt-rock trio pushing back against the predictable polish of modern pop. United by a shared disdain for the mundane, the trio’s approach feels like a call to break free from the formulaic, to bring grit and edge back to the airwaves. The band comprises Owen Hooper, Liam Colbert, and Elliott Isaac—three tenured musicians with deep roots in the DIY scene who’ve graced stages across North America and Europe. Dumb Crush has quickly carved a niche as a high-energy outfit unafraid to disrupt. “Witches In The Dark” is their audacious debut, recorded live in one take. There’s an alt/rock pulse, post-rock depth, and pop polish that gracefully meld into the track. The guitar riffs get sharp, backed by fervent drums and smooth yet gritty vocals that add a textured warmth. It’s catchy in the best way—this is the kind of song you find yourself humming hours later, its hook buried in your brain. In an industry saturated with formulaic hits, Dumb Crush’s instinctive, off-the-floor approach feels like a refreshing jolt—a reminder of the power of spontaneity and raw talent. Your debut single, “Witches In The Dark,” was recorded live-off-the-floor. What about that method appealed to you, and how do you think it impacted the final sound of the track? At first, it seemed like it might be a heavy task to track everything live off the floor, but it ended up being a very freeing and, in the end, pretty efficient way to get the music down. We didn’t get caught in the weeds editing our performances or overdubbing little mistakes. It was also important to us with this project to showcase our music honestly. What you hear is really what you get, we’re three guys playing our instruments, and that’s what this is full stop. Hearing the little quirks on the record is also pretty hilarious. Elliott can count on three fingers the notes he missed. Can you find them all? Please don't. He’d actually hate that. As a band that only formed in June 2024, how did you manage to establish such a cohesive sound so quickly? What was the biggest challenge in bringing the three of your styles together? We’re still amazed at how quickly this project came together. We first met up for a jam to see if we even vibed as a group in early June, and by the end of that 3-hour stream of consciousness jam, we had demos for six songs. At our second jam, we wrote Witches, and it came together really fast. The demo we recorded that day is pretty much the same as the studio version, just unmixed and recorded with one mic on Liam’s kit pointed at his crotch (sounds great, though). Sound-wise, there is some common ground between us, and that’s been an extremely fun part of the whole process. We all contribute to everything, but at the same time, we write the part that personally fits us stylistically, if that makes sense. Owen comes from a super melodic bedroom pop background with Mouth Breather, Elliott has played in dozens of bands ranging from punk to country to R&B over the past 10 years, and Liam is a grooves whiz with his psych project Rise Carmine. I think having us all be delegated a certain aspect of the tune with limited feedback from other members is what gave us a chance to find each other’s strengths and help support each other’s blind spots. Given that Dumb Crush is still a new band, what are your hopes or goals for the group’s identity and direction in the next year? We’ve got new music ready to release next year, including a music video and Canadian tour dates. Stay tuned on our Instagram and TikTok if you like our sound and want to ride the wave with us. We’ve already sold out our first two shows in Toronto in 2024, so we’re so stoked to get on the road and meet some friends in new towns around Canada. International touring is the dream, but we’re going with this band one step at a time. (But bring us to LA, please.) Will your future releases carry out the same live-off-the-floor style as “Witches In The Dark” does? Our next single was recorded live off the floor on the same day as “Witches In The Dark.” The same engineer then mixed it, our main homie Castle Frank. We’re really excited to put that out and get back into the studio to track the rest of our catalog that will someday make up our debut LP. The band name “Dumb Crush” has a catchy and intriguing feel to it. What’s the story behind the name, and how does it reflect your vision for the group? I think we’ve all had a Dumb Crush. It’s harmless but also exciting and also often so, so stupid. Why that person? Why did that one character in that one scene of that one show give me butterflies? Why did the way that person said hello to me send me over the edge? What makes Jack Layton so charming? One fateful summer night, Owen and Elliott went on a self-guided pub crawl in downtown Toronto, looking for inspiration in the bottom of a glass. Against their better judgment, they found it, and more, eventually ending the night at Lucky Shrike (local bar) with 60 or so band names. That one stood out for obvious reasons. Liam needed some convincing but he came around. Instagram

