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Nia Allen, known for her heartfelt gospel music, is bringing us a breath of fresh air with her new single, “Sunshine,”  featuring the talented Jor'Dan Armstrong. Her highly anticipated video premiered  on BET on October 11th of this year. The song is all about lifting spirits and spreading hope.  “This song was created to put a smile on people’s faces and encourage them,” Nia shares. “We all need a reminder that a better day is coming.”  With Jor'Dan Armstrong’s smooth contributions and the creative direction of Kortez Harris from the Lewis-Kortez Group, “Sunshine”  blends powerful vocals with an irresistible melody that sticks with you long after being listened to.  Already climbing the charts, “Sunshine”  has secured a spot in the Top 20 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart. Listeners are embracing it as their go-to “wake-up” or “workout” song, keeping it on repeat throughout the day. Nia adds, “That’s what it’s all about—bringing encouragement and inspiration into people’s lives.” Nia ’s influence in the gospel music world grows with this new release. Her past hits like “Wait”  and “I’m In Love”  have struck a chord with many, offering praise and worship music that connects deeply with listeners.  With performances at events like CeCe Winans’ Always Sisters Forever Brothers conferences and the National Worship Leader’s Conference, Nia’s experience as a worship leader shines through in everything she creates. You mentioned that the song was created to put a smile on people’s faces. When life feels overwhelming, what’s your personal go-to for staying uplifted and positive? Thanks so much for having me! And yes, the song was certainly created to uplift the spirits of all who hear it and bring joy and a smile to people’s faces. To be honest, it is my faith and relationship with God that keeps me uplifted and positive. There’s a joy and a peace that I’ve found in my own spiritual walk and journey, and I desire to spread that with others! How did the collaboration with Jor'Dan Armstrong come about, and what was it like working with him on this project?   Working with Jor’Dan was amazing!! He’s an amazing artist, songwriter, and producer. We actually have the same management, and that’s how the collaboration came about. Jor’Dan had a wonderful song idea and track. They let me hear it, and I co-wrote the verses. We got into the studio, and that’s where the magic happened, and it all came together! You've had the opportunity to lead worship in many powerful spaces. How does your worship leader's role influence how you approach writing and performing music?  No matter what space I’m in. My heart, purpose, and main goal are encouraging and inspiring others. Whether I’m leading worship, writing a song, or singing my inspirational song “Sunshine.” My heart and goal is to encourage others, from the lyrics that I write to the songs that I sing. It’s my desire that someone would be inspired after hearing it. It really is about connecting with and serving the people. It’s about encouraging them right where they are. So, I take that heart and mentality everywhere I go and every time I sing. How do you balance creating music that is both spiritually meaningful and accessible to a wider audience? Every song that I write or create is gonna have a spiritual undertone. Even in songs that are accessible to a wider audience, there will be this sense that the theme or heart of the music is encouraging or faith-based, even if it’s simply motivating people to keep going and to not give up. There will certainly be an uplifting message that provides hope! Looking back at your journey in music—from  “Wait”  and  “I’m In Love”  to now—what has been the most meaningful lesson you’ve learned along the way? One of the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of having a strong team, people who believe in you, and combining that belief with hard work and action. Good help is very hard to find, so when you have it, embrace it and take care of your people. Make sure they feel valued and appreciated! Being an artist, you can’t do it alone. You need a team of people who have a strong work ethic, who are integral, and who you trust. There’s no way I could’ve accomplished what I have without a strong team. I’m extremely grateful for the team that I have, and I’m making sure that they feel valued and appreciated daily! They are necessary and valuable to me and my career. Instagram Facebook

