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Five Star Friend, the brainchild of the multi-talented singer and songwriter Rob D. Turner, is a musical project from the eastern shore of Virginia. Freely drawing influence from power pop and pop punk, Five Star Friend’s free yet no-nonsense and keep-it-simple approach has created waves in the indie music scene. With musical roots in piano playing, Turner and the band expanded their musical arsenal to include guitar and a variety of other instruments, creating a sound that is both dynamic, diversified, and electrifying. Turner describes Five Star Friend’s latest single, "Exactly Who You'll Be," as a nod to the golden days of power pop and punk, with crunchy chords taking center stage. Don't be fooled into thinking that’s all they have going for them; Five Star Friend's music is much more than just chords. Turner has a knack for incorporating sounds you wouldn’t expect; combining everything from jangly fender Jag-Stangs (an electric guitar designed by the late great Kurt Cobain) to soft, mellow 12-strings and even a bit of cowbell, the band knows how to layer harmonies and create thumping, melodic basslines that are sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences for a long time. “Exactly Who You’ll Be” is a dedicated nod to Five Star Friend’s creative ethos and identity. Combining their no-nonsense approach with their signature power-chord heavy instrumentals, Five Star Friend takes you on a three-minute musical journey that will surely make you want more. It’s an easy listen; Turner’s vocals accentuate his instrumentals perfectly as he figures out love interests (The mystery's gone, and I hope she approves it / I know exactly who you'll be). It’s the kind of song you can put on in multiple situations, from a sunny walk in the park to chilling with friends. With a no-nonsense approach and a keep-it-simple mentality, Five Star Friend's music is a breath of fresh air in an industry that prioritizes excess over substance. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream “Exactly Who You’ll Be,” available now on all major streaming platforms. We loved “Exactly Who You’ll Be” with all the highly produced and altered sounds on the scene today; it was refreshing to hear your approach. We have to ask, what was the inspiration behind this song? Were you drawing from any personal experiences? Thanks! Yes, I was drawing from personal experiences. It's about a bunch of people that went to school with me, and I would notice these little things about their personalities. In the bridge, there's the line, "She doesn't even know the address of the place that she lives in," and that is 100% inspired by someone. I'm like - you don't even know where you live?! This song also shows my adoration and fondness for power pop and pop punk - styles I tried to incorporate. Take us through your creative process! Do you usually start with an idea and work from there or jam and see what comes to you? I started jamming on this song in the early days of the pandemic, thinking about my favorite power pop/pop punk songs and had a couple of lines. I usually hum the melody over the chord changes, and if it sounds good - I'll remember it and replace the humming for words. Honestly, sometimes the nonsense words I sing stick because I like them so much. Take us outside the music for a sec. What do you like to do in your free time? That's a good question! These days when I'm not playing music, I like to watch movies, go for bike rides, and play basketball with friends. If you wanted fans to take away one thing or message from your music, what would it be? I hope that as many people as possible listen to my songs because I know that what I think and put in my lyrics are sentiments that others have. In other words, what I'm writing about someone else is probably going through as well. That's one of the powerful things about music that I still feel when I listen to songs I love. There's someone else out there with the same thoughts and attitude. I hope that people listening to my tunes get this feeling. What’s next for Five Star Friend? Do you have any significant goals for 2023? I'm in the process of recording an album and putting the finishing touches on it. I hope to release these songs I've been working on later this year - so 2023 is primed to be a big year. And hopefully plenty of live shows in the future. Molly Malone's on February 18th and State Social House on March 3rd! Facebook

The energetic and confident up-and-comer showcases his relentless flow on his new track. Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, Honeyberry Drip is a rising star in the world of music. With over seven years of experience and over 1 million streams on various platforms, Honeyberry Drip is prepared to work in, grind, and do whatever he needs to become a versatile artist and household name. A self-proclaimed fan of alternative rock and hip hop, he makes music for both genres, blending and mixing them like a mad scientist, resulting in a unique sound to him, which is crucial in today's crowded music scene. At just 21 years old, Honeyberry Drip is already making waves in the industry. His smooth flow and catchy beats have already started to earn him a dedicated fan base which he aims to expand. With his music streaming worldwide, Honeyberry Drip's music reflects his experiences growing up in Bakersfield and his love for his hometown. His confidence and drive are evident in his lyrics, underlined by an energy that just feels like he’s hungry for more. “I Get It” is the latest step in Honeyberry Drip’s musical journey. Over breakneck speed trap instrumentals, Drip goes to work. “All my nigga’s got some dreams / When you rich can't get it back /So boss no calls / Got a Milly for the stocks,” Drip raps, oozing confidence and showcasing a seeming flow wild yet refined. With his combination of musical talent and style, Honeyberry Drip will make splashes if he keeps this up. Honeyberry Drip is a young artist with a bright future. His blend of hip-hop and alternative rock music, his style, and his passion for his hometown makes him an exciting artist to watch. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream “I Get It” by Honeyberry Drip, available now on Soundcloud. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Honeyberry Drip. You really went in on “I Get it” damn! We have to ask, what made you decide to hop on this track in particular to showcase your skills? What made me decide to hop on the track was I really wanted to create a hype song, so I got into contact with Rick Ross, and we made the song happen. I decided to showcase my skills and talent with my flows. You mentioned you’re into both alternative rock and hip-hop. Are there any artists from each genre that you think influenced you to make music? Did any of them influence your style? I’m very inspired by rock music the artist that inspired me are definitely Korn and System of a Down. They definitely influenced my style. Can you take us through your creative process? Are you someone who writes mostly in advance, or do you just feel out the vibe at the moment when you record? My creative process usually comes about when I need therapy. I use my music production as a way to express my emotions. I usually feel the vibe of a beat, and I write as I listen. It’s all in the moment. What would you like your fans to feel when they listen to your music? When my fans listen to my music, I want them to feel like they are not alone with whatever problems they are going through. I want them to under that I am a brother to them and that my music is here to heal them. What’s next? Do you have any big goals for 2023? What’s next for me is to start touring outside of my hometown and build my name up big enough to have fans outside of the United States. Instagram Facebook

Luna Red, aka Teineisha Richards, is a powerful voice in the Toronto art scene. She often draws from her Afro-Indigenous background for inspiration and brings a fresh, dynamic, refreshing perspective to the Toronto music scene. Knowing the power of narrative, Luna challenges traditional discourses through her music and shares new stories of unity and peace between Black and Indigenous peoples. Her 4 -song EP ‘Journey to Self” is a thought-provoking journey that will challenge societal norms and expectations around beauty, love, gender roles, culture, religion/spirituality, and history. As versatile as she is talented, Luna's artistic genius extends beyond music. She is also a talented film director known for her creative vision and ability to tell stories that resonate with audiences. Having also dipped her toes in modeling, in 2022, Luna's vast artistic talents were recognized by the Indigenous Fashion Arts Toronto, who chose her to be the catalog cover for their annual publication. With her storytelling ability and dedication to exploring the intricacies of modern society, Luna Red is one to watch for the future. “Running” is one of Luna Red’s most recent offerings on her EP ‘Journey to Self.’ Over a booming bassline and upbeat instrumentals with an R&B and hip-hop twist, Luna Red takes control, spitting lines like “You know I’m raising your fever / Make you jump off of that beam yeah / I got my foot on your neck!” with self-assured confidence and casualness that belies the power she feels. It’s a powerful piece and the perfect opener to her ‘Journey to Self’ EP. Luna Red’s music is a celebration of her heritage and an invitation for others to see the world from a different perspective. With her unique style, powerful voice, and presence, Luna Red is an artist to watch in the coming years. Keep an eye out for “Runnin” and the ‘Journey to Self’ EP, available soon. We loved “Runnin,” and the confidence you had that oozed out of the track. We have to ask, the symbolism of yourself, Afro and Indigenous, being in control and in power, was that on purpose? Thank you for taking the time to listen to my music and for your honest feedback. I’m glad that you liked it. There’s power in knowing who you truly are. I am Afro-Indigenous, Jamaican, and Mi’kmaq First Nations, from Bear River, Nova Scotia, belonging to the Black Bear Tribe. I come from super powerful and influential cultures. Authentic power and control come from within - it always has. “Journey To Self” speaks about innate power and divine strength. Through cultural teachings, research, and introspective work, I have learned that my people have always known this. We pass it down through storytelling, ceremony, song, traditional teachings, and more. What was the inspiration behind this song? Although, at times, very challenging, I am always working on my relationship with fear. The inspiration behind Runnin’ was to encourage people to acknowledge Fear as its own entity. To observe our relationship with Fear and expose the various interactions that may stem from this relationship. I wanted to highlight how our perception of Fear (or things that we are afraid of) will essentially influence our relationship with Fear. I wanted to express that when we build our relationship with Fear, it can be a master teacher, a guide, and a path to self-awareness. What was your favorite part about bringing your 'Journey to Self' EP to life? My favorite part about bringing “Journey To Self” to life was being able to creatively tell my own story while, at the same time, sharing a positive message. I felt like others like me would be able to resonate with my story, be inspired by my story, and feel uplifted. If you had a favorite song on the project, which would it be and why? I like Runnin’ because it’s like a psychedelic in the way that the story/messaging is told; it demands a state of expansion to grasp the teaching behind the music. I love the intensity of the song. I had to embody the essence of Fear as if it were its own person and record it from that place. I also love the whole urban dance vibe it exudes. Hip-hop or pop choreographers can do a lot with this track, and it’s great background music for films/television. Is there any particular message you want your fans to take away from your music? RISE UP - spread love, joy, and support to one another. Fear will always be there, so face it and follow your dreams anyway. Have the courage to tell your own unique story, and be your authentic self, because you are DIVINE! What’s next for Luna Red? Do you have any big plans for 2023? I’m working on a few other projects and artistic visuals, plus I have a few live performances already booked in the city. Instagram

