Search this site

Rising Milwaukee artist Petti Hendrix is making waves with his latest single, "Better Off Dead." This powerful and introspective track perfectly showcases his unique blend of punk, rock, and hip-hop. Known for his genre-defying sound and magnetic charisma, Petti Hendrix has been captivating audiences with his innovative approach to music. His previous single, "Be Ok," produced by the acclaimed Robbie Hiser, was a powerful introduction to his ability to take classic narratives and spin them through a unique sonic lens. Now, with "Better Off Dead," Petti Hendrix delves into the profound struggle of facing fixed circumstances and the heavy emotions that come near a relationship's demise. The song's raw and evocative lyrics take listeners on a journey through human emotion and the never-ending search for self-worth. The song is an energetic, powerful, and angsty listening experience. Crashing drums and heavy punk energy keep our ears locked in for the ride. Petti's raspy and melodic vocals portray all the pain and emotion we could ask for, perfectly complimented by the high-energy instrumentals brimming with emotion that punch listeners in the gut. It's clear that this track is starting a new musical chapter for Hendrix, as he continues establishing himself as a rising star in the music industry by creating deeply relatable music that resonates with fans on a personal level. This emotionally charged single is a must-listen for anyone struggling to find their worth, unsure of what (or who) might be bringing them down. Hear it yourself and find "Better Off Dead" by Petti Hendrix on all digital streaming platforms. Instagram

Singer-songwriter and dynamic recording artist Avamarie is blessing us with her heavenly musical stylings with a new R&B/pop single, "To Be Loved." The Los Angeles-based artist is also a dancer, actress, and model. She hails from upstate New York and studies opera, Shakespeare, ballet, and musical theater. With a profound desire to pursue music, Avamarie found herself finishing school in LA and currently living there. She is taking her music career to new heights with releases like the Grateful EP, not to mention new EPs coming soon. With dreamy, sultry vocals and lyrics of love, longing, temptation, heartache, and strength, Avamarie knows exactly how to spin listeners into her mystical sonic web—and "To Be Loved" is no exception. This stunning new single serves as the perfect introduction to Avamarie's impressive stylings. But if you're a loyal listener, consider it a needed refresh to your playlist. Expanding on "To Be Loved," this dreamy new single softly opens with lush guitar picking that leads into smooth R&B drums with a subtle, jazzy, New York undertone. You can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl. As she expresses the sensations of walking on air after finding the love of her dreams, the sweet sonics emphasize those emotions with catchy melodies for a truly well-rounded listening experience. It's a feel-good, uplifting R&B/pop song in which Avamarie confesses her devotion to this special someone, complimented by catchy guitar licks, a heavy bass line, and a bright horn section. It's undoubtedly one of the best modern-day ballads from an independent artist, and somehow, Avamarie makes it look effortless. Soak up the radiant vibes of Avamarie's stunning new single, "To Be Loved," now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to Buzz, Avamarie! What inspired the lyrical theme of "To Be Loved," and how does it reflect your personal experiences with love and relationships? I was really inspired by the records Worth it by Raye and Cuff It by Beyoncé. So I knew going into the session I wanted to make a love song that was positive and upbeat. I had a goal to make it the first blissful love song I ever wrote. I was in an era of writing so many heartbreaking songs and I wanted to channel some blissful moments I have experienced with past relationships, although they were fleeting. I was also watching a lot of Marilyn Monroe movies at the time and was inspired by the characters she played. I wanted this song to be cinematic and lyrically reference love like you see in the movies. I wanted it to be a character; for the hopeless romantics. I think we have all had blissful “perfect” moments in a relationship or at least have just experienced a loving moment with a person. Now whether that lasts is a different story. But I wanted to capture the feeling I have had when everything is going right, if even for a moment. Can you walk us through the process of creating "To Be Loved?" How did you decide on the blend of R&B and pop to create this bright, uplifting listening experience? I was really inspired by the records Worth It by Raye and Cuff It by Beyoncé, so I knew horns were going to be a component of this song. I also wanted the song to feel warm and have an R&B drum pattern, but I wanted chords that were bright and upbeat to drive the song, which was more pop-leaning. What do you hope listeners take away from "To Be Loved" emotionally? How did you want your lyrics to make them feel? I hope To Be Loved brings my listeners to a place of pure romance; whether a realistic thought