You started making music at a young age with the "Benis Brothers Band." How did those early experiences shape your identity as a musician, and how do you see your sound evolving since then? Being in a boy band was a rite of passage in the 2000s for young musicians, and that was true for me. My brothers and I did our musical "growing up" together since we discovered The Beatles, The Stones, The Beach Boys, and all the other great bands of the past at a very young age. I was eight when we started the Benis Brothers Band, and it became a local phenomenon in Seattle, especially on Facebook. Plus, we were learning new instruments and discovering how they should sound together. I distinctly remember going through the classic (and painful) process of firming up my fingers so I could press them down hard enough to play guitar. All in all, I look back on those times very fondly, even though they were humble beginnings. Can you describe your songwriting process for "Night of a Lifetime?" What specific experiences during your time in Athens and Prague influenced the themes and emotions in the song? When I want something or want to be with someone and can't make that happen, I tend to turn to music to make my own reality. When I wrote "Night of a Lifetime," I was halfway across the world from someone very special I was just getting to know. It's really frustrating to hit that honeymoon phase and then put so much distance between you and that person who is changing your world. Being so far away, I wanted to write a love song that could last a lifetime so that when I finally got back from Athens and Prague, I could remember how good it felt not to have to endure that sense of longing anymore. You recorded "Night of a Lifetime" with live instruments, which adds a unique texture to your music. What challenges did you face during the recording process at Earwig Studios, and how did the live setting enhance your vision for the track? Okay, I love this question because I get to mention how I am a perfectionist in the studio. And I know everyone says that, but I need to explain that I recorded the live strings over three sessions until they sounded perfect. The violins and cello in "Night of a Lifetime" do a lot of the heavy lifting in getting across my message of longing and desire, and they had to sound just right. Transferring pure emotions into music is simultaneously the easiest and hardest thing in the world, but I think we got it right. Iconic bands like The Beatles and Pink Floyd influence your music. How do you balance these classic inspirations with your unique sound, and what does your musical identity look like in that blend? Who doesn't admire The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and all the other great bands in a class of their own? I can't quite hold a candle to them (yet), but I've always felt that they were so innovative because of their limited technological ability. That's why I insist on recording live instruments in my music. Plus, it always just comes back to pure songwriting. "Night of a Lifetime" was directly inspired by the iconic Beatles song, "Here, There, and Everywhere." Nowadays, you can try to put all the bells and whistles on your song and airbrush it to perfection sonically, but you can't fake good songwriting. So, just like with The Beatles and Pink Floyd and all the rest, I always try to put pure songwriting first. You’ve expressed a desire for "Night of a Lifetime" to resonate with listeners and evoke memories of love and longing. What message or feeling do you hope people take away from this song, and how do you think music serves as a vehicle for those emotions? Music is a vessel for the listener's emotions, and I think it's sometimes magical when they pair up with the songwriter's intentions for a song. I wanted "Night of a Lifetime" to sound wide open lyrically and sonically so listeners could pick up on my longing but come back to the song, whether they are sad, happy, mad, or heartbroken. As cliche as it seems to say, "art is in the eye of the beholder," I'm cool with my song, meaning whatever it needs to be for my listeners. You can make what you will of the guitar, drums, strings, and piano I've recorded; I just hope you come away with a new favorite song. Instagram

Billy O, a Vancouver-based artist who loves a broad spectrum of music, has always refused to be defined by a single genre. His early days with The Ormidales were spent experimenting across genres, a trait he’s carried into his solo work. His music pulls from an impressive range of influences—from The Beatles and Elvis to Bowie and Roxy Music—giving his sound a timeless quality. Billy O’s latest release, “ Rain on Me ,” captures a raw, melancholic vibe that feels intimate and cinematic. You can feel Billy O’s blend of classic and modern inspirations in the song. The track carries a neo-noir mood, with p.d. Wohl’s layered production adding depth to each verse. Ryan McLean’s background vocals create an ethereal undertone, amplifying the song’s haunting, reflective tone. There’s an undeniable eighties influence here, reminiscent of Bowie’s atmospheric storytelling and the emotional intensity of bands like Simple Minds. Still, it’s given a fresh twist that feels distinctly Billy O. Lyrically, “Rain on Me” explores themes of vulnerability and longing, an open invitation to be immersed in life’s emotional highs and lows. Billy’s vocal delivery is soulful and grounded, allowing listeners to