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Montreal-based band Midnight Miles dares to be different in a musical world defined mainly by the ability to hop on the latest musical trend. Instead of perfecting the classic sound of good old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll, the 5-piece band is on a mission to fearlessly create and perform authentic rock 'n' roll that provides listeners with a welcome dose of nostalgia yet remains deliciously contemporary. With their nostalgic yet modern touch on classic rock, Midnight Miles adds a modern spin to a classic sound. Whether traveling the countryside or cruising through the city, with their spunky instrumentals, free-wheeling guitar and liberating feel, Midnight Miles provides you with the perfect road trip backdrop. Entirely self-produced as well, Midnight Miles are new but enter the musical world with poise and sound that indicate they’ll be making bangers for a long time. Their latest release, “Don’t Worry (bout a thing),” is an electrifying introduction to the band’s significant musical abilities. Over the aforementioned free-wheeling instrumentals, Midnight Miles jam with an infectious energy that makes you forget everything else. Whether they’re belting out the chorus (“Don’t you worry bout a thing / Do my best to make your heart sing”) or singing other lyrics like “If and when you got it bad / Rest assured I’m gonna be here whatever it takes until there’s no more sad,” Midnight Miles do it with positively infectious energy. With their commitment to crafting original, authentic rock 'n' roll, Midnight Miles is a must-watch for anyone who loves classic rock. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream “Don’t Worry (bout a thing),” available now on all major streaming platforms. We loved “Don’t Worry (bout a thing)”; it was such a perfect execution of the sound! It felt so nostalgic too! We have to ask, where did the inspiration for “Don’t Worry (bout a thing)” come from? Happy to be here. Thanks for the kind words. Sometimes when we find ourselves struggling, there’s someone out there who can turn it all around for us. In “Don’t worry (‘bout a thing),” this happens to the main character. They’ve got the blues, but then someone comes along and reminds us of the many things we’ve got to be thankful for. As the song progresses, a more liberated main character vows to always be there for this other person in the same way, no matter what. A testament to what goes around comes around. How did “Midnight Miles” come to be? Justin Wiley (our drummer & producer) and I (Ryan Setton) have played in bands together for over a decade. During the pandemic, we started crafting a new project that would feel uncontrived and liberating simultaneously. After writing the first few songs, we began the search for musicians we wanted in our band. By early 2022, our team had in place a whole show's worth of original music ready to roll. You mentioned you’re currently based in Montreal, Quebec. What’s your favorite thing about the music scene there, and how did it contribute to you guys as artists? People often describe Montreal as a musical city because people here love live music. One thing that holds true is the scene has a little something for everyone. Cutting one’s teeth in the many local venues here is a good opportunity for any artist to hone their craft, regardless of where they’re from. That being said, however, what continues to contribute to our process the most is more about our combined musical tastes rather than where we’re based. What do you want fans to feel when they listen to your music? We want our fans to be exhilarated and deeply connected. Connected to the music, themselves, each other, and the world around us. Well… that and we want it to feel like cruising down the highway with the windows rolled down. What’s next for Midnight Miles? Do you have any big plans for the rest of the year? We will be playing a lot this year in celebration of our debut EP, Steal Away! We’re also back in the studio working on a new batch of really juicy original music, which we hope to release later in 2023. Instagram Artist Website

Thomas Orlina, the Filipino-American virtuoso from Los Angeles, is no stranger to the spotlight. As a singer, songwriter, host, producer, and mental health advocate, he's been making waves in the entertainment industry for over a decade. With his YouTube series "Your Time With Thomas" as his launchpad, he's dazzled audiences at studios, red-carpet events, and production gigs. His impressive social media presence and commitment to mental health, diversity, and inclusion have earned him features in prestigious publications like CNN, Forbes, and GLAAD. Thomas is truly a force to be reckoned with. Orlina's latest single, "I Want It Right Now," is a full-on EDM extravaganza that invites listeners to strap in and prepare for a wild ride. Boasting ethereal synths and pumping bass, this song perfectly embodies that festival vibe we all know and love. It's a euphoric cocktail of sounds that will have you losing calories dancing, even if you're vibing in your living room. From the get-go, "I Want It Right Now" transports you to a world where inhibitions are tossed to the wind, and the night is a playground of endless possibilities. The lyrics capture that feeling of being tied down for far too long and finally letting go, embracing the moment's energy. The refrain "I want it right now" becomes a mantra of pure, unadulterated desire. As the song progresses, the lyrics evoke images of vibrant dance floors, flashing cameras, and a thirst for living life to the fullest. Orlina's voice weaves through the soundscape like a call to adventure, reminding us that there's no better time than the present to seize the day and follow our destiny. "I Want It Right Now" is the ultimate auditory treat for anyone who loves to dance and embrace life with open arms. Thomas Orlina's unique blend of EDM, electric synth grooves, and anthemic lyrics create an irresistible, fun, and witty bop for living without regrets. Press play and let the magic of "I Want It Right Now" take you up! Dance away with this one today, available on all platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Thomas Orlina; congrats on letting your soul free on your latest anthem, "I Want It Right Now," were there any specific experiences or emotions you drew from to develop the lyrics and theme? How does the song title embody the core message you hoped to convey to your listeners? Thank you so much for having me! I wanted to hit a reset on my image and show off another side of me. With this new single, I think you hear a more confident version of myself, someone who's not afraid to speak up and be assertive, which is what the song is about. The song allowed me to get in touch with my emotions, build character, and create a whole new vibe to my pop music catalog. My last single, "This Time," was personal, which I think worked well with the ties to my mental