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From the vibrant music scene of Vancouver, pop singer-songwriter and performer Reid Zakos delivers a dazzling 15-track album titled SACRED , a collaboration with RedPanda Productions. This multi-talented artist brings his background in dance, theater, and songwriting to create a unique blend of pop music. Inspired by icons like Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert, Zakos infuses his songs with themes of self-empowerment and unapologetic queer expression. SACRED is a journey through the world of 2010s-era dance-pop, offering a mix of high-energy bangers and intimate ballads. The album, five years in the making, showcases Zakos' growth as an artist and his ability to craft catchy, meaningful pop tunes. Diving into the album, we're met with the enchanting, ghostly, and motivating intro track "Sacred Intro," a 44-second teaser of the epic sounds and styles about to unfold throughout the project. In "Need Your Touch," we're greeted by an electrifying synth arrangement that's shimmering in all sorts of 2010-pop glory—melting the speakers from every angle. It's a powerful club banger that hits in all the right places, setting the tone for what's to come from the rest of SACRED . The vibes in track three, "Deck of Cards," are hot, heavy, and immaculate. From the jump, Reid Zakos drenches listeners in a mysterious, dark, and irresistible sonic atmosphere that leaves us weak in the knees. As the drums start ramping up the energy, Zakos maintains the lustful, sexual energy while driving us to the chant-worthy hook. It's an exhilarating track that's sure to get you off your feet. Turning up the emotion in "Won't Go," Reid Zakos showcases his impressive vocal stylings and broad range alongside soothing harmonies that balance out the song perfectly. As the rising synths and drums make their way in from the background, the song takes us through various sonic twists and turns to further display Zakos' artistic versatility and precise execution of carefully crafted musical visions. In the 30-second "Animal Interlude," Zakos slaps our speakers with driving drums that get the energy pumping, not to mention haunting piano chords and the infrequent roar of a primal animal in search of a feast. That brings us to track number six, "Nuclear," a truly nuclear experience on our speakers, thanks to its powerful synth arrangements and drums that keep the bass pumping high and mighty. And just like that Zakos claims that he's ready to go "Nuclear" and absolutely lose control tonight, making this another top-tier party anthem that's bound to make these sweltering summer evenings epic. Track seven, "All I Know...," is lifting the vibe. It's a softer, slower, more introspective track that sees Reid Zakos express everything he does for a special person, highlighting his ongoing passion and devotion to them. While he lays it all on the line, the production ramps up a warm, house-like tropical feel to make this another perfect summer banger. Making our way into the second half of the album with track eight, "Falling," we fall into Reid Zakos’ captivating sonic atmosphere. Here, he expresses the wonder and worries that comes with falling for someone else. Paired with the sweet sonics and lighthearted atmosphere, Reid has indeed made yet another summer bop that's ready to repeat in your earbuds on any vacation. In track nine, "Flashes," we dive into an exciting, nostalgic, synth-pop atmosphere oozing in Gaga vibes, thanks to Zakos' picturesque, passionate lyrics and the powerful accompanying production. Whether you're getting ready for a night on the club scene or hitting up the rager next door, this track is practically made for good times. There's only one iconic song titled "Rolling In The Deep," and Reid Zakos revived it in his own enchanting way. What starts as a downtempo, atmospheric, and gentle listening experience turns into a truly cathartic and heartfelt portrayal of emotions. Paired with the expansive sonics and Reid Zakos' unique interpretation, it's a refreshing take on a timeless song that perfectly fits the mold of this diverse, dynamic album. Continuing the emotional theme is song eleven, "Who I Am," opening with stunning piano melodies that linger into the first verse alongside Reid's gentle, harmonious vocals. As he expresses how a certain relationship's impact, Zakos touches on the fact that had they just been 'passers-by,' he wouldn't be the person he is today. It's an insightful song and a perfect segue into this next one... In track twelve, "Never Stop," Reid Zakos continues the emotional, personal theme with tender piano melodies alongside his warm vocals. He expresses his struggles with finding somewhere to fit in. But along the way, he's realized that his differences and experiences are what make him unique, and he'll "Never Stop" being himself—something every listener can learn from and appreciate. That brings us to the last interlude of the album, "Monster Interlude," a striking auditory experience with haunting chants in the background, powerful strings, ghostly whispers, and melodies that feel like we're about to enter the battle of our lives. It leads us into track number fourteen, "Unattainable," a mysterious, ominous, and anticipation-heavy sonic experience that sings of humans' greedy ways and always wanting what they can't have, leading