they are currently living out with someone, or a dream, or a nostalgic reminiscing thought of when they felt like this with someone. This is the type of song you listen to going down the Pacific Coast Highway in the summertime with your person. For those searching for love, I hope this is a manifesting love song for them where they finally get what they deserve in a relationship. I hope it makes my listeners feel happy and hopeful about love. It is for the hopeless romantics. With your previous projects and move to Los Angeles, how do you think your music has evolved leading up to "To Be Loved?" This year, the focus words in my sessions have been cinematic and epic. With that focus, my sound has evolved drastically in the best way. Everything is much bigger, tells a story, and really emerges you into a whole world. I really want to paint a picture for my listeners that they can escape to. What was your favorite part about creating "To Be Loved"? What part of the process did you enjoy most? I truly loved every point of making this song. I think the session that stood out the most to me was when the producer Anton and I finished writing and recording everything, particularly the verse3/bridge, and finding the perfect words to fit the melody we already had. It felt like finding the last missing piece to a beautiful puzzle. I also recall the first session we had and I hummed the hook melody on my first freestyle pass and then put the lyrics to it by the end of that session. When I got in my car with the scratch demo, I could not stop listening to it on repeat, and I knew it was something special. That is always. The best feeling. Instagram Facebook

Toronto-based indie pop-rock duo The Manic Boys And Girls Club continues making the mark with another poignant release titled "Sorry." Comprised of siblings Bela and Fernando Fereira, The Manic Boys And Girls Club is best known for their dynamic blend of lush synthesizers and overdriven guitars alongside powerful storytelling that clutches the soul. They never shy away from helping listeners escape from societal norms and submissive existence, helping us embrace a world of authenticity and rebellion. Now releasing one of their most powerful singles yet, The Manic Boys And Girls Club puts it all on the line in "Sorry." The song showcases their storytelling prowess and lush instrumentation for a truly immersive listening experience. It's the perfect introduction to their diverse and engaging sound. Diving deeper into "Sorry," we're met with tender guitar riffs that lead into a crashing hook, where The Manic Boys And Girls Club unleashes their palpable inner pain with an apology straight from the get-go. The song's verses rain down those heavy emotions of owning your mistakes and the karma they come with, leading you to the one thing you have left: apologizing. It's a raw, dynamic, and powerful song with lush instrumentation that perfectly highlights the duo's raw, impressive storytelling abilities that let listeners weave their own reality into the experience. With an exciting outro that ramps up hope and motivation, The Manic Boys And Girls Club has perfectly conveyed a sliver of the human experience in the most genuine and impactful way possible. Don't miss out; find The Manic Boys And Girls Club's newest single, "Sorry," on all digital streaming platforms, and see the band perform live at The Rivoli in Toronto on June 21. Welcome to Buzz, Bela and Fernando! We're head over heels for the raw emotion in your recent single, "Sorry." What inspired you to write such a personal and heartfelt track like this? First off, that is nice to hear. Thank you. “Sorry” is about the people we affect and the relationships we sabotage while we’re still figuring ourselves out. The song was written over a long period of time, so I think it was inspired by a few different personal situations we were both going through at the given time. Because Sorry was one of those unfinished song ideas in the back of our minds for a while, it’s also written from different perspectives, and, I guess, maturity levels. So what starts as an apology, turns to regret when looking back, writing as slightly less a-hole versions of ourselves. The instrumentation in "Sorry" is like its own emotional journey. What made you want to incorporate that upbeat and inspiring outro into what was a rather slow, emotional song? Our music is non-fiction and we definitely have our ups and downs. Life is not linear, so we take you on that ride with us. We don’t really think about what makes “sense” musically. Sorry is one of these rollercoasters of emotions. We’ve realized there is no turning back, all we have is right now and making things right in our futures, so it felt totally natural to turn the page drastically within the song. So, in our rehearsal room, we’d be getting louder, playing faster, creating a whole new perspective on this song. And it just felt right. No matter how many people were thrown off, or have told us this doesn’t make sense, it sounds exactly how we are feeling and what we are trying to communicate. That’s kind of the goal. Were there any projects or artists that might have influenced the sound and style of "Sorry?” Who