Hip-hop artist GangaLEE pulls no punches in “Enervate,” a track that dives deep into the struggles of navigating today’s capitalistic society. In “Enervate,” GangaLEE’s lyrics resonate with raw honesty, exploring themes of resilience in a world marked by inflation, political strife, and the grind culture that wears us down. The song’s powerful message urges listeners to visualize a world where freedom means living life on their own terms. Her words don’t just call for change—they invite listeners to feel the urgency of liberation. With each lyric, GangaLEE captures the weight many carry—financial strain, social expectations, and the relentless pressure to keep moving forward. It’s a passionate speech on survival and resilience, designed to empower listeners to dream beyond the limitations that life might impose. The Bronx-born artist, who grew up influenced by both her Jamaican roots and the hustle of New York City, brings a seasoned perspective to her music. GangaLEE honed her skills early, first contributing to mixtapes and later joining the all-female rap group The Gypcees. After the group disbanded, she launched her indie label, DOE Records, and has continued to carve her path in hip-hop, determined to uplift her community and make a lasting impact. With “Enervate,” GangaLEE combines infectious rhythm with a message that hits home, encouraging listeners to break free from burnout and embrace self-determination. This song has an incredibly powerful message. What’s been the best part about putting this track out to the world? The best part of releasing this track is its universal relevance. It captures a feeling that people worldwide can connect with, and I truly believe there’s something in it for everyone to relate to. Your lyrics in “Enervate” address many people's economic and societal struggles. How do you see music as a tool for addressing and inspiring change around these issues? I understand that everyone learns in different ways. Some people are visual learners, so a video with a clear message might resonate with them easily. Others might need to hear it—auditory learners who connect with sound and speech. That’s where music comes in for me. When you can express your message in a way that people can truly understand, you have a gift and a kind of power. I try to use that gift to open my eyes and ears and maybe even inspire others to see the world around them differently. Things aren’t always great—inflation, long work hours, low wages, and it’s all taking a toll on society. Everyone’s exhausted. I needed to speak up for what others might be feeling or thinking, to give voice to those struggles. The word “Enervate” means to drain or suck the life out of something, and I feel that is an appropriate way to describe the entire world right now. “Enervate” encourages listeners to dream beyond societal limitations. Do you remember a pivotal moment in your own life when you decided to break free from expectations? Recently, I went through the experience of being laid off from a job I had loved for over a decade. As a musician, I never really saw myself in corporate America—but, as they say, "never say never." That experience, however, gave me a new perspective. I found myself grateful for the unexpected free time. It allowed me to look inward, learn new skills, and build deeper connections with my family, friends, and animals. I realized I had been missing out on living a truly fulfilling life by focusing too much on a career that didn’t really resonate with my soul. I started to embrace simplicity—lying in the grass, feeling the sun on my skin, cooking meals with fresh ingredients, and sharing them with the people I love. These changes in my life made me realize I want to live fully as a free person, doing what’s right for my family but no longer compromising my time or putting things that drain my spirit ahead of what truly matters to me. In a world where many artists seek quick fame, you seem dedicated to building a lasting impact. What drives you to create music that resonates on a deeper level? When I was younger, I craved the fame, fortune, and attention of big record label execs. But as I've grown, I’ve come to value the simple things that make life meaningful. For me, having character, decency, and not selling out for the chance at fame deserve respect in today’s world. Over the years, we've seen how many have been chewed up and spit out by the industry, all because they dared to chase their dreams. People will be pleasantly surprised and genuinely entertained when they hear my music. But what matters most to me is if my music can help people feel good, lift their spirits, or motivate them. If that happens, I’ll be content. And I’m confident that my music will have its moment to do just that. The journey from being in a rap group to launching your own label, DOE Records, must have been transformative. What were some of the biggest lessons you learned along the way? One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that not everyone will love you the way you love them—and that’s okay. The music industry is fiercely competitive, and there are very few true friends in the end. As much as we might hope for otherwise, life often shows you a different side. I’ve had my share of professional heartbreaks, where I thought a working relationship was a friendship. As I’ve matured, I’ve come to understand the value of professionalism and learned how important it is to have thick skin. Wearing your heart on your sleeve can set you up for disappointment. These days, I focus on minimizing emotional outbursts and emphasizing ethics and understanding. I believe it’s these qualities that truly carry me through now. Instagram