them to "Unattainable" things, people, and pleasures. It's an eye-opener, driving home the importance of appreciating what's in front of you. In the album's final track, "Spinning," Reid Zakos throws us into an exhilarating atmosphere packed with powerful synths and drums alongside his passionate, high-energy vocals. While singing crucial realizations that hurt like hell to experience, he closes the project on an empowering, groovy note, reminding us that the world keeps spinning, and we'll not only survive but thrive. Hear it first here! Experience Reid Zakos' dance-pop journey in his newest album, SACRED , now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to Buzz, Reid! We're blown away by the energy and diversity of your new album,  SACRED . What inspired you to create such an ambitious project?  Thank you! It’s so great to be back :) The inspiration for the whole album started with writing the song “Deck of Cards” with RedPanda Productions in 2019. It was the first song we ever wrote together, and it became the catalyst to keep writing together and exploring. After writing maybe three or four songs, especially "Falling" and "Need Your Touch", we knew we were onto something bigger. We just kept creating and sending ideas and demos back and forth to each other throughout the pandemic until we had enough songs to start forming an album! Once we had an overall vibe, we started crafting a few interludes that tied the songs together better. On other album projects of mine in the past, I’ve used a mix of a few different producers. Still, I knew I wanted to create a full project with RedPanda Productions because I had a sense it would feel and sound even more cohesive if it all came from the same producer, and we really took our time crafting it. SACRED  has a strong 2010s dance-pop influence. How did you balance paying homage to that era while still creating something fresh?  Yes! When we first met to talk about influences we both drew heavily from Lady Gaga (my queen!) and specifically The Fame/Fame Monster eras. When I first met RedPanda, he already had that kind of synth-pop and piano driven production style, also influenced by Marina & The Diamonds and other pop artists of that era. We arrived at the “fresh” part really by just infusing it with us and trying to stay original in terms of honoring the lyrics, the instinctual choices around melodies, vocal performances, the existing production from the demos, and then editing around it, or melding it all together into something new and "sacred."  You cover a wide range of emotions throughout  SACRED . Was it challenging to maintain a cohesive sound while exploring these different themes?  I wouldn’t say it was challenging because we already knew we wanted to have a mix of uptempo, midtempo, and more intimate ballads. I feel like the album starts off really bold, in-your-face, sassy, and confident, but by the time you get to "All I Know" and "Falling," I feel like it shows off a softer, more "sacred" side of me, my voice, and my vulnerability in falling in love. At one point in the process, RedPanda said "I think what's missing now is a few more ballads", and then we added the song "Who I Am", which (so far) has gotten the most visceral response from people that have heard the album. I usually prefer listening to and performing the more uptempo dance bangers because I love to dance and feel free and joyous, but I'm glad that this one is resonating with people, it's been a nice surprise. The cohesion really started to take place once we picked the final tracklisting and created the interludes around that. Can you tell us about your collaboration with RedPanda Productions for  SACRED ? How did their input shape the album?  I first met Adrian (who goes by RedPanda Productions) through a local radio station (101.9 QueerFM Vancouver). Funny enough, he had heard an interview that I did with them, and then one day, when I was working at my retail day job, and I ended up helping him, and at the checkout, he said, "Are you Reid the singer!?". He then introduced himself and said he'd heard my music and my interview and he would love to write together. We followed each other on Instagram, and then a few months went by, and then we met for coffee. He sent me a couple of tracks he had been working on, and then I toplined "Deck of Cards" and sent it back to him. Then we started to work together in person, finishing that song and "Falling" right before I moved back to Calgary temporarily (ironically right as the 2020 pandemic hit!). We then worked on a lot of the records remotely/separately. He had lots of input in shaping the album, starting some songs on his own with fully realized melodies and lyrics. Sometimes, I would alter the lyrics and melodies slightly to fit my interpretation of the song and make it feel more authentic to me, or I'd write my own verses from scratch. Each collaboration felt organic, and we went with whatever worked best to serve the song. He'd even re-work his productions around my vocal ideas after I recorded them to his demos. Luckily, we got to spend more time together in person from 2022 on as I moved back to Vancouver and COVID restrictions lessened, finishing up a few more songs and finalizing ideas we had going.  After five years of work, what do you hope listeners take away from  SACRED ? I hope mainly that they have fun while listening to it, feel free and liberated, and DANCE! and make space for honoring different life experiences and emotional journeys as "sacred."  Instagram