enter the song’s reflective atmosphere. For fans of genre-blending, “Rain on Me” is a striking piece that speaks to Billy’s dedication to staying true to his eclectic roots. Welcome to Buzz, Billy O. With “Rain on Me,” you collaborated with p.d. Wohl and Ryan McLean. How did their contributions influence the final sound? I have been working with p.d Wohl for many years, and he has brought many of my songs to life from their genesis to a finished piece. The demo I first let him listen to had the essence intact for him to take it to the next stage; again, he did it majestically. We wanted to add some vocals to add texture and a touch of youth, so he asked his talented son Ryan to have a go, which he did wonderfully. He is a talented lad and added some nice touches Was there a particular moment in the studio while creating “Rain on Me” that stood out as a defining part of the song? After sending PD the demo and going to his studio for the first vocal tracks, I locked into what he had created and was delighted that the essence was still retained. That allowed me to do my vocals without compromising the original feel. It was after my vocal tracks that Ryan added his vocals and ideas, and they seemed to work well, a really nice addition. When creating Rain on Me, did you find that any specific memories or life moments surfaced and influenced the songwriting process? Yes, it evolved out of a hard time my wife and I were going through with her son struggling with some terrible mental issues and homelessness. He lived in the streets and slept outside in a park through a very wet Vancouver winter. I thought using rain as a metaphor for cleansing and purity would be a universal image many may relate to...It was a very tough time for us. I always felt a sense of peace in the wet Vancouver nights and days as well, and I still enjoy the solitude of a walk through nature in a downpour; such beautiful silence. We are grateful he is recovering and in a warm bed at night. As someone who loves a range of music eras, is there a particular period or style you’d like to explore more in your future work? Most, if not all, of my songs start from a melody that comes from the muse, whether with my acoustic guitar, piano noodle, or just humming while walking down the street. Some stay in my head; if I wake up at 3 a.m. and it is still playing, I know it is catchy. The earworm is my friend. So, I don’t intentionally write in a style but allow the song to find its own niche. Looking back on your journey from The Ormidales, how has your perspective on music and artistry evolved? No more starry eyes, that is certain. The music business is a difficult one, and these days, so many artists are playing and promoting their work. It is a “ here today, gone tomorrow” thing. That being said, we now have the means to make our craft available via the internet so that all can hear and see our videos. It's fun to look back at all our creations with The Ormidales, still finding new ears and eyes to enjoy. I'm still dreaming and hoping that the next one will crack it.

Dream pop trio ultrasaturated, hailing from somewhere between Amsterdam and Northern Italy, is back to serve up another cosmic creation with their latest single, "Luna." Following the runaway success of their debut EP, Universal Hologram —which racked up over half a million streams—ultrasaturated is once again blending dreamy post-punk vibes with ’80s-inspired aesthetics. Formed in 2022 by three former Italian punk rockers, the band has traded hardcore edge for introspective shoegaze, mixing spaced-out vocals with cinematic soundscapes that echo DIIV, Beach Fossils, and Black Marble. Expect "Luna"  to bring the same surreal, introspective vibe that’s made them one of the most exciting new acts on the dream-pop scene. You all come from a background in the Italian punk and hardcore scene. What motivated the shift to dream pop, and how has that influence shaped your sound today? The Italian punk scene is full of passionate, talented bands, but breaking out internationally has always been a challenge for bands in this country. When we first started, our music reflected the hardcore and punk sounds around us, but we felt like it was blending in with everything else. After moving to Amsterdam, I (Samuel) began listening to more shoegaze and dream pop, which inspired a shift in that direction. Gianmaria suggested experimenting with some demos he had been working on, and we decided to dive into this new sound. In the summer of 2022, we got together in a small house in the Alps, where we set up a small home studio to write and record our first demos, and that experience was incredible. We wrote our first EP, Universal Hologram, there, blending our punk roots with dreamy and melodic elements. Our background has definitely influenced our sound, giving our dream pop a raw edge. This combination has created a unique style we're really proud of, and we've been thrilled with the positive response so far. Can you share more about the writing process for "Luna" during your retreat at Lake Garda? How did the environment influence the music and lyrics? Just like our retreat in the mountains, we wanted to capture that same magic by immersing ourselves in a beautiful setting, so we set up a small studio at a beautiful house by Lake Garda. The place had such a unique energy, almost as if it had a soul of its own, and we tried to channel that into our music. It took us a little longer to find our groove this time, but we eventually managed to write new songs that, in our opinion, still carry the unique feeling of our earlier work but with a more mature sound.  