One of the most beautiful things about good music is its timelessness. Tom Keifer, the former lead singer of Cinderella, is experiencing this with his fan-favourite hit “A Different Light.” The song, written a decade ago by Tom and Savannah Keifer, delivers a simple yet uplifting and positive message that has ultimately stood the test of time and remains relevant today. Celebrating a decade since Keifer’s debut album and also of #keiferband, Keifer decided to release a brand new music video at popular demand. Edited by Joshua Smith and featuring fan-shot live footage of the band from their first tour in 2013 to their most recent tour in 2022, the new video is sure to be a nostalgic blast from the past and present to all listeners, new and old. The release of “A Different Light” music video is meant to commemorate ten years of incredible and precious memories with the Keifer Band fans. Opening sombre, the music video begins in black and white, showing distressed people. Although colour gradually starts to seep into the video, the change isn’t immediately permanent, as Kiefer sings lines like “Never dreamed she'd be this down 'n out / S'ugly, and barely getting through,” bringing attention to the struggle of everyday people. However, eventually, this passes, and the sun finally starts shining, illuminating the previously darkened fans and participants and showcasing their smiles. It’s a simple yet beautiful message; as Kief says, “B'all Gods children need a place to land / Just because you fall don't mean you couldn't stand,” before breaking into the chorus with equally uplifting lyrics like “In a different light / Open up the heart and see / That everybody shines.” It’s the Kieferband at their best; open, positive and accessible while also showing off the unique connection Keifer has built with his fans over the years. For a tenth-anniversary new release, it could not be more perfect. With the release of "A Different Light" video, Keifer and #keiferband are commemorating ten years of incredible memories with their fans. The band will also celebrate this impressive milestone on their Live Loud tour, with plenty of high-energy, eardrum-shattering shows planned for 2023. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and check out the new video for “A Different Light,” available now on YouTube, and keep an eye out for Live Loud tour dates, to be announced soon. Facebook Twitter

The Brooklyn-based outfit reunites ten years later to deal with unfinished business. Maiden Seoul is an anomaly. What else can you call a band that effortlessly fuses indie-pop, jazz and roots rock reggae? Initially the brainchild of vocalist and keyboardist Soo Jin Yi and the eclectic guitarist Ian Macaulay, Maiden Seoul, as we know it, would later be completed by the addition of Ian's friend and drummer Rashid Williams. United by a shared passion for good music, Maiden Seoul’s first album is more than a decade in the making and sees each member at the top of their musical game. The album, cheekily titled ‘Cinematic,’ can only be described as an experience. Although initially recorded by just Soo Jin Yi and Ian Macaulay more than a decade ago, they decided to reunite more than a decade later with Rashid Williams to finish the project. Over the ten years between the initial recording and the current release, each member has matured and evolved profoundly as an artist, fully displayed throughout the project. “Verve,” the lead single for ‘Cinematic,’ is a perfect introduction to the significant musical capabilities of Maiden Seoul. Over instrumentals that constitute a delicious blend of funk, indie and pop, Soo Jin Yi’s vocals take us through rainy scenes of uncertain affections and detached lovers. With a visually stunning, manga-styled cinematic lyric video to match, Soo Jin Yi is in her element, casually dropping lines like “We change constantly / I’m no one that you think you know” that perfectly encapsulates the uncertainty of this love. With Macaulay’s guitar and Williams’s drums providing the perfect backdrop for Soo Jin Yi’s dreamy vocals, “Verve” is a song any indie lover will want on their playlist. Maiden Seoul’s “Verve” is more than a welcome introduction to an incredible music album years in the making. With its accompanying music video, it’s an experience unto itself. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream “Verve,” available now on all streaming platforms, and also keep an eye out for Maiden Seoul’s debut album, ‘Cinemanic,’ out soon. We loved “Verve” the lyrical video was super cool, and the song itself was such a vibe. We have to ask, where did the inspiration behind “Verve” come from? Did any of you draw from personal experiences making this track? Soo Jin: I wrote "Verve" when I was a part of the Brooklyn dating scene. A lot of mistakes were made! And I was cool with those mistakes because it made it easy for me to pour my sadness and exhaustion into musical form. The song is about slipping up, making mistakes, and continuing to make those mistakes simply because you want to. And although the tempo is up, and there’s a funky feel/dancey element to "Verve," the song is dark and sad. Your album, 'Cinemanic,' is amazingly over a decade in the making! You mentioned you originally wrote and recorded most of the original material back in the 2010s; what made you decide to revisit it more than a decade later? Ian: Well, we kind of have the pandemic to thank for that! It’s a long story, but I’ll try to sum it up as quickly as possible. We never formally split up as a band, but since this was always viewed as a studio-based project, as we all got busy, we just stopped finding time to get together. By that point, though, we already had a whole album worth of songs, which lived on my hard drive for the next 8 or 9 years. Then, when the pandemic hit and everything shut down, I decided to revisit them and use them to learn how to mix better. I got them sounding as good as I could and sent them off to Soo Jin and Rashid, but they once again sat on the hard drive for whatever reason. In the meantime, Gary and Isabella Bernard, who I’ve known for years, started Blue Collar Records and asked me to record some things. At the same time, Gary asked if I had anything else for him to check out, so I sent over the album in its semi-finished state, and he loved it. So, with their help, we were finally able to put the time and energy into finishing the album the right way, which included utterly reworking some of the songs, adding an entirely new song (actually a very old but unrecorded one), and recording all new vocals and a lot of other instrumentation. It’s been quite a process! Soo Jin: We’ve played music for a long time, but Ian and Rashid never stopped practicing, performing, touring, working on music, etc. For me, it was like a wrinkle in time. There was a good 10+ years where I didn’t practice much, perform, or do anything to propel my music career forward. I did continue to write music (it’s my creative outlet) and even recorded them (poorly) on Logic or my iPhone’s voice notes app. But music was out of focus for me. They'd still be sitting on a hard drive if it weren’t for Ian’s dedicated work and attention to these songs. Ian introduced us to Gary at Blue Collar Records and saved me from singing for myself and recording music on my iPhone. What was your favorite part about bringing 'Cinemanic' to life? Ian: The best part for me has just been getting to rekindle our relationship over the last year. When we initially started this project, I felt it would be a good match musically. Still, Soo Jin and Rashid were two of my favorite people