Welcome to Buzz, Francine! Congratulations on releasing your big debut single, "Higher." What inspired you to write such an empowering song for your first release? Thank you so much for including me and listening to my debut single. I am so glad to finally be sharing and delighted that it’s being well received. The song started as an unintentional therapy session where I ended up writing my way out of a dark space I had been in. It’s wild, but when you listen to a lot of house and dance tracks, the lyrics can be pretty heavy and insightful. It’s one of my favorite juxtapositions: heartfelt lyrics over a fun, danceable track. Gotta set ourselves free, you know? What better way than singing and dancing through it? Your musical background is incredibly diverse. How did your training in different genres influence the creation of "Higher?" Vocal training is a gift and a curse. A gift because you explore your voice in new and different parameters. I call it a curse, though, because you train by learning other people’s songs and sounds, often imitating or mimicking those artists and writers. I have sang jazz, classical, musical theater, gospel, choral, children’s, etc. While amazing, it made finding my artist sound like a journey because where does imitation end and my art begin? I naturally lean more soulful cause that’s the music that I love. Some of my favorite memories growing up were being introduced to new music. My mom and dad's music taste was so wide; they were always throwing new stuff at us and challenging our ears in the best ways possible. I will never forget when my pops and I were painting my bedroom when I was like 11 or 12 and we listened to a ‘women in disco’ compilation they had laying around. It immediately resonated. I loved it so much that I wore that CD out. I find that even now, no matter what I’m listening to, I always find my way back to that era when funk and dance collided, making literal magic. I’ve always known I wanted to write disco tracks for myself, and luckily, my producer (Verskotzi) was equally excited to explore this terrain with me. Can you walk us through your songwriting process for "Higher?" How did you approach translating such a personal message into music? We were finishing up a writing week for the album in 2022, and I felt I needed something more upbeat that represented the lighthearted, fun part of my personality. We did a quick deep dive of my fave house tracks from the 90s and disco songs from the 70s and started dissecting what we loved about them. For me, it’s always the bass line that drives the song and makes disco so damn funky. As Joey (Verskotzi) started building the track, finding synth sounds, and writing guitar parts, we called up an incredible bassist, Will Birckhead, to give us his take, and boy, did he deliver; made the track completely come to life. I was so excited about where the track was that the lyrics and vocal ideas just started pouring out of me. Having just come out of a deep, post-COVID depression, I truly felt like I had ended up on the other side of this wave that kept hitting me over and over again. It became an anthem to myself to keep going. My BGVs on the song are like little angel aunties cheering me on and helping to point me in the right direction. The BGVs were also my way of paying homage to the disco girl groups like The Emotions and Sister Sledge, who have had such a huge influence on me. As a debut single, "Higher" sets a strong tone for your artistic identity. How does this song represent you as an artist? My name, Francine, literally means ‘living in freedom’ — I often ponder how I can be truly free if I am holding myself back with thoughts of fear and doubt. This song reminds me not to dim my light by getting caught up in the small-mindedness and limitations of those I had been surrounded by while growing up in the church, working in the suburbs, and even the influence family can have. Releasing my music is a huge step towards self-realization and the ultimate relinquishing of self-limiting beliefs. I don't just want to talk about it, I want my actions and life to show that I am about doing the hard work it takes to set myself free from old ways of thinking. My hope is that it helps someone else by reminding them of their power, it always starts from within. You cannot fully serve others from an empty cup; you must fill your cup first. What do you hope listeners will take away from "Higher?" Is there a particular message or feeling you want to convey? Disco in its time was more than music; it was a movement born out of an attempt to repress LGBTQ+ and Black communities in New York by excluding them from clubs and limiting public displays of affection. Not only did they break through those barriers, but they created one of the most original and enduring music genres ever. This song is an homage to these communities, as I would not be who I am without their influence, love, and support. I hope to give back to others 100x the love and joy my community has given me. Love wins, always, and I hope that comes through on this track! Instagram Facebook