After a chance encounter that sparked undeniable musical chemistry, Kelsey and Lisa became inseparable, captivating audiences across South Carolina, Georgia, and beyond with their dynamic performances. Now, with their debut album, On Island Time, they invite listeners to soak in the carefree pleasures of Caribbean life. With their single, “Takin’ It Easy,” Kelsey and Lisa offer a taste of pure, beachside bliss. The song is a warm invitation to escape, where love and sunlit shores wash away life’s worries. Written by country music icons Billy Sherrill, Mark Sherill, and Lacy J. Dalton, “Takin’ It Easy” brings soft steel drums, mellow guitar riffs, and easygoing beats, crafting a soundtrack that feels like a perfect day on the sand. The lyrics capture the magic of letting go with someone special as Kelsey and Lisa sing about escaping to a place where the world feels a little lighter. Their voices, woven together in smooth harmony, embody that lighthearted love, trading verses with a natural chemistry that feels playful and heartfelt. The duo filmed their music video in Key West, Florida to bring the song's message to life. Director Fabian Alicastro captures stunning scenes of crystal waters, palm-lined beaches, and colorful local bars, all adding to the track’s carefree feel. Watching Kelsey and Lisa sing along sunlit shores, you can’t help but feel the freedom and joy of their island-inspired world. “Takin’ It Easy” is the perfect anthem for anyone dreaming of a day spent in the sun, far from the hustle, with love in the air. What an exciting moment—your debut album and now single, “Takin’ It Easy,” is out in the world! How does it feel to share your music with listeners for the first time finally? We are excited to bring our brand of music to the market. This debut single mixes country with island vibes, which paints an accurate picture of who we are personally and professionally. Now that you’ve brought “Takin’ It Easy” into the world, how has it influenced your direction as artists, and what can listeners expect from you moving forward? The direction of our EP is a Nashville meets the tropics feel. Listeners certainly can expect more fun, carefree vibes in our future releases. The call-and-response style of your vocals in “Takin’ It Easy” adds a special dynamic. How did you decide on that approach, and what do you feel it brings to the story of the song? As a duo, we certainly have great chemistry on and off the stage, and we wanted to express that in the song as well as the video. I think it encourages people to get away with that special person and be carefree in a beautiful environment where stress is the enemy. Island rock and country are unique genres to blend—what has been the most surprising or rewarding part of merging these sounds and making them your own? It puts us in a unique category that appeals to people across genres, which is excellent! People like us who just love great music! Chemistry is a big part of what makes a duo compelling. Can you share a bit about your creative process and how you inspire each other’s artistry? We have a unique chemistry where we connect on all levels. We share many of the same experiences and interests and set the bar high, challenging each other to constantly raise the level of our performance and our connection with the fans. Instagram Facebook

If you’re not already tuned into Phayze-Won, it’s time to stop pretending you have taste in music. The rapper, songwriter, and all-around hip-hop dynamo just dropped his latest 12-track project, I AM KING , and it's clear he didn’t come to play. Leading the charge is the head-turning single "Social Dilemma," complete with a fresh, highly-anticipated music video that’s already racking up views faster than your favorite TikTok trend. From writing his first rhyme at eleven to linking up with Raw Dog Entertainment under the watchful eye of CEO Jordan Detlor, Phayze-Won is carving out his own lane and proving that he’s not just here for a good time—he’s here for a long time. Phayze-Won’s latest single, "Social Dilemma," paired with a raw, unfiltered music video that puts you right in Phayze-Won's world. Starting with a close-up of Phayze-Won, the video feels like an exclusive invite to his home as he casually talks about his Jeep, his bling, his girl, and his life. As the beat drops, the track pulls you in with slick