from two different sides of my musical life that had never collided. So, even though we all kept in touch to a certain extent over the last few years, it’s been great to get a chance to work so closely again and spend time together. To have ended up with an album we’re all so proud of is the icing on the cake for me. Soo Jin: One of my favorite parts about bringing Cinemanic to life was the reunion with my band members at Milkboy Studios. We had not all been together in the same space in over 10 years, which was inspiring and heartwarming. It was what was needed to bring Cinemanic to life finally. It was such an impactful moment and sparked all kinds of new musical ideas! Plus, I had a chance to work with Justin Miller, who is awesome and re-record all of my vocals hella pregnant which was a fun and amusing challenge! Rashid: On a personal level, this project allows me to be a different version of myself, a more true version of myself. Playing for other artists, your name hardly gets mentioned without their name next to it, but this music was conceived and created in a way that allowed me to be myself and play however and whatever I wanted to play. If we wanted to see what it would sound like to hang spray cans and play them with sticks, or pile all our keys on the snare, or use glass candles as percussion, we would do it. Where did you get the inspiration to go with a manga-styled lyrical video for “Verve?" Soo Jin: I love anime and have always loved Interstellar 5555, the animated musical based on Daft Punk’s album, Discovery. I imagined Maiden Seoul performing Verve in a dark theater, as stars (and moon) of the silver screen, as animated pop performers, a film noir twist with silent film elements to project performance while being maudlin. I really enjoyed putting together a mood board for the Lyric Videos team, and they did an amazing job bringing my vision to life! Ian: Right from the start, the video was Soo Jin’s baby, well, her other baby! I think the black and white and the film noir elements really add something special to the song. What’s next for Maiden Seoul? When does 'Cinemanic' release, and can we expect to hear more Maiden Seoul music soon? Ian: The next single, "Turn On The Lights," will be released on March 3rd, and Cinemanic will be out in late April or early May on Blue Collar Records. We just got the final masters back from Ryan Schwabe, who did the mastering, and it sounds great! We’re really excited for everyone to hear it! We have already started working on songs for the next record, so don’t worry; it won’t take another 10 years to get the next record out. Soo Jin: Cinemanic will be released this Spring, and we’re super excited for the world to hear it! We poured our hearts (and Seoul) into each track and hope to reach a wide range and diverse group of people with our music. We got so lucky, with time and distance on our side, when we recorded Cinemanic. Everything came together so organically, and the feeling was always right. And although the three of us live in different states, we hope to have as much luck and fun recording our next album, which we are currently working on! Instagram Twitter

What do you call a sound that draws inspiration from genres as diverse as alt-pop to R&B, afrobeat and EDM. For Cologne-based Georgian songstress Eka Laki, this remains the question. Her music is like a rich tapestry, intimately woven from the fibres of the myriad of musical styles she utilizes in her music. Although for other artists, too diverse a sound can dilute the finished product, Eka Laki demonstrates how you can successfully meld them instead. Naming musicians such as Pharrell, James Blake and Rosalia as influences, Eka Laki’s music is, at different times, a mix of soulful, velvety smooth vocals, dark electronic beats, repeating melodies and harmonies. 'In My Reality,' Eka Laki's debut album, sees her continue to push the boundaries of her sound in an increasingly refined way. Amazingly, she finds a way to achieve this while simultaneously exploring her musical identity, mixing and bridging the divide between genres in a way few can. Ambitious but flawlessly executed, the album’s storyline can be described as a love story turned sour. Tracks like the opening “Make You Feel” see Eka Laki flying high off the magic of a new romance, enthusiastically singing lines like “And I love the way you make me feel / I’m living in a dream.” This blissfulness continues for a little while as Eka Laki revels in her romance, singing lines like “ Little by little / I feel getting to you closer / Little by a little” on “Close to You.” However, “Have Faith” in me, the track after “Close to You,” shows signs of potential trouble in paradise. Starting from the latter parts of “Have Faith in Me,” the album's mood noticeably changes; the sound becomes darker and more cynical as the love Eka Laki has found unravels. “Devil Boy” sees Eka Laki start to realize that her lover is just playing games, pessimistically singing, “ You were fooling around / There was nothing to be found / There was nothing to be found / your heart is empty.” From there, 'My Reality' descends into darker territory, as Eka Laki succumbs to pessimism and misery on “Different” as she sings, “I fought for your love until I dropped / Tears on my chick, your heart is so cold.” Although she holds out somewhat on “I am Still Waiting for You,” an acute sense of melancholy belies a gut-wrenching feeling that love is dead. Eka Laki is a survivor, though; she picks herself up and stands up for herself in “I Give You Take,” calling out her ex-lover with lines like “I know you will deny it, but your love was a lie” and “You took all I had / you took what you needed / you took what you wanted.” Although there is a little push and pull, “I Give You Take” signals 'In My Reality' is quickly racing to the conclusion, as the titular track sees Eka Laki stuck in her head before the outro “Cycle” sees the project loop back to the start, signifying a fresh start and new love to be found. Eka Laki’s 'In My Reality' is more than just an album; it's a story. An incredible story of love and loss, of rebirth and new possibilities. Whenever you’re ready to be in your feels, tap in and stream Eka Laki’s romantic masterpiece, 'In My Reality,' out on February 14th. Welcome to BuzzMusic Eka Laki! Wow. We were blown away by 'In My Reality;' the story aspect was terrific and well executed! We have to ask, where did the inspiration for this project come from? What made you decide to incorporate the story into it? Thank you very much for having me. And thank you for these words. As an artist, these types of compliments make my day! The storyline emerged while working on the album. At first, I just