health story. For this single, I wanted to shift gears, free myself from restrictions, and make music that made me want to get up, turn up the music, and dance. "I Want It Right Now" has a captivating, upbeat energy that keeps listeners hooked. How do you approach the songwriting process to craft memorable hooks and choruses, and what role does the song title play in creating this memorable effect? For this new single, "I Want It Right Now," I wanted to create a memorable chorus and lyrically build an easy and straightforward message. When I ideate song concepts, I try to align them with how I feel in the moment and what I think will work to capture my followers and fans personally. For this particular song, I created an anthem around celebrating confidence and embracing the idea of feeling comfortable in our own skin. I think this message has been needed for a while in my music catalog, so I jumped at the opportunity to craft lyrics that went with this theme. When you think about today's society, whether on social media or in real life, people are looking for things with immediate satisfaction. So when I came up with the title, it made complete sense to have a song that had a very bold statement and was direct. Music videos can convey an artist's vision for a song. If you were to create a visually engaging music video for "I Want It Right Now," how would you incorporate the song title into the storyline, setting, or visual elements? The idea behind this music video is to showcase intricate choreography. I've always looked up to artists like Britney Spears, who have iconic choreography to their songs, so that was the main concept for this video. I found the right choreographer, Kyle Thompson, who knew exactly what I was looking for, and he nailed it. We also wanted to have vibrant colors for the video to embrace Pride Month and have that electric party atmosphere. You can expect a lot of dancing throughout the video. My team and I went all out for the dance routine, and we can't wait to perform it live someday! The lyrics of "I Want It Right Now" evoke a sense of urgency and desire. How do you hope listeners will react or relate to this message? Can you share personal anecdotes or stories embodying the song's title and essence? When I wrote the song, I wanted to come out with a record that had a more mature sound to it. I've never released an EDM-inspired song, so I told my team we must go for it and prepare it for the summer. I think people today have less patience and are looking for what they want with fast results, so I think the song title will grab their attention more than anything and connect with them personally. The lyrics are edgier and evoke a lot of power, and I feel like that embodies where I'm at right now as an artist and a person. I don't care as much as I did before about what I felt was important; now, my life is more about living in the present, living life to the fullest, and I think that's the most relatable part. As you continue to evolve as an artist and advocate for mental health, diversity, and inclusion, how do you see the themes and messages of "I Want It Right Now" influencing your future projects? Are there any specific goals or aspirations you're currently working towards that tie into the song's title? Every single I've released is a story reflecting what I'm going through during that period. From my debut single, "Brush It Off," which was my empowerment era, to "Journey," which was my romance era and nod to my relationship, to "This Time," which was dedicated to mental health, I have set up my fourth single, "I Want It Right Now," to be an opener of more EDM pop songs to come. My team and I are currently working on new music and playing with new sounds and lyrics, so we look forward to sharing it with the world when it's ready. The next goal is definitely to perform these songs live on stage. Instagram Twitter

Thomas Orlina is a multi-dimensional force in the entertainment world. He wears many hats as an accomplished singer and songwriter and shines as a host and producer. Of Filipino-American heritage, he's passionate about mental health advocacy and is well-known in the industry. He has established a significant following on social media and is dedicated to utilizing his platform for social good. He seeks to raise awareness on societal issues such as diversity, mental health, and the Stop Asian Hate movement, amongst many others. Orlina's impactful activism for the LGBTQ+ community has earned him multiple features by GLAAD, a leading LGBTQ+ rights organization. From his docu-series on YouTube, "Your Time With Thomas," reaching over 100k views, to being featured by Forbes for his music, Orlina has established himself as a versatile artist. Thomas is celebrating Pride month by releasing his fourth song, "I Want It Right Now," on June 8th. He added to the excitement by unveiling an accompanying music video to be released on June 23rd. "I Want It Right Now" is more than an everyday pop song. It holds a powerful message celebrating the beauty of self-confidence and embracing your individuality. The song's message is conveyed in the music video, directed by Sophie Peineke and edited by Charles Gray. The video opens with Orlina surrounded by dancers, sipping wine, bathed in ambient light flashes. As the song accelerates, the visuals become even more mesmerizing. The dancers synchronization is accompanied by a few solo performances, adding layers of complexity. The footage symbolizes unity and individuality, mirroring the song's lyrical themes. The celebratory atmosphere is not only a nod to Pride month but a reflection of Orlina's ongoing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and unapologetic expression. Welcome back to BuzzMusic, Thomas Orlina, to discuss your new music video for your latest hit, “I Want It Right Now.” Your music has a distinct culmination of electronic dance music with an early 2000s flair. Which artists or songs have played a key role in shaping your musical style? Thank you, BuzzMusic, for having me! Much of my sound was inspired by the early 2000s because that era was a big part of my life. Social media was limited; it was about waiting for the music to release on MTV or hearing it on the radio. In my music, we’ve pulled references from Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and more. I think Max Martin is a music genius, so I try to make my sound as close to his music as possible. “I Want It Right Now” is an auditory celebration accompanied by visuals that flawlessly reflect the song's energy. What inspired the concept for your latest music video? The song is vibrant, celebrating confidence and embracing who we are as people. So for the visual, I wanted to embody that. For this music video, I wanted a visual that had heavy choreography and gave my fans something they’d never seen before. You’ll also see an arrangement of colors representing the LGBTQ flag, which was important to me as an artist with a mission to spread