production that hits in all the right spots, balancing raw lyricism with an irresistible groove. Lines like “Treating women like burgers, how we in and out of them” and “It’s a social dilemma, all for the gram, smoke, and mirrors” capture the duality Phayze-Won navigates in his music—a critique of the superficiality around him while acknowledging the pull of the lifestyle. "Social Dilemma" confronts the pressures of social media and the often hollow chase for validation in a world filled with smoke and mirrors. Signed to Raw Dog Entertainment and now part of their #Madness movement, Phayze-Won is clearly here to make waves, bringing his unique, gritty style to an ever-loyal underground fanbase. With a nine-minute video that’s as much a storytelling experience as it is a music release, Phayze-Won cements himself as an artist willing to step outside the box, unafraid to get real, and eager to show his truth. Instagram Facebook

Your new album,  It Only Comes At Night , feels like stepping into another world. What inspired this dark electronic journey? Hi Buzz!! I am so excited to be back and speaking with one of my favorites! This album has truly been so fun to create. My last album, "Dark Magic," was kind of like the introduction from me being a stylist to showing that audience that I love making music. You know, I've been making music for so long now, but these last 5 years have been the most memorable part of this journey. "Dark Magic" led me to this new album, "It Only Comes At Night," because I feel like this project truly defines me as an artist. It Only Comes At Night  has such a strong visual aesthetic to match the sound. What was your goal in terms of the overall vibe and feel? I wanted the visuals to kind of show like the technology and the electronics were taking over my body and mind and birthed the album in a sense. I really wanted this album to grab you and never let you go (musically of course) haha. I sat down with my producers and said we are making an electronic album. It needs to be high volume, high energy, and, most of all, with my vibe, such as my dark undertones, twists and turns sonically, and much more. I think we pretty much nailed it. From start to finish, this album is fast, contagious, and almost like a wild ride into my creative process.  "Take A Bite" almost sets a vampiric tone for  It Only Comes At Night . Can you tell us about the making of this track and why you chose it for the album's introduction?  Well, that's so funny you said vampiric tone cause that's what I was going for! I was watching a vampire movie one night, and I said, damn, it's so cool this creature takes a bite of you, and you become a part of their world. I was like, that's going to be my song title, "Take A Bite," because I wanted you to come into this project. I always obsess over the track lists of my projects and make sure the flow works. This song felt right in the beginning. It's high energy, unexpected, and most of all fast, leading you into the next track. It's a great unique intro to start the album. It Only Comes At Night  seems to tell a story of transformation. How does "Where Did He Go?" bring this narrative to a close? The whole album I think is about transformation and most of all acceptance. For so many years, I have internally battled with fighting myself to be an artist. I love creating music but never felt heard in a way that satisfied me. I always felt like an outsider because I wanted to make music that I liked or felt like me. I didn't really care to be mainstream or famous. I just wanted to make music that was me. Period. With this album, I really dug into that confidence, especially with the success of my last album, I felt proud for what I had created. I felt that "Dark Magic" was my introduction to the music scene, and this album is my confirmation that I'm not going anywhere. With the title, "Where Did He Go?" It's almost like I'm messing around with the idea that I've always been here, but you just didn't see me. I was isolated into a creative cocoon to create more music, but no one was listening. It's a song about losing yourself and finding your way again. It definitely has an undertone of sadness, isolation, confusion...but overcoming that and making your mark.  Which song from  It Only Comes At Night  stands out as your personal favorite? What makes you gravitate to that track? I really love all of them, but I felt such a deep, dark connection to Siren. I wrote that song and sang it for the first time, and I had goosebumps. Vocally, I loved how dark and seductive my vocals got and it almost has this eery luring vibe to it. I can't stop listening to it. Especially those synthesizers and drums...I'm such a nerd to synthwave, but damn, it's definitely one of my favorite tracks. Lyrically, it was so fun writing it, too. My favorite is that it can have so many different interpretations throughout the track of what it is actually about...I'll let the fans decide. Read more on Joel Christian's latest release, It Only Comes At Night,   here .