or what might have impacted you during the creative process? I don’t think there is a specific artist or thing that would have influenced “Sorry.” It’s kind of deeper than that. Like a film score for the story we’re telling, without thinking about genre, or format. When we get in the studio, whatever the outcome becomes what The Manic Boys And Girls Club sounds like. What was your duo's favorite part about creating "Sorry?” Whether it was the instrumentation, lyrics, or release, which part of the process did you enjoy most? There are bands that go into the studio with everything super prepared, pre-produced, and creative decisions made walking in. I have also heard of bands that write and record like 20 songs and choose their favorite 10 for the record. We’re a little different. When going in to record a 5 song EP. We walked in with 4 songs, 80% done, and a few rough ideas kicking around. The excitement for me is the unknown magic that happens in the studio. It doesn’t always work out, but that is why music is exciting. We always leave like 20% for the experimentation and last minute moments that develop in the recording studio. That improv and excitement in the room is always our favorite part. What was your goal in terms of the listener's experience with "Sorry?” What did you want them to feel and take away? We might not get a second chance, so let’s treat each other right and hold the ones we love cause regret sucks. It’s not too late to write our finale, so let’s make it a good one. Instagram

Toronto-based independent artist and singer-songwriter Brocoy is tugging on heartstrings with his recent album, Brightest Light, featuring the powerful and emotional lead single, "Needles." The multi-talented musician has poured his heart and soul into Brightest Light, promising listeners an unforgettable sonic experience that spans a wide range of genres and emotions. His blend of talents has already garnered attention from platforms like IDIOTEQ, Punktastic, The Bad Copy, Exclaim's The Eh! List playlist on Spotify, and more. Brocoy's creative prowess shines through in the album's lead single, "Needles," offering a captivating introduction to the eclectic mix of sounds and themes explored throughout Brightest Light. Recorded in his home studio, Brocoy's hands-on approach brings listeners intricate layers of instrumentation and production, making for pristine ear candy. Diving deeper into "Needles," the cinematic listening experience begins with tender strings and piano melodies alongside Brocoy's smooth vocals that sing a personal message of love, loss, and that bitter feeling inside. It's a powerful song that perfectly highlights those emotions deep within, and those things we must say before we regret staying silent. The production and instrumentation seamlessly blend into this profoundly emotional experience, ramping up the cinematic feel that immerses listeners even deeper into the song. The emotion is palpable, and Brocoy does an excellent job portraying those feelings that can be too challenging to speak about. It's a perfect taste of his new album, Brightest Light, and a peek into his personal world that listeners will surely relate to. Hear it yourself and find Brocoy's lead single, "Needles," from his 10-track album Brightest Light, now available on all digital streaming platforms. Instagram

The elusive Toronto artist continues to impress with another captivating release. Born in Toronto, Canada, few are destined for the stage in the way that the artist we know as Harkness was. Having grown up as the second of five children in a family where both parents were talented musicians, young Harkness was inspired to delve deeply into music, often faking illness to stay home and explore his father’s extensive record collection. Having absorbed the sounds of legends like John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, Billie Holiday, and Miles Davis (among others) in his youth, it’s no surprise that Harkness’s natural ear for melodies has held up in the present day. Learning piano at four and discovering a passion for guitar at twelve, Harkness planted the seeds for the beginning of his grand musical journey early. Growing up, his love for music was second to none, and his natural affinity for it even propelled him to drop out of school at seventeen to tour extensively. Having played across Canada, the U.S., U.K., and Europe with various bands and musicians, including Paul Humphrey and Sara Craig, Harkness racked up experience, honing his craft on stages the world over. Harkness’s hunger for improvement and personal approach to his artistry means he’s continuously adding depth to his releases. “All The Things You Are” is the latest manifestation of his artistic ability, and an excellent representation of what he’s capable of. As his guitar eases you into a lush, nostalgic soundscape, Harkness sings. As he drops lines like “Raise your flag today/tomorrow shoot it down / make the same mistakes,” Harkness reflects on all the pain and all the love that has brought him to this point. “All The Things You Are” captivates with its nostalgic and weirdly comforting instrumentals, but the sincerity with which Harkness sings definitely takes this release to the next level. Through his music, Harkness hopes that his songs help people discover miraculous things about themselves and the world. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream Harkness’s new release “All The Things You Are”, out now on all majour streaming platforms. Welcome to Buzz, Harkness! We loved “All The Things You Are”, we’re dying to know! What was the inspiration behind this release, and what was your favorite part of bringing your vision for this release to life? 'All The Things You Are' came to me in a very vivid dream so this song's inception felt particularly pure and deep to me. I sprung out of bed and picked up my guitar and the whole song spilled out of me in a fast and furious way. As I was writing it, the words were colorfully indirect, but the message and feeling were clear. Despite many of us having been through horrible and challenging moments in our lives this song hopes to remind us that we are not defined by them, that we are much bigger than that. It's my wish that 'All The Things You Are' can serve as a beacon to those who have been through some form of physical or mental trauma and help them find their way back to the truth, back to the immeasurable, indestructible beauty of their total being. I think my favorite part of bringing this song to life was sharing the experience with all of the people who contributed to it, which included a brilliant young filmmaker named Maria Markina. She is the director of a feature-length film about Harkness, and she was there at every single recording session, capturing it all on film. Maria's presence helped create an extra exciting atmosphere and energy for all of the musicians and myself, it's something I had never experienced before and sets this song apart from all of my others. What’s your favorite part of the creative process, and why? There is so much about the whole creative process that I enjoy. I love recording all of the various musicians visiting my studio and also performing many instruments myself; we really shoot for the stars in every session. Mixing is also a super satisfying process, listening to the song as it slowly takes its final sonic shape. But without question my very favorite part of the creative process is the birth of the song. It is and always has been a profoundly mysterious process. Anytime a new song comes through me it is incredibly uplifting to the point of sheer bliss, reaffirming all that is sacred and beautiful to me. What’s been your favorite part of your music journey so far, and what does music mean to you? Aside from the creative act itself I have absolutely loved working with so many other fellow musicians. Having someone arrive at your door with a Tuba or Bassoon Cello and then spending such amazingly rich quality time together sculpting feelings with sound is an incredible trip every single time. Sometimes, it's effortless, and you nail the performance and vibe immediately, and other times, you really have to dig deep to achieve that high you are looking for. Either way, it's the most fun in the world for me. The whole process is dependent on an almost psychic, heartfelt, and invisible communication. Ultimately I think that's what music means to me and why I do it i.e. it's a borderless meeting of souls, there really is no better way to reach someone's core in a real way than through a good song. If your listeners could take one thing away from your music, what would you want it to be and why? There are so many things I think people can take from what I do and my music. I think the major one is inspiration, i.e., 'If I can do it, You can do it,' and I would hope that applies to any and all vocations and dreams. I live my life doing exactly what I love with no restrictions, always have, and always will. There is absolutely nothing stopping you from focusing on what means the very most to you and putting your whole life behind it. Just like any path you choose, there will be constant challenges and obstacles, but at least this way, your heart and soul are at peace with the choices you make every single day. What’s next for Harkness, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans? 'All The Things You Are' is the first of a new group of singles I will be releasing from summer to fall, leading up to the release of my full album, Ciao To The Beauty. So get ready for lots of colorful, creative music coming your way. There is also a feature length film called 'Harkness' Directed by a fantastic young filmmaker named Maria Markina that will be hitting film festivals worldwide this year. It is a very exciting and emotional trip that goes deep into the journey and world of Harkness, capturing all of the colorful characters in my life, so catch it if you can. While I have this chance I'd like to say Thank You to everyone and anyone who takes the time to listen to my music and explore my creative pursuits, it is appreciated beyond words. Instagram Facebook