inclusivity and diversity. The visuals for “I Want It Right Now” are lit with many bright colors, ranging from vivid pink to cool blue. How do the colors use in the footage reflect the theme or message of the song? We wanted to have this project ready for summer and Pride month. The colors reflect being free and celebrating who we are as people. It’s such a freeing song, so I think the video does a good job of representing having a great time, partying the night away, and feeling sexy. As an experienced musician and producer, you have developed an impressive portfolio of songs and music videos. Your visuals uniquely capture the various facets of your values as a Human Rights advocate. How does “I Want It Right Now” differentiate itself from your previous music videos? Every project I’ve worked on has a direct message I’m trying to convey. My team and I take a lot of time pairing the lyrics with the visuals. In “Brush It Off,” I wanted to highlight the Black Lives Matter movement and speak on empowerment. “Journey” was about romance, a nod to my partner, and sharing my love of travel. For “This Time,” my most personal song yet, I talked about the importance of mental health awareness. The difference between “I Want It Right Now” is that this project is about feeling good in your skin. From the choreography to the interaction with my dancers, it’s a celebration of life and being more assertive. I think the video reflects that. As a notable figure and activist in the LGBTQ+ community, what is the significance of releasing your music video during Pride month? What do you hope listeners take away from this project? A: Growing up, I never really saw any examples of public figures that looked like me that inspired me to go after my dreams in music. There was rarely any Filipino-American gay artist who I looked up to. Now you have people like global superstar Bretman Rock on the cover of Vogue Philippines and Grammy-winning artist Olivia Rodrigo on the scene; I think it’s great for the Filipino community to see more mainstream artists. I hope whoever watches this music video, especially during Pride month, realizes that anything can happen with the right mindset and team. My journey hasn’t been easy, but I never gave up on myself, and to this day, I am doing more with my career than ever before. I want people to feel more confident with themselves and the decisions they make in the future. Instagram Twitter

The LA-based singer-songwriter and mental health advocate is taking the time to care for himself. In pop music and modern society, few people are as dedicated to tackling mental health issues as Thomas Orlina. A gay Filipino-American mental health advocate, singer, songwriter, and producer based in Los Angeles, Orlina has made it his mission to put mental health at the forefront of his artistic platform and use his music to make a positive difference. With his latest release, "This Time," he takes that mission to the next level. Inspired by Olivia Rodrigo and Machine Gun Kelly, "This Time" is a pop-rock anthem that tackles mental health struggles and putting your well-being first. Co-written by Christopher Bugna, the accompanying music video (directed by Sophie Peineke,) takes viewers on a powerful visual journey, highlighting the pressures of work, rejection, emotional fears, and the abuse of alcohol, among other issues. Through it all, Orlina's message is clear: life may be challenging, and we will occasionally fail, but we can face our challenges and come out stronger on the other side. Did you know that one in five teenagers has a mental health condition? As we approach World Teen Mental Wellness Day on March 2nd, “This Time” reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. Over bright and upbeat instrumentals, Orlina sings lyrics like “I’m doing it all for me / Happy, and I’m finally free” with a positive conviction that simply makes you feel like everything will be ok. We can’t wait to see how far Orlina can go, and one thing’s for sure; we’re rooting for him. Mental health has never been so important, and Thomas Orlina’s “This Time” proves that music can be a powerful tool to heal the soul and inspire. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream “This Time,” available now on all major streaming platforms. Keep an eye out for the accompanying music video on March 2nd. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Thomas Orlina. We loved “This Time”; what an empowering piece of work! Knowing about your passion for mental health advocacy, we had to ask, when did you get the inspiration for “This Time,” and how did that happen? Hey BuzzMusic, thanks for having me! I'm genuinely grateful to be among your amazing artists on the platform. I appreciate the kind words about my third music video, "This Time." My team and I worked hard to create a visual that was going to be impactful for the audience and resonate with people around the world who are ready to close a chapter on their past and open a new one for their future. Last year, I dealt with some mental health issues and contacted a therapist to guide me in the right direction. I think that was when I realized this was a turning point in my life and something I needed to do for myself. After my stint in therapy, I became inspired to write a song like this to connect to my audience and share the importance of bringing mental health to the forefront. As a Filipino-American, therapy isn't something my family has ever explored, so I wanted to show my audience that it doesn't matter what background or walk of life that you come from; seeking professional guidance is for everyone if they choose to do so. I remember getting onto my computer and writing how I felt, and the lyrics for the song came to me naturally, especially the second chorus. Once I met with my producers from MELT Music and my co-songwriter, Christopher Bugna, we created magic together. You mentioned you have a self-produced YouTube series, “Your Time With Thomas!” Why do you think mental health is so important, and how big of a role has “Your Time With Thomas” played in your advocacy for mental health? My show, "Your Time With Thomas," has been a place for many creative expressions. I've shared my coming out story, the challenges I've faced, and other people's stories. Regarding mental health, it is a great show to watch to get inspired on important subject matters. Mental health, now more than ever, is super important because we go through many ups and downs; we must take a step back and reflect. Life is short, and bringing awareness to mental health reminds us to take care of ourselves to enjoy life to the fullest. The show has given me the platform to express myself and my thoughts; it's allowed me the space to meet new people and gain followers worldwide that have been impacted by the show or connect with me on like-minded aspects of what the show brings. What inspires you to make music, and what was your favorite part of bringing the music video for “This