It takes courage to be vulnerable and strength to accept our weaknesses. Diane Arkenstone’s latest single, “When I Fall,” is proof of her gift for creating music that heals and comforts. Known for her radiant presence in folk and New Age music, the California singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has long devoted herself to making music that soothes the spirit while subtly challenging the listener. Although fully capturing the essence of her releases is slightly difficult to do with words, it’s fair to say that her releases are inherently spiritual, resonating with listeners on levels deeper than the surface. On each of her releases, Arkenstone’s warmth and emotional intelligence shine through, combining gentle vulnerability with a grounded sense of strength. Arkenstone has long held the belief that music is medicine, and as stated before, her music reflects that belief. Her creations embody music’s power to unite rather than divide. Without calling overt attention to herself, she’s been quietly progressive, taking inspiration from Native American, Eastern European, and Celtic traditions into her sound.  “When I Fall” unfolds as both confession and meditation, asking listeners to embrace their own vulnerability with grace. Yet beneath the tranquil surface, there’s a sense of empowerment—a subtle message that strength can often be found in softness. Lines like the oft-repeated “And when I fall, when I fall / Will you catch me when I fall” exemplify this thought perfectly, as Arkenstone sings that there’s strength in having the faith to trust someone to pick you up when you fall. Acoustic guitar chords glide over a gentle arrangement, framing her vocals with an inviting warmth, making “When I Fall” well, healing. Diane Arkenstone’s latest single, “When I Fall,” is a beautiful release that teaches us that there’s often strength in weakness and beauty in vulnerability. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream “When I Fall,” out now on all major streaming platforms. We loved your release “When I Fall,” and we knew we had to ask! What was the inspiration behind this release, and how much of your inspiration for your releases generally comes from personal experiences? Hi Buzz, happy to be here, thank you for the opportunity, and thank you for your kind words about my release, ‘When I Fall!' I wrote this song as an inspiration for others who feel alone in the world and feel no one will be there for them through difficult times, but to instead look inside your heart and mind because the strength is there to get through more than you imagined. You will discover that you are the true hero in your life. In my own experience, it has been extremely empowering. Many of my songs are certainly autobiographical. You made a simple yet beautiful music video for “When I Fall” (available now on YouTube), right? What was your thought process for the music video, and what did you feel when you finally saw the finished product for the first time? Thank you again for your very kind words. Yes, I envisioned the video very simply, with just me and my guitar and kalimba, with a bright light shining on and around me to represent the strong spirit inside each of us. When I saw the video for the first time, I was super happy because it captured what the song was saying. As someone who’s so respected in the scene, do you have any advice for any listeners who might be trying to follow in your footsteps? The only thing you should ever follow is your own heart. What goals or changes do you want to achieve through your music? Healing, empowerment, kindness, and love are energies in the music I write and release because today’s thoughts are coming attractions of tomorrow’s experiences. What’s next for Diane Arkenstone, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans? Just being the best me and releasing the best music I can. And my deepest thanks to everyone who listens to the music; it means more to me than you realize, and I send my love and appreciation to each and every one. Instagram Facebook

David  Dobrik  threw his annual, much anticipated Halloween party at his Los Angeles home on Thursday, October 31st, gathering an exclusive guest list of influencers, "it" girls, and a sea of content creators. Hip Hop artist Tyga performed at the exclusive party held in the Hollywood Hills at the private estate of David Dobrik, with guests such as Dixie D'Amelio, Jessica Belkin, Natalie Mariduena, Caylee Cowan, Corinna Kopf,  The Snaxpert Adam Cohen,  Too Hot to Handle's  Harry Jowsey,  Mackenzie Dipman of Love Island,  and model  Hailey Clauson. Also in attendance were Emma Pills, Bella Diako, Taylor Morland, Ray Marie Morris, Katelyn Gray, Natalie Mariduena, Nutsa Sini, Eden Cohen, Olivia Alboher, Sofya Koula, Cleo Klemm, and TV personality Josh Richards,  among many more all-embracing the festive spirit in standout costumes for an evening of spooky fun and entertainment. A highlight of the night was Dobrik's signature DOUGHBRIK'S PIZZA. This sushi spread spelled out "BOO" and SNAX-sational Brands’ Cookie Pop OREO® Halloween Edition Popcorn, the in-demand dessert treat of the evening.   Partygoers were treated to the sweet and salty popcorn sensation that has quickly become a must-have Halloween treat, available at retailers like 5 Below, Publix, and Burlington. The OREO flavor can be grabbed year-round at Walmart and Ralphs. The vibe was enhanced by the festive decor, costumes, and the presence of notable influencers and creators, making Dobrik’s 2024 Halloween party a standout event of the season.