For any band out there, I highly recommend taking time away with your bandmates to write some music. It’s not only incredibly fun and great for making memories, but it can also lead to creating some truly special music. The lyrics of "Luna" explore existential reflection and personal introspection. What specific experiences or ideas inspired the themes in this track? I always try to write lyrics that feel like pages taken out of my personal diary. I love asking myself the big questions and exploring them through my music. With Gianmaria and Federico, when we’re done acting like stupid teenagers (we’re in our late 20s, after all), we often end up having deep conversations about topics that are bigger than us, and it’s so good and refreshing to be able to talk about these things with someone. These are topics that can make you feel lonely and powerless, but having someone to talk about it with makes it a lot easier. I think the listener who is willing to find a meaning to these lyrics will find their own answers. Your visual identity features a psychedelic, vintage aesthetic. How do you feel this visual style complements the music you create, and what role does it play in conveying your artistic message? We think the visual style plays a big part in the whole project. Gianmaria, who is the big creative brain of the band, usually makes all of our graphics and videos to ensure they match the vibe of our music. We think in this specific style of music, it’s really important to have an imagery that reflects and amplifies the mood and atmosphere of the music, creating a complete experience for the listener.  Following the success of your debut EP and the upcoming single, what can fans expect from ultrasaturated in the future?  We’re excited to share that we’ll release a few more singles in the coming months, so keep an eye on our pages for updates. We’re also working on organizing some shows across Europe, and we’re hoping to hit the road for a tour soon. Stay tuned for more news - we have some exciting plans that we can’t wait to share. Instagram

Meet a musical force with a resume that could make even seasoned rockers sweat. This songwriter, producer, and audio engineer is a one-man band, recording every instrument on his tracks from his home studio. With a serious lead guitar focus, Gerry Mancuso has been cranking out remixes, covers, and originals on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, captivating fans one riff at a time. The journey began at age eight on an alto sax before the electric guitar became his true calling—thanks to inspiration from legends like Slash and Kirk Hammet. By 16, he was shredding as lead guitarist for Tellurian Truth  and hasn’t stopped since, racking up live gigs everywhere from NY clubs to ABC's "Like It Is"  and The Apollo Theater . With five solo albums under his belt and a sixth on the way in 2025, this solo artist isn’t just a rock journeyman—he’s collaborated with giants like Derek Sherinian  from Dream Theater, Gene Anderson  of Parliament-Funkadelic, and Swedish electronic producer Ooyy . His latest track, “The Astral Projector,” is an instrumental journey with moody, driving guitar riffs and an underlying beat that creates an atmosphere of suspense. This track highlights his lead guitar focus, where the electric guitar takes center stage, carrying listeners through a blend of mystery and melancholy. Starting his musical path on the alto sax, Mancuso picked up guitar at 15 after being captivated by legends like Slash and Kirk Hammett. From there, he dove into rock, metal, and fusion, eventually founding bands like “Aeodema” and performing live everywhere, from New York clubs to the Apollo Theater. Over the years, he’s collaborated with artists across genres, from Dream Theater’s Derek Sherinian to electronic producers like Ooyy. In “The Astral Projector,” Mancuso’s skill as a solo artist shines. His guitar work cuts through the track, and the subtle beat keeps things moving in the background, balancing intensity with moments of introspection. It’s one of those tracks that sharpens focus—perfect for putting on while you’re working, driving, or just needing to get lost in thought. Mancuso ’s rich history and refined technique make “The Astral Projector” a standout addition to his already impressive lineup of solo albums.