Will she find the love she needs to drive her loneliness away? From winning the Rising Star competition at the CNE Bandshell to her illustrious collaborations with industry luminaries like Tom Wilson and Lori Yates, Burlington’s Charissa has long seemed destined for big things. Captivated in her youth by legendary artists like Stevie Nicks, Queen, and Whitney Houston, Charissa would soon find that her innocent musical passions would become the start of something truly special. As she continues to capture hearts one heartfelt release at a time, you’ll want to keep an eye on this rising star. Marching to the beat of her own drum at all times, one thing Charissa refuses to do is compromise on her artistic vision. She puts every fiber of her artistic being into her releases, continuously pushing to improve and perfect her skills. Shockingly transparent, Charissa’s lyrics bare all. She covers topics like love, heartbreak, and pain, channeling her powerful vocals and ear for melodies to bring you captivating releases that impress both with their sound and artistic depth. Charissa’s latest release, “Lonely Lately,” feels like an immersive, emotional, Americana-inspired journey of musical goodness. Co-written with the illustrious Chelsea McWilliams of The Redhill Valleys and impeccably produced by Tim Allard, a relaxing, guitar-led instrumental performance sets the stage for Charissa’s iconic vocals to steal the show. And steal the show she does, with lines like “But lord knows I’ll wait forever / Cause I’ve been lonely for your love” being delivered with breathtaking vocal depth and emotion that you feel in your bones and soul. An enchanting testament to Charissa’s continued musical brilliance, “Lonely Lately” emerges as a poignant narrative of longing and introspection, a melodic testament to the universal ache of missing someone dear. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream Charissa’s new release “Lonely Lately,” out now on all majour streaming platforms. Welcome to Buzz, Charissa! We loved “Lonely Lately.” What an emotionally gripping piece! We had to ask, what was the inspiration behind this release? Thank you for having me, Buzz Music! I’m so proud of “Lonely Lately.” The truth is that at the time when I was writing this song with my co-writer, Chelsea McWilliams, I wasn’t really missing anyone, but I put myself in songwriter mode and thought about how I’d feel if I was missing someone. It made me think about a past long-distance relationship when I was younger, so I just went with that feeling, and we ended up finishing the song that day. Thank you for seeing that fearless vulnerable songwriting, I feel like I wear my heart on my sleeve. My experiences are so important to me and my music, as I love to write about my own personal experiences. What’s your favorite part of the creative process, and can you take us through the creative process for “Lonely Lately?” My favorite part of the creative process is songwriting. I love songwriting sessions and how you can just pour your heart out. Recording it in the studio with Tim Allard and Chelsea McWilliams was an amazing experience. We spent a lot of time on the vocals, really trying to capture the emotion in the song. My favorite moment was when we started to record the choir like vocals and hand claps. We were sharing one mic and just pretending we were this massive choir, it was so much fun! What do you enjoy the most about being able to make music and share it with your fans? The thing I love most about making music is being honest and sharing my truth. The most meaningful part about it is the connections I make with people and hearing how a song makes them feel. What does music mean to you, and what do you think is the most important quality for a musician to have? To me, music is so healing. I love writing songs and letting my emotions out. It’s literally like therapy, but I also get to help others, too, I think, in some ways. I believe the most important qualities a musician can have are creativity, strength, and determination. You have to have a creative mind and a strong will to persevere through all the obstacles in today’s music industry to get your songs heard! What’s next for Charissa, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans? Definitely more music! I’ve been working really hard in the studio on my overall sound and songwriting. I will be releasing a small EP, a collection of songs that are really special to me that I’m very proud of. To the fans, I just want to say a huge thank you for all the support and love you give me and I hope you love the new song!  Thank you for having me Buzz! Instagram Facebook

Jess Debenhams first release of 2024, “Holy, Holy, Holy,” is a soul-stirring invitation to praise and adoration inspired by Psalm 84. Jess has been zealously working on a major project for the past 2 years: a dedication of praise to the revelation of grace in her life. Her drive comes through the desire to share the gifts of grace she has received and lessons learned with other Jesus lovers. “Holy, Holy, Holy” serves as the prologue to the slowly unraveling journey of Jess’ upcoming live album “MUCH BETTER” and satisfies its role to draw us into an atmosphere of undoubted joy and worship. Her lyrics are definitive, inviting listeners into bold assurance of the surpassing worth of Jesus to declare that life with Jesus is so much better than anything the world could offer. The