Melaku 's latest single, “ The Underdog ,”  turns personal struggles into a soulful anthem of resilience.  Rooted in his love for the retro sounds of the 60s and 70s, the song channels smooth piano melodies, understated percussion, and emotive electric guitar to back Melaku’s polished vocals.  Written alongside renowned songwriter Gary Benson, “The Underdog”  began as a reggae track before transforming into a heartfelt ballad—proving that sometimes, change creates magic. Drawing from his own life, Melaku knows what it feels like to be an underdog. Whether it was battling health issues, navigating life as a mixed-race artist, or breaking into the music industry, he’s faced challenges head-on. This track is a tribute to anyone who’s felt counted out but kept going anyway. As Melaku puts it, “Ain’t gonna break, ‘cause that’s who he is.” The music video takes the song’s message a step further. Directed by Melaku, the video pairs his smooth performance alongside friend Michael Martinez on piano with clips of athletes once dismissed but later celebrated for their greatness. With its raw simplicity, the video draws you in, letting the music and visuals speak for themselves. The single is now available on all streaming platforms—perfect for anyone who needs a little encouragement to keep moving forward. We’re excited to see you out here with another music release, especially the kind of message that “The Underdog” has. What advice would you give to other artists or individuals who feel underdogs in their lives and careers? Hey guys, good to be back! Thanks for the appreciation of the song’s message. Hmm, what advice would I give… I feel like so many of us can relate to being behind. Social media makes it easy to compare yourself to other people on their journey. But the thing about it is that each of us is totally unique. And what happens for someone else on their life path really doesn’t reflect on where we are on ours. It doesn’t matter your age or how many obstacles you’ve had to overcome. It’s worth it to keep going because you never know what could happen. People love a good underdog story, and the universe does, too. Your music blends retro influences with modern themes. How do you strike that balance between nostalgia and staying relevant to today’s listeners? I have to admit, it’s been quite the process to find that balance! I grew up listening to music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and that music (classic rock, Motown, funk, soul, reggae, and AM gold) informs a lot of my style. I’ve also always known I want to create “Pop” music, so that means staying up to date, to a certain extent, on current music and production styles. So, to incorporate both influences, I use a lot of organic instruments but blend those with subtle layering and synths, as well as modern techniques to elevate the mix. Ultimately, to me, the most important thing is being authentic and making the music I actually want to make…not chasing trends. You and Gary Benson reworked ‘The Underdog’ from a reggae track into a ballad. What drew you to this new direction, and how did it elevate the message? Yeah! Gary originally intended to pitch this song to a reggae artist since he had close relationships with many stars. He sent it to me to see what I could do with it, incorporating my retro pop sound. I love reggae, and have a lot of friends in my local reggae scene, but I have my own style that is a fusion of pop, rock, and retro that I am committed to. So, it was a collaborative effort to rework the song, and we went through a couple of iterations to get it right. Since the song is motivational, having it be a ballad that grows in dynamics for the track took the track to new heights and allowed it to really emphasize the story of the underdog’s transformation from struggle to triumph. The music video features vintage sports clips alongside your performance. As someone who has faced challenges, what personal connection do you have to the athletes you chose to highlight? So having those vintage sports moments definitely adds to the retro vibe, and ties in some iconic moments out of underdogs who overcame all the odds. Some of the clips are pulled from the greatest classic underdog stories in sports. Other athletes have more of a personal connection to me. Being half black, figures like Tiger gave me hope in being able to straddle worlds. I am half Ethiopian, to be exact, and featuring Haile Gebrselassie is a nod to that heritage. I’ve also had a lot of struggles with my health (and always loved cars), so featuring Niki Lauda’s triumph in F1 after a near-fatal crash that burned his face badly felt powerful to showcase. Having started your career with internships and songwriting for major producers, how has releasing independent music shaped your artistic growth? Those early experiences gave me a window into the music industry that I may not have gotten otherwise. I got to experience what it was like pitching songs to major artists, being in writing camps, and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the A&R process at major labels. But ultimately, I am a Leo rising, and I have loved writing songs and being on stage since I was a kid. So, I decided to live my truth and not pretend like I wanted to work behind the scenes, even if that might have led to being an artist in a major. Being independent allows me to have total creative freedom, and I am very freedom-oriented, so that works well for me. It’s allowed me to take my time in crafting my artistic identity, which involves continuing to make crossover pop/rock music with a message and meaning. Instagram Facebook