Forget struggling for your art. Forget the starving artist trope. In today’s music industry, the best way to measure success is in streams—and stocks. Yes, we’re talking about the artists whose net worths are hitting Billionaire Status (cue fancy echoes) and who manage to rake in millions each year by doing…well, pretty much nothing at this point. They’ve built empires so efficiently that they could sit back and let the royalty checks roll in. Here are the top five chart-toppers in the “I’m Rich and You’re Not” genre. Check out these top billionaire music artists. 1. Jay-Z Net Worth:  $2.5 Billion Income Streams:  Music, liquor, luxury brands, tech, and anything else he’s had a second to invest in. Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter isn’t just a rapper; he’s practically the music industry's Warren Buffett. Beyond his lyrical talents, he's got stakes in everything from champagne (Ace of Spades) to cognac (D’Ussé) to his record label, Roc Nation. Oh, and there’s Tidal, his "artist-owned" streaming service (though he eventually sold it to Square for a cool $297 million). It’s like he looks for every industry ripe for disruption, swoops in makes a fortune, and then casually sells it for even more. Does Jay-Z still record? Occasionally, but he doesn’t have to. His music legacy may be iconic, but his Midas touch has kept him at billionaire status. 2. Rihanna Net Worth:  $1.7 Billion Income Streams:  Fenty Beauty, Savage X Fenty, music (when she feels like it). Remember when Rihanna used to release music? It feels like forever ago because nowadays, she’s your go-to source for high-end makeup and lingerie. The only album she’s releasing is one filled with shades of foundation. Fenty Beauty has been her ticket to billionaire status, and she barely needs the music world to keep her on top. Fans have begged for years for her new album , but why should she hustle when her makeup line rakes in nine figures a year? At this point, the album is a myth—like Bigfoot or punctual public transit. 3. Kanye West  (Yes, even after the controversies) Net Worth:  Currently fluctuates, but once peaked near $1.8 Billion Income Streams:  Music, Yeezy brand, deals with Adidas, and, of course, headlines. Love him or loathe him, Kanye West knows how to turn chaos into cash. Sure, he lost a billion here and there with his Adidas fallout, but with his Yeezy brand and music royalties still stacking up, he remains comfortably within the millionaire—if not billionaire—range. His albums may still generate revenue, but it's his fashion ventures that have turned him into a mogul. Ye does music like a side hustle these days, showing up just when you thought he’d been banned from every social media platform known to man. 4. Taylor Swift Net Worth:  $1.1 Billion Income Streams:  Record-breaking tours, re-releases, merch, and good ol' songwriting. Taylor Swift is proof that pop stardom can pay and then pay again. Her recent Eras  tour generated more money than some countries' GDPs. And, in a plot twist  fitting for Swift herself, she’s re-recording her entire discography just to reclaim the rights. It’s like recycling but with Billboard hits. Taylor’s so big now that her tour has become an “era” of its own. She might make music, but she’s really  in the business of nostalgia—and making bank on it. Her fans wouldn’t even blink if she sold Swift-branded oxygen at this point. They’d buy it. 5. Dr. Dre Net Worth:  $850 Million (it was a billion at one point!) Income Streams:  Beats by Dre, music, producing other artists, and just…being Dr. Dre. Dr. Dre might not have dropped an album in forever, but that’s because he has Beats by Dre money. Do you remember those headphones? The ones everyone had in the 2010s? Apple paid Dre $3 billion for the brand, making him a near-billionaire in one sale. Since then, he’s kept a low profile, with occasional appearances and even rarer music. What’s a little more music revenue when you've got Apple money? Dre proves that sometimes, making one smart business move can eclipse a lifetime of hits. These five artists don’t just break records—they cash in on them. Talent can take you far in the music world, but smart investments take you farther. If you're an aspiring artist hoping for a multi-million dollar empire, you may want to swap out the studio time for a good financial planner.