Berlin-based band the River Rats is back with an inspiring new single, "Voyageurs," released on July 13, 2024. Known for their unique blend of French chanson, pop/folk, and world music, this Franco-German group invites listeners on a journey of exploration and open-hearted curiosity. Recorded at the renowned Studio The Famous Gold Watch in Berlin, "Voyageurs" is a musical masterpiece skillfully mixed and mastered by Tim Tabellion . The track seamlessly blends pop and folk elements with oriental and world music influences, creating a rich tapestry of sound that captures the essence of the band's diverse inspirations. "Voyageurs" is more than just a song; it's an ode to the spirit of travel and discovery. The band encourages listeners to embrace every moment with the same curiosity and openness as a traveler encountering the unknown. " We wanted to capture the essence of the journey and the discovery, the curiosity that drives us to explore the world and embrace the unfamiliar, " says Camille, the band's lead vocalist and songwriter. The song's lyrics reflect the universal theme of being perpetual travelers in life, always seeking new experiences and connections. It's a call to remain open and creative, to see every moment as a new opportunity for growth and connection. To accompany the release, the River Rats have also produced a captivating music video, shot at The Famous Gold Watch studio, showcasing the band's dynamic performance. Watch the video and stream the song on all major platforms, including Spotify. "Voyageurs" will also be featured in the River Rats' upcoming album " La Recherche de l'imaginaire ," set to release in August. This album promises to be a rich and varied musical journey that encourages listeners to see beyond the known, venture off the beaten path, and pursue their dreams despite life's challenges. Instagram

Soaring in from Worthing, UK, is alt-rock sensation and singer-songwriter Milky Sad, delivering a sizzling summer anthem with his latest single, "Hot Girl Summer." Jordan Houston, the creative force behind Milky Sad, has been crafting his unique sound for eight years. Blending pop-punk energy with new-age indie vibes, he's emerged as a rising star in the alt-rock scene, using music as a powerful outlet for expression, finding meaning, and offering others something to relate to. Turning up the passion is his newest single, "Hot Girl Summer." It's the kind of song that makes you want to turn up the volume, roll down the windows, and drive til' you can't drive any more. However, his lyrical content tells a different story that we’re sure many will resonate with. From the jump, "Hot Girl Summer" grabs listeners with Mily Sad's lyrics, promising to screw up someone else's hot girl summer. But in a passionate, playful, young-stupid-love kind of way that sees him wanting to fall in love with someone til' the tensions rise. Milky Sad's distinctive vocals soar over crunchy guitars and driving drums, creating a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern alt-rock. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that "Hot Girl Summer" is more than just a catchy tune. Milky Sad's blunt and humorous songwriting shines through, touching on themes of the suffocating type of love that some just can't get enough of. Hit play on your soundtrack of the summer with Milky Sad's new single, "Hot Girl Summer," now available on all digital streaming platforms. Instagram

Welcome to Buzz, TAYKAB! We're head over heels for the passionate yet uplifting vibe of your new single, "Blue." What inspired you to revisit and reimagine this track? Thanks! I’ve always felt that abandoned songs are like young orphans. You have to give them the opportunity to live, grow, and express themselves. Blue was a “rejected child.” I had to find a way to love, feed, and look out for her. How did the collaboration with Adrian Quesada come about, and what did he bring to the table for "Blue?" Was this your first time working together? Adrian plays guitars on this track. I honestly feel that he adds so much to it with his almost spiritual way of playing. It’s hard to explain in words (you have to listen). He’s been a friend for many years, and we’ve collaborated on a couple of projects in the past. Do most of your songs offer those immersive Spanglish lyrics, similar to "Blue?" How does this approach represent you and your artistic vision? The spanglish subculture has always been around in my life growing up near the Texas border. I thought it would be fun to try this combination for Blue. I like the freedom to write in both Spanish and english. As a collective that combines music with other art forms, how does "Blue" fit into your larger creative picture? What role does it play? I’ve always had a deep admiration for reggae, calypso and Caribbean music. Blue is my take on that. Taykab is able to combine different forms of art by having photographers, graphic designers, filmmakers and other players / singers in the equation. It will always change and evolve. What do you hope listeners experience when they hear "Blue?” What emotions or feelings did you want to evoke? The exact same thing that I felt while writing it. That feeling of a moment of absolute joy that will disappear soon and you hold on to it as an everlasting memory. You can’t stop thinking of it, and it breaks you apart. We’ve all been there. Read more about "Blue." Instagram