wanted to produce songs that meant something to me, but I started seeing the patterns as time passed. Generally, I look at my art as if it was a puzzle. I want to make something, but the complete picture is not clear to me yet. When the first puzzle pieces fall into place, then the entire image slowly starts to emerge. While working on my debut album, I consumed as much music and art as possible. Every time I got the inspiration for something I listened to, saw or experienced, I would go to my producer and ask him: "how can we incorporate it into the album?" I noticed that each song represented a distinct phase of my life. And then it hit me: this could be a storyline of falling in and out of love. Like in life, there are always cycles; the last song of the album loops back to the beginning to start a new love story. What was your favorite part of bringing this project to life? My favorite part was opening my mind to creativity and understanding the importance of playfulness. Sometimes, we take ourselves way too seriously. I still do it. I am guilty of it. This project allowed me to play around with various genres and incorporate any weird idea I had into it. It allowed me to think outside the box and engage with the world differently. I stopped judging my creative flow. I experimented as much as I could and had fun while doing it. I do believe that the process gave me tremendous growth and confidence as an artist. If you had a favorite song off of 'In My Reality' and if so, why? They ALL all my favorites, but if I had to pick one, I'd choose "I give, you take." That was the last song I worked on, and I had more tools to express my artistic vision fully. This song is one of the purest and most honest expressions of my feelings. It is raw and unapologetic. We played quite a lot around the structure of the song, and I think it turned out to be quite interesting. You mentioned you’re currently based in Cologne. What is the music scene like there, and how has it influenced your growth as an artist? I moved to Cologne around two years ago, but the first year doesn't count, as everything was on lockdown due to the pandemic. But I have to say; this city has been treating me very well. I met many inspiring artists and musicians. Here I met my producer Diggi. TV. We are already planning our future projects as well. Germany is my fourth country, and Cologne is the first city that feels like home. So, this also might be the place where I would like to stay. We'll see... What’s next for you? Do you already have an idea for the next project you want to put out? I have a few projects in mind, but I don't know how long it will take me to execute them. First of all, I'm working on finishing the eight music videos of this album. Creating these videos was a very creative and intense journey. I made all the costumes, wrote the script, hired the actors and film crew, and found the shooting location in Georgia, my home country. Somehow, we managed to shoot eight videos in two weeks! It was a crazy amount of work! I will never do something like this again in such a short timeframe -- but it was a learning curve. I made mistakes, but I also got some beautiful shots! Apart from it, I am creating versions of my songs and other covers that I can perform live on my Looper Boss RC 505 MKll. Meanwhile, I want to release original singles and have fun performing live. Let's see how all these planning will fold out. Instagram

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, singer-songwriter and recording artist Beth Crowley elaborates on the dangers of unhealthy love in a new single, "In The End." From whimsical comedy to haunting piano ballads, Beth Crowley's music is bound to resonate with anyone who listens. Crowley first gained recognition from her medley of popular songs entitled "Greatest Song Ever Written," which made waves across the internet in 2011. More recently, Beth Crowley continues to thank her audience for supporting her on her ever-evolving musical journey. Expanding on her latest release, "In The End," Beth Crowley can be heard expressing the utmost relatable and wise lyricism while summoning the instrumental storm that the song has to offer. As Beth Crowley continues elaborating on a relationship and a breakup that's long overdue, she wears her heart on her sleeve while exclaiming her passion yet hesitation for said relationship. "In The End" opens with a somber piano melody and a cinematic string section that sets the song's emotional and passionate tone. As Beth Crowley's bright and angelic vocals begin to float down from above, she continues to elaborate on a relationship that's gone south while still feeling its profound passion and intimacy run through her veins. As we reach the hook, the instrumentation deepens into this heavy and intoxicating cinematic experience while Beth Crowley reminds us to keep our wits about us when faced with unhealthy and tragic love. As the song comes to an end, Beth Crowley leaves us with this ultimate sensation of confusion and desire with help from her poetic lyricism and powerful instrumentals. Sink into the emotional depths of Beth Crowley's latest single, "In The End," now available on all digital streaming platforms. What an intense and compelling listening experience you've delivered with your recent single, "In The End." Where did you find the inspiration to create such a powerful and emotional piece like this? One of my favorite things to do is write songs based on books and occasionally TV shows. “In The End” is based on the show The Witcher, which chronicles a really complicated relationship between two of the main characters. I was instantly interested in the idea of writing something around the idea of a love that spans time and distance, especially one that is so intense that it can be destructive. How did you create the instrumental atmosphere to enhance and amplify the heavy lyrical theme within "In The End?" Why did you choose to create this cinematic instrumental tone? The production side of creating a song to me is almost as enjoyable and creatively challenging as the writing process. I’ve been working with the same producer, Daniel Dennis, for years now, and we are usually on the same page when it comes to production. For “In The End” I knew I wanted big, dramatic strings, so we brought in Chuck Callahan on violin and Austin Hoke on cello. I’ve worked with them before on several tracks, and they have a knack for really nailing cinematic string parts. I definitely think the strings are what really make the track match the lyrics. Was it difficult to write about such intimate, personal, and emotional themes like unhealthy love for "In The End?" What was your solo songwriting process like? It’s