song bursts into a dynamic interplay between the rhythmic heartbeat percussion and expressive acoustic guitar, laying the ground for Jess’ magnetic vocals to resonate with an ardently confident joy. The combination of spacious synths, gratifying adlibs on the keys, and full-bodied backing vocals are woven together to create an ambiance that encourages us to lay aside our idols and join in Jess’ jubilant proclamation of God’s glorious grace. The landscape of the anthem rides on a soulful, percussive groove that marches through a forest of melodiously singable, truth-filled verses, roams an open valley freely declaring “with you is so much better”, climbs to a mountaintop of release where the vocals paint an air of surrender for Jesus to “come have your way” while the instruments maintain the tension of subtle expectation. Immerse yourself today in Jess Debenham's “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Instagram

From Memphis to Nashville, singer-songwriter and country recording artist Elise Harper releases one of her most impactful songs yet, "Bartender Therapy." Coming in a 4'11", Elise Harper's presence in the musical world is substantial. With a background in country, gospel, and pop, Harper moved to Nashville in 2015 and never looked back. She's gone on to share stages with acts like Chris Janson and Jimmie Allen, discovering a deep passion for songwriting along the way. She's now releasing powerful songs like her latest, "Bartender Therapy," co-written with Sarah Jones, Jason Lane, and the late Craig Wilson, who passed away unexpectedly in March of 2023. Now releasing the song in his honor, as it was one of Craig's favorites, Elise Harper also released a heartstring-tugging music video to deepen the experience. Expanding on "Bartender Therapy," you'd think it would be an upbeat country banger with a name like that. But it runs much deeper. Elise Harper opens the song with lush, soothing instrumentals and vocals that express the story of a young woman navigating a tumultuous journey through love. It's heartfelt, honest, and perfectly expresses those personal emotions of post-breakup blues. But what's eye-opening is how Harper ties in others' experiences in the song's music video. While she might be venting to the bartender over a breakup, someone else might have lost their job or, worse, a loved one. And this single perfectly honors those one-off conversations that feel like therapy sessions. When no one else is listening, there's someone behind the counter who might. Find Elise Harper's stunning new single, "Bartender Therapy," on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to Buzz, Elise! You've truly moved us with your heartfelt and personal new single, "Bartender Therapy." What inspired you to create this unique song? I wrote this song in the midst of COVID after my ex tried to come back into my life. I didn’t want to admit that I missed him but was intrigued that he kept calling and texting after proposing to the girl he cheated on me with. I was constantly talking to friends and asking their advice. But the truth is, all I really wanted to do was go to the local bar and drown my sorrows for the night. Even though it’s normal to miss someone, I didn’t want to let him back into my life, I knew he was toxic. Writing this song was so cathartic. It was a way to analyze and evaluate my feelings privately, without ever having to speak to him again. Writing a good song is a lot like a therapy session. It’s one of the reasons I love music so much. What was your experience co-writing "Bartender Therapy" with the late Craig Wilson and other songwriters? What did you enjoy most about that collaboration? I loved writing this song with my co-writers Sarah Jones, Jason Lane and Craig Wilson. We always had such a great time and work well together. We were on a writer’s retreat in Florida and some violent storms rolled through our area and the power went out. We sat there in the dark for a few minutes, rounded up some candles, and tried to come up with a plan. I pitched an idea I’d been sitting on for a while and behold “Bartender Therapy” was born. What I enjoy most about collaborating with these writers is how well we work together. Everyone brings different strengths to the table. I like bringing the ideas and stories I want to write, along with vocals. Craig was a master at capturing my thoughts and turning them into lyrics. He was one of the most talented people I’ve ever known. I still can’t believe he’s gone. Such a loss for our community. I miss him every day. Jason brings the beats, melodies, and catchy hooks. And then there is Sarah, throwing out lyrics so good and fresh we must add them. She’s the glue that holds us together. I couldn’t ask for a better bunch of folks to write with. I am blessed. What was your vision for the "Bartender Therapy" music video? What visuals and scenes did you want to get across to viewers? I wanted this video to stand out and really connect with the listeners. It had to be cool and unique, and I wanted a bit of a twist at the end. So, I made myself the bartender, finally revealing my face in the last scene. This song is important to me because it’s about events that have shaped