SUMiT has a story to tell. It’s a journey marked by resilience, raw talent, and a refusal to give up. And his latest single, “ Tale of an Underdog ,” is the anthem that captures it all. This rising artist is on fire and unapologetically tearing up the scene. After dropping 23 singles in 23 weeks —yes, you read that right, twenty-three songs in twenty-three weeks—they’re making it clear they’ve got a relentless work ethic and no plans to chill. SUMiT has collaborated with heavy hitters like Fabolous , Sean Kingston , The Hoodies , and OT the Real , and opened shows for legends including Rick Ross , Soulja Boy , and Jay Critch . They even managed to snag a spot at Travis Scott's Boston afterparty —not your average gig! This artist isn’t just performing either; they’re creating and directing music videos for tracks like  Dollars Matter ,  Ghosted , and  Yeah Yup and delivering fierce live freestyles on shows like  My Train of Thoughts  and  Dumb or Lit . Did we mention they snagged first place in DJ Cosmic Kev’s Artist Showcase in Philly? It’s safe to say they’re on a fast track to the top. When SUMiT first heard the beat for this new track, he felt something shift—a deep, emotional pull. He describes it as a song that “wrote itself,” an experience that brought him back to the struggles he’s faced as an emerging artist.  From hometown gossip to family doubts, SUMiT paints a vivid picture of the obstacles that often come with chasing a dream. With a blend of reflection and grit, he turns these challenges into fuel, channeling the frustrations and doubts into a track that feels both personal and universally relatable. Raised in Worcester, MA, SUMiT’s journey in hip-hop is built on determination and years of honing his craft. He’s spent over a decade refining his voice and style, influenced by legends like Biggie Smalls and Jay-Z, and driven by a mission to bring his own truth to the mic. Today, his music is as layered and diverse as his experiences, marked by a blend of East Coast lyricism and a powerful emotional core that can resonate with listeners from all walks of life. Each line of “ Tale of an Underdog ” reflects SUMiT’s resilience, purpose, and desire to rise above. And for those who’ve ever felt underestimated, SUMiT’s message rings clear—sometimes being the underdog is the best place to start.

Mike Teezy is in a league of his own, blending the soul of gospel with the bounce of trap in a way that feels fresh and real. Born in West Virginia and raised in North Carolina as a preacher’s son, Teezy has always walked with faith. But life hasn’t made it easy—after surviving two near-paralysis scares, he’s learned how to lean into God’s grace and come out stronger every time. His music reflects that journey, uplifting listeners with joy, grit, and gratitude. His new track, “NEW LEAF (Turning the Page),” is all about fresh starts and forward motion. The beat is packed with energy, produced by UK talent Joshuah Matthew Wiehahn, and Teezy’s smooth flow rides right along. With a message that encourages listeners to “turn the page” and trust God’s timing, Teezy’s lyrics feel like a warm push toward positivity and growth. The video for “NEW LEAF” doubles down on that message, swapping sunny, laid-back vibes for a neon-lit dance party. Directed by Will Thomas, the visuals are electric, with Teezy rocking a sharp white suit that gives a nod to Michael Jackson’s iconic style. He dances and raps; through it all, his energy never drifts from his purpose—spreading God’s word with joy. “NEW LEAF” is the next step in Teezy’s evolution, and it’s clear he’s just getting started. Congratulations on releasing your soulful and inspiring song, “NEW LEAF.” If listeners could take away one piece of wisdom from your song, what would you hope it to be? The main piece of wisdom to take away would be that it’s never too late to make a change for the better. In the song, you encourage listeners to embrace a fresh start. How do you personally handle setbacks or moments when turning the page feels tough? Personally, when I feel like I’ve missed the mark, I lean into God even more. The misconception of being a Christian is that you’ll never mess up again. But in reality, coming to Christ means you know you’re a mess and need His help! You may fall, but don’t stay down. You can get back up and start over again. You’ve spoken about surviving two near-paralysis experiences. How did those challenges shape your faith, music, and approach to life today? Both of those experiences showed me that there is nothing impossible for God! So, my faith in Him is unwavering. I share my testimonies in a lot of my songs to let others know God can impact their situation(s), too. I revere and thank God daily for what He’s done. Everyday I get to wake up is a blessing. Combining trap and gospel is quite unique. What do you hope listeners take away from this fusion? People love to box in the sound of Gospel/Christian music. I just pray that when people listen to my music, they understand that God can use any genre of music to get the glory. What’s it like balancing being true to your faith while pushing creative boundaries in the music industry? Have you ever felt any tension between the two? This is a great question! For me, my walk with Christ is my main priority. The music is just the fruit of my journey. There have been times earlier in my career when I sought approval from the industry. Around that time, I was so focused on what I thought the industry wanted that I wasn’t concerned with what God wanted me to do. But now, my focus is on the will of God for my life. Instagram Facebook