It’s time to stop doubting yourself. “It’s ok to not feel okay.” Although simple, these words and the empathy that underlines them are part of an artistic outlook that’s quickly made rising rapper and singer/songwriter LucyVivor stand out. Using the distinct, alternative-inspired style she incorporates into her music, LucyVivor uses her music to both support and inspire. Having fought and prevailed against mental health, physical health, and addiction recovery struggles, LucyVivor’s music shows that we’re all stronger than we think. Hailing from the UK, LucyVivor’s diverse musical palette bleeds into her work in the best way possible. Although new listeners might assume she’s only a rapper, with her latest singles “No Armour” and “MIRЯOR” being featured on playlists like “Best Metal Sessions Workout Selections” and “Darkened Goth and Rock Realm,” LucyVivor has long proved that she has what it takes to make quality music, regardless of genre. With over 100 radio plays on BBC Introducing Radio Sussex & Surrey and Amazing Radio UK & USA, LucyVivor's evolving sound continues to captivate. For the uninitiated, “No Armour” (ft. Jim White) serves as a perfect example of LucyVivor’s diverse skillset and sound. Although the realms of rock and hip-hop might have gotten closer recently, it takes a special talent to be able to switch and integrate these two iconic genres effortlessly. A special talent, LucyVivor is rapping furiously in one moment before switching gears to sing the chorus in another. Spitting lines like “I know I deserve, I know that I can, I know I deserve, I know who I am” and “You don’t need no armor on, so fear and pain be gone,” on “No Armour” LucyVivor is powerful, uplifting and iconic. LucyVivor’s commitment to authenticity and emotional expression ensures that her music not only entertains but also uplifts and inspires. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream LucyVivor’s latest release, “No Armour,” out now on all majour platforms. We loved your new release, “No Armour.” It felt so uplifting and empowering! We wanted to ask what the inspiration behind this release was and how it felt when you heard the finished version for the first time. Heeey! Thank you so much. It’s awesome to be a part of the buzz with Buzz. I'm so glad you found No Armour empowering and uplifting. I appreciate that! This is exactly what the aim of this song is when people listen to it. The inspiration behind this release is mainly wanting to make a track that has an impact, and that can help someone who is listening to rise up when they are feeling stuck, defeated, and empty inside, you know. Through my own experiences where I have been in dark places as if the walls were closing in, I felt so defeated, alone, and lost with no sight of any way out. Fortunately, I finally was able to find that inner strength to pull myself together, be strong, and fight back against my own demons to stand back up, walk out of the dark, and continue moving forward. Every day, I see how many people are unhappy. I see posts, news, or comments that are full of negativity and heartbreak, and it just gets to me so much, and if it gets to me, I'm sure it gets to a lot of other people, too. This is why when writing the lyrics for ‘No Armour’ I not only remembered how crappy I felt but also thought of all those that may need a little nudge for them to be like, “ok yeah, I can do this, come on get up, we got goals to reach and a life to live.” Sometimes words don’t work or help, especially if you find it hard to communicate by talking your mind, and so sometimes music speaks where words can’t be known. Music has that magic to touch our souls and bring our energies back to life in a good way. Oh my god, when I heard the final mix and master for the first time, I honestly couldn't stop listening to it! I swear I fell asleep to that tune for the first 2-3 nights. Credit is definitely due to the producer Jim White, who also features his raw and rocky vocals, giving it that extra boost of empowering energy. I explained the background of the song’s meaning to Jim surrounding the track, and he immediately got to work and sent me over the rough instrumental with his chorus vocals a few weeks later. I swear, as soon as I listened to that instrumental, my mind was flooding with lyrics rising from my heart and my soul. When recording it, because I had too many words in the lyrics for them to fit in with the timing of the verses, we worked on shortening them down but still keeping the same meanings behind them. Honestly, the finished version is so good. I'm just hoping it reaches those who really need to hear it, giving them motivation and determination to stand tall if they are stuck on the ground floor. YOU GOT THIS! What’s your biggest source of motivation when you make your music, and as an extension of that, what does music mean to you? As mentioned briefly above about the inspiration of No Armour, I think my biggest source of motivation when I make my music is that it not only is a source of therapy for the struggles I face in life, but it can also be a possibility of expression, motivation, and determination for others who need to hear it, to relate to others through the words of songs is awesome! For example, if you go to a gig by yourself, You know nobody there. Still, when the songs are being performed by that artist, you are seeing at the time, and you are all singing together. That's the best feeling in the world; it’s coming together and feeling