not quite as difficult or emotionally draining to write songs like this where I am putting myself in a character’s headspace as when I am writing something that comes from a strictly personal place. I just try to focus on channeling the character’s voice into the lyrics. Usually, my writing process starts by me coming up with a little lyric and melody (for this one it was “I can tell that we’re going to destroy one another”) and building the song from there. “In The End” was a little challenging with the rhyming scheme and rhythm I chose, but I just kept at it until it came together. How do songs like "In The End" represent you and your brand? Do you usually lean towards such cinematic and orchestral instrumental landscapes, similar to "In The End?" I would definitely say cinematic music is a huge part of my brand. I love making tracks that feel like they would fit right into an epic movie. But I also really enjoy playing around with writing songs that are simpler and more vulnerable. I think it’s important to be a well-rounded songwriter and artist. But if I could only make one type of song for the rest of my life, it would definitely be cinematic. What's next for you? I release a new song every month, so I’m always putting out new music! As far as my next song that will be based on something specific, I have some ideas for a song inspired by Loki from the Marvel Universe, so I’m very excited to dig into that. Instagram Facebook

A singer and songwriter whose works have amassed over 69 million streams on Spotify alone, Beth Crowley needs no introduction. With instantly recognizable vocals that balance elegance and grace with underlying power and occasional melancholy, her honest and poignant lyrics have earned her a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Crowley is an expert at capturing emotions in her words, effortlessly bridging the divide between listener and artist. As an artist, Beth Crowley is as unique as she is talented. An avid reader, Crowley's music reflects her love for reading and her emotions when reading a good book. Although fans of young adult literature will find a lot to love in her music, Crowley’s ability to write songs that “speak to the hearts” of her listeners means that her music is sure to leave a strong, lasting impression on all audiences. Much of Crowley’s recent and upcoming releases are inspired by her love for reading and specific books she’s enjoyed. Her latest release, the powerful "The Ghost Who Is Still Alive" (inspired by the novel of the same name), is a cinematic pop song that showcases an artist at the top of her musical game. Over somber, piano-backed instrumentals, lyrics like “Does a life have any meaning / if no one knows your name” are delivered with such melancholy that you almost feel like you are in her place, while lyrics like “I am the face you don’t remember /, but you have seen a thousand times” are delivered with a defiance that sends your emotions in a completely different direction. With a unique approach to music and the ability to take any listener on an emotional roller coaster, Beth Crowley continues to operate at the top of her game and captivate listeners worldwide. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream “The Ghost Who Is Still Alive,” available now on all major streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Beth! We loved “The Ghost Who is Still Alive”; your approach to music is cool and refreshing to see, and listening to “The Ghost Who is Still Alive” felt like you took us on an emotional journey! We have to ask, how did you get the idea to start making music based on good books you’ve read? The first book-based song I ever wrote was ten years ago now! I lived a pretty normal, drama-free life, which is great but not the best inspiration for songwriting material. My sister had introduced me to The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare, and I thought it would be a fun songwriting challenge to see if I could write a song based on a character’s perspective. The song “Warrior” seemed to resonate with people who love both music and reading, so writing book-based songs became something I regularly did. Music is an important part of movies and television- the right song in the right scene takes it to a new level. It makes sense that the same thing can be true for books. So taking it way back, how did you first get into music? What was the Beth Crowley origin story? I have always loved music and have been singing for as long as I can remember. I did all the school talents shows and musical theatre productions and took about ten years of piano lessons. I dabbled in songwriting in high school to get out my angst, but it wasn’t until after college that I really started to dig into songwriting and take it more seriously. As someone who’s already had a lot of success with her music, how do you stay motivated, and what does being able to continue releasing music and bringing projects like “The Ghost Who is Still Alive” to your fans mean to you? I don’t feel like it’s too hard to stay motivated because I am doing something I love. I definitely have times when I’m discouraged if one of my songs doesn’t do as well as I hoped, and there are moments when I start to feel burned out. It seems like every time that happens, and I’ll get a nice message or comment or letter in the mail from someone saying how much my music has meant to them. Moments like that keep me going and remind me why I am so lucky to be able to do this. I’m incredibly grateful to have been doing this as long as I have, and there are so many amazing listeners that have been supporting me for a lot of years now. What do you want fans to feel when they listen to “The Ghost Who is Still Alive”? Is there any message you’d like fans to take away from your music? With any of my book-based songs, I hope that people will enjoy it whether they have read the book it’s based on. A lot of times, people will relate my songs to different books or even characters from a book or story they are writing.“The Ghost Who Is Still Alive” is a sad, haunting song, so I want listeners to feel that not only through the lyrics but the piano and overall production. As far as my music in general, I hope that someone can find something in one of my songs where they can say, “This is exactly how I feel and haven’t been able to express in words,” because that is what music has always done for me. What’s next for Beth Crowley? Can we expect more new music soon? So much! “The Ghost Who Is Still Alive” is the first song from my upcoming all-book-based album 'Unabridged.' It’s some of my favorite music I have ever written, and it’s going to be so much fun to see how people react to the books I have chosen to include. I also have some fantastic videos coming, so this is just the beginning! Instagram