Trinelise Væring’s latest single, “ I’m Not A Quitter ,” is a gritty Americana track all about resilience.  Wrapped in dobro slides and Western guitar twangs that hit with the same force as her lyrics, this song feels personal, like a peek into the mind of an artist who’s been through the wringer but still won’t back down. The inspiration for “I’m Not A Quitter”  came after Væring stumbled on an interview with Canadian singer-songwriter Kathleen Edwards, who had stepped away from music to open a café called “Quitters.” That word stuck with Væring—so much so that it encouraged her to write a song declaring the exact opposite. “I’m not done yet,” she sings, defiant and determined, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Væring recorded the track in Vancouver with producer John Raham, infusing it with a rustic, bluesy feel that captures the song’s unpolished energy.  The creative process was spontaneous— Væring admits she wrote it mid-dinner prep and recorded the first demo on her phone. That unfiltered spirit carries into the final version, making the track feel as organic as the moment it was born. “ I’m Not A Quitter ” sets the stage for A Songwriter’s Odyssey , her upcoming album which will be released on January 21, 2025. Here, Væring weaves Americana influences and pushes herself into new creative territory with a determined, reflective spirit.  Welcome to Buzz, Trinelise Væring .Your latest song, “I’m Not A Quitter,” draws on themes of resilience. What inspires you to keep yourself determined on your hardest days? It’s not that hard for me to stay determined since I am obsessed with music in many forms and styles, so despite the disappointments and setbacks that we all encounter in this industry and in life in general, music always draws me back in. I studied different things, like attending architecture school as a young woman, and in recent years, I earned a master’s in communication. But as much as I love learning new things, I find there is always a new song I need to sing, making everything else seem less compelling. I do think it is easier to keep going when you get your kicks from the music itself rather than from being the center of attention or from being on stage. With that kind of motivator, you are more vulnerable. I am trying, though, to learn not to bang my head against locked doors and to stop myself from sending ten more emails when one is rejected. I do need to learn to take a step back now and then. So, in fact, I need to learn how to quit - at least for a while. The song’s recording came together quickly. Do you feel spontaneity often brings out the best in your music, or do you usually prefer more structured songwriting? I usually work on my songs for quite a while, so this one was more of a “one-off,” so to speak. However, for the first draft of a song, I find it always works best to stay in the creative flow and not step away from it before I get the first framework of the song. It is super important not to judge yourself during this stage of the creative process and to try to accept whatever comes out. I usually say you have to write that “bad” song you think you’re writing, as it clears the way for the good song waiting right behind it. Often, with a few adjustments, that first song turns out to be a good song, too. That’s pretty much what happened with “Quitter.” I was sure it wasn’t any good; there were too few chord changes, and it seemed too easy to write to convince me in the first place. But that just goes to show. You recorded this song during a period of creative renewal after lockdowns. What did that break teach you about your relationship with music, and how did it shift your approach to this new album? That break was good for me - and for many other artists, too. Not financially, of course, but in terms of focus. In a regular day-to-day with live gigs and family etc, it is not always easy to carve out time to develop new material and stay in that creative flow I mentioned before. Every time you open social media, you see the other artists on tour and think, “Oh, I can’t just sit here and write; I need to be out there.” But taking a step back to focus while developing new material is important - at least for me. During lockdowns, I also discovered that, contrary to what I thought, I was fully motivated without getting any of that audience love and on-the-road-buzz. I just closed my door and got down to work. Having realized that about myself has made me stronger. I now think of my drive as a kind of secret superpower- something within me. I feel more resilient, probably, and more grateful even. Americana and alt-country are new genres for you. Do you feel like these styles allowed you to express parts of yourself that might not have fit within your previous musical work? I can’t honestly say Americana is a new genre for me, but writing and releasing a whole album in that style is new. And leaning into that more straight country vibe on several songs is new. Furthermore, in country music, it seems to me that there is no other agenda than writing the best song. The songs are the heart of the genre. I have, of course, always strived to write the best possible songs, but in Jazz, for instance, where I started out, there is a different agenda since improvisation is such an important part of it, and you need to think of your songs as vehicles for