understood. Music means the world to me; without music… well, I can't imagine a world without music. To be honest with you, it would be so dull. It can be pretty dull at times anyway, but music uplifts that dullness and releases a source of light, hope, and happiness in many ways. It communicates with us on another level. A lot of people can express themselves through their music rather than in real life because, let's face it, the world can be very judgy at times, and judgments can turn into individuals being misunderstood and alienated. Still, through music, it can become a platform of expression, and it allows people to be themselves through their art. It’s like we are constantly living to a beat anyway, our heartbeat is a rhythm, take away that beat and everything stops, and that's what music means to me. It's like a lifeline. And I'm sure others can relate to this, too. What do you think is the most important quality for a musician to have? I think the most important quality for a musician to have is their own identity, authenticity, and passion for their music. Be who you are, don't be afraid to be the odd sheep that has the guts to stray from the flock, don’t be afraid to be different, wear whatever you want, and listen to your soul, not the demons in your head or the negative comments/statements you hear, it's easier said than done trust me I know. Still, if you use all your energy and focus on your music rather than feeding the negativity, then you are turning your pain into art, and that is positive inspiration and motivation for others who may need to see/hear that, too. Be the best version of you that you can be!. If your fans could take one thing away from your music, what would you want it to be? I think the one thing I would encourage my fans to take away from my music is to recognize the knowledge of knowing how much every one of them is worth and that no matter how crap or trapped they may feel on some days, to try and remember that they are never really alone. Somewhere, someone in the world is going through something much worse. We are all still human beings at the end of the day, trying to get through life and overcoming obstacles that try to block our path and our journey forward. Motivate and inspire each other instead of hating on one another. After all, there's too much hatred in the world as it is. What’s next for LucyVivor, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans? So, No Armour was the first release from a five-track EP that Jim White and I had been working on. The five tracks are all now completed, so look out for some more exciting, empowering, and heavier releases. The expression journey has only just started. I am hoping to network with other bands in the industry and participate in many more performances for these new exciting tracks, so be on the lookout for gigs/tour announcements when my music website is published, which will be at the beginning of August this year (2024). Merch Ideas are underway as well, so keep your eyes out for Merch sales. Again, all information will be provided on the website and on all social media platforms. To all my current fans, thank you for your ongoing support; it means more than you know! I also want to express to everyone again the importance of believing in yourself, knowing your worth, knowing you deserve to be happy, knowing you are never really alone, and most importantly… YOU GOT THIS! For anybody new to my music and me, the same message above applies. It would be awesome to see you become a part of this journey with me. You can give me a follow or just come and have a peep on Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, all under Lucyvivor. 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From the heart of Germany, indie-rock sensations Milky Chance deliver a sun-soaked summer anthem with their latest single and music video, "Naked and Alive." For over a decade, Phillipp Dausch and Clemens Rehbein have been crafting their unique blend of indie rock, folk, and electronic music, making waves worldwide. Since their breakout hit "Stolen Dance," the group has continued to evolve their sound while maintaining the infectious energy that first captivated listeners around the globe. Their newest track, "Naked and Alive," marks an exciting new chapter in their musical journey. The song builds on the experimental vibes of their previous album while embracing a newfound sense of optimism and joy, the foundation of what attracted us to this groovy alternative band in the first place. Hitting play on "Naked and Alive," it instantly wraps listeners in Milky Chance's signature sound. The bouncy bassline and danceable beats create an irresistible groove, while Rehbein's distinctive vocals add a layer of warmth and intimacy. The track expertly blends elements of indie rock, island rhythms, and disco, resulting in a sound that's both familiar and fresh. As the song progresses, layers of shimmering synths and bright guitar riffs build to create a euphoric atmosphere. It's impossible not to feel uplifted by the song's infectious energy and positive vibes. The song's music video adds another layer of fun to the track. Featuring the band members playfully training for the Olympics, some in their birthday suits, it perfectly captures the lighthearted and joyful spirit of the band and the song. Your new summer soundtrack has arrived. Find