Time” to life? I love writing music and seeing creative ideas come to life. This is my third single, and knowing that my words can transform into a visual project and help millions of people worldwide inspires me to continue making more music. This song was the most personal I've ever written, so seeing how much emotion is in the video and how the words are so true to how I felt when I wrote them was my favorite part of the creative process. If you wanted your fans to take one thing away from your music, what would it be? I would want my fans and followers to see that I have always had the drive to bring my vision to life and that I am truly passionate about how my words remain impactful. Releasing my debut single, "Brush It Off," set the tone for my feel-good mantra in my music, and I'm excited to continue to elevate the sound and direction my music goes in the future. What’s next for Thomas Orlina? Do you have any big plans for the rest of the year? This year I have a ton of exciting things releasing. I have a fourth single dropping later this Summer that is probably the most exciting because it involves tons of choreography. The video is shot, and we have everything ready to drop. The dance routine was inspired by my favorite artists like Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Justin Bieber, so I'm looking forward to everyone hearing it and partying to it throughout the rest of the year! I am also working on more creative projects I can't wait to share with my audience once they're ready. I'm always working on the next thing, so you must stay tuned to find out. For all things, Thomas, follow me on my Instagram and visit my website, thomasorlina.com. Instagram Artist Website

The mercurial emcee returns to spit us some Cali-inspired Harlem creations. Some people are simply talented in finding new, unorthodox ways to make songs that you can’t help but keep on repeat. Ever since he burst onto the scene with his debut mixtape, “The Elm City Assassin,” L2B has quickly made a name for himself with his unique sound and tendency for catchy choruses and punchlines. Having most recently released his project “The Artist LP” to critical acclaim, L2B makes a triumphant return with his latest single, “Toluca Lake,” from his upcoming project “The Gallery.” One thing that quickly sets the “Elm City Assassin” apart from his peers is artistic honesty. From his early days in Connecticut to his time in Hollywood and Harlem, L2B’s music has always been deeply rooted in his life experiences. With his knack for easy storytelling and stellar production, he connects with listeners in a way that most artists cannot. With “The Gallery,” L2B promises to deliver his most ambitious project yet. The album is written while living in Hollywood and reflects his experiences in the city of dreams. Still, it is being recorded and created in Harlem, infusing the project with the energy and spirit of the legendary New York borough. “Toluca Lake,” off his upcoming “The Gallery” album, is the latest product of L2B’s artistic efforts. Over instrumentals that expertly fuse elements of funk, soul, and hip-hop, L2B’s vocals perfectly meld in. Dropping bars like the chorus “feeling good, feeling great, feel like it’s something to do with Toluca Lake” and “Do yourself a favor, don’t fall / The key to it all lies behind closed doors,” L2B creates a feeling of ease, even as lyrics like “everybody wants more from it all / In the same place, addicted to the chase” and “Feel like my life is at stake” allude to the danger that lurks. L2B expertly strikes a balance between the pleasure and dangers of life, doing so with keen narration, which can only be chalked up to good storytelling. With "The Gallery," L2B promises to deliver his most ambitious project yet. For now, though, tap in and stream a preview of what's to come with his new release, “Toluca Lake,” available now on all major streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, L2B. We loved “Toluca Lake”; the balance you struck between your lyricism and storytelling was so good. We must ask, when did you get the inspiration for this song? How did that happen? Thank you so much for enjoying the story. For two years, I worked in a small town in Burbank, California, called “Toluca Lake.” Many famous people choose to live there for how peaceful, exclusive, and private it is. It is also conveniently close to both Warner Bros. Studios and Universal Studios. I was fortunate to meet a few celebrities and feel like a small part of the local community. Walking through the luxury neighborhoods to get to the metro station after work and passing by the Bob Hope Estate, I would always visualize myself in a home like that one day. It’s that contrast of people who have attained their dream versus those who are still trying, still struggling, even when it is right in front of them, that intrigued me. I wanted to capture how that town made me feel. On the surface level, it’s all smiles, feeling great. Inside, I’m desperate to climb that wall over there at Warner Bros. or Universal and find that success. So your new album 'The Gallery' is out soon. What was your favorite part about bringing your vision for 'The Gallery' to life? Honestly, I may split 'The Gallery' into two parts simply because I have so many unreleased songs and new ones. It has been a long process of writing and crafting everything. I’d say 60% of this project was written years ago in Hollywood. My favorite part of this process would probably be learning not to be so hard on myself. I’ve always put so much pressure on the writing and wordplay, matching syllables, etc. I’m learning to let go, have fun, and let things flow naturally. I’m finding that my favorite timeless music is more about the feeling and less about technical perfection. Why do you make music? I make music because I genuinely love this. I love writing. I love putting lyrics to music. I even somewhat enjoy engineering and mixing the song because I have been doing it all on my own for so long. But writing, it has been a constant in my life since I wrote my first song at twelve. Almost twenty years later, it’s now a natural part of expressing myself. I don’t see myself stopping. It’s also ironic having a playwright for a father, however, because as a kid, I never thought I’d be a writer or storyteller like he is, but I guess it’s in the blood. Are there any particular songs from “The Gallery” you’re particularly excited for listeners to hear? I have more than a couple of things up my sleeve that I’m excited about. As I answer this, I realize there may be an overall theme of dealing with relationships, whether with love, loss, or friendship. As well as my relationship with myself, I have grown so much throughout this. I’ve gotten married and become a father since my last album, and my perspective has shifted. I have a song dedicated to my son that gets me emotional every time. But I also have a bunch of club songs that I had a lot of fun making. I’m just excited to share my work and art with the world. Once it’s out there, people can interpret it in their own way, good or bad. As long as it gets some reaction, my job is done. What’s next for L2B? Do you have any big plans for the rest of 2023, and can we expect to hear new music soon? There’s always something next for me. I am constantly writing and coming up with new ideas, so I have no doubt more music will be released soon. I even have a few songs lined up already. I may focus more on visuals, but I also like allowing the listener to imagine their own ideas from a song. Plus, a little mystery never hurts. It’s only up from here, so we’ll see what happens. Instagram Twitter