my life and changed me forever. The video had to be great. There are hidden messages and meanings I wanted to share. I hope I am able to explain more about that someday in a longer interview. The most important thing I wanted to mention in this video is that even if you are surrounded by precious friends and family who love you, you can still struggle and feel alone. I want people to know that grief and losing someone isn’t easy. It takes time to process your emotions. I want people to know that it’s ok to go to therapy and talk things out with a professional you trust and that you aren’t a weak person for doing so. Our culture doesn’t talk about grieving really. We should be able to just bury the pain and move on…right? That’s just not realistic or healthy. How does "Bartender Therapy" stand out from your previous releases? What makes it different? ”Bartender Therapy” is different from any other song I have released because it is pure, traditional country. From the instruments to the lyrics to the vocals, this is a real, raw country song. The live piano and acoustic guitar begin the song standing out front, while the gentle percussion keeps the tempo. Then, the kiss of the pedal steel enters to tug at your heartstrings and make you feel like you are sitting in a rundown bar. What did you want listeners to experience when hearing "Bartender Therapy"? What did you want them to take away? I want the listeners to feel like this is a song they can relate to. We all have those friends that we confide in, covering the same ground over and over, hoping for new wisdom or insight. If you don’t have friends like that…get you some! Life is hard, so find a tribe that will support you, rejoice with you, grieve with you, but isn’t afraid to be honest with you. If you can find that, and be that to others in return, you will have one of the most precious and valuable resources you can have here on earth. Sure, you can go to a bar and throw a little liquor down to numb the pain for a time, but it’s that community of friends that is gonna see you through. Finally, don’t call your cheating ex! They are like abusers. THEY don’t change, they just change the women they abuse. Instagram Facebook

Serenading listeners into a daring daydream is Monique Staffile from The Infamous HER, treating our speakers to a steamy new single and music video titled "Dare Me." The Infamous HER never fails to put on a show and turn heads. Led by pop-rock singer-songwriter and talented performer Monique Staffile, she and her band are known for their genre-defying, era-defying tunes that are equally enticing and conceptual. The same can be said about the new single and music video directed by David Dutton, "Dare Me." There's something to be said about the general thrill of getting dared, and Staffile brings that feeling to the masses in this hot new tune. The song's music video doubles down on the theme with what seems to be a party that's about to step out of PG-13 territory. It's provocative and alluring, and nobody quite does it like Monique. Diving deeper into "Dare Me," the track kicks into gear with heavy synths that lead into a toe-tapping mid-tempo pop-rock groove, bringing us to the dancefloor. As we reach the hook, Staffile leans into an elegant and charming chorus that sweeps us off our feet, reminiscent of soothing 60s film soundtracks. This sonic feast is even more vivid in David Dutton's stunning music video, capturing all sorts of teases from Staffile around the yard, by the pool, daring someone to dare her to do something wild. It's a captivating yet equally enchanting experience that's sure to send listeners under Monique Staffile's spell Hear it (and see it) yourself. Find The Infamous HER's new single, "Dare Me," on all digital streaming platforms and catch the music video on YouTube. Welcome back to Buzz, The Infamous HER! We love the exciting and sultry scene you've set with your new single, "Dare Me." What inspired you to explore this particular 'daring' theme? HA, It's kinda a secret. I never kiss and tell, so you'll have to use your imagination. "Dare Me" seamlessly blends modern pop-rock, hints of '60s film soundtracks, and much more. Can you speak on the process of crafting this unique sound and how you achieved it? When I wrote it, I was listening to a lot of Nancy Sinatra and Brigitte Bardot vinyl. They were very much an inspiration for creating the sound. We've noticed that your music often crosses traditional genre boundaries. How do you approach blending different musical styles, and has it helped you find a 'signature' sound? I think it's my curse. I grew up in NYC listening to all types of music, so somehow it comes out in my writing. But I do love an artist who keeps you guessing, and I think that every song I put out is different from the last, which I think keeps a listener intrigued. We're head over heels for the David Dutton-directed music video for "Dare Me." What was your favorite part about shooting the music video alongside your team? The whole video was shot in my house, which was super fun! Even though my band is not IN the video, they were all at the shoot and watching me and the girls behind the camera, which was inspiring and made for a fun time. It was like we were acting for them. While "Dare Me" is quite provocative and alluring, was there a particular feeling or concept you wanted listeners to take away? It's about taking the dare and trying it because you might like it. Yes, it can be a sexy dare. But it can also be about life and living life. Try living life in someone else's shoes, putting on a costume, experimenting, and going out of your comfort zone because, hey, you might try it, and you might even like it. Instagram Facebook