Purposefully keeping their online presence scarce, Ecstatica has cultivated a mystique about them that is not easily replicated; they prefer to let their music do the talking. And talk it does. 'Everything Else Can Wait,' the latest album released by Ecstatica, is nothing else if not a testament to the group’s considerable musical prowess. The album feels alive; it feels and ponders and despairs before ultimately setting itself free by the project’s conclusion, and it makes sense that the album's creation was as organic as it sounds. When Ecstatica speaks of the creation of 'Everything Else Can Wait,' there’s a reverence with which they refer to the project. "Pure Intentions" starts the album with a soothing, cheery opening track. Bright like a summer day, there’s a feeling of vitality throughout. “The road to purity in your voice is never straight / Can we go deeper now?” Ecstatica asks, playing with the easy confidence that what’s coming next will blow you away; they’ve struck gold and know it. Building off the vitality of “Pure Intentions,” “Metal on Metal,” and Ecstatica’s echoing and unbounded vocals herald the arrival of a new day. “You gotta figure it out / There's only today,” Ecstatic sings, reflecting on personal growth and the ability to take things one day at a time. As the vocals fade out, Escastica simply jams out, treating the listener’s ears to some good old-fashioned psychedelic rock. If the opening tracks for 'Everything Else Can Wait' were the boundless and free introductions to what the group can do, “Broken Buddha” feels like Ecstatica getting down to business, plain and simple. With instrumentals that add a flair of what feels like funk, there’s an increasing feeling of urgency. “Flip the switch /Light the fuse / Blow shit up With attitude,” Ecstatica sings as the guitar gets increasingly hectic. Building and building towards something only Ecstatica can see, a sick little riff on the conclusion brings a change in mood for the sinister-sounding piano intro of the next track, “Halloweed.” Although a sinister piano intro seems like a sign of dark times, light is on the horizon. “Hallowed” feels like a confession of someone who, once enveloped in darkness, is finally moving towards the light. It's a story of rebirth and rejuvenation; as Ecstatica sings, “Life’s transported when an elder reform / into a starburst forever reborn.” When Ecstatica sings “Over and under / around and through / all of the time” to close out the spoken part of “Halloweed,” it feels like a weight has been taken off your shoulders. "Halloweed" may have seen Ecstatica take a weight off their shoulders, and “Exile on Wall Street” sees the band ease into melancholy. It's a commentary on modern society and the personal indulgence and greed that drive society today. Although the instrumentals are soft, mellow and easy on the ears, don’t be fooled; they disguise lyrics like “You gotta pay with every drop of blood just to strive to be free.” The contrast between the soothing instrumentals and conscious lyrics feels almost surreal, but by this point in time, it’s part of the course for a band that is clearly operating at the top of its game. Next up, Ecstatica takes you up to the stars; “Don’t Axe” feels like a journey through the twisting expansion of space. The reverence returns as they chant, “What we want/is here right now” and “Don't ask why / or when / or how” over and over, working towards some impossibly lofty goal we can’t quite see yet. Enhanced by what feels like mystical bongo drums in the background, Ecstatica takes you on a five-minute journey of psychedelic goodness. Having fully cleansed the darkness of “Halloweed” and the melancholy of “Exile on Wall Street” through the psychedelic freedom of “Don’t Axe,” Ecstatica return once again to their upbeat, free and unbounded selves. Liberating and energetic, “Flow State” sees Ecstatica take you soaring through the sky as you’re “Rising Free.” Ecstatica jams like they’ve escaped their mortal bodies and have transcended, freeing themselves as “rising free” occasionally reverberates in the background, tethering the listener to the beat as 'Everything Else Can Wait' races towards the perfect conclusion. Ecstatica concludes 'Everything Else Can Wait' with “The Quilt.” It feels like a solemn lullaby; soft, fleeting and perfect. “silence is a from a peace in the night / when we sleep,” Ecstatica sings. And just like that, they were gone as quickly as they were here. Ecstatica’s 'Everything Else Can Wait' is a winding, psychedelically inclined testament to the band’s significant musical prowess. It sees Ecstatica progress through a cycle of freedom, darkness and rebirth and sometimes feels as alive and liberating as anything else. Above else, Ecstatica plays with the kind of unfettered freedom that is ultimately contagious. Whenever you’re ready to free your senses, tap in and stream Ecstatica’s 'Everything Else Can Wait,' available now on all major streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic Ecstatica. Wow. Just wow, 'Everything Else Can Wait' blew us away. We must ask, where did you get the inspiration for this project? You mentioned that a lot of the processes happened organically. Is that usually how you approach your music? Drew: Our work has always been a product of circumstance. We used to do a lot of abstract, experimental, groove/jam, and ambient noise stuff because we simply didn’t have the time to focus on songcraft. Plus, throwing paint like that is fun and liberating - and in those early recordings, we developed a sound, style and workflow that served us when we tried to harness some song structure, which led to EECW. Erik: After five releases of mostly instrumentals and a Grateful Dead covers album, the next creative challenge was to try to write lyrics together. In one session, Drew texted me a bunch of stuff I spouted in our random conversations, along with his own hilarity. We began crafting lyrical themes around the working titles, drawing from our influences… Lou Reed, Dylan, and Bowie…but through our own lens. With each release, we get better at being us. What was your favourite part of bringing this project to life? Did you have any setbacks you had to overcome? Drew: We laugh a lot. That can be a setback in itself. Erik: Deciding on when the album was done after we weeded through a couple of dozen potential songs was a highlight. Writing the lyrics together was the most fun I’ve had. As for setbacks, the pandemic didn’t make things easy. There were long stretches of not being sure exactly what we were doing. But we finally landed the plane. If you had to pick a favourite