The London-based R&B artist makes her explosive solo debut with her sultry new release. Life happens, and sometimes even if we’re passionate about something, there are times we need to take a step back. For London songstress DWN MSS, this meant stepping back from a promising music career to navigate the infinitely complex worlds of motherhood and modern dating. Having already graced the stage at festivals like Glastonbury and also recorded at the legendary Abbey Road as part of the duo VŌS, DWN MSS is set to make an explosive return with her highly anticipated “Do It Right.” Authenticity is at the heart of any musical endeavour DWN MSS embarks on. Combining honest lyrics with a late-night, flowy and sultry sound, DWN MSS uses her music as therapy to find meaning in the chaos, unpredictability and uncertainty of life. Her music is unabashedly transparent in the most endearing way and contributes to how easily listeners feel connected to her lyrics and sound. “Do It Right” is the electrifying harbinger of a return to music that will hopefully last for the foreseeable future. Over woozy and sultry late-night instrumentals, DWN MSS’s velvety vocals envelop you in a dreamy, expansive soundscape. Dropping lines like “Been thinking bout you day and night / Why couldn’t you just do it right” and “Don’t call me with your booty calls / Only come to me if you want more,” DWN MSS strikes a balance between self-love and infatuation. This is the kind of lyrical honesty that DWN MSS prides herself on, and we can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us. With music that can be described as artistically “airtight R&B that is rich in both character and substance,” DWN MSS is poised to make an explosive and triumphant return to the musical world. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream “Do It Right,” available now on all major streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, DWN MSS. Wow, what a return statement! We loved “Do It Right,” We had to ask, what was your favourite part about making this song and the music video come to life? Aw, thank you so much! The creative process of making music is always my favourite part of being an artist. It’s something special to create lyrics and melodies and start from nothing, and then suddenly have a whole journey for people to listen to and share experiences with. From the minute I wrote it, I knew it would be the first single, so it was really exciting to have that in mind with bringing the video to life. You mentioned taking some time off of music to navigate motherhood and relationships. What does it feel like to be back? It feels incredible to be back. There was a moment when I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue music, but I think it’s in my blood as I couldn’t stay away! I think previously, I was involved in projects that I loved but didn’t feel right, but now I’m being true to myself with everything from the music to the lyrics and the visuals, which feels right now. What is your favourite thing about making music? My favourite thing about making music is that the creative process is like therapy for me. Then when people listen, they can come on a journey with me and maybe even relate to it. What would it be if you wanted fans to take one thing away from your music? That even in the darkest of times, you are not alone. What’s next for DWN MSS? Can we expect to hear new music soon? Yes, 100% you can hear new music soon. The next single is being released at the end of March, and so much more throughout the rest of the year. Instagram

The London-based artist Jack Ducker tries not to let life pass him by. Bursting on the scene with an eclectic sound that fuses genres as diverse as indie, funk, folk and rock, London-based singer-songwriter Jack Ducker has quickly set himself apart from his peers with an approach that fuses the nostalgic with the contemporary. Drawing inspiration from White Denim, The Black Keys and more, his new single “Waste Away” is the latest release in what is quickly becoming a must-listen musical catalogue. Having written and produced for other artists over the last seven years, Ducker is no stranger to the industry and enters it keenly, understanding what’s required to reach the pinnacle. Prioritizing authenticity over anything else in his approach to music, he’s a one-man team, handling everything from mixing to producing to writing and performing his new single “Waste Away.” Having already received significant buzz and support with his two previous releases, “My Love” and “Rockstar,” as well, “Waste Away” builds on Ducker’s already impressive musical resume and indicates that there’s nowhere to go but up for Ducker. Led by instrumentals anchored by plucky guitars and later perfectly accentuated drums, Ducker struggles to break a cycle of passivity, dropping lines like “I know you say I waste away / We are living each day so waste away.” Although the lines are repeated numerous times throughout the song (alluding to the cycle of complacency Ducker finds himself trapped in), lines like “we are losing the race to waste away we are / Oh now its time to turn the page” indicate that there may be a silver lining on the horizon just yet. "Waste Away" is, in many ways, a reflection on the pressures of performing in today's society and the struggle we feel watching the days go by, spun with a twist that will have you nodding along before you know it. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream “Waste Away,” available now on all major streaming platforms. Welcome back to BuzzMusic, Jack Ducker. We loved “Waste Away”; it’s interesting how a song with such a weighty subject matter can have you bopping along simultaneously. We have to ask, what was the inspiration behind this song? Thanks, guys; it’s great to be back! Glad to hear you like the track. I do enjoy mixing sad messages with more catchy, uplifting melodies. Not all sad songs have to sound sad! I suppose I’ve been seeing a disconnect between myself and my friends regarding what one wants and must do to get by. Too many get stuck in the rat race and don’t realize it until they look up at 45 and are filled with regret. This song was inspired to get people to look up a bit sooner! So you’ve been involved in music for a long time, first in the background but now at the forefront as an artist. What has been your favorite part about making music? I love the process of writing in the studio and all the methodology behind that, but one thing I think performing and being a live artist has taught me is the power of writing with others. For too long, I’ve been writing by myself. Having to break down my old songs and reconfigure new ones for my live set has shown me the power of external influence and pre-production. I’ll definitely be carrying this forward into future projects. This may be a little related, but how did you start getting involved in the music scene, and why do you make music? I’m not entirely sure, coming from a family that isn't particularly musical in any way! I’ve always felt a passion and necessity to create music. Couldn’t tell you why. From the age of 12, when I was in my first band, I’ve always wanted to write new, original tunes. I was never a fan of being a cover band! From there, I studied music production to learn how to capture and tweak the sound, and here I am today. Can’t imagine doing anything else. So you mentioned that you’re based in Kingston, London. What’s your favorite thing about the music scene there, and how did it influence your growth as an artist? I’m a big fan of Banquet Records and all the gigs they put on for the community. It’s pretty crazy having such big names on your doorstep! Not to mention the access to their vinyl collection. I love flipping through their inventory and always take inspiration from new sounds and discoveries I make there. What’s next for Jack Ducker? Any big plans for 2023? Well, I’m working on my debut album, with the last song of my self-titled EP coming out in March. So lots of releases! Can’t wait to start gigging the EP some more, too, so maybe I’ll catch you guys at a show? Instagram

The Portsmouth-based emcee spits some mellow fire bars for your listening pleasure. Hailing from Portsmouth, Jordan Duke is a breath of fresh air in the music industry, effortlessly blending hip-hop, pop, indie rock, and reggae to create a sound he has truly made his own. Attributing his musical versatility in part to varied exposure when he was growing up (including reggae, ska, country music, and pop punk), Duke has utilized this to great success, effortlessly blending genres as quickly as an artist blends colors on their palette. An astute observer of the world around him, Duke was raised in a hardworking, working-class family on the South Coast. It’s easy to see how that shines through in his music; his wry, admittedly tongue-in-cheek sense of humor is tempered and simultaneously accentuated by a sense of pathos. These strike a harmonious balance that is both rare and, at times, awe-inspiring, evoking the struggles of the natural world and forging a connection to listeners with its relatability. With his latest release, "Thought Of My Day," Duke manages to exceed the high bar he’s set for himself with previous releases. Over mellow, lo-fi, and jazzy instrumentals, Duke’s thoughtful, witty lyrics provide the perfect foil. “Thought Of My Day” is a testament to Duke’s undeniable talent as a singer and rapper, delivering relatable and introspective lyrics that hit you right in the heart. Co-written by Jordan and his friend, jazz pianist Brady Lloyd, "Thought Of My Day" perfectly represents the balance between the excitement and doubts that come with the early stages of a relationship. If “Thought Of My Day” shows what Duke has in store, we can’t wait to see what he will hit us with next. “Thought Of My Day” is a deliciously groovy testament to the abilities of an emcee operating at the height of his powers. Whether he’s a little doubtful (“Really be a pity if you hadn't been into me”) or grateful (“The thought of my day and I just wanna call you my girl”), Jordan Duke’s talent shines through. Whenever you’re ready for fresh new music, tap in and stream “Thought Of My Day,” available now on all major streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Jordan Duke. We loved “Thought of My Day”; it was such a vibe, and the jazzy touches combined with your vocals make it feel so classy! We have to ask, what was your favorite part about bringing the vision for this song to life? Thank you for having me; it’s an absolute pleasure! Ahh, I’m glad you like it. I’d have to say my favorite part was bringing an old project back to life, which could have been forgotten about. ‘Thought of my day’ was originally a generic boom bap, hip-hop beat I made to get feelings off my chest about an ex I was with. It was left half-finished/written in my hard drive without the intention of revisiting it until my friend and professional jazz pianist Brady Lloyd helped me bring it to life. Brady and I were booked for a live stream session at Mayfield Studios in my hometown of Portsmouth at the time, so we were rehearsing a set together when we realized we had come short of a song to fill the set. I pulled up a few projects I was working on, and Brady's ears perked up like a meerkat when I played "Thought of my day." I told him the chord progression, and he instantly made magic, which totally changed how I heard the track. He was playing these 4-floor bass notes which led me to scrap the boom-bap idea and go for a more Kaytranada/slow dance vibe. I finished the verse, wrote a hook, performed it the next day, and produced the track the following week. You mentioned you grew up in Portsmouth with a highly diverse level of exposure to music. How did having those different influences influence who you are as an artist today? I mean, I had all sorts of inspiration musically growing up. My nan was a country singer, so there was always country playing at family parties. I always found the lyrics and stories in-country grabbing my attention when I was younger and other music I’d enjoy because of how the music made me feel. From my dad's side, I was introduced to the sounds of house music (him being a raver in the late 80s rave scene) and the culture of Ska and reggae. Mutually around the house, my parents would listen to a lot of 80’s synth pop and 90’s power ballads. Hip hop played a massive part in my teens, being somewhat obsessed with the likes of Eminem, Dre, and Snoop in that era, but I always remember my first love for a music genre off my own back, pop punk, in the early 00s. I had just gotten into secondary school and attended a talent show where there was a band playing called ADS (Adam, Dane, and Seb). They covered Blink 182 songs and were instantly the most relaxed lads in the school to me. I knew from that moment I wanted to be a part of that, which led me to learn drums, guitar, and bass and pathed the way to being the artist I am today. So from the storytelling and lyricism of country to the energy of dance, the culture of ska and reggae, the attitude of hip hop added with the commercial element of 80’s synth-pop. I feel I’ve had enough significant influence around me to make a hit. What drives you to make music, and what’s your