Milky Chance's latest single, "Naked and Alive," on all digital streaming platforms. We're loving the sunny vibes of your new single, "Naked and Alive." What inspired you to create such an upbeat, feel-good track? I think our music generally is mostly more upbeat. That's just the rhythm we like and stick to. We like songs that you can dance to, with a cool beat that makes you move, regardless of the song's subject. Of course, we have ballads and acoustic versions of songs that are more chilled and relaxed, but when it comes to producing and recording, this upbeat style resonates with us the most. How does "Naked and Alive" represent your evolution as a band since your early hits like "Stolen Dance?" Our sound has become more complex, detailed, and layered over the years. We've learned a lot about production and recording processes, and we've experimented with new instruments and techniques. Our first album has a more raw and simple sound because we were technically limited back then. Nowadays, our sound is more mature and sophisticated. We couldn't take our eyes off the "Naked and Alive" music video. What inspired the Olympic training concept? It was a natural brainstorming process with our videographer and director, Anthony Molina, with whom we've shot many videos. We wanted a setting with many different options to play around with, which led us to the idea of olympic games. The 70s sports style seemed unique and iconic, and also quite funny with the beards and hairstyles of that era. We were inspired by this idea because it had the humor we were looking for and fit our personalities well. Your sound often blends different genres. How did you approach mixing different elements, sounds, and styles for "Naked and Alive?" When we go to the studio, we work intentionally but without a set concept. We just go with the flow, meet in the studio, grab instruments, and start playing around with ideas. It’s like a ping-pong process, and it takes us somewhere. The personal tastes, feelings, and emotions that come up during creation hold everything together. It's not a conscious decision to mix specific genres; we’re just subconsciously influenced by the music we listen to. In the end, it’s all about expressing how we feel. If you need a blend of several different things to express how you feel, then that’s what we’re going for. What was your goal with "Naked and Alive" in terms of the listener's experience? What did you want to achieve in that respect? We didn't have a specific goal to achieve with any song, like pointing to a certain topic or eliciting a specific reaction, which I think is impossible because of subjective perception. Music is received very personally, and that’s wonderful. The same song can mean the world to one person and mean nothing to another person at the same time. We’re happy if the song inspires people or gives them a good feeling. The song's theme is about feeling good about yourself in the most honest and raw way. Instagram Facebook

This one’s gonna cut deep. Hailing from Smiths Falls, just outside Ottawa, Canada, Amanda Jordan wasted no time pursuing her dreams. Having relocated to Nashville as a young adult, her impressive and inspiring musical journey has since seen her amass over 100k followers on TikTok and 6 million digital streams, all from 11 singles. Currently riding high from the release of her latest single, “Tonight I Am”, Jordan is showing no signs of slowing down soon. With a slew of new content on the horizon, we’re so excited to see what the rest of the year has in store for her. Since her debut single, “Driving in the Dark,” was released to universal acclaim, Jordan has continued to impress with captivating releases. She’s already established herself as an exciting act to watch in the country music scene, utilizing her diverse skill set as a singer, songwriter, and actor to maximize the artistic potential of her releases fully. Known for her ability to draw out emotion through lyrical content, vocal performance, and other means, Jordan’s releases are a must-listen for country fans. With the release of “Tonight I Am,” Amanda Jordan continues establishing herself as a dynamic force in the country music scene. The release sees Jordan show her vulnerable side, coupling simple yet heart-tugging lyrics like “Our love, you blew it to pieces / Over what’s in this glass / This bar is this blue shade of me / But it’s nothing on what we had,” with a beautiful vocal performance that fully immerses you in her soundscape. Capturing the emotion of relationships is never easy, but in “Tonight I Am,” Jordan’s done it in a thrilling and captivating way. Amanda Jordan’s latest release, “Tonight I Am,” is a beautiful release that looks at the aftermath of heartbreak and betrayal. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream Amanda Jordan’s new release, “Tonight I Am,” on all majour streaming platforms. Instagram Facebook