track off 'Everything Else Can Wait,' which track would it be and why? Drew: “Halloweed” is unique and beautiful. It’s a Taylor Swift song on acid. Erik: Pure Intentions, because it’s our Lou Reed tribute. What message do you want fans to take away from 'Everything Else Can Wait?' Drew: These are songs about songs, about the magic of creativity. If you spend some time with the lyrics, you’re going to come away with a few nuggets you can use daily; we’re here to help in that regard. If the music shakes you to the core in the process… all the better. Erik: Yeah, “to the core!” What’s next for you guys? Can we expect to hear new music soon, and if so will it be similar to what we heard on 'Everything Else Can Wait?' Drew: We've got ideas for more music and are interested in seeing if this music can bring a new band to us. We hear the whole Shabazz: guitars, percussion, keys, bells, whistles, lights, livestock, all of it. But first things first… laundry is next. Erik: As a recording project, we’ve never played out live, so we hope to find the right people to bring this sound to the stage. We’ll just try to serve the song the best we can for the next album. We never know what it will sound like in the end. When it’s us, we’ll know it. Instagram Facebook

Some people find their calling early. For Jessie Simmons, an award-winning trilingual Haitian-Canadian singer, songwriter, and vocal producer, this phenomenon would also be true. Simmons got involved in the performing arts from a young age, singing in gospel groups and participating in musicals and festivals throughout high school. When it comes to her music, her unique Afro-Caribbean sound is heavily influenced by her Haitian roots, adding a Caribbean flair to her music that is sure to leave a positive impression on audiences. Simmons has been perfecting her sound for a hot minute. In 2014, Simmons released her debut single, "Fly Away," which enjoyed widespread positive reception. She would follow this release with the bouncy and upbeat "Always on My Mind" in 2017. Her most recent singles, "Fantasy" and "Wisdom," were released in 2020 and showed an even greater progression of her skills and sound. Simmons isn’t one to be complacent; she’s constantly striving for new heights, and her work reflects that. The latest result of this work is Simmons’s new release, “For You.” Over groovy, afrobeat, and dancehall-inspired instrumentals, Simmons takes you on a musical journey that will, above all else, leave you wanting to dance. Seamlessly blending different genres, Simmons' music is not only captivating, but it is also profoundly personal, dropping lines like “Let go of all your doubts/ No fear baby, no fear,” with an honesty that feels like she’s speaking directly to you. With her powerful voice and ability to effortlessly incorporate multiple sounds into her music, Jessie Simmons is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Whenever you’re in the mood to dance, tap in and stream Jessie Simmons “For You." Welcome to BuzzMusic, Jessie! We loved “For You.” We found ourselves moving with the song before realizing it! We have to ask, can you take us behind the creative process for this song? Where did the inspiration come from? I love that! It was the day before my birthday, and I was scrolling on Instagram when I stumbled upon this beat. I immediately knew it was the one for me! So I got in contact with the producer. From there, I linked up with Jeff Sanon to develop melodies and build the song with the hook. After that, I teamed up with Doressa and Erah to write the rest of the song. We wrote the song on facetime and in one hour! Out of all my studio sessions, the recording of FOR YOU was my favorite one thus far. The love and energy in the room that night were beautiful and so inspiring. And I love working with people. When creative minds link up, magic happens! You mentioned you have Haitian roots, and we love how you incorporate those sounds into your music. For people who haven’t had the chance to listen to similar music yet, how would you describe the Caribbean sound, and how do you integrate that into your music? Listening to my previous releases, most are zouk, kompa, and afro. The best way to describe Caribbean sound is by specifying each genre: zouk is a french west Indian music blending African rhythms, reggae, calypso, etc. Konpa is described as modern merengue dance, and what I love about konpa are the instruments and how the sounds can take you on a high. These music genres have inspired me to create my sound and sing in three languages for the love of my culture and also to share my music with a wider audience. These genres have inspired the afro-caribbean sound I have identified with as an artist. So you mentioned that you got started with music from a super young age. What was the trigger to getting involved? Is music something you always knew you wanted to pursue, or was there a specific event that made you decide? Music has always been part of my life. I started singing before I even knew how to talk. Throughout my childhood, I always performed in various gospel groups; I started joining musicals and music conferences in high school, and I always knew I wanted to make music. I love how music makes me feel, and I wanted to keep that going for myself. What does it mean to you to be able to share this new music with your fans? Is there any message you want them to take away from your music? I am privileged and honored to be able to share music with my supporters. It still amazes me how many people listen to my music. It sincerely means the world to me. I make music to inspire people to chase their dreams and to use their voices because Being a black woman in the music industry has never been easy. It is rewarding to see how many people I have inspired. I pray that God continues to bless me with this gift so I can share my love for music with more people worldwide. What’s next for Jessie Simons? Any big plans for 2023? There is so much to come this year, but the biggest and most important one to me: Jessie Simmons will be releasing her debut album in Spring 2023. This is an album I have been working on for a LONG time... a LOT OF SWEAT, BLOOD, AND TEARS. For so long, I thought some people controlled my music career, which stopped me from doing much. What makes this project special to me is that I put so much work into it and had full control, no longer depending on anyone to chase my dreams. I was blessed to work on it with amazingly talented people, and I can't wait to share it. This album is about finding my place and peace in music. Each song has a story that will allow my fans to get to know me on a musical and personal level. I am so excited. I can't wait! Instagram Facebook