favorite thing about making music? Making music was always something I fell back on emotionally. I never really took it too seriously or had any consistency. Although I’ve always known I was good at it and would be told constantly by friends and family what I needed to pursue, I always just used it as an outlet when I needed to get something off my chest. I wasted much of my 20s being bombed out of my head, chasing cheap dopamine until 2019 when covid hit. It gave me time to sit and think about what I was doing with my life. During that time, I made a lot of music! BBC introduced spinning my tracks with multiple tracks of the week with ‘Bed Eyes,’ ‘Young Forever,’ and ‘Curious Minds,’ which led to a significant turning point in my life. I realized anxiety was holding me back from everything I wanted to achieve and the fear of rejection. From that point, I have never been so focused. I know entirely well to progress not just as an Artist but as a human, I have to put myself where I may not feel comfortable. My confidence has grown massively since committing myself to music. So my favorite part about making music is just bettering myself every day, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, relating with others who feel the same as me, and having an absolute blast in the meantime! If you wanted fans to take one thing away from “Though of My Day,” what would it be? It would be to try and stay present, whether in a relationship or just life in general. Digging up the past and worrying about the future will get you nowhere and will stop you in your tracks. Enjoy the journey, and you’ll hit milestones as a side effect. Now, I’m not saying I’ve mastered this in any shape or form, but I know full well that when I take the time to be present and mindful, I’ve never regretted it. What’s next for Jordan Duke? Any big plans for the rest of the year, and can we expect to hear more new music soon? I have enough music behind my belt to keep me going throughout the year, all bangers, may I add! This will include multiple singles and a couple of eps. This gives me a lot more time to focus on growing my brand, working with other artists, writers, and producers, and perfecting my live show. Plenty of shows and festivals are on the horizon, whether acoustic, with my DJ ‘Rotta’ or with a live band. 2023 is looking exciting, and I’m ready for it. Instagram

Hailing from the vibrant musical town of Bethlehem, PA, Smooth Retsina Glow burst onto the scene and is riding high on its upward trajectory, captivating audiences with its ability to effortlessly craft beautiful pieces of music no matter the genre. Whereas their previous release, “Overcoming,” made waves off its easy, dreamy and relaxing sound, “Bound by Desire” sees the band switch things up and instead employ funk-style grooves and sound to significant effect. Whereas “Overcoming” proved Smooth Retsina Glow could put out quality, catchy music capable of captivating listeners, “Bound by Desire” proves that this quality is sustainable for the band. Penned by the band’s gifted guitarist and co-vocalist Colin Wolf, “Bound by Desire” also proves Smooth Retsina Glow has international appeal, earning substantial airplay in Japan, the UK, Canada and Australia, which is no small feat. With their unique sound and versatility, all signs point to Smooth Retsina Glow captivating listeners everywhere for years to come. Over funk-infused instrumentals that just ooze that groove from your sound systems, Colin Wolf anchors us with lines like “My emotions conspire / No 2nd place will ever suffice oh yeah, bound by desire”. It’s another impressive offering from a band full of pleasant surprises. Additionally, whereas some bands may stutter with live performances, Smooth Retsina Glow are prolific performers, playing gigs as many as five or six times a week, all in the name of perfecting their craft and connecting with their fans. With their highly anticipated fourth album, “Gemini Reign,” on the way, it seems there’s nothing they can’t do. As Smooth Retsina Glow continues their meteoric rise, they show no signs of slowing down. Whenever you’re ready, stream Smooth Retsina Glow’s “Bound By Desire,” available now on all major streaming platforms. Welcome back to BuzzMusic, Smooth Retsina Glow! We had high expectations for you after “Overcoming,” but you knocked it out of the park with “Bound By Desire” in a completely different way! We have to ask, what inspired the change of style and “Bound By Desire” itself? It comes down alot to our music preferences, mainly Colin Wolf's- our guitarist, main vocalist, and songwriter- he always tends to prefer artists who are somewhat diversified in their approach- like how David Bowie changed his image and sound multiple times through his career, Frank Zappa's phases, how Todd Rundgren followed up Something Anything? with A Wizard A True Star, and even modern artists like Paramore, St Vincent, Taylor Swift, John Mayer, or King Gizzard have been able to reinvent their sound and persona on various occasions. The Song Bound by Desire originated from a jam session Colin was playing with friends outside of SRG- a casual get-together- in June 2022 and was finalized in a couple of weeks. Artists that inspired the sound of Bound By Desire include Vulfpeck, Lake Street Dive, Little Feat, The Meters, and Sly Stone- echoes of each artist can be detected to a degree, but made our own. You are, by any measure, prolific performers. How do you think performing your music constantly helps you as an artist? Our schedule certainly keeps us up to speed musically, and it is more than a fiscal reward. Every performance generally shows our socials increase in numbers, sometimes more, sometimes less, but added all up, there has been a consistent fanbase growth. Now, people are coming just because they saw something we may have posted on our socials. Plus- as enjoyable as a studio is- live music is something that can't be bettered. What is your favorite musical memory together as a group? Pine Ridge Fest Fest- it was love at first sight- we first played there back in October of 2022, and it went over so well we got upgraded to the Main Stage for the Memorial Day festival- which we will be taking to on Sunday, May 28th- 2.30 to 4.15- save the date! Also, our monthly residency at the F and A Grog House in Bethlehem- they take incredible care of us, and we always make new friends and followers there- and it's only a 5 minutes drive for some of us! For any fans who want to follow in your footsteps, what do you think is the most important thing for a musician to have? Patience and Practice. You can't expect instant gratification and must work at it. There is a reason they have the 10,000 hours rule for music- the more you work at it, the sooner it will come. Also, basic human etiquette helps- be professional, look your best, perform for the people, not yourself, talk to your peers to glean advice, and try to have as little personal fallout as possible. Most importantly, do