improvisation too. In pop, the production itself often seems to be the focal point. I also work with a 10-piece band, Tone of Voice Orchestra, where we have a very unorthodox instrumentation, four vocalists, hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, saxophone, etc. In that game, the orchestration plays a big role when we write. Whereas when I was writing and recording my new album, my focus was all about my songwriting. So, to answer your question, “yes,” those styles allowed the songwriter in me to take the spotlight. What role does vulnerability play in your music? Do you ever feel conflicted about sharing so much of yourself in your lyrics, or is that honesty essential to your process? I do try to be bold and not hide behind my songs. Even when the protagonist isn’t me, I often sing in first person because I want to take responsibility for the character, and the story she “tells” is mine anyway. With this album, I specifically decided I wanted to lay the cards on the table, so to speak. I wrote the first song after hearing a song by the Scottish singer-songwriter Josienne Clarke. As I remember it, she had a line that went, “it’s not Chicago’s fault, no one came to see my show.” I remember thinking, wow, that is bold! We are all so used to going on social media and writing, “Thank you, xxx city, for coming out.” Even if the turnout wasn’t great, we post a selfie that doesn’t expose that fact. We keep up appearances and perform. I decided I wanted to write lyrics with something at stake. And I have tried to keep that in mind while writing the album. I admit, there is one song - “Getting the Hang of Being a Failure”- that I am slightly worried about in that respect. It could be misunderstood and backfire because some might hear it as defensive or pathetic. I’ll have to wait and see how that goes down. Instagram Facebook

She can go for hours and hours, don’t you know? With their latest single, “Hula Hoop,” The Infamous HER brings a playful swagger straight from New York’s Lower East Side underground scene to your airwaves. Frontwoman and self-proclaimed “hula hoop queen” Monique Staffile once again infuses the track with enough energy to steal your attention, effortlessly mixing glam rock attitude with flirtatious pop energy. As The Infamous HER continues to serve up heavy doses of glammed-up pop and rock goodness, we’ll watch their journey unfold with our undivided attention. Something that’s allowed The Infamous HER to enjoy such a positive audience reception is their willingness to be their campy, confident selves. They’re not afraid to be silly or self-aware, which endeared them to their fans. Their releases are like little stories unto themselves, with the unfiltered, authentic feeling that defines them, lending energy to their releases that resonates with listeners young and old. Each song feels like a celebration of their carefree artistic spirits, and when the music is that good, the energy feels unstoppable. The Infamous HER’s latest release, “Hula Hoop,” is rooted in a fittingly fun and nostalgic memory. It’s based on an old VHS of lead singer Staffile hula-hooping at her sixth birthday party. Fittingly, it’s a release jam-packed with spirit; heavy guitar riffs team up with thunderous drum play to form the backbone of an electric instrumental performance. Dropping lines like “You think it’s simple, then show me what you go /  You got the spotlight, why don’t you give it a shot,” Staffile’s distorted vocals amplify the energy of this release, making her enthusiasm infectious. “Hula Hoop” is a flirty, feel-good track that’s as unapologetically fun as catchy. It’s destined to get your hips swinging and bring a smile to your face, and if you’re lucky, evoke some fun memories along the way. We loved your new release, “Hula Hoop,” and wanted to ask! What was the inspiration behind this release, and how did it feel when you heard the finished version for the first time? I Was sitting in the studio writing with my band when I pulled up an old VHS tape from my 6th birthday party, where I was Hula Hooping. My parents were counting, and by the time they got to 500, my band turned to me, calling me the "Hula Hoop Queen." And BAM! That inspired us to write and record the song. We wanted a vintage vibe, and we caught that vibe immediately. What inspired you to take that initial step to pursue music seriously, and what motivates you to make music now? I would suck at doing anything else, and playing, writing, and recording music is the only thing that never felt like a job, so my lazy ass figured, if It doesn't feel like work, then that's the work meant for me. What’s your fondest music-related memory? And also, you made a music video to go with “Hula Hoop” right? What was your favorite part of seeing the vision for the video come to life? My "Fondest" memory is when I was 13. I had a band in NYC called KlonkuBine, and we had a show on the streets in Tribeca for a bar's (Yaffa's) anniversary party. Rocking out on my Gibson guitar, wearing a leopard mini skirt and docs, was the sh*t. What do you want your fans to feel when they hear your music? I want them to feel like Tinkerbell just grabbed them and took them to never-never-land What’s next for The Infamous HER, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans? As we promote this record and new album, we are starting to write our next one. We will always be touring and creating new material, and to my fans, "Don't Wear Fur." Luv ya! Instagram Facebook