Author: Lindsay Griffin Good music and good horse races are all about telling stories. Both involve tapping into life’s rhythms, pushing yourself, and having the heart and courage to pull something great out of yourself. When executed correctly, both can have a majorly transformative effect not only on the participant but also on the world around them. Horse racing is also connected to high society. Many people go to the race track not simply for the horses but to see and be seen. There is always an audience available when the biggest races are being run, and there can never be too many performances. It is, therefore, unsurprising that many music artists have enjoyed the Sport of Kings over the years. They have been involved in different capacities—some as owners, some as songwriters, some as participants or track personalities—but all have left a major impact on the worlds of both music and horse racing. Here are just a few of the music artists of the past and present who have demonstrated a major passion for Thoroughbred racing. Will we see any of these names in the TwinSpires Belmont Stakes in Saratoga? Stephen Foster Stephen Foster is most known in horse racing circles for having written “My Old Kentucky Home,” which is ironic as he never once even set foot in the state of Kentucky. However, Foster was undoubtedly a fan of horse racing. He also composed the popular folk tune “Camptown Ladies,” which describes a nineteenth-century day at the races. Although his lyrics in African American dialect and their use in minstrel shows are criticized as racist today, Foster was a friend to abolitionist author Harriet Beecher Stowe and supported emancipation. Bing Crosby A legendary performer from Hollywood’s golden age, Bing Crosby was intimately involved in the California Thoroughbred racing scene in the 1930s and the 1940s. He was one of the founding members of the Del Mar Turf Club, the governing body of Del Mar Race Track in southern California. He often made appearances at the track, both to perform and to greet racegoers. He composed a short song, “Where The Turf Meets The Surf,” which is played on the track frequently. Crosby was also an accomplished racehorse owner. In addition to Del Mar, Crosby owned and operated Binglin Stables. His most famous racehorse was likely Ligaroti, a talented colt who was most known for running the great Seabiscuit to a nose in a $25,000 winner-take-all match race- the first horse race nationally broadcast by NBC. Dan Fogelberg Dan Fogelberg, a popular music artist from the 1970s and 1980s, is the writer and performer of “Run for the Roses.” Written because Fogelberg was a fan of the Kentucky Derby (and horse racing in general) but had never attended the historic race, the song was first performed the night before the 1980 edition of the Kentucky Derby. Later, Fogelberg included the song on his 1981 album, The Innocent One. The lyrics to the song describe a young foal’s picturesque early life in Kentucky, as he romps through sunny green pastures with his mother. As the verses progress, it represents the horse’s development as he undergoes training to compete in the Kentucky Derby, known as The Run For The Roses: “the chance of a lifetime in a lifetime of chance.” MC Hammer The noted rapper MC Hammer owned Oaktown Stable with several members of his family, and during the early 1990s- the height of Hammer’s musical success- he made a name for himself as a racehorse owner. He and his family became popular at the races for their exuberance and charisma. Hammer was the owner of two very prominent horses. The first was the filly Lite Light, who won the 1990 Kentucky Oaks in a ten-length romp, as well as several other prestigious races in her division. Hammer also owned Dance Floor, a colt who won two graded stakes races as a two-year-old and, as a three-year-old, added the Fountain of Youth Stakes as well as good thirds in the Kentucky Derby and the Travers Stakes. Jack Harlow Rapper and singer Jackman “Jack” Harlow is a native of Louisville, Kentucky, the host city of the Kentucky Derby. This means that even if he was not directly involved in the industry, he grew up in a culture enmeshed with it. The minutiae of daily life comes to a screeching halt in Louisville during Derby Week, and everyone in the city loyally follows the happenings around Churchill Downs. Jack Harlow was honored in his hometown during the 2022 edition of the race. He walked the red carpet during the celebrity-laden parties leading up to the Derby. Harlow was also named “Grand Marshal” of the Kentucky Derby, meaning that he was the one to give the iconic call for “Riders up” prior to the playing of My Old Kentucky Home.