it for the love of it and not for any of the supposed perks. Your fourth album, “Gemini Reign,” is slated for release soon. What has been your favorite part about seeing your visions for the album come to life, and are there any particular songs you’re especially excited to share with your fans? For Gemini Reign, it has certainly been the best recorded, composed, and build, with each single raising our profile and stoking the suspense for the physical product to arrive. Each Single, starting with Overcoming and Bound By Desire, was promoted effectively with the resources at hand and got our new fans from all over the globe- a superb reception live, not to mention a Relix magazine feature in March of this year. This can be attributed to Colin Wolf's ever-maturing songwriting and production skills, as well as our new Engineer Matt Mulchany, who did an incredible job mixing and mastering and bringing out the best in the group on a performance level. We are morphing our set- and currently, 7 of the 10 songs that will compromise Gemini Reign have been included- and they are getting the best reception yet. When our June single is released - it should stand on Bound by Desire's shoulders! Stay tuned! Instagram Facebook

The Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based artists face their deepest fears to become their best selves. In the year 2019, one band exploded onto the music scene of Lehigh Valley: Smooth Retsina Glow. Initially starting as a trio, Smooth Retsina Glow is now more giant and better with the re-addition of former vocalist and guitarist Sarah Stroll and Jacob Wolfe coming aboard as full members after a previous stint as a fill-in bassist for the group. Smooth Retsina Glow has been making waves with a unique sound that blends indie rock, shoegaze, and dream pop. With the release of their third record Metaphysical in June 2022, they have continued to push their limits and reach new heights. One thing that sets Smooth Retsina Glow apart from its peers is an unabashed love of performance and the big stage. Logging a staggering amount of 147 shows over the span of last year, their dedication to perfecting their performances cannot be dismissed. Having enjoyed monthly residencies at venues like the F and A Grog house and Renegade Winery, they shared the stage with notable Philly act Snack Time at the Pine Ridge Fall Festival. With new music constantly in the works, we can’t wait to see what Smooth Retsina Glow will do next. “Overcoming” is the latest product of the band’s significant musical talent. Over a gently strummed guitar and drum, Sarah Stoll’s dreamy vocals lull the listener into a sense of peace. There’s a certain easiness about Smooth Retsina Glow’s sound that simply makes them pleasant on your ears. As Stoll sings, dropping lines like the chorus (I'm overcoming my deepest fear / I'm finally whole and intact, Im overcoming what wasn't clear /And I know I'm never slipping back) with an easy assuredness that makes you feel like everything is going to be all right, you get the sense that it’s true; it’s all going to be okay. Smooth Retsina Glow is a band that any indie or dream pop fan will fall in love with at first listen. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream “Overcoming,” available now on all major streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Smooth Retsina Glow. We loved “Overcoming.” It was so well put together! It felt so relaxing to listen to; we have to ask what inspired “Overcoming?" Were you drawing from any personal experiences? Overcoming has an exciting backstory, considering it was written at the height of lockdowns in 2020- it would have been slated for inclusion on our 2nd record, 'Out of the Ether,' but I had a song called Memories Made ( the first song of ours you ever reviewed!) that we didn't put on the album- because it seemed like it was a good idea to conserve it. For our third record, metaphysical- it was still on the shelf- our co-vocalist Sarah Stoll had taken a leave for college- and although we tried it in rehearsal, I decided to leave it off for a future album- when Sarah returned full-time in June last year- and since she had already heard it- we decided to record it finally- and it was well worth the period it was reserved because it has already resulted in a number one song of the week for Banks City Radio in Australia, as well as alot of exposure- from Relix magazine to a heavy radio play not just in America and Australia, but in a few more foreign parts. Stylistically, Theo Katzman, Lake Street Dive, Curtis Mayfield, and Billie Eilish inspired me. It may have been inspired by my own experiences- or not- I believe I can write about something somebody else is going through. If you had to describe your sound to new listeners, how would you do it? Indie Rock- and certainly since the last record, 'Metaphysical' we have been able to certify ourselves as that sort of band- and the label fits well because we are still able to draw from a wide array of influences and fit them under the label- which is sort of an umbrella term. Some of our originals are faster, some are slower, and we use different time signatures for some songs, as well as an array of sound processing- but it's unified, as opposed to our first two albums, where we tended to change our style a little too drastically. What is your favorite part about making music? It's enjoyable seeing people react to them the way they do- alot of bar owners are a little hesitant about the fact initially, we feature originals in our set ( but we always reassure them we will also include covers by artists they probably will know), but lately, it seems people prefer OUR music as opposed to the covers, especially Overcoming- so it reaffirms that it's not just self-indulgence on our behalf- but its something the public genuinely enjoy. If you wanted your fans to take one thing away from your music, what would it be? No matter what- we do it for you, we work hard at it, and we're simply trying to create something that you want to listen to repeatedly, and we always vary something in our songs every time! What’s next for you all? Do you have any big plans for the rest of 2023, and can we expect to hear new music soon? Currently, we are promoting Overcoming and playing a heavy concert schedule- our third record Metaphysical did a superb job at raising our profile- and now we are performing an average of 3 times a week- sometimes more in the Lehigh Valley and beyond! Our 4th record, 'Gemini Reign,' is almost completed and coincides with the 4th anniversary of the band in April ( but not this lineup). We will be releasing a single in early April- the album will be released in June/ July of this year, and there will also be a third single to go out with it that week. Possibly a tour in early November- as well as performances at Pine Ridge Spring Fest, Musikfest in Bethlehem, and a wide variety of venues in Eastern PA and belong! This is only just starting! Instagram Facebook