Good music doesn’t need lyrics to touch your heart. Affectionately referred to as “Toronto’s Queen of Vibes,” Desarae Dee is an award-winning composer, producer, and artist who’s carved out an impressive career since debuting in 2014. Her unique and unconventional playing style has earned her a loyal following over the years, and her willingness to blend genres has only led to added mystique. With the release of her debut full-length album “Adventure” looming on the horizon, this talented musician continues to push and exceed her limits, even a decade later. Part of what’s made Dee so successful is her refusal to be normal. She’s a unique talent; nothing she does is ordinary. Her sound blends genres like faith, funk, and soul with a vulnerable and alluring lyrical approach. As a proudly black artist, every time she steps into the booth, she does so to continue to break gender, social, and cultural barriers with her releases. Desarae Dee is leaving the industry better than she found it, one release at a time, as she continues to add to an already rich musical legacy. Much like an elevator, Dee believes that life has different levels we each have to pass through to reach our potential and the next phase in our lives. At its core, “LVLS” is about continuing to push forward and rise, regardless of how up and down life can get in the face of adversity and challenges. Led by a beautiful piano performance on her “LVLS” remix, Dee proves why she’s still “Toronto’s Queen of Vibes.” She immerses you in her soundscape, utilizing a smooth, neo-soul-funk fusion to capture your heart, even without any lyrics. Charming from start to finish, Dee just can’t seem to miss at this point in her career. Award-winning instrumental artist Desarae Dee continues to impress with every release, but on her new “LVLS” remix, she’s somehow outdone herself again. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream Desarae Dee’s remix of “LVLS”, out now on all majour streaming platforms. Instagram Facebook

Hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, GODBLESSHAZE finds himself after a three-year hiatus and promotes his debut single, “AVE MARIA!” & his debut album “When The Wind & The Wolves Howl.” The southern hemisphere’s diamond in the rough has stepped out after years of rebranding with visuals from his debut track, “AVE MARIA!” Cinematic and eccentric, GODBLESSHAZE began with his rebrand in 2021 after his “HITM” EP found success in and around Canada. However, he did not satisfy himself enough as he felt he could be more timeless. He has stated that the debut album needs to set the standard for his artistic projections and engrave an insane impression on first listeners.  At the beginning of this month, GODBLESSHAZE posted a snippet of his video chat with industry giant Timbaland. As he plays his unreleased album, you can hear the ecstatic reactions from the legend while he adds a speech from the critically acclaimed movie “300”, all caught on camera. However, it is unclear if Timbaland will feature on his debut album, but this collaboration would be a moment to remember for South Africans when it finally materializes.  We’ve sat down with GODBLESSHAZE to ask him questions about and surrounding this long-awaited debut release/s:  Can you tell us more about your debut single, “AVE MARIA!” and the meaning behind it? Hey guys, thank you for setting this up, I love what you’re doing for the independent artists it’s truly amazing.  “AVE MARIA!” came about when I came across a producer named “Exillian” via YouTube, a real legend who perfected his craft. When I heard the production for the first time, it sounded exactly like what I’ve been searching for in a beat — cinematic, monumental, and ground-breaking. When writing the record, the production usually tells me what to say, and when those strings came in at the end, I knew exactly what feeling and words to use. The concept hit the sweet spot because I’m catholic, and there are undertones of pain juxtaposed with the feeling of hope, so I immediately knew this was going on the album. I love this song with all my heart and can’t wait for everyone to hear it.  Can you tell us more about your video call with Timbaland and how you felt when he gave great feedback on your album, “When The Wind & The Wolves Howl”? That moment will never be forgetton on both ends. After the call he stated while still on IG live that “I’m not stupid or oblivious to what just happened”. To be on the recieving end of praise from a legend like himself, I couldn’t help but embrace the feeling of future success with this album. In the snippet I posted he was adding vocal clips to it while we listened, it was a true creative moment and I’m glad I could bring that out of him.  What can we expect from your debut album, “When The Wind & The Wolves Howl” and what’s the meaning behind the title?  You can expect simplistic grandeur, feelings of upliftment, and a soul-fulfilling experience. As for the title, I’m a big believer in sharpening your pen game with other writing practices, and poetry/journaling seems to be a common theme among creatives. In the midst of writing lines that are sonically worthy of being in a song, “When The Wind & The Wolves Howl” got jotted down, and I immediately knew it was of major importance. It made sense with my brand as one of my close friends at the time explained that my music sounds like the wind element & wolves I means my team of innovators and creators that are backing me in this fight for justice. It fits perfectly. What do you want your supporters and listeners to take away from your music? I want them to feel a sense of comfort and home within this cruel world, knowing that they have the necessary fuel to get them through the tough times (my music). I pray that I can make true change in this world one song at a time. Instagram